Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5571, for Charles Polk, North Carolina
Page 1

(8-1776)

Service
N.C.

Polk, Charles
Philipena

Number
W. 5571

Contents
Page 2

6336
North Carolina
Philipena Polk
Widow of Charles Polk deceased
who served in the Revolutionary war as a Lieutenant & Captain of Infantry & Calvary
N.C. Line Increased from $292.66/100
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 500 Dollars 37 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848 and ending January 12th 1849
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of April 1856 and sent to
Hon. B. Grange House of Representatives
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 230 Vol 1

Hon. William V. Wright, March 21, 1860
"                                " May 30 "
Page 3

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

On this 25th day of October A.D. 1854 personally appeared before the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the count and state aforesaid George W. Polk a resident of Union County NC and (illegible) of N. Carolina aged Fifty Five years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress papered June 7th 1832 4th July 1836, 37, 38, and all subsequent acts applicable to his case.

That he is the son of Charles Polk who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War that he has often heard his said father talking about his serv ices in said war, he entered the army at an early period of the Revolutionary War and served during the whole war or a greater part thereof, especially remembers distinctly to have heard his father say he was in the Battle of Eutaw S.C. and many other engagements with the  enemy but could not remember the particulars with sufficient accuracy to be qualified thereto, he therefore relies upon the Revolutionary history of the country and the Revolutionary muster rolls and other records for the proof of his fathers services that he has no discharges of his father or any other
Page 4

documentary proof by which to prove his services. That deponent's father has a brother of Ezekiel Polk, and uncle of Jas K. Polk.

He further declares that his said father Charles Polk was first married in March 1762, by which said marriage he had six children all of whom are dead but one viz. Mikeal Polk. that his father was married again on the 5th day of February 1782 to Philipina Helens commonly known as Pheby, by which marriage they had seven children all of whom are dead but two viz. Martha Wells and this deponent who is the youngest child. That his father said Charles Polk died on the 10th day of March 1821, leaving surviving him his widow the said Pheby Polk who also died the 12 day of January 1849.  All of which will more fully appear by referendum to the proof hereto annexed.

Sworn to and subscribed on this 25th day of October 1854 in open court.
William Reid J.P.
George W. Polk

We the undersigned Justices of the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Mecklenburg County certify that the above named George W. Polk appeared in open court and was duly qualified to the above declaration. That we believe
Page 5

that the said George W. Polk is the son of Charles Polk, as set forth in the foregoing declaration and that said Charles Polk was a soldier of the Revolutionary War. We further certify from the widow before us that Martha Wells & George W. Polk are the only surviving children of the aforesaid Charles Polk by his las wife Pheby.
William Ried J.P. {seal}

George W. Polk maketh oadth that the foregoing declaration was made in Mecklenburg county for the reason that this is the work of the county court for said county and the attorney W. F. Danielson whom he has employed to present his claim lives in Charlotte Mecklenburg County and it was now and it was more convenient for him.
William Reid J.P.
G. W. Polk
Page 6

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

I William K. Reid clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter sessions in and for the county of Mecklenburg certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the declaration of George W. Polk who appeared in open court and was duly sworn and then examined as to the statements contained in said declaration and also as to the genuineness of the family record which he also exhibited in open court, and I further certify that William Reid is the Chairman or presiding Justice of said court and the foregoing signature as well as the signatures on the said family record purporting to be his are genuine
The testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this 25th day of October A.D. 1854.

W. K Reid Clerk of
Mecklenburg County Court

(handwritten on left hand side in margin of document):
original no papers
W. L. Davidson Charlotte NC
Page 7

Eustice B. Long came before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace for Union District North Carolina and made oath in due form of law that she was born and raised in the county of Mecklenburg in the state of N. Carolina within nine miles of where Captain Charles Polk lived she was well acquainted with him and his wife Philipena and their children. 

That she is now turning her eighty fourth year has some recollection of the Revolutionary war minds when the American soldiers were in camp near her fathers house has heard her father often speak of Captain Charles Polk serving in said war as Captain that the soldiers under his command did not much like him because he was most too strict with them, that Charles Polk was generally recognized by the community as a Captain in the Revolution, she has often heard the old people talking about Captain C. Polk Revolutionary services. That she never heard of any other Charles Polk being a Captain in the Revolution.

That she minds was when Captain C. Polk did but cannot fix the exact year she has a son now fifty five years old, and she knows that Charles Polk did about the time he became of age she also recollects when his widow Philipena Polk died does not remember the date of her death but believes it was about six or seven back judging form the age of one of her litter grandsons.

She further states that Captain Charles Polk had by his first wife six children viz. John, Thomas
Page 8

Michael, Deborah, Peggy & Polly. Sometime after the death of his first wife Captain Charles Polk married Philipena Helens by whom he had six or seven children viz. Charles, William, Ezekiel, Susan, Patsy and George and perhaps Pheby or Philapena that died when an infant but of the last family of children deponent does not know of a single one living except George, some of them died in this county and some moved to the west and died.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of April 1855.
Harry Long
Eustice (x-her mark) Long

And I Henry Long a Justice of the Peace as above do hereby certify that Eustice B. Long is a respectable resident of the county and a credible witness and that I have some knowledge of the family of Captain Charles Polk and I believe the statements contained in the foregoing affidavit are true. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.
Henry Long J.P.
Page 9

September 10, 1938

Mr. Sam K. Leming
Waldron
Arkansas

BA-J/MCS/ILL
Charles Polk
W. 5571

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Captain Charles Polk of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, also, the record of John Lillington of North Carolina, a field officer in that war.

A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no claim for a pension or bounty land found based upon service of any John Lillington (Linington), under an spelling of these surnames. The record of Charles Polk is furnished herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 5571, based upon his service as an officer in the Revolutionary War.

Charles Polk was born July 29, 1732; the names of his parents are not shown. He resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

He was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia in the Province of North Carolina by Colonel William Tryon, his Majesty's Captain-General and Governor in chief, in the fourth year of His Majesty's reign (date not shown).

In 1777, Charles Polk was a captain in the Revolutionary Army and served under Lieutenant Colonel William Polk in the North Carolina troops, General Sumpter's brigade, was in the battle of Eutaw Springs and other battles not specified.

Charles Polk this officer, was a brother of General Thomas Polk, John Polk and Ezekiel Polk.

Charles Polk married in March 1762, Mary Clarck, who was born in June 1744 and died October 8, 1776. He married February 5, 1782, Philipina Helmes, who was born June 10, 1764.

Captain Charles Polk died March 10, 1821 and his widow, Philipina,

(handwritten at bottom of typed letter: on back of blue file jacket papers removed etc.)
Page 10

died January 12, 1849.

In 1855, George W. Polk of Union County, North Carolina, was allowed the pension which was due his mother, Philipina, as the widow of Charles Polk and the pension was allowed for services of five months as Lieutenant of calvary, nine months and nineteen days as a Captain of Infantry and nine months as Captain of Calvary of North Carolina troops.

Children of Charles and Mary Polk:

Peggy born December 25, 1764, married William Freeman, born June 24, 1765.

John born November 7, 1766, married Esther Pool.

Deborah born December 10, 1768, married Gideon Freeman, born July 12, 1759.

Thomas  Polk born February 28, 1771, married Kesia Pyron, born February 18, 1768.

Michael born June 20, 1774, married Susanna Pyron March 26, 1774.

Mary born September 24, 1776, married John Brooks.

Children of Charles and Philipina Polk:

Charles born March 15, 1784
William born April 30, 1786
Susanna born June 19, 1788
Ezekiel Washington born June 9, 1791
Martha born May 4, 1794
George W. born September 18, 1799 married December 4, 1823  Margaret Garman born May 10, 1804
Elenora born January 16, 1804.

Children of George W. Polk:

Martha E.      born             October 6, 1824
Pheby           born                June 10, 1826
Charles H.    born                 April 23, 1828
Mary S.         born                 March 2, 1830
John P.         born                  May 12, 1832
Tabitha P.     born               February 28, 1834
William S.    born                February 18, 1836
James          born                 January 17, 1838
Henry M.     born              December 22, 1840
George W.    born             September 27, 1841
died June 6, 1851.
Margaret     born              June 3, 1843
Alphonso    born               July 11, 1845 died July 27, 1845.

2.
Page 11

In 1855, when George W. Polk made application for pension on account of his father, Captain Charles Polk, in the Revolutionary War, John Q. Lemmond (as he signed his name) made an affidavit before Eli Stewart, a Justice of the Peace for Union County, North Carolina, a copy of which is given below and may aid you in your research.

" John Q. Lemmonds maketh oath before me Eli Stewart that old Mrs. Febe Polk widow of Captain Charles Polk, was a neighbor of his and that she died about 1848, 49 and that George Polk her youngest son is the only one of her children supposed to be living at this time. He further sears that Charles Polk was all ways reputed and believe to have been a Captain in the Revolution. He heard his grand father say that he cut a musket ball out of Captain Charles Polk's thigh during the war. (signed) Eli Stewart, J. P. John Q. Lemmond. "

Very Truly yours,

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

3.




(handwritten at the top: Added for Mr. Sam Lemming-ILF-Looking for all Lemmings)
Page 12

Widow & c.
Revolution

File No. 5571
Philipena Polk
Widow:
Charles Polk
Captain Revolutionary War
Act: February 2nd/'48
Index:-Vol. M page 135
[arrangement of 1870]
Page 13

1906 February 15 Hon. R. N. Pa
reissued copies of paper etc. not furnished aw.
1907 July 8 History to Robert F. Phifer C.
1910 August 18 History to Mrs. William C. Adams C.
1911 November 1 Hon. J. R. Bailey
reissued there are two
Charles Polk is on record see R 8301
1914 May 18 History to Mrs. J.C. Redfearn c.
1920 July 13 History to George W. Polk
1920 August 12 history to J. E. Little aw.
1920 August 23 History to Mrs. Mary R. Brantley-ew
1929 April 5 History to Mrs. E. U. Rice  K.L.S.
1931 January 30 history to H. Hollingsworth M.C.S.
1938 September 10 History to Sam. R. Lemming M.C.S> copied I.L.L.
Page 14

Widow File 5571 Charles Polk

Four pay rolls of Captain Charles Polk's Company N.C. Troops have been removed from this claim to be forwarded to the War Department.
A.W.
Sent to War Department January 16 1913
Page 15

Pension papers Philapena Polk Revolution pension North Carolina
J.Y. Bryant
Page 16

mutilated Lieutenants Commission
Etc.
Page 17

Washington and New Orleans Telegraph Line.
The only Direct Southern Line.
Office Corner of Seventh and D Streets, Washington, D.C.

