Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,204, for Richard Ledbetter, North Carolina
Page 1

SERVICE
N. C.
Va. 
Ledbetter, Richard
Ledbetter, Elizabeth. 
NUMBER
W. 26,6204
B. L. Wt. 29.049-160-55
Page 2

Copy
State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Know all men by these presents, that in Richard Ledbetter Sr. & James Ward Sr in the State aforesaid, are held and firmly bound unto the Governor of the State of North Carolina for the time being in the first and full sum of five hundred pounds, current money of this State to be paid to the said Governor, or his successors or assigns, to this which payment will and to be made and some, we bind ourselves our heirs, Executors and Administrators, sealed with our seals, and dated this 18th day of April Anno Domino 1822. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bonded Richard Ledbetter hath made application for a license for a marriage to be celebrated between him and Elizabeth Barry of the County aforesaid, now in case it shall not appear hereafter, that there is any lawful course to obstruct the said marriage, then the above obligation to be said, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue,
Sealed and delivered in the presence of 
Richd Ledbetter seal
by Jas Ward
State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
To any regular minister of the Gospel having the care of souls,
Page 3

of whatever denomination, or to any Justice of the Peace of said County, You or any of you are hereby licensed and authorized to celebrate and solemnize the rites of matrimony, between Richard Ledbetter and Elizabeth Barry and join them together as man and wife. Witness Isaac Craten Clerk of Rutherford County court, at office the 18th day of April Anno Domini 1822
Isaac Craton CC
By Thos F Birchett DC
State of North Carolina SS
I R.L. Gilbey clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Rutherford certify that the foregoing are true copies of the bond & license in which they refer as will appear from the original now filed in my office,
Given under my hand & seal of office the 5th
Decr AD 1854
R.L. Gilbey Clk
Page 4

[preprinted form with hand written answers] 
23.123
North Carolina
Richard Ledbitter 
of Rutherford in the State of N. Car 
who was a private in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regh commanded 
by Col: McDowell in the N Car
line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
at the rate of 30 - Dollars Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Nov 33 and [illegible] T. F. Birchett
Rutherford [illegible] N. Car
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1832 75. 
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 15. $90 Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nath. Rice Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 1/2 Page 14
Dead
[illegible] to 3d Auditor 22 Nov 1843,
Paid at the Treasury under the
Act of the 6th April 1838 &c from
4 Sep 1838 to 22 Jany 1841.
Agt Notified10. April 1844
-
Page 5

[preprinted form with hand written answers]
5341
North Carolina Morganton
Elisabeth Ledbitter
widow of NC Richard Ledbitter
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 30 dollars
cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
14th day of July 1855
and sent to 
John Anderson
Brindleton
Recorded on Roll Of Pensio [paper torn]
[*55-125586*]
Page 6

[illegible]: Jno: Anderson, Feb: 20/54
Vol. L. 55.
125.58[illegible] [illegible] Mar [illegible]
May 8/55
Elizabeth Ledbitter
widow
Richard Ledbitter prit &
pension
Revolution War
NC Feby 55-534
[illegible]: [illegible], 22d/86
M Boynton
John Anderson
Brinbleton, NC
[*No 29049 iss May 29/56*]
Page 7

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Personally On this tenth day of December A.D. 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the Justices of said Court now sitting Richard Ledbitter aged 94 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832 that he entered
the service of the United States and Served under the following named Officers as herein stated To the of my Recollection I settled myself and family in the year 1775 in Mumfords Cove Tryon County now Rutherford County North Carolina about that time we was entirely on the frontiers and very thereby Settled we all had to take sides I became a Volunteer to guard the frontier I served under Captain Potts Capt. M Dowell and Capt  McDaniel the length of Time I was out on those Different routes I am not able to say but my first Tower [tour] I was in persute [pursuit] of the Indians Col McDowell Commanded my next Service was a Volunteer for the Seige [siege] of Ninety under Col Hampton but he turned his course down Broad River in pursuit of the British and Tories we came in Sight of them at Shiers [Shirer's] Ferry about or before we reached that place we joined the Main Armey [army] under Genl Sumpter we fired a few Rifles across the River I think I saw several fall we shortly after had the Battle at Black Stocks [Blackstocks] where our General was wounded from that place we returned to the Mountains soon after our return we was ordered out again we was to meet at Col Hamptons but before the Company had Collected the Indians broke into the settlement and Killed two of my Little Daughters and scalped them and a negow [negro] girl about 10 years of age my wife with a Child at her Breast made her escape they was immediately persued [pursued] Shortly after I think in year 1780. I took the ballance [balance] of my family and moved back to Virginia I was immediately numbered and placed on the Muster Roll under Capt Vaugh of Brunswick County State of Virginia we was marched on in persute [pursuit] of the British to the point of Fork on James River where we came up with
them and had an engagement we was there under the command of Col or Genl Lawson we had to retreat but when we was Reinforced we followed after them to little York
Page 8

I left that place a few day before the Capture of CornWallis [Cornwallis] and his Armey [Army] and Returned home there are many Circumstances that took place that I cannot recollect so as to be qualified to I well know I served my Country faithfully lost nearly all that and three of my family killed by the Indians when I was in the Service where I was called for the cause of liberty I hereby Relinquish every Claim whatsoever to a pension except the present and declares that my name is not on the pension roll of this Agency of any state whatsoever Question by the County Where and in what year were you born Answer I was as have been informed born in the State of Virginia in Brunswick County in the year 1738
Question, have you any Record of your age
Answer I have not only from Circumstances related by my Relations and this ages of my Children Question where were you living when Called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live Answer When I first entered the Service I was living in Lyon County N Carolina I then Served in the State of Virginia where I lived at the Close of the Revolutionary War and about the year 1790. I moved back to the place where I first Settled in Munford, Cove then Rutherford County N Carolina where I have resided ever since Question How were you called into Service were you Drafted did you
Volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom Answer from the year 1775 to the year 1780 I was a General Volunteer and served at every Call which was frequent we that Resided on the frontiers had to guard against the Indians the Tories and the British and we was the weakest party when I moved back to Virginia I was numbered and went in my turn I think I served Two Towers [tours] whilst in Virginia State the names of some off the Regular Officers who were with
the Troops where you served such as continental and militia Ridgements [regiment] as you can recollect and the General Circumstances as you can recollect I served under Col McDowell, Col Hampton, Genl Sumter Col Clark - & Twigs also Col or Genl Lawson was at firing at Shiers [Shirer's] ferry I was at the taking Ten Baggage Waggons [Wagons] I was at the Battle at Black stock [Blackstock] I was in
Page 9

