Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3790, Benjamin Edwards, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE.   N.C.    Edwards, Benjamin.  NUMBER  W. 3790
                               Sabra   B.L.Wt.34.273-160-55
 

 CONTENTS
Page 2

Journal type of document with writing on two sides.

Left Side:  
Dead - let to P.L. Bris bee
Dec 5. 1839

Right Side:  
12231
North Carolina
==================================
Benjamin Edwards
Of Johnston in the State of N C who was a Private in the Com commanded by Captain Griffin of the Reg commanded by Col. Allen in the NC State Troops 9 mo
===================================
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina - at the rate of 30. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
===================================
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of April 1833 and sent Ransom Sanders. Johnston. N.C.
===================================
Arrears to the 4th of March 1832.       $60.00
Semi-anl. Allowance ending Sept. 31.   15.00
                                                                  ———-
                                                                  $75.00

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June. 7.  1832.    }
Recorded by E. D. Bullock. Clerk, 
Book E vol. 6 Page 39
Page 3

Increase             No 3.040
~~~~~~
                      North Carolina
——————————————————————-
                      Sabra Edwards
Widow of Benjamin, Edwards
N Ca
Who served in the Revolutionary
War, as a Private 
==============================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 430 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the (4th day of March, 1848.) (Lined through) 30th Sept 1865. Ded. Pts made since
===============================
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Mar 1869 and sent to S.W. Williams Present
===============================
Joint Res of Feby’ 18th 1867
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 188 Vol. H
J.N. Smith
Clk
Sent
Page 4

2 pages 

Left side: 
Vol. E. 34.

Right side: 
200.612
Act 3 Mar. 1855
Sabra 10th Aug
==================================
Sabra Edwards widow of Benjamin Edwards
Private
————————————————————————
Capt.
Col.
Ent
Dis. 
Written across vertically on the page: 34273 is Jul 1/ /16
Rev War
————————————————————————
Pension
NC Reg 48-3040
————————————————————————
ao: 160acr July, 12/56
Boyton
R
————————————————————————-
J.C. Codner
Smithfield
N.C.
Page 5

State of North Carolina 
Johnston County ⎬   Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions August Sessions 1832
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 4 1832.
In the 27th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Johnston County now  sitting Benjamin Edwards a resident of Johnston County and State of North Carolina aged Sixty eight years who being first dully sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832. That he entered the service under the following named officers and served as herein stated. First, I belonged to the second division of Johnston County militia I was drafted for three months about the year 1780 under Captain Edmund Griffin of said County and marched from Johnston Court house to Kingston, and was there put under the command of Colonel Allen and General William Caswell then we marched to Cross Creek, then to Pine Tree (now called Camden) there crossed the Wateree & Congaree Rivers, then marched to within eighteen miles of Charleston South Carolina where the battle was fought we were at that distance we remained at this spot some time and captured one hundred and sixty of the enemy, light horse who were prisioners by some of our men that was fishing [illegible] then we retreated through Camden, there we met with Colonel Bufordwith his Continental troops and he refused to march with General Caswell.
Page 6

Caswell took Cross Creek road, Colonel Buford took the Charlotte Road & was overtaken by the British at Hanging Rock on the Charlotte Road and was totally defeated, we marched to Cross Creek then across cape Fear River and near said River was discharged. I had a regular discharge but have lost or mislaid the same. I have no documentary evidence I can prove this service by Britain Roberts, saw the Continental troops under Colonel Buford.  
Second. I was about fifteen months after my return from the service drafted for three months and mustered at Johnston Court house under Captain Phillip Thomas we marched to Vinsmitt’s Mill on Norhunty Creek thence to Greenville, thence across the County & across Neuse River, thence across Cape Fear thence to Rockingham in Richmond County to Colson’s ferry on the Pedee where we remained several weeks [illegible] [illegible]. This tour was performed under Colonel Linton the enemy passed up on the opposite side of the River we marched up on this side of the River they retreated south and we marched towards our homes and I was discharged by my officers at Johnston Court house. I have lost or mislaid my discharge have no documentary evidence, saw no Continental troops. I can prove this tour of service by Britain Robert’s. 
Third I served three months as a substitute as follows to wit) I was a substitute for Davis Gurley of the light horse, we marched from Johnston Court House under Captain John James across Neuse River joined some militia under the command of Colonel Kenan on the banks of Rock Fish Creek a Fort was built there, we had an engagement with the British forces
Page 7

Under the command of General Craig some of our men were killed & three wounded several of the enemy were reported to have been killed - we were compelled to retreat, we passed Duplin Court house came up North side of Neuse River we were halted at Spring Bank and pressed into service for the purpose of arresting Lord Corn Wallis in his retreat. Our officers deemed it prudent to retreat on his approach and we retreated 10 or 15 miles into Duplin County and we were there regularly discharged. I have lost or mislaid the same. I have no documentary evidence and cannot produce any person who can prove or testify to this service. I saw no Continental troops in this service. 
He relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that is name is not on the roll of the agency of any State.
Benjamin his X mark Edwards,   

I Brittain Robert’s do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Edwards, the person who has signed the foregoing certificate and served with him [in] the companies o Captains Edmund Griffin and Phillip Thomas at the time and places stated in the preceding declaration.
Britain Roberts 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.}

We Benjamin Steven’s and James Pudew or Peeden residing in the county of Johnston hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Edwards who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age that he is respected and
Page 8

Believed to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  
James his X mark Perden 
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations presented by the two Deponents that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies that it apppears to them that Britain Roberts Benjamin Edwards and James Perden who have signed. The foregoing certificate and residents of the County of Johnston and credible persons, and that their statements is entitled to credit.

I. Ransom Sanders Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Johnston County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Edwards for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 27th day of August 1832
RM Sanders Clk

10.302
Benjamin Edwards
Declaration
Page 9

hand and seal this 27 day of August 1832
Rm Sanders Clk

Vertical right margin:

10.302
Benjamin Edwards
Declaration
Page 10

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled “An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows”

On the 22nd day of May 1843 personally appeared before the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarters for the County of Johnston and State of North Carolina Mrs Sabry Edwards to resident of the County of Johnston aforesaid  aged sixty six next August, who being first duly sworn law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of Benjamin Edwards who was a private in the North Carolina Militia in the Revolution and was a pensioner in Johnston County aforesaid, at the rate Thirty dollars pr annum under the act of 7th June 1832. that she has no personal knowledge of the particulars of his service and beg leave to refer for them to the evidence on which his pension aforesaid was allowed.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Edwards in her fifteenth year having been born on the fourth of August 1777. the precise day and date of her marriage she cannot recollect, more than may be ascertained from the above statement which would make her marriage some time in the year 1792 or 1791. That her Husband the

Vertical left margin:
N' 92  46
Sabry Edwwards
N Carolina
Act 7th July 38
Page 11

aforesaid Benjamin Edwards died on the 1st day of July 1836. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four very viz viz: at the time above stated.
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court on the 22nd day
of May 1843. 
Wm Hen Guy CCC  Sabry her X mark Edwards
 


State of North Carolina
Johnston County
I William Henry Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Johnston do hereby certify that above declaration of Sabry Edwards was made, sworn to and subscribed by the said Sabry Edwards in open Court as above stated out on the 22d day of May 1843.
Witness William Henry Guy Clerk afore said
Court at Office 28 day of May 1843.
Wm Hen. Guy CCC
Page 12

 North Carolina
Johnston County ⎬
This 11th day of July 1843 came before me Matthew Avena a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid Nancy Worley who after being duly sworn according to law states that she is now about Sixty five years old. That when she was about nine or ten years old, she recollects, that his father was invited to a wedding between Benjamin Edwards and Sabry Tiner, but as he was not willing to the match, he did not go. My mother at that time being sick- That she understood that they were married at that time. and that they lived together as man & wife after that time she knows of her own knowledge. That she lived within from three to five miles of Benjamin Edwards & Sabry his wife, from that time until said Benjamin died which she believes is about seven years ago. That since the death of Benjamin Edward Sabry Edwards his widow commenced a suit in this County for her maiden land in (which she was a witness) and recovered the same
Sworn to and subscribed before  Nancy her X mark Worley
the day & date first above with
Mr Avena J P.


State of North Carolina
Johnston County
I, Matthew Avena one of the Magistrates
Page 13

for the County aforesaid Certify that Nancy Worley whose name appears to the forgoing affidavit is a woman of strict truth- Given under my hand and seal the 11 day of July 1843.
M Avena JP



State of North Carolina}
Johnston County}
I William Henry Guy Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the Matthew Avena whose signatures appear above was an acting Justice of the Peace for said County at the time of signing the same and that said signature are genuine - I further certify that I have made diligent search among the marriage License Bonds filed in this office for the bond of Benjamin Edwards and have been unable to find it. I further certify that among the marriage bonds filed there are several blank bonds which may account for my failure. Witness William Henry Guy Clerk of our said Court at Office 11th July 1843
Wm Hen Guy CCC
Page 14

STATE OF North Carolina}
COUNTY of Johnston} ss.
On this 28th day of July A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid Sabrey Edwards aged about Eighty four years
a resident of Johnston County, in the State of North Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Edwards deceased, who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution as will appear by reference to her certificate for pensioner on file at this department at the [illegible], at ... on or about the ... day of ... for a term of ... , and continued in actual service in said war for the term of 14 days
and was honorably discharged at ... on the ... day of ... A. D. She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Edwards in Johnston County N.C. (from [illegible] age she cannot remember the date of her marriage) Mr.Whitley justice of the peace and that her name before her said marriage was Sabrey Tiner; that her said husband died at at his residence in Johnston County North Carolina on the ... day of ... A.D. 1836, and that she is now a widow. She refers to evidence on file in support of said Claim
Page 15

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855." She hereby appoints John C. Codner, of Smithfield, North Carolina, her true and lawful Attorney irrevocably with power of substitution to prosecute this her claim for land to receive the certificate or warrant when issued, and to do all other acts necessary and proper in the premises.
Sabry her X mark Edwards

We, Jesse Overby & Elizabeth Overby residents of Johnston County, in the State of North Carolina on our oath declare that the foregoing declaration and power of attorney thereto subjoined were signed and acknowledged by Mrs. Sabry Edwards in our presence, and from our acquaintance with her as she represents herself to be; that we are each well acquainted with Mrs. Sabry Edward the above applicant for bounty land, that we have known her for forty years last past, and that we were acquainted with Benjiman Edwards her late husband, having known him for twenty years previous to his death; that they, the said Sabry Edwards and Benjamin Edwards lived together as husband and wife, and were reputed so to be; that we, the deponents, never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned, and that the said Benjamin Edwards
died about nineteen years ago that we lived less than three miles from them when he died which occured at his residence in Johnston County North Carolina that he drew a pension for Revolutionary serve until he died affore named Sabry Edwards is now drawing a pension as his widow we do not know precise the amount that that she draws but have a full knowledge of the fact that she is a Revolutionary Pensioner and from personal knowledge we do know that the aforesaid Mrs. Sabry Edwards is now a widow. that we reside within less than an half of a mile from her
Jesse his X mark Overby
Elizabeth her X mark Overby

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and did before me acknowledge the power of Attorney subjoined to the foregoing declaration to be her free act and deed for the purposes therein expressed and that I have no interest in this claim.

STATE of North Carolina}
County of Johnston } ss. F Phillips J. P.
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions 
I, John H Kenedy, Clerk for the County aforesaid, do certify that F Phillips Esq whose name appears to the foregoing certificate was at the date thereof an acting Magistrate for said County duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
to witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Smithfield this sixth day of August A. D., 1855
J H Keneday Clk
Page 16

10302
Benjamin Edwards

Admit a private
for 9 months, from 
1780 Colo Allen 
N.C.
$30.00
~~~~~
Page 17

