Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7003, John Watkins, S.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
 NUMBER  W7003
Watkins, John
Deavours, Rachel (former widow)

CONTENTS
This woman's last husband, George Deavours
Also served during Rev.
Page 2

[left side of image]

[illegible number]
Georgia
Rachel Deavours
widow of Jno Watkins
S. C. 
who served in the Revolutionary war, 
as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued
the 14 day of Oct, 1852
and sent to J. T. Neely
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 20 Vol. 3


[right side of image]

J. T. Neely  Sep 10
J. T. Neely  27th Sept . 1853
Hon. Francis Hillyer 13 June 1854
same June 24/54
Hon J. Hillyer 24 July 1854
R. S. Gallaher
Jany 26, 1855.
Page 3

George Deavours departed this
life 4 of September the 1829

Abraham Deavours & Abigal
was married  the 1 January the
1829
Babe was Born the 20[illegible]
Page 4

Smithey Narsisey Herlion
Was Born the 22 day february
1845

Savina Abigail was Born
the 29 day January 1847

Andrew J. Deavours was
Born the 20 of July 1848

And died the 5 of August 1848
Page 5

Rachel Harriet Deavours 
was born November the 01 the
1833

George Washint.  Deavours
was borne the 3 September 
the 1835

Nancy Catherine Deavours
was born the 2  of Novemer[November]
the 1837

John Jasper Deavours Was
borne the 3 of March the 1839

Mary Elizabeth Was born 
the 14 of Febuary[February] the 1841

Sarah Jin Deavours was
Borne the 19 of April 1843
Page 6

Book of Ages
and in the of 1841
[illegible]
Page 7

(678)
FAMILY RECORD.

BIRTHS. [left side of page]

John Deavours was
born September 8th
1789.

Polly W. Deavours
was born November
15th 1791.

James Deavours was
born November 16th
1812.

Andrew J. Deavours
was born May 15th. 1814.

Robert B Deavours
was born May 5th 1816

Joel T. Deavours was
May 25th 1820.


BIRTHS. [right side of page]

Matilda W. Deavours
was born April 13th.
1821.

William C. Deavours
was born February 18th
1823.

Morgan Deavours
was born Fruary[February] 13. 1825

Marion Deavours was
born April 16, 1823

John C. Deavours was
born February 26th 1829

Rachel K. Deavours
was born November
the 15 1832

May 25th. 1822
Page 8

(677)

FAMILY RECORD

[left side of page]
MARRIAGES.

John Deavours and 
Polly W. Woods was
married February 13th 
1812.

[right side of page]
MARRIAGES.
Page 9

This claim was first set up under the
act of July 4 1836. The service and identity were
admitted by the Office in a letter to J. Nelly Esq, of
21 June last, but the marriage prior to the expiration
of the term of service of Jno Watkins was not shown
but by reference to the Comptrollers certificate it
will be seen clearly that she was married prior
to 1794- for in 1791 she made a relinquishment
of certain rights of her husband Jno Watkins.
The claim is therefore, admitted under the act of
July 7 1838. The Comptroller's Certificate gives 43£
payments, which in S.C. is $184,
showing one 2 yrs. service

Thornton Triplett
Page 10

Reasons for the 
admission of 
this claim
Page 11

I hereby certify that the above named applicant was
unable to appear in open Court to make her declaration
from age and infirmity.
Nathan G. Newton J.P.
State of Georgia )
Cherokee County )
Inferior Court
Call Term March 17th 1851.
We hereby certify that we have this day examined
the foregoing declaration in the matter of the application
of Rachal Deavours for a pension made before
Nathan G. Newton and approved of the same,
John B. Puckett J.I.C.
J. L. Maddox J.I.C.
James H. Hardin J.I.C.

State of Georgia )
Cherokee County )
 I James M. Daniel Clerk of the
Inferior Court in said County, do hereby certify that the
above contains the original proceedings of the said Court
in the matter of the application of Rachal Deavours for
pension and that Nathan G. Newton before whom the
declaration was made is an acting Justice of the Peace
in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified
that his commission was dated on the 19th day of January
1849 and will expire on the first Saturday in January
1853. and that his signatures herein above written
are genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this
Seventeenth day of March AD one thousand
eight hundred and fifty one (1851)
 James M. Daniel Clk
[affixed seal]
Page 12

State of Georgia )
Cherokee County )SS
On this 17th day of March 1851
Personally appeared this day before me Nathan G. Newton an
acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County Rachel
Deavours a resident of the County of Cherokee in the State of
Georgia aged Ninety three years, who being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of
Congress passed July 4, 1836, and the act explanatory of said act
passed March 3, 1837, and the various other acts in favor of
widows of Revolutionary soldiers. That she was married to
John Watkins who was a Private in the revolutionary war and
served in the State of South Carolina in Col Thomas Brandon's
Regiment. She further declares that she was married to the
said John Watkins in September in the time of said war before
the fall of Charleston in South Carolina. that her husband
the aforesaid John Watkins was killed by the Tories in said war
she thinks in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty two. that she
was afterwards married to George Deavours in September 1790
who died on the 4th of September 1829. and that she was a
widow on the 4th of July 1836, and still remains a widow
as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto
annexed. She also further declares that she made a transfer
of all her claims on the treasury of the State of South Carolina
for the services of her husband the aforesaid
John Watkins in said war to Col Thomas Brandon
and that she also claims for the services of her latter
named husband George Deavours as he also served in said war
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year
above written.
Rachal Decavours
Nathan G. Newton J.P.

[seal]
Page 13

Abram Deavours
affidavit
Nov. 25, 1853
Page 14

Georgia )
Cherokee County )

Personally came this day Abram Deavours
and after being first duly sworn according to law saith on oath
that the reason why the declaration of Rachel Deavours for a pension
in right of John Watkins her former husband was subsequent
to the certificate from the Comptroller General of South Carolina
showing his services, was, that Thomas J. Hughes the agent had
undertaken a claim for the widow of one John Watkins and
obtained the certificate in question for him but finding that
it did not identify his services he came to Cherokee to see
my Mother Rachel Deavours to know if her husband John
Watkins did not serve in the Revolutionary war in South Carolina
but did not let us know that he had a certificate
of the services untill we engaged him to prosecute the claim
and the declaration was made out and sworn to and then
he informed me that he had the certificate and that he
should have given it to me if we had not engaged him to
do the business. Affiant also further says that it was always
a common understanding that his mother and John Watkins were
married before the close of the war and that they
had Two children in time of the war. Sworn to
and subscribed before me this 25th day of November 1853
and I certify that the above named affiant may be relied
on for truth and honesty, that I am not interested in
the result of the case nor concerned in its prosecution
and that I believe the increase asked for in her pension 
should be allowed.
 Abraham Deavours