William F. Davidson
or 
J. M . Blake
November 4, 1922 New York Avenue
Return 13th & 12th Streets

49/173 Pay
Page 18

Philepena Polk
Charles
NC July 26 '48

Cole 
Free

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

Charlotte
Jul. 28 NC

59/77/77
Page 19

Captain Charles Polk
Additional evidence

W.F.D. Attorney
Charles
Page 20

Philipena Polk
Charles N.C. July 1838

Charlotte
March
N.C.

L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Page 21

Family Record
6 children by 1st marriage
7 children by 2nd marriage
Page 22

See page 153 Vol. R. Wheelers history of N.C. for a reference to the services of Charles Polk.
Page 23

Philipena Polk a widow of Charles who was a Lieutenant and Captain Infantry of North & South Carolina

An Act July 7, 1838 papered

Captain of Infantry 9 months 19 days $193.66
Lieutenant of Cavalry 5 months $83.31 
Captain of Cavalry 9 months $225.00
$500.97

per annum commencing on March 4 1836
end January 12, 1849 when she died except one year and (illegible) former payments at $282.66 per annum. To George W. Polk administrator  and one of 12 children of Martha Shelby one children
Hon. Burton George
House of Representatives
Page 24

Washington & New Orleans Telegraph Line
Office, Washington, corner of 7th and D Streets

Dated Raleigh 27th inst. 10' o'clock 40min A.M.
Received Washington 27th 10 o'clock 40min A.M.

To W.F. Davidson

The Payment in my last certificate for Captain Polk appears to have been made for individual services It does not appear whether they were in specio or currency or North Carolina or South Carolina money the size of the payment indicate currency of which however there is no certainty.
G.W. Brooks
49/173 Pay to Comptroller's Department
North Carolina
Page 25

It is devisable for the comptroller to state in what currency whether that of N. or So. Carolina or whether in Specie or Sterling, the payment made to the N.C. Troops say So. Carolina, were & whether terms were for individual service or for Captain Polk & Company
Page 26

No. 15278
Philepena Polk deceased
Widow of Charles 
N.C.
W. F. Davidson march 15, 1855

July 7, 1838
Page 27

Send record of Charles Polk & Philipena }
N.C. Widow 3-3-71

to J. E. Little
his address until September 1, 1920 will be 
Box 743 11th Street Station of Post Office
Washington D.C.
after that date
Charlotte, N.C.
personal inquiry July 21, 1920
Page 28

W. 5571
Page 29

Steam Heat
Replete with all Modern Appointments
Excellent Cuisine
The St. Cloud-Normandy
V.L. Norman, Prop.
Rooms with Bath
Concord, N.C. June 28, 1907

The Pension Department

Dear Sirs

Will you kindly send me the company Captain Charles Polk commanded in the Continental Army. Captain Polk was from Mecklenburg County N.C. and drew a pension.

Any information you can give me as to the nature of his services I will be obliged for.

The son of Captain Charles Polk George W. Polk seems to have drawn some back pension after Captain Polk's death.

Yours very truly,
Robert F. Phifer

(Stamped: Pension U.S. Office Jun 29 1907)
(Stamped: D.W. & N. DIV Files June 29 1907)
Page 30

11759

North Carolina
Philipena Polk deceased widow of Charles who died on the ____ of ____in the State of _____ who was a Captain Infantry/Cavalry in the ___ by Captain ______of the ___ by ___ in the Volunteer line for Captain Cavalry 4 months infantry 9 months 10 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville at the rate of 292 Dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of June 1855 and sent to W.F. Davidson
Arrears to the 4th of ____
Semi-annual allowance ending Present
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by J. T. Jelly, Clerk,
Book D. Vol. N Page 297
Page 31

6336
North Carolina Fayetteville
Philipena Polk Deceased
widow of Charles Polk
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Captain of Infantry & Cavalry 
(illegible)
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 292 Dollars 66 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1848 & and January 12th 1849
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of June 1833 and sent to  W.F. Davidson, present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, page 230 Vol. 1

W.F. Davidson July 16, 1853
Jame Aug 7/55
Sam September 17/55
Same December 28/55
Same February 21/56
Page 32

9605
North Carolina
Philipena Polk deceased
widow of Charles who was a Lieutenant & Captain of Infantry and Cavalry in the Revolution
Increased from $292.66/100
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 500 Dollars 97 centers per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of April 1856 and sent to Hon. B. Grange House of Representatives.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844]
Recorded in Book A vol. 2 Page 159
Page 33

 North Carolina
Philipena Polk deceased
widow of Charles Polk who died on the ____ of ___
in the state of _______ who was a Lieutenant & Captain in the _______commanded by Captain ____ of the ______commanded by _______ in the revolution line for _________
Increased from $292.66/100
Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville at the rate of 500 Dollars 97 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of April 1856 and sent to Hon. B. Grange.
Arrears to the 4th of ____
Semi-annual allowance ending _______
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by g. T. Terry clerk
Book D vol. 1 page 297
Page 34

9603
North Carolina
Philipena Polk deceased
widow of Charles
who was a Captain of Infantry & Calvary in the 
Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 292 Dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of June 1855 and sent to W. L. Davidson Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 159
Page 35

- 5.3
- 6.00
-11.00

Joseph Elliot
Report
Page 36

Was received of Captain Charles Polk five pounds Paddock money for the the use of his cows horses received of Byres Joseph Elliot John Sorry
January 24th 1777
Page 37

State of South Carolina Charlotte Town March 7th 1777
This certifies that a wagon and five horses of property of Charles Polk as delivered to me Joseph an order. General Brass
Page 38

North Carolina
His Excellency
Colonel William Tryon
His Majesty's Captain-General, and Governor in Chief, in and over the said Province.
To Charles Polk (Gentlemen)
By Virtue of Powers verified by Me by His Majesty, and in Pursuance of an Act of Assembly, made and passed in the Fourth Year of His present Majesty's Reign, intitled, An Act for appointing a Militia; I Have Constituted, Appointed, and Given Commission to, and by there presents, Do Constitute, Appoint, and Give Commission to (remaining document torn)
Page 39

Henry J. Pinyon Maketh oath that he was well acquainted with Philapina Polk always caroled widow of Captain Charles Polk that she died not more then six years past last January which was 1849. In Union County N.C.
The reason he knows that was the year he made is home at Henry Clontzs shortly after her death and then one one of Captain Charles Polk's children by his las wife living that he knows of but George.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 23rd day of April 1855.
Left Henry Long J.P.
Henry J. (X his mark) Pinyon

I hereby certify Henry J. Pinyon is a creditable witness he is not old enough to say much about her family of children.
Henry Long J.P.
Page 40

Philipena Polk, deceased
widow of Captain Charles Polk
N. Carolina
Act of 1838 &c.
Page 41

Brief in the case of Philipena Polk, deceased, widow of Charles 
Union County and State of North Carolina
Act of July 7, 1838

Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original)
It is documentary, traditionary, or  supported by rolls? if either, state the substance.

Service of Charles Polk as Captain of Cavalry 4 months and as Captain, in part of Infantry, 9 months, 19 days providing his original Pay Rolls and payments to him certified by Comptroller of N. Carolina. Rank & Identity also proved by history and by formal testimony death of Charles, March 10, 1821 of Philipena, his widow January 12th 1849 proved by family register and panel.
Names of surviving children proved by panel doubtful whether the daughter still survives, but as the son is certified to be administration and has given a bond of $10,000 it is safest to include her name in the certificate leaving the son and administrator under obligation to pay her share if she should be discounted to be alive.
Consulted the (illegible)
Name and residence of Agent
W. F. Davidson
Now present

S.G. Dodge
Examining Clerk
Page 42

Jan. 16/56
Page 43

Comptrollers Department
Raleigh N.C. January 16/56

W. F. Davidson Esquire
Charlotte N.C.

Sir,

I have received yours with a decision of the Commissioner of Pensions in the case of Charles Polk, dated December 28th, in which other information is desired relative to the payments contained in my certificate in said case of December 10th.

The Commissioner desires to be assured whether or not these payments do not differ from those previously given, they do in this particular that they were made by the state of S. Carolina while the previous ones were made by N. Carolina, also whether these were in Captain Polk & Company or for his own individual services, & take it they were for his own service do no matter is made if his company, is any other purpose whatever; indeed there is not an entry on the entire list, which purports
Page 44

to have been for any other purpose than military service.  He wishes also to know the purpose of this small book. The precise object of its being made and sent to this state is not known, but it is to be presumed it was for the purpose of settling accounts between the two states, It is a fact well known that the N.C. Troops rendered much service in S.C. at different times, that same of them were in prisoned by the British at the fall of Camden. The said list or small book is unbound, of sheets something  less than a diary letter papers and contains fifteen pages, is headed as follows. "A list of accounts of the money paid the Alabama Troops by S. Carolina" signed "Simon Jefferies 1776" Then follows the list of the soldiers in alphabetical order in which appear many of the most familiar names in the S. Carolina service such as Colonel martin Armstrong the Alexanders Alden Lamb Thomas Polk Charles Polk & C. The list gives no other explanation of troops the grades of the officers are not written but those who
Page 45

are know to have been officers have large sums opposite their names and others but small ones.
It does not appear whether the payments were made in specific currency but in the absence of such specification it is regarded as sterling.
I have thus answered at length the inquires made by the Commissioner which you can submit to his consideration.
Respectfully,
Your obedient servant
George W. Brooks
Comptroller
N.C.
Page 46

My brief dated December 27th and letter to W.F. Davidson of the 28th will explain the occasion for the Comptroller's letter of the 16th instant Mr. Davidson.
I could wish that the explanation could have been more to the purpose. Yet the fact that payments of large sums, were made to Colonel's Armstrong, Thomas Polk, and others above the rank of Captain, favors the idea that the payments were for individual services.
Dodge
January 29th, 1856
Page 47

Pension Office
March 21 1860
Page 48

House of Representatives U.S.
March 20th 1860

Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir

I call your attention to the enclosed claim of M. Shelby I request you to communicate to me if other proof or proceedings is necessary.
Very Respectfully
John M. Wright
Page 49

The pension of Philipena Polk was adjusted as follows

189 days estimated amount of service from the payments certified to have been made to him by the State of North Carolina itemized as follows

L 43.94
91.13.6
9.16.0
19.10.0
12.3.0
Amounting to $94.11.10

225 days estimated from the large payments made to Polk which I judged from their amount to have been for services of himself and company.

