Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,553, Samuel Wilks, Va.
Page 1

Va Wilks, Samuel   R. 11553
Margaret
Page 2

12.589
Virginia
Samuel Wilks
Bedford in the State of Virginia
he was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Newell of the Regt commanded
by Col. Meriwether in the Virginia
for 9 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 30 dollars no cents per annum
to Commence on the 4th day of March 1831

Certificate of pension issued the 11th day of May '33
and sent to R. N. Dickerson 
Liberty CH Bedford Co VA

Swears to the 4th of March '33   60
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept '33 - 15
$75
Revolutionary claim
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by William Miller Clerk
Book E Vol. 6. Page 30
Page 3

Let Pen agt Dec 17 1835 [Illegible]
.. Hon NW Claiborne .. ..
.. 5 Feby 36
.. 29 Apl ..
Page 4

State of Virginia
County of Bedford S.S.
On the 28th day of March 1833 personally appeared
in open Court before the Justices of the County Court
of Bedford now sitting Samuel Wilkes a resident of Virginia
in the County of Bedford aged Sixty 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 act of Congress
passed June the 7th 1832-
That he enlisted the service of the United States under the
following named officers and served as herein after stated
That in the latter  part of the year 1780 [inserted: or in January 1781] he was drafted
for a three months tour in the militia, from the County of
Bedford, he marched under Captain John Trigg, Lieutenant
William Hudnall, and Ensign Simon Miller to Petersburg a
distance of 150 miles from thence to Cabin point and from
thence to Portsmouth, and from thence to Gregory Camp
in North Carolina where they were stationed a short time and
marched back again to Portsmouth and was then marching
about the County watching Genl. Arnold who was said to be
in Long Bridge Fort, and then marched back again to North 
Carolina and back again across the dismal Swamp to Prince
George Courthouse where he was discharged sometime in April
and served at least three months, that he has no documentary
evidence of this tour but can prove it by Isaac Cundiff and
Capt. William Arthur who served said town with him and to
whose affidavit he refers, his field officers were Genl Mulenburg
Colo. Meriweather and Major Dodleman. That in the fall of
the year 1781 he was again drafted for six months from the County
of Bedford and rendezvoused at Prince Edward Courthouse and
marched from thence to Richmond and served under the
command of Capt. Newell for some time, when the captain
Newell became a supernumerary, they were then placed under the
command of Captain John Slaughter and Lieutenant Nathan
Rice. That he was stationed at Richmond and remained
during the whole tour except about six weeks, when he volunteered
to aid in carrying a vessel loaded with cold to Williamsburg
On his return to Richmond the time of his service having expired
Page 5

previously, he found his whole company already discharged _ he
has no documentary evidence of the service of this tour, he received
a discharge from Cap. Slaughter some time in March 1782 but
has lost or mislaid it _ but can prove the service of this tour
by John Mitchell and George Swain both citizens of the County
of Bedford who served this tour with him, and to whose affidavit
he refers. He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension
or annuity except the present and declares that his name
is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Samuel Wilks
He had no field officers this tour no Troops except his company
being in the service with him _ dont recollect any regular
Officers either tour except Genl Mulenburg Cole Merriweather
Maj Dodeman being regular _ No regular troops _ these militia companies commanded
by Capt Oly. Poindexter Cunning & Read. He served at least six months this tour
propounded by the Court to Samuel Wilks, before whom
the foregoing declaration was sworn and subscribed _
Answer to question 1st That he was born on the 24th day
of October 1764 in the County of Loudon [sic] in the State of Virginia
that while a boy he was brought ..... by his parents
to the County of Bedford in the same State where he has
ever since resided _
2nd That he has no record of his age
3d 4th & 5th answered as in the declaration stated & in question 1st
6th Answer in the declaration
7th I refer to William Leftwich a minister of the gospel
and John Hudnall Sen, to both of whom I am well acquainted
Samuel Wilks
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
This day personally appeared before me a justice of the
peace for the County of Bedford Isaac Cundiff aged Seventy
four years and William Arthur aged Seventy one years, and
made oath that in the latter part of the year 1780 Samuel
Wilks who signed the foregoing declaration was drafted
from the County of Bedford to serve a militia tour of
three months in the war of the revolution. That he marched
under Cap John Trigg that they both served the same
tour with the said Wilks & in the same company
and that he served his full term of three months
Page 6

and was regularly discharged
Isaac Cundiff
William Arthur
Sworn and subscribed before me this 25th day of January
1833 Bowker Preston J.P.
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace
for the County aforesaid John Mitchell aged Seventy one years and
George Swain aged Seventy four years and made oath that in
the fall of the year 1781 Samuel Wilks who signed the
foregoing declaration was drafted to serve a militia tour
of six months in the war of the Revolution, that they served
said tour in same company with said Wilks and that he
said Wilks served his full term of six months and was
regularly discharged
John Mitchell Senr.
George X his mark Swain
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 25th day January 1833
Bowker Preston J. P.