Nathan G. Newton J. P. 
John J. Wood
Page 15

Georgia )
Cherokee County )
I, Jasper L Keith Clerk of the Superior
Court of said County do hereby certify that Nathaniel G. Newton
before whom the foregoing affidavit was executed is
and was at the date of the same a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and
qualified and that the name thereto subscribed is
his genuine signature and that I am not interested
in this result of the case nor concerned in its prosecutions.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of office this 23d
day of November 1853.
J. S. Keith Clerk
Page 16

James McCracken
&
Lucinda MCracken
Jany 15, 1853
Page 17

McCrackens
Page 18

State of Georgia )
Habersham County. )
On this 15th day of January 1853
Personally appeared James McCracken aged Eighty three years and Lucinda
McCracken aged fifty one years and after being first duly sworn
in terms of law, saith on oath, that they have been personally 
and intimately acquainted with Rachel Deavours
from their first recollection and that she must have
been married to her former husband John Watkins
before he left the service in the war of the revolution and
ever before he went into the service, from the following
circumstances, namely, that they have often heard her
say that she had three children from her marriage with
said Watkins in time of the war. that he was killed
in the war, and that she was taken prisoner by the Indians
at the same time and carried three hundred miles from
home and remained a prisoner untill[until] the close of the
war when she was set at liberty by an exchange of
prisoners with the Indians. Sworn to and
Subscribed before me this 15th day of January 1853
as above stated,
James McCracken
Lucinda McCracken

Andrew Gailey J.P.
1853
I hereby certify that the veracity of the above
named affiants is such as may be relied on
for truth and honesty.
Andrew Gailey J P

State of Georgia )
Habersham County )
I Philip Martin Clerk of the
Superior Court of said County, do hereby certify
that Andrew Gailey before whom the foregoing
affidavit was executed, is and was at
the date of the same a Justice of the
Page 19

Peace in and for said County duly authorized by
law to administer oaths and that the name
thereto subscribed is his genuine signature.

In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
seal of office this 15th day of
January 1853
Philip Martin Clerk, S.C.
.
Page 20



July 27, 1932
BA-J/MCS
John Watkins
W. 7003

Honorable Walter F. George
United States Senate
Washington D. C.

My dear Senator:

Reference is made to the request of Mabel H. Hill, 214 Leonard
Bidg., Augusta, Georgia, for information in regard to Rachel Deavours
who received pension as the widow of a Revolutionary War soldier.

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in
the pension claim, W. 7003, based upon the Revolutionary War service
of John Watkins.

He enlisted, date not given, and served as private in Colonel
Thomas Brandon's South Carolina Regiment. While a member of said
regiment he was killed by the Tories at his home in Spartanburgh
District, South Carolina, near the close of the Revolution.

John Watkins married during the Revolution, Rachel Bishop.
They had two or three children, names not stated, all of whom were
dead in 1853. Soon after her husband's death, Rachel Watkins was
captured by the Indians and held for nine months.

Soon after the Revolution she married George Deavours. It was
stated that he also was a soldier of the Revolution but no details
of his service were given and pension was never claimed on account
of it. He died September 4, 1829, place not stated.

George and Rachel Deavours had the following children: James,
Elizabeth, Christopher, Isaac, Sarah, Abraham who married Abigail
(her maiden name not stated) January 8, 1829, and was a resident of
Cherokee County, Georgia, in 1853, and John who was born September
8, 1789, and who married Polly W. Wood February 13, 1812, and was
living in 1853, said Polly was born November 15, 1791.
Page 21

Said John and Polly Deavours had the following children: James,
born November 16, 1812; Andrew J., born May 15, 1814; Robert B., born
May 5, 1816; Joel T., born May 25, 1818; Matilda, born April 13,
1821; William C., born February 18, 1823; Mary An., born February 13,
1825; Marion A., born April 16, 1827; John C., born February 26, 1829;
and Rachel K., born November 15, 1832.

Rachel Deavours was allowed pension as the former widow of
John Watkins, on her application executed March 17, 1851, while living in
Cherokee County, Georgia, aged ninety-three years.

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

4 inclosures:
Letter of Mabel H. Hill
Request slip from Hon. George to Gen. Chas. H. Bridges dated July 19, 1932.
Copy of letter to the Director of Pensions
Copy of letter to Hon. Walter F. George from Major Gen. C.E. Bridges
Page 22

M.C.S.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
May 12, 1930

Honorable Thomas M. Bell
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

My dear Mr. Bell:
In reply to your letter of May 7, 1920, I have the honor to
advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension
claim, W. 7053, it appears that John Watkins enlisted, date not
given and served as a private in Colonel Thomas Brandon's South Carolina
Regiment. While a member of said regiment he was killed
by the Tories at his home in Spartanburgh District, South Carolina,
near the close of the Revolution.

John Watkins married during the Revolution, Rachel Bishop.
They had two or three children, names not stated, all of whom were
dead in 1853. Soon after her husband's death, Rachel Watkins was
captured by the Indians and held for nine months.

Soon after the Revolution she married George Deavours. It
was stated that he also was a soldier of the Revolution but no
details of his service were given and pension was never claimed
on account of it. He died September 4, 1829, place not stated.

George and Rachel Deavours had the following children:
James, Elizabeth, Christopher, Isaac, Sarah, Abraham who married
Abigail (her maiden name not stated) January 8, 1829, and was a
resident of Cherokee County, Georgia, in 1853, and John who was
born September 8, 1789, and who married Polly W. Wood February 13,
1812, and was living in 1853, said Polly was born November 15, 1791.

The above noted John and Polly Deavours had the following
children: James, born November 16, 1812; Andrew J., born May 15,
1814; Robert B., born May 5, 1816; Joel T., born May 25, 1818;
Matilda W., born April 13, 1821; William C., born February 18,
1823; Mary An, born February 13, 1825; Marion A., born April 16,
1827; John C., born February 26, 1829; and Rachel K., born November
15, 1832.
Page 23

Rachel Deavours was allowed pension as the former widow of
John Watkins, on her application executed March 17, 1851, while
living in Cherokee County, Georgia, aged ninety-three years.

The above noted George Deavours is the only soldier of that
name that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
Page 24

AW
& 1812 War Section.

March 21, 1921.

Honorable Pat Harrison,
United States Senate.

