Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 41, John Adams, Va.
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Service Va  Number R41
Adams, John
Suckey
Contents
S. Oct. 10, 1754
enl. in Louisa Co. Va
d Garrard Co. Ky Dec. 10, 1832
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K. No 1
This is not [underlined] our
John Adams -
[underlined] E.F.B.
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Executive Department, Richmond, March 27th 1837
The Heirs of John Adams are allowed Land Bounty for his services as a Soldier in the Continental Line for three years.
The Register will issue a Warrant accordingly
if not heretofore drawn
Attest Wyndham Robertson
Jno. B. Richardson
Warrant No. 9055 for 100 acres issued on the
20th day of December 1843 to John Adams, 
Nancy Adams, Robert Adams, Robinson Adams + Thomas Adams
the heirs at law of John Adams deceased, late a Soldier in the Continental Line
A copy from the Records of the Virginia Land Office
Teste,
S.H. Parker Reg. L. Office
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(A No. 1)
See Amended Declaration
State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County | s.s.
On this the 28th day of January 1850 personally appeared 
in open Court before the Court of the County and State
aforesaid (it being open & in session) Astin Adams
a resident of the the County and State aforesaid aged fifty-nine
years who being [?] duly sworn according to the law doth
on his oath make the following Declaration in order to
obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress [?] on the 5th day of July in the year 1832 or any
other act which may provide for him for the service of 
his father (John Adams [underlined] decd) in the war of the revolution with Great Briton. That he is the son + Administrator
of the aforesaid John Adams [underlined] decd + Suckey Adams his wife
who is also dead. The said John Adams enlisted in the 
war of the revolution from the best of his knowledge
+ belief about the year [underline] 1778 under [underline] Col on Cap Dabney
(for the term of [underline] 18 months.) in the County of [underline] Louisa
and State of [underline] Virginia served out his time + returned home with an honorable discharge from
his commander which I have often saw but is now
lost or mislayed so it cannot be found. (General George 
Washington was his General). That the said John Adams
was an orderly sargent + acted as [illegible] during the aforesaid time as I was informed by him + others.
That he remained at home a short time + [underlined] re enlisted
in the aforesaid Revolutionary war + [underlined] served untill
its [underlined] termination in the year 1783. That the said
John Adams was from my best information
+ belief married to my mother S Adams 
in [underline] Louisa County Virginia in the year 1778 a 
few days previous to his entering in to the said
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service & that the said John Adams & his mother Sucky Adams lived & cohabited together as man and wife from my first recolection (recollection) to the time of his death and raised eleven children ten of whom are now living the oldest, named Lucy is near 18 years of age. That his Father the said John Adams died in Garrand County Kentucky in the month of December 1832 & that his mother S Adams died in the county & State aforesaid in 1847. That neither of them ever drew a pension for the services aforesaid neither in money nor land & That he has often heard his father say he was in the battle of Kings Mountain & the Surrender of Cornwallis the battle of the stony Point & various others. The reason my Father nor Mother neither never applied for a pension * no (know) not but the reason their heirs have never applied is because they could not agree but I have lately been informed that it is not necessary to have the absent of all the heirs so as I am the Administration of my Fathers the said Jno Adams have thought propper (proper) to make the application hopinng the department may find his statements coroborated (corroborated) by referring to the rolls now in the war department & at Richmond Virginia & the proof hereto anexed (annexed). he further states that he has often heard Edward Dehouse (whose widow is now applying foro a pension for his service in the said war) say that he & the said John Adams were in several battles together & that he was a brave & faithful soldier. & that he acted during the time he was with him in the service, as orderly sargant (sergeant) Sworn to  & subscribed by making his mark in presece (presence) of the court the day & date above writen (written) 
Josep Horik _ one of the court
        his
Astin  X  Adams
       mark
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State of Kentucky}  
Rockcastle County } SS:  Cmit
On this the 20th day of February 1850 before the undersigned Justice of the peace for the county and Sate(State) aforesaid personally appeared Mrs. Polly Dehouse aged 96 years a resident of said County after being first duly sworn acording (according) to law. doth doth (sic) make on her oath the following statements to be read as evidance (evidence) for the within applicant for a pension. States Tathat (that) she lived in the same county with John Adams Deceased & Sucky his wife before & after there (their) marriage in the State of Virginia that she was present on the day of there (their) marriage & saw them married. that they were married by one revt. John Todd. in Louisa County Virginia in the early part of the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight (1778) that herself and the said John & Sucky Adams deceased mooved (moved) to the state of Kentucky about the same time & settled not far distant apart - that she frequently saw them after they mooved (moved) and that they lived and cohabited toether as man & wife untill they were separated by death that they raised a large family consisting of eleven children ten of whm now living. To wit: Lucy Riggsby aged Seventy-two years Margret Dehouse. aged Seventy years Overton Adams aged Sixty five years John Adams Sixty-three years Jos & (Mary crossed out) Adams (alias Mary Dehouse crossed out) (twinns) (twins) aged 61 years Astin Adams (the
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3
State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County SS:
Omit
I. Jas Terrell Clerk of the County Court of Rockcastle County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration of Astin Adams was this day sworn to in open Court approved by the Court & ordered to be certified to the war department. I also certify that satisfactory evidence was exibited [sic] to said court by the affidafit [sic] of Mrs. Polly Dehouse that John Adams Deceased the aforesaid, The Father of the within declaiment, was married to his Mother Sucky Adams in Louisa County Virginia in the early part of the year seventeen-hundred and seventy-eight and that John Adams Deceased, the Father of the aforesaid declaiment died in Garrard County Kentucky (at the residence of w. Richardson) on the 20th day of March in the year Eighteen-hundred and forty-six and that Lucy Riggsby. Margret Dehouse. Overton Adams. John Adams. Jas & Mary Adams abis Mary Dehouse twins Astin Thos Adams. Wm Adams Patsy & Lucy Adams (twins) and the only surviving children of the said Sucky & John Adams in testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name to affix the seal of the county of which I am Clerk Februrary 25th 1850 James Terrill Clk
Mary Dehouse's name enared before subscribing to this [illegible] she being dead James Terrill Clk
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2 
Omit
Within applicant for a pension (due the aforesaid Sucky Adamas his mother for the servises [sic] of the aforesaid John Adams in the old war) aged fifty nine years  Thomas Adams aged fifty seven years  William Adams aged fifty five years Patsey V & Lucy K Adams (Twins) aged fifty one years Mary Johnson is dead. The balance of the above named Children of the said John Adams and Sucky Adams his wife deceased are all the children that is now living of their descent and that the said John Adams died in Garrard County Kentucky in the year eighteen hundred and thirty two and that Sucky Adams wife of the aforesaid John Adams died in Garrard County Kentucky at the Residences of one William Richerson on the 20th day of March 1846 in the year eighteen hundred and forty six as she has been respectibly  informed by person who seen her die and that she never was married after the death of her aforesaid Husband John Adams but remained a widow till death and that the said John Adams deceased enlisted in the Service of the Revolutionary War under Capt or Col Dabney in Louisa County State of Virginia in the early part of the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight a few days previous to his marriage that she was present saw said John Adams enlist and entered into the Service of the old war. She thinks for during the war that he she said John Adams served upwards of two years and came home on a visit to his family having a discharge or furlough from his officer for ten days the furlough was signed by Major Nelson calling him Orderly Sargant saying the said Adams had served his country honerbly in capacity of Commissary
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3
and Orderly Sargant for upwards of two years and that she always will recollect of him showing his friends what wonderful feats he could perform on horseback. The said Adams had a beautiful clay bank horse it seemed the horse knew how to do every thing the said Adams told him to do the said Adams went through a great many mancoures with Sword in hand on his fine horse and the said Adams would load and shoot on horse back the Company of his friends thought quicker than any of them could on the ground and that said Adams remained a short time with his family and left for the war for the said Adamas said he must return to his Regiment before his furlough expired and that she stayed with Suckey Adams the wife of the aforesaid John Adams the most of the time while said Adams was in the Service of the old war. Then the said Sucky Adams frequently visited her Husband the aforesaid John Adams while in the Service and took her with her and that she always seen the said John Adams acting as Orderly Sergeant calling the roll and acting as Commysary issuing out provisions to the soldiers and that the said Adams served till near the close of the old war & think that said Adams returned from the aforesaid war in the spring 1783 and that she well recollects it wansnt quite a year after John Adams the aforesaid returned from the war till her first child was borned and her first child was born the first of January 1784
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4
and that she saw & conversed frequently with Col Dabney after the close of the said war. That he said that the said John Adams served under him a portion of his time & the greater portion of his time he served in a Cavalry Company under Mager Nelson and that he was orderly sergeant and Comissary which service he performed faithfully. and that she was also informed by the said John Adams deceased and others that he was in the battles of Bunker hill Brandawine & the surrender of Cornwalis & some others not now recolected. and she further states that she has not saw the discharges & furlow of the said John Adams deceased for many years. and that she is informed by his son John Adams (who had the possession of them last) that they were distroyed by moth or mice.
Polly x her mark Dehouse
Sworn to and subscribed by making her
mark before me. The day & date aforesaid.
Wm. P. Hiatt a Justice of the piece
Wm P Hiatt a Justice of the piece in & for the County and Sate aforesaid do hereby certify. That the above named Polly Dehouse. appeared before me at the residence of Astin Adams in Rockckcastle County aforesaid. & that the above depposition was red to her & she understandingly. and that she is a lady of undbouted veracity & her statements on oath can be relied on as being true although she is very old her mind appears to be exceedingly strong. & her recolection good. given under my hand Feb the 25th 1850
Wm. P. Hiatt J Peace
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Document has been written over in certain parts

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County | ss:

I James Le[?]ell Clerk of the County
Court of Rockcastle County aforesaid do hereby certify that 
William P. Hiatte Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the County
of Rockcastle and Stage of Kentucky duly authorized to administer
oaths and that the foregoing signators purporting to be h's [heirs] are genuine in the testimony whereof I [illegible] subscribe 
my name and affix the seal of the County Court of which I am Clark [clerk] this 25 February 1850
and also certify that
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Sate of Kentucky, E No 1
Rockcastle County;} SS.
I Astin Adams, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, and son of John and Suckey Adams, deceased do hereby upon my sober oath, make the following statements in relation to my Declaration now on file in the Pension office with the claim of my late mother the said Suckey Adams, deceased -
That I have been informed, much to my surprise, that the Pension Office required further proof to establish said claim, and because I supposed my my Father, the said John Adams, served in the second Regiment of the Virginia State Line and his name is not found on the Rolls of said State Line the office is disposed to doubt his service; and I therefore hope the Department will receive the following Statement of facts in explanation of the said statements relation to the service: viz:
That the late Mrs. Polly Dehouse, the mother of my wife, was intimately acquainted with my said Father and Mother more than seventy years ago, that she lived neighbor to them in Louisa - County Virginia and also in this State during the greater part of there lives and up to there death; that her husband having served also in the - Revolutionary War and their services having often placed them near together, I forward the opinion from conversating often heard many years ago. between them and other comrades, who are now dead, that they were in the same company and Regiment, and I was led to believe he was in the second State Regiment, because I was informed that Col. Dabney and Major -
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Nelson were in said Second State Regiment, and I feel confident that my Father and said Dehouse were often in company or near each other and also with or near the said Dabney, and, Nelson during and after the said, War, and in my former statements I did not intend to state that my said Father certainly served in the State Line, but stated my belief because I was informed that in applying for a pension it was necessary to state as nearly as circumstances would permit the Company, Regiment, or Line in which the services were performed - those were the circumstances, and I said State Line for the reason above, given and believe Mrs. Dehouse did for the same reason, but I never knew the - difference between the State Line and Continental Line and do not believe Mrs. Dehouse did:- I also believe Mrs. Dehouse told the truth when she said she had seen my Father acting as Sergeant in drilling the men, and as a Commissary in dealing out provisions, but whether he was for a few days, or weeks, acting as sergeant without being so entered on the, Roll, and dealt out provisions temporarily as a servant or - Assistant to the Commissary, I cannot say, but as her life was nearly ended when her depositions were made; and as her character was undoubted for veracity, it is impossible she could have given so many particulars relative to my Fathers - marriage before his service, his service more than two years in the Cavalry, and his various exploits, if the facts had not been mainly true. - Being informed that the Rolls of the Continental
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Line at Richmond Virginia contain the names of 4 perso named John Adams, three of them - soldiers of Infantry and one as soldier as Cavalry I feel confident that my Father was the said soldier of Cavalry, and must have belonged to the Continental Line, and not the State Line as I before supposed. I feel the more confident of this, because my brother, John, Adams who has all of my Fathers old papers, has found a small note written to my said, Father during the Revolution, which has been kept in our family ever since, and of which the following is a true copy, viz -
"Sir The 9th division of Militia that is laid off to recruit a man for the Continental - Army in which you are included are to meet at W. Joseph. Thompsons Ordinary On Fryday the 26th. Instant for that purpose - therefore you are requested to meet at the aforesaid place on the day mentioned -
I am yor Hble Servt,
Geo. Meriwether
To
W. Jno. Addams. 
Febry, 18th 1779."
The original, of which the above is a copy is now attached to John Adams - depositions which is also attached to this deposition, and I believe the Department will be satisfied, after inspecting it that my said Father entered the Continental, Line on or before the 26th. of February seventeen hundred and seventy nine, and on referring again to Mrs. Dehouse two depositions they will also be satisfied that altho' the Rolls of the Auditor of Virginia only show service up to
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1 January 1783 yet he did not leave the service until nearly its close, and that when he returned to his wife The "war was ended and the British "was whipped," as Mrs Dehouse states. As Mrs Dehouse gives such good reasons why she knew the mariage took place before he went into the Army, and that he was maried by the Rev. John, Todd the same minister who married her in 1782 I hope the Department will look into the papers on which she was admitted to Pention in March last, and see a letter from the Cleerk of Louisa County, Virginia which states that there certainly was a Parson John, Tod. in that County about that time, As the proof on file is so clear that my Father served more than two years, was - married before he entered the service and was a soldier of Cavalry, and as it is often the case that the famlies of deceased soldiers do not charge there memories, with the particular Line in which, There Fathers or friends served, especally after they have been dead many years, and as our family are farmers, living in the Country where but little wintering is done and less preserved; I trust the Department will not insist upon technicalities which cannot be complied with, but admit my mothers name to the Pension Roll as the widow of a soldier of Cavalry, who served over two years and was - married before the services for, I am as sure that such are the facts as I am of any thing that I have not seen with my own eyes.
And as in duty, bound, I will every pray. (E.I.)
Astin --his mark Addams
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Sworn to and subscribed, by
making his mark before
me this 22d, day of June
1850. Alfred Smith. J. Peace