I Bowker Preston a Justice of the peace for the County of
Bedford do hereby certify that Isaac Cundiff and William Arthur
who signs and swears to one of the foregoing affidavits and
John Miller and George Swain who signs & swears to the other
are reputed men of truth & on whose statements reliance ought
to be placed. Given under my hand this 25th day of January
1833 Bowker Preston
Bedford County to wit
We William Leftwich a clergyman and residing in the
said County and John Hudnalls residing in the same
hereby certify that were well acquainted with Samuel Wilks
who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe
him to be about sixty nine years of age, that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have
been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion
Wm Leftwich
Jno Hudnall Senr.
Page 7

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the
investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories
presented by the war department, that the above named applicant
was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And that
it appears to them that William Leftwich who has signed the
foregoing certificate is a Clergyman resident in said County and
that John Hudnall Jr who has also signed the same is resident
in said County a credible person and that their said certificate
is entitled to credit
I, Robert N. Dickenson Deputy Clerk of the County Court
of Bedford in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains a true copy of the original proceedings of the
said Court, had in the matter of the application of Samuel
Wilks for a pension; and I do further certify that Bowker
Preston before whom the foregoing affidavits of Isaac
Cundiff, William Arthur John Mitchell Jr and
George Swain were sworn and subscribed is an acting
Justice of the Peace in said County duly commissioned
and qualified according to the Constitution adn laws
of this State.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of the said Court
the 9th day of April 1833 in
the 57th year of America
Independence
Robt N. Dickenson
Page 8

Virginia
Samuel Wilks' _
Widow's Application
for a pension

Presented by
Wm L Goggin
Otter Bridge
Bedford Co.
Va

The application for the
award of pension not yet
forwarded to Richmond as
stated but will be Wm G.
Page 9

Virginia County of Bedford Va
On this 21st day of January in the year 1854 before
me G. A. Burton a Justice of the Peace in
and for said County came Margarett Wilkes
widow of Samuel Wilks dcd and made the
following declaration to wit that the said
Samuel Wilks was a soldier of the revolution
and as such was entitled to and did
receive in his life time Thirty dollars as
a pension in conformity with the law
of the United States of the 7th June 1832
as will appear by his pension certificate
dated 11th May 1833 signed Sen Cass
Secretary of War and which has been
exhibited with her application for the
award of pension due her as his widow
aforesaid and which has been transmitted
to the Pension Agency at Richmond Va
in order that she may receive the said
award of pension to which she is entitled
as his widow aforesaid _ That the said
Samuel Wilks was a resident of the County
of Bedford in Virginia at the time of
his death and had been for many years
previous thereto, that the said Samuel
Wilks died in the said County and State
on or about the 1st day of July 1837
That she was married to the said Samuel
Wilks on or about the _ day of October
in the year 1826 in the County of
Bedford and that her name before
her marriage was Margarett Witt
that the name of the Minister
who soleminised the rights of matrimony
between the said Samuel Wilks and
herself was William Leftwich
of the Methodist Church. She knows
Page 10

of no record of her marriage aforesaid
other than that which may be furnished
by the list of marriages in the Clerks
office of the County _ If such record
is to be found she will forward it with
this application-- That she is now a
resident of the County of Bedford in
the State aforesaid and has resided
there before and since the death of
her said husband - That she is now
aged about sixty five years _ She makes
this declaration to enable her to claim
such pension as she may be entitled
to as the widow of the said Samuel
Wilks  _and that she is now a widow
Margarett X his mark Wilks

Subsribed and sworn to before me
in the County and State on the day
and year aforesaid _ and I fiurther
certify that I am personally acquainted
with Mrs Margaret Wilks and know therefore
that she is the widow of Samuel Wilks
dcd who was a soldier of the Revolution
That I knew the said Samuel Wilks
in his lifetime as such as his said wife
and I never heard the fact of their
being man and wife disputed by
any one or in any [illegible] questioned
they having ever [illegible] as such
from the time of my full acquaintance
many years previous, be the time of his
death. The facts aforesaid are known
to me for the reason that I resided
then and now reside in the same
neighborhood where the said Samuel
Wilkes lived and when his wife with him
[illegible] and now resides _ Given
Page 11

under my hand this 21 day of January
in the year 185?.
G. A. Burton J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Bedford
I Albon A Arthur Clerk of
the County Court in the County & State aforesaid do
hereby certify that G. A. Burton is and was at the
time of signing the foregoing certificate an acting Justice
of the said County Court of Bedford the same being
Court of record duly commissioned & qualified and
that the signature purporting to be his is his genuine
signature and I further certify that William
Leftwich a minister of the gospel and to the
Clerks office of said Court where the same now remains
on file a certificate of Marriaage of which the
following is a true copy to wit, Married on the 11th
day of October 1826 Samuel Wilks and Margaret
Witt Signed William Leftwich"
In testimony Whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my name &
affixed my official seal this the
2nd day of March A D 1854
A A Arthur Clk
Page 12

No 24060
Samuel Wilks
Bedford
Virginia

Admit as a private
for 9 mo $30

Richd N. Dickerson
Dpt Clk
Bedford Co
Virginia
Page 13

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
183_
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Samuel Wilks Bedford Co Virga.