My dear Senator:
In response to your letter of the twenty-first irstant
and the enclosed letter of the Honorable Stone
Deavours of Laurel, Mississippi, I have the honor to advise
you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, W.7003, it appears that John Watkins erlisted, 
date not stated, served as a private in Colonel
Thomas Brandon's South Carolina Regiment and was killed
by the Tories at his home in Spartanburgh District, South Carolina, 
while a member of said regiment, near the close
of the Revolution.
John Watkins married during the Revolution, Rachel
Bishop. They had two or three children, names not stated.

[hand written note]were all dead in 1853

Soon after her husband's death, she was captured and held
by the Indians for nine months.
Rachel Watkins married soon after the Revolution George
Deavours, he died September 4, 1829, place not given. It

[hand written foot note]AW office note Mar 22 24
I did not use Sept. 1790 for her marriage date to George Deavours
because family record shows her second child John Deavours
born Sept. 8 1789. She herself states he was 64 yrs old in 1853 &
1790 seems to be written over other figures that have been erased
Page 25

Sec

is stated that he also was a soldier of the Revolution
but no details of his service are on record.
They had the following children, James, Elizabeth,
Christopher, Isaac, Sarah, Abraham who married January 8,
1829, Abigail, maiden name not stated, and was a resident
of Cherokee County, Georgia, in 1853, and John, born September
8, 1789, who married Polly W. Good February 15, 1812,
and was alive in 1853. Dates of births of other children
are not on record.
Rachel Deavours was allowed pension as the former
widow of John Watkins on her application executed March
17, 1851, while living in Cherokee County, Georgia, aged
ninety-three years.
If Judge Deavours wishes photostat copies of the
papers in said pension claim, the same will be furnished
him under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912,
at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five
cents extra for certification if that is desired. The
number of pages to be copied is thirty-seven.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau
by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the
Interior.
Very truly yours,
Hays Haymaker
Acting Commissioner.
Page 26

MMH
and 1812 Wars Section
March 12, 1925

Honorable Pat Harrison
United States Senate.

My dear Senator:
In response to your letter of the 11th instant,
I have the honor to advise you that this Bureau is
unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the
Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land
has been made on account of his services.
A careful search of the records fails to show
such a claim on file on account of the services of
Abraham Deavours (all other spellings of the name
searched).
The only Revolutionary War pension claim of any
widow named Deavours, of Cherokee County, Georgia, found
on said records, is that of Rachel, the widow of George
Deavours, who was allowed pension on account of the
services, in the Revolution of her former husband John
Watkins who was killed in the service.
Very truly yours,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 27

[right side of page]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7003
Rachel Deavours
for : Widow of 
Jno. Watkins
Pvt, Rev. War
---
Act: Feby, 2d/48
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 175
(Arrangement of 1870.)

[left side of page]
1925 Mar. 30 History to Hon. Pat Harrison for
Judge Stone Deavours & also [illegible] of cost of copies
1925 April 14 Photostat copies & [illegible] to Judge Stone
Deavours. MMH
1930 May 12 Hist. to Hon. Thos. M. Bell  M.C.S.
1932 July 27. hist. to Hon. Walter F. George M.C.S.
Page 28

A. G. 201 Devors, Charles ( 7-19-32) ORD 1st Ind.  gws

War Department, A. G. O., July 21, 1932. -- To the Director of Pensions, Veterans
Administration, Washington, D.C.
Attention is invited to the letter of Honorable Walter F. George, United States
Senator, who has been informed of this reference by letter, a copy of which
is herewith inclosed.
CH Bridges[signature]
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
By [?]
2 Inclosures:
Letter of Mabel H. Hill.
Copy of letter to Honorable Walter F. George.

[handwritten footnote]
Her letter returned to
Sen George.
She wanted record of
Rachel Deavours who
recd pen. as wid. of 
Rev. sold.

[stamp]
RECEIVED
JUL 25 1932
REPORT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
Page 29

[letterhead]
REED GROOT, UTAH, CHAIRMAN.
ROBERT M. LA FOLLETTE, WIS.
GEORGE P. MCLEAN, CONN.
CHARLES CURTIS, KANS.
JAMES L. WATSON, IND.
DAVID A. REED, PA.
DAVIS ELKINS, W.VA.
MEDILL MCCORMICK, ILL.
RICHARD P. ERNST, KY.
ROBERT N. STANFIELD, OREG.
FURNIFOLD MCL. SIMMONS, N. C.
ANDRIEUS A. JONES, N. MEX.
PETER G. GERRY, R.I.
JAMES A. REED, MO.
DAVID I. WALSH, MASS.
PAT HARRISON, MISS.
WILLIAM H. KING, UTAH.
United States Senate,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.


March 21, 1925. [hand written note] Revolution War Section

DEAVOURS, Rachel [hand written note] wid of George Deavours

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:

I inclose[enclose] you communication from
Hon. Stone Deavours, in reference to the above-captioned
case, and I shall appreciate it very
much if you will furnish me as fully as possible
the information Judge Deavours desires. I am
especially anxious to help him in this matter,
and I hope that the Bureau can give him the detailed
information he asks for.
You wrote me recently about this
matter.

Very truly yours,
Pat Harrison[signature]

[stamp]U.S.  PENSION OFFICE  C  MAR 23 1925

REV. WAR SECTION
[hand written note] Rec'd 12:30 p.m. Mar. 25/25
Page 30

[letterhead]
SEVENTY-FIRST CONGRESS
REPUBLICANS
ARCHIE D. SANDERS, N. Y. CHAIRMAN
SAMUEL A. KENDALL, PA.
CLYDE KELLY, PA.
ELLIOTT W. SPROUL, ILL.
LAURENCE H. WATRES, PA.
FRANK H. FOSS, MASS.
DAVID HOGG, IND.
JOHN T. DUCKBEE, ILL.
S. H. DOUTRICH, PA.
FRANK P. BOHN, MICH.
JOHN M. WOLVERTON, W.VA.
JOE E. BAIRD, OHIO
WILLIAM A. PITTENGER MINN.
LEWIS L. WALKER, KY.
V. S. K. HOUSTON, HAWAII
House of Representatives United States
Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads
Washington, D. C.
DEMOCRATS
THOMAS M. BELL, GA.
JAS. M. MEAD, N.Y.
MILTON A. ROMOUE, MO.
JOHN H. MOREHEAD, NEER.
J. ZACH. SPEARING, LA.
FRANK OLIVER, N.Y.
THOS. S. MCMILLAN, S. C.


