Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5,189, William Chesterman, Va.
Page 1

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[3-1776] 

SERVICE
Va

Chesterman, William
Thornton, Frances

NUMBER
W.5189

Former widow
CONTENTS

See this womans claim as widow of William Thornton W6260
Page 2

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Virginia 4255

Frances Thornton formerly widow of William Chesterman who died on the ---- of Richmond in the State of Virginia who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Spotswood of the Regt commanded by Col. Gibson in the Virginia line for 2 years.

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

Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of August 1845 and sent to R. Saunders Jr. Aylett Va.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1845. 1120.00 
Semi-annual allowance ending --
$1120.00 

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

Recorded by Geo C Ames Clerk, 
Book C Vol. Page 172

[right side] Reported Augt [August] 6 Frances Thornton, the within Pensioner, was in Nov. 1840 pensioned under the act of 1838 as the widow of Wm. Thornton [symbol of a hand] Agent directed Sept. 24th 1845 to deduct the pension paid under the act of 1838. See letter to P. Agt. [Pension Agent] Sept 24. 1845-- & to R. Saunders Sept. 25, 1845 
Paper Copy sent R Saunders Ayletts P. O. Va. Mar 31 ‘46
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3d section of the act of 4th July, 1836, and of the 1st section of the act of 3d March 1837
State of Virginia } S.S. 
City of Richmond } 
On this 29th day of February 1844, personally appeared before me Saml [Samuel] T. Pulliam a Justice of the peace in and for said City, Francess [Frances] Thornton, a resident of the City of Richmond, in the County of Henrico, and State of Virginia, aged Eighty two 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836, and the act explanatory of said act, passed March 3, 1837: That she was married to William Chesterman, who was a Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution. That her husband the said Chesterman and a man by the name of John Young were residents of the County of Spottsylvania [Spotsylvania] in the State of Virginia, and became the substitutes of two men, whose names were James Warren, and John Cannady, who had been drafted to make up Captain John Brock’s Company of Regulars, (that being just the number wanted and he not being able to make it up by enlistments) and were marched to the north, where the said William Chesterman, her husband, and the said John Young, remained upwards of two years, and were then discharged. That the said Chesterman, and the said Young returned home in the month of February, seventeen hundred and eighty, and spoke of their having to cross the Delaware River upon the ice. That on the last day of April following, she married the said William Chesterman, having been engaged before he first entered the service; That they lived together until the month of September of the same year, when her husband, the said Chesterman enlisted, then for during the war; but that she does not recollect under what officer he enlisted, nor does she know any of the field, or company officers, except the name of Captain John Spotswood, from Spotsylvania. That her husband aforesaid, marched to the South, together with her, the declarants Brother, whose name was John Payne [pension application W5495], and
Page 4

the aforesaid John Young, both of whom enlisted at the same time, and in the same company with her husband – and of whom John Payne alone, after the close of the war, returned home, to the aforesaid county of Spotsylvania, and afterwards received his pay and Land Bounty – and that her Brother the said Payne drew a pension during his life time, and that his widow is at present alive in the said County of Spotsylvania, and draws a pension. This declarant further states, that her husband addressed her several letters after he joined the army and marched to the South, the last of which was received about six months after he entered the service – that the said letters have been mislaid or destroyed, so that they cannot now be found. She further states, that her Brother, the aforesaid Payne, informed her, after he returned from service, at the end of the war, that her husband was killed in battle, at a place called Santee [probably Battle of Eutaw Springs SC on Santee River, 8 Sep 1781], and that he, the said Chesterman, had been made an Orderly Sergeant some time prior to his death. She further states that her husband, the said Chesterman, was a resident of the aforesaid County of Spottsylvania when he entered the services both as a substitute as before stated, and when he enlisted. She further declares, that she was married to the said William Chesterman, in the County of Spottsylvania by Parson Stevenson, on the last day of April, in the year 1780, as before stated. That her husband, the aforesaid William Chesterman was killed in Battle as before stated, and that she afterwards married William Thornton, who died on the 22d day of May 1820, and that she was a widow on the 4th day of July, 1836, and still remains a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. 
Frances [her X mark] Thornton
Teste, Junier Strenna

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before written me - and I further certify that the declarant is, from appearances, unable to attend Court from bodily infirmity
Saml. T. Pulliam
Page 5