BRIEF in the case of Benjamin Edwards
County of Johnston in the State of No. Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 68
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. | Duration of Service.; Years, Months, Days | Rank | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served
drafted In 1780| 3 mos| private | {Colo Allen & Lepurin Capt Edwards Griffin } 2nd division Johnston Cty Militia
drafted in about 15 months | 3 mos |   |  Capt Philp Thomas Col Linton } No Carolina troops
after his return from last service
not mentioned | 3 mos | Substitute for Lewis Gurley  | Capt John James Col Kenan "Light Horse"
5. In what battles was he engaged? Fort on Rock Fish Creek
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Johnston Co. N. Carolina
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By a living witness as to 1st & 2nd tours of service & by traditionary evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No
*Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
Chas G Wilcox Examining Clerk.
13. Feby 1833
Page 18

June 26, 1940
BA-J/AWF
Benjamin Edwards
W. 3790

Mrs. Frank Artz, Sr.
1900 Clay Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi

Dear Madam:
     
     Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Edwards of Johnston County, North Carolina, whose pension commenced March 4, 1831.

     The data furnished herein were obtained from claims for pension and bounty Landon file under W. 3790, based upon service of Benjamin Edwards in the Revolutionary War.

     The date and place of birth of Benjamin Edwards and names of his parents were not given.
 
     Benjamin Edwards enlisted, place not shown, in 1780. Served three months as private in Captain Edmund Griffin’s company, under Colonels Allen and Sessums, in the North Carolina troops, and was in the battle of Hanging Rock; about fifteen months later, he enlisted and served three months in Captain Philip Thomas’ company, Colonel Lenton’s or Linton’s North Carolina regiment; he served three months in Captain John James’ company, Colonel Kenan’s North Carolina regiment, and was in an engagement at Rock Fish Creek.

     He was allowed pension on his application executed August 27, 1832, at which time he was Sixty-eight years old, and living in Johnston County, North Carolina.  He died July 1, 1836, in said Johnston County.