May 7, 1930
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:

Please inform me if you have on record pensions
having been paid to George Deavours, or any one by that name, who had
service in the Revolutional[Revolutionary] War.
I will appreciate any information you can give
me.
Very truly yours,
Thos. Bell

[stamp]U.S. PENSION OFFICE MAY 8 1930
Page 31

[letterhead]
Mississippi State War Association
Organized 1906
OFFICERS
STONE DEAVOURS. President
Laurel
J. R. BYRD. Vice-President
Newton
J. T. BROWN. Sec'y-Treas.
Jackson
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
STONE DEAVOURS. Laurel
J. R. BYRD. Newton
LESTER G. FANT. Holly Springs
FRANK T. SCOTT. Jackson
E. M. LANE. Raleigh

[stamp] DEP'T OF THE INTERIOR RECEIVED APR 1 1925 TO BUR. PENSIONS SECYS. OFF. APPTS. MAILS & FILES

Laurel, Miss, Mch. 29th 1925.
Secretary of Interior
Washington D.C
Attention Bureau of Pensions
Rev. War of 1812 Section

Dear Sir:-
I enclose money order payable to you for five & 80/100 dollars
($5.80 ) to pay for photostat copies of the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension Claim W. 7003 in reference to claim for pension of Rachel
Deavours former widow of John Watkins.
I am advised by letter of Acting Commissioner Hays Haymaker of
date March 25-1925 to Senator Pat Harrison, that the cost of the
copy will be fifteen cents for page for 37 page and seventy five cents for certification. At the rate named the enclosure is the correct
amount,
Will you please have the copies mailed to me at P.O. Box 106.
Laurel, Mississippi
Yours truly
Stone Deavours

[stamp] FINANCE DIVISION  APR 1 1925 BUREAU OF PENSIONS

ACK'D

P.O. Box 106

M.O. $5.80   WE
Page 32

3 - 2233  113
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division

April 1 1925.
Chief Rev. Sect.
I have this day received
from Stone Deavours
M.O. No 431457
for $5 requesting
photostat copy as per
letter herewith.

Copies mailed 
and Finance Div ntfd.
April 14 1925 
MMH
OK & ctfd

O. J. RANDALL
Chief Finance Div. 
H.C.L.
Page 33

Request for Photostating
(To be prepared in duplicate )
M6
Ex. AW
OFFICE OF CHIEF CLERK
Job No. 1893
Date Apr 4.25-
Subject John Watkins, Rev. W7003
1 copies of 17 pieces consisting of 37 pages to be
(No.) (No.) (No.)
forwarded when completed to the Rev. &  1812 Sect. 
Remarks:
Approved:
A. E. Wilson
Chief Sect.

Chief Clerk.
Page 34

John Deavours
Letter
Page 35

Georgia )
Hall Ct )
Dear Sir, I send you the 
letter by mail as an
agte[agent]. [illegible] &  have been to
Cherokee and you will see What is
don[?] you will see this is the children
and she is certon[certain] that it is over
seven years she was a widow
November the 11th 1823
John Deavours Thomas J Deavours
Page 36

William B. Wofford
Certificate
24 March 1851
Page 37

State of Georgia )
Habersham County )
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with
Rachel Deavours, and have been for the last forty years and
have always invariably understood from her and her extensive family
relatives, and many others, that she is the widow of two revolutionary
Soldiers- the former of whom was by the name of John Watkins and that
she was married to him during the time of the revolutionary war
and that he was killed in said war, and that her late husband
was by the name of George Deavours and that she was married
to him soon after the war. I also further certify that I was personally
acquainted with the said George Deavours at the time of his death which
took place in the year 1829, and that I am now fifty nine years of age
and that the oldest son of the said George Deavours and Rachal Deavours
his wife is cotemporary in age with me, and I also further certify that
I think she justly merits the liberality of Government extended to her as
contemplated by the various acts of the Pension laws passed for the
benefit of such widows, that she now resides in Cherokee County
State of Georgia and is the same identical widow of the above named
soldiers, who is applying for a pension. In Testimony whereof I
have set my hand this 24th day of March 1851
before
Robert Davidson J.P.

W.B. Wofford
President of the
Senate of the State of Georgia
I certify that the above honorable gentleman is entitled to full
credit and faith for truth and veracity.
Robert Davidson J.P.
Page 38

State of Georgia )
Habersham County )
Personally appeared this day before me Robert Davidson
an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County Robert Turner a revolutionary 
Pensioner, and James McCrackin aged Eighty years and after
being first duly sworn according to law saith on oath that they have
been intimately acquainted with Rachal Deavours for the last sixty four years
and with her husband George Deavours long before his death in the year 1829.
and invariably understood that she was the widow of John Watkins previous to
her marriage (after the Revolutionary war) with George Deavours and
that she was married to said John Watkins during the time of said
war before the fall of Charleston in South Carolina, and that he the
said John Watkins was killed in said war by the Tories after the
fall of Charleston and that George Deavours her latter husband
was also a soldier in the revolution. Affiants also further say that the
above named Rachal Deavours now resides in Cherokee County
State of Georgia and is the same identical widow of the above
named John Watkins and George Deavours, and that she did not
know until very recently that she was entitled to a pension.
Affiant McCrackin also further says that he as a family relative
lately sent her word that she was entitled. Sworn to and 
Subscribed before me this 21st day of March 1851.
Robert Davidson J. P.
James McCrackin
Robert Tucker

I hereby certify that veracity of the above named affiant is such
as may be relied on for truth and honesty,
Robert Davidson J.P.
Page 39

State of Georgia )
Habersham County )   I Philip Martin Clerk of the Superior Court
in said County and State do hereby certify that Robert Davidson
before whom the foregoing certificate and affidavit were
acknowledged is a Justice of the Peace in and for the
County aforesaid as above duly commissioned and qualified
that his commission was dated on the 22nd day of January 1849
and will expire on the first Saturday in January 1853, and
that his signatures herein above written are
genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of said Court this 2nd day of
April 1851
Philip Martin Clerk S.C
Page 40

Rachal Deavours
affidavit
Nov. 23, 1853
Page 41

Georgia )
Cherokee County. )
Personally came this day Rachel
Deavors and after being first duly sworn according to law saith on
that she appeals to the Secretary of the Interior for the Pension
allowed her in the year 1852, in right of her former husband
John Watkins as a revolutionary Soldier, to be so amended
in her favor as to entitle her to the benefits of the Act
of the 4th July 1836 and for that purpose. States that she knows
from the following circumstance that she was married to the
said Watkins before the last period of his service, from the
that they were living together as husband and wife
the time of the fall of Charleston in South Carolina. That
they had born in wedlock two children during the war.
That her husband the said Watkins was killed by the Tories
on a visit at home while in the service in Col Brandon's
regiment and that she was taken after that time and
remained a prisoner nine months when she was set at liberty
at the close of troublesome times. She further says that her
children by Watkins are all dead but that she had children
by her latter husband George Deavours as follows. To Wit,
James Deavours, John Deavours, Elizabeth Deavours, Abram Deavors 
Christopher Deavours, Isaac Deavours, & Sarah Deavours of whom
John is the oldest ^now living^ and is now sixty four years of age.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of
November 1853. And I certify that the above named
affiant may be relied on for truth and honesty
and that I am not interested in the result
of the case nor concerned in its prosecution
and that I believe the increase asked for
ought to be allowed.
Rachel her mark [hand written R] Deavours

