Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9502, John Levy Blades, Md.
Page 1

(3-1776) 
Md. 

Blades, John Levy 
Lancaster, Sarah
(Former widow) 

NUMBER 
W. 9502 

CONTENTS 
This woman's last husband was pensioned, see William Lancaster, Va S. 16912.
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Indiana 4380 
Sarah Lancaster [illegible] widow of John Levy Blades Md. who died in February 1784 of Switzerland in the State of Indiana who was a private in the compy commanded by Captain - of the Regt commanded by - in the Rev for 2 years. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Madison at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of July, 1846 and sent to W. C. Keen, Esq [New] York Inda 

Arrears to the 4th of March, 1846 $1200.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept '46 40.00 
$1240.00 

{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd} 

Recorded by Tho. Lumpkin Clerk, 
Book C. Vol. 1 Page 200 

Reported

Date of death not on OB
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The State of Indiana, Switzerland County}ss.
On this 18th day of November A.D. 1844 personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the justices of the peace in and for said county Sarah Lancaster, a resident of Craig township, county aforesaid, aged Eighty nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress dated July 7, 1838, entitled “an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows,” and the several acts since made and passed amendatory thereto=that she is the widow of J.L. Blades who was a private soldier in the War of the Revolution, and served as such in the year 1777, 1778, [1779 and 1776]; having entered the services of the United States in the county or Worcester or Somerset in the Second Maryland Regiment=that the said Blades served the greater part of said four years as such private soldier, and departed this life in the month of February A.D. Seventeen hundred and Eighty, that in consequences of old age, her memory has become impaired and she cannot particularize [illegible] of her said husband’s services or the names of his regiment officers=that he served five or six tours of duty=she believes that he served under a Captain Deshield and a Captain Vance. She was married to said Blades on the 17th day of Feb. A.D. 1776 by a parson [illegible] (long since dec’d) of the church of England=that she bore a son to said John Levi Blades I the year 1777, who is still living=that she has [illegible] of the [illegible] of her son[illegible, below bottom of page] husband John L. Blades-and [illegible] of any
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person, by which she can prove said service or marriage= she was married in the County of Somerset, State of Maryland as aforesaid when it was the custom to post notices of impending marriage on the.church door = Her name is not on the pension roll of any State. She further declares that she was married to said Blades on the 17th day of February in the year of one thousand seventeen hundred and seventy six=that her said husband John Levi Blades died on the  -- day of February A.D. 1784=that she was married to him prior to his entering the service of the United States= that this marriage took place previously to the first day of January A.D. 1794=viz at [illegible] above stated the [illegible] she further testifies that she was married to William Lancaster a pensioner of the United States on the 11th day of September 1813=Who died on the 4th day of April 1843  (said William Lancaster's certificate was [illegible] 13.1833). She further testifies that she has never [illegible] She [illegible] that the records in the War office relative to her bounty land may be[illegible]= where she is informed evidence of [illegible] service are filed. The said Blades was named John Levi Blades but had usually been called Jack and further saith not.

Sarah (her x mark) Lancaster

Witnesses Present
William Lancaster
Catherine J Lancaster

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above named.

Isaac McKay
Justice of the Peace
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The State of Indiana Switzerland county, ss

On this Twenty Sixth day of June A.D. 1845 personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Associate Judges of the Switzerland Co Circuit court Sarah Lancaster, a resident of Craig township, Switzerland County aforesd aged ninety years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following additional declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4, 1836, and the act explanatory of said act, passed March 3 1837: that she is the widow of John Levy Blades=that she was married to said Blades, who was a private soldier and enlisted in the second regiment of Maryland troops, in the war of the Revolution for during the war on the tenth day of March A.D. 1777=was taken prisoner by the British in January 1780 and was honorably discharged on the 15th of November 1783=on the seventeenth day of January, Seventeen hundred seventy, 1770= that her husband said Blades died on the __day of February, Seventeen hundred and Eighty four= that she was afterwards married to William Lancaster on the 11th day of September 1813, who died on the 4th day of November 1843=that she still remains a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof, heretofore furnished the commissioner of Pensions at Washington City. She further testifies that she is not able to attend personally in court, which is at a distance from her place of residence by reason of bodily disability attendant on old age.
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Sarah (her x mark) Lancaster

Witnesses Present
David Cain
Sturnwell Glaskett
Harold Basita

Sworn to and subscribed before me this Twenty sixth day of June A.D. 1845
David Cain associate Judge

I David Cain one of the Associate Judges of the Switzerland circuit court, holden(sic) at the town of Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana where said Sarah Lancaster resides do hereby certify that the above named Sarah Lancaster (late Sarah Blades) is from bodily debility, incident to persons of her age unable to attend the court, personally of which I am a judge and I do not thin from present appearances that she will be able to attend the court above named at its next and in fact any subsequent session:  I have therefore in pursuance of the act of Congress of March 1, 1823 attended at her place of abode, and administered the foregoing oath, In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name this 26th day of June A.D. 1845. The word "Ninety" erased and the word "Eighty" overwritten before signing.

David Cain, Associate Judge

State of Indianna Switzerland County

I Edward Patton, Clerk of the Switzerland Circuit Court do certify that David Cain Esqr is one of the Associate Judges of said Court that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine and in his own handwriting. In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said court, this 30th day of June 1845

Edward Patton Clerk
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Sept. 19, 1845

[]

Sarah Lancaster

On Public Business 10

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
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The State of Indiana, Switzerland County,ss.