State of Kentucky E. No 2
Rockcastle County
On this the 26th day of June 1850 before me Alfred Smith the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid Co duly authorized to administer oaths according to law personally appeared John Adams a resident of Said County, after being first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following statements viz:
That he is the son of John Adams, deceased and of Suckey Adams, deceased whose heirs are now applying for a pension due them at their death for the revolutionary service of his father the Said John Adams through Astin Adams, the son and administrator of the said John and Suckey Adams, deceased, that he ever since the death of his said father and mother kept all his old papers That the notice of George Meriwether dates February 18th, 1779 marked. (A). the certificate of Wm. White dated October the 17th 1777, marked (B). and the portion of the family record of his said Fathers and Mother
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Sir. The 9th. division of Militia that is laid off to recruit a man for the Continental army in which you are included are to meet at Mr. Joseph Thompsons Orderly on Fryday the 26. Instant for that purpose Therefore you are requested to meet at the aforesaid place on the day mentioned.
I am yr Hble Servt
Geo. Meriwether
Feby. 18. 1779.

To
Mr. Jno. Addams.
(A.)
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marked (C) now attached to this affidavit, hath been kept by him with the balance of - his fathers old papers ever since his death that he new them many years previous to the death of his said Father and that the part of the family record now attached to this affidavit as aforesaid marked, C, is a part of the Original, that he has known it for many years and believes it to be true that the ballance of it is distroyed or lost or miss layed so it cannot now be found, that his said father and others all of whoom are now dead has often told him that his said Father served several years in the Revolution that being unacquainted with military - phrases, he cannot state positively whether he belonged to the Virginia State Line or the Continental line, that he frequently was of the opinion that all citizens of the State of Virginia belonged to the State Line, but he has since been differently informed and from the notice of George Meriwether and other circumstances he is now - convinced that his said father must have belonged to the Continental Line
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and date above John Addam
written before me
Alfred. Smith. JP.
John Addams name somewhat blott
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Act 4. July - 1836.
Additional Evidence
and Explanation, Claim of
Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of John.

Positive proof of Marriage in 1778, and Service in 1779, in the Virginia Continental Line.

See papers on file, and last Report to Hon. D. Breck, of 13. June 1850.

Submitted by
D Breck H. reps,

Hon. D. Breck
House of Reps.
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1
I A. Smith a Justice of the peace for the County of Rockcastle, Ky aforesaid, do hereby certify that I have read the above depositions to Astin and John Adams, that they swore to and subscribed them with a full understanding of their meanings, and that they are respectable and credible residents of this County
A. Smith. J.P.

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County
I, James Terrill Clerk of the Court of Rockcastle Co. aforesaid, do hereby certify that Alfred Smith who has signed the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized to administer Oaths according to Law. that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of the County in wich I am Clerk at my office in Mt Vernon, this the 26th day June 1850.
James Terrill Clk
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(B.)
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(C.)
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B.
I do hereby Certify that John Addams hath taken and subscribed Oath of Allegiance and fidelity as directed by Act of General Assembly into [illegible] as to oblige the free maker Inhabitance of this state above a certain age to give deposition of Allegiance for the state as aforesaid purposes Witness my hand and Seal this 17th day of Ocbr. 1777
Wm. White
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John Adams was Born Oct the 10th 1754 Sucky his wife was Born Jan the 14th 175
They was married June the 4th 1778.
By Revt, John Todd in Louisa Co. V.A.
Adams was Born May the
Adams was Born A
C.
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L No 1
This is not our
John Adams
E.T.B.
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The Representative of John Adams is entitled to the proportion of Land allowed a private of the Continental Line, who enlisted for the war.
Council Chamber
November 25th. 1785} Thomas Meriwether
P. Henry.
Warrant of 200 acres issued to James Adams the 25th of November, 1785.

A copy from the Records of the Virginia Land Office.
Teste,
S. H. Parker Req. S. Office
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1928 July 19 Photos to E. V. Martindale. See John Adams, S. 39926 A.D.Y.
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Ex'r. INVALID.

REJECTED
Suckey Adams
P.O.
Service:
Enlisted: ____, 18
Discharged: ____, 18
Application filed: _________, 18
Alleges: Cause of rejection not found on printed list of 1832.
Re-enlisted:
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No
Act 4. July 1836.

Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of
John Adams, decd.
Kentucky.
For Revy. Pension -

To be made payable to Asten Adams, Administrator.

E. F. Brown
Atty.
Wash. D.C.
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No. 7,619
Suckey Adams
Kentucky

Let. to
Hon. D Breck May 1780
Same 2nd May
" E. T. Prior September
" D. Breck 13
same 
[illegible]
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P.26 Kentucky
Appeal.

Revy. Pension Claim of
Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of John Adams.

Act 4. July 1836.

Please consider early.

7. Oct. 1850.

Red. to Comm of Pensions
fax a Report
Dep Interior
Oct, 12. 1850 
E. F. Brown
Atty
Washn. D.C.
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(Copy)
State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} SS: On this 28th. day of January 1850, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of the County and State aforesaid (it being open and in Session) Asten Adams, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged fifty nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 5th day of July 1832, or any other Act which may provide for him, for the service of his Father (John Adams, decd.) in the War of the Revolution with Great Britain. That he is the Son and Administrator of the aforesaid John Adams, decd. and Suckey Adams his Wife, who is also dead; the said John Adams enlisted in the War of the Revolution from the best of his knowledge and belief about the year 1778, under Col. or Capt. Dabney (for the term of 18 months) in the County of Louisa and State of Virginia, served out his time and returned home with an honorable Discharge from his Commander, which I have often seen, but is now lost or mislaid so it cannot be found. (General George Washington was his General.) That the said John Adams was Orderly Sergeant and acted as Commissary during the aforesaid time, as I was informed by him and others. That he remained at home a short time and re-enlisted in the aforesaid Revolutionary War and served until its termination in the year 1783. That he the said John Adams was from my best information and belief, married to my Mother S Adams in Louisa County Virginia in the year 1778, a few days previous to his entering into the said service, and that the said John Adams and his Mother Suckey Adams lived and cohabited together as man and wife from my first recollection to the time of his death and raised eleven children, ten of whom are now living, the oldest, named Lucy, is near 72 years of age. That his Father, the Said John Adams, died in Garrard County, Kentucky in the month of December Eighteen hundred and thirty two, and that his Mother, S. Adams, died in the County and State aforesaid in 1847. That neither of them ever drew a Pension for the services aforesaid, neither in money nor land, and that he has often heard his Father say he was in the Battle of King's Mountain, the Surrender of Cornwallis, the Battle of Stony Point and various others. The reason my Father and Mother neither never applied for a Pension, I know not, but the reason their heirs never applied is because they could not agree, but I have lately been informed that it is not necessary to have the assent of all the heirs, so as I am the Administrator of my Father the said John Adams, have thought proper to make the application, hoping the Department may find his statements corroborated by referring to the Rolls now in the War Department and at Richmond,
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Virginia, and the proof hereto annexed. He further states that he has often heard Edmond Dehouse, (whose Widow is now applying for a Pension for his services in the said War) say that he and the said John Adams were in several Battles together, and that he was a brave and faithful Soldier. and that he acted during the time that he was with him in service, as Orderly Sergeant. Sworn to and subscribed by making his mark, in presence of the Court, the day and date above written.
Joseph Houk - one of the Court. Astin x his mark Adams

The said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the aforesaid John Adams was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as stated by Astin Adams who is his legal heir and Administrator, and that we read the foregoing Declaration to him, and that he swore to it understandingly and signed it with his mark in presence of said Court. That said Declaration is approved by said Court and that the said Court is satisfied of the truth of the statements made by the said Astin Adams, they having a personal acquaintance with him.
Joseph Houk - one of the Justices of said Court.

Sate of Kentucky
Rockcastle County.} SS: I, James Terrill, Clerk of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Joseph Houk Esq. who has signed the foregoing Certificate, and also the signature of Wm. P. Hiatt to P. Dehouse's Deposition hereto annexed, is genuine, and that they are two of the acting Justices of the Rockcastle County Court. That the foregoing Declaration of Astin Adams made in open Court on the 28th. day of January 1850, is the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Astin Adams, (who is the Administrator of his Father John Adams and Suckey Adams his Mother decd.) for a Pension, which Declaration was approved of by said Court. In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of the County of which I am Clerk, February the 12th in the year 1850.
{County Seal.} (A. I.) James Terrill, Clerk of Rockcastle County Court.

Suckey Adams, decd.
first Declaration -
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State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} SS:
On this the Twenty fifth of February Eighteen-hundred & fifty before the County Court of Rockcastle County aforesaid personly appeared in open Court Astin Adams a resident of said County aged fifty-nine years. past who being first sworn (duly) according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July the 4th 1836. granting Pensions to certain widows, and any other Acts which make provision for him:- That he is the son of John Adams deceased who was a Soldier in the army of the Revolution and of Sucky Adams deceased who was the widow of the said John Adams. That his father the said John Adams as he has always been informed enlisted in Louisa County Virginia and served several years nearly if not quite to the close of the war of the Revolution with England. That as his Father has been dead more than 15 years, he is not able to give many of the particulars of his service which he has often heard him relate. but he thinks as near as he can recolect that he was in the second State Regiment of Virginia - and that during a part of the time he served as orderly sergeant & Commissary that part of the time he served under Col Dabney
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2
and that he was in the battles of Brandywine Bunker - hill & several other engagements which he cannot now name that his said Father was married to his said Mother whose maiden name was Sucky Parish in Louisa County Virginia in the early part of the year (1778.) seventeen-hundred-&seventy-eight that his Father the said John Adams died in Garrard County Kentucky on the tenth day of December in the year Eighteen-hundred-&thirty-two. & his mother the said Sucky Adams died in the said County of Garrard on the 20th day of March in the year Eighteen-hundred and-forty-six. having remained the widow of the said John Adams ever since his death aforesaid and that the only children of the said Sucky Adams now living are this Declarant age 59 years, Lucy Riggsly aged 79 years, Margret Dehouse aged 70 years Overton. - Adams aged 65 years John Adams aged 63 years
See front of page. Jas Adams Twinns aged 61 years Thos Adams aged 57 years Wm. Adams aged 55 years Palsy & Sucky Adams (Twinns) aged 51 years which will more fully appear by the proof hereto annexed & accompanying this application.
Aslin x his mark Adams
Sworn to & Subscribed (by making} The reason
his mark) in open Court this} why I never
the twenty-fifth day of February 1850} applied
Before me, James Terrill Clk.} for a pension,
Mary Dehouse name erased she} before is I 
being now dead James Terrill Clk.} was not informed until lately that I could draw. & no not
Aslin x his mark Adams
Page 36

Date of Death of
Suckey Adams, proved,
20. March 1846.

Affidavit of
Wm. Richerson
of Garrard Co. Ky.