Company in many Chase after the Indians and Tories and been closely persued [pursued] by them I was at the Engagement at the point of York in Virginia I was in persute [pursuit] after Cornwallis when he passed through North Carolina into Virginia I was at Little York where
Cornwallis was Taken there are many more circumstances that occured [occurred] that I cannot explain my memory fails me they appear like a Dream Question did you ever receive a discharge and if so what has become of it. Answer. Whilst living in N Carolina we Generally Returned under the same officers we went under when in Virginia I think I Recd Two but they have become so Defaced that nothing can be made of them Question, State the names of some persons in your neighborhood to whom you are known who can Testify as to
your Character for Veracity and good behaviour [behavior] your Service as a Soldier
of the Revolution The Reverend David L Ballew & Col John Mills.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court Witness Tho. F. Birchett Clk 
Richard [illegible] [Ledbetter] Seal
We David L. Ballew A Clergyman Residing in the County and State aforesaid and John Mills Residing in the same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard
Ledbetter who has Subscribed and Sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be 94 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the
Revolution and that we concur in that Opinion
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court
Witness Theo F. Birchett Clk
David L Ballew Seal
Jn Mills Seal
And the said Court do hereby Declare there oppinion [opinion] after the Investigation of the matter and after putting the Interogatories [interrogatories] prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as he states and the Court further States that it appears to them that David S. Ballew who has assigned the preceeding [preceding] Certificate is a
Page 10

Clergyman Resident in the same County and State and that John Mills who has also signed the same is a Resident in the same are both Credible persons and that there Statements is entitled to Credit Theo F. Birchett Clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter Session do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the application of Richard Ledbetter for a pension In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this tenth day of December A.D. 1832 Theo. F. Birchett Clk
[*Richard Ledbetter 21180*]
Page 11

Richard Ledbitter
N.C.
No. 21180
[illegible]
Admit for [illegible]
e. l.
T F Birchett
Rutherfordton
N.C.
Page 12

[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
Pension Office
Apl. 20 1833
Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Richard Ledbitter
Period when the service was rendered. |1775 vol.| Duration of the claimant's service. |Years.| |Months.| |Days.| Rank of the claimant. | Pri | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. |Capt. Potts Capt. McDowell & McDaniel| Names and rank of the General and Field officers. |Col. McDowell Col. Hampton Genl Sumpter| Battles in which the applicant was engaged. |Blackstock Little York| Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. |94 years Tryon Co. N.C.| Evidence by which the declaration is supported. |Traditionary|
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 13

[preprinted form with no handwritten answers]
2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers: (Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under
more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. And then will follow the certificate of the Court. And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states. I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. And then will follow the certificate of the Court. And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation [application] of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this day of & c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of these vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 14

[preprinted form]
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
6. To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served,
to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For year months, and days, I served as a For mouths [months] and days, I served as a : and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two year in the militia, &c. 
without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was  performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the social character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to
continental troops only. [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 15

State of North Carolina
McDowell County 
On this 5 day of March 1855 personally appeared before me Benjamin Brackett a Justice of the Peace within and for County
aforesaid, Elizabeth Ledbetter aged about 80 years widow of Richard Ledbetter  decd who was a pensioner on the Revolutionary Pension roll of No Carolina who died on in the month of January 1846 she thinks in Lumpkin County Georgia, she being a resident of the County and State aforesaid makes this declaration,
being duly sworn according to law to the same
for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she is entitled (as the identical widow
of Richard Ledbetter aforesaid, the fact of
which the evidence herewith sent will shew) under the act passed by the Congress of the U. States and approved 3rd March 1855
Elizabeth Ledbetter X her mark
In presence of Obe Robbins Tolliver Arwood X his mark 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of March 1855 and I certify that Elizabeth Ledbetter who made her mark to the foregoing declaration is about the age she states to be and is I have not a doubt the identical widow of Richd Ledbetter who was a Revolutionary Pensioner on the Roll of No. Ca.
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with her and know her to be a credible Woman
and I am disinterested 
B Brackett J. P.
Page 16

We O Robbins & Toliver Arowood Residents of the County of McDowell & State aforesaid certify under Oath that we saw Elizabeth Ledbetter make her mark to the within declaration
Obe Robbins 
Toliver Arwood X his mark
Benjamin Bracket J P
And I Certify that the above named Obe
Robbins & Toliver Arowood were duly qualified to the above and are credible persons and residents of the County and State aforesaid
this 5th day of Apl 1855
B Bruckett J. P.
I Elizabeth Ledbetter constitute and appoint John Anderson of Burke County my true and Lawful Atty for me to ask and receive a Certificate for Bounty Land by Act approved 3rd March 1855 as the widow of Richd Ledbetter decd who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U. States in The County of Rutherford No Ca hereby ratifying and Confirming all that my said Atty may do hereby revoking all former powers In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 5th day of April 1855
Elizabeth Ledbetter X her mark
In presence of
Obe Robbins
Toliver Arwood X his mark
State of North Carolina
McDowell County
Alfred M Finley clerk of the Court of
Page 17

State of North Carolina
McDowell County
April
On this 5th day of April 1855 personally appeared before me Benjamin Brackett a magistrate of McDowell County and State aforesaid Elizabeth Ledbetter aged about 80 years who being duly sworn according to law makes this supplemental declaration to one now on file at the Department at Washington City and says that she is the widow of Richd
Ledbetter decd who was a pensioner of the
United States on the Revolutionary list on the Roll of No. Carolina that her said husband
Richard died in the County of Lumpkin in the State of Georgia on or about the 6th day of January 1845 her memory as to dates from her advanced age is not good, but this she does know that her husband Richard aforesaid was a pensioner, for she knew he drew money through Mr Walton of Rutherfordton No Ca.
and she does know that said Richard did die in Georgia as aforesaid and that she has remained a widow since and is now one
Elizabeth Ledbetter X her mark
Obe Robbins
Toliver Arwood X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me and I certify that with Elizabeth Ledbetter who is about 80 years of age from her appearance, I am well acquainted and I believe every word he says above for the reason she is
altogether a Credible woman [March] [crossed out] April 1855 B. Bracket J.P.
Page 18