Be it remembered that on this tenth day of September 1845 I David Cain, one of the Associate Judges of the county aforesaid, residing in Craig Township, county aforesaid attended at the place of residence of Sarah Lancaster who was the wife of J.L. Blades, (who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution) said Sarah Lancaster, being an applicant for a widow's pension by virtue of being the wife of the said John Levy Blades and found said Sarah still unable to attend a court of record:  therefore after reading the letter from the commissioner of Pensions, addressed to Wiliam C. Keen Esqr of New York Indiana, dated August 14, 1845 proceeded to examine said Sarah Lancaster upon the subjects in said letter referred to. I have been acquainted with said Sarah for twenty years last past & have always esteemed her a pious, worthy woman, and of the strictest truth and veracity. She is upwards of Niney years of age; very feeble, decriped(sic) and childish & is nearly blind and deaf. It is difficult to converse with her, and her mind is and has been for several years back much impaired and shattered from old age, and is daily growing worse.
I have in my own handwriting, drawn up her statement in the form of an affidavit. It is as follows:  Sarah Lancaster after being first duly sworn, deposeth and saith that at the time of making said Declaration originally she did not intend her statement to be considered as a true and perfect account of her husband's services or so state them but stated them as being to the best of her knowledge & information that in consequence of old age her memory has become so impaired that she could not particulares
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the various times of her husband joining the army but that he service 5 or six tours of duty-she is ignorant of military terms that her husband came home as many as five or six times during the war she is certain on furlough, as she now believes from subsequent information and that she believed that each going to the army was a new tour of duty=the names of Vance, Deshields, Hopewell, &c were names familiar to the neighborhood where she lived and more from that reason than any other she believed that he served under them. 
When she received word of his capture as a prisoner it came in the horrible form of Death=She believed him dead=That being in 1780 was impressed on her mind as the fear of his death in deed, but he lived to come home again, and died some three months after his return from the army. She caused since she filed her original application, a correspondence to be opened with an eastern friend from which she has been put in possession of many facts relative to the case. she now deposeth and saith that she verily believes that her said husband said Blades enlisted in the service of the United States in the war of the revolution, in the second regiment of the Maryland line for during the war as a private soidier on the 10th day of March A.D. 'seventeen hundred & seventy seven was made a prisoner of war in January 7 1780 and received his pay up to the 15th day of November A.D. 1783 after the army was disbanded and died on the 17th day of January A.D. Seventeen hundred and eighty four.
A custom prevailed in Maryland in A.D. 1776 to post notices of the intention of the persons to be married for three weeks upon the church door-that was done and she was married February 17 1775 by Parson Scott an Episcopalian Minister & the records of the facts were destroyed when the court house of Worcester County

s
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Maryland was burnt/see letter from clerk of that County heretofore filed.
Sarah (her x mark) Lancaster
Catherine
William Lancaster
Sworn to and subscribed this 10th day of September A.D. 1845
David Cain
Associate Judge [illegible]
The State of Indiana, Switzerland County ss
I Edward Patton clerk of the Switzerland circuit court do hereby certify that David Cain Esquire is one of the Associate Judges, in and for said county, duly elected, commissioned and sworn into office. The above signature purporting to be his is genuine and that the foregoing affidavit of Sarah Lancaster is in his own proper handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Vevay, county and State aforesaid this Eleventh day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
Edward Patton Clerk
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William Lancaster
S. 1691[2]
John Levy Blades
W. 9502
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. W.A. Barber
Madison
Indiana

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Lancaster of Switzerland County, Indiana.

The record of William Lancaster follows as found in pension claim, S. 16912, based upon his service in the the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War record of John Levy Blades is given herein, also which may be of interest to you, as William Lancaster married his widow.

William Lancaster was born November 17, 1745 in Hanover County, Virginia; he was christened in King William County, Virginia. The names of his parents were not given.

While residing in Orange County, Virginia, William Lancaster enlisted, January 20, 1779, served two months as private in Captain William Buckner's company, Colonel Harvey's Virginia regiment and guarded the British and Hessian prisoners at Albemarle Barracks. He enlisted in 1780, served ninety days in Captain Benjamin Johnson's company, under Major Nathaniel Welsh. He enlisted sometime in July or August, 1781, served for months under Abner Porter, commissary, and was engaged in collecting cattle for the army.

He moved about fifteen years after the Revolution

Note: See her letter in William Lancaster's S. 16912
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2--

from Orange County, Virginia, to Kentucky and lived there about twenty-eight years then moved to Indiana.

The soldier, William Lancaster, was allowed pension on his application executed November 12, 1832, at which time he was living in Switzerland County, Indiana.

**********************************
John Levy Blades--W. 9502

The data which follow were obtained from pension claim W. 9502 based upon the service of John Levy Blades in the Revolutionary War.

The date and place of birth of this soldier are not shown, nor are the names of his parents given. He was named "after his uncle" John Levy.

John Levy Blades of Worcester County, Maryland, enlisted March 10, 1777, served as a private in Captain DeShields' and Vance's companies, and in Colonel Gunby's and John E. Howard's 2nd Maryland regiment; he was in several battles, was taken prisoner by the British January 28, 1780, and was discharged November 15, 1783. It was not stated how he was released from prison.

John Levy Blades married January 17 or February 17 1776 in either Somerset or Worcester County, Maryland, Sarah; her maiden name is not given, nor is it stated when and where she was born.

He died in January or February, 1784 in Worcester County, Maryland. Their son, Zadock Blades, was born in the month of May, 1777. He, with his widowed mother, Sarah Blades, moved to Kentucky and lived in Mason and
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Braken Counties.

The widow, Sarah Blades, married September 11, 1813 in Bracken County, Kentucky, William Lancaster. He was a soldier in the Revolution and a pensioner, and died November 4, 1843 in Switzerland County, Indiana. The said Sarah was his second wife.

Sarah Lancaster was allowed pension on account of the service of her husband John Levy Blades on her application executed June 26, 1845, then living in Craig Township, Switzerland County, Indiana, aged ninety years.