     Benjamin Edwards married in 1791 or 1792, in
Page 19

                                      2-

Johnston County, North Carolina, Sabra (Sabry) Tiner, Tinen or Tinens.  She was born August 4, 1777, place not shown, nor were the names of her parents given.  She stated that she married when she was about fifteen years old.

     The widow, Sabra Edwards, was allowed pension on her application executed May 22, 1843, at which time she was living in Johnston County, North Carolina.  She was allowed, also, one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on her application executed July 28, 1855, still a resident of Johnston County, North Carolina.

     She was living in 1867 in Johnston County, North Carolina, with her daughter, Polly Edwards; her Post Office address was Boon Hill, North Carolina,  as her Post Office address in 1869 was Smithfield, North Carolina.

     In 1867, Polly and Patience Edwards were living in Johnston County, North Carolina; it was not stated that this. Polly Edwards was the same as the daughter, Polly Edwards, referred to above, and the relationship of Patience Edwards was not given.

     The papers on file in these claims contain. No further discernible family data.

     In order to obtain the date of last payment of this pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the exact date of death of the widow, Sabra Edwards, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:

     Sabra Edwards,  widow of Benjamin Edwards Certificate #3040, Rat $130. Per annum. (Increase) Commenced September 30, 1865 (Restoration)-Issued March 25, 1869 Act of February 2, 1848, North Carolina Agency.

     If you desire information in regard to the location
Page 20

                                        3-

of the bounty land referred to herein, it is suggested that you apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and cite the following data:

Warrant #34273- 160 acres- Act of 1855.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
To the Administrator
Page 21