It has already been stated that these large payments correspond to a considerable extent with the original pay-rolls of Captain Polk of service performed about 1776. This comes as evidence I first suggested and this corrective was afterwards confirmed by a subsequent certificate of the Comptroller.
But there is no con-
Page 50

correspondence whatever between the small items of pay for personal service or the large items assumed to be for service of Polk, himself and company, with the service in Sumpter's Brigade in 1781-2 as now certified by the Comptroller in his certificate dated March 5th, 1856.5 
The certificate of September 4th, 1855, was too indefinite to give perfect satisfaction as to the nature date and duration of this last named service. but I do not hesitate now to explain my decided conviction that this 10 month service in 1781-2  5 months as Lieutenant & five as Captain is entirely distinct from the 13 months 10 days already allowed for.

These payments were indents issued by each State to the same man, and could not in the nature of things, be for the same service.
It is difficult to explain clearly in a few words so complicated a matter. but from a most patient and mature examination I cannot doubt that the increase for 10 months service should be allowed.
April 7, 1856
Dodge
Page 51

House of Representatives U.S.
March 11th, 1856

Honorable I. Minot

Sir,

I herewith enclose you additional summary in the case of the pension of Charles Polk of Union County in North Carolina for pension.

I hope this with the testimony benefit filed will be satisfactory and that justice though long delayed will be done in the premises.
I have the honor to be respectfully
Burton Craig
Page 52

Philipena Polk
Brief
Dodge
Page 53

Philipena Polk, deceased widow of Captain Charles Polk N. Carolina

For Increase

The pension was allowed and a certificate issued on the 4th of June last for $292.66/100 per annum. The evidence on which this allowance was made consisted-

1st of certificates of Indents & issued by N. Carolina mostly for large sums, in currency then supposed to have been payments for services of himself and company, which supposition the certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. of the 10th instant shows was correct 2nd of original rolls of Captain Polk's Company showing a service of 118 days part as Captain of Horse & part of foot 3rd. a large amount of historical references and traditions &c. Showing that Captain Polk was in active service for the most part of the war.
From these data, it was estimated with the full concurrence of the late Comptroller that the service was proved for 13months & 19 days as Captain 4 months of which was horse service.
Page 54

In applying for an increase the parties file an additional certificate of the comptroller dated the 10th instant-showing payments made to Captain Charles Polk, of N.C. by the State of S.C. amounting to about L965.

Not knowing the nature of this account I requested William Davidson the attorney to inquire of the Comptroller in what currency these payments were made and whether for individual services or for services of Captain Polk & his company. William Davidson on yesterday telegraphed the comptroller, who returned the accompanying dispatch.

It still does not appear whether this service was Cavalry or foot service but assuring it to have been foot service, and that the payments were made in currency, and at the highest rate paid by S.C. for a Captain of foot ( L 3 per day) it still shows a service of some 10 months and 20 days; which added to that before proved would make a service of a little over two years.

I have adopted a rule the most adverse to the claim, for the reason that no proof of this kind is free from grounds for qualification. For example, I think it highly probable that the
Page 55

payments in dollars made by S. Carolina (see certificate of 10th instant) were made in specie (note this is payment made in gold/silver coins) and not in currency.

My estimate would increase the allowance to 20 months Captain of foot as $400
and 4 months as Captain of Cavalry $100
Making a total of $500 per annum from the 4th of March 1836 to the 12th of January 1849, when the widow died, (exempting 2 years) deducting former payments, at the rate of 292$ per annum for the same period. Payable to George W. Polk, her administrator.
S. G. Dodge
December 27/55
Page 56

July 26/55
Page 57

Charlotte NC.
July 26th, 55

Honorable L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Enclosed you will find the Comptrollers certificate introducing some additional evidence in the case of Philipena Polk, widow of Charles.

From the traditionary history of Captain Charles Polk, I feel perfectly satisfied that he must have served through the whole war, he was amongst the first that drew his service in the defense of his country and amongst the last to sheathe it, his name appears upon the pay roll in 1776, and continues there until 1783, showing (as you stated in your letter to me) a greater amount of service than was rendered by any Captain during the Revolution, from which you answer there must have been two Charles Polk?

You will observe that the comptroller is in doubt whether any of the L 963.2.4 is in doubt whether any of the L963.2.4 was for military service, therefore I do not claim it, and you can strike it out of other calculations, But the other payment I do claim with the full appearance of their corrections as the comptroller of our state has made a very thorough and careful examination of the Revolutionary records in his office, and the written certificate as the result of said examination.
Page 58

In your first examination of the papers on file in this case, you were under the impression that the L 326.00 was in payment to Captain Charles Polk and company and calculated it accordingly. This payment the co783mptroller is confident was made to Captain Charles Polk for individual military service which establishes, with the other payments over two years service, an amount sufficient under the acts of congress to entitle the applicant to full pay.

You will also observe that the payments made to Captain Charles Polk in 1782, and 1783, were subsequent to his marriage with his wife Philipena. This I insist is evidence of service after marriage, and entitles the sum of Captain Polk to draw under the act of 1836.  See the comptrollers certificate which collaborates the affidavit, of Edith Stansel now on file in the case, she swore that she believes that Captain Polk did serve after his marriage and she is fully sustained in the affidavit by the date of the payments in the enclosed certificate, with the comptrollers explanation thereof.

My application is, that  the pension to Philipena Polk be increased to full pay, commencing on the 4th March 1831, which I insist is fully made out by the rules of the Department under the acts of Congress.

Please make the certificate of pension payable at the Morganton N.C. as it is much nearer than Fayetteville.

Very respectfully your obedient servant
W. F. Davidson

Honorable L. P. Waldo
Page 59

Charlotte N.C.
February 10th/55

Honorable L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Enclosed I send the balance of the family record of Retired Captain Charles Polk. It also contains the family record of his son George the present applicant, in whose possession it has been since the death of his parents.

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
W. F. Davidson

Honorable 
L. P. Waldo
Washington City
Page 60

February 7/55
J.P.
Page 61

Charlotte, N.C.
February 7th, 1855

Honorable L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Enclosed I send for examination the certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. together with several affidavits, in solution to the claim of George Polk is eight of his Father Captain Charles Polk, which I hope will be sufficient to pay the claim.

I file the declaration of George Polk with the family record, in your Department the latter part of November last your early attention to this case will much oblige.

Your obedient servant
W. F. Davidson

P.S. 
I have no agent in this or any other new war application filed by me since I was in Washington City in November last.
W.F.D.
Page 62

Charlotte N.C.
March 19th 1855

Honorable L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

I sent to you on the 7th of February last the certificate of the comptroller of N.C. together with other evidence in behalf of the heirs of Captain Charles Polk, fearing the papers may have been miscarried I wish to know whether they have been received and what disposition you have made of the case.

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
W. F. Davidson
Page 63

Philipena Polk deceased
widow of Charles
N.C. 1838
Brief

Commissioner says affidavit within
S.G.. Dodge
June 1, 1855
Page 64

Additional evidence
5 original pay rolls of Captain Charles Polk showing 118 days service as Captain of Cavalry and 76 days service as Captain of foots.
The footings of these rolls do not correspond with the amounts of either of the indents certified.
Whether these amounts were included in those certified is not clear. I propose to consider them as included in the indents.
Copies of original indents No. 1362 for L43.94 specie one for L 19.10 already certified
one for 9.13.6
one for 9.16.0
L. 62.18.10
Issued to Captain Charles Polk for militia service also one "for a public claim" L.88.13.8 which I do not regard as for service.
The above rolls show that Captain Polk's pay, as changed on the rolls was at 7.6-10/- and 12/- per day.
Page 65

I assume that the five small payments of
L. 43.9.4
9.18.6
9.16.0
19.10.0
12.3.0.
Amounting to L. 94.11.10
were made, as the copies now certified indicate to Captain Polk's rolls that his pay should be estimated at about 10/- per day, as a just & fair average the nearest practicable approximation to the real fact.
Showing a service of about 189 days the three last items in the certificate dates November 21st 1854. I assume to represent payments made to Captain Polk for services himself & company. The largely of the amounts precludes the idea that either of them was for individual service. 
The rolls show that the footings amount on the average to about L.10 for each day which indicates a service of about 225 days making a total of 414 days.
Page 66

equal to 13 months 19 days of which say 4 months Captain of Cavalry $100
9.19 days Captain of Foot for 192.66
13.19 days at pension of $292.66

It appears that these payments were made to Charles Polk by the Commissioner for Salisbury District in which Mecklenburg County was.

Identify further established by the testimony of witness that they never heard of any others Captain Charles Polk. he was a noted character mentioned in Wheeler's History of N.C. Vol. 2 P. 153 as Captain of Cavalry in 1775 & brother of Colonel Thomas Polk. The formal testimony also shows him to have been the brother of Ezekiel Polk the late presenting grandfather.

See also the narrative of Mrs. Smart in the Charlotte Journal files in this case. 