I Ann Paine of the County of Spotsylvania and State of Virginia, do hereby certify that I am the widow of John Paine, deceased, late of said County. That my husband, the said Paine was a Revolutionary Pensioner, at the time of his death & that I have since his death drawn a Pension myself under the act of 1828. I further certify that I am well acquainted with Francess [Frances] Thornton, of the City of Richmond and that the said Frances Thornton is the sister of my late husband the said Paine. I also further certify that she was the reputed widow of William Chesterman at the time of her intermarriage with Thornton and although I was not present at her first marriage I am convinced that she was lawfully married to the said Chesterman, because I have often heard her brother my husband, say so - and I further certify that the said Chesterman was a Revolutionary Soldier, and was said to have been killed in the Battle at Santee, some where in the South. This circumstance I have often heard my husband speak of. I also well recollect of hearing my husband say that himself and the said Chesterman were in the Revolutionary war together. That they first were to the north & there they remained upwards of two years & then returned home to the County of Spotsylvania from which County they entered the service, and that after they had remained at home some short time, the said Chesterman than was married to his sister the said Frances & that in some short time thereafter the said Chesterman & himself & some other Young men enlisted for the war & marched to the south when he the said Paine remained untill [until] the close
Page 6

The affidavit of John Chesterman of the County of Hanover and State of Virginia made on eighth day of October 1844. before Henry Curtis a Justice of the peace in and for the said County. 

This affiant being first duly sworn according to law states that he is now in his sixty fifth year of age, that he is the only son and heir of William Chesterman, who was said to have been killed in the service of his country at the Battle Santee, fought during the Revolutionary War. That his mother is now Frances Thornton, whose late husband was William Thornton, that his Mother the said Frances Thornton was a widow on the 4th day of July 1836 and that she still remains a widow - This affiant further testifies that he has no record or other documentary evidence of his Fathers having been killed at the Battle of Santee, but that his maternal uncle John Payne, has told him, the affiant, his Mother, and the rest of the family, distinctly within the affiants memory, that his Father the aforesaid William Chesterman was killed at the Battle of Santee in the service of the then congregated states, during the Revolutionary war waged with Great Britain; and that he this affiant has always believed such to be the fact. This affiant further states that his uncle John Payne, told this affiant that upon his return at the close of the war he delivered to the Mother of this affiant the sum of Ten dollars which he said was taken from the pockets of this affiant's Father after he was killed as aforesaid, and that was the only amount which was found with him- - 

John Chesterman

Sworn and subscribed} 
the above day and date} 
Henry Curtis}
Page 7

State of Virginia} 
County of Hanover} Ss. 

Be it known that on this the eighth day of October in the year 1844. before me the subscriber being one of the Commonwealth, Justices of the peace in and for the said County, personally appeared John Chesterman and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the statements set forth in the foregoing affidavit subscribed by him - and I Certify that I am personally and well acquainted, in the general way, with the said John Chesterman, that I believe him to be of the age he states, and that he is a respectable and credible person - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year first above written – 

Henry Curtis.

Omit
Page 8

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

W.C.S.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 

August 10, 1927

D. C. Chesterman 
800 Rhode Island Ave., N.E. 
Washington, D.C. 

Sir: 

I have to advise you that it appears from the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau that WILLIAM CHESTERMAN, while a resident of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, enlisted in Captain John Spotswood's Virginia Company and served in the north for about two years; after which he re-enlisted, officers not stated, went south and served as a sergeant until he was killed in a battle of the Santee, no dates given. 

He married while home on a furlough April 30, 1779 or 1780, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Frances Payne or Paine.

She married in August, 1785, William Thornton, who died May 22, 1819 or 1820. 

She was allowed pension on account of the services of William Thornton, on her application executed February 29, 1844, while a resident of Richmond, Virginia, aged about eighty-two years. 

In 1844 John Chesterman stated that he was the only son and heir of William Chesterman and his widow, Frances, John Chesterman was then sixty-four years of age and was living in Hanover County, Virginia. 

Respectfully, 

WINFIELD SCOTT 
Commissioner
Page 9

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

May 28, 1931 

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 
MMHF:MLB Own

Mr. Bertram Chesterman 
The Morris Plan Bank of Washington 
Washington, S. [D.] C. 

Dear Sir: 

Reference is made to your letter of May 11, in regard to Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5189, William Chesterman. 

The copy of marriage bond referred to in Pension Office letter of (in claim W.5189) April 14, 1845, is not on file in this bureau, and there is no record that it was ever returned from the Court of Spotsylvania County, Virginia. 

Very truly yours 

E. W. MORGAN 
Acting Commissioner
Page 10

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

M.C.S.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 

July 22, 1927

Mrs. Lomat Anderson 
Port Gibson 
Miss. 