State of North Carolina
McDowell County  I Alfred M Finley Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Certify that Benjamin Brackett Esq. before whom the within Declaration was made was at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the peace within and for the County [aforesaid] [crossed out] and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn
and that his signature thereto is Genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto signed
my name and affixed the seal of said Court
this 25th day of April AD 1853
A.M. Finley Clk
Page 19

State of North Carolina
McDowell County
On this 30th day of Novr 1854 personally appeared before me Benjamin Brackett a Magistrate of the County of McDowell and one of the Judges of a Court of Record within and for the County of McDowell and State aforesaid Elizabeth Ledbetter a resident of the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law upon her Oath says that she is the widow of Richard Ledbetter decd. who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U. States on the Roll of North Carolina, pensioned as the supposes in the year 1833 from what she understand but may have been after that date, she States she was married in the County of Rutherford on or about the the 24th day of Apr 1822 by John Bradley Esq. at the residence of James Ward, She suppose the Certificate issued to her husband was sent to Fayetteville at the time the ballance [balance]
due her husband at his death was drawn she further States that her name before her marriage to Richard Ledbetter was Elizabeth Berry she states her age as well as she knows is about Eighty one years of age, she now and has been living with Conrod Ward for the last Eight or nine years on the Waters of Broad River in the County of McDowell and State aforesaid she does not reccolect [recollect] the amount of pension her husband drew, loss of memory prevents her reccolecting [recollecting] the amount, she makes this declaration in order to obtain a Certificate for the Amount due her as the widow of said Richd Ledbetter
Page 20

a Pensioner of the United States and asks that she may be placed on the pension roll of the State of No. Carolina by Virtue of the act of the Congress of the U. States passed Feby 3 1853 she states from infirmity and old age she can
not go to Court to file this affidavit, without farther [illegible] her infirmity, and that she is now a widow
Elizabeth Ledbetter X her mark
Benjn Brackett J. P
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year afore written and I certify that I am and have been intimately acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Ledbetter Several years, know that she is a respectable aged lady entitled to confidence in any thing she may state and I certify that from her very advanced age and feebleness of body she could not go to Court which is about 14 Miles from her residence
without prejudicing her health and add that she has no means of conveyance, if she was able, without walking.
Benja Brackett Magistrate and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas and
quarter sessions of the County of McDowell, No. Carolina
State of North Carolina, On this 30th day of Novr 1854 Know all men by these presents that I, Elizabeth Ledbetter a resident of the County of McDowell and State aforesaid, hereby constitute and appoint John Anderson of Burke County No. Ca. my true and lawful
attorney to ask and demand from the Govr of the U.S. any pension due [illegible] as the Widow of Richard Ledbetter decd who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and to examine all papers at Washington City or elsewhere
relating to said claim, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney may do in the
Page 21

[premises as I might or could do if personally present and I further certify I believe she is
the identical widow of said Rich Ledbetter decd who I beleive was a pensioner of the U. States on the Revolutionary roll of the State of North Carolina
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my name and office this 30th Nov 1854 J.P.] [crossed out]
premises as I might or Could do if personally present in testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my mark and seal this 30th day of Nov 1854 
Elizabeth Ledbetter X her mark
In presence of
H. G. Weaver
J. W. Allan
State of No Carolina
McDowell County
On this 30th Nov 1854 Before me personally appeared Elizabeth Ledbetter to me well known and acknowledged the foregoing power of Atty to be her act and deed for the purposes therein stated
Benja Brackett J.P.
State of North Carolina
McDowell County I Alfred M Finley Clerk of the
Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Certify that Benjamin Brackett whose genuine signature affixed to the foregoing declaration and power of attorney is and was at the time thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and a Judge of said Court duly commissioned and sworn and that said Court is a Court of Record
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at Marion the 11th day of December
of 1854
A. M. Finley Clk
Page 22

Copy
State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Know all men by these presents, that we Richard Ledbetter & James Ward Senr in the State aforesaid are firmly bound unto the Governor of the State of North Carolina for the time being in the just and full sum of Five Hundred pounds current money of this State, to be paid to the said Governor, or his successors or assigns To the which payment well & truly to be made & done, we bind ourselves our heirs, Executors & Administrators
Sealed with our seals, and dated, this 18th day of Apl Anno Domini 1822. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounder Richard Ledbetter, hath
made application for a license for an Marriage to be celebrated between him and Elizabeth Berry of the County aforesaid Now in case it shall not appear hereafter, that there is any lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage, then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force & virtue
Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Richard Ledbetter seal
by Jas Ward seal
State of North Caroline
Rutherford County
To any regular Minister of the Gospel having the care of souls of whatever denomination, or to any [illegible]
Page 23

Justice of the Peace of said County You or any of you are hereby [illegible] and authorized to
celebrate and solemnize the rites of Matrimony between Richard Ledbetter and Elizabeth Berry and join them together as man
and wife, Witness Isaac Craton Clerk of
Rutherford County Court at office the 18th
day of April Anno Domini 1822
Isaac Craton C C
By Theo F. Birchett D C
State of North Carolina
County of Rutherford
I R. L. Gilkey Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County certify that the foregoing are the copies of the instruments
they purport to be, as found in my office
Given under my hand & seal of office the 20th day of April A.D. 1855
R. L. Gilkey clk
[*125886*]
Page 24

April 28, 1933.
BA-J/ILL
Richard Ledbetter
W. 26204
Mrs. Laura Ledbetter Flack
R. F. D. #1
Nealsville
North Carolina.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter requesting the Revolutionary War records of Richard Ledbetter, a pensioner, also George and William Ledbetter. A search of the Revolutionary War records fails to show a
claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon the service of George or William Ledbetter, various spellings of the surname searched. The record of [William] [wrote over with Richard] Ledbetter is given below from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 26204, based upon his military service in that war. The
name is shown also as Ledbitter. Richard Ledbetter was born in 1738 in Brunswick County, Virginia. While residing in Mumfords Cove, Tryon County (later Rutherford County), North Carolina, he enlisted in 1775, served at various times, amounting in all to twelve and one-half months, until the fall of 1781 as private under Captains Potts, McDowell, McDaniel, James Withrous and Vaughn, and Colonels McDowell, Hampton, Clark and Twigs in the North Carolina and Virginia troops; he was in the battles of Blackstocks, Shiers Ferry and Point of York and in many skirmishes with the Indians. During the last years of the war, the soldier lived in Brunswick County, Virginia, and in 1790, returned to Mumfords Cove, Rutherford County, North Carolina. He was allowed pension on his application executed December 10, 1832, at which time he resided in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
At the time he made his application for pension, Richard Ledbetter
Page 25

stated that, soon after the battle of Blackstocks, his two little daughters and a negro girl were scalped by the Indians and that his wife with their infant baby escaped; he did not, however, give the names of his wife or any of the children. Richard Ledbetter died January 22, 1841 on the waters of Hightower, Lumpkin County, Georgia. The soldier married April 24, 1822 in Rutherford County, North Carolina, Elizabeth Berry or Barry. Elizabeth Ledbetter, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed November 30, 1854, at which time she was a resident of McDowell County, North Carolina; she was then about eighty-one years of age, and lived with one Conrad Ward, no relationship to the widow stated. In 1855, reference was made to soldier's son, Johnson Ledbetter. Richard O. Ledbetter, the soldier's grand-son, was then a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina, the names of his parents not designated.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.
2.
Page 26