In 1844, Catherine, the wife of Mallory Lancaster, (son of William Lancaster by his fist wife, name of this wife not given) was a resident of Switzerland County, Indiana.

William and Catherine J. Lancaster were of Switzerland County, Indiana 1845; it is not stated that they were related to each other or to the soldier, William Lancaster.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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Commonwealth of Kentucky, Bracken County}sct
Be it remembered that o this 27th day of December A.D. 1845 personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace within and for said county, George S Houston, of said county of lawful age who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that in the year 1777, he resided in Pittscreek Hundred in the State of Maryland, county of Worcester; that he was then and there well acquainted with John Levy Blades and Sarah Blades, his wife (said Sarah afterwards married William Lancaster of the State of Indiana); that said John Levy Blades enlisted on the ___ day of March seventeen hundred and seventy seven as a private soldier in the second Maryland Reg’t for during the War of the Revolution and served as such private soldier, and was honorably discharged in November of 1783. Deponent saw and read his discharge; that said John L. Blades died in Jan or February of Seventeen hundred and Eighty four; that said John L. Blades was married to said Sarah by the Rev. W. Scott, and Episcopalian Minister, in the month of February of Seventeen hundred and sixty(sic) six (1776) in Worcester County, Maryland; that said deponent saw said Blades at his home several times during said war being absent from the army on furlough; that said Blades informed deponent that he had been a prisoner of the British; that
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that deponent removed to the county aforesaid in A.D. 1813, and has continued to reside these ever since that time and that from information he believes that Zadock Blades, late of Dover, in Mason County, State of Kentucky was the son of said John Levy Blades, who was of Worcester County aforesaid and further saith not.

George S. Houston

Sworn to and subscribed before me this ___day of December A.D. 1845, and I certify that said affiant is a credible person witness my hand and seal.

Wm Pepper J.P. (seal)
Justice of the peace
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State of Indiana, Switzerland Co. sct
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for said County Parker Truett/Truitt of lawful age, who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he resided in Bracken County, State of Kentucky in the year 1802; that he lived in the neighborhood of, and was intimately acquainted with, Sarah Blades, the widow of John L. Blades, deceased; that he heard said Sarah frequently speak concerning her said husband; that he was a private Soldier in the revolutionary War; that he was taken prisoner by the British in 1780; that he died in 1784; enlisted in 1777; that said Sarah Blades, widow as aforesaid was in said Bracken County, married to Wm Lancaster (who was also a soldier in said war of the Revolution); that said William Lancaster removed with his family to Switzerland County Indiana and there died; that said Sarah widow of said William Lancaster, now resided in Craig township township(sic), Switzerland County aforesaid; is very old, feeble and childish; that she is and always was esteemed, a woman of truth and veracity; that he was acquainted with Zadock Blades who was believed and reputed to be the son of said John L. Blades and Sarah Blades; that in the year 1802 that said Zadock had the appearance to this affiant of being 25 years old and further saith not,
Parker Truitt
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The within Parker Truitt was duly sworn and subscribed before me this 6th day of June A.D. 1845 and I certify that said Parker Truitt is a credible person.

John McCullough (seal)
Justice of the Peace

In this case of Sarah Lancaster, late Blades; if the annexed evidence will be found to be in accordance with the records in your department, with respect to duration of Service, will entitle her to a pension under the act of Congress of July 4, 1836, Section Three. See also Act of March 3, 1837.

Respectfully yours
William C. Keen
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William C. Keene, Esqr
New York, Indiana

mail
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Land Office, Annapolis
22nd April, 1846

I hereby Certify That it appears by the Muster Rolls of the Revolution remaining in this office, That John Blades enlisted as a private in the 2nd Maryland Regiment for during the War on the 10th day of March 1777 and on the 28th day of January 1780 was prisoner war, And I further Certify, That by a Pay Roll kept by John Hamilton Agent for the Maryland line, also remaining in this office, That John Blades, a private received $80.00 cts, arrears of pay from the 1st August 1780 to the 1st of January 1782, also $80.00 Pay from the 1st of January 1782 to the 1st of January 1783, Also $43.00 cts. Pay from the 1st of January to the 15th of November 1783. Gratuity $80.00 cts, Total received $283.00cts.

George G. Brewer
Regr Land Off. Md.
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Land Office, Annapolis, 22nd April, 1846.
Dr Sir,
Your letter of the 10th Inst. was received. There is not to be found upon any of the records of the Revolution in this office the  name of any person called John L. Blades. I send you herewith a certificate of from the Master & payrolls of one John Blades, which from the dates given in your letter, I should presume is the same person, and that the middle name L. was omitted upon the roll. This is the only person of the name of Blades that I find upon any of the rolls. The enclosed certificate is properly authenticated. As Mr. Edwards, the Commissioner of Pensions, has never required a certificate of the kind to be under the Seal of the Land office, and if he did, I do not know that I should feel authorized to furnish it under seal, because the rolls of the Revolutionary soldiers were only deposited in this office a few years ago by act of Assembly, with authority to furnish Certificates from the rolls of the service of any soldier whose name appeared upon the role. [illegible] thing more has ever been required,
(In haste)        Very respectfully yrs G.G. Brewer
William C. Keene, Esqr.
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6775

Sarah Lancaster In. 