Madam:

I have to advise you that it appears from the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau that WILLIAM CHESTERMAN, while a resident of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, enlisted in Captain John Spotswood's Virginia Company and served in the north for about two years; after which he re-enlisted, officers not stated, went south and served as a sergeant until he was killed in a battle on the Santee, no dates given. 

He married while home on a furlough April 30, 1779 or 1780, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Frances Payne or Paine. 

She married in August, 1785, William Thornton, who died May 22, 1819 or 1820. 

She was allowed pension on account of the services of William Thornton, on her application executed February 29, 1844, while a resident of Richmond, Virginia, aged about eighty-two years. 

In 1844 John Chesterman stated that he was the only son and heir of William Chesterman and his widow, Frances. John Chesterman was then sixty-four years of age and was living in Hanover County, Virginia. 

Respectfully, 

WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner
Page 11

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Awf

Rev. and 1812 
War Section. 
W.5189 

February 5, 1926

Bertram Chesterman 
c/o Morris Plan Bank 
Washington, D. C. 

Sir: 

I have to advise you from the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau, it appears that William Chesterman, while a resident of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, enlisted in Captain John Spotswood's Virginia Company, and served in the north about two years; after which he re-enlisted, officers not named, went south and was a sergeant, when he was killed in a battle on the Santee, no dates stated. 

Soldier married, while home on furlough, April 30, 1779 or 1780 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Frances Payne or Paine. 

She married in August 1785, William Thornton, who died May 22, 1819 or 1820; and she was allowed pension, on account of the services of William Ches- 

Date taken from Rev. pen. cl. W.6260 of William Thornton & widow Frances. (she was afterwards the wife of soldier William Thornton) – clr’d by Miss Wilson Awf
Page 12

[typed form]

[Ches]terman, on her application executed February 29, 1844, while a resident of Richmond, Virginia, aged about eighty-two years. 

In 1844, John Chesterman stated that he was the only son and heir of William Chesterman and widow Frances; at that time he was sixty-four years old and living in Hanover County, Virginia. 

The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to James Cole, who served in the Virginia Troops. 

Respectfully, 

WINFIELD SCOTT 
Commissioner.
Page 13

[typed form]

February 27, 1931
541

Bureau of Pensions, 
Rev.&1812 Wars Section. 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX 

Rev. War claim of William Chesterman, 
File No. W 5189, 
3 pages which were omitted from order of February 19, 1931

XXX

Kindly leave margin of 1 ½ in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. 
The word “omit” written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
Page 14

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

February 19, 1921
541

Bureau of Pensions 
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Rev. War pension claim, William Chesterman, W. 5189 
Actual 1 of each page 

Remitter:
Mr. Bertram Chesterman 
1408 H St N. W. Wash. DC
c/o Morris Plan Bank 

XXX $2.25      15 pages

Kindly leave margin of 1 ½ inches at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. 
The word “omit” is written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief of Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
Page 15

List to Bertram Chesterman:
Wid. decl. Feb. 29 - 1844 2 pages
Ann Paine's affid. [affidavit] May 15 1844 2 ”
Thomas Paine’s affid May 15 1844 1 “
Let. to Com. of Pensions May 18-1844, Aylett 1 " 
" " " " " Oct. 7-1844 " Va. 1 " 
John Chesterman's affid. Oct. 8, 1844 1 " 
Wid. decl. Nov. 5, 1844 3 “
Let. to Com. of Pensions Feb. 4-1845, Aylett 1 " 
“ April 14-1845 Pension Office 1 " 
Elizabeth Perry's affid. June 2-1845 1 " 
John Chesterman’s let. to Sec. of War, Dec. 17 1845 1 “
Page 16

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

February 18, 1931 
Cash $2.85 
[rectangular stamp] FINANCE DIVISION BOOK-KEEPING FEB 20 1931 BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sir: 

Kindly furnish me uncertified photostatic copies from the following Revolutionary War pension claims: 

15 pages from William Chesterman, W. 5189
4 " " William Thornton, W. 6260 

Very truly yours, 

Remitter BERTRAM CHESTERMAN 
1408 H. St. N. W. WASHINGTON DC
c/o Morris Plan Bank 

Received payment $2.85 
February 18, 1931 
Ms. Christine Stokes 
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
Page 17

[typed form, with handwritten responses - letterhead]

THE MORRIS PLAN BANK OF WASHINGTON 
UNDER SUPERVISION OF UNITED STATES TREASURY
[triangular shape stamp THE MORRIS PLAN]
WASHINGTON, D. C.
May 11, 1931
BERTRAM CHESTERMAN PRESIDENT

Bureau of Pensions, 
18th & F. Sts. N.W. 
Washington, D. C. 