March 29, 1938.
BA-J/ILL
Richard Ledbetter
W. 26204
E. B. Stephenson
Booneville
Mississippi.
Dear Sir: 
Reference is made to your letter, addressed to Nelson Vance Russell, National Archives, this city, which has been referred to this office for reply in regard to Richard Ledbetter, who received pension on account of service in the Revolutionary War while a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina. The data which follow are found in pension claim, W. 2604, based upon service of Richard Ledbetter in that war. He was the pensioner of Rutherford County, North Carolina, in 1832.
Richard Ledbetter was born in the year 1738, in Brunswick County, Virginia; the day of his birth, and the names of his parents are not shown.
While residing at Mumfords Cove, Tryon County (later Rutherford County), North Carolina, he enlisted sometime in 1775, served at various times until the fall of 1781, amounting in all to twelve and one half months, as a private under Captains Potts, McDaniel, James Withrous and Vaughn, and Colonels McDowell, Hampton, Clark and Twigs in the North Carolina and Virginia troops; during his service, he was in the battles of Blackstocks, Shiers Ferry and Point of Fork, and in many skirmishes with the Indians. Richard Ledbetter returned to Brunswick County, Virginia, during the last years of the war and resided there until 1790, then returned to Mumfords Cove in North Carolina. He was allowed pension on his application executed December 10, 1832, at which time he resided in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The soldier stated that soon after the battle of Blackstocks,
Page 27

his two little daughters and a negro girl were scalped by the Indians and that his wife with their infant escaped. He did not state the name of this wife, nor designate the names of this infant; the date and place of this marriage are not shown. Richard Ledbetter died January 22, 1841, on the waters of Hightower, Lumpkin County, Georgia. The soldier married April 24, 1822, in Rutherford County, North Carolina,
Elizabeth Berry or Barry: the names of her parents are not shown. Elizabeth Ledbetter, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed November 30, 1854, at which time she was a resident of McDowell County, North Carolina, aged about eighty-one years. Her name was borne on the pension roll as Elizabeth Ledbitter. Soldier's widow, Elizabeth, was allowed also 160 acres of bounty land on warrant #29049, under the Act of March 3, 1855. She lived at the home of one
Coonrad [Conrad] Ward in 1855, where she had resided for some years; no relationship between said Coonrad [Conrad] Ward and Elizabeth was stated. Reference was made to Johnson Ledbetter, the soldier's son, who
survived his father. In 1855, Richard O. Ledbetter, the soldier's grandson resided in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It is shown, also, that one James Ward, Senior, was with the soldier, Richard Ledbetter, when he received his license to marry Elizabeth in 1822, in Rutherford County, North Carolina; no relationship between said James Ward and the family was stated. If you desire information in regard to the location of this land which was granted on account of service of Richard Ledbetter, you should address the Commissioner, General Land Office, this city, and furnish that official the following warrant #29049, 160 acres, Act of March 3, 1855. In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and cite the following: Elizabeth Ledbitter, widow of Richard Ledbitter, Certificate #5341, issued July 14, 1855, rate $30 per annum, commenced
Page 28

February 3, 1853, Act of February 3, 1853, North Carolina Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
2.
Page 29

March 1, 1932.
BA-J/ILL
J. D. Tillman, Jr.,
1924 - 34th Avenue
Meridian, Mississippi.
April 28 - 1933. Mrs. Finch
will change jacket to
Ledbetter, (The Va. name)
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Richard Ledbetter, a Revolutionary War pensioner. The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 26204, based upon his service in that war. Richard Ledbitter or Ledbetter was born in 1738 in Brunswick County, Virginia. While residing in Mumfords Cove, Tryon County (later Rutherford County), North Carolina, he enlisted in 1775, served at various times,
amounting in all to twelve and one-half months, until the fall of 1781 as private under Captains Potts, McDowell, McDaniel, James Withrous and Vaughn and Colonels McDowell, Hampton, Clark, and twigs in the North Carolina and Virginia troops; he was in the battles of Blackstocks, Shiers Ferry and Point of York and in many skirmishes with the Indians.
The soldier lived in Brunswick County, Virginia, during the last years of the war, and in 1790, returned to Mumfords Cove, Rutherford County, North Carolina. He was allowed pension on his application executed December 10, 1832, while a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina.  At the time he made his application for pension, the soldier stated that soon after the battle of Blackstocks his two little daughters and a negro girl were scalped by the Indians and that his wife with their infant baby escaped; he did not give the names of his wife or any of the children. He died January 22, 1841 on the waters of Hightower, [Lunkin] [corrected to Lumpkin] County, 
1.
Page 30

The soldier married April 24, 1822 in rutherford County North Carolina, Elizabeth Berry or Barry.
His widow, Elizabeth Ledbitter, was allowed pension on her application executed November 30, 1854, at which time she was a resident
of McDowell County, North Carolina, aged about eighty-one years. In 1885, reference was made to Johnson Ledbetter, soldier's son, and to a grand-son, Richard Ledbetter, names of said Richard's parents not stated.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
2.
Page 31