9246
Sabry Edwards
N Carolina
Suspended 

Let to T Greene Sept 16. 1843 
“. “. Hon RM Sanders June 18. 1844

Act July 7 th 318
Page 22

10302
Benjamin Edwards

Admit a private
P 9 months from 1780 Cd Allen
NC
$30.00
~~~~~
Page 23

BRIEF in the case of Benjamin Edwards
County of Johnston in the State of No. Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 68
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. | Duration of Service.; Years, Months, Days | Rank | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served
drafted In 1780| 3 mos| private | {Colo Allen & Lepurin Capt Edwards Griffin } 2nd division Johnston Cty Militia
drafted in about 15 months | 3 mos | | Capt Philp Thomas Col Linton } No Carolina troops
after his return from last service
not mentioned | 3 mos | Substitute for Lewis Gurley | Capt John James Col Kenan "Light Horse"
5. In what battles was he engaged? Fort on Rock Fish Creek
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Johnston Co. N. Carolina
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By a living witness as to 1st & 2nd tours of service & by traditionary evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No
*Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
Chas G Wilcox Examining Clerk.
13. Feby 1833
Page 24

June 26, 1940
BA-J/AWF
Benjamin Edwards
W. 3790

Mrs. Frank Artz, Sr.
1900 Clay Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Edwards of Johnston County, North Carolina, whose pension commenced March 4, 1831.

The data furnished herein were obtained from claims for pension and bounty Landon file under W. 3790, based upon service of Benjamin Edwards in the Revolutionary War.

The date and place of birth of Benjamin Edwards and names of his parents were not given.

Benjamin Edwards enlisted, place not shown, in 1780. Served three months as private in Captain Edmund Griffin’s company, under Colonels Allen and Sessums, in the North Carolina troops, and was in the battle of Hanging Rock; about fifteen months later, he enlisted and served three months in Captain Philip Thomas’ company, Colonel Lenton’s or Linton’s North Carolina regiment; he served three months in Captain John James’ company, Colonel Kenan’s North Carolina regiment, and was in an engagement at Rock Fish Creek.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 27, 1832, at which time he was Sixty-eight years old, and living in Johnston County, North Carolina. He died July 1, 1836, in said Johnston County.

Benjamin Edwards married in 1791 or 1792, in
Page 25

June 26, 1940


BA-J/AWF
Benjamin Edwards
W. 3790

Mrs. Frank Artz, Sr.
Page 26

2-

Johnston County, North Carolina, Sabra (Sabry) Tiner, Tinen or Tinens. She was born August 4, 1777, place not shown, nor were the names of her parents given. She stated that she married when she was about fifteen years old.

The widow, Sabra Edwards, was allowed pension on her application executed May 22, 1843, at which time she was living in Johnston County, North Carolina. She was allowed, also, one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on her application executed July 28, 1855, still a resident of Johnston County, North Carolina.

She was living in 1867 in Johnston County, North Carolina, with her daughter, Polly Edwards; her Post Office address was Boon Hill, North Carolina, as her Post Office address in 1869 was Smithfield, North Carolina.

In 1867, Polly and Patience Edwards were living in Johnston County, North Carolina; it was not stated that this. Polly Edwards was the same as the daughter, Polly Edwards, referred to above, and the relationship of Patience Edwards was not given.

The papers on file in these claims contain. No further discernible family data.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of this pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the exact date of death of the widow, Sabra Edwards, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:

Sabra Edwards, widow of Benjamin Edwards Certificate #3040, Rat $130. Per annum. (Increase) Commenced September 30, 1865 (Restoration)-Issued March 25, 1869 Act of February 2, 1848, North Carolina Agency.

If you desire information in regard to the location
Page 27

3-

of the bounty land referred to herein, it is suggested that you apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and cite the following data:

Warrant #34273- 160 acres- Act of 1855.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
To the Administrator
Page 28

9246
Sabry Edwards
N Carolina
Suspended
Let to T. Green Sep. 16. 1843-
" " Hon. R.M. Sanders. June 18, 1844

Act July 7th 38
Page 29

200.612

Stamp:
SMITHFIELD
AUG
6
N.C.

FREE

Hon Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 30

34.273

[illegible]
Page 31

6037
North Carolina
Sabra Edwards
widow of Benjamin Edwards,
who was a Private
in the NCa Line

Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 
30 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
2nd day of Aug 1844
and sent to 
Thomas Green Esq
Richmond, Va.

[Act of March 3, 1843.&]
June 17, 1844
Recorded in Book  Page 200
Page 32

8495
North Carolina
Sabra Edwards
widow of Benjn Edwards
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1838.
and who died on the 1st July 1836
of Johnson Co in the State of N.C.
who was a Private in the Company
commanded by Captain Griffen of the
Reg commanded by Col. Allen in
the N.C. line for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
at the rate of 30 Dollars ---
Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day
of July 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of
June 1844 and sent to
Tho Green Eqr  Present

Total amount, $
Act July 7, 1838.)
Recorded by Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1 Page 289

Right side:
Rejected
Page 33

1857 Dec 12, Suspended
1858. Aug 27 Dropt from roll
" Sept. 27. Restored, &
J.C Codner of 
Smithfield , N.C. so informed
1889 March 7 Let to sander

Rejected

Jany 15 /4 9

Right side:

3040,
North Carolina
Sabra Edwards
widow of Benjamin
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
36 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
15 day of Jany 1849
and sent to
Thos Bagley
Smithfield
NC

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 208 Vol. 1
Page 34

AWF

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section.

December 13, 1923.

Mary E. McCool,
23 Vedan
Atlanta, Ga.

Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 3790, it appears that Benjamin Edwards enlisted in 1780 and served as a private in Captain Edward Griffin's Company, Colonels Allen and Sessions' North Carolina Regiment and served three months; about fifteen months later, he enlisted and served three months in Captain Philip Thomas' Company, Colonel Lenton's North Carolina Regiment.
He served a tour of three months in Captain John James' Company, Colonel Kenan's North Carolina Regiment, and was in an engagement at Rock Fish Creek, date of enlistment not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 27, 1832, while a resident of Johnston County, North
Page 35

Carolina, aged sixty eight years. He died July 1, 1836.
Soldier married 1791 or 1792 in Johnston County, North Carolina, Sabra Tiner or Tinen, she was born August 4, 1777, and she was allowed pension on her application executed May 22, 1843, while living in Johnston County, North Carolina.
In 1867, she was living, with her daughter Polly, in the Eastern part of Johnston County, North Carolina.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 36

Stamp:
RECEIVED
MAY 18 1940
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM
READER # 27

Vicksburg, Miss. May 16, 1940
1900 Clay Street.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
Pension Department.

Gentlemen:
Would like very much to secure the pension record of my granddaughter's ancestor, BENJAMIN EDWARDS.

The following found in North Carolina Pension Roll, Page 9, and 90. Johnson County, N. C.
BENJAMIN EDWARDS -- Rank Sum Received
 Private.  $90. 00
Description of Service  Commencement of pension
N. C. Militia  March 4, 1831
Age
70 Years.

Any and all information will be greatly appreCIATED
Very Sincerely,
Mrs. Frank Artz:
Mrs. Frank Artz Sr.
1900 Clay Street,
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Page 37

Rev WIDOW, &c.

File No. 3190

Sabra Edwards
Wid
Benjn Edwards
Pvt, Rev. War

Act: Feby. 2948

Index: -- Vol. A, Page 209
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Right side:

1923 - Dec. 12. Hist to Mary E. McCol AWF
See letter in Isaac Wiliamson S. 7911
1940 - June 26 - Hist to Mrs. Frank Artz Sr AWF
Page 38

State of North Carolina
Johnston County

Personally appeared before me, Willie Holt one of the acting Justice of the Peace for said County, Robert Gurley who after having been duly sworn, on his oath, make the following statement towit: That he was present at the marriage of Benjamin Edwards and Sabry Tiner and saw then joined together as man & wife John Whitley who was the officiating Magistrate - That after their marriage they settled upon the land that descended to said wife Sabry and lived upon the same four or five years, when they sold it to Ralph Massey who some short time thereafter sold it to Nathan Oliver. The precise date the marriage he does not recollect
Rolbert Gurley
Sworn to and subscribed before me
the 4th day of October 1843
Willie Holt JP

State of North Carolina
I, Willie Holt, a magistrate for Johnston County, do certify that I am well acquainted with Robert Gurley and that his statement above may be relied upon as true-
Given under my hand & seal the 4th day of October 1843
Willie Holt JP

State of North Carolina
