Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31367, for Archibald Skaggs, Virginia
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Service Va. 
Skaggs, Archibald 
Number S. 31367
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Kentucky 26.913
Archibald Skaggs
of Adair Co in the State of KY
who was a Jayler in the Comp commanded by Captain Tayler of the Regt commanded by Col Preston in the VA line for Militia
1/2 Mo P $25.00
Inscribed on the roll of KY
at the rate of 23 Dollars ___ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of July
and seal to
32 Wm Owens Columbia
Arrears to the ___of line of his death
21 April 1833
$53.22
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by J. T. Sprague clerk
Book 6 Vol 7 page 44
Certified issued to Barbara
Skaggs his widow
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Pension of Archibald
Skaggs now decd husband
Dec 3, 1833
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State of Kentucky Adair County and Circuit Sct 

On this 7th day of September 1832 personally appeared before me Daniel Tralue one of the Commonwealths Justices of the peace and one of the Justices of the County Court of said County being a Court of record Archibald Skaggs a resident of Adair County, Kentucky aged seventy two years last January who being first sworn according to law doth on his own oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. He states that he was born on the 1st of January in the year 1759 in _____ County in South Carolina and my parents moved to Virginia in Hallifax [sic, Halifax] County and then moved to little River near New River then Botetourt County Va., and afterwards Montgomery County and in or about the year 1779 I was ordered out in the militia to do a tower of duty by Col. Preston and John Taylor was our Captain we went down New River forty miles or upwards to Culberson's bottom Fort [sic, Culbertson's Bottom Fort, a/k/a Fort Byrd and Fort Field] to guard the fort against the Indians I served at that fort one Month and was Discharged and I think got a written Discharge but don't  remember what went with it & returned home and a while after that I volunteered to go a six Months tower of duty called Mackintosh's
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...we were ordered out by Col Preston
Campaign Barley was our Lieutenant  Janus Thomson was our Captain we was Marched Down the River through green river a crop gally Mountain and Galley River and near the mouth of Kinarsay we was stoped  we was now about  three hundred Miles from home  we was then marched towards home all but perished to Death and on Galley River we was Discharged and if I got any written Dicharge I have lost it and a while after that time perhaps in the year 1780 I was ordered out again to go against the Torys for 15 Days and Daniel Trig was our Capt we performed said tour of Duty we ketched between 50 & 100 Torys __ Col Preston compelled the whole of them to enlist or find a substitute to go into the United states army.

I do further state that I was seven Months
fifteen Days in service in the said  Revolutionary war and expect to prove it
by Henry Scaggs of Gracin County They then by  Be linguist  that forver Claim whatever to a prescibed or annuaty I Do further state that I have never been on any Pension list or Rool (Roll) of any state or I further state I always complyed with all & every engagement I under took in & for said  ___ in said Revolutionary War. 

S/ Archibald Skaggs

I Daniel Trabue one of the Justice of the peace for the County of Adair & state of 
Kentucky and one of the justices of 
of the County Court for said County
do certify that on the 7th day of...
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...September 1832 I went to the house of Archibald Skaggs in said County and at his request wrote his declaration and propounded to him the interrogations prescribed by the war department which I endeavored to embody in his declaration I do certify that having read to him the declaration he subscribed it in my presence and was sworn to its truth by me I further certify that he is & has for a long time been afflicted with the gravel and is confined to his house & generally to his bed and cannot from bodily infirmity attend the courts of his County held in Colombia at the distance of 7 miles. I further certify that I have known Archibald Skaggs for 37 years living where he now does that he has been reputed a man of the most worthy character and a soldier of the revolution in his neighborhood I do further certify that having examined Thomas (crossed out) Henry Skaggs of Grayson County spoken of in the foregoing declaration touching this service I do hereby declare that it is my opinion after the investigation...
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Archibald Skaggs
Declaration
not a Pension
14251
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of the matter and of the putting the interrogation prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and he further certifies that it appears to him that Henry Skaggs of Grayson county who proved his services is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit given under my hand as a justice of the Adair county court.
Daniel Trabue [signature] JPAC