[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
informat: [torn] ntained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on his Bureau: Richard Ledbitter Wid file 26204
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | 1775 to 1781 | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | Served at various times 12 1/2 mos. | RANK. | Pvt. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | CAPTAIN. | Potts McDowell McDaniel James Withrous Vaughn | COLONEL. | McDowell Hampton Clark Twigs | STATE. | N. C. and Va. | Soldier States that his two little daughters and a Negro girl were scalped by Indians soon after the battle of Blackstocks, his wife with infant child escaped no names stated
Battles engaged in, Blackstocks. Shiers Ferry. Point of Fork. Taking of Residence of soldier at enlistment, Mumfords Cove Tryon Co afterwards Rutherford Co. N.C. Date of application for pension, Dec. 10, 1832. His it was al Residence at date of application, Rutherford Co. N.C. Age at date of application, born in Brunswick Co Va in 1738 died Jany 22. 1841 on waters of Hightower Lumpkin Co. Ga. Remarks: Soldier married in Rutherford Co. N.C. Apr 24. 1822 Elizabeth Berry or Barry She was allowed pension on an application executed Nov. 30. 1854 while a resident of McDowell Co. N.C. aged 81 years. Son, Johnson and Grand-Son Richard referred to no further data as to family
Page 32

Form K [illegible]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Division of Reference
DATE 3/10/38
FROM: Mr. E. B. Stephenson
Booneville, Mississippi
DATED: March 8, 1936
RE: information about Richard
Ledbetter, who is alleged
to have served in the
Revolutionary War.
RESPECTFULLY REFERRED TO:
Revolutionary and 1812 Wars
Section
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.
Nelson Vance Russell
CHIEF, DIVISION OF REFERENCE
Page 33

ACKNOWLEDGED
MAR 10 1938
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
DIVISION OF REFERENCE
LLG
Page 34

Booneville, Miss
Mar. 8, 1938
Nelson Vance Russell Chief Division of Reference
National Archives Washington D.C.
Dear Sir;
I am doing research on my Grand Mothers people the Ledbetter family and after
considerable search I find from Court records
in Rutherford County N.C. that my grand Mother Elizabeth (Ledbetter) Sitton was a daughter of Isaac Ledbetter and that Isaac was son of a Richard Ledbetter Sr. and I find further that Richard Ledbetter was born in Virginia in 1838. And went to Rutherford County N.C. and settled about 1780 or before, and that he served in the Revolutionary war and was a
pensioner, from about 1820 or 30 until his death which is said to have been about 1841 or 1844 can you furnish me any information as to the facts about this Richard Ledbetter or any clue as to any of his family? (wife or children?)
Thanking you in advance for a copy of his
pension papers, will be pleased to pay for copying some if you will advise how much. I want this information for my own private
family records. I am, Yours Very truly
E. B. Stephenson
P. S. See Richard Ledbetter of
Limpkin Co. Ga. from
Rutherford Co. N.C.
Page 35

Nealsville North Carolina
April 22-1933
To The Pension department Washington D.C. Sirs Want Record of Richard Ledbetter only Born in Brunswick County Va year 1738 come to Rutherford Co N.C. Served in Revolution War That his two daughters and a negro girl were scalped by Indians His wife escaped with baby, Please give all dates you can with full names,  When born Married in Va or after he come to N.C. name of wife Birth Death No of children when did first wife die name of second wife B.D. No of children if any did he live in Lumpkin Co Ga Did he draw pension or Bounty Land for service what years did he serve. Was he in the service before he come to Rutherford Co. N.C. also Record of George Ledbetter and William Ledbetter. I been told they served, were these Father and son, was George a brother of Richard L. Please give all dates who married both Birth death as above
I will appreciate beyond measure and it will be
a great help to me
Mrs. Laura Ledbetter Flack
R.F.D.1-McDowell County, Nealsville. N. C.
[stamped] RECEIVED APR 24 1933 MAIL SUB-DIV.
Page 36

Meridian, Miss.
Feb. 22, 1932
Pension Department,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Meridian, Miss.
Please advise me what records you have of
Richard Ledbetter a Revolutionary War Pensioner
living in Lumpkin County, Georgia 1840.
Thanking you in advance, I am
Respectfully,
J. D. Tillman Jr
1924-34th avenue
Meridian Miss
[stamped] RECEIVED FEB 2 1932 RECEIPT SECTION PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
Page 37

[post mark]
PENSION 
D 
U. S.
JUL 12 1915
OFFICE
Page 38

Rev Sec
Ansonville, N.C.
10 July 1915
Pension Dept.
Washington, D.C
My dear sirs,
North Carolina Colonial Records show that Richard Ledbetter and John Watkins were
pensioners from this state. I will thank you sincerely for any data that you may have of them.
Yours most sincerely
Lily Doyle Dunlap
Mrs. James M.
Page 39

[post mark]
PENSION
A
U.S.
OCT 27 1909
OFFICE
Page 40

Newton, Miss.
Oct. 25, 1909
Pensioner Commissioner
Washington, D.C
Dear Sir,
Can you give me some information about the family of Richard Ledbetter, Lumpkin Co., Ga. who was on the pension list in 1840 (Rev. Pension) who was his father, when and where
was he born, when and where did he die? I am trying to find the dates and places of birth and death of Col- Drury or (Drewry) Ledbetter, who
married Winnefred Lanier, also date of marriage, and thought possibly those papers might tell some family matters. I enclose stamped envelope
for reply.
Respt.,
(Miss) Clara B. Ledbetter
Page 41

1909 Nov. 1 Hist to Clara
B. Ledbetter V. L.M.
1915 July 16 Hist to Mrs. Jas
M Dunlap V.L.M.
1932  Mar. 1 Hist to J.D. Tillman JLL
1933  April 28. Hist to Mrs. Laura
L. Flack JLL.
1938 Mar. 29 Hist. to E. B. Stephenson
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26204
Elizabeth Ledbitter
wid. of
Richard Ledbitter
Priv. Rev. war
Act Feb 3rd 1853
Index: Vol A Page 31
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 42

Elizabeth Ledbitter
widow of Richard
McDowell Co N.C.
Admd Feby 3 1853
[illegible] $30
per annum from
3 Feby 1853
Cert to 
John Anderson by
Brindleton
N.C.
Page 43

Brindleton Decr 26th 1854
Sir,
Enclosed are the claims of Elizabeth Ledbitter for
pension due and to be placed on the N. Carolina
roll in virtue of the act of Feby 3rd 1853 please
address me Brindleton No. Ca.
Respectfully Your
L P Waldo Esqr
Obt Servt
John Anderson
L P Waldo Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Page 44

[preprinted for with handwritten answers]
Brief in the case of Elizabeth Ledbitter Widow of Richard McDowell County and State of N.C.
act 3 Feby 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.") [or "for increase." crossed out]
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was pensioned under the act of June 7 1832 at $30 a year (service proved in his papers) Record of marriage, Wm Harris & Richard Ledbetter for identity,
[(If for [illegible] [crossed out]      
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
his death & her present [illegible]
Name and residence of Agent
Jno Anderson Esq
Bundleton N.C.
Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.
Page 45