Nathan G. Newton J.P.
John J. Wood
Page 42

Georgia )
Cherokee County )
I Jasper L. Keith Clerk of the
Superior Court of said County, do hereby certify that Nathan
G. Newton before whom the foregoing affidavit was
executed is and was at the date of the same a Justice
of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned
and qualified and that the name thereto subscribed is
his genuine signature and that I am not interested
in the result of the case nor concerned in it
prosecution. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand and seal of office this
19th day of Deember 1853.
J. L. Keith Clerk
Page 43

Power of attorney 
case of
Rachael Deavours
95 years of age in
Dec. 1854
Page 44

State of Georgia )
County of Habersham ) SS
On this 25th day of December AD 1854
before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County
Personally appeared Rachal Deavours a resident of Cherokee County
and said State aged ninety five years and made oath according to
law that she is a United States Pensioner as the widow of John
Watkins a revolutionary soldier and was pensioned under the act
of 1838, and thinks she should have been pensioned under the act
of 1836. according to her application and she hereby, appoints
Robert H. Gallaher of Washington City D.C. ^her attorney to prosecute her claim
under said act and to examine all papers and documents at Washington City 
or elsewhere and to receive from the officer authorized 
to issue the same, a certificate for my pension under the
said act of 1836, to which the said Deponent may be
entitled, and to do all other acts to obtain such certificate as
she might or could do were she personally present at the
doing, and she hereby revoke all former powers if any
have been given or made in said case and ratified and
confirm whatsoever the above named Attorney may
do or cause to be done in the premises
In Testimony whereof the said Deponent has hereunto set
her hand and seal the day and year first above named
In the presence of

Rachal her mark [hand written R] Deavours

Witness M. Crow
Witness James N. Crow JP
Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me on the day
and year first above named and I certify that I believe the
Deponent to be directly interested in the claim above stated
and the identical person therein described and that I am
not interested in the result of this claim nor am not concerned
in its prosecution; and that the words "her Attorney", are interlined before
Signing up,
James N. Crow J P
Page 45

State of Georgia )
County of Habersham )

I Philip Martin, Clerk of the
Superior Court of said County, do hereby certify that James
N. Crow, before whom the foregoing Power of Attorney
was executed is and was at the date of the same a Justice
of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned
and qualified and that the name thereto subscribed
is his genuine signature and that I am not interested
in the result of this case nor concerned in its
prosecution.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office
this 27th day of December 1854.
Philip Martin Clerk, S.C.
Page 46

11.400
Georgia
Rachel Deavours
widow of John Watkins
who died on the 
of   in the State of
who was a Priv in the commanded
by Captain of the  commanded
by  in the
line for
Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll of Savannah
at the rate of 80 Dollars  Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of
Oct  1852  and Sent to
J T Neely
Present
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act July 7, 1838}

Recorded by R. McRae  Clerk.
Book D  Vol. 1 in Page 317
Page 47

[left side of page]
Comptroller's Certificate
of service, and evidence
of marriage prior to
1794 to be found in a
relinquishment of her
husbands interest in
certain property, dated
1790

[right side of page]
Rachal Deavours

Thos. J. Huges
Clarksville Georgia
Page 48

[This is a duplicate copy of the previous page]

[left side of page]
Comptroller's Certificate
of service, and evidence
of marriage prior to
1794 to be found in a
relinquishment of her
husbands interest in
certain property, dated
1790

[right side of page]
Rachal Deavours

Thos. J. Huges
Clarksville Georgia
Page 49

Comptroller Genl's Office
Columbia S.C. Nov. 8th 1850
N. 3171 )
SC )Issued 29 June 1786 to John Watkins for
forty three pounds stlg. for Duty in Brandon's
Regt P. acct.  audited
Prin. £43:0:0
Int £3:0:2

"3171 No.112
"SC 29 June 86"
State of So. Carolina to John Watkins
for militia duty in Brandon's Regt since
the fall of Charlestown Anderson's return
among to Currency £301 "  "
Stg  £43 "  "

Recd Columbia 27 Sept 1790 from Commissary
an Indent no 3171 Book X for forty three pounds
ty in full for the above account
(Signed) James Bell

I Rachal Watkins wife of John Watkins decast[deceased]
as administrator to the Estate of John Watkins do
sell to Col. Thomas Brandon all my demands
on the Treasury of this State for the personal servis[service]
of my husband John Watkins Both pinsabal[principal] and
intrist[interest] and his receipt shall be good to the Treasurors[Treasurers] of this State against me my heirs and asigns[assigns]
as he has purchased the same of me and due hereby
Page 50

give him full power to receive and [illegible] of the same Given
under my hand this 27th August 1790 to the Trasurors[Treasurers] at
Columbia
Rachel Watkins
Administrator
test (Signed) Joseph McJunkin J.P.

deliver the within Indent to James Bell and oblidge[oblige]
your [illegible]   (signed) Tho. Brandon
To the Trasurer[Treasurer] at Columbus September 25th 1790"

I do hereby certify the foregoing to be
a true copy as taken from the
Records in this Office
Hon[?] Comptroller Genl. 
James A Black
Def.

Clarksville Georgia
April 4th 1851
Sir
I would here make an explanation why the certificate
from the Comptroller General in this case was issued before
the prosecution of the claim was commenced, which is as follows.
I had commenced a claim for a Mrs Cinthia Watkins who
represented herself to be the widow of a John Watkins, a soldier
of the revolution and enquired at the Comptroller's Office
for proof and received the above certificate which I knew
was not a certificate of the services of the man I was
enquiring for and consequently the claim of Cinthia Watkins
Page 51

has not yet been presented by me for the want of proof
and I was subsequently informed by some of the friends and
relatives of Rachal Deavours of Cherokee County, Georgia, that she
was certainly the woman who was entitled to the benefit of
these services from a tradition in the family that her first
husband, John Watkins was killed in the revolutionary war
and that the  old lady was respectably educated and had a
good knowledge of dates &c &c all of which I found to
be true from the fact that she can now read and write ^without spectacles^ and
particularly identify the fall of Charleston in South Carolina and
many other circumstances calculated to favor her application.
And as claims are often allowed from the favorable
circumstances connected with them I hope on examination
that the Department  will so understand the claim of
Rachal Deavours for the services of John Watkins as to
forthwith allow it. I have been unable to obtain
the proof of service of her late husband.
Answer me at Clarksville Georgia.