Gentlemen: 

I had you make for me some time ago photostats of certain documents relative to my ancestor, William Chesterman, who was killed at the battle of the Santee and to whose widow the government paid a pension. I find in the records of which I had photostats made, the following letter: 

“Pension Office 
“April 14, 1845 

"The enclosed copy of the marriage bond of William Chesterman is returned in order that it may be authenticated with your official seal.

To -- Crutchfield, Esq. 
“Clerk S. C. C. 
"Spotsylvania Court House, Va. 

Can you advise me whether or not there is in your archives the copy of the marriage bond of William Chesterman to Frances Payne referred to in the above quoted letter. If said marriage bond, or copy of said marriage bond is in your records I will be glad to have a photostat copy of same, if you can accommodate me with it. 

BC M Yours truly, Bertram Chesterman

[circular stamp] PENSION D MAY 12 1931 OFFICE U S
[oval stamp] [Illegible] MAY 28 1931 BUREAU OF PENSIONS 
[arrow to date of May 28 1931] from mail Records Div. [Illegible initials]
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[typed form, with handwritten responses - letterhead]

BUILDING MATERIALS SINCE 1895
NATIONAL MORTAR COMPANY INCORPORATED BUILDING MATERIALS NORTH 762 8OO RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, N. E. WASHINGTON, D. C. 

April 16, 1927. 

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 

Gentlemen: 

The writer desires to get the records of William Chesterman, who served in the Revolutionary war as a private in Captain John Spottswood's [Spotswood] Company, 10th Virginia Regiment also designated 6th Virginia Regiment commanded at various times by Major Samuel Hawes, Colonel John Green and Colonel William Russell. 

If you can furnish me any further information covering the record of the above named party, same would be duly appreciated. 

Very truly yours, 

[signed] D. C. Chesterman
D. C. Chesterman

[circular stamp upside down] PENSION F APR 18 1927 OFFICE U. S.
Page 19

Port Gibson, Miss 
April 8 - 1927 

Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 

Dear Sir:

I am writing to ask if you have any record of Sergeant William Chesterman of the 10th Virginia Regiment of the Revolutionary war, and enlisted August 1777. I think he was Killed in one of the battles in South Carolina. 

Very Respectfully 
Mrs. Lomat Anderson
Page 20

[typed form, with handwritten responses - letterhead]

THE MORRIS PLAN BANK OF WASHINGTON UNDER SUPERVISION OF UNITED STATES TREASURY [triangular shaped stamp THE MORRIS PLAN] WASHINGTON, D. C.
BERTRAM CHESTERMAN EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT
February 1, 1926

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sir: 

I am in receipt of the following letter from Major General R. C. Davis. If you can give me any further information from your records relative to Wm. Chesterman I will greatly appreciate it. 
"The records of this office show that one Wm. Chesterman served in the Revolutionary War as a private in Captain John Spottswood's Company, 10th Virginia Regiment also designated 6th Virginia Regiment commanded at various times by Major Samuel Hawes, Colonel John Green and Colonel William Russell. He enlisted Aug. 27, 1777, for 3 years; was promoted to corporal Sept. 15, 1778, was transferred to Major Thomas Ridley's Company same regiment October 1778, reenlisted for the war in Dec. 1778; was transferred to Colonel John Green's Company, same regiment in May 1779, and his name last appears on the company muster roll for November 1779, dated Camp near Morristown, Dec. 1779, which is also the last roll of that organization on file in this office. This roll shows that he was with General Scott. No later record has been found. 
The collection of Revolutionary War records in this office is far from complete, and it is suggested as a possibility that additional information may be obtained from the Librarian, Virginia State Library, Richmond, or from the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C." 

BC M 

Yours truly,
Bertram Chesterman

[circular stamp] PENSION C FEB 2 1926 OFFICE U. S.
Page 21

[typed form, with handwritten responses - letterhead]

THE MORRIS PLAN BANK OF WASHINGTON UNDER SUPERVISION OF UNITED STATES TREASURY [triangular shaped stamp THE MORRIS PLAN] WASHINGTON, D. C.
BERTRAM CHESTERMAN EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT

February 1, 1926

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: 

I attach hereto copy of a letter I am writing to Major General Robert C. Davis, War Department in answer to a letter from him of the 28th. 

