Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9855, for Benjamin Thackston, Virginia
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(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Va.  Thackston, Benjamin W. 9855
Betty Ann
CONTENTS
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11660
Virginia, Richmond
widow of Betty Ann Thackston, [illegible]
who died on the Benjamin
Va in the state of Virginia
who was a private in the commanded 
Captain of the commanded
in the Revolution 
for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond 
the rate of 30 Dollars 00 cents 
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. Ending 4th March 1841
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of May 1834 and sent to Wm. I. B Bedford
Arrears to the 4th of Charlotte C. H.
semi-annual allowance ending  Va.
he died 20th Sept 1841
{Revolutionary Claim Act July 7, 1838}

W. R. Weightman Clerk
Book D Vol. 1. Page 287
Page 3

I Branch J. Worsham clerk of the county court of Prince Edward county in the state of Virginia, do hereby certify, that it appears from the records of my office, that Benjamin Thackston and Betty Ann Chambers, were joined together by marriage, on the 7th day of February 1782, by John B. Smith. Certified under my hand with the seal of the court of said county affixed this 24th day of September 1838. B.J. Worsham, Cle
(seal)
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Ben. Thackston a resident of prince Edward County Va entered their service of my country soon after the Revolutionary war commenced served several campaigns in my own state was at  Hampton in 76 when independence was declared was im ployd by Cole Meredith their as armorer about eight months repairing many useless guns at their above town and at portsmoth was engaged in their state legion and Col Meade of Amelia C Va after these servises Joind their southern army under gen. green & acted with Col. Washingtons Cavalry with regular officers & fought with them at Gifford C House & continued in this service some time after:  I hope that as several of My county men and brothers in the glorious struggle have been handsomely enumerated that my beloved country will remember unfortunate 
Ben Thackston
Feby 11th 1831
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Virginia, Prince Edward County to wit:
I do hereby certify, that the within statement of Revolutionary services rendered by said Benjamin Thackston was found among his papers since his death _ That I am well acquainted with his hand writing and consider the whole to be in his usual hand writing - 
Edna Thackston Adams of Mary Thackston Dc.

Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the peace in the county and state aforesaid _ I further certify that the applicant is a credible person & his statement entitled to full confidence as given under my hand this 24th day of October, 1838   Henry Thursatt JP. 

I Branch I Worsham clerk of Prince Edward County Court in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Henry Thursatt is a Justice of the peace as above, and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of said county this 18th day of December, 1838. 
B I Worsham Cle
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Virginia Court. At a court held for the county of Charlotte, the first day of May 1854
On motion Satisfactory evidence was adduced in Court to prove that Betty Ann Thackston widow of Benjamin Thackston died, who was an applicant for a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 departed this life on the 20th day of September 1841. leaving the following Surviving Children, [illegible] John Thackston, Samuel Thackston, Homer Thackston, Benjamin Thackston and Mary Thackston who married Coburn Watson - All of whom are of legal age, and residents of the State of Virginia

State of Virginia, Charlotte County Court:
I Winslow Robinson Clerk of the County Court of the County of Charlotte in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the Forgoing is a true copy from the [illegible] and proceedings of the said court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said office this fifth day of May in the year 1834.
Winslow Robinson
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5797
V Declaration of
Betty Ann Thackston
for a Pension___
Married 1752
died
Under Act 7th July, 1838
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Declaration --
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 4th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows_"
State of Virginia Prince Edward County to wit:
On this 9th day of October, 1838, personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Betty Ann Thackston, aged 74 years, who first being duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtrain the benefits 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 Thackston, late of Prince Edward County, who was a soldier and officer in the militia service of Virginia in the war of the Revolution _ that she knows very little, if anything at all, respecting the services of her late husband in the Revolutionary war, except his own statement, and the statement of others who served with him_  She feels well satisfied in her mind, that he was a considerable length of time in the service; but for particulars of service, length of service, rank he held, the regiment and line to which he was attached, and officers commanding at the time, she begs leave to refer to the Army Records of the period and the accompanying certificates of soldiers who served with him and had the best opportunity of knowing the service: all of which she prays may be considered as part of her declaration_
She further declares that she was married
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to the said Benjamin Thackston on the 7th day of February, 1782, by John B. Smith;  that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Thackston, died on the 28th day of April, 1832;  that she was not married to him, prior to his leiving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four:  to wit at the time above stated _
Betty Ann her X mark Thackston

Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid, this 9th day of October, 1838__
S D Womack J.P.