Death of Charles November 10th, 1821 & of his widow, January 12th, 1849 proved by family record and witnesses that George W. Polk is administrator certified for $10.00 that he is supposed to be the only surviving child but that  Martha Shelby his late sister is dead does not certainly appear.
Page 67

August 25/55
Page 68

Comptrollers Department
Raleigh August 25th 1855

W.F. Davidson Esquire

Dear Sir:

I have received yours asking an explanation of the payment L 32.6.7 shilling made to Charles Polk a soldier of the Revolutionary war and stated in my certificate of said Polk's service, you ask for the original items composing that payment I can not give them; as the Books do not show them nor indeed is it at all certain that the payment was made up of others less payments Book F2 from which it is taken is a list of payments made to the militia of Virginia, N.C. & S.C. furnished the U.S. Commissioner by the Comptroller of N.C. for liquidation by the General Government. The most of the contributor large sums and I stated as a probable learn for this, that they were of amounts of different payments as in that of L.963.2.4 this items of which I traced to with book some were for clothing & rations; but that the by great portions of the payments in this Book F2 was for actual service is evident from the fact that there least was applied by William Wilmer the U.S. Commissioner.
Respectfully
George W. Brooks
Comptroller
Page 69

Brief in the case of Philipena Polk, deceased widow of Charles Polk
Mecklenburg County and State of North Carolina
Act July 4 1838.

Claim, ("original, or "for increase")
Proof exhibited, (if original)

It is documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

The claim of Mrs. Polk was admitted on the 4th of June last, for four months service as a Captain of Cavalry and nine months and nineteen days as a Captain of Infantry in the Militia of North Carolina. Additional testimony has been filed by the Honorable Burton Craig showing that her husband also served five months as Lieutenant and five months as a Captain of Cavalry in Sumpter's Brigade composed partly of North Carolina troops. The evidence is record and was obtained from the (If for increase) office of the Comptroller of South Carolina.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

name and residence of Agent
Honorable Burton Craig
House of Representatives

W. Ogden Miles
Examining Clerk
Page 70

Philipena Polk, deceased widow of Charles Polk, late Captain in of N.C. Militia
N. Carolina Union County
Act July 7, 1838, & subsequent Admitted
Captain of Cavalry 4 months $100
Do of Infantry 9 months 10 days 192.66
at the rate of $292.66
per annum, from March 4th 1836 to January 12th, 1849, when she died excepting 2 years.

Certificate payable to George W. Polk, her administrator for benefit of himself and of Martha Shelby her only surviving children.

Attorney
W. F. Davidson
now present

Captain Polk
brothers
Thomas Polk & Ezekiel Polk

William Williamson
Page 71

Charlotte N.C.
September 7th 1855

Honorable G. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

I received your letter embracing your report on the additional evidence recently filed by me in the case of Philipena Polk, widow of Charles, and have understood to comply with the requirements contained in said report by processing from the comptroller of our state an explanation of his certificate which explanation I herewith enclose, hoping it may be satisfactory you will observe that the comptroller seems satisfied from another investigation of the Revolutionary records in his office that the L326.7 species for actual military service rendered by Captain Charles Polk why you should reject this testimony or be disposed to opposition the payment between Polk and his company I cannot understand when the comptroller tells you it was for actual military service you call upon him for the items of which this payment is composed he answers then and now it was taken from a book when most of the  entries are large sums and said book was accepted by the U.S. Commissioner as evidence of actual military service.
Page 72

But you reject it upon the grounds that the payment is too large and argue from that that it must have been made to Captain Polk for himself and company but if this be so why was it not so entered upon the records the comptroller tells you in his certificate that the payment of L. 853.55. is the only payment that appears to have been made to Captain Polk & company. What evidence have you that the records do not speak the truth, my understanding and explanation in the law is that military records are always supposed to speak the truth and when resorted to as unclear the parties are bound by them. It the L 326.5.7 was made to Captain Polk and company why do the records not show it, as in the L. 853.15.8 But so far from this, the L. 326.7 appears in a Book composed of large payments for actual military service and this book was recorded by the U.S. Commissioner as a good voucher for actual military service by the persons therein named. And now in 1855, the Commissioner of Pensions pretends to know better what the Revolutionary records mean than the office who made them.

This case was first or at the time of its partial allowance examined by William Dodge who was very much pleased with the Revolutionary history of Charles Polk and said there that he had no doubt that Captain Polk served for two years but that the payments were too large he thought to have been made for individual service as Captain. I told him then I was
Page 73

satisfied Captain Polk had served over two years, but that I was willing to take his calculation then until I satisfied myself further from the records in the comptrollers office in N.C..

At my instance over Comptroller has made a very laborious search in order to service at the truth of this matter he reports that no part of the L. 963.2 was for military service, that the L. 853.15.8 was for military service to Captain Charles Polk and company and that the  L. 326. 5/7 with the other smaller payments was for actual military service.

Now put the L. 326.5.7 with the other smaller payments and all amount to but little over three years service.

Is this too much for a man who was in actual service of his country form the beginning to the close of the Revolution whether as a Captain or a Lieutenant.

If Captain Polk chose to let his amount against the Government for military service serve on until it amounted to L. 326.5.7 before he called for its liquidation had the Government any right now to complain about it and attempt to falsify the Revolutionary records rather than pay its just dues besides it is in evidence before you that the Polk family were wealthy and not obliged as I write to have my form or file proceeds paid to them as it became due It was doing the Government a favor at that time to let there accounts stand.

Sir, the Government of the United States owes a debt to the Revolutionary Soldiers and their children that it never can pay and a liberal constitution out to be given to every pension claim, that has merit instead of interposing way objection that can be conceived of for the purpose of defeating it. I never yet have opened a claim before you that I did not believe had merit
Page 74

you will find enclosed a certificate from the Comptroller General's office S. Carolina showing Charles Polk's service in that state as a Lieutenant under his brother or under William Polk Thus you find Charles Polk at the commencement of the Revolution serving his Country as a Captain and at the close of it acting as a Lieutenant was willing to serve in any position. Like the good patriot he was.

I insist upon an increase of pension from what has been allowed up to full pay as Captain and I do most consistently counted that the proof on file with the explanation if the Comptroller herein contained fully sustains service this position.

With these papers I enclose a small journal of Captain Charles Polk's found amongst his old papers.

Whatever increase you allow here, have it made payable at Morgantown N.C. it is much nearer this place than Fayetteville.

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
W.F. Davidson
Page 75

Charlotte 
June 19th 1856

Honorable B. Craig

Dear Sir

I have just received the Comptrollers explanation of his certificate and dispatch in the case of Captain Charles Polk, which you will find enclosed.

As this is a very important matter to me as well as the persons for whom I am acting, I hope you will have the kindness to present this explanation in person to the Commissioner of Pensions and insist upon a confirmation of the report made in this case whilst I was in Washington by one of the examining clerks William Dodge.

the traditionary history of Captain Charles Polk, is that he served his country faithfully from the beginning to the close of the Revolution.  And this is confirmed by the certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. and yet his children have only been allowed for Thirteen months service of their father. 

You know the Revolutionary history of the Polk's of Mecklenburg County and can satisfy the Commissioner that it is by no means improbable that Captain Charles Polk (Charlie as he was called) served two years.
Page 76

I am satisfied the Polk's ought to be allowed the additional claim amounts making in all two years. The proof is ample sufficient and if you will be kind enough to go to the pension office yourself and present the enclosed letter from the comptroller with such state merits as you knowledge of the Revolutionary services of the Polk's will able you the support will be confirmed.

Our municipal children court office recorded last and I now saw more interest manifested in any children. The know nothing and temporary face attacks contained against the Democrats using certainly all sorts of dirty slanderous reports against the candidates. But the democracy rode over it all and elected their ticket.

We have had know on the ground and very good sleeping for the case ten or fifteen days the weather very cold.

Dr. Perish Caldwell has secured in getting a pardon for the Sharps they were let out of jail this morning.

The whole country are delighted with the Presidents (illegible) source of the strongest old Whigs ( not know nothings) in the country say this we for (illegible) for the next President

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
W.F. Davidson

Honorable B. Craig
Page 77

William Clark Page 416

Do in old Mecklenburg County near close of war

Thomas Polk expire then Mecklenburg declaration & war office a Colonel papered 70 & 75 79 and of 4 day

It does not appear that the Charles Polk named in the certificate of the Comptroller was from Mecklenburg Co.

The certificate names a lease in Captain of Infantry of about two years.

The traditionary evidence names no such reason duty of widow denied & returned of knowing different no found.
Family record not received.

Susan Alexander
Polk was a instant widow of the fathers  served a long time but how long she does not know.

Andrew Saint heard his brother speak about Captain Polk's being in the service doe not recollect of hearing his father say how long but thinks it was two or three years.

Elliott Stewart aged 89 years 130 1766 know that Charles Polk and two tours in the Revolution as Captain and remember much Major she Captain Polk did his man now as old interesting had home about two miles from his home saw him many time he returned form the war
Page 78

The parcel contained tend to prove a service in the militia and out continuous. With reason say he served two years to my knowledge that he came served time allowing this man was a Captain Andrew he went say his father informed him of Captain Polk's services and he wanted to think it was two or three years know Alexander definitely knows that he and a served a long time. The certificate from the comptroller allows a service of one term year ask a reason could only from him in the Continental Line was most time been continuing. One witness offered of Captain Polk's being wounded removing a bullet from his thigh. When or where was that wound was inflicted. The evidence is too loose and incomplete to establish a single point in the whole case
Page 79

Charlotte N.C.
July 10/55

Honorable L.P. Waldo

Sir

I received a letter from a gentleman residing in Washington City Mr. George L. Ames by the last mail form the tenor of which I inferred that he had filed additional evidence in the case of Philipena Polk widow of Captain Charles full need made application for an increase i was very much astonished at this for I assure you he has no authority form the heir of Polk or myself I am the only legal attorney of the heirs of Philipena Polk and I do most earnestly protest against such interform with my cases. In my transactions with your office I have always adhered to your rules and never called for the papers in any case without a power of attorney from the parties interested nor did I presume to file additional testimony without such authority.

How do arrears come to interfere  in the case. I am at a loss to know but  I expect it was at the instance of some one in Raleigh as an individual from that place has been secretly trying to purchase Polk's claim but failed. 

I would be very much obliged to you if you would not allow any person to examine my cases unless they couple with the rules of the Department by exhibiting a power of attorney or a letter from me mentioning the case.