I William Caldwell clerk of the Adair County Court do certify that Daniel Trabue whose name is annexed to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same & at the time of the examination of the applicant at the time of the examination of the applicant a justice of the county court and full faith and credit is entitled to be attached to his official acts and that the signature of said D. Trabue here to annexed is his genuine signatures.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 8th day of Sept 1832 41st year of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Wm Caldwell CACC
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State of Kentucky Adair
County & Circuit SS
On this 8th day of September 1832 was produced in open court in the circuit court of Adair County being a court of record the state went of Archibald Skaggs resident in Adair County and the same being read together with the certificate of D Trabue Esq. a justice of the peace an of the county court and Henry Skaggs of Grayson County appeared in open court and subscribed and was sworn to his affidavit and was [illegible] on oath by said court and proof being made of the credibility of said Henry Skaggs the court do hereby declare this opinion after the investigation of the matter and the examination of the witnesses that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier served as he states and that Henry Skaggs who signed the affidavit proving the services is a resident of Grayson County and is a credible
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I William Caldwell clerk of the Adair Circuit Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Archibald Skaggs for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 8th day of September 1832 & 4th year of the commonwealth of [illegible]
Wm Caldwell [signature]
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Henry Skaggs of Grayson County Kentucky aged seventy three years makes oath that ever since he remembers anything he remembers his cousin Archibald Skaggs who has applied for a pension they have been acquainted throughout their lives in the new river country in what is now Montgomery county Virginia they were raised from childhood at about the age of 20 years Colo Preston Called for troops to guard the frontier on New River and he & Archibald both were enrolled he does not recollect whether it was their tour according to the division numbers they had drawn as whether they volunteered they both however served on their own account & not as substitutes he states that they were commanded by Capt John Taylor of the same county perhaps then Bottetout they marched down New River about forty miles to a fort erected in Cullierson bottom called Culherson botton for there they remained one month guarding the [fonties] they were then relieved by another guard they were discharged by Capt Taylor
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But whether verbally or in writing he did not recollect during all this time Archibald was his such mate & he states that he knows well that Archibald served one month on this tour. He states they returned home & after some time there was a call for men to go against the Indians on the Ohio at the mouth of the Great Kena wa. By Colo Preston & Archibald & himself again volunteered thin Captain was James Thompson he does not recollect the name of his Liut & ensign their rendezvous was held at the old Wm. Thompsons in Montgomery County Via from thence they marched down new reiver and to the levels of Green briar and from thence down New river crossing Ganly Mountain & river and in a direction to Point Pleasant at the mouth of the Kenha wa & when they had reached within three miles of the last named place they were met by an [express] from Colo Mc Intosh directing them to return as winter had set in & the Indians dispersed.
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& their serves not wanted they marched back on the same rout being now wholly without provisions & suffering greatly with cold & hunger and on the bank of the Gauley river they were discharged by Capt Thompson but whether in writing or not he does not know he reached home in the dead of winter he cannot recollect the length of time they were given he remembers they were credited for a 6 monthly tour during this time Archibald & him self were mess mates & he knows well that he performed this tour he cannot recollect the year in which this campaign was made. In the year 1780 as he things a call was made to pursue & take Tories & deserters in their own County Colo Preston having discounted that one Cox of ________ County Virginia was [undecipherable] a troop of Tories ordered him to be taken & found with him a list of Tories who were to embody themselves under Cos 4 March to N Carolina & join the British Col Preston then called
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For troops to assist in taking those Torries & Archibald & himself voluntarily turned in under Capt Danl. Trigg they marched to Michael Briers & having seized divers Tories in that neighborhood & then tried them by Court martial and thence to Samuel Peppers on the Bank of New River & there took & tired many more from thence they crossed New River & held another Court martial at Stoptrel Catrans Reedy Creek & thence up the same creek to Jacob Catrans & tried others they took from 50 to 100 Tories & compelled them to swear allegiance to Virginia State & enlist in the regular army by themselves or substitute during the war on this service they spent 15 days & were discharged of Jacob Catrans but he does not recollect whether in writing or verbally they were mess mates on this campaign & he has a full knowledge of the services of Archibald during the time above spoken of that Archibald
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Named from the New River Country upwards of forty years ago & shortly after after wards he moved he has known Archibald ever since being upward of forty years in the neighborhood where he now lives in Kentucky.
Henry Skaggs his mark
State of Kentucky Adair count S R J Daniel Trabue a Justice of the Peace in [undecipherable] for the county of a certify that on this 7 day of ____ 18 _____ Henry Skags subscribed and was duly sworn to the above deposition and I believe he is the age he states & I further state that said henry Skaggs is a credible person this statement is entitled to credit given under my hand this day & year of
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Henry Skaggs Affidavit
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State of Kentucky
Adair County