Virginia: Prince Edward County to wit:
I do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Betty Ann Thackston, and have lived a neighbor to her for many years__ She is a very old lady and in a feeble state of health occasioned by old age and bodily infirmaties: insomuch that she cannot attend the county court of Prince Edward to make the foregoing 
Declaration __ I further certify, that she is a credible person, and her statement entitled to full confidence __ given under my hand this 9th day of October, 1838 __
S D Womack J P.
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Virginia Prince Edward County to wit:
I do hereby certify, as coming within my personal knowledge and recollection, that Benjamin Thackston, late of Prince Edward, departed this life on the 26th day of April, 1832; living at the time of his death, the said Betty Ann Thackston his widow, who is still alive and has remained a widow ever since the death of said Benjamin Thackston, resident in the county aforesaid -
William Thackton

sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and state, this 9th day of October, 1838 - I further certify, that the said William Thackton is a credible person, and his statement entitled to full confidence - Given under my hand the day and year above written -
L. D. Worrack
JP
I Branch J. Worsham clerk of the court of Prince Edward County in the State of Virginia, Certify that L. D. Womack is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto ~ affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 16h day of October 1838.
B. J. Worsham Cle
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Virginia, At a court held for Prince Edward County December the 17th 1838. On motion the declaration of Betty Ann Thackston of Prince Edward County, who draws a pension under the act of Congress passed 7th July 1838, with the accompanying documents was presented in Court, and the same was sent to the Court and the whole fully explained to the entire satisfaction of the Court, ordered that the same be certified to the War Department.
I Branch J. Worsham clerk of said County Court, do hereby under my hand with the seal of the said Court affixed, accordingly Certify the same, the date first above.
R. J. Worsham C,C,
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REVOLUTIONARY PENSION CLAIM.

ACT OF 7. July 1838.

Betty Ann Thackston,
Wid. Benjn.
Virginia.
Suspended.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
TO EXAMINE CLAIM.

CHARLES C. TUCKER,
Attorney,
Present.

26. July '54.
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Power of Attorney.

Know all men by these presents: That I Samuel Thackston of Benjamin and his widow Betty Ann Thackston do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint CHAS. C. TUCKER, of Washington City, D.C., my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the Claim of Benjamin & Betty Ann  Thackston for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due to under the provisions of the Act of [a blank space left for the date] or any other Act or Resolution of Congress, and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose herein expressed: and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.

WITNESS my hand and seal this 15th day of May 1854

In presence of
Samuel Thackston

STATE OF Virginia Prince Edward County

On this 15th day of May 1854, before me a Justice of the Peace in for the County and State above mentioned personally appeared Samuel Thackston and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purpose.

John T. Carter, I.P.
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 9855
Betty Ann Thackston
Wid
Benjamin Thackston
Privt Rev War
---
Act: July 7th 1838.
Index:--Vol. M, Page 270
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 15

Virginia
---
Betty Ann Thackston
widow of Benjamin
---
Sent let to TB Benjamin
July 7th, 1839. to do. Aug. 27.
1839. to do 4 May '40
to do 10 July 1840.
J. B. [illegible] Feb 6/53
Act 7th July 1838
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No 5197
Betty Ann Thackston, died
widow of Benjamin
Charlotte Co.
Act July 7 1838] Virginia
Admd 9 mon - private at
rate of $30 per annum
Commencing 4th March 1836
and ending 4th March 1841
the widow having died 20th
Sept. 1841 -
Pay to
John Thackston,
Samuel Thackston
Francis Thackston
Benjamin Thackston
and Mary Watson, only
surviving children of said
Certficate to
Mr J B Bedford
Charlotte C.
Va
Page 17