In General Davis’ letter of the 28th, he suggests that I write you. 

BC M  

Yours truly, 
Bertram Chesterman 
Executive Vice President

[circular stamp] PENSION C FEB 2 1926 OFFICE U. S.
Page 22

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Copy. 

February 1, 1926. 

Major General Robert C. Davis, 
The Adjutant General, 
War Department, 
Washington, D. C. 

My dear General Davis: 

I am in receipt of yours of the 28th and wish to thank you for your courteous reply to my letter of the 23rd asking for certain information regarding James Cole[written faintly]s.

I greatly appreciate the trouble which your Department is taking in this matter, and note you state there is no record of James Cole having served as a Commissioned Officer, but that the records show a number of James Coles having served as enlisted men. 

I note your remark about furnishing information as to where he resided. The James Cole in which I am interested resided at one time in Fluvanna, County, Va. This James Cale married Fanny Wills of Fluvanna, and she or they, resided near Wilmington in Fluvanna Co., Va. I do not know whether he survived his wife or his wife survived him. 

I am in receipt today of a letter from the Hon. J. T. McAllister, Hot Springs, Va. to whom I wrote concerning this matter, and Mr. McAllister advises that a James Cole, who is apparently the James Cole I am interested in, served at the siege of Yorktown as an Ensign, and refers me to page 69, section 32 of his book " Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War."" 

The James Cole I am interested in is a descendant of Colonel Wm. Cole, born in 1744 and was fairly well-known in Virginia. 

BC M   Yours truly,

[circular stamp] PENSON C FEB 2 1926 OFFICE U. S.
Page 23

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[right side] Revy WIDOW, &c. 

File No. 5189 
Frances Thornton for 
Wid. of 
Wm. Chesterman 
Pvt., Va. line 

Act: July 4/36, Sec. 3d 
Index: -- Vol. M Page 269 

[Arrangement of 1870.] 

[right side] 1926 - Feb 5 - Hist to Bertram Chesterman Awf
1927. July 22 Hist. to Mrs. Lomat Anderson M.C.S.
1927. Aug. 10. Hist. to D C. Chesterman M.C.S.
1931 Mar. 9. Photos mailed to Bertram Chesterman and Five Div. ntfd. [notified] A.D.Y.
1931 - May 28. Bertran Chesterman add. copy of mar. [marriage] bond not on file. NNHT
Page 24

6148 
Frances Thornton
formerly wid of 
Wm Chesterman Va

Suspended Let to R. Saunder 
[words crossed out - Sept 21 1844 “ to same Sept 26 ‘44 " “ Same Oct. 14. 1844 “” Clk Spotsylvania Co Va Apr. 14 ‘45]

Act July 4th ‘36
Page 25

283

Pension Office 
April 14, 1845 

The enclosed copy of the marriage bond of William Chesterman is returned, in order that it may be authenticated under your official seal

Crutchfield Esq 
Clerk S. C. C 
Spotsylvania C. H. Va
Page 26

Free

[stamped] PAID

Co. James L. Edwards
Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City

[circular stamp] AYLETT JAN 7 VA

[written sideways] Jan 9 46
Frances Thornton S. Va [Illegible]
Page 27

Aylett January 7th 1846, 
Col. James Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 

Dr Sir 

Enclosed you will receive a letter of authority authorizing & requesting you to furnish me with all the evidence on file in your office of the services and death of William Chesterman in the Revolutionary War by reference to Your Books. You will find there a Pension was allowed Francis Thornton as his former widow, on the 2d day of August 1845. The object of obtaining a copy of these papers is to prosecute a claim against this state for the Bounty Land which he was entitled to. You will therefore cause copies of all the testimony filed in support of Mrs. Thorntons claim for a Pension as his former widow, as well as all other testimony to be found in the Books & papers in your office touching the subject, and forward them to me and oblige. 