Respectfully yours &c
Thomas J. Hughes
Hon James E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 52

Mary W. Lewis
affidavit
August 1, 1853
Page 53

State of Georgia. )
Cass County )
Personally came before me A. McEver
an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County Mary W.
Lewis the [illegible] of Seventy two years, who being duly sworn
according to law saith on oath that she knew Rachel Watkins, 
the reputed wife and widow of John Watkins in the State of
South Carolina Spartanburgh District who as she
learns from the rumor of the neighborhood where they resided
was slain near the close of the revolutionary war. She further
says "I knew her as the widow Watkins for some time, but I
never knew John Watkins but I am well satisfied of the fact
that she was the wife and widow of the said John Watkins
and still know her as the wife and widow of George Deavors and
I do not know of any person that is able to testify on
oath as being present at the marriage of John and Rachel
Watkins, but they must have been married before the
close of said war from the above reasoning facts and
from the fact that publick[public] rumor says that they
had two children born to them as husband and wife in
time of the war."
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 1 day of August 1853
Mary Henry
A. McEver J. P. 

I hereby certify that Mary W. Lewis above named is a
resident of Cass County and is a credible witness
and that I am not interested in the result of the
case nor concerned in its prosecution.
A. McEver J. P.

State of Georgia )
Cass County )
I Humphrey W. Cobb Clerk of the
Superior Court of said County, do hereby certify that
A. M Ever before whom the foregoing affidavit was
Page 54

executed is and was at the date of the same a Justice
of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned
and qualified and that the name thereto subscribed
is his genuine signature and that I am not
interested in the result of the case nor concerned
in its prosecution. In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal of
office this 2d day of August 1853
H.W. Cobb  clk.
[affixed seal]
Page 55

Thomas J. Hughes
letter
Hon. Junins Hillyer
sent 
Dec. 27, 1853
Page 56


Clarksville Georgia
December 27th 1853
Dear Sir
I send an appeal and and affidavit in support of an
increase in the pension of Rachel Davours allowed in 1852
and the only objection to the increase is that the Department
is not satisfied that she was married to her former husband
John Watkins before the close of his last term of service in the
Rev War, but from all the papers on file and these now
sent it is evidently plain that they were married in time of
the war or before it commenced, you will see from the
letter of her son. John, that she was a widow over seven
years and from his family record herewith sent, that he was
born Sept 8th 1789. and he was the second child by her
second husband-George Deavours, which will reasonably
show that her marriage with Deavours was in 1786.
and I think her original Declaration on file so states,
some exceptions are taken to the certificate from the
Comptroller Genl of So. Ca. in consequence of her declaration 
being made after it was issued, but Abram
Deavour's affidavit explains that, and in fact if
the increase is not allowed, her veracity and paper
with all the corresponding circumstances will have to
be discredited. The pension was allowed to commence
4th of March 1836, and the increase claimed should
commence 4th Mar 1831. Under act of 1836,
This claim has been in the hands of an agent at
Washington City, but I think you can succeed better
than him and if you will do us the favor to take
these papers to the pension Office and take up all
the other papers on file and compare them and argue
the case I think you can get the increase allowed.
You are well acquainted with the Deavours
family, John Deavours is your old friend of the 12th
Dist. Hall County, Georgia, and he will
Page 57

be sworn to his family record that it is genuine and just
as he received it from his parents as to his own age if
necessary, but I trust the case is so plain that it will be
allowed. Answer me at Clarksville, Georgia.

Respectfully your friend &C
Tho. J. Hughes
Hon Junius Hiller
Washington City DC
Page 58

State of South Carolina. )
Pickens District, )
Personally came this day John Machen aged
Between Seventy Six and Seventy Seven years, and after being first duly
sworn according to law saith on oath that he believes John Watkins
was married to Rachal Bishop before the close of the revolutionary 
war from the following circumstances known to him
and recollected by him. That he distinctly remembers that she
was called the widow Watkins he thinks before or about the close
of the war, he, affiant further says that he remembers that when
Col James Wood, Capt. John Wood, Capt. James Hogg and Capt.
William Long were killed in the said War and thinks he has
understood that John Watkins was killed before or about the same
time which he thinks was in 1780 or 81. He also further says
that what makes him remember these circumstances so will
is that he saw Col. James Wood after he was killed and a knife
lying on him with which he supposes the enemy had killed
him. Affiant also further says that he heard the said Rachal
after her return from captivity sometimes called the Widow Watkins
and sometimes called Rachal Watkins and heard that her
husband, John Watkins was killed but he does not know when
or where, but remembers that she afterwards became the wife
of George Deavors[Deavours] and he understands is now his widow and
lives in Cherokee County, State of Georgia. Sworn to and subscribed before
me this 28th day of July.
John Machen
L. H. Verner [illegible] J. P.
Page 59

I hereby certify that the above named affiant John Machen
resides in Pickens District State of South Carolina and
is a credible witness and that I am not interested in
the result of the case nor concerned in its prosecution.
L. H. Verner
Mag, J. P.

State of South Carolina )
Pickens District )
I William L. Keith Clerk of the
Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas of Pickens District
in the State of South Carolina, do hereby certify that L.H.
Verner Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was executed
is and was at the date of the same a magistrate in and
for said District duly commissioned and qualified
and that the name thereto subscribed is his genuine
signature and that I am not interested in the
result of the case nor concerned in its prosecution.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office
this sixth day of August A.D. 1853,
W. L. Keith
Clerk of the Court of
Pickens District
So. Ca.

[affixed seal]
Page 60

Georgia )
Cass County )

I hereby certify that I am acquainted with
the above named Lydia Lawrence
and that I am perfectly satisfied of her
credibility and honesty, that I am not
interested in the result of the case nor concerned
in its prosecution.  August 1st 1853 John W Lewis
Page 61

Rachel Deavours
widow of Jno Watkins
Ga

Admd July 7 1838 &c
2 yrs pre   80 $
per annum from
4th March 1836

Payable to widow

Cert. to
J. T. Neely
Present
Page 62

House Rep June 19th 1854

Mr Waldo
I have found the enclosed papers
relating to the claim of Mrs Rachel Devours-- They
were by mistake of Mr Hughes enclosed in a
packet of other papers relating to a claim of
his own pending before the Committee on claims
& I filed them with that packet with the Committee.
I ask that I may be permitted to file them
in your office in support of Mrs Deavours
claim. 
I will see you in a
day or two about Mr. Hughes Suspension.
I think I can set him right.