The Commonwealth of Virginia.
To Benjamin Thaxton Gent       Greeting:
Know you, that from the special trust and confidence is reposed in your fidelity, courage, activity, and good conduct, our GOVERNOR, with the advice of the Council of State, doth appoint you the said Benjamin Thaxton Ensign .. of the 9th Company, in the .. Regiment of Militia of the County of Prince Edward to take rank as such agreeable to the date and number of this Commission. IN testimony whereof, these our Letters are made patent. WITNESS, his Excellency PATRICK HENRY, Esquire, our said Governor, at Richmond, this Sixteenth day of May 1785.

(Registerd)

Tho. Meriwether
P. Henry
No A
(seal)
Page 18

Pension Office
February 4 1853

Sir,
The claim of Betsey Ann Thackston for a pension under the act of 7 July 1838 has been allowed by the Secretary of the Interior for nine months service.

Before a certificate can be issued we must have credence that she is yet alive or if dead, proof must be furnished showing the date of her death, and the names of the children who survived her.

I am respectfully,
Your Obt srt.
[illegible]
Commr.

Mr. L.B. Bedford, Esq
Charlotte CH
VA
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M 815a 30
Page 20

State of Virginia 
Charlotte C. House 
April 13th 1839 
Mrs Betty Ann Thackston of Prince 
Edward County, Va. for whom I am acting as agent, has requested me to enclose to the Pension Office her Declaration with accompanying papers, for a Pension under act of Congress of July 7th 1838- 
So soon as the deportment shall have time to act upon them, they will be pleased to let me know the result
I am, sir, very respectfully your most Oft. Serf Wm J. B. Bedford
J L. Edwards Esq
“Commr of Pensions"
War Department-
Page 21

Sept 4, 1852
Charlotte...Va
Aug 31, 1852

....Bedford
Appeals, 
Rel: A pension...of Miss Anglea - Betsey Ann Thackston and Mary Beach.

Kirby
Sept 4th 1832

Referred to the Com of Pensions for a report
Recd Sept 1 1852
Page 22

State of Virginia
Charlotte Ct: House
August 31st 1852

Sir,
As agent and attorney for the following Claimant of Pensions, I most respectfully beg leave to appeal from the Decision of Col J.L. Edwards, the former Commissioner of Pensions: To wit:
    Thomas Harvey for pension under Act of June 7th 1832 -
     William Anglea for pension under Act of June 7th 1832 -
    Mrs. Bettsy Ann Thackston, widow of Benjamin Thacketon, dead, under Act of 7th 1838-
    Mrs. Mary Beach, widow of Richard B. Beach, dead, under Act of 7th June 1838-
     The papers are filed in the Pension office, which please call for a the ground of appeal in that the ordinance filed in each case insufficient and ought to be satisfactory to establish each Claim. The result of your decision, please inform me of-

I am, Sir, very respectfully
Your obt. Servt
WM J.B. Bedford

Hon. A.H.H. Stuart
Secretary of Interior
Page 23

Benj Thaxton d 1832
Betty Ann M '82 S.

'76 8 mo Repairing Guns X {Hambill cert.}
      3.  Mead, Legion - saw him again at Battle Guilford
1781       held a com. at a Bat Guilf.
               - Thomas Harry viz.
1776    3 mo. C. Allen B. Thaxton says he was (illegible) more than 6 mo.
Benj. Thaxton own stat. Feb 1831
when Ind. was dec. was compl. by Col. Meredith at Hampton:  8 mo (illegible) was engaged in State Legion, Col. Meade after which joined Southern army was in Battle Guilford (illegible) sometime after.
Page 24