Respectfully 
Yr mo obt servt [your most obedient servant]
R. Saunders JP
Page 28

Sept 24 45

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Frances Thornton Va
4255-36

[stamped] PAID

[written sideways] Things to give this letter [blurry] attention [blurry] me at this place R.S.
Page 29

Richmond Sept 22nd 1846 

James L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 

Sir 
The claim of Frances Thornton which was allowed on the 2d day of August last and the Pension Certificate forwarded to me has been presented to the agent here for payment, But the agent has suggested deficiently which makes it necessary to appeal to your department to receive a [Illegible]. It this; Frances Thornton has received Pension under the act of 1838, on account of the Revolutionary service of her last husband William Thornton - This Certificate issued to her on the 2d of August entitled her to $80 per annum under the 3d section of the law of 4th July 1836 as the former widow of William Chesterman now does the fact of her having received as the widow of her last husband under a different act in any way prejudice her right to the full amount of - Pension to which she was entitled as the widow of the former husband under former act. While on the subject I would respectfully ask your opinion
Page 30

as to one other question connected with this claim, it is this Frances Thornton has only two children living one of whom was by the former husband & the other by the last, as she is now dead. The question arises whether the child by the husband on account of whose services this claim was allowed is entitled to the whole or whether both children or not equally entitled. An early answer to this would be thankfully received as I shall remain here within & hear from you.

Very Respectfully 
Yr mo obt servt [your most obedient servant]
R. Saunders JP
Page 31

Aylett, May 18th 1844 
Col. James L Edwards 
Comr. of Pensions 

Sir 

Enclosed you will receive the Marriage Bond of William Chesterman and the affidavits of Ann Payne & Thomas Payne which you will please file with the Declaration of Mrs. Francess [Frances] Thornton, which was forwarded to you on the 23rd March last I think this evidence tho [though] not positive, clearly shows that Mrs. Thorntons first husband, Chesterman, was in service long enough to entitled her to the benefit of the act of 1836. by reference to Capt. Brocks, or Capt. Duoley Company. You will no doubt find the name of both Chesterman & Young and then by reference to the evidence upon which John Payne's Pension was allowed him, you will then find what company he served in & then by reference to the same list you perhaps will find the name of William Chesterman at any rate if not in the same company in the same Regiment. I think it prove that I have misspelt the name of Payne having spelt it Paine instead of Payne, which latter way I find it is sometimes spelled – 

Very Respectfully 
Yr mo obt servt [your most obedient servant]
R. Saunders JP
Page 32

Free

[stamped] FREE

Col. James L. Edwards
Comr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City

[written sideways] May 22, 1844 Va. Adv. Proof Frances Thornton
Page 33

Aylett, February 4th 1845 

Dr Sir
Enclosed you will find the Declaration of Francis Thornton, made before Saml J Pulliam on the 29th Feby 1844 & returned to me some time ago for the purpose of having it approved by the Court & which is now done. You will also find an additional declaration made by Mrs. Thornton before Jno. J. Berry on the 5th of November last.

Respectfully
R. Saunders JP
Page 34

Aylett Va            Free
6 Feby

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comr. Of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

[written sideways] Omit
Feb. 10 1845
Amended dec.
Frances Thornton
Page 35

The further declaration of Francess [Frances] Thornton of the Town of Fredericksburg in the State of Virginia in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act, passed March 3rd 1837. 

State of Virginia} 
Spotsylvania} SS 

On this 5th day of November 1844 personally appeared before me John J. Berry a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Spotsylvania Frances Thornton, a resident of the Town of Fredericksburg in said County who being first duly sworn makes the following additional statement in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3d 1837. That she is the identical Francis Thornton, who made a declaration on the 29th day of February 1844, before Samuel T. Pulliam of the City of Richmond and State of Virginia. That in that declaration, she stated that her husband and a man by the name of John Young became the substitutes for two other men, whose names were James Warren, and John Cannady, who had been drafted to make up Captain John Brocks company of Regulars, in this she now states, that she was mistaken and that it was to make up Captain John Spotswood company of Regulars, that these two men Warren and Cannady, were drafted for, and that John Brock, was the
Page 36

the Lieutenant of Capt. Spotswood Company, and that her Brother John Payne Enlisted for three years under the said Lieut. Brock in Capt. Spotswoods Company. She further states, that in her former declaration, she stated that her husband & the aforesaid John Young, marched to the North, when they remained upwards of two years and were discharged, returned home,  in the month of February 1780, and that on the last day of April following she married the said William Chesterman here again she says, she was mistaken, and that instead of their being discharged at that time, that they came home upon Furlow and that it was whilst then said Chesterman and the said Young were upon Furlow, that she was married that the marriage took place in April 1779 as well as she now recollects instead of 1780, as stated in her former declaration, and that after they had been married a short time her husband, and the said Young returned to the army and served out their time, that they then came home, and after living together untill [until] the month of September, her husband enlisted for the war and marched to the South, but she cannot recollect under what officer he enlisted or whose company or what Regiment he belonged to but this she does know, that her Brother John Payne the aforesaid John Young and her husband, all three enlisted at the same time, in the same Regiment and in the same company. She further states, that when her Brother, the said John Payne returned home at the close of the war in 1783 he brought her about ten dollars in
Page 37

money, which he informed her, was found in her husbands pocket after his death at the Battle of Santer, together with a letter which her husband had written to her before the Battle took place, but which he had from some cause, omitted to forward to her before his death, or rather before the - Battle commenced – 
Frances [her X mark] Thornton
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first before written before me 
Jno. J. Berrey JP
Page 38