(G No)
Page 37

State of Kentucky
Garrard County} SS
On this 21 first day of March eighteenhundred and fifty personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace of the County Court of Garrard County Kentucky William Richerson at his residance in Garrard County aforesaid (being duly authorized to administer Oaths) aged Sixty two December last who being first duley Sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Statements that that he has known John Adams Deceased and Sucky Adams his wife Deceased about forty years that Said Adams and wife Sucky raised a large family of Children John Adams Lucy Adams Burton Adams Polly Adams James Adams twins Astin Adams Thomas Adams William Adams Lucky Adams & Patsey Adams twins the ages of these heirs of Sucky Adams and John Adams He cant Recollect that he knows John Adams the father of the aforesaid to have Died in this County December 832 a reputed Soldier and that the wife of the said John Adams Sucky Adams Died at his house in the aforesaid County the 21st March 1846 the wife of a good Soldier in the old war and that the said John Adams & Sucky Adams his wife were Citizens who supported a good character for veracity and that Astin Adams who lives in Rockcastle County Kentucky is the Identical Son of Said John Adams and Sucky Adams the wife of said John Adams, that Said John Adams and Sucky his wife has lived together as man and wife eaver since my first knowledge of them up to their Deaths and that Said Sucky Adams remained a widow to her Death from the Death of her said husband John Adams
William Richason
Sworn and Subscribed to in my presents the day and date aforesaid (Old) interlined and (he) (before Signed)
James Steger J. Peace
Page 38

I James Stegar a Justice of the Peace of the County Court of Garrard County Kentucky duley authorized to administer oaths Certafy that the foregoing statements was red to William Richerson who swore to the foregoing Statements understanding by and Signed his name in my presents and I further Certafy that the Said William Richerson is a citizen of this County and supports a good Character and his oath is entitled to Credit
Given under my hand this the 21. March 1850 James Steger. J Peace

The Commonwealth of Kentucky
Garrard County} Sect
I Alex R. McKee Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that James Stigr Esq. whose signature appears to the foregoing Certificates is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and sworn and that his signature and attestation is in due form of law- and genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court done at my office in the town of Lancaster on this 21st day of March 1850
Alex R McKee
Clerk Garrard County Court

Date of Death of
Suckey Adams, proved,
20. March 1846.
Affidavit of
Wm. Richerson
of Garrard Co. Ky.
(G No 1
Page 39

(Copy)

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} SS: On this 25th day of February 1850, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared, Mrs. Polly Dehouse, aged ninety six years, a resident of said County, who, after being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following statements to be read as evidence for the within applicant for a Pension - States that she lived in the same County with John Adams deceased, and Suckey his wife, before and after their Marriage, in the State of Virginia; that she was present on the day of their Marriage and saw them married; that they were married by one Revd. John Todd in Louisa County, Virginia, in the early part of the year Seventeen hundred and seventy eight, (1778) that herself and the said John and Suckey Adams deceased moved to the State of Kentucky about the same time and settled not far distant apart, that she frequently saw them after they moved and that they lived together as man and wife until they were separated by death; that they raised a large family consisting of eleven children, ten of them now living, to wit:- Lucy Rigsby, aged seventy two years; Margaret Dehouse, aged seventy years; Overton Adams aged sixty five years; John Adams, aged sixty three years; James Adams, aged sixty one years; Astin Adams, (the within applicant for a Pension) aged fifty nine years; Thomas Adams, aged fifty seven years; William Adams, aged fifty five years; Patsey and Suckey Adams (Twins) aged fifty one years; being all the children that are now living of their descent; and that the said John Adams died in Garrard County, Kentucky in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty two; and that Suckey Adams, Wife of the aforesaid John Adams, died in Garrard County, Kentucky, at the house of one William Richardson on the 20th day of March (1846) in the year Eighteen hundred & forty six, as she has been informed by a respectable person who saw him die; and that she never was married after the death of her Husband the said John Adams, but remained his Widow till her death: - That the said John Adams enlisted in the service of the Revolutionary War under Captain or Colonel Dabney, in Louisa County, Virginia,
Page 40

in the early part of the year Seventeen hundred and seventy eight, a few days previous to his marriage; that she was present and saw said John Adams enlist and enter into the service of the old War, she thinks, for during the War; that he the said John ADams served upwards of two years and came home on a visit to his family - having a Discharge or Furlough from his Officer for ten days - the Furlough was signed by Major Nelson, calling him Orderly Sergeant, saying the said John Adams had served his Country honorably in the capacity of Commissary and Orderly Sergeant for upwards of two years, and that she always will recollect of his showing his friends what wonderful feats he could perform on horseback - the said Adams had a beautiful clay bank horse, it seemed the horse knew how to do anything the said Adams told him; the said Adams went through a great many maneuvers with sword in hand on his five horse, and would load and shoot on horseback quicker than his friends could on the ground; that the said Adams remained a short time with his family and left for the War, for he said he must return to his Regiment before his Furlough expired, and that she staid with Suckey Adams his Wife most of the time that he was in the service of the old War; that the said Suckey Adams frequently visited her husband the said John Adams while in the service of the old War; that the said Suckey Adams frequently visited her husband the said John Adams while in the service and took her with her and that she always aw the said John Adams acting as Orderly Sergeant, calling the Roll, and acting as Commissary, issuing out provisions to the Soldiers, and that the said Adams served till near the close of the War; and she thinks that he returned from the War in the Spring of 1783, that she well recollects that it was not quite a year after the said Adams returned from the War that her first child was born, which occurred on the first day of January 1784; that she saw and conversed frequently with Col. Dabney after the close of the War and he said the said John Adams served under him a portion of the time, and the greater portion of his time he served in a Cavalry Company under Major Nelson and that he was Orderly Sergeant and Commissary which service
Page 41

he performed faithfully; and she was also informed by the said John Adams deceased, and others, that he was in the Battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Surrender of Cornwallis, and others not now recollected, she further states that she has not seen his Discharge and Furlough for many years, and is informed by the person who had possession of them last that they were destroyed by moth or mice.
Polly x her mark Dehouse
Sworn to and subscribed, by making
her mark, the day and year aforesaid,
before me.
Wm. P. Hiatt,
Justice of the Peace.

I, William P. Hiatt, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the above named Polly Dehouse appeared before me at the residence of Astin Adams in Rockcastle County aforesaid, and that the foregoing deposition was read to her and she swore to it and subscribed it by making her mark, willingly and understandingly, and that she is a lady of undoubted veracity and her statements on oath can be relied on as being true - altho' she is very old, her mind appears to be exceedingly strong and her recollection good.
Given under my hand Feb. 25. 1850.
Wm. P. Hiatt J. Peace

State of Kentucky,
Rockcastle County} SS: I, James Terrill Clerk of the County Court of Rockcastle County aforesaid, do hereby certify that William P. Hiatt Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Rockcastle and State of Kentucky, duly authorized to administer Oaths, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of the County Court this 25th February 1850.
I also certify that the within named Astin Adams is the Administrator of his Father John Adams, who, (from the
Page 42

proof hereto annexed) died in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty two; and the said Astin Adams is the Administrator of his Mother, Suckey Adams, who, (from the proof) died in the year Eighteen hundred and forty six (1846). In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of the County Court of which I am Clerk, some three or four blots appear above previous to subscribing to the same.
{County Seal.} The day and date above written.
James Terrill Clerk
of the Rockcastle County Court.
Page 43

Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of John.

Affidavit of
Thomas Ramsay
of Garrard Co. Ky.

F No 1
Page 44

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} SS.
On this Twenty fifth of March Eighteen Hundred and fifty before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace of the County Court of Rockcastle County Kentucky personally appeared Thomas Ramsey aged Sixty Six years old a resident of the County aforesaid at the Residence of Thomas P. Smith in Said County who being first dulay Sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Statements relative to John Adams Deceased who was a reputed Soldier in the old war with England and Sucky Adams Deceased the reputed wife of said John Adams that he has known the said Sucky Adams and John Adams for moore than forty years that they raised a large familay of Children in Garrard County Kentucky and the onlay Children now living os said Sucky ADams are Lucy Risly Astin Adams Margarett Dehouse Overton Adams John Adams James and Mary Adams now Dehouse twins Thomas Adams William Adams Patsy and Sucay Adams twins from the best information he has and that he lived neighbors to said Sucky Adams and John Adams Deceased in Garrard County Kentucky many years that Lucy Adams now Rigsly was some 5 or 6 years older than him and that Said John Adams & Sucky Adams lived together and Cohabited as man and wife and was reputed as such from his frist Knowledge of them that said John Adams Died in Garrard County Kentucky Some time in the year 1832 as he has always been informed and that the said Sucky Adams Deceased (the wife of said John Adams) died in Garrard County Kentucky at the House of William Richerson some time in the Spring eighteen hundred and forty six and that the said Lucky Adams lived a widow eaver Since the death of her said Husband John Adams up to her Death and that he further states that he carried on the Blacksmith trade some fifteen years near the said John Adams Deceas
Page 45

and that Said Adams Deceased was a customer of his during that time and that he has often heard his Father Thomas Ramsey and said John Adams deceased Conversing relative to their old serasses in the war and talking of the many Battles they was in and the hardships they experienced he further States that his Father Thomas Ramsey who is now Dead Drew a Pention for his services in the old war and has heard his said Father often Speak of the said John Adams being a valiant whig and of Being in the battles of Camden Kings Mountain and various others not recollected and that Said John Adams Deceased was in the Cavalry Service and acted as Orderly Sergeant and he thinks Commissary for upwards of two years. he further states that his said Father often Stated the Said Adams Served through the Old war and he said Adams was hell on the torays and that Astin Adams of this Rockcastle County Kentucky who is an applicant for the Arrears of his said Father (John Adams deceased) in the old war and his said Mother Sucky Adams Deceased that said Astin Adams is the Identical Son of the said John Adams Deceased and Sucky Adams Deceased that said Astin Adams is a man of good character and his Father John Adams & Sucky Adams was Citizens mutch esteemed for their honesty an veracity (Sixty & begun 6 15 to force acted before signing)
Thomas x his mark Ramsey
Sworn to and Subscribed his name in my by making his mark before me the day and date aforesaid T. J. Smith J peace

I, _______ a Justice of the peace for the County Court of Rockcastle County Kentucky do hereby Certify that the foregoing statement was read to Thomas Ramsey and he swore to them understandingly and subscribed his name by makeing his mark in my presents and I further Certafy that the said Thomas Ramsey is a citizen of good Character and Should be believed upon oath and I have no doubt of the truth of his statement, the 25 of March 1850 T. J. Smith J Peace
Page 46

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} S.S.
I, James Terrill Clerk of the County Court of Rockcastle County Kentucky do hereby Certify that Thomas J Smith Esq whose name appears to the fore going Certificate, is and was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the County Court of Rockcastle County Kentucky duly Commissioned and sworn as the law directs to administer oaths and that the Signature purporting to be his to the foregoing Certificate are genuine
In testimony where of I here unto Subscribe my name and affix the Seal of the County Court of which I am Clerk in the Town of Mt Vernon March 25 1850
James Terrill Clk.
of Rockcastle County Court
Page 47

Copy of 1st. Decbr & Proof
Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of John -
Page 48

State of Kentucky,
Rockcastle County.} S:
On this 4th day of February 1850, before the undersigned, a Justice of the County Court of said County, personally appeared Mrs. Polly Dehouse, a resident of said County, aged ninety six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following statements to be read as evidence in support of the claim of Astin Adams for a Pension for the service of his Father John Adams decd. in the War of the Revolution. That she is well acquainted with Astin Adams, and has been from his infancy up to the present time. That he is a legal heir of the said John & Suckey Adams decd. That the said A. Adams is a man of good character - his statements on oath never have been disputed to her knowledge.
That she knew his Father and Mother, John & Suckey Adams, previous to their marriage and from the date of their Marriage up to their death. That she was present at the time of their Marriage and saw them married, which was in the year 1778, a few days before the said John Adams entered into the said service. That they were married by John Todd in Louisa County Virginia, according to the law and customs of that County. That they lived and cohabited together as man and wife until separated by death. That they raised eleven children, ten of them are now living, the oldest, (Lucy) 72 years old. That the said John Adams enlisted in the service of the Revolutionary War with Great Britain, under Col. or Capt. Dabney in Louisa County Virginia in the year 1778 and served in the 2nd. Virginia State Regiment he enlisted for the term of 18 months. That she stayed with his Wife until he served out his term, when he returned home & had an honorable discharge from his Commander which I have often seen. He remained a short time at home with his family (having one child at that time) and re-enlisted in said War, and served to the termination thereof in the spring of 1783. - He died in Garrard County, Kentucky on the 23d. day of December 1832, and his Wife Sucky Adams died in the aforesaid County in the year 1847. I have often heard my Husband Edward Dehouse, speak of the said John Adams's gallantry and bravery in said War, with whom he served a portion of his time. That he saw him in the Battle of King's Mountain, Stony Point, the
Page 49

the Surrender of Cornwallis and various other minor Battles. That he always appeared to possess a superior bravery and finness to almost any other man in time of a Battle. That he would lead & school with as much composure as if shooting at a mark, altho' the dead and wounded were falling all around him. She further states that she was present at the time he enlisted, saw him enlist and enter into the service, and that he the said John Adams, was Orderly Sergeant and at times acted as Commissary. That he was stationed a portion of his time not far distant from where she lived. That her and his Wife frequently visited him at his station while he remained there, saw him acting as Orderly Sergeant and at times as Commissary, dealing out provisions, &c. while in the service of the said Revolutionary War. That a short time before the marriage of the Said John Adams it was said all who was married would not be bound to go to the War, that there was some talk of the said John Adams not marrying until he returned, but Todd, the Minister told him he had better marry then, that there was a very great demand for women at that time, so much so that the marriages in one neighborhood amounted to very often 25 per day & that if he waited until his return he might probably lose his gall - so they accordingly married, but it did not stop him from going to the War. That she saw and conversed with Dabney after the War, that he gave her husband and John Adams great praise, and said that the said John Adams was Orderly Sergeant which service he performed faithfully. That George Washington was their General with whom they were very much pleased.
Polly x her mark Dehouse
Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above written, by making her mark before me.