State of Virginia
Charlotte Ct. House
July 3d. 1840 -

Sir;
Your letter of May 4th 1840, in relation to Pension claim of Mrs Betty Ann Thackston, widow of Benjamin Thackston, deceased, was duly received-
Enclosed you will find evidence of his service
at Yorktown, which has not heretofore been furnished - This with other evidence formerly sent, I imagine, will bring Mrs Thackston case within the benefit of the provision of the act of 1838 -
I am very respectfully
your most Obt. Svt &c
Wm J. B. Bedford

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
War Department
Page 25

(stamp)
RICHMOND
JAN 3
Benjamin Thackston Esq.
Prince Edward C.H.
Virginia

Bonner Stotter
Instructions for
my claim
Page 26

Richmond, Jany: 4th 1831
Mr. Thackston,
Dear Sir, 
Yours of the 3d Nov directed to Cadwallader
Wallace I have just received - Mr Wallace, in consequence of indisposition in his family left here the 1st Ocot Expecting to get me to come immediately here, but I had Engaged in the
purchase of a drove of Hogs, which I had to drive and dispose of first - which I hope you will receive as Mr Wallaces sufficient apology for not having promptly answered you. 
If you served over 7 years you will be Entitled to 300 acres of land - If you could get a certificate of an Officer of your service it will be sufficient - If you cannot do this -Then make an affidavit yourself stating the particulars of your service giving the Cap &c you were under and if you can add to this the affidavit of another soldier the better - and send them to me and I will Endeavour to get what you are Entitled to.
I Expect soon to be in your County and will try and see you - as I am always pleased to see those who fought for our rights in the times that tried mens souls.
Your very respectful 
Matthew Bonner
Page 27

(page is illegible as there is heavy bleed through)
Page 28

(page is illegible as there is heavy bleed through)
Page 29

State of Virginia -
"Drakes Branch" on R & Dan -
wills R. Road

May 6th 1854 -

Sir,
I enclose the certificate on order of Court in regard to Heirship of Mrs Betty Ann Thackston & request that you send to me the certificate of Pension, when issued - I also send the letter of Mr. Heath former Commissioner of Pensions 
in order to avoid any mistake - in regard to the case - 
I am, Sir, very respectfully
your Obt. Sert. &c &c
Wm L. B. Bedford
atty for Heirs -

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
D. C

Note: I will respond in a day or two to your letter in regard to claim of George Holt for Land Bounty. I will look over my papers carefully, & feel much anxiety that the "certificate of right" shall be found, if in my possession -
Page 30

Brief in the case of Betty Ann Thackston, widow of Benjamin,  Charlotte County and State of Virginia
act July 7. 1838

Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance. 
The Secretary of the Interior, under date of January 17, 1853, ordered this claim to be admitted for 9 months.
[See his letter filed with the papers.]

Satisfactory proof has since been filed showing
the date of death of Mrs. Thackston, and the names of all her surviving children -Claim
allowed at rate of $30 per annum from 4th March 1836 to 4th March 1841-
(If for increase.) the widow having died 20th Sept 1841
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Wm J. B. Bedford Esq
Charlotte C.H.
Name and residence of Agent
Virginia

R Geddes
Examining Clerk.
Page 31

Department of the Interior
Washington January 17, 1853

Sir,
I have examined the case of Anna Thackston an applicant for a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 and am of opinion that the claims may very properly be allowed for nine months service, you will therefore please pen a certificate accordingly. The paper in the case are herewith returned.

I am very respectfully
Your obedient Servant,
Alex H.H. Stuart
Secretary.