Period when the service was rendered.
-Drfted Jany 1781
dischd April
-Drfted Feb 81 _
disched March 82
-nine weeks of the last service
as a volunteer

Duration of the claimant's service.
- 3 months
-6 months

Rank of the claimant.
Private

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Capt Trigg
Genrl Mulenburg
Col Meriweather
Majr De Colman
Capt Newell
Capt Haughter

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
69 years Bedford Co. Virga

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
witnes Isaac Cundiff & Wm
Arthur states for 3 mo sevice
& Jno Mitchell & Geo Swain
or his tour of 6 mo-

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 14

[See Document 14 for original text]
Page 15

[See Document 15 for original text]
Page 16

May 7, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Samuel Wilks- R.11553
Thomas Wilks.-S. 7927
BA-J/AWF [illegible]

Mrs. W. L. Hunt
College Street
Trenton, Tennessee

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War records of Samuel and
Samuel Wilks-R.11553, both pensioners.

The data which follow were obtained from the
papers on file in pension claim, based upon their
service in that war.

Samuel Wilks-R.11553

Samuel Wilks was born October 24, 1764 in Loudoun
County, Virginia; names of his parents not given. He
moved while a boy with his parents to Bedford County,
Virginia.

While a resident of Bedford County, he enlisted
late in 1780 or early in 1781, served three months in
Captain John Trigg's company, Colonel Merriwether's
Virginia regiment. He enlisted in the fall of 1781,
served six months in Captains Newell's and John Slaughter's
Virginia companies, was discharged in March, 1782.

He was allowed pension on his application executed,
March 28, 1833, then a resident of Bedford
County, Virginia.

Samuel Wilks married October 11, 1826 in Bedford
County, Virginia, Margaret Witt. He died July 1, 1837
in Bedford County.
Page 17

2-

The widow, Margaret Wilks, in 1854 was living in
Bedford County, Virginia and then give her age as
sixty-five years, in 1857 she gave her age as seventy-
two years. It is stated on November 1, 1858 that
she died "sometime since".

Thomas Wilks-S.7927

Thomas Wilks was born in the year 1759 in Charlotte
County, Virginia; names of his parents not given.

While a resident of Lunenburg County, Virginia,
[illegible] as private with the Virginia troops, as
follows:
From February, 1779, as a substitute for his
uncle, Richard Stone, six months under Captain Joseph
Winn in Colonel David Mason's regiment and was in the
battle of Stone; in 1781, three months under Captain
Michael McKie in Colonel Holt Richardson's regiment.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
October 18, 1832, at which time he was living in
Laurens District, South Carolina, having moved
there in 1787.

In 1840 he was living in Monroe County, Mississippi.

It is not stated that Thomas Wilks was ever
married.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 18

Samuel Wilks

Payments to be made
at Richmond
by the Presd. U. S. Br: Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of Virginia
Page 19

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United 
States of the 7th June, 1832, Samuel Wilks
of the State of Virginia
who was a private in the war of the revolution

is entitled to receive- Thirty-- dollars and [crossed out: and cents]
per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the
4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year
Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this 11th day of
May one thousand
eight hundred and thirty three

Examined and
Countersigned. }
J L Edward
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 20

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Page 21

[Illegible] Franklin Co
Va Nov 1 1858
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Margaret Wilkes who was the 
widow of a Revolutionary soldier _ was
entitled to Bounty Land _ she died some
time since in Bedford County Va. having
first made and filed her Declaration
both for Pension & for Bounty Land
_ The Law as I understand it gives to the
heirs of the decedant such pension as she
would have received if living - Please
send me the forms under the late [envelope flap coverning text]
act to enable them to receive it [envelope flap coverning text]
_Shall [illegible] proceed to obtain the [envelope flap coverning text]
_[Illegible] must all the heirs join [envelope flap coverning text]
new declaration or all the same [envelope flap coverning text]
issue upon proof of the [illegible] [envelope flap coverning text]
supposing the claim to be already [envelope flap coverning text]
Direct to Otter Bridge _ Bedford
Va

I am Respy
Wm L Goggin
Otter Bridge
Bedford Co Va
Page 22

Otter Bridge Bedford Co Va
Augt 12, 1858
To the Com of Pensins
Sir
You ince greatly
oblige me if you will say what has been
done in regard to the claim of
Margaret Wilkes widow of
Bedford Co Va for both a Pension
and Bounty Land _ It has been fully
established long long since as your office
notified me _ so long that I have
forgotten the date and cannot now
lay my hands on the communication
refered to _ It required some immateral
fact to be shown which was done.
_ So much time has elapsed that
the Applicant the widow of a Rev
soldier has also died. In this can
say that is to be done _ who is entitled
to the Pension _ and who the Bounty Land
I am Respy
Wm L Goggin
Page 23