[circular stamp] AYLETT OCT 9 VA

Free 

Col. J. L. Edwards
Comr. Of Pensions
Washington City D C

[written sideways] Oct 11 1844 Rest. Frances Thornton
Page 39

Aylett Virginia, Oct. 7th 1844 

Col J. L. Edwards 
Comr. of Pensions

Dr Sir 

In your letter of the 21st ulto. You say that the Declaration of Frances Thornton formerly widow of William Chesterman, is not properly authenticated, not having been submitted to and approved by a court of record as required by the regulations of the department.
This was an omission on my part, and I must request you to permit me to withdraw the declaration in order that this error may be complied with. 

Very Respectfully 
Yr. Mo. Obt Sevt [Your Most Obedient Servant]
R. Saunders J. P. 

P. S.
I am authorized by Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, widow of Abraham Wilson of the County of Spotsylvania to inquire whether her claim, has been allowed & if not the reasons of its rejection.
R. S.
Page 40

This is to certify that I am now seventy Eight years of age was born and raised in the County of Spotsylvania in the State of Virginia and that I was well acquainted with William Chesterman the first husband of Mrs. Frances Thornton, and who was killed at the Battle of Santee, some where at the South. I knew him before he married Mrs. Thornton, and know that he served three years in the Revolutionary war to the North in, I think, Capt. Spotswoods Company, and after he returned from the North, he married Frances Payne, Now Francis Thornton, and not long after they were married he enlisted again for the term of during the war and marched to the South. This I know to be so, because I went to live with his wife as company for her, and remained with her until after her husband was killed as before stated at the Battle of Santee, Given under my hand this 2nd day of June 1845 
Elizabeth Perry 

State of Virginia, County of Spotsylvania. SS 
Be it known that on the 2nd day of June 1845 - before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Elizabeth Perry above named and being duly sworn according to law states upon her oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing certificate are true. And I certify that the said Elizabeth Perry is personally known to me & that she is a respectable & credible person whose statement is entitled to full faith & credit. I further certify that I believe her to the of the age she states. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above written
Claiborne Devall JP
Page 41

I Stapleton Crutchfield -- Clerk of the Court of Spotsylvania County in the State of Virginia, hereby certify that Claiborn Duvall -- is an acting magistrate in and for the aforesaid County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine signature 
In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of my office and subscribed my name this 7th day of June in the Year 1845 and in the 69th of our Independence 

Sta. Crutchfield Clerk 
Spota County Court
Page 42

6148 
Frances Thornton wid, Mr. Chesterman Va.
Act 4 July 36

[written sideways] 6148 March 27, 1844 Va F. Thornton 4 July 1836

[circular stamp] AYLETT MAR 25 VA
Page 43

6148 March 27, 1844 
Va. 
F Thornton 
4 July 1836 

[circular stamp] AYLETT MAR 25 VA.

[written sideways] Co. J. L Edwards Comr. of Pensions Washington City

[stamped] FREE
Page 44

Aylett March 24th 1844 
Col. James L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions 

Dr Sir

Enclosed you will receive the declaration of Mrs. Frances Thorton claiming the benefit of the provision made by the 3d Section of the act of July 4th 1836, and the first section of the act of 3rd March 1837, which you will please place on your files - and so soon as I obtain the necessary proof of Marriage &c Will forward it on
Very Respectfully 
Yr. Mo. Obt Sevt [Your Most Obedient Servant]
R. Saunders JP agent
Page 45

The Honal [Honorable] Secretary of War & Secretary of the United States will have furnish my agent and attorney R. Saunders of Virginia Copies of such evidence as their respective record & papers afford in relation to the Enlistments Services and death of my Father, William Chesterman in the Revolutionary war and to answer such questions as he may make touching the same and oblige 
Respectfully 
John Chesterman 