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
W.F. Davidson

Honorable L.P. Waldo
Page 80

January 30, 1931

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
MCS:MLB

H. Hollingsworth
Clay Street
Cedar Falls, Iowa

Dear Sir:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5571, that Charles Polk was born July 29, 1732, names of parents not shown. He resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

He was appointed a lieutenant of militia in the Province of North Carolina by Colonel William Tryon, His Majesty's Captain General and Governor-in-Chief, in the fourth year of His Majesty's reign (date not shown).

In 1777 he was a captain in the Revolutionary Army and served under Lieutenant Colonel William Polk, in the North Carolina troops, General Sumter's brigade, was in the battle of Eutaw Springs and other battles not specified.

He married in March, 1762, Mary Clarck, who was born in June, 1744 and died October 8, 1776. He married February 5, 1782 Philipina Helmes, who was born June 10, 1764.

The soldier was a brother of General Thomas Polk, John Polk and Ezekiel Polk.

Charles Polk died March 10, 1821 and his widow, Philipina, died January 12, 1849.

In 1855 George W. Polk of Union County, North Carolina, was allowed the pension which was due his mother, Philipina, as the widow of Charles Polk and the pension was allowed for services of five months as lieutenant of cavalry, nine months and
Page 81

nineteen days as captain of infantry and nine months as captain of cavalry of North Carolina troops.

Children of Charles and Mary Polk:

Peggy born December 25, 1764, married William Freeman, born June 24, 1765.

John born November 7, 1766, married Esther Pool.

Deborah born December 10, 1768, married Gideon Freeman born July 12, 1759

Thomas born February 28, 1771 married Kezia Pyron, born February 18, 1768

Michael borne June 20, 1774, married Susanna Pyron March 26, 1774

Mary born September 24, 1776, married John Brooks.

Children of Charles and Philipina Polk:

Charles born March 15, 1784
William born April 30, 1786
Susanna born June 19, 1788
Ezekiel Washington born June 9, 1791
Martha born May 4, 1794
George W. born September 18, 1799, married December 4, 1823 Margaret Carman born May 10, 1804.
Elenora born January 16, 1804

Children of George W. Polk:

Martha E. born October 6, 1824
Pheby born June 10, 1826
Charles H. born April 23, 1828
Mary S. born March 2, 1830
John P. born May 12, 1832
Tabitha P. born February 28, 1834
William s. born February 18, 1836
James born January 17, 1838
Henry M. born December 22, 1840
George W. born September 27, 1841 died June 6, 1851
Margaret borne June 3, 1843
Alphonso born July 11, 1845, died July 27, 1845

Very truly yours
E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner

-2-
Page 82

Rev. and 1812
Wars SEction
MOS/eel

April 5,1929

Mrs. E. M. Price
1394 Lucile Avenue, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia

Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5571, it appears that Charles Polk was born, July 29, 1732. He resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

He was appointed a lieutenant of militia in the Province of North Carolina by Colonel William Tyron, His Majesty's Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in the fourth year of His Majesty's reign (date not shown).

In 1777, he was a captain in the Revolutionary Army and served under lieutenant Colonel William Polk, in the North Carolina Troops, General Sumter's Brigade, was in the battle of Eutaw Springs and other battles not specified.

He married in march 1762, Mary Clarck who was born in June, 1744 and died October 8, 1776; he married, February 5, 1782, Philipina Helmes, who was born June 10, 1764.
Page 83

The soldier was a brother of General Thomas Polk, John Polk and Ezekiel Polk.

Charles Polk died, March 10, 1821, and his widow, Philipina, died, January 12, 1849.

In 1855, George W. Polk, of Union County, North Carolina, was allowed the pension which was due his mother, Philipina, as the widow of Charles Polk and the pension was allowed for service of five months as lieutenant of cavalry, nine months and nineteen days as captain of infantry and nine months as captain of cavalry of North Carolina Troops.

Children of Charles and Mary Polk.

Peggy born December 25, 1764, married William Freeman born June 24, 1765.
John born November 7, 1766 married Esther Pool.
Deborah born December 10, 1768 married Gideon Freeman born July 12, 1759.
Thomas born February 28, 1771, married Kezia Pyron born February 18, 1768.
Michael born June 20, 1774, married Susanna Pyron March 26, 1774.
Mary born September 24, 1776, married John Brooks.

Children of Charles and Phililpina Polk

Charles born March 15, 1784
William born April 30, 1786
Susanna born June 19, 1788
Ezekiel Washington born June 9, 1791
Martha born May 4, 1794

-2-
Page 84

George W. born September 18, 1799 married December 4, 1823, Margaret Garman born May 10, 1804
Eleonora born January 16, 1804.

Children of George W. Polk

Martha E. born October 6, 1824
Pheby born June 10, 1826
Charles H. born April 23, 1828
Mary S. born March 2, 1830
John P. born May 12, 1832
Tabitha P. born February 28, 1834
William S. born February 18, 1836
James born  January 17, 1838
Henry M. born December 22, 1840
George W. born September 27, 1841, died June 6, 1851
Margaret born June 3, 1843
Alphonso born July 11, 1845, died July 27, 1845.

Respectfully,
M.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner

-3-
Page 85

Rev. War Section
W 5571
Copy this letter

May 18, 1914

Mrs. J.C. Redfearn
Wadesboro, N.C.

Madam:

In response to your letter dated the ninth instant you are advised that form the papers in claim Wid. File No. 5,571, it appears that Charles Polk who was born July 29, 1732 resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. he was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia in the Province of North Carolina by Colonel William Tyron. his Majesty's Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in the fourth year of His Majesty's reign (date not shown).

In 1777, he was a Captain in the Revolutionary Army and served under Lieutenant-Colonel William Polk, in the North Carolina troops. General Sumpter's brigade was in the battle of Eutaw Springs and other battles not specified.

He married first in March 1762, Mary Clarck bornin in June 1744 and died October 8, 1776: he married second (E not O) corrected by aw July 21 1920 February 5, 1782 Philipina Helmes born June 10, 1764.

The soldier was a brother of General Thomas Polk, John Polk and Ezekiel Polk he died March 10, 1821. His widow Philipina died January 12, 1849, and the pension which was

***Note this is a typed rough draft letter with handwritten corrections****
Page 86

her, was allowed for his service of five months as Lieutenant of Cavalry, nine months and nineteen days as Captain of Infantry and nine months Captain of Cavalry of North Carolina troops in 1855 to her son and administrator, George W. Polk of Union County, North Carolina.

Children of Charles and Mary Polk
Peggy born December 25, 1764 married William Freeman born June 24, 1765.
John born November 7, 1766 married Esther Pool.
Deborah born December 10, 1768 married Gideon Freeman born July 12, 1759.
Thomas born February 28, 1771 married Kezia Pyron born February 18, 1768.
Michael born June 20, 1774 married Susanna Pyron born March 26, 1774.
Mary born September 24, 1776 married John Brooks.

Children of Charles and Philipina Polk

Charles born March 15, 1784
William born April 30, 1786
Susanna born June 19, 1788
Ezekiel Washington born June 9, 1791
Martha born May 4, 1794
George W. born September 18, 1799 married December 4, 1823 Margaret Garman born May 10, 1804.
Eleonora born January 16, 1804.

Polk -2
Page 87

Children of George W. Polk

Martha E. born October 6, 1824
Pheby born June 10, 1826
Charles H. born April 23, 1828
Mary S. born March 2, 1830
John P. born May 12, 1832
Tabitha P. born February 28, 1834
William S. born February 18, 1836
James born January 17, 1838
Henry M. born December 22, 1840
George W. born September 27, 1841, died June 6, 1851
Margaret born June 3, 1843
Alphonso born July 11, 1845 died July 27, 1845

Very Respectfully,
G M. Saltzgaten
Commissioner

Polk -3-
Page 88

Division.

August 18, 1910.

Mrs. William C. Adams,
Corydon, Indiana.

Madam:

In reply to your letter dated the 8th and received on the 10th instant, you are advised that from the papers in claim, Wid. File No. 5,571, it appears that Charles Peck, who was born July 9, 1732, resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia in the Province of North Carolina by Colonel William Tryon, His Majesty's Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in the fourth year of His Majesty's reign (date not shown).

In 1777 he was a Captain in the Revolutionary Army and served under Lieutenant-Colonel William Polk, in the North Carolina troops, General Sumpter's brigade, was in the battle of Eutaw Springs and other battles not specified.

He married first in March, 1762, Mary Clarck, born in June 1744, died October 8, 1776; married second February 5, 1782 Philipina born June 10, 1764.

The soldier was a brother of General Thomas Polk, John Polk, and Ezekiel Polk; he died March 10, 1821.  His widow died January 12, 1849, and the pension which might have been due her, was allowed for his service of five months as Lieutenant of Cavalry, nine months Captain of Infantry, and nine months Captain of Cavalry of North Carolina troops, and paid in
Page 89

Wid. File No. 5,571

1855 to her son and administrator, George W. Polk of Union County, North Carolina.

Children of Charles and Mary Polk.

Peggy born December 25 1764 married William Freeman born June 24, 1765.
John born November 7, 1766 married Esther Pool.
Deborah born December 10, 1768 married Gideon Freeman born July 12, 1759.
Thomas born February 28, 1771, married Kezia Pyron born February 18, 1768.
Michael born June 20, 1774 married Susanna Pyron born March 26, 1774.
Mary born September 24, 1776, married John Brooks.

Children of Charles and Philipina Polk.

Charles born March 15, 1784
William born April 30, 1786
Susanna born June 19, 1788
Ezekiel Washington born June 9, 1791
Martha born May 14, 1794
George W. born September 18, 1799 Married December 4, 1823, Margaret Garman born May 10, 1804.
Eleanora born January 16, 1804.

Children of George W. Polk.

Martha E.  Born October 6, 1824
Pheby born June 10, 1826
Charles H. born April 23, 1828
Mary S. born March 2, 1830
John P. born May 12, 1832
Tabitha P. born February 28, 1834
William S. born February 18, 1836
James born January 17, 1838
Henry M. born December 22, 1840
George W. born September 27, 1841, died June 6, 1841.
Margaret born June 3, 1843
Alphonso born July 11, 1845, died July 27, 1845

Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner
Page 90

July 9, 1907

Mr. Robert F. Phifer,
"The ST. Cloud-Mormandy,"
Concord, N.C.