No 4, 467
Margaret Wilks
Widow of
Samuel
Let to Wm T Goggin
March 25/54
[Crossed out: Same July 15, 1837
.. Dec. 11 ..
Wm L. Goggin Aug 23/58
Same. Nov. 25/58]

11553
Act Feb/53
Page 24

Pension Office
March 2 of 54

Sir: 4855
Please report time
of last payment to or death
of, within named pensioner
Your &c &c
F. Burt Esq
3 Audr
Present.
S. Cole
for Commr

Samuel Wilks, Act 1832 _
$30 pr Annum paid to
4 Sept 1835. No death

F Burt
Auditor
Page 25

Pension Office, July 15, 1857.

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 23d ultim,
you are respectfully informed that an application
was filed by you [inserted: in 1854] for pension alleged to be
the Margaret Wilks, as the widow of Samuel
Wicks, who was a revolutionary pensioner.
The claim was suspended, (of which you were informed
by letter from this office dated March
25, 1854.) for the reason that the Declaration
of the claimant was made before a Justice of the
Peace instead of a Court of Record, as
required by our rules. It should also
be shown [crossed out: that] by the affidavits of two credible
witnesses that the claimant is the widow
of the Pensioner of the United States, who, whilst
a pensioner, resided in Bedford County _
The date of death of her husband should also
be proved.
It does not appear that any application for
land, has been made in this behalf
I enclose instructions and forms
Page 26

to be used in application for pensions under
Act  of February 3, 1853, and for land
under act of March 3, 1853-
I have the honor
&c

Hon Wm L. Goggin,
July 15/57

Hon Wm L. Goggin,
Otter Bridge,
Bedford Co
Virginia
Page 27

Pension Office
Dec. 11th 1857.

Sir.
The precise date of the death of Samuel
Wilkes must be proven, as the evidence filed
in support of the Claim of Margaret Wilkes
is not agree with dates in the third
Auditors Office.

Wm L. Goggin Esqr
Otter Bridge.
Bedford Co:
Va:
Page 28

Wm L. Goggin
Aug 23
Page 29

[Illegible] Office.
August 23 1858.
Sir.
In reply to your letter of the 12"
Instant. You are informed that [crossed out: not]
there is nothing due the heirs of Margaret
Wilkes, under existing pension laws.
The
Claimant having died without being
pensioner, there is no provision of
law under which her children would
be entitled to the amount of her
claim. Before her heirs could
be entitled to anything, it is necessary
that her name be inscribed upon
the pension roll, & this could not
be done subsequent to her death,

Wm L. Goggin Esqr
Otter Bridge,
Bedford Co. Va
Page 30

W. L. Goggin
Nov. 11
Page 31

[Illegible] Office
Nov. 11th 1858.
Sir.
In answer to your letter of the
1st instant, I have to state, that the
Attorney General has decided, that the heirs
of a deceased revolutionary Soldier or of
his widow are not entitled to any thing
under existing pension laws, unless such
soldier or Widow were pensioners & in that
case, that the heirs are entitled only to the
amount [inserted: of arrears] one such pensioner at his or her
decease under the allowance made to them
in their life time
Margaret Wilkes, widow of
Samuel, died without being pensioner. Her
heirs are not entitled to anything in her
right. If Samuel Wilkes, who was a pensioner
died without receiving his pension to the day
of his death, the arrears due his heirs are entitled
to provice his widow has not drawn them.
Application for arrears of Pension in this case,
if any, should be made to the Third Auditor of the Treasury.

Wm L. Goggins, Esqr
Otter Bridge.
Bedford Co: Va:
Page 32

Otter Bridge Bedford Co Va
Nov 18. 1857

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir Enclosed is
the pension certificate of Samuel Wilks who
died on 1st July 1837 in Bedford Co Va
_ His widow Margaret as your office
will show is an applicant both for
Bounty Land and a Pension which
she clearly proves herself entitled as
such _how is she to get also other
[illegible] due her husband at the time of
his death on the enclosed certificate
_ She does not know when he made
the last draw _ Surely she will not
be required to exhibit all the proofs
to accompany this paper as she has
done under her declaration
I am Respy
Wm. L.. Goggin
Page 33

State of Virginia
County of Bedford ⎬ SS
I Albon A Arthur Clerk of the County Court in and
for the County and State aforesaid . do hereby certify that Abram Austin is and
was in October last and prior to that time a Justice of the peace in and for the
for the County and State aforesaid . duly elected Commissioned and qualified as such
and that full faith and credit are due to all of his official acts as such
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this
24 day of March 1858
A A Arthur Col
Page 34

FREE
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC.