State of Virginia 
County of Hanover S.S. 
This day personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid County, John Chesterman above named, and acknowledged the foregoing letter of authority to be his act and deed. 
And the said Chesterman being duly sworn states that he is the son & only heir of law of William Chesterman who enlisted for three years in the Continental line of the Army of the Revolution. Served his time out reenlisted and was killed in the Battle of Santee. That the said William Chesterman was the former husband of the late Frances Thornton to whom a certificate of Pension was issued on the 2nd day of August, 1845, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of December 1845
Thos G Turner J.P.
Page 46

June 21, 1845
Adal to can
Frances Thornton

[written sideways] Aylett Va. June 18    Free
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 47

Aylett Va June 16th 1845 
Col. J. L. Edward 
Comr. of Pensions 

Dr Sir 
Enclosed you will receive the Certificate of Elizabeth Perry which you will please to file with the Declaration & other papers in the case of Frances Thornton who claims a Pension under the act of 1836. This additional evidence I hope will be sufficient to entitle her to her claim. 

Very Respectfully 
Yr obt Servt [Your Obedient Servant]
R. Saunders JP
Page 48

R. Saunders
Sept. 26 ‘44
Page 49

Pension Office 
Sept 26 ‘44
Sir
Additional testimony in the case of Frances Thornton claiming a pension under the act of July 4th ‘36 addressed to this office under date of May 18th 1844, has been examined & filed. 
The proof of the date of the marriage is satisfactory but the testimony in reference to the service remains insufficient. The deposition of Ann Paine & Thomas Paine merely contain hearsay evidence and avail nothing. Your attention is directed to my letter of the 21st inst.

R. Saunders Jr Esq.
Aylett Va.
6148 Act July 4th ‘36
Page 50

R. Saunders
16 Oct. 1844
Page 51

263
Pen off 
Oct 14, 44 

Sir
Agreeably to your request the declaration of Frances Thornton under the act of 4 July ‘36 is herewith returned – 


R. Saunders Esq.
Aylett Va.
Page 52

R. Saunders

Sept. 21 ‘44
Page 53

367 

Pension Office 
Sep. 21 44 

Sir 
The papers in the case of Francis Thornton formerly widow of William Chesterman claiming a pension under the act of 4th July ‘36 have been examined and filed. The Declaration is not properly authenticated not having been submitted to and approved by a court of Record as required by the regulation and moreover the statement of the claimant vague and unsatisfactory as it is not sustained by the information possessed by this office in the list of final settlements which contains the name of any regular of the Virginia Line. On this list the name of William Chesterman does not appear. The date of the marriage shd [should] be established by public or private record or documentary proof. The case awaits further and [Illegible several words] testimony. 

R. Saunders Jr Esq.
Aylett Va. 6148 Act July 4th 36
Page 54

State of Virginia - City of Richmond, to wit:
Be it known that on this 29th day of February 1844, personally appeared before me Saml T, Pulliam, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said City of Richmond, and State aforesaid Elizabeth Thornton, aged 28 years, of said City, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following statement. That she is the Daughter - in - law of the aforementioned Frances Thornton, and knows her to be the widow of the aforesaid William Thornton, and that the said William Thornton died on the 22d day of May, 1820, and that she is still his widow- 
Elizabeth [her X mark] Thornton
Teste Juan Strenna 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written before me.
Saml T. Pulliam 

And I further certify that the above blot was made by Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton, in attempting to make a cross mark in my presence, 29 Feby 1844
Saml T. Pulliam 

State of Virginia, City of Richmond, to wit: 
I, Charles Howard, Clerk of the Court of Hastings for the said City, do hereby certify that Samuel T. Pulliam, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates, is an alderman and ex officio a Justice of the peace in and for the said City, and a member of the court of Hastings thereof, and I believe his said signatures to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court of Hastings on this first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four 
Chs. Howard
Page 55

6148 
Frances Thornton 
formerly wid [widow] of 
Wm Chesterman Va.
Act 4 July 36 
Admd [Admitted] 
2 years pri [private]
80 

R. Saunders Jr 
Aylett Va.

6148
Page 56

At a Court of Hastings held for the City of Richmond, at the Courthouse, on the 23d day of January 1845. 
The declaration of Frances Thornton, made before Samuel T. Pulliam, Senior Alderman of the City of Richmond, on the 29th day of February 1844, being submitted to the Court for its examination and approval, it is ordered to be certified that the same has been examined and the proceedings in the case approved, and the court doth further order and direct a copy of this order to be made on the back of the paper.

Teste 
Chs. Howard, Clk.

A copy. Teste 
Chs. Howard, clk.