I, W. P. Hiatt one of the Justices of the Rockcastle County Court (in the State of Kentucky) do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Polly Dehouse who has sworn & subscribed to the above deposition. That she sustains a good character and the above statements can be relied on as being true. That the said John Adams was reputed and believed in his neighborhood
Page 50

to have been a Soldier in the Revolution, and that I concur with P. Dehouse in her statements above made.
Wm. P. Hiatt, one of the Justices of the Rockcastle County Court.
Feb. 4. 1850.

Affidavit of Mrs. Lucy Rigsby, of Garrard Co. Ky. Take before James Steger, a Justice of the County Court of Garrard, 4. Feby. 1850 -
She is 72 years old - eldest child of John & Sucky Adams decd. - (Same as preceding, as to service & marriages) & says
"I know well my Father returned from the War in the Summer of 1783 & think he served some five years from information of him - what makes her remember it so well, they heard he was killed in Battle, and her Mother and her had been out somewhere when he came home when she saw him she screamed yaunder is your Father and run and left her." Father died about 1832 and Mother about the year 1847 - neither ever applied for a Pension -
J.P. certifies he read the statements to her and she swore to them understandingly, & she is a woman of truth & her oath entitled to credit.
Alex. R McKee, Clerk certifies to J.P. & affixes his County Seal.
Then follows a Certificate, as follows, viz:~
"We, the undersigned residents of Garrard County in the State of Kentucky hereby certify that we have long known Mrs. Lucy Rigsby who has given her statements in the foregoing, that she has resided in this County for upwards of 30 years past, that she sustains a good character for veracity, and have no doubt of the truth of her statements in the foregoing."
John Anderson farmer
David Anderson farmer
William Richson Senr
George T. Nayler farmer
Harrison Hiatt farmer
William Richardson Jun. 
Over
Page 51

"I, James Steger Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Garrard and State of Kentucky do hereby certify that the persons who have signed the above Certificate are respectable residents of this County and entitled to credit and I also concur with them in the above statements.
James Steger, J. Peace"
February 4. 1850.
(Certificate & Seal of County Clerk attached)

Copies of An testimony
Depositions Polly Dehouse

Copy of 1st. Declr & Proof
Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of John
Page 52

Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of John.
Act of 1836.
Affidavit of
Mrs. Lucy Rigsby -
R. No 2.

E. F. Brown
Atty.
Page 53

State of Kentucky
Garrard County} SS:
On this 4th. day of February, 1850 before the undersigned a Justice of the County Court of Said County personally appeared Mrs. Lucy Rigsby a resident of Said County aged about 72 years who being first dulay Sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Statements relative to the Marriage of her Father John Adams to her mother Sucky Adams his services in the old war & being informed my Brother Austin Adams (the Son and Loyal heir of the aforesaid John Adams And Sucky his wife) has applied to the war department for the pention Due the aford John Adams & Sucky Adams his wife for the services of the aforesaid John Adams in the old war with England and that she was born in Louisa County State of Virginia in the year 1778 and that her mother was legally married to her father by one John Tood So they always told her and they always lived to geather as man and wife eaver Since her Recollection and that my Father John Adams aforesaid frequentlay told of his battles in the old war the Battles of Kings Mountain Surrender of Cornwallis and other Battles Dabney I think was his Col George Washington his General I know well when my Father returned from the war in the Summer 1783 & think he served some five years from information of him what makes her remember it so well they heard he was killed in battle and hisMother and her had been out some whair when he come home when she seen him she screamed yaunder is your Father and run and left her my Father John Adams died about the year 1832 and my Mother dieda bout the year 1847 neither of which my Father Neaver drew any pention nor my mother for the Services of my Father John Adams in the old war and so fair as my memory serves me neither my Father
Page 54

John Adams nor My Mother Sucky Adams eaver applied for a pention for the aforesaid Services of my Father John Adams in the old war nor none of his legal representatives before Austin Adams the legal son (of the afore Said John Adams and Sucky Adams his wife) and administrator of said John Adams deceased and that the said Austin Adams now lives in Rockcastle County State of Kentucky
Lucy x her mark Rigsby
Sworn to and subscribed by
making her mark before me
James Steger J Peace

I _______ One of the Justices of the County Court of Garrard County State of Kentucky do hereby certify that I red the foregoing Statements to Mrs. Lucy Rigsly and that she swore to them understandingly and signed them with her mark and she is a woman of truth and her oath is entitled to Credit given under my hand the day and date aforesaid
James Steger J Peace

State of Kentucky
Garrard County} SS:
I Alex R McKee Clerk of the Court of Garrard County do hereby certify that James Sligar Esq who has signed the above Certificate is one of the Justices of the County Court of this County and that the above Signature purporting to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the County Seal of Which I am Clerk this 5th day of February 1850
Alex R McKee Clerk
Garrard County Court
Page 55

We the undersigned residents of Garrard County in the State of Kentucky hereby Certify that we have long known Mrs. Lucy Rigsly who has given her Statements in the foregoing that has resided in this County for upwards of 30 years prior to that She Sustains a good Character for Veracity and 
no doubt of the truth of her Statements in the foregoing

John Anderson farmer
David Anderson farmer
William Richeson Sr
George T Nayler farmer
Harrison Hiatt farmer
William Richardson Jun
I James Steger Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Garrard and State of Kentucky do hereby Certify that the persons who have Signed the above Certificate are respectable residents of this County and entitled to Credit and I also Concur with them in the above Statements
James Steger J Peace
February 4th 1850
Page 56

State of Kentucky
Garrard County} Sect
I Alex. R. McKee Clerk of the Court of Garrard County do hereby certify that James Stiger Esqr, whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is one of the Justices of the County Court of this County and that the above Signature is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of which I am Clerk this 5th day of February 1850
Alex R McKee Clk
Garrard County Court

Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of John.
Act of 1836.
Affidavit of
Mrs. Lucy Rigsby
R. No 2.

E. F. Brown
Atty.
Page 57

Copy of Amended
Declaration & Proof

Suckey Adams decd.
Widow of John

(copy).
Page 58

(Copy)
State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} SS:
On this the Twenty fifth of February Eighteen-hundred & fifty before the County Court of Rockcastle County aforesaid personly appeared in open Court Astin Adams a resident of said County aged fifty-nine years. past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July the 4th 1836. granting Pensions to certain widows, and any other Acts which make provision for him:- That he is the son of John Adams deceased who was a Soldier in the army of the Revolution and of Sucky Adams deceased who was the widow of the said John Adams. That his father the said John Adams as he has always been informed enlisted in Louisa County Virginia and served several years nearly if not quite to the close of the war of the Revolution with England. That as his Father has been dead more than 15 years, he is not able to give many of the particulars of his service which he has often heard him relate. but he thinks as near as he can recolect that he was in the second State Regiment of Virginia - and that during a part of the time he served as orderly sergeant & Commissary that part of the time he served under Col Dabney and that he was in the battles of Brandywine Bunker - hill & several other engagements which he cannot now name that his said Father was married to his said Mother whose maiden name was Sucky Parish in Louisa County Virginia in the early part of the year (1778.) seventeen-hundred-&seventy-eight that his Father the said John Adams died in Garrard County Kentucky on the tenth day of December in the year Eighteen-hundred-&thirty-two. & his mother the said Sucky Adams died in the said County of Garrard on the 20th day of March in the year Eighteen-hundred and-forty-six. having remained the widow of the said John Adams ever since his death aforesaid and that the only children of the said Sucky Adams now living are this Declarant age fifty nine years, Lucy Riggsly aged seventy two years, Margret Dehouse aged seventy years Overton Adams aged sixty five years John Adams aged sixty three years
James Adams, aged sixty one years, Thomas Adams aged fifty seven years Wm. Adams aged fifty five years Patsy & Sucky Adams (Twins) aged fifty one years, which will more fully appear by the proof hereto annexed & accompanying this application. -
Page 59

Aslin x his mark Adams
Sworn to & Subscribed (by making} The reason
his mark) in open Court this} why I never
the twenty-fifth day of February 1850} applied
Before me, James Terrill Clk.} for a pension,
Mary Dehouse name erased she} before is I
being now dead James Terrill Clk.} was not informed until lately that I could do so and why my Mother never applied I know not.
Astin x his mark Adams

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} SS: I, James Terrill, Clerk of the County Court of Rockcastle County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration of Astin Adams, was this day sworn to in open Court, approved by the Court, and ordered to be certified to the War Department. I also certify that satisfactory evidence was exhibited to said Court by the affidavit of Mrs. Polly Dehouse, that John Adams deceased aforesaid, the Father of the within Declarant, was married to his Mother Suckey Adams, in Louisa County Virginia, in the early part of the year Seventeen hundred and seventy eight, and that John Adams deceased, the Father of the aforesaid Declarant, died in Garrard County, Kentucky in December Eighteen hundred & thirty two (1832), and that Suckey Adams the Widow of the said John Adams and Mother of the said Declarant, died in Garrard County, Kentucky (at the residence of William Richardson) on the 20th day of March in the year Eighteen hundred and forty six, (1846); and that Lucy Rigsby, Margaret Dehouse, Overton Adams, John Adams, James Adams, Astin and Thomas Adams, William Adams, and Patsy and Sucky Adams, (twins) are the only surviving children of the said Suckey & John Adams
In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the County Seal this 25th day of February 1850.
(County Seal.) James Terrell, Clerk.
Page 60

Copy of Clerks Certif
John & Suckey Adams
Marriage not found.
Page 61

(Copy.)
I John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of the County of Louisa in the State of Virginia, do certify that I have made a diligent search for the return of a Marriage between John Adams and Suckey or Susan his Wife said to have been married in the year 1777 or 1778. also for a Marriage Bond executed by the said John Adams, but I can find neither on file or of record in my Office, indeed I can find no Marriage Bonds or returns of Marriages for the years 1777 or 1778 in the Clerk's Office of the said Court. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix the Public Seal of said Court this 1st day of March 1850, in the 74th year of our foundation.
(Signed) John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of Louisa County.
[County Seal.]

(Copy of Letter on the same sheet with the above.)
Louisa Courthouse March 1st. 1850.
Dear Sir,
During the Revolutionary War, the papers in this Office then, were removed about at one time to avoid the enemy, and I have always understood that many of the papers were so damaged as to become useless, indeed when I came to live in this Office 30 odd years ago there was an old box containing mutilated papers that were so stained and moulded from having been wet & exposed that they could not generally be read, which I was informed were the remains of papers of which I have spoken -. I expect the marriage bonds and returns for the years 1777 & 1778 shared the same fate.
Very Respectfully
(Signed) John Hunter
(Addressed on the back, "Edmund F. Brown Esq. "Mail" "Washington City"
and postmarked "Louisa C. H. Va. Mar. 2.")

I certify that the above are true copies from the originals which I this night received by mail, both on the Same sheet.
Saturday Night,} Edm.o. Brown,
March 2. 1850.} Notary Public, Washn. C. D.C.
Page 62

7619
Additional Evidence
Suckey Adams decd
Widow of John Adams
(Ky)
Submitted by
D Breck H. Reps.
to whom the
Commr. will please
report -
2. No 1
Page 63

State of Kentucky,
Rockcastle County, }SS. On this the 11th day of April (1850.) Eighteen-hundred-and-fifty before John Quinn - The undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Astin Adams a resident of said County who being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and sayeth that he is an applicant for a pension for the services of his Father John Adams, in the Revolutionary war on account of his said Father & also on account of his Mother Sucky Adams deceased; That he made a declaration on the 28th of January last and being informed it was under the wrong Act he made a nother decliration on the 25th of February last under the Act of the 4th July 1836; That he is informed that both of said Declerations has been sent to the Department at Washington; and that he makes this Deposition for the purpose of explaining some mistakes which he made in said Declarations. That from frequently hearing his Father speaking of varous Battles of the Revolution in some of which he was personally engaged and concerning many of which the thrilling incidents were often related around the fireside. This deponent often had the impression that his said Father was in the Battles of Bunker Hill and Brandywine & so stated in his last declaration but that learning since that said Battles took place before his said Father entered the service he is free to declair that he was led into the -
Page 64

said error without any intention of misrepresenting but he had the impression as above stated and being uneducated had not the means of informing himself as to precise dates. That he believes that in the evidence of Mrs. Polly Dehouse she was led into the same error in the same way. That the said Mrs Dehouse was during the most of her life an intimate acquaintance of the family, often related most of the statements in her said evidence, insisted that said John Adams served in the Cavalry as Sergeant and Commissary under Col Dabney & Major Nelson: That she had often seen him in service and she continued to make those assersions untill the day of her death which occured onley two days after she swore to her last deposition in support of said Claim.
This deponent further declares that he made an error in his first Declaration in stating that his Mother died in 1847. That he was then under the impression that it was only three years since her death but that on service comparing it with other facts, he is satisfied that it was in March Eighteen-hundred and forty-six. That his Mother the said Sucky Adams died, but as to the precise date other proof will be filed which will satisfy the Department. This deponent further sayeth that he is unable to say in how many different Companies Tours or Regiments his said Father served but that from Family history and traditionary evidence he feels confident that he as a Sergeant and Commissary that he served a considerable time under Col Dabney in the second State Regiment of Virginia - he therefore treats
Page 65