[Crossed out: To the Hon the Judge of the Circuit Court of Be[paper missing]
in Chancery sitting]

Saml Wilkes
28?346

Margaret Wilks
Samuel. Va US 1858
Page 35

Otter Bridge Bedford Co Va
April 3. 1858
Sir
The enclosed certificate is to supply an
[part of page missing] mission of the Clerk of this Co in not certifying
proper facts as regards the Justice before
whom Margaret Wilkes made a declaration
for Bounty Land and for a Pension
_ Papers now on file -- Your [illegible] to
[part of page missing] same time since informed me if
the omission supplied the application
[part of page missing] would be favorably [illegible].
I am Respy
M. L Goggin
Otter Bridge
Bedford Co
Va

[part of page missing] the Com of Pensions
Page 36

Otter Bridge Bedford Co Va
Nov. 18, 1857
Sir
Enclosed you will find the amended
Declaration of Margaret Wilkes or Wilks widow
of Samuel of Va for a pension (see your
letter to me of 15th July 1857 in regard to this
_The marriage will be found proven [page torn, illegible]
the papers of the expanded Declaration
now on file _ See certificate of the Co
Court of Bedford attached proving the
date of the death of the husband in
Bedford Co Va &c.
I am Respy
Wm L.. Goggin

To the Com of Pensions
Page 37

Otter Bridge Bedford Co
Va June 23. 1857
to the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
The widow of George
Wilks (I think it is Geo) who is Margaret Wilks through
myself submitted an application for Bounty
Land and also for a pension I believe about
January 1854 as I see from an entry on my
book which I made on that day under her name _
and by some means all the papers have
been misilaid if the application has not
be filed in your office-- she is the
widow of a Revolutionary soldier (who in
his life time drew a pension) and was
entitled to the amount due [illegible] _ the pension
certificate was placed in my possession
and the County Court of Bedford made
an order to the effect that it appeared
she was the widow of said Wilks (if his
name was George which I have forgotten; it
may have been something else and as I reside
in the County at a distance from the widow
and the office of the Court also I can't now
ascertain) in order to enable her to [illegible] the
arrears due her &c. _ in same
of the Clerk have missed it, it would
be anwering the cause of humanity as she
Page 38

is my [illegible] if you will suggest how she
is to proceed to get the arrearages due her
[illegible] the certificate - I also request you
to examine and see if her application
for [illegible] Bounty Land or a pension
is on file - Will you do me the
favor also to forward me the forms
for both in such cases _
I ask you to do this as
she has recently called my attention
to this through a friend- I having [illegible]
forgotten the subject [illegible] she did [illegible]
[illegible] presuming the profession of benefits of
an agent, but occasionally presenting
such claims as my acquaintances in
Bedford or Franklin Counties require
me to attend to.
I am Respy
Wm L. Goggin
Page 39

1928 Sept. 24 Hist.
to Mrs. C. F. Tynes
W.C.A.

1928 Nov. 19. Hist to
Mrs. F. R Dow-W.E.E
1929 - Mch. 9. Hist. to Mrs
Eugenia Johnson M.M.W.F.

1934 May 5 Hist to Mrs.
Elsie W. Schumench Marquet Willis CWF

1934. May 7. Hist to Mrs 
W. C. Hunt CWF

[Crossed out: Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3 187?,]

11.553.
margaret Wilk[e crossed out]s
Service: Widow Samuel Wilks
Enlisted: REJECTED, 18__.
Discharged: ____, 18__.

Application filed: ____, 18__.
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
____Recognized. ____ Contract.
____Cert. of Dis. Searched for ____ , 18__.
Page 40

Bluefield W. Va.
Feb 20, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear sir
U. S. PENSION OFFICE FEB ?? 1928

Will you please
send me a copy of the Pension
Jeremiah White of Orange
Co. Va.[Inserted: Rev. Soldier] I am waiting on
this to complete my. D.A.R.
papers and I will very
much appreciate an
early reply. Do you also
have the name of Samuel
Page 41

Wilkes of Bedford Co [inserted: Va] soldier
Thanking you I am
Sincerely Mrs. F. R. Dow
Librarian, Public Library
Bluefield
W. Va.
Page 42

4614 Loke Park Ave
Chicago, Ills
Jan 17" 1929.

Ans-
Mch 2, 1929
Drawn after above
reply

U. S. PENSION OFFICE
JAN 19 1929

Com. of Pensions
Washington, D.C

Dear Sir
I am enclosing a letter
received from the War Dept. advising
me to write you.
If possible please tell me Saml Wilks
Co. and place of enlistment and death.
also if he left a widow. If so was
her name Rebecca?
Samuel Wilks is thought to be the
father of Mills Wilks a soldier of
1812, and grandfather of John Wilks
who was killed at Chickamauga 1863,
leaving a young son Samuel H.
Please give me any possible information
you can
Sincerely
(Mrs. J.M.) Eugenia J. Johnson.
The only record I have says-- "The father-
(of Mills Wilks) was born in Va and died
in Ky. at an advanced age."
Page 43