North Carolina 
Rutherford County 
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Fall Term 1854
Satisfactory evidence was this day adduced in Court to prove that Richard Ledbetter a Revolutionary pensioner of the U.S. on the roll of N.C. died on High Town in Lumpkin County Ga in January of the year 1844 or 1845, and it was also satisfactory proven that Elizabeth
Ledbetter who now and has for years past
resided with Conrad Ward in McDowell County, is the identical widow of Richard Ledbetter, who was a pensioner as aforesaid, and that she is now a widow never having married after the death of said pensioner.
I RL Gilkey Clerk of said Court certify, the foregoing is a true copy of the record in my office, Given under my hand & seal of office the 5th day of Decr AD 1854
R.L. Gilkey clk
Page 46

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
On this 16 day of April 1855 personally appeared before me Benjn Brackett a Magistrate of the County and State aforesaid William Harris aged about 65 years who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is a Resident now of McDowell County, born and raised in the County of Rutherford No. Ca. was acquainted with Richard Ledbetter decd (who was a pensioner of the U.S. in the County of Rutherford No Ca) all his life since his Chilhood,  [childhood] he also knows Elizabeth Ledbetter who is now eight or ninety years of age dont know her age but does know her well have known her Fifty years or more know that she is the very woman who was married to said Richd Ledbetter decd a pensioner of Rutherford County No Ca on the Revolutionary Pension Roll, and further add that he was present in the County of Rutherford No Ca
and aided and assisted her in obtaining the Pension due her as the wife of said Rich Ledbetter after his death, that is the ballance [balance] due him from the last time he drew until his death and further says that she
did draw said Ballance [balance] of Pension money as aforesaid, therefore can clearly identify her as the veritable widow of Richard Ledbetter decd who was a Pensioner as aforesaid, and further says that said Richd died in Lumpkin County on the waters of High Tower, State of Georgia as He heard and believes
Page 47

Sworn to and subscribed before me and I Certify that I am well acquainted with William Harris who subscribed the within affidavit know him to be a Credible man and I am disinterested This 10 day of April 1855
Benj Brackett J P
State of North Carolina
McDowell County
I Alfred M Finley Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County and State aforesaid certify that Benjamin Brackett Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified Commissioned and sworn and his signature thereto is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 2d day of May 1855
A M Finley Clk
Page 48

State of North Carolina
County of McDowell 
On this 18th day of Apl 1855 personally appeared before me Benjn Bracket a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of McDowell and State aforesaid William M. Harris aged about [blank] years a resident of the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law upon his oath says he was from his Childhood acquainted with Richard Ledbetter decd Revolutionary Pensioner who resided in the County of Rutherford No Ca, and who removed to Georgia and died as he believes on the High Tower in the County of Lumpkin State of Georgia and he further declares that for many years past up to this time he has been and now is personally acquainted with the [aforesaid] [crossed out]  Elizabeth Ledbetter widow of said Richard Ledbetter pensioner aforesaid knows her to be the identical widow of said Richard Ledbetter from the fact, that affiant after the death of the said Pensioner assisted the aforesaid Elizabeth Ledbetter in the Village of Rutherfordton in having papers drawn so that she might obtain the ballance [balance] due her decd husband at his death, William G. Walton of Rutherford drew her papers and was her agent
Page 49

he has no difficulty in identifying the said Elizabeth Ledbetter as she is now living in and has been for some time past as near neighbor to me in the County aforesaid residing with Conrad Ward of this County, and adds that he knew her decd Husband to be the identical Richard Ledbetter who was a pensioner of the U. States on the Revolutionary Roll and a resident of the County of Rutherford whilst drawing his Pension before he removed to Georgia and he adds he is disinterested.
Benjamin Brackett J P  William M Harris X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of Apl 1855 and I Certify that with William Harris aforesaid I am well acquainted and Certify him to be a Credible man and add I am disinterested
Benjamin Brackett J.P.
State of North Carolina
McDowell County I Alfred M Finley Clerk of
the court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Certify that Benjamin Brackett Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has thereto subscribed his name was at the time thereof a
Justice of the peace in and for said County duly
Page 50

Commissioned and sworn and his signature thereto is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 25th day of April AD 1855.
A. M. Finley Clk
---
Page 51

[post mark] MARION 3 NC
L. P. Waldo Esqr
Comm of Pensions
Washington City D. C
[*Elizabeth Ledbetter wid Richard*]
[*Cole*]
Page 52

Brindleton No Ca
May 2d 1855
Sir,
Herewith I send the evidence supplementary required in the case of Elizabeth Ledbetter
widow of Richd Ledbetter decd in order to have her place upon the Pension roll as the
Widow of said Ledbetter who was a Revolutionary Pensioner on the Roll of the State of North Carolina and at the time a
resident of Rutherford County, No Ca I think
the evidence herewith sent will be sufficient to prove what was lacking in her papers now on file at the Department in Washington, please direct to my address Dysartsville, P.O. McDowell County N. Ca as the Brindleton. P.O. has been closed.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
John Anderson
L. P. Waldo Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Page 53

[post mark] MARION N.C. MAY 3
L.P. Waldo Esq
Commr. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 54

Brindleton No Co
May 2 1855
Sir,
Herewith I send the Claim of Elizabeth Ledbetter, widow of Richard Ledbetter decd who was a Pensioner of the U. States on the Roll of the State of No. Ca, and at the time a resident of
Rutherford County No Ca, claiming the Bounty Land due her by the act approved 3 March 1855.
Please address me Dysartsville P.O McDowell County No Ca
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
John Anderson
Page 55

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Personally appeared before me the under
Signed Justice of the Peace for said County
James Withrow and after being duly Sworn
deposeth and saith that in the revolutionary War with Great Britain that Richard Ledbetter
served under him as a Soldier and volunteer and Marched with me to South Carolina and James Gent Sumpters Armey a Short time before the battle at Blackstocks But by reason
of old age and the consequent loss of memory
I cannot State the length of Service nor the date the Service was rendered in but that he Richard Ledbetter fought in that engagement under me myself commanding as a Captain
Sworn to and Subsribed [subscribed] before me the 10th day of April 1833
Withrow
William Davis JP
I certify that James Withrow the subscriber to the above affidavit is intitled [entitled] to all due faith and Credit given under my hand
and seal the 10th day of April 1833.
William Davis JP
Page 56