On this third day of December 1833 personally appeared in open court before the worshipful County Court of Adair County state of Kentucky now sitting Barbara Skaggs a resident citizen of the county of Adair aforesaid and state of Kentucky aged 60 years who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is the widow of Archibald Skaggs deceased who departed this life in the county aforesaid on the Twenty first day of April 1833 and who made his declaration for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th1832 before Daniel Trabue Esquire a Justice of the peace in and for the County of on the 7th day of Sept 1832 to which Declaration she offers this as an amendment she states that she verily believes that her said Husband served as a private soldier in the army of the Revolution as he has stated in his declaration she has often heard him speak of his services long before he made his declaration she states that she does not know of any witness who can prove the service of her deceased husband other than the evidence already taken
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And hereto annexed she further states that at the time Her said husband made his declaration there was no clergyman residing in the vicinity of her said husband and that he had for a long time been laboring under a service malady of which he since died 
In answer to the several interrogatories prescribed by the war department she states she cannot respond not having sufficient information upon that subject but would presume her said husband from the county in which he served was not with regular troops or militia regements other than those stated in his declaration in answer to the 7th interrogatory she states that her said husband was acquainted with Colo Daniel Trabue who has certified for him and many others who would have certified as to his good character Subscribed and sworn to before and in open court the Day and year Aforesaid
Barbara Skaggs her mark
We William Caldwell & Thomas Gilmore Esq residing in the county of Adair Came into court and made oath that they are well acquainted with Barbara Skaggs that she is the widow of Archibald Skaggs dec formerly of the County aforesaid and that she is a reputable person
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And the court certify that William Caldwell & Thomas Gilmore Esq who has signed the preceding certificates & affidavits are residents of Adair County and are Credible persons and their statements are entitled to Credit
State of Kentucky
Adair county
William Calwell Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid Certify that the foregoing amended declaration of Barbara Skaggs was [wade in] open court and I further certify that William Caldwell & Thomas Gilmore Esq was duly sworn in open court and signed the above certificate
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court this 15th day of May 1834
Wm Caldwell [signature]
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14.251
Archibald Skaggs Dec
Kentucky
For 1779 pr 7 ½
$25
Barbara Skaggs widow
Date of deceased 21 Ape 1833, amt due $53.32/100
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14.251
Brief in the case of Archibald Skaggs County of Adair in the State of Kentucky
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1.	Was the declaration made before a court or a Judge? Justice of the Peace
2.	If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? Yes
3.	How old is he? 72.
4.	State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period; Duration of Service; Rank; Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
In 1779; 1 month; Private; Capt. Taylor, Col. Preston
Vol [volunteer]; not stated [illegible] 15; Private; Col. Preston, Capt. Thompson
1780; In all seven months and fifteen days; Private; Capt. D. Trigg
5.	In what battles was he engaged? None
6.	Where did he reside when he entered the service? Montgomery Cty. Md.
7.	Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? A witness
8.	Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? And if so, in what respect? They are not connected with the seal as required.
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Examining clerk
F Waugh Feb. 16. 1833
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31367
INVALID Revy
File No 31367
Archibald Skaggs
Pen Rev War
Act: June 7th 32”
Index: Vol. 2, Page 375
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which these answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Archibald Skaggs 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 amount 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
VII.	Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? 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
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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? 2 citizens No
XII.	If the clergyman’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining 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 declaration that such proof cannot be had? 2 witnesses

XIV.	If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes                    Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under yes his seal of office? 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? No 

XVII.	Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And if not, which of them is not so answered? 5.7. 

EXPLANATORY NOTES. QUERE

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 recol- lection 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 1 claim a pension."
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It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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. 
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 be belonged. The madistrate 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 authenticated 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.
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Columbia KY. May 15th 1834
Dear I enclose you the original Declaration of Archibald Skaggs Dec together with the amendment made by his fellow I mislaid it and this is my apology for not sending it any sooner whether her answer to this interrogatories required by the war departure but be satisfactory you are the judge so it is the can say no more than she has said; being ignorant of the facts, I can only say W. Skaggs was Highly reputable & his services never was doubted, & if the allowance can constantly be made you will pleases do so & communicate to me as soon as convenient.
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Columbia KY May 16th
Free Pension Claim
Edward Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
Kentucky Returned 
Rec 28 May 1834