Act of July '36

Admd

2 yrs private $80.00

Wm. C. Keen, Esqr.
New York, In.
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The State of Indiana, Switzerland county}ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said County Jesse V. Dailey and Margaret Dailey, both of said county and of lawful age, who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that they were acquainted with Zadock Blades, son of John L. Blades and Sarah Blades, in Bracken County, State of Kentucky in the year A.D. 1816; that said Zadock Blades was then some twenty or thirty years of age, and was the reputed son of said John L. Blades and the acknowledged son of said Sarah Blades who was after the death of said John Levi Blades married to William Lancaster; that said Sarah Lancaster now resides in Craig township, County and State first aforesaid.
Jesse V. Dailey
Margaret Dailey
Sworn to and subscribed before me this Eighth day of May A.D. 1845, and I hereby certify that said Jesse V. Daily and Margaret Daily, are persons of credibility and truth.
James H. Campbell (seal)
Justice of the Peace
Page 23

State of Indiana, Switzerland County, ss.

I Edward Patton clerk of the Switzerland Circuit Court, hereby certify that James H. Campbell, is an acting justice of the Peace within and for said County; that the signature to the within affidavit is genuine and in his own proper handwriting.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Vevay, this 30th day of June A.D. 1845,

Edward Patton Clk.

6775

Sarah Lancaster
In.

Act of July '36

Admd
2 yrs private

$80

Wm C. Keen, Esqr
New York, In
Page 24

Sarah Lancaster
Late Blades

Direct Wm C. Keen
New York, Indiana
Page 25

The State of Indiana, Switzerland county ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said County ____Bowen, aged _____years of the County aforesaid, who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he resided in Bracken County State of Kentucky from the year ____ to the year ____that he was well acquainted with Sarah Blades before and after she was married to William Lancaster in 1813; that he heard her say frequently that her husband said Blades was a soldier in the Revolution; that he was enlisted, for during the war in March 1777; was taken prisoner in 1780; was honorably discharged in 1783; and died in Feb. 1784; that her son Zadock Blades was born in May 1777; that Sarah Lancaster, late Blades, was at all times considered and esteemed as a woman of truth and veracity; that he was also acquainted with Zadock Blades, the reputed son of said John L. Blades and said Sarah Blades; that in the year Eighteen hundred & 13 when I was last acquainted with said Zadock Blades, he had the appearance of being about Forty___years of age, and further saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 10th day of June A.D. 1845, and I hereby certify that said ___ Bowen is a credible person.
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The State of Indiana, Switzerland County sct

I Edward Patton, Clerk of the Switzerland Circuit Court do hereby certify that James H. Campbell Esqr was on the 10th day of June 1845 and still is an acting Justice of the peace duly elected and sworn into office and that the signatures to the within affidavits purporting to be his are genuine and in his own proper handwriting. I also hereby certify that John McCullough Esqr. was on the 5th day of June 1845 and still is an acting Justice of the Peace duly elected, commissioned and sworn into office and that the signatures to the within affidavits are genuine and in his own proper handwriting. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 25th day of June A.D. 1845.

Edward Patton Clk

Sarah Lancaster, Late Blades.

Direct Wm C. Keen, New York, Indiana
Page 27

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Mason County Sct

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said county Christian Miles of said county of lawful age who after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy six he, said deponent, resided in Worcester County, State of Maryland; that he was then and there acquainted with John L. Blades and Sarah his wife; that in January of said year (1776) he went to work and board with said John L. Blades; that in the month of February of that year, Seventeen hundred and seventy six, said John Levy Blades was married to said Sarah; that he continued to work and board with said John L. Blades until about the middle of March of A.D. 1777 when said John L. Blades enlisted as a private soldier in the second regiment of the State of Maryland for during the War of the Revolution said Blades was called by many persons by his first name "John" by others "Jack" but always had his name written "John L. Blades" After the war ended in 1783 said John named the various services performed by him during said war, named his various officers whose names I have forgotten; he named I think Col. Gundy or Gunby and Howard as two of his field offers; showed me his discharge and I think he mentioned being in the battle of the Cowpens; that the said John had been taken prisoner by the British in A.D. 1780; that said deponent afterwards became well acquainted with Zadock Blades
Page 28

and his mother; the son and widow of John L. Blades, within the County of Bracken & Mason and State of Kentucky from the 1811 until said Sarah Blades was married to William Lancaster in 1813, when she removed to the State of Indiana; that said Sarah Blades was esteemed a woman of truth and veracity.

Christian Miles

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of December A.D. 1845; and I certify that said affiant is a credible person. Witness my hand and seal.

B.S. Hieatt, Justice of the Peace
Page 29

The State of Indiana, Switzerland County}ss

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said county Samuel Byers of lawful age who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he resided in Bracken County Kentucky from the year 1810 to the year 1816; that about the year 1813, he became well and intimately acquainted with Sarah Blades and Zadock her son; that his acquaintance with said Sarah continued from 1813 aforesaid until the present time; that said Sarah married William Lancaster in the year 1813, who is now dead; that said Sarah and her son Zadock repeatedly spoke of the revolutionary services of said John L. Blades; said Sarah narrated the sufferings and privations she endured during said war, particularly while her husband was absent as a prisoner; that said John L. enlisted in the Second Maryland regiment in March of 1777, was taken prisoner by the British in 1780; was honorably discharded after the army was disbanded in 1783; that said John L. enlisted for during the war; that said John L. died in 1784; about three months after he left the said service; that said Sarah Lancaster (late Blades) is and was, at all times, since our acquaintance, been considered and esteemed, a woman of strict truth and veracity and further saith not.

Samual Byers

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of June A.D. 1845, and I certify that said Samuel Byers is a credible person.

James N. Campbell
Justice of the Peace
Page 30

The State of Indiana, Switzerland County}ss.

Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace within and for said County, Margaret Daily of lawful age who after being duly sworn deposeth and [saith] that she resided in Bracken County Kentucky for ten years, previous to the year 1816; that she was acquainted with Sarah Blades now Lancaster from the year 1816 up to the present time; that said Sarah married William Lancaster in 1813, who is now dead; that said Sarah & her son Zadock repeatedly spoke of the revolutionary war services of said John L. Blades; that said Sarah narrated the sufferings and privations [of] said war, particularly while said John L. was absent as a prisoner of war; that said John L. Blades enlisted for during the war in the Second Maryland regiment in March 1777; was taken prisoner in Jany 1780 and honorably discharged when the army was disbanded in November 1783 and said John L. Blades died in February of 1784, three months after he left the army; that said Sarah Blades was in 1813 married to William Lancaster, now dead; that said Sarah Lancaster, late Blades is and was at all times since our acquaintence been considered and esteemed a woman of strict truth and veracity, and further saith not.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of June, A.D. 1845 and i certify that said Margaret Daley is a credible person.
Page 31

State of Indiana, Switzerland County ss

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said county James Boyd of lawful age who after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that in the year 1800 he resided in Bracken county, State of Kentucky; that he was well and intimately acquainted with Sarah Blades, the widow of John L. Blades, deceased; that he heard said Sarah, frequently speak of an concerning her said husband; that he was a private soldier in the war of the revolution; that he enlisted in 2d Maryland regiment for during the War in March 1777; made prisoner in 1780 discharged in 1780; and that said Sarah Blades, widow as aforesaid was in said Bracken County married to William Lancaster (who was also a soldier in the War of the Revolution); that said William Lancaster removed with his family to Switzerland County aforesaid, and thre died; that said Sarah widow as aforesaid now very feeble, aged and childish resides in Craig township county aforesaid; that she is an always was esteemed a woman of truth and veracity; that he was acquainted with said Sarah for several years previous to A.D. 1813 and further saith not.

James Boyd
Page 32

The within deposition was sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of June A.D. 1845, and I certify that said James Boyd is a credible person.

John McCullough
Justice of the Peace
Page 33

State of Indiana, Switzerland County}sct
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said county Pheobe Boyd of lawful age, who after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that that(sic) she resided in Bracken County State of Kentucky in the year 1800; that she there lived in the neighborhood of and was well acquainted with Sarah Blades, the widow of John L. Blades, deceased; that she heard said Sarah speak concerning her said husband; that he was a private soldier in the War of the Revolution; that he enlisted for during the war, in 2d regt. Maryland, discharged in 1783, died in 1784, made prisoner by British in 1780, that said Sarah Blades was married to Wm Lancaster (who was also a soldier of the war of the Revolution; that said Sarah now the widow of said Wm Lancaster now resides in Switzerland County aforesaid, is very old, feeble and childish; that said Sarah was always esteemed a woman of truth and veracity.
Pheobe (her x mark) Boyd
Witnesses present:
Williams C Keen
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of June A.D. 1845, and I certify that said Pheobe Boyd is a credible person.
John McCullough
Justice of the Peace
Page 34

The State of Indiana, Switzerland County}sct
I Edward Patton, Clerk of the Switzerland Circuit Court do certify that James H. Campbell, Esqr is an acting justice of the peace, and was an acting Justice of the peace, on the Eighth day of May last, and the signature purporting to [be] his to the within depositions is genuine and in his proper handwriting. I also certify that John McCullough, Esq. was on the fifth day of June A.D. 1845 and still is and acting justice of the peace within and for said cty and that the signatures to the within depositions, purporting to be his are genuine and in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Vevay, this 10th day of June A.D. 1845.
Edward Patton Clk
Page 35

The State of Indiana, Switzerland Co. SS
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said County Henry D. Banta of said county of lawful age, a preacher of the Gospel in the Baptist Connexion, who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he had been personally acquainted with Sarah Lancaster, the widow of William Lancaster, deceased, of Craig township, County as aforesaid for about eighteen years last past having resided a greater part of that time in her neighborhood; that he verily believes that she is of the age she represents herself to be, under her oath and that said Sarah has always been reputed to be the widow of said Revolutionary soldier, and I fully concur in said opinion.
Henry Banta
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of February A.D. 1845, and I hereby certify that said Henry D. Banta, is a minister of the gospel in regular standing and is a credible person. The word “immediate” was erased before signing, said Banta residing some six or seven miles from said Mrs. Lancaster.
Charles Henderson
Justice of the Peace
Page 36

The State of Indiana, Switzerland County}SS
I Edward Patton Clerk of the Switzerland Circuit Court, hereby certify that Isaac McKay, was an acting justice of the peace within and for the County aforesaid, on the 18th day of November A.D. 1845, and is still an acting Justice of the Peace duly elected, commissioned and sworn into office; that Charles Henderson, Esqr is also an acting justice of the Peace within and for said County and that signatures to the annexed affidavits purporting to be theirs are genuine and in their proper handwriting. And I further certify that the Rev. Henry D. Banta, who signed the within affidavit is a preacher of the Gospel of the Baptist Connexion, and in regular standing in said Church.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Switzerland Circuit Court, and set my name at Vevay, this 11th day of February A.D. 1845.
Edward Patton Clk.
11728
Ky Feb 17.1845,
Sarah Lancaster
Inda
Act of July ‘38
Page 37

The State of Indiana Switzerland County sct
Be it remembered that on the 15th day of December 1844, personally appeared before me one of the associated judges of the Switzerland County Circuit Court of the State aforesaid Samuel Bellamy a preacher of the Episcopal Church residing in Craig Township County aforesaid of lawful age who after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that he has been personally acquainted with Sarah Lancaster, the Widow of William Lancaster deceased, and lived in the immediate neighborhood of her place of residence in Craig township aforesaid for the last ___years past; that he verily believes she is of the age she represents herself; viz Eighty nine years; that she is believed and has always been reputed in the neighborhood to have been the widow of said Blades and Lancaster who were soldiers of the American Revolution and that he fully concurs in said belief and opinion. The word “September” was erased and [illegible] inserted before signing. The name of David Caine an associate judge erased and the name Isaac McKay inserted [illegible] before witnessing and signing. Also the name Isaac McKay erased before signing.
Also personally appeared before the undersigned Isaac McKay a justice of the peace in and for said County ____Banta, a preacher in the Baptist connexion who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has been personally acquainted with Sarah Lancaster the widow of William Lancaster deceased for _____ years past that she is of the age she represents herself to be an that he fully concurs in belief and opinion of brother Sam Bellamy, as above.
Page 38