Letter of Mrs. Eugenia (J. M.) Johnson
of 4614 Lake Park Ave, Chicago Ill
requesting copies of Civil War widow's
Claim for pen. on acct of ser. of
John Wilks Co _ A-, 23 Ky. Vols. with which
she enclosed M.O. for 60 cents to pay for
same, was sent to Record Div. with
receipt from Finance Div. attached, on
Mch. 1, 1929.
With that letter she had enclosed separate
sheets, one with request for John Botts, Va.
sol. in Rev. , Benj. [inserted above "Benj".: more inf.] Johnson, Va sal. Rev War
& a report from War Dept. giving ser. of
Samuel Wilks, Rev War. Sent the only one [inserted above "one": Sam. W-]
& returned report from War Dept. to her -
She also asked for War 1812
record of Mills Wilks, Ky. Mil- &
same was also furnished Old War Inv
File No. 26505
[In margin: "State from letter of inquiry" with line drawn down side of page from "Claim" to  "& returned"]
Page 44

Box 193
Bluefield W. Va
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Will you please
send me a copy of the
pensions of ("Samuel Wilkes
Bedford Va. Ref S of W. 1835 Pen 2, 115
2 Benjamin Robinson Bedford)
Ref. S of. W. 1835. Pen 2, 115.
Do you have the name of Thos.
Cecil who moved to Montgomery
Co. Va. from Md. about the
year 1760, and died in Troy
Miami Co. Ohio in 1833? If
Page 45

so would appreciate a copy of his
pension also. Thanking you
I am, Sincerely
you
Mrs. C. F. Tynes
Box 193
Bluefield, W. Va.
These are soldiers of the Rev.
Page 46

HUNT BROS. FURNITURE CO.
FURNITURE AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS
W. L. HUNT, MANAGER

AMBULANCE SERVICE

LADY ASSISTANT

TRENTON, TENNESSEE

REC'D
APR 18 1934
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM
READERS # [Illegible]

Bureau of Pensions:
I shall appreciate the
pension declaration of the following
Soldiers
McAllister Malitia in Revolutionary War/
Wilkes Thos. Sr. 75 years old Laurens - S.C.
Pensioner residing outside va 1835
served in Va.
Wilkes, Sanil, Pensioner in Va. 1835
Bedford County. Va. 70 yr old
If there are any charges please advise
me and I will immediately forward
it.
Hoping to hear from you soon
I am
Sincerely
1
Mrs. W. L. Hunt
College St
Fenton Tenn
Page 47

Hillston Ore Apl 20-1934

Pension Bureau [In pencil: Mr. Sager]
Wash D C
Pensions of 1812

Dear Sir you have the record
of Peyton Wilkes who fought in the war of 1812
and was a pensioner He was born in Grayson
Virginia and was married to Anna Dollar [or Dallas]
from Co Bedford Co Virginia in 1815
What I want to know, who was my grandfather
[Peyton Wilkes father, and mother, Does his pensionon
hame them x We remember him as telling us
his Father was Captain Samuel Wilkes
and that he fought in the Revolutionary war,
I want to join the D.A.R. if I can prove my
[illegible: part of page missing] of Decendents
My grandfather Peyton Wilkes of Granville Wash
Co Oregon died in Nov. 1889 after being many
years with my father Jabez Wilkes
My grandfather not being able to read or write we here
on records except memory as he told us I will inclosed
copy that may help to identify him
Page 48

Copy
Peyton Wilkes was the son of Captain Sam Willers
who commanded a co of "Morgan Rifles" in the Revolutionary
War. Peyton Wilkes was a volunteer in the war of
1812 stationed at Fortress Monroe first as a drummer
[illegible, part of page missing] and later in the Artillery
Unable to read or write his only way of keeping the
date of his birth was the fact, he was born in the year
of St Clairs defeat in the Western reserve which
was in 1791
He was born in Grayson Co Virginia and on Mar
15th 1815 was married to Anna Dallas of Bedford
Co Virginia shortly after his discharge from the
Army
any information you can give me will be
gladly received and if any expences plase notify me
yours truly
(Mrs) Elsie Wilkes Schulmerich
1822 Base line
Hillsboro
Ore

Peyton Wilkes & Anna Dallis [sic]- Jabez Wilkes- Elsie Wilkes & Geo Schulmerich
Page 49

May 1
26- 41

RECEVICED
APR 20 1944

REC'D
APR 24 1934
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS ADM
READER [Illegible]
Page 50

May 5, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Samuel Wilks -- R. 11553
Peyton Wilkes-S.C.14636
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Elsie W. Schulmench
1822 Base Line
Hillsboro, Oregon

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War record of Samuel Wilkes
and the War of 1812 record of Peyton Wilkes, both of
Bedford County, Virginia.

The data which follow were obtained from papers
on file in pension claims, based upon their military
service in those wars. This is the record of the only
Samuel Wilks (Wilkes), on account of whose service in
the war of the Revolution, a claim for pension was
made, and the record of the only Peyton Wilkes ( Wilks ),
on account of whose service in the ar of 1812, a claim
for pension was made.