That the Department will cause a search to be made of the Rolls of the Regiments which served under Col Dabny and Major Nelson & feels confident that the name of his Father the said John Adams will be found as a sergeant of Cavalry so as to coroborate the principal statements made in the papers and satisfy the Department in allowing the claim.
Astin x his mark Adams

Sworn to and subscribed
by making his mark
the day and year aforesaid
before me.
John Quinn JP

I, JOhn Quinn a Justice of the Peace do hereby certify that the above named Astin Adams subscribed and swore to the foregoing deposition understandingly after I had read the same to him and that I believe the statements therein made. this the 11th day of April 1850.
John Quinn JP

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} SS: I Jas Terrill Clerk of the Rockcastle County Court aforesaid do hereby certify that John Quinn who has signed the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Rockcastle in the State aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths, & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. given under my hand & seal of said county this the 11th day of April 1850.
James Terrill Clk
Page 66

No 3
(Sq No 1)
Page 67

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That it appears from a list in this office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line as settled their accounts and received certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an act of assembly, passed the November session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777, to the 31st December 1781, (see Hening's Statutes at Large, vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 28th day of June 1783 in the name of John Adams - as a Soldr of Infantry and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for L26.10.2 - delivered to himself and was given, as appears by a copy of the settlement on file in this office, for services from the ________ to ___________
Given under my hand at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond this 25th day of February 1850 ~
Jas E Heath
[No Seal of Office.]
Page 68

(M. No 4.)
Page 69

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That it appears from a list in this office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line as settled their accounts and received certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an act of assembly, passed the November session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777, to the 31st December 1781, (see Hening's Statutes at Large, vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 24th day of Novr 1785 in the name of John Adams - as a Soldr of Infantry and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for L8.8.4 - delivered to Mr. Porter - and was given, as appears by a copy of the settlement on file in this office, for services from the ________ to ___________
Given under my hand at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond this 25th day of February 1850 ~
Jas E Heath
[No Seal of Office.]
Page 70

(M. No 1.)
Page 71

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That it appears from a list in this office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line as settled their accounts and received certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an act of assembly, passed the November session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777, to the 31st December 1781, (see Hening's Statutes at Large, vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 11th day of June 1783 in the name of John Adams - as a Soldier of Infantry and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for L19.17.4- delivered to Wm Cunningham and was given, as appears by a copy of the settlement on file in this office, for services from the ________ to ___________
Given under my hand at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond this 25th day of February 1850 ~
Jas E Heath
[No Seal of Office.]
Page 72

Clerk of Louisa Co. Va.
1. March 1850.
No Marriage Bond for
John & Suckey Adams -
None for years 1777 & 78.

Edward F. Brown Esq
Washington City
Mail

[stamp]
LOUISA
2
Page 73

Louisa Courthouse March 1st 1850

Dear Sir,
During the Revolutionary War, the papers in this office then, were removed about at one time to avoid the enemy, and I have always understood that many of the papers were so damaged as to become useless, indeed when I came to live in this Office 30 odd years ago there was an old box containing mutilated papers that were so stained & moulded from having been wet & exposed that they could not generally be read, which I was informed were the remains of papers of which I have spoken - I expect the marriage bonds and returns for the years 1777 & 1778 shared the same fate
Very Respectfully
John Hunter
Page 74

I John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of the County of Louisa in the State of Virginia, do certify that I  have made a diligent search for the return of a marriage between John Adams and Suckey or Susan his wife said to have been married in the years 1777 or 1778. also for a marriage Bond executed by the said John Adams, but I can find neither on file or of record in my Office, indeed I can find no marriage Bonds or returns of marriages for the years 1777 or 1778 in the clerk's office of the said court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Public seal of said Court this 1st day of March 1850. int he 74th year of our foundation.
John Hunter clerk of the County Court of Louisa County.
Page 75

(N. No 2)
Page 76

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That it appears from a list in this office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line as settled their accounts and received certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an act of assembly, passed the November session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777, to the 31st December 1781, (see Hening's Statutes at Large, vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 28th day of Jany 1784 in the name of John Adams - as a Soldr of Infantry and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for L62.6.8- delivered to Lieut Perry - and was given, as appears by a copy of the settlement on file in this office, for services from the ________ to ___________
Given under my hand at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond this 25th day of February 1850 ~
Jas E Heath
[No Seal of Office.]
Page 77

Post office 
Lexington Ky
May 7th 1850

Sir
Edward F. Brown of Washington City states that on the 8th ult he placed in this office a letter addressed to you enclosing some pension papers of value & requests that service mention it to you if any thing is known which sustains his statement
Now for myself I can say nothing although I am always in the office but my reference to the Book of Mails sent on the 8th April I find that 4 free letters are entered and one of the Senate-men
Page 78

-men in this office states that he thinks I knew Mr Brown when here and that he believes he deposited a large letter in the Post office, but as to date he can not say any thing. 
From my enquiry I am indeed to believe there is no doubt of a letter being placed in this office by Mr Brown while he was here
There is a possibility of a letter being misdirected from this office but that would be corrected at some one of the distinguishing officers & not make more than 2 or 3 days difference in arriving at its destination - but if misdelivered at the most distinguishing officer it
Page 79

may have been first to an office so distant as to make a difference of a week or two in arriving at W City - I hope the letter has come to hand that it can not be lost appears to me certain because I have heard of no mails do the Eastern route discharged lately by fire flood or other strife ~
Very respectfully
your obt
servt
Joseph Ficklin
Pre
Page 80

Apl. 30 - 52
Case of
Sucky Adams.

Division of Comr.
of Pensions Confirmed - by Secy: of Interior

Commissioner
of Pensions.
Page 81

Department of the Interior
Washington April 29. 1852.

Sir,
I have to inform you that your decision in the case of Sukey Adams has been affirmed and the attorney in the case so advised. The papers are herewith returned to the Pension Office
I am very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Alex H. H. Stuart
Secretary

James E. Heath Esq.
Commissioner
of Pensions
Page 82

The said court do hereby declair their opinion that the aforesaid John Adams was a revolutionary soldier & served as stated by Astin Adam who is his legal heir & Administrator & that we red the foregoing decliration to him & that he swore to it understandingly & signed it with his mark in presence of said court. That said declaration is - approved by sd Court & that the said Court is satisfied of the truth of the statements made by the said Astin Adams, they having a personal acquaintance with him.
Josep Houk - one of the Justices of said Court

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} S.S.
I, Jas Terrill Clerk of county & state aforesaid do hereby certify that Joseph Hauk Esq who has signed the foregoing cirtificate & also the signature of Wm. P. Hoitt to P. Dehouses Dep hereto annexed is genuine & that they are two of the acting Justices of the Rockcastle County Court. That the foregoing decliration of Astin Adams made in open Court on the 28th day of January 1850 is the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Astin Adams (who is the Administrator of his Father John Adams & Sucky Adams his mother Decd) for a pension, which decliration was approved of by said Court. in testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of the County of which I am Clerk
February the 12th in the year 1850
note the name Wm. O. Hiatt blotted before my Signature
James Terrill Clerk
of Rockcastle County Court
Page 83

State of Kentucky} (A No 2)
Rockcastle County} S.S.
On this the 4th day of February 1850, before the undersigned a Justice of the County Court of said County personally appeared Mrs Polly Dehouse a resident of said County aged ninety six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following statements to be read as evidence in support of the claim of Astin Adams for a pension for the service of his Father John Adams Dcd in the war of the revolution. That she is well acquainted with Astin Adams & has been from his infancy up to the present time. That he is a loyal heir of the said John & Suckey Adams Decd That the said A Adams is a man of good character & his statements on oath never has been disputed to her knowledge That she new his Father & Mother John & Sucky Adams previous to there marriage & from the date of their marriage up to their death That she was present at the time of there marriage & saw them married, which was in the year 1778 a few days before the said John Adams entered in to the said service That they was - married by John Todd in Louisa County State of Virginia according to the law & customs of that Country. That they lived & cohabited together as man & wife untill separated by death That they raised eleven children ten of them are now living the oldest (Lucy Adams) 72 years old That the said John Adams enlisted in the service of the revolutionary war with great
Page 84

-Briton under Col or Capt Dabney in Louisa County Virginia in the year 1778 and served in the 2d Virginia State Regiment to enlist for the term of 18 months That she stayed with his wife untill he served out his term when he returned home & had an honorable discharge from his commander which I have often saw. he remained a short time at home with his family (having one child at that time) and re enlisted in the said war & served to the termination thereof in the spring of 1783. - he died in Garrard County Kentucky on the 23d day of December 1832. and his wife Sucky Adams died in the aforesaid County in the year 1847. I have after heard my husband - Edward Dehouse speak of the said John Adams's gallantry & bravery in said war with whom he served a portion of his time. That he saw him in the battle of Kings Mountain Stony Point the surrender of Cornwallis & various other miner battles. That he always appeared to possess a superior bravery & finness to amount any other man in time of a battle That he would load & shoot with as much composure as if shooting at a mark although the dead & wounded were falling all around him she further stats that she was present at the time he enlisted, saw him enlist & enter into the service & that he the said John Adams was orderly sergeant at times acted as comissary that he was stationed a portion of his time not far distant from where she lived That her & his wife frequently visited him at his station while he remained there
Page 85

saw him acting as orderly sergeant and at times as company dealing out provisions &c. while in the service of the said revolutionary war. That a short time before the marriage of the said John Adams it was said all who was married would not be bound to go to the war that there was some talk of the said John Adams not marrying until he returned but Todd the Minister told him he had better marry then that there was a very great demand for women at that time so much so the marriage in one neighborhood amounted to very often 25 per day & that if he waited untill his return he might probably lose his gall so he accordingly married. but it didnt stop him from going to the war That she saw & conversed with Dabney after the close of the war That he gave her husband & John Adams great praise & sayed that said Adams was Orderly Sergeant that he performed faithfully that George Washington was their General wtih whom they were much pleased.
Polly x her mark Dehouse
Sworn to & subscribed the day & date above written by making her mark before me
I W P Hiatt - one of the Justices of the Rockcastle County Court (in the state of Ky) do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Polly Dehouse who has sworn & subscribed to the above Deposition that she retains a good character - & the above statement can be relyed on as being true That the said John Adams was reputed & believed in his neighborhood to have been a soldier in the revolution & That I concur with P Dehouse in her statements above made. Feb the 4th 1850} Wm P Hiatt one of the Justices of the Rockcastle County Court

Sucky Adams, decd.
Widow of JOhn
Act 1836.

E. F. Brown
Atty.
Page 86

The said Court do hereby declair Their opinion that the aforesaid John Adams was a revolutionary soldier & served as stated by Astin Adams who is his legal heir & Administrator, & that we red the foregoing decliration to him & that he swore to it understandingly & signed it with his mark in presence of said Court. That said declaration is approved by sd Court & that the said Court is satisfied of the truth of the statements made by the said Astin Adams, having a personal acquaintance with him.
Joseph Houk - one of the Justices of said Court

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} S.S.
I, Jas Terrill Clerk of County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Joseph Hauk Esq who has signed the foregoing cirtificate & also the signature of Wm. P. Hiatt to P. Dehouses Dep hereto annexed is genuine & that they are two of the acting Justices of the Rockcastle County Court. That the foregoing decliriaton of Astin Adams made in open court on the 28th day of January 1850 is the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Astin Adams (who is the Administrator of his Father John Adams & Suckey Adams his mother Decd) for a pension, which decliration was approved of by said Court. in testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of the County of which I am Clerk
February the 12th in the year 1850
Note the name Wm. P. Hiatt blotted before my Signature
James Terrill Clerk
of Rockcastle County Court
Page 87

54 January 12. 1852
Washington City
Jany 9. 1857
Edmd. F. Brown

Rel: to his appeal from the decision of the late Comr. of Pensions in the case of Suckey Adams.

Triplett

Refd to the Comr of Pensions for attention & Report
Dept Intr
Jany 10/52
Page 88

Washington City, 9. Jany. 1852.

Hon. A. H. H. Stuart,
Secretary of the Interior.