The State of Indiana, Switzerland County}ss.
Before me personally came Catherine Lancaster, wife of Mallory Lancaster/said Mallory Lancaster was a son (of William Lancaster aforesaid by a first wife) and being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is well acquainted with said Sarah Lancaster and has resided ij the immediate neighborhood of said Sarah Lancaster for the last twenty nine years; that she has often times heard said Sarah Lancaster rehearse the hardships and difficulties encountered by her during the revolutionary war, while her husband said John L. Blades was absent in the Service of the County in the War of the American Revolution; that she verily believes said Sarah Lancaster, to be of the age she represents herself to be & that she has seen her son Zadow—who is now about Sixty four years of age as she believes is said John L. Blades, included before signing.
Catherine (her x mark) Lancaster
Witnesses present
William Lancaster
Catherine P. Lancaster
Sworn to and subscribed[] this 18th day of Nov. 1842
Isaac McKay
Justice of the Peace
Page 39

The State of Indiana, Switzerland Co. St
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said county Henry D. Banta of said county of lawful age, a preacher of the Gospel in the Baptist Connexion, who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he had been personally acquainted with Sarsh Lancaster, the widow of William Lancaster, deceased, of Craig township county aforesaid for about eigthteen years last past having resided a greater part of that time in her [word "immediate" crossed out] neighborhood.  That he verily believes that she is of the age she represents herself to be under her oath and that said Sarah has always been reputed to be the widow of said Revolutionary soldier and I fully concur in said opinion.  Henry Banta
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of February A. D. 1845 and I hereby certify that said Henry D. Banta is a minister of the gospel in regular standing and is a credible person.  The word "immediate" was erased before signing, said Banta residing some six or seven miles from said Mrs. Lancaster.
Charles Henderson
Justice of the Peace
Page 40

For R. L. Nalus[illegible]
[Stamp] Snow Hill Md. June 3
Free
Mr. William C. Keen
New York, Indiana
Page 41

Snow Hill June 3rd 1845
Sir
I have according to your request [illegible] myself to the court house in Worcester County State of Maryland and there have looked for a marriage license granted February 1775 and am sorry to have to inform you that in 1834 there was a fire which burnt the court house in this county and all such records between the dates of 1742 & 1795 are burnt and you will see by this fact the record inquired for is burnt.  I have also tried to establish the fact of a Presbyterian minister by the name called for in your letter which I have also failed to do as the church records were at the same time burnt up.  I can only say that in this county there are a great many persons by the name inquired for Blades and I have no available person inquired for [illegible] from this place from this fact [illegible].
Most Respectfully, R. T. Waters, Post Master
Snow Hill Md.
Page 42

Oct. 27, 18445
Add to case Sarah Lancaster
___________________
[illegible stamp]
James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
[illegible]
Page 43

New York, Indiana
Oct. 21 184
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose additional testimony in the case of Sarah Lancaster (late Blades) two depositions.
Yours most respectfully
William C. Keen

James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
P. S. I mail this at Vevay, the mail from that place being more expeditious.  Please direct to me "New York Indiana"
W. C. K.
Page 44

1128
Oct. 11 18445
Sarah Lancaster
Jul 7, 1838 [illegible stamp]
Ind.
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

[faint writing illegible]
Page 45

Vevay February 11 1845
Sir
Enclosed I send you the application of Sarah Lancaster for a pension under act of July 7, 1838.  I have the honor to be your absent
William C. Keen

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 46

Jul 7, 18445
[Stamp Vevay Jul 2]
Declaration
[crossed out words]
Sarah Lancaster
20
Hon James L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 47

New York, Ind. June 18, 1845
Sir
Enclosed I send you some additional evidence in the case of Sarah Lancaster, late Blades, for a widows pension.
I have the honor to be 
Your absent
William C. Keen

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

[illegible stamp]
Page 48

Jan 14, 1846
[illegible] to case
Sarah Lancaster


[illegible] Public Buildings
James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 49

New York  Jan. 7, 1846
Sir,
Enclosed I send you two affidavits in behalf of Sarah Lancaster (late Blades) for a widow's pension.  While icebound up the Ohio River, I found it impossible to reach Washington and Brooksville, County Seat of Mason and Bracken counties for the purpose of having county seats put to the respective affidavits.  I forwarded Justices certificates by mail to the clerks of those counties respectively and look for their return to this place by regular return of mail.  I will forward them as soon as they come to hand.
Most respectfully
Your absent
William C. Keen

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 50

The State of Indiana Switzerland County
On this [illegible] day of November A. D. [illegible[ I  [illegible[ a justice of the peace in and for said county residing in Craig Township, county and state aforesaid, in the vicinity of the residence of the within named Sarah Lancaster do hereby certify that the said Sarah Lancaster is from bodily infirmity incident to old age unable to attend the Switzerland [illegible] court at the town of Vevay, county aforesaid.  And I do not think from present appearances that she will be able to attend said court at the next of any succeeding session at said court.  I have therefore [illegible] at her place of present residence and administered the foregoing oath.  The Associate Judges elect for said county do not take the oath of office until January next, according to the laws of Indiana.  Norton A. [illegible] the late associate judge of said county died sometime in October last.  The [illegible] will [illegible] in January next as aforesaid.
Given under my hand and seal the day and date aforesaid.
Issac McKay (Seal)
Justice of the Peace
Page 51