Samuel Wilks-R.11553

Samuel Wilks was born October 24, 1764 in Loudoun
County, Virginia; names of his parents not given. He was
moved " while a boy", with his parents to Bedford County,
Virginia.

While a resident of Bedford County, Samuel Wilks
enlisted late in 1780 or early in 1781, served three
months in Captain John Trigg's company, Colonel Merriwether's
Virginia regiment. He enlisted in the fall
of 1781, served six months in Captains Newell's and
John Slaughter's Virginia companies and was discharged
in March, 1782.

He was allowed pension on his application exe- [sic]
March 28, 1833, then a resident of Bedford County,
Page 51

Virginia.

Samuel Wilks married October 11, 1826 in Bedford
County, Virginia, Margaret Witt. He died July 1, 1837
in Bedford County.

The widow, Margaret Wilks, in 1854 was living in
Bedford County, Virginia and then gave her age as
sixty-five years, in 1857 she gave her age as seventy
two years. It is stated on November 1, 1858 that she
"died sometime since".

Peyton Wilkes-C.14636

The date and place of birth of Peyton Wilkes ( the
name also appears Payton Wilks) are not shown in the
claim, nor are the names of his parents given.

He enlisted at "Shingle Blocks on Goose Cree",
in Bedford County, Virginia, served as a private in
Captain Wiley Jones' Company of Virginia militia,
from September 8, 1813 to March 10, 1814.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
July 15, 1871, then a resident of Washington
County, Oregon. In 1887 he was living about three
miles from Greenville, Washington County, Oregon and
was nearly one hundred years of age.

Peyton Wilkes married March 18, 1815 in Bedford
County, Virginia, Anna Dallas.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 52

March 2, 1929.

Mrs. Eugenia Johnson,
4814 Lake Park Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois.

Madam:
I advise you that it appears from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 11553, that Samuel
Wilks was born October 24, 1764 in Loudoun County, Virginia.
While a resident of Bedford County, Virginia, he enlisted
and served as a private with the Virginia Troops
as follows:
From sometime late in 1780 or in January, 1781,
served three months in Captain Trigg's Company in Colonel
Merriwether's Regiment.
From sometime in the fall of 1781, served in Captains
Newell's and John Slaughter's Companies and was discharged
in March, 1782, after having served six months.
He married October 11, 1826 in Bedford County, Virginia,
Margaret Witt.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
March 28, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Bedford
Page 53

[Page folded, portion missing] County, Virginia.
He died July 11, 1837 in Bedford County, Virginia.
His widow, Margaret was a resident of Bedford
County, Virginia in January, 1854, and it was then stated
that she is about sixty-five years of age. In 1857, it
was stated that she was about seventy-two years of age.
She died prior to November, 1857, in Bedford County,
Virginia.
The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to
afford any information in regard to John Botts. In
order to identify the record of a particular soldier of
the Revolution named Benjamin Johnson as much as possible
of the following data is essential: approximate dates of
birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and
after service and given name of widow.
The report from the War Department, which was 
forwarded by you is herewith returned.
Your letter which also contained request relative to
John Wilks of the Civil War, has been referred to the
proper division for reply.
Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 54

November 19, 1928

Mrs. F. R. Dow
Public Library
Bluefield, West Virginia

Madam:
I advise you that it appears from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 11553, that Samuel
Wilks was born October 24, 1764, in Loudoun County, Virginia.
While a resident of Bedford County, Virginia, he
enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia Troops as
follows:
From sometime late in 1780 or in January, 1781,
served three months in Captain Trigg's Company in Colonel
Merriwether's Regiment.
From sometime in the fall of 1781, served in Captains
Newell's and John Slaughter's Companies and was discharged
in March, 1782, after having served six months.
He married, October 11, 1826, in Bedford County, Virginia,
Margaret Witt.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
Page 55

March 28, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Bedford
County, Virginia.
He died July 1, 1837, in Bedford County, Virginia.
His widow, Margaret, was a resident of Bedford County,
Virginia, in January, 1854, and it was then stated that
she was about sixty-five years of age. In 1857, it was
stated that she was about seventy-two years of age.
She died prior to November, 1857, in Bedford County,
Virginia.
Respectfully,

WINFIELD ACOTT
Commissioner.
Page 56

Rev. & 1812 War Section

September 24, 1928

Mrs. C. F. Tynes
Box 193
Bluefield, West Virginia

Madam:
I advise you that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, R. 11553, that Samuel Wilks was born October 24,
1764, in Loudoun County, Virginia,
While a resident of Bedford County, Virginia, he enlisted and
served as a private with the Virginia troops as follows:
From sometime late in 1780 or in January, 1781, served three
months in Captain Trigg's Company in Colonel Merriwether's Regiment.
From sometime in the fall of 1781 served in Captains Newell's
and John Slaughter's Companies and was discharged in March, 1782,
after having served six months.
He married October 11, 1826, in Bedford County, Virginia,
Margaret Witt.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 28,
1833, at which time he was a resident of Bedford County, Virginia.
He died July 1, 1837, in Bedford County, Virginia
Page 57