I William Henry Guy Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Johnston County certify that Wilie Holt whose signatures appear above was an acting Justice of the Peace for Johnston County at the time of signing the same and that said signatures are in his own proper hand writing - Witness William H. Guy Clerk of said Court at office the 10th Oct 1843
Wm Hen Guy CCC
Page 39

2 )
This Indenture this Twenty eight day of November in the year of Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety six by and between Benjamin Edwards of the State of North Carolina and County of Johnston of the one part and Ralph Massey of the County and State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that the said Benjamin Edwards for and in consideration of the sum of Eighty pounds to me in hand paid before insealing and delivery hereof to me in hand paid by Ralph Massey the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge my self therewith fully satisified contents and paid hath given granted bargain and sold conveyed & confirmed and for myself my heirs Executors admrs do fully absolutely and willingly by given grant bargain sale a line [illegible] convey and confirm unto the aforesaid Ralph money his heirs and assigns forever a certain track or parcel of land situate lying & being in the County & State aforesaid and on the north side of Nuese river and No. side of Elmnton branch beginning at a black Oak Nathan Gurleys second corner on the No. side of Elmnton's branch on Warhill runing No 77 W. 179 pole to a pine thence So. th 13 W to Elmnton branch to the run, thence down it run of said branch to Joel Gurley's line thence along said line to the beginning the same for one hundred seven more or less taken up by the said Joel Gurley bearing date one thousand seven hundred & sixty eight together with all the rights liberties and privileges & improvements thereunto belonging To have and to hold the aforesaid bargained premises forever and I the said Benjamin Edwards for my self my Heirs Exct admrs do commant grant & agree to and with the said Ralph Massey his heirs & assigns forever that at any time or times before the ensealing and delivery of there presents that I the said Benjamin Edwards in the for and lawful owner of the above granted premises and am lawfully seized and proposed of the same and have the full power and authority to sell & dispose of the same in form & manner above said and I the said Benjamin Edwards my heirs and assigns do grant the above bargained premises to the said Ralph Massey his heirs Exct
admrs and assigns and will forever hereafter warrant secure and defend the above bargained premises. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hand and seal this day & date above written
Benjamin his B mark Edwards {seal}
Sabry her X mark Edwards {seal}
In presenst of
Test Nathan Oliver
Henry Oliver


State of North Carolina 
Johnston County⎬  February Term 1847.
There was the execution of the Deed proven in open Court by
the oath of Nathan Oliver and ordered to be Registered
R. Sanders Clk
Page 40

3
State of North Carolina}
Johnston County}
I Walter R Moore Register for Johnston County, Certify that the foregoing Deed from Benjamin Edwards and Sabry Edwards to Ralph Massey is correctly copied from the Records in my office - Witnesses Walter R. Moore Register as aforesaid at office the 10th Oct 1843
Walter R. Moore Reg

State of North Carolina}
Johnston County}
This day appeared before me Wilie Holt one of the acting Justices of the Peace for said County. Needham Oliver who after having been duly sworn according to law, upon his oath states. That the land described in the foregoing Deed, he purchased of Ralph Massey in the year Seventeen hundred & ninety seven and since the death of Benjamin Edwards, Sabry Edward his widow sued for and recovered the same, because the private examination of Sabry Edwards had not been taken seperate and apart from her said husband Benjamin Edwards as the laws of this State require to make a valid title to maiden land. Sworn to and subscribed before me the day of Oct 1843
Needham Oliver
Wilie Holt JP

State of North Carolina}
I, Wilie Holt a magistrate for Johnston County do hereby certify that Needham Oliver is a man of respectability and whose affidavit may be
relied upon as true - Witness Wilie Holt a 
Magistrate as aforesaid the ... day of Octr 1843.
Wilie Holt
Page 41

State of North Carolina
John their County.
I William H. Guy Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session certify that Walter R Moore whose signature appears above was Register for Johnston County at the time of signing the same & that said signature is genuine
and I further certify that Wilie Holt whose signatures appear above was a magistrate for Johnston County at the time of signing the same & that said signatures are genuine - Witness William H. Guy Clerk of
our said Court at office 13th Oct 1843
William Guy CCC
Page 42

Raleigh
Restoration 
Brief in the case of Sabra Edwards, Widow of
Benjamin Revy [illegible] Boon Hill
Johnston County and State of North Carolina
Act Feb 2. 1848.

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,

PROOF EXHIBITED,
A suspended Pension Roll of No Carolina at $30.00 
per Annum paid to Sept. 4 1860 He alleges loss of
Certificate.

Identity Loyalty & Widowhood show & properly
Certified.

Restored Oct 18. 1867 to a pension at $30.00 per annum
Commencing Sept 4. 1860
W. E Track
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent.
J W. Williams
Present
Page 43

The pension of Sabra Edwards was suspended, with the other in whose cases Bagley or Gully had had any agency. On examining my memoranda I find that her marriage license bears date Oct 1, 1793 and that she is reputed to be a very old woman.
I thought it advisable to suspend the payment of this pension and to require proof of the actual age of Mrs Edwards, and my recollection is that this determination was made known to her friends, but I am not certain that
she was advised of the reason. No proofs on the subject having been received, she was struck from the rolls.
I know of no reason why she should not be restored.
Page 44

Smithfull N C 6th Aug 1855
Hon Comr of Pensions
Washington DC

Sir
Herewith I forward the declaration &c of Mrs S Edwards for Bounty Land under Act 3d Feb 1855 her certificate of Pension is in the hands of Bagly Esqr & No 30.40 Payable at Fayetteville N. C. Recorded in Book at Penson office Act of 2d Feb 1848 Page 208 Vol 1 you will please forward all communication hereto pertaining to Smithfield N C
Very Respectfully yours
J. C. Codner
⎬
Page 45

3040
Increase
Brief in the Case of Sabra Edward Widow of Benjamin Edward
Private Rev War Smithfield Johnston County and State of North Carolina
Raleigh
Act Feb. 2. 1848

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE, One [illegible] Revolution Feb 18. 
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Pensioner on the roll of No Carolina at $30. per annum Certificate returned
Married before 1800 in 1792-
Personal identity and continued widowhood known

Ad to me under joint Resolution of Feb 18. 1867 on
rate of $130 pr annum to commence Sep 30, 1865
deducting pay said March 23. 1869
W E Frank
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent.
J. W. William
Present
Page 46

9246

July 21. 1843
Sabry Edwards
July 7. 1838
N.C.
of
F.
Benjiman


Vertical Colo J.L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Page 47

Washington 21 July 1843

Colo. J.L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Mrs Sabry Edwards, widow of Ben. Edwards a pensioner at $30 per annum of Johnston County N.C. for her pension under act of 7 July 1838. Altho the date of the marriage may not be proved with precise accuracy, the evidence refers to the means of testing its own correctness by the suit deceded in N.C. for the recovery of the Maiden land,
I am yr ob sevt
Thomas Green
Page 48

I enclose the Pension certificate of Benjiman, Edwards and have to ask  [illegible] stands per case by Mrs Edwards application for a Pension. Her [illegible] not given - i from Johnston County filed & [illegible] [illegible] services ____
R.M. Saunders
Page 49

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Edwards which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 50

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Edwards which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 51

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtainting it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his as he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes as to the last tour of service as a substitute
XIV. *If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
-
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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 .... months and .... days, I served as a .... ; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 52

3
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 they served two years 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 objection able. It must in every case be clearly shewn 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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. 
QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
>In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 53

Payments to be made
at Fayetteville
by Rev W.S. Br Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of
North Carolina




Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book E Vol. 6
Page 39. by E.D. Bullock
Clerk.
Page 54

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States
of the 7th June, 1832, Benjamin Edwards