The State of Indiana  }
Switzerland County  Set
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said county Daniel Hollcroft, of the county aforesaid who after being duly sworn deposeth and that he lived for some years a near neighbor to Sarah Lancaster and for the last fifteen years has been [illegible[ and granted with said Sarah Lancaster who has always been esteemed a person of truth and veracity and was reputed the widow of John L. Blades of the revolutionary war [inserted "and a private"] soldier and further saith not.
Daniel Hollcroft
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of February A. D. 1845, and I certify that Daniel Hollcroft is a credible person.
Charles Hendersen
Justice of the Peace
Page 52

[illegible] to [illegible] 10 March 1846
[illegible[ 1846
Related to case
Sarah Lancaster

On Public Business
____________________
[illegible seal]
James L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 53

New York, Inc.  January 14, 1845
Sir
Enclosed I send you the certificate of the clerk of Mason County Kentucky; it is to be attached to the affidavits of Amos Throupe, Samuel J. Mefford, and C. Hiles of Mason County Ky. herefore forwarded to your department. 
I have the honor to be your Obt. Servt.
William C. Keen

James L. Edwards, Comm. of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 54

The State of Indiana, Switzerland County SS.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for the county of Switzerland, State aforesaid, Jane Mayfield of lawful age residing in the county of Switzerland, State aforesaid adjoining the county line between Switzerland and Ohio Counties who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that many years ago she was intimately acquainted with Sarah Blades who afterward, married to William Lancaster.  That deponent and said Sarah lived near neighbors and interchanged with almost daily.  That said Sarah Blades then lived in Bracken County, State of Kentucky.  At that time, said Sarah was a spritely woman and possessed quite a retentive memory and was very talkative.  She loved to dwell upon the events of the Revolutionary War.  She stated that her husband had served for more than six years in the war.  That he served in the 2nd Maryland regiment, enlisted as a private sometime in the spring of 1777, and continued to serve until the end of the war in 1783.  That she and said John L. Blades were married in February of 1776 and that her son Zadock who lived [illegible] by her was born in 1777.  That he [inserted "said John L. Blades"] was taken prisoner by the enemy and from the reports from the army she heard and believed he was killed in battle, that was in 1780.   But that he lived to serve out his time and return home, after the war was over; and that he died in some three months after he returned home.  That he had only been home some five or six times during the whole war and stayed but a few days at the time
Page 55

and then returned to the army again.  That [inserted "she said"] her husband used frequently to be called "Jack."  That he had been named after an uncle of his named John Levy.  That she [insert "deponent"] was acquainted with said Sarah Blades about ten years before she left the State of Kentucky.  That she [insert "deponent"] is in no way related to said Sarah Lancaster or any of her family and has no interest except old friendship in her affairs.  That she has never seen said Sarah since about the time of her marriage with said Lancaster, and further saith not.
Jane Mayfield X her mark
Witness present
John J. Jack
Thomas [illegible] 
The words Ohio crossed and "Switzerland" overwritten before signing.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 15th day of October A. D. 1843. before me and in the presence of the above named witnesses and I hereby certify that said Jane Mayfield is a credible person.  The five words interline were written before signing.  John J. Jack (Seal+_
Justice of the Peace
Page 56

State of Indiana, Switzerland [ Ohio crossed out] Count Set
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said county of Switzerland [Ohio crossed out] State aforesaid Mary Mayfield living in Switzerland County, State aforesaid, near the line of Ohio County of lawful age, who after being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that she resided until a few years since in Bracken County, State of Kentucky.  That she was acquainted with Sarah Blades who afterwards married William Lancaster.  That deponent and said Sarah Blades lived near neighbors to each other for ten years before said Sarah Blades married said Lancaster and the two families were in the almost daily habit of visiting each other.  That said Sarah Blades was communicative on almost every subject and had apparently a very retentive memory.  She used to delight to dwell upon the incidents of the War of the Revolution.  That her husband John L. Blades had served in said war as a private soldier for more than six years.  That said Blades had enlisted early in 1777, and served to the end of the war.  That he had come home on short visits some five or six time during this time and then returned to the war.  When talking of the hardships and privations she suffered during his absence, she would sit and cry for an hour at the times.  That said Blades was taken prisoner by the British and she heard [crossed out "of his"] that he was killed in battle.  That she labored under that belief for some time but then he was liberated from the enemy and served out his time.  That he returned home and in a short time died.  That said John L. Blades died in 1784.  She used to talk of his relatives saying her husband was named after a wealthy uncle named John Levy.  I am not related to said Sarah Lancaster in any way and have not seen her since she left the State of
Page 57

Kentucky.  She had understood that said Sarah after she married Mr. Lancaster had removed to Indiana, but she knows not what part of the state she lived in, until a few days ago.  She was informed that she lived in the lower end of Switzerland County.  Said deponent was also acquainted with Zadock Blades who lieved with his mother at the same time.  Said Zadock was the reputed sone of said Sarah and her said husband John L. Blades and further saith not.
Witness present
John J. Jack
William
Page 58

May 13, 1846.
[illegible] case
Sarah Landcaster

On Public Business
Warsau Ky
May 7

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 59

New York Ind. May 7, 1846

Dear Sir,

Agreebly to your suggestion I addressed a letter to the Land Office at Annapolis, Mary'd in the case of Sarah Lancaster, late Blades; I send you enclosed the certificate of George G. Brewer Esq. upon that subject dated April 22, 1846 in answer to a letter I wrote him on the 10th of same month.

I have the honor to be Your Obt Servt.