Sir:
Fifteen months ago, I appealed to you from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions, in the Claim of Suckey Adams, deceased, Widow of John Adams, a Soldier or Sergeant of Cavalry, for Revolutionary Pension under Act of 4. July 1836; and about one year since you informed me by letter that the case had been sent to the Pension Office for re-consideration, and as soon as it was re-examined I should be notified of the result.
Some months after the receipt of your letter just referred to, I requested my friend S. A. Peugh Esq. to attend to the case for me, as most of my time is occupied in travelling. Mr. Peugh informs me that the Clerk who examined it had some difficulty in his mind as to some of the evidence, so that it remains still suspended.
As it is doubtless an honest claim and ought to be allowed to the amount of fifteen hundred dollars, if not more, I have the honor to ask your personal inspection of the papers, with my reasons there stated for its allowance, and my complaints of the injustice done to me and to the Claimants by the
Page 89

Clerk who formerly had charge of it and has since entered into the Agency business himself.
From the evidence given by an old lady, two days before her death, it is very clear that the Claimant's husband was a Soldier of Cavalry, and most probable he was part of the time a Sergeant and assisted the Commissary in dealing out Provisions, for she was an eye witness to some of his Service, his Marriage before service, and his return to his Wife after his service:- but as the Rolls are in the Secret Archives of the Pension Office, we have had to trust to such examinations as that Clerk chose to give them.
Please favor me with an early examination of the case, and forward the Certificate of Pension to me at this City.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
Edm. F. Brown
Atty. for Claimants.
Page 90

Stanford Ky. Augt 14. 1854.
Dear Sir,
I wish to know whether Alfred Smith or any other person has received the pension of John Adams of Garrard County Ky. John Adams (my father) was a Revolutionary Soldier of Virginia, Alfred Smith &c. Fish near Mount Vernon, Rockcastle Co, Ky, commenced the prosecution of the claim on behalf of my Father's Heirs, and though 3 or 4 years have elapsed, they still fail & refuse to give me any definite account of the business.
If either, or both of them jointly, have recd. the pension, I wish to know how much & when it was paid, in order that I may take the proper steps to get my part. Your prompt attention to this request will greatly oblige me & I will pay you whatever you may charge for trouble.
Respectfully yours
James Adams.
N.B.
Direct to Champe Carter
Clerk Lincoln County
Court.
Page 91

Please answer by Bearer.
Col. J. L. Edwards,
Present.
Page 92

Cincinnati, O. 1. June 1850.
Col. J. L. Edwards,
Commr. of Pensions.

Sir:
As a particular favor I have to request that you will give to the bearer of this, a memorandum of the state of the claim of Suckey Adams, decd., Widow of John, for Revy. Pension, Act of 1836, under the case of Hon. D. Breck of Ky. =
I am interested in the case, and 10 days ago telegraphed to Judge Breck, and was informed in reply that he had gone to Kentucky. -
To day I learn from his place in Ky. that he had not arrived there on 28th. ult. - Four weeks ago this day, I received from him your letter of 29. Apl. saying the papers which I sent from Lexn. Ky. on 8. April did not appear to have been received at your Office; and subsequently my Son handed you a package of copies of said papers, which copies I presume you would have sent me before this, had not the originals been found. Those papers, with the additional ones filed by Judge Breck about the 19th of April, are doubtless sufficient to admit the claim, and it being a Member's case, must have been reached by this time, if the lost papers are found.
My extreme anxiety to hear whether the papers are found, whether the claim is allowed, and when, deranges my other business and retards my movements, as well as prolongs my absence from my family and home; and I trust you will excuse me for asking you to furnish the bearer with a memorandum of the facts in the case, that he may deliver it to my Wife, who will inform me by Telegraph, or otherwise, as she may judge proper.
Very Respectfully, Yr. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown
Page 93

73.
F. F. C. Triplett,
for
Commr. of Pensions
April 16, 1852.

relative to the
case of
Lukey Adams.

April 19. 1852
Page 94

Pension Office
April 16" 1852.
Sir.
I have the honor to return herewith Mr Browns letter in relation to the case of Lukey Adams and to state that the case has, some time since - been updated to you on the Appeal.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
YO. Obt. Ser
F F C Triplett
for Commissioner

Hon Alex. H. H. Stuart.
Sect of Pentions,
(H H obliged)
Page 95

Please forward
the papers by return 
of mail.
Page 96

Cincinnati, Ohio,
19. June 1850.
Col. J. L. Edwards,
Comr. of Pensions.

Sir:
Please cause to be forwarded to me the copies of papers in the case of Suckey Adams Widow of John, Act of 1836; which were sent to you by my Wife some weeks ago, and are probably filed with her other papers.
Accept my thanks for your promptness in writing me on 6th inst., for altho' the news was not agreeable, it was better than suspense. - Hon. D. Breck has forwarded me your letter to him of 13th inst.; and I had before written the Claimant and presume his explanatory affidavit will be forwarded to Judge Breck in 3 or 4 days, and satisfy you of the justice of the claim.
As the originals have been found, the copies are of course useless to the Department, and will be accorded to me, as I made them; and they will be useful to me as a reference.
Very Respectfully,
Yr. Obt. Servt.
Edm. F. Brown

P.S. - If you forward them on receipt of this, under your frank, directed to me here, they will reach me.
E.F.B.
Page 97

Newark, N.J.
28. Dec. 1850.
Hon. J. E. Heath,
Commr. of Pensions,
Washington City.

Sir:
The Secretary of the Interior informs me by his letter of 23d. inst. which has been forwarded to me here, and received this evening on my return from the North, that my Appeal in the case of Suckey Adams decd., Widow of John Adams, Act of 1836, has been referred to you that the papers may be re-examined.
The object of this is to request as a favor, and an act of justice to the Claimants and myself as their Attorney, that you will examine my statement of the case, dated Cincinnati, Ohio, 7. Oct. 1850, and cause a full examination of the Rolls and all the papers. The Certificates of Pay were issued by yourself, as Auditor of Virginia, and sent to me the day before you left that Office
As it has been a vexations case in which I have been unjustly used, please have it taken up immediately.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
Edm. F. Brown
of Washn. D.C.

Please address me at Washington City, under your frank, and if I should not arrive soon it will be sent so as to meet me here or at New York.
E.F.B.
Page 98

Lost Papers
Suckey Adams, decd.

W Amos

Hon. D. Breck,
House of Reps.
Page 99

Cincinnati, Ohio,
5th May 1850.

Col. J. L. Edwards,
Commr. of Pensions,
Washington City.

Sir:
Since writing you on 3d. inst. relative to the lost papers of Suckey Adams, decd. which I sent you from Lexington, Ky. 8. April 1850, it has occurred to me that they may have met with some delay in the mails, and have reached your Register after your letter to Hon. D. Breck, of 29th ult. ; in which case they might be placed with Judge Breck's papers.
As that is within the bounds of possibility, you will excuse me for asking you to cause your Registers to be searched back to 28 or 29th. ult., which will be some ten days up to the time you will receive this.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
Edm. F. Brown

P.S. Allow me to express my regret at the loss I think your Office has sustained in the death of Capt. Ward.
E.F.B.
Page 100

Mr. Breck requests that attention of the Commissioner to the within named case -
Page 101

Cincinnati, Ohio, 9. Sept. 1850.
Hon. Danl. Breck,
House of Reps. U. S.
D. Sir:
On 30th ult. I received from you an answer to my Telegraphic Despatch, in about seven hours after I sent, saying that the case of Suckey Adams, decd. "is now before the Commissioner", by which I supposed you had called it up and he was examining it in person; that is, my letter to him which I sent you, showing the unfairness with which the case had been examined. I also supposed that in 2 or 3 days his decision would have been sent you, and by this time I should have received from you the Certificate, or his reasons for not allowing it. 
Having received no reply, I would beg the favor of you to inform me what has been done; and if not allowed, to urge it immediately, as the parties are very impatient, and I am anxious to be on my way home soon.
Please direct here.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respy. Sir,
Yr. Mo. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown
Page 102

Suckey Adams

Mr Breck would say to the Commr. that perhaps been, by several of his constituents, requested to attend to theirs & one or two other cases forwarded by Mr. Brown - He believes this & perhaps, the others are from his District. He refers the Commissioner, therefore, will reconsider the case of Mrs Adams, as requested within, & advise him of the result -
Page 103

Cincinnati, Ohio, 6. June 1850.
Hon. D. Breck,
House of Reps., Washn. D.C.
Sir:
I have just received the letter you sent me from the Pension Office to you, dated 24. May 1850, which was of course written during your absence from Washington, as your envelope is postmarked June 3. 
It is in relation to the claim of Suckey Adams, decd. Widow of John, for Revy. Pension under Act of 1836; and the tenor of it is very surprising. The claim must have been examined by some new clerk, or by a prejudiced one; and I feel confident that if Col. Edwards could take time to examine it carefully and thoroughly, he would allow it. - From the contents of the letter, I gather that the long lost papers have been found; and I know that those contain much better proof of service and marriage than in many cases that have been allowed. Mrs. Dehouse was "a respectable and credible witness who was in a position to have had personal knowledge of his service," and the eldest child is prove to be about 72 years of age (born in 1778) which must have made the marriage before the termination of the service. Mrs. Dehouse saw them Married, and it is shown that the records of that year in Louisa Co. Va. have been destroyed, and that there is no Family Record. Mrs. Dehouse saw John Adams in service, and altho' he might not have been appointed Commissary or Sergeant, it is quite probable that in the capacity of servant to the Commissary he dealt out provisions, and in absence of the Sergeant might occasionally have drilled the men. Mrs. Dehouse having been admitted to the Pension Roll and her character fully established, surely ought to be allowed her evidence, or some better reason given than merely it "is not such evidence as our Rules "require" - Now their Rules require the best we can get, and we have given it, and it is such as would satisfy any unprejudiced Jury in the Country or the World.
Page 104

That the Witnesses may have been mistaken in some points, (as persons often are of events of much more recent date) is quite probable, but that so many likely statements could be made by such persons, about a fraudulent case, is impossible.
I believe I have had about a hundred such cases allowed, and as many suspended, and I never had a case in which I felt more confident of success than in this.
I dislike appeals for several reasons - they are unpleasant and troublesome to the Pension Office, to the Secretary, to the Agent, and to the Claimant, and many of them would be avoided if Col. Edwards could himself examine such cases.
One other thing is worthy of remark - In their letter to you of Apl. 29. 1850, they say, 
"John Adams is not found upon the records of the Second Virginia State Regiment, either as Commissary or Sergeant" - leaving us to infer that he is found as Private: - and in their letter of May 24. 1850, they say, "the Roll of the Virginia State Troops in this Office does not contain the name of John Adams."
Now they do not say positively, but believe he was in the 2d. State Regt. and as they were ignorant & could not write, it is not probable they knew the difference between State and Continental Line.
The Officers of the Pension Office (especially the late Dr. Crump) have always preached to me that the main thing they wanted (no matter how ignorant) was, a plain statement of such facts as could be recollected, showing honestly on the face of the claim. This we have given, to perfection, and as good proof as could be expected, as there were four John Adams in service. Col. Edwards will doubtless allow the claim.
Very Respy. Yr. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown
Page 105

H Rep Sep 2. '50.

Sir,
I enclose herewith the papers of Reuben Bullock heir & representative of Henry & Lucy Pumphrey, claiming balance Pensions due the widow &c -
I desire also to call your particular attention to the case of Sukey Adams & the letter of E. F. Brown, which I handed you in person, in regard to it - Also to the cases of Thomas Philipot & Silvester Adams - in reference to which I wrote you sometime since -
Most respectfully
Your friend & Servt.
D Breck

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commr. &C
Page 106

(Special)
Cincinnati, Ohio,
17. Sept. 1850.

Col. J. L. Edwards,
Commr. of Pensions,
Washington City.

Dr. Sir:
The Hon. D. Breck has informed me by letter of 13th inst. just received, that some six weeks ago (about 29 July) you assured him you would give your particular attention to the case of Suckey Adams, decd. (Act 1836) about which he left you my complaint of the injustice done by a Clerk, in which I also showed why the case ought to be allowed.
Believing that you will allow all that is claimed, if you can take the time to examine all the papers fairly, my object now is to urge your immediate action on it, for three reasons;
1st - Because it is a just claim.
2nd - Because it is a member's case, & past due.
3rd. and last, but not least. - Because I am anxious to go home to my family, and feel as if I cannot go until that case is allowed. I have now been absent six months, lacking four days, and much against my will.
Please send Judge Breck the Pension Certificate with as little delay as possible, and oblige the Claimants, as well as
Very Respectfully,
Yr. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown
Page 107

Copies of
Correspondence
on Claim of
Suckey Adams, decd.
Widow of John,

For Revy. Pension,
Act 4. July 1836.

Originals on file in
Pension Office.

Washn.} E. F. Brown
D.C. } Atty.
Page 108

No. 1.
(Copy.)
Pension Office,
April 29th, 1850.

Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the case of Suckey Adams, deceased, widow of John Adams, under the Act of 4th. July 1836, have been examined and filed.
No evidence in support of the marriage of these parties, or of the alleged service of Adams, has been adduced.
The marriage should be established by a certified copy of the marriage bond and license, or by some other record proof, if it can be obtained. John Adams is not found upon the records of the Second Virginia State Regiment, either, as Commissary or Sergeant.
Satisfactory proof of the marriage, as well as of the service of Adams, will be required before we can allow this claim.
The Declaration referred to in the statement of Astin Adams, does not appear from the Books and files of this Office, to have been received. Before we can act understandingly upon this claim, that declaration, or a new one executed in conformity with the Regulations of this Office, must be filed.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Svt.
(Signed) J. L. Edwards.

Hon. D. Breck,
House of Representatives.
Page 109

No. 2.
(Copy)
Pension Office
May 24. 1850.