of the State of North Carolina
who was a Private in the Army of the
Revolution
is entitled to receive Thirty dollars and
cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the
4th of March and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Tenth
day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Examined and
Countersigned. }

JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 55

Smithfield NC  31st Aug, '58
Sir
By request of Mrs Sabry Edwards I have to call your attention to her pension claim
It appears that on the 15th Jany 1849 a certificate No 3040 issued to her (as widow of Benjamin Edwards private in the Revolution war) under act of 2nd February 1848 I find that a marriage licence bond was granted Oct 1st 1793 for a marriage to be celebrated between Benjamin Edwards & Sabry Tiner. Mrs Edwards States that her pension is suspended & lays the charge at my door of being the cause of it in lending my aid in the affairs of exposing J G Gully if it appears that her claim is just & allowable under existing laws it is respectfully asked that she be reinstated or notified of the cause of the Suspension of her claim I am in no wise interested in
Page 56

the case further than being annoyed by the parties doing in the injustice of being the case of the claim being Suspended at my door
Yours very Respectfully
J. C. Codner


Hon Geo C Whiley
Comr of Pensins
Washington
D C
Page 57

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefts of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving widows of the soldiers of the Revolution. 

STATE OF North Carolina
Johnston COUNTY  } ss.
On this 10 day of September 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly authoprized
by law to administer oaths, Mrs. Sabra Edwards, a resident of .... in the county of Johnston State of North Carolina, aged 75 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to
obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Benjamin Edwards who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and that she has drawn a pension at the rate of thirty dollars .... cents, per annum, under the Act of 17th June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sabra her X mark Edwards

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED on the day and year above written, before mark
J.G. Gully Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
J. G. Gully Justice of the Peace

State of North Carolina}
Johnston County}  I Thomas Bagby Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter  Sessions in & for said County do hereby certify that JG Gully whose name appears as  about is an acting Justice of the Peace and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine Given under my hand & seal
Thos Bagley MC
Nov 29th 1848
Page 58

State of North Carolina
Johnston County⎬  On this 4th day of August 1844 personally appeared before me David A Holland an of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County Thomas Bagley who maketh oath that he is now and has by for several years personally acquainted with Sabra Edwards of this County who is a pensioner of the United States. This deponent says she is a woman of respectability and that she says on her oath or otherwise in any matter is taken as truth he says he has had considerable business with her and has always found her to be what she pretences, in any matter he says he has confidence in what she says on her oath or otherwise
Thos Bagley
D H Holland J.P.

State of North Carolina ⎬ I Thomas Bagley clerk of the Court Johnston County of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in & for the County & State afforesaid, do hereby  certify that D.H. Holland as above is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. Given under my hand & seal of Office at Smithfield August 4 1846
Page 59

Vertical:

6320   Aug 20 '49
Stamp:
RICHMOND Va
Aug 
18
N.C.
Mar 3rd 1843
Sabra Edwards

Horizontal:

J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Upside down"
6320

S. Edwards
acts '43 } one
 & ' 44} Cert.
$ 30 per annum

Thos Green
Richmond, VA
Page 60

Vertical:

6320 Aug 20 '49
Stamp:
RICHMOND Va
Aug
18
N.C.
Mar 3rd 1843
Sabra Edwards

Horizontal:

J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Upside down"
6320

S. Edwards
acts '43 } one
& ' 44} Cert.
$ 30 per annum

Thos Green
Richmond, VA
Page 61

Richmond 19th August 1844.

Col J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed is the application of Mrs. Sabry Edwards widow of Ben. Edwards of N. Carolina, for the 6th years pension under the act of 3 March 1843.

The five years pension under the act of 7 July 1838 was allowed about two months ago.
I am yr obt srvt
Thomas Green
Page 62

9246
Sabra Edwards
N C
Act July 7th 38 
-------
Ad rd
9m.
priv
------
$30 per an

To commence July 1st 36
day of husband's death

Thomas Green Esq
Washington
D.C.
Page 63

Treasury Department
3 Auditors Office. March
1st 1859-

Sir
It appear by the Books of this office that Sabra Edwards a pension of the US under the Act of the 7 of Febry 1848 was suspended for payout of her Pension Dec 31 1857. and [illegible] by under Aug. 27. 1858. The Pension Agent at Fayetteville N. Carolina, It has in his letter of the 4 - 2- 1858. It land Pension had her returned to the Roll 27: Fby 1858.  You will plan to give the recepient informationion this find
Very respy yr
obst
AJ Skinner 
Auditor

Geo C Whiting Esqr 
Coommission of Pensions.
Page 64

N.
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE
OF PENSION.
Under section 13, act July 27, 1868.

No. OLD CERTIFICATE.....
APPLICANT.
Sabra Edwards
Smithfield
Johnston Co
N. C.



FILED BY
S. W. WILLIAMS
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
AND
SOLICITOR OF CLAIMS AND
PATENTS
Washington City, D.C.

Printed and sold by W.H. Moore, 484 11th st., Washington, D.C.
Washington City, D. C.

upside down stamp:
FEB 24 1889
PENSION OFFICE
Page 65

N.
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION.
Under section 13, Act July 27, 1868.
State of North Carolina}
County of Johnston} SS. 
On this 14th day of January A. D. 1869 personally appeared before me, P.T. Massey Clk Spr Crt within and for the county and State aforesaid, Sabra Edwards, aged 85 years, a resident of Johnston County in the State of North Carolina who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that She is the identical Sabra Edwards to whom was granted Pension certificate No. .... payable at Raleigh N.C. at the rate of two and a half dollars per month, issued under the act of Feby 2, 1848; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the thirteenth section of the act of July 27, 1868. That she still remains a widow, and has not again married since the 23rd day of October 1867, the date of her said certificate or her duplicate certificate dated March 12th 1868
My Post Office address is as follows: Smithful Johnston Co. N.C.
And she hereby constitutes and appoints G. W. Williams of Washington D.C., Attorney, to present and prosecute this claim, and authorizes him to receive and receipt for any certificate that may be issued for the same, and to do any other act or thing necessary or that she might do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose.
Signature of Claimant: Sabra her X mark Edwards
Also personally appeared D.F. Massey and Alexander Braswell, residents of Johnston County, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Sabra Edwards make her mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. That she is still a widow, not having remarried since the 23rd day of October, 1867 or March 12th 1868 the date of her duplicate Certificate.
Signatures of Witnesses{ D.F. Massey
{Alexander Braswell

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 14th day of January 1869; and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing declaration and affidavit were carefully read by me to the applicant and witnesses before subscribing their names thereto, and I know the affiants to be credible persons.
Signature of Judge or other Officer. P. T. Massey, Clk
Date of Certificate. Johnston Supr Court
Page 66

Mrs. Sabra Edwards,
Application
For
Duplicate Restoration
Pension Certificate.


Trask



S. W. WILLIAMS,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
AND
SOLICITOR OF CLAIMS AND
PATENTS
Washington City, D.C.
Page 67

Disrict of Columbia
County of Washington⎬ss
S. W. Williams of Washington City D.C., being duly sworn deposes and says that on or about July 8/67, he filed in Pension Office Wash, D.C. the application be of Mrs Sabra Edwards for the restoration of her name to the Pension Rolls: that he is now informed by the proper Offices of Pension Office that on the 23d of October, 1867, the Restoration Pension Certificate was issued in the name of Mrs Sabra Edwards and sent, by mail to S. W. Williams, Present.

Deponent now makes oath that the books of his Office do not show that he has ever received said Restoration Pension Certificate and further to the best of his knowledge and belief he has not received the same nor has he seen it.
S. W. Williams
Sworn & subsribed before me
this 6 day of December
1867 & I certify that I have
no interest in the matter
Jno H McCutchen
Notary Public
Page 68

State of North Carolina
County of Johnston⎬ss 
On this 6th day of Jany 1868 before me the subscribed a Clerk of the Superior Court for said County & State personally appeared Sabra Edwards, who on her oath declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Edwards who formerly belonged to the Company Commanded by Captain .... in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel ... in the War of....