Sir:

In reply to your letter dated the 28th ultimo and received on the 29th, you are advised that from the papers in claim W. File No. 5,571 it appears that Charles Polk, who was born July 29, 1732 resided in Mecklenburg Co., N.C. was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia in the Province of North Carolina by Colonel William Tyron, His majesty's Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in the fourth year of his Majesty's reign (date not shown). In 1777 he was a Captain in the Revolutionary Army and served under Lieutenant-Colonel William Polk, in North Carolina troops, General Sumpter's brigade, was in the battle of Eutaw Springs and others not specified.

He married first in March, 1762 Mary Clarck, born in June 1744, died October 3, 1776; married second February 5, 1782, Philipina Helmes, borne June 10, 1764.

The soldier was a brother of General Thomas Polk, John Polk and Ezekiel Polk; he died March 10, 1821. His widow died January 12, 1849, and the pension which might have been due her was allowed for his service of five months as Lieutenant of Cavalry,
Page 91

nine months Captain of Infantry, and nine months Captain of Cavalry of North Carolina troops, in 1855 to her son and administrator, George W. Polk of Union Co., N.C.

Any muster rolls of Captain Charles Polk's company which may be in possession of the government are in the custody of the Adjutant General, War Department.

Children of Charles and Mary Polk:

Peggy born December 25 1764 married William Freeman born June 24, 1765.
John born November 7, 1766 married Esther Pool.
Deborah born December 10, 1768 married Gideon Freeman born July 12, 1759.
Thomas born February 28, 1771, married Kezia Pyron born February 18, 1768.
Michael born June 20, 1774 married Susanna Pyron born March 26, 1774.
Mary born September 24, 1776, married John Brooks.

Children of Charles and Philipina Polk:

Charles born March 15, 1784
William born April 30, 1786
Susanna born June 19, 1788
Ezekiel Washington born June 9, 1791
Martha born May 14, 1794
George W. born September 18, 1799 Married December 4, 1823, Margaret Garman born May 10, 1804.
Eleanora born January 16, 1804.

Children of George W. Polk:

Martha E.  Born October 6, 1824
Pheby born June 10, 1826
Charles H. born April 23, 1828
Mary S. born March 2, 1830
John P. born May 12, 1832
Tabitha P. born February 28, 1834
William S. born February 18, 1836
James born January 17, 1838
Henry M. born December 22, 1840
George W. born September 27, 1841, died June 6, 1841.
Margaret born June 3, 1843
Alphonso born July 11, 1845, died July 27, 1845

Very Respectfully
Acting Commissioner


[handwritten on side of document: see new carbon]
Page 92

L.M.H.

February 15, 1906

Hon. Robert W. Page,
House of Representatives
Washington D.C.

My dear Mr. Page:

In response to your letter dated February 7, 1906, addressed to the Military Secretary, War Department, and referred to this Bureau February 9, 1906, requesting that affidavits in the claim of Charles Polk, Revolutionary war (Widow File #5571) be forwarded to you, I have the honor to advise you that such papers are a part of the records of the Bureau and are not permitted to be withdrawn. This Bureau is unable to furnish copies of the papers owing to lack of a clerical force available for that purpose, but any one designated by you will be allowed to examine and copy them.

The following is a brief  of said Charles Polk, taken from the papers on file.

Charles Polk was born July 29, 1732, and served during the Revolutionary war, int he North Carolina troops as Lieutenant for five months, as Captain of Cavalry for four months and as Captain of Infantry for nine months and nineteen days.  He died March 10, 1821, leaving a widow Philipina, who died January 12, 1849.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 93

Waldron, Ark, August 19, 1938

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I have the honor respectfully to request such family data as may appear on your records concerning Revolutionary soldier Captain Charles Polk of Mecklenburg Co. North Carolina who commanded a company in the Cherokee or Rutherford Campaign 1776 in East Tenn. in which John Lemmonds was a 2nd Lieutenant. I find a Charles Polk in the 4th North Carolina Continental Line 1777.

Said John Lemmonds became a captain but you were unable to locate him, I thought by tracing Captain Charles Polk I could ascertain just where John Lemmonds resided 1776, and associates and thus verify his record.

Very respectfully,
Sam K. Leming [handwritten signature ]
Sam K. Leming
Attorney at Law

[handwritten on letter at bottom: 2 letters one asking for John Lillington-see his file Same Leming-L.L.L]

Stamped: Received August 22, 1938 Mail Subdivision Veteran Administration 5
Page 94

State of Georgia
1776

Commissioners
James A Perry, Chairman
Albert J. Woodruff, Vice-Chairman
Walter R. McDonald
Calvin W. Parker
Perry T. Knight

Robert N. Springfield Secretary
C.M. Price Waste Expert
S.J. Smith, Jr. Special Attorney
J. Houstoun Johnson Consulting Engineer

Georgia Public Service Commission
Atlanta

August 11, 1928

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

Will you kindly give me the informat6ion contained in the application for pension of Phoebe Polk of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, second wife and widow of Charles Polk, who served in the War of the Revolution, and died 1821.  His widow, Phoebe, died 1849. Charles Polk married Mary Clark in 1762. Their children were:  John, Deborah (married Gideon Freeman), Thomas, Michael, and Mary.

Mary Clark Polk died 1776, and Charles married in 1782, Phoebe Helms.  Their children were: Charles, William, Susanna, Ezekiel, Martha, George W., Eleanor, and one other daughter who married William Freeman.

Some of both sets of children moved to Georgia and Tennessee. Family tradition says Gideon Freeman and wife, Deborah Polk, moved West.  I am particularly anxious to establish their residence, as she is my ancestress.  This information is needed to prove eligibility to Daughters of American Revolution, and I will greatly appreciate your help.

yours truly,

Mrs. E. M. Price

Mrs. E. M. Price,
1394 Lucile Ave. S.W.,
Atlanta, Ga.

[Stamped: Pension U.S. Office August 13, 1928]
Page 95

Rev. Sec. E.O.

Rev. War Section

423 Ogden St.,
San Antonio, Tex.
July 6, 1920

Commissioner of Pensions,
Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

On the 10th ult. I addressed you a letter asking you for some information from the records of your department, but have had no reply, fear my letter has miscarried, so I take the liberty of again writing you.

I desire to obtain the military history of my kinsman Charles Polk, as set forth in his application for a pension for services in the Revolutionary War.

he was a native of North Carolina, born January 18, 1760 in Mecklenburg County.

He served at various times during the Revolutionary War in the North Carolina troops, under Captain Jack, John Polk his father, Charles and Thomas Polk, his uncles and others.

I hope this information will readily enable you to locate the application, a copy of which will serve my purpose.

Thank you in advance,
Very respectfully
George W. Polk

P.S. I also enclose another request for information concerning another Charles Polk, uncle of the soldier mentioned in this letter.

G.W.P.

Stamped Pension July 10, 1920 U.S.
Page 96

Rev. War Section

423 Ogden Street,
San Antonio, Texas,
July 6, 1920.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Department of Interior,
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

Will you be kind enough to send me a copy of the application made by George W. Polk for a pension for services rendered in the Revolutionary War by his father, Captain Charles Polk, who was born July 9, 1732, and resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

The papers in this claim I understand are described as being in Wid. File No. 5,571.

I desire this information as a matter of Family history.

The accompanying letter asks for the same information concerning another Charles Polk, nephew of the soldier named in this letter.

Thanking you in advance,
Yours Truly
George W. Polk

Stamped: Pension U.S. Office July 10, 1920
Page 97

Rev. Sec.

Treasury Department
Washington
Box 743 11 St. Sta.

Bureau of War Risk Insurance

In reply to July 26/20

To the Honorable Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

In re. Revolutionary Pension claim filed by George W. Polk about 1854 on account of services rendered during the Revolutionary War by his father Captain Charles Polk, will you please forward a letter of information concerning the family history to Mrs. Mary R. Brantley 501 East 8th Street Little Rock Arkansas and oblige yours truly.
J.E. Little

[Stamped:  Pension Office U.S. July 27 1920 twice]
Page 98

Office Auditor Interior Dept.
May 11, 1814
Date Received.

Madison N.C.
May 9, 1914

Treasury Department
Auditory for Interior Dept.

Dear Sir,

Will you please send me a record of the Revolutionary service of Captain Charles Polk. An application for Pension was applied for by his son George W. Polk.

Charles Polk was married with to Mary Clark 1764 and Philipina Helms 1782.
Page 99

He lived in Mecklenburg Co. N.C. & son George in Union Co. I think.

Please give me the names of his children & any other data possible.

Thank you for this valuable information. I am very truly.
John J.C. Ridgeman

[Stamped: Office Auditor Interior Dept. May 12, 1914 Miscellaneous Division]
Page 100

Treasury Department
Office of Auditor for Interior Department.

Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions (Rev. War. Sec.) for data necessary to locate the name of the pensioner on the records of this office.

R. W. Woolley
Auditor
E.

[Stamped: Pension Office U.S. May 13, 1914]
Page 101

L.L.W.

[Stamped: Pension Office U.S. August 10, 1910]
Page 102

Corydon, Indiana
August 8, 1910

Secretary Pension Dept.

Sir:

Was Captain Charles Polk a pensioner of the Revolutionary War. He was born in 1744 and moved to Ky near Bardstown in 1780. From there he came to Knox. County, Indiana in 1808.
Page 103

and he died there in 1823. He as an Indian fighter after the Revolution being a conscious officer under Harrison at (illegible) .

Please give me any record you have of him.

Yours truly

Mrs. William C. Adams
Corydon Indiana
Aug. 11, 1910
Page 104

House of Representatives U.S.
Washington D.C.

February 7, 1906

General P.C. Ainsworth, Military Secretary,
Washington, D.C.