Sir
The claim of the Administrator of Sucky Adams, deceased, Widow of John Adams, for the benefit of the Act of July 4. 1836, has been examined and filed. It is not supported by any testimony which can be received as evidence, either as regards the service or the marriage. The former, if rendered as alleged would be established by the Records of the Auditor's Office of Richmond, Va. [Neither of the soldiers named in the Certificate of the Auditor filed with the papers, was the husband of Suckey Adams] or could be sustained by the testimony of comrades who served with him, or by that of respectable and credible witnesses who were in a position to have had personal knowledge of his service - and the latter, in the absence of record testimony as to the date of its occurrence in the Office of the Clerk of Louisa County, Virginia, by Mr. Adams' Family Register or that of some collateral branch of her family. But no testimony of this character, and which is required by the rules has been adduced.
If the claim is further prosecuted, direct evidence of the service of John Adams, as alleged in the declaration, must be produced, and the date of the marriage established by Record testimony. The Roll of the Virginia State Troops in this Office does not contain the name of John Adams, and the testimony of Mrs. Dehouse is not such evidence as our rules require.
I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed) J. L. Edwards.

Hon. D. Breck,
House of Representatives.
Page 110

No. 3.
(Copy)
Pension Office,
June 6th. 1850.

Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 1st. inst. in the case of Suckey Adams, deceased, Widow of John Adams of Kentucky, under Act 4th. July 1836, that the papers in the case were examined on the 24th. ulto. and a letter of that date addressed to Hon D. breck, stating that the evidence exhibited was not sufficient to authorize the admission of the claim.
The proof of the marriage having taken place before the termination of the service, is not sufficient, and the Certificate of the Auditor of Virginia relates to Continental Soldiers, whereas the service of the deceased Widow's husband is alleged to have been in the 2d. Virginia State Regiment.
As stated in my letter of 29th. April last, to Hon. D. Breck, the records of this Office afford no evidence of his service.
Very Respectfully &c.
(signed) J. L. Edwards.

E. F. Brown Esq.
Care of Mrs. Brown
Washington, D.C.

Note. - The above was addressed thus, because my Wife knew where to forward any letters.
E. F. Brown
Page 111

No. 4.
(Copy)
Pension Office,
June 13th. 1850.

Sir:
The letter of Mr. E. F. Brown, in the case of Suckey Adams decd. Widow of John Adams, under Act 4. July 1836, has been filed with her papers.
Since my report to you of 24th. ultimo, the claim has been again examined, and the result communicated to Mr. Brown. The claim cannot be allowed upon the evidence now on file.
I have the honor &c.
(signed) J. L. Edwards

Hon. D. Breck,
House of Representatives.
Page 112

No. 5. page 1.
(Copy.)
Pension Office,
July 17th. 1850.

Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that the supplemental statements of Austin and John Adams, in the case of Suckey Adams deceased, widow of John Adams, together with the several papers attached to them, have been examined and placed on file with the other papers in her case.
In his original Declaration, Austin Adams states that his Father John Adams, enlisted in the War of the Revolution from the best of his knowledge and belief about "the year 1778, under Col. or Capt. Dabney, for the term of 18 months, in County of Louisa and State of Virginia, served out his time and returned home with an honorable discharge, which I (he) have often seen," "but it is now lost or mislaid." - He now states that he derived his information as to his Father's having served under Col. Dabney from conversations with Mrs. Dehouse. These statements do not correspond with each other. If he had seen his Father's Discharge, as stated, he must have known the name of the Officer, as also the Regiment in which his service was rendered, his additional statement affords no support to this claim, neither the oath of allegiance, nor the summons to appear to stand a draft for a recruit for the Continental Army from the Ninth Division of the Militia of Virginia, as appears from the order of Geo. Merriwether dated 18th February 1779, which accompanied Adams' amended statement, afford any proof of the identity of Mrs. Adams' husband with any one of the four John Adams's who belonged to the Continental Line referred to in the several Certificates of the Auditor of Virginia. If Adams served in the Cavalry,
as
Page 113

No. 5. page 2.

as stated by Astin Adams, that fact must be established either by furnishing the names of the Officers under whom he served, so as to enable us to find him on the Rolls of this Office, or by the testimony of those who had some personal knowledge of his service.
The paper purporting to be a Family Register bears the appearance of having been made very recently, and so far from furnishing evidence of the marriage of these parties, is calculated to prejudice the claim.
We cannot allow a pension in this case upon the evidence now furnished.
I have the honor &c.
(Signed) J. L. Edwards.

Hon. D. Breck,
House of Representatives.

See the Reply to this,
on next No. - (6.)
E.F.B.
Page 114

No. 6. page 1.
(Copy.) Cincinnati, Ohio, 24. July 1850.
Col. J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir:
Duty to my clients, as well as to myself and family, compels me to complain of injustice at the hands of one of your Clerks, Mr. Ames. 
Nearly three years ago, I had the misfortune to offend him, and altho' I might have been to blame, yet he gave me cause by refusing, very abruptly, to take up a case according to his promise, which he had lain temporarily on his table for early action.
In that case, (Margaret Harbit, of Ohio,) the Widow died before receiving her Certificate, and I had much vexation and over six months delay before her Pension was paid. My temper being of short duration, I could easily have overlooked and forgiven that, but have reason to believe he is prejudiced against me, and will never allow a claim in which I am interested, if it is possible to avoid it.
Believing that I have a right to impartial justice for those I represent, I claim your attention to my reasons. During my absence from Washington, of four months, I have sent several claims to the Members of Congress, and from the tenor of the Reports on them, as well as from other information, am confident that Mr. Ames has examined those cases, an seeing my hand writing on them, his prejudice or hatred prevented him from giving them a fair hearing. This is clearly shown in the latter I yesterday received under the frank of Hon. D. Breck; being your letter to him of 17. July 1850, in the case of Suckey Adams deceased, Act of 1836, which shows such a wilful misrepresentation, or unpardonably careless oversight, as well as gross injustice
to
Page 115

No. 6. page 2.
to the claim, that I believe you never read the letter, and am more certain you never saw the papers therein referred to.
The assertions of that letter are contrary to the facts, as you will see, if you examine, vix: - it says - "he now states that he derived his information as to his father's having served under Col. Dabney, from conversations with Mrs. Dehouse."
He does not state any such thing, and none but a prejudiced or wilfully blind man can put such a construction upon his statement; which is, that he did not mean to say certainly that his Father served under Col. Dabney, but explains why he at first thought so - not that he derived his information from Mrs. Dehouse, but from having heard frequent conversations of his Father and Mrs. Dehouse (a near neighbor whose Husband was also in service) with old comrades who visited there, in which Dabney and Nelson were named among others they knew in service, he naturally believed or supposed his Father served under them.
The letter also takes the extraordinary ground that Astin Adams (who cannot read nor write) if he saw the Discharge, (which is one place is called a Furlough, and doubtless was, as he returned to service) he must remember the name of the Officer and Regiment. Perhaps he might, if, when he saw it 30 or 40 years ago he had supposed it would now be required of him. It is not common for persons to change their memories thus, and you will agree that such an objection is unreasonable.
That the order of Geo. Merriwether dated 18. Feb. 1779, affords no proof of Identity is another unfair objection: any reasonable man would conclude it was very good and presumptive evidence. It confirms Mrs. Dehouse's statement that John Adams was highly prized.
That letter again informs us, that if he was in the Cavalry, we must have the evidence of some one who had
Page 116

No. 6. page 3.

a personal knowledge of his service. This has been given in the two statements of Mrs. Dehouse, who gives interesting particulars why she knows he served, viz: her own eyesight; and her whole statements are such that no candid mind can doubt but he did serve, and was married first, altho' the technicalities she did not understand.
The accusation that the Family Register had "been very recently made", is so far from the appearance of truth, that were it not Official, it would not be worthy of reply. In the first place, it is not such a paper as a person would naturally make as a forgery; and in the next place, the Marriage before service was previously proven by the Affidavits of Mrs. Dehouse, and Lucy Rigsby the eldest daughter, whose memory goes back to 1783 (see her Deposition in Mrs. Dehouse's claim.)
The letter concludes by saying that you "cannot allow the case upon the evidence now furnished."
Just so you said in 1846, in the case of Elizabeth Warner, decd. of North Carolina, Act 1836; but when in 1849 I consented to let Mr. Peugh try it, and he got Mr. Lawrence to draw an appeal to Secretary Ewing, the case was allowed at your Office upon the old papers, without waiting for the Secretary to insist upon it - (at least I was so informed by a Clerk who I believe is not now there): and the heirs lost three years time, and I nearly $20 - of the Commission, besides the time. 
In the Suckey Adams case, there are two other factors which show an unfairness (independent of the unkindness) which are worthy of note. In the first letter you say that John Adams is not on your Rolls as Sergeant or Commissary, leaving us the fair inference that he is there as Private, and afterwards you say he is not there at all. Why allow your Clerks thus to tantalize? - Their letters are often blind enough at best. In one of those they say the evidence 
of
Page 117

No. 6. page 4.

of Mrs. Dehouse is not satisfactory, without giving any reason - surely this is unparliamentary and unfair, besides its being a wholesale and state objection. It ought to be satisfactory, for she gives all the facts in her power, which is what your Rules require, and more than could be expected of her at 96.
The other fact is, that I am denied the return of the copies of the papers (for which I applied by letter sometime since, and which are my property) they having been sent to you because the Clerk could not, or would not find the originals at first: thus leaving me entirely to my memory to know what papers I have filed.
Under all these circumstances, Sir, ought not the Clerk who wrote the letter to Judge Breck of 17. July 1850, to be ashamed of it? -
I respectfully appeal to you, Sir, to look into the papers, and see that they contain an honest story, supported by the best parol evidence, as well as presumptive proof that Claimant's Husband was a Soldier of Cavalry over two years, and was married before service.
I have the honor to be, &c.
(signed) Edm. F. Brown,
Atty. for Heirs of
Suckey Adams, decd. whose claim was filed by Hon. Danl. Breck.
Page 118

No. 7 - last.
(Copy)
Pension Office,
September 18th. 1850.

Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that in compliance with your request, the case of Suckey Adams has been again carefully examined. The examination only confirms more strongly the opinion I have before announced with regard to its lack of merit; and I feel therefore constrained to adhere to my first decision.
I have the honor to be, &c.
(signed) J. L. Edwards.

Hon. D. Breck,
House of Reps.

Note. - The above was sent to me by the Hon. Danl. Breck, and from the phraseology of it I am of opinion that the examination mentioned was not by Col. Edwards, but by the Clerk of whose injustice I complained in my letter of 24. July 1850, setting forth the unfairness with which said Clerk had examined said Claim.
E. F. Brown,
Atty.
Cincinnati, Ohio,
24. Sept. 1850.
Page 119

Hon. A. H. H. Stewart,
Secretary of the Interior,
Washington City.

Sir:
As Attorney for the Heirs, I have the honor to appeal to you from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions on the Claim of Suckey Adams, deceased, of Kentucky, Widow of John Adams, for Revolutionary Pension under the Act of 4th. July 1836; and to enclose herewith, copies of the correspondence, (Nos. 1, to 7, inclusive,) the originals of which are on file in the Pension Office.
The facts are as follows: -
The Claimants would probably never have made a claim (thinking the death of both parents debarred them) had they not been called upon to give evidence in the case of Mrs. Polly Dehouse, whose claim was allowed in March last. One of the Witnesses for Mrs. Dehouse, was Mrs. Rigsby, the eldest daughter of Suckey and John Adams, who gave her age as seventy two, before they had any idea of applying on their own account - (see Mrs. Dehouse's papers.) After this, the Agent who sent me Mrs. Dehouse's Claim enquired relative to claims of deceased Widows, and upon being informed that such were allowable to the date of Widows' death, upon proving service and Marriage, immediately proceeded to make out the claim according to the best information they could give him. The Father having been dead some 18 years, and the Mother 4 or 5 years, and the heirs being uneducated, living upon farms in the County of Rockcastle, Kentucky, secluded from much society of general information, it is not to be supposed
Page 120

that they could enter into the particulars of the service of their Father like persons differently situated and with more means of information.
One of the Sons made a Declaration in the best manner he could, which, with such evidence as they could obtain, was filed. Upon being informed that his Father was not in the State Line, as he had believed, he gave an explanatory affidavit, stating that he did not know the difference between State and Continental Line, but had thought it was State Line because his Father had often said he knew in the Revolutionary War Col. Dabney and Maj. Nelson, and learning that those Officers belonged to the State Line, he, of course, supposed his Father did. This, the Pension Office calls a contradiction, when it is but an explanation of an error into which he had innocently fallen, and now honestly gives his reasons for it. Not content with far-fetched suppositions that the service is not established, the Clerk who examined this case, (not the Commissioner) misrepresents claimant's statement almost entirely, and accuses the family of making a Family Register recently; and for what? to prove what we had already proven twice over; in our own case, and in Mrs. Dehouse's papers which show that Lucy Rigsby was born in or about 1778, and our papers show that her Father served in 1779, &c.
It has been common for the Pension Office, in cases where the papers in an admitted claim will contradict statements in a pending claim, to use such information; but in this case, where the papers of Mrs. Dehouse would tend to strengthen our case, they do not appear to have used them.
Letters No. 1, 2, 3, & 4, herewith, do not appear to be of much consequence, but No. 5, is the one
Page 121

on which they depend for rejecting this claim. Please read that letter (17. July 1850), and then read No. 6, my reply, dated 24. July 1850; and I trust you will look fully into the merits of the case. Old Mrs. Dehouse died two days after her last statement was sworn to; and no one can read her interesting account of her personal knowledge of the man, his service, his marriage, &c. without being convinced that it is an old fashioned honest statement of facts, and that however she may have erred in some small matters, her account of the general incidents must be correct, because there is honesty on the face of it.
My object is not now to find fault with the Commissioner personally, for I know he has too much upon his shoulders and Congress gives him too little, or not the right kind of assistance; but I must solemnly protest against the requiring the names of Officers to enable them to find him on the Rolls in the Office, when in a case like this where they cannot give the names of the Officers and there is some fifteen hundred dollars pending and justly due, if the Clerk had common industry he could in two hours look at all the names beginning with A, in the whole Virginia Continental Line, and the people have a right to expect a faithful and careful examination of those Rolls to which they and their Agents are not allowed access!!!
You will observe, Sir, by the phraseology of the last letter of the Commissioner, (No. 7) that he has not looked into it himself, as requested in mine (No. 6,) but he says, "the case has been again carefully examined." By whom? - Most likely by the same Clerk who, having before
Page 122

formed an adverse decision, was unwilling now to consider it impartially, and determined to adhere to his opinion, at all hazards.
In conclusion, Sir, I respectfully contend,
1st. - That the statements of the parties, the testimony of the Witnesses, and the Certificates of the Auditor, prove that Claimant's Husband served over two years in the Cavalry.
& 2nd. - That the evidence proves clearly that Claimant was married before service.
I therefore claim a Certificate of Pension accordingly: and 
Have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
Edm. F. Brown
Atty.
of Washington City.