State of North Carolina 
Rutherford County SS
I Theo F. Birchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas
and Quarter Sessions in and for the County of Rutherford, Certify that the Davis before whom the within affidavit of James Withrow is certified to have been made is an acting Justice of the Peace of said County at that his signature as
such is entitled to credit & that Wm Graves who has attested the annexed affidavit of Richard Ledbetter is also a magistrate and each of the signatures are believed to be genuine.-- Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court at office the 29th day of October AD 1833
T. F. Birchett Clk
Page 57

Brindleton, No Ca
June 4th 1856
Sir,
I desire that the claim of Elizabeth Ledbetter for Bounty Land suspended on account of no record proof of the services of her husband, (although he was placed on the Pension Roll by parole testimony, by examining Case No 125, 586
under act 3rd March 1855 you will find her application) be again taken up-- please address me Brindleton No. Ca.
Your Obt Servt.
John Anderson
J Minot Esqr Commr of Pensions
Page 58

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
At a Court of Pleas & Quarter Session opened
& held for said County on the 27th day of
Nov A.D. 1854 the following appears upon
the minutes of said Court, "Satisfactory evidence was this day adduced in Court, to prove that Richard Ledbetter a Revolutionary pensioner of the U.S. on the roll of No Ca died in High Tower in Lumpkin County Ga in January
of the year 1844 or 1845, and it was also satisfacorily [satisfactorily] proven, that Elizabeth Ledbetter, who now and has for years past, resided with Conrad Ward in McDowell County, is the identical widow of Richd Ledbetter, who was a pensioner as aforesaid, and that she is now a widow, never having
married after the death of said pensioner"
I R.L. Gilkey Clerk of the Court aforesaid, certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record it purports to be
Given under my hand & seal of office the 20th of Apl AD 1855
A.L. Gilkey clk
Page 59

[post mark] MORGANTOWN N.C. MAR 10
J. Minot Esq
Court of Pensions
Washington D.C 
[*125586 Elizabeth Ledbetter*]
Page 60

Brindleton No Ca
March 8th 1856
Sir, I understand that the Claims of Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers who has been placed on the Pension Roll will now receive Bounty Land although the "Records "do not furnish proof.
Your attention is respectfully called to the Case of Elizabeth Ledbetter which was examined and suspended on the 2nd Feby 1856 Please address
me at Brindleton No Ca
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
John Anderson
P.S. You on a former occasion addressed me on this case Dysartsville No. Ca. Now address me as directed.
Page 61

Pension Office,
May 15th 1855
Sir:
Please Certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully, 
[illegible] 22 Jany 41
L P Waldo
Commissioner
R.F. Atkinson, Esqr
Third Auditor, Treasury
[*Richard Ledbetter died 22 Jany. 1841 paid in full. Rob Jaminson Auditor*]
Page 62

125586
Elzabeth Ledbeter
29049
160
29.049
160
[*J Minot Esqr. Comm. of Pensions Washington City D.C.*] [*paid*] [*[illegible]Forte June 14*]
Page 63

Elizabeth Ledbitter
wid
Richard Ledbitter 
N. Carolina
No 23123
Boynton
Jan 8/55
[*Free L. P. Waldo Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.*]
Page 64

Brindleton June 30th Free
L.P. Waldo Esqr
Comm. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
[*Elizabeth Ledbitter wid Richard*]
Page 65

No 5.344
Elizabeth Ledbitter
Wid of 
Richard
SA: to J. Anderson. Jany. 9/55
[illegible]
Page 66

29.049
[illegible]
Page 67

R Ledbetter in the summer of '39 or '40
Elizabeth Ledbetter [illegible]
Red
[illegible]
[illegible]
Elizabeth Ledbetter,
Wid: of 
Richard
McDowell Co:
N.C.
Act/5
John Anderson
Dysartsville,
McDowell Co
NC
[*DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business*]
Page 68

Marriage License & Bond & wit: they lived together his Wid: says 6 Jany [illegible] 2 wit & cert: of ct: says in 44 or 5, 2 wit: live & cert: of ct:
Boynton
Page 69

Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Certify that Benjamin Brackett Esq before whom the foregoing Declaration & affidavit were sworn to Subscribe and acknowledge was at the time thereof a Justice of
the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and Sworn and his signatures Hereto are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 25th day of April AD 1855
A. M. Finley Clk
Page 70

State of North Carolina
McDowell County
On this 20th day of June 1855 personally appeared before me G. W. Glass a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid William Harris aged about 63 years, a resident of the County of McDowell, who being duly sworn according to law upon his Oath says, that as near as he can now reccolect, [recollect] Richard Ledbetter Pensioner on the Revolutionary roll died in the summer of 1839 or 1840 his reasons for supposing that to be the time, are that Richard Ledbetter removed with his wife to Lumpkin County Georgia, was dissatisfied and wished to return, sent his wife Elizabeth (who is now applying for a pension) in to North Carolina, with the view of getting some relative to assist them to return to No. Ca. affiant heard of her being on the road, went to meet her, she having undertaken the journey on foot, that her husband died in or about a month after she started, He further says, that Johnson Ledbetter came in from Georgia to Rutherford County, he thinks the summer following, and an application was made for the ballance [balance] of pension due the soldier at his death, which amount he thinks was not much short of 35 dollars [but not quite] [crossed out] that much he thinks, that the death of the soldier, must have been proved by Johnson Ledbetter son of Richd. and by the widow
Page 71

if it was proven as it must have been, he knows the said Elizabeth did draw, and could draw no
more by the then existing laws, and adds he is
entirely disinterested
William Harris X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year before written and I Certify that William Harris who signed the foregoing I am well acquainted know him to be a man of probity
G. W. Glass J.P.
Sir
It is probable that the date mentioned as to the death of Richard Ledbetter in the papers on file by Elizabeth, claiming the ballance [balance] due her husband conflicts with the date mentioned in her application to be placed on the Pension roll, from the fact that
Richard Ledbetter the Grand-child gave in the
time, from memory, having no particular data at hand to refresh his memory, the Court was perfectly satisfied, as he is a man of integrity,
and as to the widow, she said at the time that
her memory was such, that she did not reccolect [recollect] the date, but supposed that Richd was correct, was governed by his statement,
I am pursuaded [persuaded] there is no imposition intended, from first to last, nothing wrong has been intended, and if the department
Page 72