Respectfully

Junius Hillyer
Page 63

Brief in the case of Rachel Deavours formerly widow of Jno Watkins
County and State of Georgia
act July 7 1838 &c
Claim, ("original," )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Proof of service, Record & traditionary

" "[Proof of] Marriage, Documentary, Parol
and traditionary
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
J. T. Neely
Present
Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.
Page 64

Washington D.C
August 18, 1853
Sir:
Enclosed please find additional
evidence in the case of Rachael Devours, widow
of John Watkins, a Revol. Soldier.
She is in receipt of a Pension under act of
1838, but claims under act of 1836.
State Georgia A reexamination of her claim
in view of the above is respectfully solicited.

I remain Sir
Yours &c
Jno T. Neely
Commissioner of Pensions )
Page 65

Washington City D.C
July 14th 1853
Sir:
Enclosed please find additional
evidence furnished by Mrs. Rachael Devours of Georgia
for the purpose of drawing a Pension under the act of 
1836 - She was pensioned under the act of 1838, but
claims under the former act.
Attention is respectfully called
to the case at your earliest convenience

To Commissioner of Pensions. Yours
Very Respectfully
Jno. T. Neely
Page 66

Abraham Devours Nov. 28, 1853 Explains the record for the
date of the Comptroller certificate being  before the date
of his mothers declaration.

Lydia  Lawrence aged 75. August 1, 1853
Knew Rachel Watkins the reputed wife & widow of John
Watkins after the death of her husband. Never knew Watkins
Know he is the widen Geo. Deavours &

John Machin 76~77 Aug. 28 1853
Distinctly remembers that she was called widow Watkins he
thinks before or about the close of the war. Remembers that
when Col.  James Wood, Capt John Wood, Capt. James Hogg
& Capt. William Long were killed in said war & he thinks he
has understood that John Watkins was killed before or about
the same time which he thinks was in 1780 or in 1781.
Saw Col. James Wood after he was killed & saw the knife in
[illegible]. Mrs. Watkins married George Devours

William B. Wofford. He knows Mrs. Deavous for 60 years
Knew her husband. Knew husband his extended
family Has understood that she has had two
children[?] & thinks the she deserves a pension.

James McCracken & Lucinda McCracken )  Jan. 15, 1853
Know Mrs. Deavours, She must have  been married to the
first husband during the war.
Page 67

Clarksville Georgia
April 15th 1851.
Sir:
I herewith send an old family record on the first
page of which will be found the date of the death
of George Deavours and will serve to confirm a portion
of the statements in the application of Rachel Deavours
for a pension sent in some ten days ago, and will
I trust identify her claim so as for it to be allowed
in a short time. Answer me at Clarksville
Georgia
Respectfully yours &c
Thomas J. Hughes

Jas E. Heath
Comr of Pensions
Page 68

Rachal Deavours
Page 69

Rachel Deavours aged 93 March 17, 1851
says she was married to John Watkins a private in Col.
Thomas Brandon's Regiment in September in the time of said
war before the fall of Charlestown in South Carolina (May 12
1780). That her husband, the aforesaid John Watkins was made
by the Tories in said war, she thinks in the year 1782.
That she was afterwards married to George Deavours in Sept.
1790 who died Sept. 4. 1829. She states that he made a
transfer of her claims &c.-

Rachel Deavours Nov. 25, 1853
Says he was living with her first husband at the time of the fall
of Charlestown &c. She says her children by her first husband
are all dead, but that she had children by her lattere husband 
George Deavours as follows to wit, James Deavours 
John Deavours , Elizabeth Deavours , Abram Deavours 
Christopher Deavours , Grace Deavours , Sarah Deavours 
of whom John is the eldest now living and is now 64
years of age. (see family record of John B. Sept. 8. 1789)

Thomas J. Hughes letter to Hon. Juniuns Hillyer Dec. 27. 1853
says that John was the second son, & on Sept 8, 1789, that Mrs
Deavours must have been married in 1786. That from the
letter of John she must have been the widow of Watkins
over seven years & (Watkins must have been killed in 1779)

Mary Lewis 72 years old August 1, 1853
knew Rachel Watkins the reputed wife & widow of John
Walker Never knew John Watkins. Widow Watkins is the
widow of George Deavours & Reputed to have been and before
Page 70

The evidence does not show that the husband of pension was
the John Watkins named in the certificate from S. Carolina.
On the contrary it [illegible] that he could not have been
her husband. For the widow of John Walkers signed her
name Rachel Watkins in 1790, while the evidence
never  she was Mrs. Deavours in 1786.
Page 71

Revolutionary
Pension Claim
of
George Deavours
decd. of
Georgia
Pr of atty
To
M. Thompson
dec
Filed July 8, 1853
Papers Cald.
for
Aug 1852
Page 72

POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these presents that I,  Rachal Deavours of
Cherokee County State of Georgia, widow of John Watkins
and lately the widow of George Deavours, revoking former Powers of Attorney
hereby constitute and appoint M. Thompson of Washington City D.C.
true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of
for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize
my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at
Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which
may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to me at the Savannah
Georgia Agency. And
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I
might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and
Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.

WITNESS my hand and seal this 12th day June A. D., 1852.

Rachal her mark [hand written R] Deavours [seal]SS

Signed and Sealed in the presence of }
John Deavours Witness }
Nathan G. Newton J.P }


STATE OF Georgia }
COUNTY OF Cherokee} SS:

On this 12th day of June A. D. 1852.
before me, the subscriber, Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared
Rachal Deavours and acknowledged the foregoing Power,
of Attorney to be her act  and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand,}
the day and year aforesaid. }
John Deavours  Witness
Nathan G. Newton J. Peace
Page 73

Claim of Rachal Deavours
Act of
STATE OF  ) SS
COUNTY  )

Be it known, That on this
day of  A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty, before the undersigned,
a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid,  personally appeared
a resident of  in said County, and
made oath according to law that he is the
was a Revolutionary Pensioner

at the rate of Dollars per annum; that has been
informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a claimaint in said Pension,
and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting
said claim.

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and}
year aforesaid, before me.}
J. Peace. }
I Nathan G. Newton Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that
Rachal Deavours who executed the foregoing paper, is a
respectable resident of this  County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
12th June 1852
Nathan G. Newton J. Peace

I, Jasper L. Keith Clerk of the Superior Court in the County
and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Nathan G. Newton before whom the
foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County,
duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed is his signature.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my official Seal, this fourteenth day of June A. D. 1852.
Jasper L Keith
Clerk.
Page 74

STATE OF }
County of } SS.