That she is a Pensioner of the U.S. and that her name was on the Fayetteville, N.C. Roll and that on or about the 8th day of July 1867, She made application to Commr of Pensions for Restoration of her name the Pension Rolls through S. W. Williams Esq her Atty, Washington D.C., and is now informed by the said Williams that a Restoration Pension Certificate was, on or about the 23d October 1867, isseued in her name and sent by Pension Office to "S.W. Williams Present" through the Washington City, D.C.: that the said William, now informs her that he has never received
Page 69

said Pension or Restoration Pension Certificate and she therefore makes this declaration in order to obtain a duplicate of the same 
Sabra her X mark Edwards
John D. Massey
John McC. Guy  

Also personally appeared before me at the time and place aforesaid John D. Massey & John McC. Guy both of the County & State aforesaid whom I hereby certify to be creditable persons & who being uly sworn according to law declares, each for himself that they well know Sabra Edwards widow of Benjamin Edwards deceased who made the foregoing declaration in their presence and that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that they have no interest direct or indirect in the matter
John D. Massey
John McC. Guy
---
Sworn and subscribed
before me this 6th day of
Page 70

January 1868 & I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the matter and that the contents of the within was made known and explained to applicant and witnesses before signing
James H. Ennis
Superior Court Clerk
Page 71

Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE.

Washington D.C.   April 20 1868.

Sir.

Please return Sabra Edwards pension Certificate sent to you by mistake. No. 3040
Respectfully
Jos. H. Barrett
Commissioner

E. S.
Williams
Carthage
Tennessee
Jos T. R46
Page 72

Payment to be made at
Raleigh N.C.
Chas. H. Belvin Esq.

Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of
North Carolina
Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
2d, 1848, Page ... Vol.   
Herman Seligson
Clerk.
Page 73

Duplicate
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2, 1848,
Sabra Edwards
widow of Benjamin Edwards who
was a Private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty
dollars and --- cents per annum, commencing on the
4th of September 1860, and continuing for life, unless she should
again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after
the time of such marriage. Issued in lieu of certificate dated October 23d 1867.
Given at the Department of the Interior
this Twelfth day of March
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
W. F. Otto
Acting Secretary of the Interior


Examined and Countersigned
James A Morgan
Acting Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 74

Payment be made at Raleigh by
Andrew Miller Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners in the
Agency of North Carolina
Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
2d, 1848, Page 188. Vol. 86
J. N. Smith
Page 75

Restoration
3040
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2, 1848, Sabra Edwards widow of Benjamin Edwards who was a private in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty dollars and --  cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of September 1860 and continuing for life, unless she should again marry in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior
this twenty third day of October
one thousand eight hundred and sixty seven

W. T. Otto
Acting Secretary of the Interior.

Examine and Countersigned
James A. Morgan 
acting Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 76

Application for Restoration of Pension.

Case Dropped under Act of February 4, 1862.

Mrs. Sara Edwards Applicant
Formerly on the
Fayetteville N.C.
Roll & now wishes
to be placed on the
Washington City
Roll

Stamp:
[illegible]
JUL 9 188?
PENSION OFFICE

Attorney.
Post Office Address.
S. W. WILLIAMS,
ATTORNEY AT LAW.
SOLICITOR OF CLAIMS AND
PATENTS
Washington City, D. C.
Page 77

June 10, 1685.
INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Name of the Court.
Clerk or Deputy Clerk, as the case may be.
3. Name in full of the applicant for a restoration of pension
Town County," as the case may be.
5. "H" or "whe" as the case may be.
et
lette as the
of such facts
and immediately after the statement
such be the
of sound or record
Here name the place or places at which the applicant has resided
His or her as the case may be.
been gained.
Here name the employment or other means by which a livelihood has
invalid pensioner say in which person
widow, say she comes
therein, say one we
.
Date above named
12.
miles from the county seat
he mark," as the case may be.
name or in her name or make his mark oumake
him or her, as the case may be.
.
in
ness
Extract Pension Office Circular, June 10, 1865,
Pensions in States Heretofore in Insurrection.
in resuming the execut
fore in insurrection
1
called
the
AN
to the for
ACT author
the pension laws in the several states hereto
owing acetary of the Interior directs
Congress:
brizing the Secretary of the
that attention be
sion rolls the names of such persons as have taken up arms against the Gov-
Interior to strike from the penhave
any manner and
the Senate and House of Repres
ago the rebels:
he, and he is hereby authorized
That the Secretary of the Inter
sales of the United
directed to strike from the pension rolls
the names of all such persons as have or may hereafter take up arms against
the Government of the United States, or who have
the rebels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause
in any manner encouraged
have resided with
Co., 102.
In accordance with the provisions of this act, the names of all pensioners who
pensions were in the insurrectionary States during the
rel
bellion, and whose
the following places, viz: Richmond and
Morgantown, N. C. Charleston, S. C., Nash
Knoxville, Jonesboro, and Jackson, Tenn.; Jackson, Miss.; New Orleans
, La.; Savannah, Ga.; Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola, Fla;
in Rock and Fort Gibson,
Ark., are hereby dropped from the pens
pension laws, must
in pensions at the above mined agencies, who at one of the
persons heretofore receivmake
application for restoration to the re
est evidence, in accordance with the forms and instructions published
with the re-
JOSEPH H. BARRETT,
Commissioner of Pensions.
N
will,
OFFICIAL REQUIREMENTS -- PENSION OFFICE.
the declarant, or any witness, sign by mark, the officer must certify that the
contents of the paper were made known to the affiant
before signing.
In every case the declaration or an avit must either be signed by the affiant
inadmissible.
where he grew the
The
allegations made in the applicant's declaration must be sustained by the
testimony of two credible and disinterested witnesses, to be certified as such
by the officer before whom the testimony is taken.
the applicant must also take and subscribed the oath prescribed in the recent
amnesty proclamation of the President of the
with the nation for
United States, filing such oath
location
applicant's declaration for form of oath
portion of
the applicant be an invalid pensioner, he must be examined by an army
surgeon, or by a surgeon duly appointed by this office, as to the continuance of
his disability. If a widow, she
otherwise
must file evidence of his appointment as such.
Page 78

Sold by J. H. H. Woodward, Louisville, Ky.
Application for Restoration to the Pension Roll
BY A PARTY WHOSE NAME HAS BEEN DROPPED UNDER THE ACT OF FEBRUARY 4, 1862.
The following Declaration must be executed before a Judge, or a Clerk, or a Deputy Clerk of a Court of Record, and, if before the Judge, the Clerk or Deputy Clerk thereof will certify said Judge's official capacity and signature, and attest the same under the seal of the Court. >Justice of the Peace or must not authenticate this paper. If he does the work is entirely useless, and must be all done over again before a Judge or Clerk, or Deputy Clerk of a Court of Record, as just above stated.

DECLARATION.
State of North Carolina County of Johnston SS:
On this 1st day of July A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty Seven personally appeared before me (1) Clerk of the (2) Superior Court in and for said County and state the same being a court of record (3) Sabra Edwards aged [4?]7 years, a resident of the (4) County of Johnston in the State of North who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that (5) She is the identical Sabra Edwards who was a pensioner on the roll of the Agency at Fayetteville in the State of No. Ca. and whose pension certificate (6) is lost. taken by rebel soldiers. 
That (5) she has resided since the first day of January, 1861, as follows: at her daughters Polly Edwards; in the easter portion of Johnston County N.C. 
That during this period (8), her means of subsistence have been (9) Charity of her neighbors.
That he has not borne arms against the Government of the United States, or has not in any manner been engaged in or aided or abetted the rebellion therein, or in any manner encouraged the rebels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause. Applicant makes the following additional declaration: "I (3) Sabra Edwards do solemnly swear (or affirm) in the presence of Almighty God, that I will hereafter support and defend the Constition of the United States and the Union of the States
thereunder that I wil in the manner, ade by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing
rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves: so help me God."
Applicant further states that he was a pension on the 4th day of Sept