Sir:

If it is consistent with the regulations of your department I shall be pleased to have the affidavits filed in the application of George W. Polk as executor of Colonel Charles Polk, who died in 1821.  This affidavit is filed in connection with an application for a pension for services rendered by Col. Charles Polk in the Revolutionary War.  I will also be glad to have any other papers that will throw light on the said Col. Charles Polk if there is any charge in connection with the copying of papers will cheerfully remit.

Very respectfully,
Robert N. Page
7th District N.C.

[Stamped: First Deputy Commissioner February 9, 1905 U.S. Pension Office]

[Stamped: Army & Navy Files Pension February 10, 1906]
Page 105

Military Secretary's Office
War Department
1098525
February 8, 1906

Washington D.C.
February 7, 1906

Charles Polk
Colonel Revolutionary War

Hon. Robert N. Page N.C.
Requests certain papers filed in application for pension in connection with services of above named Revolutionary War.

Address: The Military Secretary
War Department, Washington, D.C.
1098525

War Department,
The Military Secretary's Office,
Washington. February 8, 1906.

Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions and the Hon. Mr. Page so informed.

The records of this office afford no information relative to any service rendered by Charles Polk as an officer or enlisted man during the Revolutionary war.
F. C. Ainsworth
The Military Secretary
(M.S. 0.72-1)

[Stamped: Pension office U.S. February 9, 1906 twice]
Page 106

Document is Stamped with the following 2 stamps:

First Deputy Commissioner
February 9, 1906
Pension Office

Congressional
U.S. Bureau of Pensions
February 9 1006
Page 107

George W. Polk
Declaration
Page 108

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions April Term 1855.

On this 24th day of April A.D. 1855, personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county of Mecklenburg in the state aforesaid in Open Court, George W. Polk aged 55 years a resident of Union County N. Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the identical George Polk who was qualified to  a declaration at the October Term of said Court 1855, for the purpose of obtaining the pension due his father Captain Charles Polk for his Revolutionary services.

That said filing the above mentioned declaration he has discovered diaries paper amounts or marked A. B. C. D. E. and some receipts in relation to his fathers Revolutionary service with presented and praised to be taken as part of his declaration as they were found in whole bag containing his said fathers old papers. That he did not apply for a pension for his father services for this reason that when he first learned congress had made provisions for Revolutionary soldiers and their widows he then had two brothers older than himself they talked about applying from time to time his older brother righten or refused to take any steps about it until after their deaths affidavit then applied to a lawyer in Concord in the County of Cabarrus  and was put off from Court to Court until he met with William F. Davidson at Charlotte who prepared his papers at the October Term of this Court 1854 that he was in an isolated part of the county about twenty miles distant from an Court house and since met with any person who could or was in the habit of attending to pension claims until he met with said Davidson. His mother was a very infirm old woman many years before her death and was hardly near from
Page 109

home, and never further than a few miles in the neighborhood.  That the original family moved now on file in the pension office purporting to be the family named if Charles Polk, was by this affidavit among his fathers papers at his death and was always recognized by affidavits mother Philapena Polk and all the family as a true record of Charles Polk's marriage the birth & death of his children and has been used by affidavit as his family record.  That affidavits mother died in 1848 as recorded on the paper now before the department.  That affidavit is the only surviving child of Charles and Philapena Polk.

Sworn to and subscribed in open court before the undersigned justice of said court.


J.P. Ross J.P.
William Reid J.P.
William Alexander J.P.
Robert Wall J.P.
G.W. Polk
William H. Hert J.P.
and the said court hereby certifies that they are fully satisfied that George W. Polk is really the son and only heir of Captain Charles Polk and in believe said to be a credible person we have examined the said papers presented to us by George W. Polk purporting to be evidence of his father Captain Charles Polk Revolutionary services marked A.B.C.D.E. all of which we believe to be genuine.
J. P. Ross J.P.
William Reid J.P.
William Alexander J.P.
Robert Wall J.P.
M. N. Hert J.P.
Page 110

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

I W. K. Reid, clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter sessions held for said county do certify that George W. Polk made his personal appearance in said court and was duly qualified and examined in open court as to the foregoing declaration and papers touching touching the  Revolutionary services of Captain Charles Polk, and I further certify that John P. Ross, William Reid, Robert Alexander, & William Maxwell and M.N. Hert are the Justices of said court duly commissioned & sworn to hold the same and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said court aforesaid in Charlotte this 3rd day of May A.D. 1855.

W.K. Reid Clerk of
 Mecklenburg County Court
Page 111

State of North Carolina
Union County}

On this 2 day of February 1855, Edith Stewart personally appeared before me Eli Stewart one of the Justices of the Peace for Union County, and after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that she is now in her eighty nineth year that she was born and raised in Mecklenburg County N.C. was about two ten or twelve years old at the beginning of the Revolution or when Independence was declared, was a near neighbor of Captain Charles Polk and knew all his family, she knows that Charles Polk now two to in the Revolution as Captain and perhaps much longer he was in service a long time some of her own neighbors enlisted under him, she saw Captain Polk drilling his men near an old meeting house or church about two miles from her house and not far from Rocky River saw him away time he returned from the war saw him frequently after the war was over and heard him talk of his services knew him as long as she lived he lost his eye sight until many years before his death.

Captain Charles Polk was married twice deponent was well acquainted with all his children by both wives his first wife died about the first of the war or perhaps before she remembers well when captain Polk was married the second time.

[ handwritten on side: Edith Stewarts affidavit]
Page 112

it was sometime about the latter part of the war thinks there was some fighting after his second marriage.

Captain Charles Polk had six children by his first wife none of an now living in this state that she knows of the last that left this county was named Michael Polk. He (Captain Polk) said by his last wife five children and of whom she believes are dead except the youngest whose name is George with whom deponent is well acquainted he now lives about six miles from her.

Deponent further states that old Captain Charles Polk died a good many years back but how many she cannot say.  he left his widow who continued to live at the old place after her husband death, until she went to reside with her son George near the old place when she continued to reside until she died which was about five or six years back. Deponent was well and intimately acquainted with Captain Charles Polk's last wife her maiden name was Phebe or Farby Helms.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me.

Edith Stewart J.P.
Edy (X her mark) Stewart
Page 113

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

On this 7th day of February 1855, old Mrs. Susanna Alexander aged Ninety six years personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid and after being duly sworn in form of law, saith that she was born on the 24th day of December 1759, has quite a distinct recollection of many of the servicemen of the Revolutionary War particularly those that were acting in this county her husband John Alexander and her father James Alexander were both in said war (she was then married) and she now draws a pension for her husbands services . She was well acquainted with Charles Polk who was a distant relation of her fathers he was a Captain in the Revolution and served a long time but how long she does not know, deponent knew all the prominent men of Mecklenburg County during the Revolution with personally or by reputation she kept a very deep interest in the cause of the Whigs of that day.

She was instrumental in saving the life of General Joseph Graham Father of Secretary Graham who was lost down by the British near her fathers house, she and her mother dressed his wounds and concealed him until he was able to go home she then piloted him along a by way through the woods until he got to a some that led to his mothers.

Sworn to and subscribed the day written above.
Before Elam Hunter and W. Davidson J.P.
Susanna (X her mark) Alexander
Page 114

State of N. Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

I William Davidson an acting Justice of he peace for said county do hereby certify that Susana Alexander who signed the written affidavit is an aged respectable woman lives in this neighborhood & on the same plantation where she lived during the revolution & retains in a remarkable design her mental & physical faculties & is in constant witness & entitled to credit and from my own knowledge of Captain Charles Polk & what I have heard that the statement of Mrs. Alexander is strictly correct captain Charles Polk lived in this county before the revolution & no doubt from information nearby all the time of the war in services.
Given under my own hands aged seventy six years.
February 7th 1855
William Davidson J.P.

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

I W. K. Reid Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions held for said county, do certify that William Davidson whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the peace n and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said court at office in Charlotte this 7th day of February A.D. 1855

W. K. Reid Clerk of
Mecklenburg County Court
Page 115

Union County
Andrew Saints
Deposition
Page 116

State of N.C.
Union County}

February the 3 1855 personally appeared Andrew Secrest before me Eli Stewart one of the acting Justices of the Peace fore the county and state aforesaid and made oath to the following statements among Captain Charles Polk who was always said to be exemplary soldier and that he knew Captain Polk ever since he was very young boy and that he had heard his brother John Secrest telling about being in the service with Captain Polk and often heard his brother say that Captain Polk was brave and fearless soldier does not recollect of hearing his brother say how long he  Captain Polk was in the service but thinks it two or three years the witness sayeth that Captain Polk and his last wife was married about the close of the war he further sayeth that Captain Charles Polk lived and died in Mecklenburg County and that by witness generally Polk died but some seven or eight years ago and that he knew on all many understood that the present claimant George Polk was the son of said Captain Charles Polk and that he is the only surviving child.
Eli Stewart J.P.
Andrew Secrest

I Eli Stewart a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Union Certify that I am well acquainted with the foregoing witness and know him to be a witness of he first standing and that all credit should be given to his testimony.  Though a man much advanced in years his min remarkable good and clear I have the utmost confidence in any statement he may make concerning matter.

Eli Stewart J.P.
Page 117

State of North Carolina
Union County}

I James M. Stewart clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County and state aforesaid. do hereby certify that Eli Stewart before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was at the time thereof and is now an acting Justice of the Peace for said county duly commissioned and sworn and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 3rd day February 1855

J. M. Stewart Clerk
Page 118

State of N. Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

Charlotte N.C.

William Davidson of the County and state aforesaid town of Charlotte, being called upon to state what I know about the Polk family formally of this County this , Characterizes his revolutionary service especially the service of Captain Charles Polk.

I remember the Polk's when I was a boy & saw of them at maturity Captain Charles Polk was a  brother of General Thomas Polk & Colonel Ezekiel Polk who was the grandfather of James K. Polk president of the United States.


I was born 2nd of September 1776 of course then no personal knowledge of their migration to this country nor of their revolutionary services other than that derived from information which I believe had well founded & true. viz.