William C. Keen

Hon James L. Edwards
Coms of Pensions
Washington City}
Page 60

That he said deponent was well acquainted with Mrs Sarah Blades in Mason county, State of Kentucky that said Sarah Blades was then and there always esteemed to be a person of truth and veracity; that said Sarah Blades was afterwards married to William Lancaster and removed to the State of Indiana, and further saith not.
Amos Troupe
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this nineteenth day of December A.D. 1845; and I hereby certify the said affiant is a credible person. Witness my hand and seal.
B.S. Hieatt (seal)
Justice of the Peace
Page 61

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Mason county [illegible] Amos Troupe of [illegible] county, being duly sworn depo [illegible] and faith that he was well acquainted with John L Blades in the state of Maryland in AD 1784 that John L Blades at his own residence in Maryland informed deponent that he, [illegible] John L Blades had enlisted in the Second regiment of Maryland on the 10th day of March 1777 as a private soldier [illegible] during the war of the American Revolution that he was taken prisoner in 1780 and served afterwards to the end of the war and was honorably discharged there from in Nov 1783 that he had served under several as brave officer as ever graced the [illegible] of the army he named amongst others, that of Howard had been in many battles not more recollected by deponent that he was married to his wife Sarah in [illegible] 1776 said John L Blades died in Jan or February of AD 1784.
Page 62

The State of Indiana, Switzerland County}ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the Peace within and for said Coy Robert McKay and Nancy A McKay of the County aforesaid of lawful age, who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that they have been well and intimately acquainted with Sarah Lancaster, the widow of Mr. Lancaster who was a Revolutionary soldier, and who had a previous husband as they have been informed said John Levi Blades, who was also said to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War; that they have been acquainted with said Sarah for twenty five years last past; that she is a credible person, and of the age she states herself to be and that full faith and credit is due, and given to her statements and further saith not.
Robert McKay
Nancy McKay
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of February A.D. 1845, and I certify that said affiants are credible persons.
Witness my hand and seal the day and date aforesaid.
Charles Henderson
Justice of the Peace
Page 63

The state of Indiana, Switzerland County}ss

I Isaac McKay, a justice of the peace in and for said County, hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Sarah Lancaster, the within Affiant for twenty years last past; that she is a credible person and I have full confidence and belief in her foregoing statement.

Given under my hand and seal this 18th day of September A.D. 1844.

Isaac McKay (seal)
Justice of the Peace
Page 64

11728

Sarah Lancaster
Indiana
Act 7th July 1838

Set to Wm C. Kein, April 22d 1805
Set to Same Augt 14, '45
" to Same Oct. 14 '45
" to Same Nov. 22 '45
" to Same March 24 '46
Page 65

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Mason County Sct

Samuel J Mufford of said county of lawful age being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that in the  year 1784, he lived a near neighbor to John Levy Blades in Worcester Coy State of Maryland; that said Blades, at his own house informed deponent; that he said Blades had enlisted on the 10th day of March Seventeen hundred and seventy seven in the Second  Maryland Regiment, as a private soldier, for during the American Revolutionary war; that he served under various officers amongst them Col. Gundy or Gunby and John E. Howard; that he was in various battles, was taken prisoner in 1780 and served to the end of the war in A.D. 1783; that said John died in Jany or February of 1784; that he was married to his wife Sarah in January of Seventeen hundred and Sixty six. That he said
Page 66

That he said deponent was well acquainted with Sarah Blades, in Mason County State of Kentucky; that said Sarah was then and there always esteemed to be a person of truth and veracity; that said Sarah Blades afterwards married William Lancaster, and removed from the County aforesaid to the State of Indiana, and further saith not.

Samuel Tinffer

Sworn for and subscribed before me this nineteenth day of December A.D. 1845; and I do hereby certify that said affiant is a credible person. Witness my hand and seal.

B.S. Hieatt
Page 67

1936-Dec. 29- [] to Mrs. W.A. Barber. see her letter in William Lancaster S.16912}

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 9502
Sarah Lancaster for: Wid. of John Levy Blades Pvt. Rev. War.

Act: July 4/'36, Sec., 3d

Index:--Vol. A, Page 418

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 68

Davin vz, Dec. 25} 

Paid 5

John James Key Esq.
Clerk of County Court
Washington
Mason Co. Ky.

45/ D, 46

10
546
404
Page 69

Benjamin S. Hiatt
Justice of the Peace

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Mason County}sat

I John James Key Clerk of the Mason Circuit Court do hereby certify that Benjamin S. Hiatt, was an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County on the 19th day of December A.D. 1845 and is still an acting Justice of the Peace and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine and in his own proper handwriting.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Washington, County aforesaid this 29 day of December. A.D. 1843

John James Key.
Page 70

Div 

Dover, Dec 19 1845

Sir

I am here taking deposition in behalf of an old lady (Sarah Lancaster, late Blades) widow of a Revolutionary soldier and am in bound and cannot get it to your place you will have the goodness to sign the enclosed certificate and affix your seal to same & send it to me at New York Indiana.

Being for a widow of a Revolutionary soldier, I am informed no fees are allowed, the old lady is nearly 93 years old and a case of real charity.

Yours respectfully

William C. Keen
Page 71

Jan. 9 1846.

[]

Sarah Lancaster

On Public Service

Honble J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 72

Foster's Landing Bracken Co. Ky}
December 31, 1845.

Sir.

Inclosed I send you some additional writing in the case of Sarah Lancaster, late Blades; in consequence of being ice bound in the Ohio River for twelve days past, I have not been able to visit the county seat of reason and Bracken for county seals; but having two more affidavits on the same subject I will endorse the Certificates of the Respective clerks in a few days. We have a prospect of a thaw in 2 or 3 days.

I have the honor to be your obt. Servt

William C. Keen

John C. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

P.L. Please address me "New York, In"