James E. Heath Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 32

State of Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I Coleman Palmore of Charlotte, do hereby
certify, that I was well acquainted with Benjamin
Thackston, deceased, late of Prince Edward County, in the war of the Revolution, having served one tour of duty with him under Capt Michaux - I recollect distinctly, that in the month of July, 1781, a company of men were drafted from P. Edward under Capt Michaux, for the term of three months, and that said Benjamin Thackston and myself were among the number, and marched to Yorktown, and witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis - The said Thackston was Sergeant in the company - After surrender of Cornwallis, the said Thackston went as Guard over prisoners to Winchester - He was a great deal, in service, during the Revolutionary war, and no doubt rendered much service to his country - I have no Register of my age, but believe I am about 76 years of age -

Coleman ( his X mark ) Palmore

Virginia. Charlotte County to wit
This day Coleman Palmore came before me, a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid
and made oath to the above certificate, subscribed before me- I farther certify that he is a credible person, and his statement entitled to full confidence - Given under my hand this 1st day of June, 1840 -
John Harvey J P
Page 33

State of Virginia, Charlotte County Court:
I Winslow Robinson, Clerk of the County Court of Charlotte do hereby certify that (illegible) is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County duly Commissioned and qualified & that the signature annexed purporting to be his is genuine.
     Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 5th day of June 1840.
(seal)
Windslow Robinson C.
Page 34

Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I do hereby certify, that I became acquainted with Benjamin Thackston late of Prince Edward in
the early part of the war of the Revolution, and recollect of his marching to Portsmouth in 1776, and that finding he was a good hand upon a gun, the officers set him to work in repairing the damaged guns of the army- How long he was in the service on this occasion, I do not know, not being with him, but suppose something like eight months- I recollect distinctly, that he was attached to Col. Meade's Legion, and served about three months- He then marched to the South, was attached to Col. Washington's Regiment, and the next time I saw him was at the battle of Guilford - I never saw him any more, untill the close of the war - He was a good soldier, and served faithfully-
William P hamlet

Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
This day Wm. P. Hamlett came before me a
Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, and
made oath that the above certificate  by him in my presence, contained the truth to the best of his knowledge and belief - I farther certify, that he is a credible person, and his statement entitled to the utmost confidence - Given
under my hand this 4th day of February, 1839-
John Harvey J P
Page 35

Virginia Charlotte County court
     I Winslow Robinson Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Kenday (?)  is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified and that the Signature annexed purporting to be his is genuine.
     Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 5th day of February 1839.
    Winslow Robinson Cl.

(seal)
Page 36

Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I Thomas Harvey of Charlotte, do hereby certify, that Benjamin Thackston late of Prince Edward was at the battle of Guilford in North Carolina in 1781, and was attached to Col Washingtons troop of Cavalry - How long he had been in service, I am not able to say; for I merely met with him on that accasion: but have always understood, he served sometime in the army, and was considered a good and faithfull  soldier - He held some commission in the army, but do not recollect what-
[Signed] Thomas [his mark] X Harvey


Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
This day Thomas Harvey came before me a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, and made oath that the foregoing Certificate taken before me and subscribed in my presence contained the truth to the best of his knowledge and recollection - I for this certify, that he is a credible person, and his statement enlitled to full confidence given under my hand this 11 day of February, 1839
[Signed] John Harvey JP
Page 37

Virginia, Charlotte County Court
     I Winslow Robinson clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Harvey is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signatures annexed purporting to be his is genuine.
     Given under my hand & the seal of my office this the 6th day of February 1839.
(seal)
Winslow Robinson Cl.
Page 38

Virginia: Prince Edward County to wit
I Nathaniel Thackston do hereby certify that
Benjamin Thackston late of Prince Edward, was
a soldier in the war of the Revolution: as well
as my memory serves me in the latter part of
1776, he marched under Capt Charles Allen
to Portsmouth Va, and served on that occasion about three months; that afterwards he marched under Capt Philemon Holcomb to North Carolina, and was at the battle of Guilford - How long he served on this occasion, I am unable to say positively, but believe he was in service altogether more than six months -
Nathl Thackston

Virginia: Prince Edward County to wit:
This day Nathaniel Thackston came before me
a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid
and made oath that the foregoing certificate contained the truth to the best of his knowledge and recollection - I further certify that he is a credible person and his statement entitled to full confidence - Given under my hand this 15th day
of October, 1838-
Joseph Redd J P.