His widow, Margaret, was a resident of Bedford County, Virginia,
in January, 1854, and it was then stated that she was about sixty-five
years of age. In 1857 it was stated that she was about seventy-two
years of age.
She died prior to November, 1857, in Bedford County, Virginia,
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford
any information in regard to a Thomas Cecil and on January 23, 1928,
you were furnished the history of Benjamin Robinson, S. 9090.
Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner

[Added by hand: I omitted
reference to children
as was indefinite,
was stated sold. died
leaving no children
know to court, yet
after the death of wid.
reference was made
to heirs.]
Page 58

Virginia

Wilkes Margaret widow
of Saml of Va app
for pension under
Act of Feby 3, 1853

presented by WL Goggins
Otter Bridge
Bedford Co
Va
Page 59

State of Virginia County of Bedford to Wit
On this 20th day of Oct. & in the year 1857 personally appeared
before me A. Austin a Justice of the Peace in and
for the County aforesaid and for the State aforesaid
Margaret Wilkes a resident in the said County and State
aged about 72 years who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on her oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benifit of the
provision made by the law of the United States passed
the 3 February 1853: that she is the widow of Samuel
Wikes who was a Revolutionary soldier, but in what
Regiment or company he served she does not know
_ he received a pension as such howevere in his life
time and she refers to the declaration made on
file to show his service- that she was married
to the said Samuel Wilkes on the day of ____
in the year ____ and that her husband
the aforesaid Samuel Wilkes her husband died
on the 1st day of July in the year 18e? that she
was not married to him prior to the 21 day January 1800
but at the time above stated _ She further declares
that she is now a widow and that by [illegible] of
age and bodily infirmity she is unable to attend
at Bedford Courthouse before the Court of said
County _ Sworn to and [illegible]
on the day and year above written Margaret X her mark Wilks.
before A Austin J.P.
Page 60

State of Virginia County of Bedford S.S.
I A. Austin a Justice of the Peace in
and for the County and State aforesaid hereby certify
that Margaret Wilkes who made the preceding declaration
and signed the same before me is known to
me as the widow of Samuel Wilkes who was
Revolutionary soldier _ that she is now a widow
as I personally know residing as I do in her
neighborhood that I know the said Wilkes and
the said Margaret his wife in the life time of
her said husband the said Samuel Wilkes who died
in the said County some years since _and I further
certify that the said Margaret Wilkes is unable as
I believe by reason of age and bodily infirmity
to attend Court. I further say
I have no interest in this claim
A Austin J.P.

Virginia County of Bedford to Wit
This day Joel Updike and William Updike
both residents of Bedford County in the State aforesaid
personally appeared before me in the said County
and made oath that in the life time of [crossed out: Henry]
[inserted: Samuel] Wlkes they knew him and his wife Margaret that
they lived togather as man and wife that said
said Samuel Withes died some years since having
as they leave recieved a pension for his his services
Page 61

as a Revolutionary soldier and as they live in
the neighborhood they know that the said
Margaret Wilkes is the widow of the said
Samuel Wilkes and that she is now a widow
_ Sworn to and entered before
me this day and year above written 
that is on the 10 day of October
1857
Joel Updike
William Updike
A Austin J.P. 

State of Virginia
County of Bedford
Albon A Arthur Clerk of the County
Court in the County and State aforesaid do hereby
certify that A Austin whose genuine signature
is signed to the above certificate was at the time of
Signing the same an acting Justice of the peace
in and for the said County duly elected 
Commissioned and qualified as such and that full faith
and credit are due to all of his official acts as such
Given under my hand & the Seal
of said Court this 27 day of October
One thousand eight hundred and
fifty seven
A A Arthur Clk
Page 62

At a Court held for Bedford County the
23rd day of January 1854
Satisfactory evidence was this day exhibited
to this Court that Samuel Wilks late of this
County was a private in the War of the Revolution
and that the said Samuel Wilks was the
identical person in whose favor a pension
certificate issued for $30 dated the 11th May 1833
from the war department signed Lew Cass
Secetary of war and which is now exhibited
in Court and that the said Samuel Wilks
died in this County and State on the 1st day
of July in the year 1837. leaving a widow
whose name is Margaret Wilks and no children
known to the Court, and that the said
Margaret Wilks is Still a resident of this County
and the widow of the said Samuel Wilks
A Copy = Teste
A.A. Arthur C. B.C.

State of Virginia
County of Bedford F LS
I Albon A Arthur Clerk of
the County Court in the County and State 
aforesaid do hereby certify that the above order
of said Court is a true & correct transcrip [sic] from
the record of said Court.
Given under my hand and the seal
of said Court this 6th day of October 1837
A. A. Arthur Clk B. C.