A. D. 1880
That (10) She still continues as a widow.
This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of (S) her name to the pension rolls, and of obtaining a new pension certificate, such as may be entitled to under existing laws, reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substantiate (8) her original claim.

Applicate appoints S.W. Williams of Washington D.C (8) her Attorney irrevocably with full power of substution and revocation in (8) her sead behalf, and authorizes him to receive the Pension Certificate when issued.  Applicant's Post-Office address is Boon Hill County of Johnston State of North Carolina; that (8) her domicile or place of abode is (11) on the wagon road leading from Smithfield to Goldsborough about eight miles from the county seat of Johnston County & state above named

Sabra her X mark Edwards Applicant.
ATTEST: E. J. Parker
John McGuy

NOTE. -- Two persons who can write must sign their names here in attestation  of the Power of Attorney and the signature of the applicant. The officer administering the oath cannot be one of the 
attesting parties.

WITNESSES AFFIDAVIT.
Sworn to, subscribed, and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above written, and also personally appeared Polly Edwards and Patience Edwards residents of the (4) County of Johnston in the State of No. Ca; persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw (3) Sabra Edwards (12) make her mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with (13) her that (5) she is the identical person (5) she represents (14) herself to be. They further state that, according to their best knowledge and belief, the said (3) Sabra Edwards has never been engaged in or aided or abetted the rebellion in the United States, either directly or indirectly. That (5) she has never borne arms against the Government of the United States, or in any manner encouraged the rebels or manifested a sympathy with their cause. That (5) she has always borne and still bear true faith and allegiance to the Government, Constitution and Laws of the United States, and is of unquestioned loyalty.
That said applicant was a pensioner on the roll of the Agency at Fayetteville  in the State of North Carolina and was last paid, as they verily believe, (8) her pension to the .... day of .... A. D. 1857. That (5) she has resided since the first day of January, A.D. 1861, as follows: (7) at her daughter Polly Edwards in the easter portion of the County of Johnston State of North Carolina.
That during this period, to wit: from the first day of January, 1861, to the present time (8) her means of subsistence have been (9) the charity of her neighbors.
Page 79

That said applicant's pension certificate (6) is lost. taken by the rebel  soldiers

That (15) said applicant still continues a widow.
And they further swear that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim, and that they know these facts from a long personal acquaintance with the claimant and her habits and opinions
Two Witnesses:  Polly her X mark Edwards
Patience her X mark Edwards

who can write
names attest the signa-
ATTEST:
E. S. Parkin
Needham Warren

Note. – If the witnesses,
 or either of them, make 
their mark, let two persons
who can write their names 
attest the signatures.  The 
officer administering the oath 
cannot be one of the attesting parties.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of July A. D. 1867, and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Also, that the foregoing declaration and joint affidavit were read over and fully explained to, and understood by the respective parties before they signed the same. That I verily believe that the applicant has
never aided or abetted the rebellion in the United States, and is of reputed loyalty to the Government, Constitution, and laws thereof.
Jas. H. Ennis
ClK Superior Court

NOTE. -- If the Clerk of the Deputy Clerk of the Court takes the Declaration and affidavit instead of the Judge, he signs the above certificate and places the seal of the Court thereto, and following certificate then goes unauthenticated, but if the Judge administers the oath he signs the foregoing certificate, and then the Clerk or Deputy Clerk himself authenticates the certificatre hereto following.
State of North County of ... SS.
I ... Clerk of the .... Court within and for the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that .... before whom the foregoing Pension Declaration and joint affidavit were made and who has thereunto signed his name, was, at the time of so doing, Judge of the (2).... Court in and for the County and State above named, duly elected, qualified and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his said signature, as it above appears, is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of .... Court at Office in .... this .... day of ....A. D. 18...
....Clerk.
....Court.
Page 80

Stamp:

SMITHFIELD
JUL 30
NC

Thomas Green Esqr
Richmond VA
Page 81

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3rd March 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838.

State of North Carolina ⎬ SS
Johnston County
On this 30th day of July 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, Sabra Edwards, a resident of Johnston County and State of North Carolina aged sixty nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to Law, doth on her oath make following declaration in order to obtain the benefits provision made by the act of  Congress passed on the the March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. that she is the widow of Benjamin Edwards, who was a private the Revolution. For evidence of the said Benjamin Edwards services as a soldier in the revolution, she refers to the evidence upon which a certificate was granted to her, dated 26th June 1844, allowing her a pension of thirty Dollars the act of 7th July 1838, for five years. She further declares that she is still a widow. 
Sabra her X mark Edwards

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, and I further certify that Mrs. Sabra Edwards, the above declarant is personally known to me
L. Richardson JP


State of North Carolina 
Johnston County ⎬
I Thomas Bagley Clerk of the County Court of Johnston County do hereby certify that Lunsford Richardson whose name appears to the above Declaration of Mrs. Sabra Edwards is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Given under my hand and seal of office this 30th day of July 1844
Thoms Bagley, CCC
Page 82

Brief in the Case of Sabra Edwards, Wid of Benjamin
Priv in war of Revolution
Johnston County and State of North Carolina
Act Feby 7. 1848.

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF ExHIBITED,
The name of the pensioner was inscribed on the Roll 15th Jany 1849 at $30. pr annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1848. Restored 23 Oct 1867, to commence on the 4th September 1860.
She applies for a new Certificate & alleges the loss of the original.

H. Lanek
Examining Clerk.
C. R. Johnson

Name and residence of Agent
S. W. Williams
Present
Page 83

Left side:
3040
North Carolina
Sabra Edwards
widow of Benjamin Edwards
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 4th day of September 1866

Certificate of Pension issued the
23rd day of Oct 1867
and sent to S. W. Williams
Present


Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848 Page 188 Vol. H
J.N. Smith Clerk
Sent
Sent

Right side:

Duplicate issued March 12th 1868 &
sent to S. W. Williams, Present
Page 84

Vertical:

Oct 25, 43

N.C.
Addl proof
Sabra Edwards

Thos Green
Present

Stamp:
RICHMOND
Va.
OCT 23

Horizontal
J.L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington
Page 85

Col. J. L. Edwards    Richmond 23 Oct. 1843.
Washington
Sir:
I now enclose you (in order to sustain the application for a pension under the act of 7 July 1838, of Mrs Sabry Edwards of N. Carolina, which I sent you on 21 July, but was not satisfactorily proved, as appeared by yr letter of 16th Sept.) the affidavit of Robert Gurley - (who was at the marriage & saw them married by the officiating magistrate. He says after the marriage, they lived four or five years on her land - when they sold it to R. Massey, who sold it to Needham Oliver. 
I send also an authenticated copy of the Deed to R. Massey dated 28 Nov. 1796 - also the affidavit of Needham Oliver, that after Ben Edwards death Mrs. S. Edwards recovered the land from him, on account of the informality apparent on the face of the deed.
Here is then the highest sort of evidence to prove that there was a legal marriage between these parties, and the affidavits of two witnesses one of  who, was at the marriage reciting circumstances to show that the marriage must have taken place, prior to 1794.
The applicant swears, it occurred in her fifteenth year- which would make it in 1781 or 82 - Her neighbor Nancy Porter by comparing it with her own age would make it freely as soon and the affidavit of Ro. Gurley now sent as evidence that the marriage was was 4 or 5 years before the sale in Nov 1796. There is no record of the marriage, public or private - I am informed they were illiterate persons & probably had not a book of any sort .
Altho the witnesses do not in so many terms, say the marriage took place before 1794 Let the production of the copy of the deed in 1796, & the affidavit that the parties lived after marriage 4 or 5 years on this land, before it was sold taken altogether, is perhaps more to be relied on, as proof of a Marriage prior to "94, than would on the recollection of a witness who might swear properly to the fact.
I am V. Obt sert
Thomas Green