Cincinnati, Ohio,
7. Oct. 1850.

P.S. Please give an early decision, and address me at Washington City.
E.F.B.
Page 123

Lexington, Ky. 8th. April 1850.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir:
I have the honor to enclose herewith, the claim of Suckey Adams, decd., Widow of John, for Revy. Pension, under Act of 4. July 1836; and to state that I have withheld them (the papers) until now, in order to have an interview with the gentleman who sent me the papers.
I am now assured that the Declarant will make an Affidavit explaining the discrepancies that appear in the two Declarations, which Affidavit will be sent you soon.
Allow me to say that the enclosed documents from Richmond, Va. are sent you chiefly to show that I have used due diligence to procure what proof can be had, but from what I believe to be the facts in the case, I think you will find the statements corroborated by the Rolls in your Office, and would urge a strict examination of the Rolls of such Regiments as were Commanded by Col. Dabney and Maj. Nelson, not doubting but you will find that Claimant's Husband was a Sergeant of Cavalry.
Very Respectfully,
Yr. Obt. Servt.
Edm. F. Brown
Atty.
Page 124

Cincinnati, Ohio, 4. May 1850.
Col. J. L. Edwards,
Commr. of Pensions.

Sir:
The Hon. Daniel Breck has sent me your letter of 29th ult. to him, in which you say that certain papers relating to the claim of Suckey Adams, decd. Widow of John, for Revy. Pension under Act of 4. July 1836, which were sent by me to your Office from Lexington, Ky. on 8th. April 1850, "do not appear to have been received."
Believing the claim to be a just one, I brought the papers with me, after leaving copies of them at home in such a way that my Wife could send them to me if I should lose the originals.
After consulting at Lexington with the gentleman from whom I received them, I sent the originals to you, (as above) and left him to have an explanatory Declaration executed by Astin Adams, which has been sent you by Hon. Danl. Breck, and caused your letter above referred.
I will send this to my Wife, who will enclose with it the copies of the papers, which I will thank you to examine, & then cause another search for the originals. If they can be found, and you allow the claim, please send the Certificate to Hon. Daniel Breck. If they cannot be found, please send the copies to me, that I may, as far as possible, obtain renewals.
Your early attention will much oblige
Very Respectfully, Yr. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown
Please address me at Washington City, and my letters will be forwarded, according to their dates, to such place as will reach me.
E.F.B.
Page 125

Sukey Adams
widow of John Adams - 
Revolutionary Pension

Forwarded by 
D Breck. H Reps.
Page 126

Cincinnati, Ohio, 4th. May 1850.
Hon. Daniel Breck,
House of Reps. -

Sir:
The letter which you sent me, from the Pension Office to you dated Apl. 29. 1850, is just received; and I was astonished at its contents, because I know their Register at the Pension Office is generally correct, yet as papers may be misplaced, in the multiplicity of business, and as the mails seldom, if ever, fail between Lexington, Ky. and Washn. City, I doubt not they will be willing to make another search, for I am sure I sent a large package of them from Lexington on the 8th & left there at 6 on the morning of the 9th, for Frankfort and Louisville.
In those papers, the Marriage and Service were proven, at least as far as it was possible to comply with the Rules of the Office.
Before I left Washington, I took copies of the papers which I left at home, and brought the originals with me. I left them in such a way that my Wife could send them to me in case I should lose the originals; and shall write her by present mail requesting her to enclose them and send my son to place them in the hands of Col. Edwards. The affidavits of Mrs. Dehouse it will be impossible to replace, as she died but two days after she executed the last one, and while her own claim was pending, which her children have since received, thro' my agency.
Please request Col. Edwards to examine the copies and if on another search the originals cannot be found, to send the copies to me at this City, that I may have a part of them renewed. - 
The claim is undoubtedly an honest one, and I presume you can assure the Commissioner that
Page 127

there are in that County several families who removed from Virginia & N. C. at an early day, and whose Fathers were doubtless Revolutionary Soldiers.
If they do not allow the Claim as Commissary or Sergeant, I presume they will allow it at least as a Soldier of Cavalry, for he certainly must have served with Edward Dehouse, whose Widow above referred to, has been pensioned.
The family are willing to take what they can get, but they trust to the Department, and of course expect to receive all to which they are entitled.
Very Respectfully,
I have the honor to be,
Sir, Your Mo. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown

P.S. I forgot to mention that all of the above relates to the Claim of
Suckey Adams decd., Widow of John Adams,
for Revolutionary Pension,
Act 4. July 1836.
Page 128

Very Special indeed!!
Newark, N.J.
30. Jany. 1851.

Rev. F. S. Evans,
Chief Clerk,
Pension Office.

Very Dear Sir:
Please do me the favor and justice to take up now, two of my cases, which I believe are ready for allowance, viz:
Suckey Adams, decd., of Kentucky, Act 4. July 1836, Widow of John Adams.
Appealed last October & referred back to your Office by Secretary.
John & Cherry Kennedy, decd - of S. Carolina, Acts 1832 & 38, Last proof sent from here 12 Dec. 1850.
These are old cases that I ought really to have, and will thank you to send me the Certificates to this place, at the earliest moment you can.
Very Respy. & Truly Yours,
Edm. F. Brown
Atty. for Claimants
Page 129

Regr. Land Office,
Richmond, Va. 11. March 1850.
Recd. 12. March 1850.
2 John Adam's received Land Warrants.
Neither of them could have been our John Adams.
E.F.B.
Page 130

Va. L. Office, Richmond, March 11th. 1850
Edm. F. Brown Esq.
D Sir:
Yours of the 8th Inst. was recd. to day. It appears that only two warrants have issued to privates by the name of John Adams - One for 200 acres, for services in the Conl. line for the war - and one for 100 acres for ser. in C Line for three years - It does not appear that either of them was a Sergeant of Cavalry ~ Be pleased to say whether I must send you a certificate of either and correspond.
Yours most respectfully,
S. H. Parker
Page 131

Recd. 28 Feb. 50

Edmund F. Brown Esqr
Washington City

[stamp]
RICHMOND
FEB
28
Va.
Page 132

First Audr. Office
27. Feb. 1850

Sir
This being the last day of my official tour save one, I send you certificates in the case requested in yours of the 19 inst
Very respectfully
yours
Jas E. Heath
Page 133

865
Pension Office
April 29th 1850

Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the Case of Sukey Adams decd Widow of John Adams under the act of 4 July 1836 have been examined and filed. 
No evidence in support of the [illegible] of these papers or of the alleged service of Adams has been adduced,
The marriage should be [illegible] behind by a Certified Copy of the Marriage bond or License or in some other recorded proof if it can be obtained John Adams is not found upon the records of the Second Virginia State Regiment either as Commissary or Sergeant, Satisfactory proof of the marriage as well as of the Service of [illegible] will be required before we can allow this claim. The declarant refered to in the Statement of Astin Adams does not appear from the books and files of this office to have been recruit, Before we can act understandingly before this Claim that declaration or a new one, [illegible] in Company with the
Page 134

Regulations of this Office must be filed

Hon. D. Breck
29 Apl 1850

Hon D Breck
House of Reps
Page 135

E. F. Brown Esq
6 June 1850
Page 136

138
Pension Office
June 6th 1850

Sir
In reply to your letter of the 1st inst. in the case of Sucky Adams decd widow of John Adams of Kentucky under act 4 July 1836 I have to state that the papers in the case were ex on the 24th ult, and a letter of that date addressed to Hon. D. Breck stating that the evidence exhibited was not sufficient to authorize the admission of the claim. The proof of the marriage having taken place before the termination of the service is not sufficient and the certificate of the auditor of Virg relates to a continental soldier, whereas the services of the [illegible] under husband is alleged to have been in 2d. Virginia State Regt., as stated in my letter of the 29th April last to Hon D. Breck the records in this office afford no evidence of his service
E. F. Brown Esq
Care of Mrs. Brown
Washington
Page 137

785

Pension Office
May 24. 1850.

Sir
The claim of the Administrator of Sucky Adams, deceased, Widow of John Adams, for the benefit of the Act of July 4. 1836, has been examined and filed. It is not supported by any testimony which can be received as evidence, either as regards the service or the marriage. The former, if rendered as alleged would be established by the Records of the Auditor's Office of Richmond, Va. [Neither of the soldiers named in the Certificate of the Auditor filed with the papers, was the husband of Suckey Adams] or could be sustained by the testimony of comrades who served with him, or by that of respectable and credible witnesses who were in a position to have had personal knowledge of his service - and the latter, in the absence of record testimony as to the date of its occurrence in the Office of the Clerk of Louisa County, Virginia, by Mr. Adams' Family Register or that of some collateral branch
Page 138

of her family. But no testimony of this character, and which is required by the rules has been adduced.
If the claim is further prosecuted, direct evidence of the service of John Adams, as alleged in the declaration, must be produced, and the date of the marriage established by Record testimony. The Roll of the Virginia State Troops in this Office does not contain the name of John Adams, and the testimony of Mrs. Dehouse is not such evidence as our rules require.
 J. L. Edwards.

Hon. D. Breck,
H of Reps
Page 139

Hon. D. Breck
18 Sept 1850
Page 140

480
No. 7 - last.
(Copy)
Pension Office,
September 18th. 1850.

Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that in compliance with your request, the case of Suckey Adams has been again carefully examined. The examination only confirms more strongly the opinion I have before announced with regard to its lack of merit; and I feel therefore constrained to adhere to my first decision.

Hon D Breck
H of Reps
Page 141

255
Pension Office
July 17, 1850

Sir, I have the honor to inform you that the supplemental statement of Austin and John Adams in the care of Suckey Adams heir window of John Adams together with the serial patens attached to them have been secured and placed on file with the other papers in her case.

In his [illegible] declaration Austin Adams states that his father John Adams enlisted in the war of the revolution from the best of his knowledge and believes about the year 1778 under Col. or Capt. Dabney from the time of 18 March in the County of Louisa and state of Virginia, served out his time and returned home with an honorable discharge from his commander which (he) I  have often [illegible] but is now lost or mislaid. He now states that he desired the information as to his father having served with Col. Dabney from conversations with my Mrs. De House, These statement do not correspond with each other. If he had seen his father's discharge as stated he must have known the name of the officer as well as
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the {illegible] which his father served had rendered the additional statement offers no [illegible] to this claim. Neither the oath of [illegible] nor the summons to appear to stand  [] a draft for a recruit for teh Continental Army
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Hon D. Breck 
13th June 1850
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311

Pension Office
June 13th 1850

Sir,
The letter of Mr. E. F. Brown in the case of Sucky Adams, widow of John Adams under Act 4th July 1836, has been filed with her papers.  Since the date of my report to you of the 24th ult, the claim has been again examined, and the result communicated to Mr. Brown.  The claim cannot be allowed upon the evidence now on file. 

Hon D. Breck
H.R
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Pension Office
Aug. 26. 1856.

Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 14th inst. you are informed that the claim of John Adams, ded late of Rock Castle, Ky. does not appear upon [illegible] of this office.  There is a claim of Suckey Adams, ded who was the widow of John, late of Nat County, under the Act of July 4, 1836, which has in April 1852, came to the Secretary of the Interior as the appeal of E. F. Brown, and who affirmed the decision of the office reflecting said claim.  

James Adams, Esq
Con of Champe Carter, Esq
Stanford,  Lincoln Co Ky