is not satisfied, we question if we were put to
the trouble of going to Georgia where the old man died, that we could arrive at the time of his death nearer than is given by Wm Harris, we therefore respectfully refer you to her first papers and we think we have identified her sufficiently as the Widow of Richd Ledbetter, the Pensioner,
I am Sir
Your obt
Servt.
L. P. Waldo Esq
Commr of Pensions
John Anderson
P.S. since writing the above Mr Harris suggests the probabilty [probability] that Johnson Ledbetter may have brot [brought] in the proof of his Fathers death with him, he states that the Revd. Alfred Webb was a near neighbor and Amos Green to Richd Ledbetter decd also Edmond Sebastian & Augustin Williams.
I G. W. Glass Certify that I am acquainted with Richard Leadbeter [Ledbetter] who is a resident of Rutherford County and that his Character is as good as any man in said County and I also certify that any statement John
Anderson Might Make would as far as he is known he Believed his Character for Truth is not qusitaind [questioned] This 20th day of
June 1855
G W. Glass J.P.
Page 73

State of North Carolina
McDowell County
I Alfred M Finley Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Certify that George W Glass Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was Sworn to and
subscribed and who has hereto give a Certificate
was at the time thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and his signatures hereto are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my name affixed the seal of said court this 27th day of June 1855
A.W. Finley Clk
Page 74

Know all men by these presents that I, Elizabeth Ledbetter, a resident of McDowell County and State of North Carolina, widow of Richard Ledbetter late revolutionary Pensioner deceased of Rutherford County, and an applicant for revolutionary Pension do hereby constitute and appoint George C. Ames Esqr of Washington City my agent and attorney to take charge of my application now on file in the Pension Office both for Pension and Bounty Lands, presented by one Jno Anderson in the early part of this year, to have full power
and authority to do all acts and thing
necessary to a final adjudication of my claims, hereby revoking all other Power of atty or Agency heretofore made
Witness my hand & seal this 28 October 1855
sealed in presence of
A Higgins
Joseph Reid
Elizabeth Ledbetter X his [her] mark seal
North Carolina
McDowell County
Be it known that on this 28th day of October 1855 before me the subscribed a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Elizabeth Ledbetter above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act & [illegible]
In witness of all which I have here unto set my hand and private seal date first above mentioned
A. Higgins J. P. seal
Page 75

State of North Carolina
McDowell County
I Alfred M Finley clerk of the court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Certify that Albert Higgins Esq whom genuine Signature appears to the within acknowledgment is and was at the time date thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and Sworn  In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court this 30th day of October AD 1855
A M Finley clk
[*Elizabeth Ledbetter wid of Richard N.C. 3 July 1855 [illegible] *]
Page 76

[preprinted form with hand written answers]
GIDEON, PRINTER. 
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Nov. 27th 1843
Sir: 
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners,
and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of Richard Ledbetter, decd
a Pensioner on the Roll of the North Carolina
Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars [and Cents] [crossed out]  per annum, under the law of the 7 June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1838, to the 22d Jan'y 1841.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 77

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County 
personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace for said County Richard Ledbetter who being duly Sworn deposeth and sayeth that he does not
know of any person living that he can prove the length of his service by or who was with him in the Army that by Reason of old age and
Consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection not less than the periods mentioned below as a Common Soldier and for which Service I claim a pension
1775, a Volunteer to guard the frontier under the command of Colo McDowell. I was some 1776, times at home some times in the fort with my Family I was more than three months engaged in actual service and done nothing else. 3 Months
1777, a volunteer under Captain W. Dowell Col Hampton Commander Louis the main Army under Gen Sumter this service was not less than 3 Months
1779, I was a Volunteer under Captain McDaniel Commanded by Col Hampton 15 days say. 1/2 Month
1780 Drafter under Captain Vaughn Genl Lawson 3-
1781 Drafted again under the same Captain & General 3-
12 Months 15 days
This exhibits all of the times that my memory will justify me to Swear to and the Great length of time since the service Rendered in
Revolutionary War that all of my Comrades that suffered with me are gone that I am left without proof within my knowledge only my Own Oath sworn to and subscribed before me this 14 day of of October 1833
Wm. Grant J.P.
Richard Ledbetter seal
And I Wm Grant a Justice of the peace for said County do hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Richard Ledbetter sworn
to and subscribed to the above Declaration that he is a man of Respectability and that his Declaration is entitled to Credit and I concur in that opinion given under my hand and seal this day and year above written
Wm Grant JP
Page 78

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County SS
I Theo F. Birchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarters Sessions in and for said County Certify that William Grant Esq who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit of Richard Ledbetter is a Magistrate as above Stated and that the signature purporting to be his is believed to be genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office at Office
21st day of Oct 1833
T F Birchett clk
-
Page 79

State of No. Carolina
McDowell County
On this day of May 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of McDowell & State aforesaid Richard O Ledbetter a resident of the County of Rutherford and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law says that he was intimately acquainted with Richard Ledbetter decd a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U. States. that said Richard Ledbetter decd had long resided in the County of Rutherford No. Ca. afterwards removed to the State of Georgia
and died as he heard and believes
in the County of Lumpkin on the waters of High Tower State of Georgia in the winter of 1845 or 1844, he was not at the place where he died at the time of his death but being a relative of the decd he heard of his death a short time after it occured,[occurred] and his aged widow came from Georgia and has
remained in Rutherford County ever since, never having married again but remains a widow still her name is Elizabeth Ledbetter aged about Eighty years, now at this time living with Coonrod [Conrad] Ward in the County of McDowell and has been for a length of time, he knows that she is the identical widow of Richd Ledbetter decd the Revolutionary Pensioner of Rutherford County
No. Ca. he knew both him and the said Elizabeth for several years before the death of said Richd decd and although he was not present so as to see his relative die he is as sure of his death as if he had seen him die,
Page 80

and as sure that he is dead as he is of the
death of any one that is dead that he ever
heard of the death of, and adds he is
disinterested
R. O. Ledbetter
Wm A McCall JP
Sworn to and subscribed in my presence and I
Certify that the said R. O. Ledbetter is a credible man and I add that I am disinterested.
Wm A. McCall JP
State of No Carolina
McDowell County
I Alfred M Finley Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Certify that Wm A McCall Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified Commissioned and sworn and his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 2 day of May 1855
A.M. Finley Clk