It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me
that  was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United
States at the rate of $  per annum and that   died on the
day of  eighteen hundred and
leaving surviving
and that 
the only surviving child   of the aforesaid.




IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
my seal of office this   day of
one thousand eight hundred and fifty-
Page 75

Washington July 19th. 1832
Hon. Jas E. Heath
Commissr. of Pensions
Sir
The claim for the
Revolutionary services of
George Deavours of Georgia
being original, & as I understand
has been for a considerable
time pending in your office,
without any official
action thereon. Well it is
hoped, by the parties in
interest, be taken up and
disposed of, without further
unnecessary delay.
I have the honor to be
respty your obt St.
M. Thompson
Atty
Page 76

Letter of Hon. E.W. Chastain
Certifying to the credibility 
of a witness.
Page 77

Washington City
June 16 1852
Sir:
I take great pleasure in stating to you
that I have been personally and intimately
acquainted with Genl W B Wofford President of
the senate of the State of Georgia for a great
many years and who is a resident of my section
of the state and that he is a Gentleman of
the highest standing and honor and the utmost
reliability can be placed on his word or affidavit
made in any matters whatever and furthermore
I state that his signature to the affidavit
made in Habersham County State of Georgia
on the 24 day of March 1851 before Robert Davidson
J.P. in favor of Mr Rachael Deavours is his
true and genuine signature and that the said
paper is entitled to all the force weight in
the adjudication of her claim to a pension that
can granted by the rules of your office
coming from any source of the like nature

Yours very  Respectfully
E.W. Chastain M.C

Jas E Heath Esq Comr. Pens.
Page 78

Washington City
June 161852
Sir
I am requested and must call your
attention to the application of Mrs. Deavours for
a Pension under act of 1836 for her first
Husbands Service John Watkins in the So. Ca.
service during the Rev. War under Col Brandon
&  to whom she states she was married whilst
he was in the service & also that he was killed
by the Tories during his service in said war.
The papers of the Secretary State shewing the
payment to her as the widow of said John
Watkins the amount remaining due [illegible]
and the affidavit of said  Wofford of Georgia
whose credibility is certified to by Hon.
E. W. Chastain that is filed in support of
her claim to said Pension under act 1836
& to which I call your attention.

Yours very Respectfully
W. H. [illegible]
Jno. t. Neely

Honl. Jas. E. Heath
Comr. Pensions
-
Page 79

Washington City
August 10 1852
Comr. Pensions
Sir
In the application of Mrs. Rachael Deavours of Georgia widow of John Watkins for a Pension under act 4 July 1836.

You state the [illegible] and
service is admitted into. That date of the
marriage previous to the expiration of
his service is not sufficiently established
to admit the claim under said act that
case be under act of 1838. Allow me
in behalf of the widow owing to her
[illegible]  situation to ask the issue
of a certificate under said act of 1838
retaining the right to reopen the case
on the act of 1836 when sufficent
evidence can be obtained & plea to try 
her case under said act of 1836
this will enable the old lady to enjoy
Page 80

in her old age a part of the
annuity of the Genl. Government owing
her life whilst she is waiting to
obtain sufficient resource to establish
her claim under the former act under
which she claims.
Your  immediate attention
to the above request will much obg[oblige]

Yr. Respectfy.
obt. Srvt.
Jno. T.  Neely
Page 81

9: 289
Georgia
Rachel Deavours
widow of Jno. Watkins
who was a private 
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Oct.
and sent to J. T. Neeley
Prest.

(Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.)
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 172
Page 82

No 14.492
Rachel Deavours
widow of 
John Watkins
Ga.
Act  7th July 1838

Not answered -T.J. Hughs
not being recognized
Let J.T Neely June 21.1852
"[Ltr]  M. Thompsons Sept. 20/52
Page 83

Know all men by these presents that I Rachal Deavors[Deavours]  of the County, of Cherokee and state of Georgia and the widow of John Watkins and George Deavors[Deavours] deceased. who were Revolutionary Soldiers, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint John T. Neely of Washington City, D.C. my true and lawful attorney for me and in  my name to escamine[examine] into and prosecute my claim for a Pension &c against the General Government, which may be due me by virtue of my deceased husbands' service in the revolutionary war and the several acts of Congress relative thereunto. and to receive the certificate of Pension when issued by the Department. I hereby confirm whatsoever my said attorney may do or cause to be legally done in the prosecution of said claim either in person or by substitute. I revoking any other authority I may have given to any other person or persons in the premises whatsoever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this forth[fourth] day of September 1852.

Rachal her mark [hand written R] Deavors[Deavours]

Signed in the presence of
P.M.  Newton  - witness
N. G. Newton -  J.P.




State of Georgia )
County of Cherokee. )
On this forth[fourth] day of September 1852, Personally appeared before me. Rachal Deavors[Deavours]  and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed; and I certify that I well know the said Rachel Deavors[Deavours] and that she is the person now present and who executed the above Power of Attorney.

N. G. Newton -  J.P.

State of Georgia )
County of Cherokee )
I Jasper L. Keith,  clerk of the Superior Court for said County, do hereby certify that N. G. Newton, before whom the foregoing papers were executed is, and was, at the  time of executing the same a Justice of the Peace in and
Page 84

for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths and that the name thereto subscribed is his signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 11th day of September 1852.
J.L. Keith, Clerk

[affixed seal]
Page 85

Rachail Deavour[Devours]
Wid. of 
John Watkins

Pow. Atty.

Jno. T. Neely
Page 86

Lydia Lawrence
August 1, 1853
Page 87

State of Georgia )
Cass County ) Personaly[personally] came before me A McEver an acting Justice of The peace in and for Said County Lydia Lawrence the rise of seventy five years of age resident of Said County who being duly sworn on oath according to law Saith that She knew Rachel Watkins the reputed wife and widow of John Watkins after the death of her husband in The State of South Carolina Spartanburg District who as I learned from my Mother and the rumor  of the Neighbourhood where they resided was slain near the close of the revolutionary war I knew her as the widow of Watkins for some time but I never knew John Watkins but I am satisfied of the facts that they were married and that she was the wife and widow of John Watkins and Still know her as the wife and widow of George Deavers[Deavours] And I do not know of any person that is able to testify on oath to the marriage of John and Rachel Watkins but they must have been married before the close of the revolutionary wat from the reasoning facts and her [illegible] rumor that they had two children born to them as husband and wife in time of the war.

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 1st August 1853
A. McEver J P

Lydia her mark [hand written X] Lawrence

I hereby certify that Lydia Lawrence the above named is a resident of Cass County Georgia and  is a creditable witness and that I am not interested in the result of the case nor concerned in its prosecution.

A. McEver J P