The Polk was among the first settlers in this part of N. Carolina founded by brothers viz Thomas, John, Charles & Ezekiel they were men of nation & leaders in problem matters before and during the revolutionary war & afterwards that Polk was Colonel of the county & called out the people 20th  May 1775 when Mecklenburg declared her Independence he had 2 sons in service Thomas & William there was killed at Eutaw Battle S.C. William was wounded (shot in the mouth) at the Battle of  Brandy Wine Polk was shot in the shoulder Snow Camp S.C. Captain Charles Polk also rendered much services he was a man of very ardent disposition preferred the field & was out most all his times & much of his time in S. Carolina, John Polk was at  & lived among the Catawba Indians.
Page 119

Colonel Ezekiel Polk was a large land holder in Tennessee & moved there almost near and was his children & Grand children followed him Captain Charles Polk after the war settled some 20 miles east from town in a remote location of the county on the waters of Clear Creek where he lived & died among his wife relations where some of his descendants & I believe the only remains of the original stock in the county now living.

When General Washington was on his Southern tour he stopped one day in Charlotte he together with the Lending men of the county that were present dined at old General Polk's and after dinner they walked out into the street to let the people see General Washington, there was a large crowd of people present this was about 1792 General Polk died shortly afterwards he was the last of the brothers Colonel Ezekiel was the youngest they were both wealthy the others I think were not wealthy.

I never heard of any other Charles Polk but the one mentioned above that was old enough to be in the service old General John Polk had a young son named Charles & he had old Charles a young son named Charles but they were quite too young to be called into service.

From the time I began to take notice of men & things among the servicing soldiers of the revolution at probable gatherings either small or great the events of the revolution was the presumed subject of conversations old henry Emmerson bragging of being sent out by Colonel Washington with one troop of cavalry to take the Tory fort largely 14 miles this of Camden S.C. he sent a
Page 120

a flag demanding this surrender & on their transit the troop returned to a sand hill near bit & paraded about got a black pine log & sent the end off & mounted it on the fore wheels of a wagon & hauled it found & panted for artisan as a cannon on white flag was instantly held out & the fort surrendered.  They had great support with the prisoners who was much mortified when the found out the sinking in the mannering incidents antidotes and other errant as related made a lasting impression on my mind of something interesting as council of the was used for a account no testament record.
The foregoing narration or status or statement is respectfully submitted.
Sworn to & subscribed before me.
William Davidson

C. Wurman J.P.
And I C. Wurman Justice of the Peace do certify that William Davidson who signed the foregoing statement is a gentleman of rich character and something of the highest credit whose testimony may be relied on fully.
C. Wurman J.P.
Page 121

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County

I W. K. Reid Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions held per said County do certify that William Davidson Charles Orman and F. M. Ross Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were made is and was at the date of signing the same acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn and that the signatures purporting to be theirs is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set in my name and affixed the seal of said court at office in Charlotte this 11th day of May A.D. 1855
W. K. Reid Clerk of 
Mecklenburg County Court
Page 122

Margaret Rupel make the oath before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace for the County of Union in the State of N. Carolina, that she was born and raised in the county of Mecklenburg about ten miles east of Charlotte that she was married to James Rupel the 8th of February A.D. 1809 and moved to Clear Creek the plantation she now lives on situated about one mile from the plantation that Captain Charles Polk lived and died. She knew intimately acquainted with Captain Polk and his wife Philipena and knew their children at least those of them who were living when she came into the neighborhood. There names were Charles, Susy, William, Martha, and George who was the youngest. Old W. Polk told here she had lost two children Ezekiel & Pheby before she (affidavit came to the neighborhood) Captain Charles Polk was a small man and was losing his eye sight when she first became acquainted with him he became totally blind and remained in that condition until he died he was a lively jovial old man and liked to have his neighbors about him she remembers that Captain Charles Polk showed her some of the buttons that he wore on his military coat whilst he was in the war it was common talk through the county and generally believed that Charles Polk was an officer in the Revolutionary war in fact he was always called Captain Polk. she further states Captain C. Polk died in the month of March 1821 she remembers this from the fact that her son John J. Rupel was born on the 13th of November 1820 and she is said Captain Polk died the following March and two or three others old men died in the neighborhood the same spring.
Page 123

she further states that Pheby or Philapena the widow of Captain Charles Polk, died within the last of January or first of February 1839 eighteen hundred and forty nine, this she knows to be correct for the  reason that her son J. Rupel knows some morning that was coming to her daughter Margaret A. Russel form her fathers estate for which he gave his note, this transition took place about two weeks before old Mrs. Polk died for her son came to know the money whilst affidavit was at the (illegible) of George W. Polk's daughter and did not get it and had to come back after it said not is now in the possession unpaid and is dated the 18th of January 1849.
She further states that George W. Polk is the only surviving child of Captain Charles Polk by his last wife Philapena unless Martha is living she married a man named Shelby and moved to Tennessee some eighteen or twenty years ago and has not been heard from by her relations for the last three or four years.

That whilst old Mrs. Philipena Polk was lying a corpse the day she was buried her son George W. Polk brought a bundle of old papers from which he took a thick piece of paper that looked very much worn and nearly in two in the middle this he showed to the company as the family record continuing the date of both the marriages of his father Captain Charles Polk also the date of his children births deaths etc she remembers there was a circle drawn around every name embracing the date of the marriages of his father, births, deaths, etc.
Page 124

Deponent has heard old John Stanself say that Charles Polk was aa great officer in the Revolution War and was a hard man not afraid of anything. She also heard old William John Person who was an old man when she first came to this neighborhood forty odd years ago say that Charles Polk was a Captain in the Revolutionary war.
Sworn to and subscribed this 14th day of April 1855. before me. 
William F. Muse J.P.
Margaret Rupel

and I William P. Muse a Justice of the Peace as above certify that Mrs. Margaret Rupel is a woman excellent character and her statements entitled to full credit.
W. P. Muse J.P.
Page 125

State of North Carolina
Union County

I James M. Stewart clerk of Union County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions do hereby certify that Henry Long & William P. Muse Esquire before whom the foregoing paper were executed are Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Union and was at the time of so doing duly commissioned and sworn and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine and that full faith and credit are due to their official acts.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office in Monroe the 8th May A.D. 1855
J. M. Stewart
Clerk of Union County Court
Page 126

Certificate of Administration
Page 127

State of North Carolina
Union County

County Court Clerks Office 8th day of May A.D. 1855 present & presiding M. Austin J.C. Wilson & Stephen St. Parker Esquire. Ordered by this Court that letters of administration issue to George W. Polk on the Estate of Charles Polk deceased who entered into bond in the sum of ten thousand dollars with William P. Muse Isaac S. Linker & William Medlin security bond approved by the court.

I James M. Stewart clerk of Union County Court do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an order now on file in my office granting administration to George Polk, and I further certify that I am acquainted the G.W. Polk and his security and know them to be good for the amount of the bond entered into testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court as office the  8th day of may A.D. 1855.
J.M. Stewart Clerk
Received 8th May 1855
Page 128

John A. Lemmonds maketh oath before me Elis Stewart that old Mrs. Phebe Polk widow of Captain Charles Polk, was a neighbor of his and that she died about 1848, 49 and that George Polk her youngest son is the only one of her children supposed to be living at this time. He further swears that Charles Polk was old man reputed and believed to have been a Captain in the Revolution. He heard his grandfather say that he cut a musket ball out of Captain Charles Polk's thigh during the war.
Worn to 
Eli Stewart J.P.
John L. Lemmond

Henry C. Bennet maketh oath before me Eli Stewart that old Mrs. Polk widow of Captain Charles Polk died in and about five or six years ago she was a neighbor of his.
Sworn and subscribed before me
Elias Stewart J.P.
Henry C. Bennett

I Eli Stewart a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Union certify that I am well acquainted with the foregoing witnesses. and know them to be credible witnesses and entitled to credit and that old
Page 129

Mrs. Edy Stansel although greatly advanced in years is in tolerable health and her mind remarkably good and clear I have the utmost confidence in any statement she has made.
Eli Stewart J.P.

State of North Carolina
Union County

I James M. Stewart Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Eli Stewart before whom the foregoing affidavits were made was at the time thereof and is now, an acting Justice of the Peace for said county duly commissioned and sworn and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 3rd day of February 1855.
J. M .Stewart Clerk
Page 130

Charles Polk
Comptroller Certificate
Nov 21/54
Comprised of Certificates
July 18/56
Page 131

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office
I William J. Clarke Comptroller of public accounts in and for the state aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made by said State of sundry persons for military services in the Revolutionary war as follows to wit:

"Captain Charles Polk"
Book No. 3 Page 17  L. 19. S.10 Specie
Book No. 7 Page 18 L. 12.  S. 3 Specie
Book F. No. 2 Page 63 L. 326.7 Specie
Book F. No. 2 Page 24 L. 963. S.4 Specie
Book A Entry 3136 L. 853.15.8 to Captain Charles Polk and Company

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said office this November 21st 1854.

William J. Clarke
Comptroller



[Numbers handwritten at bottom of document]
1321-24
22
668.50
480/3307.80/689/100
28.80
4275
3840
4350
4320
30
Page 132

September 4/55
Page 133

Comptroller General's Office
Columbia September 4, 1855

No. S.22
Lib M

I paid first October 1784 to Mr. Charles Polk late a Lieutenant in Lieutenant Colonel William Polk's regiment, Sumpter's Brigade State Troops for ninety four pounds sterling amount pay and county due him for services in the troop with interest from the first of April 1782 agreeable to resolution of General A. Pembry of eleventh March last.
Principal L 94:0:0
Interest L. 6:11:7

I do certify that the above indent is a true copy of the original in this office. The papers relating to the company that he served in have been lost or mislaid some years ago.
Thomas P. Walker
Deputy Comptroller General
(No seal of office)

Dear Sir

Absence from Colonel has prevented me from attending to the above before it is all the information that can be found of Lieutenant Polk's services.
Yours respectfully
Thomas P. Walker
Deputy Comptroller General

To. W.F. Davidson, Esq.
Charlotte North Ca.
Page 134

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office

I George W. Brooks Comptrollers of Public Accounts in and for the state aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made to sundry persons for military service in the Revolutionary war as follows to wit:

Captain Charles Polk
Book F2 Page 24 L. 963.2.4 Specie
Book F2 Page 63 L. 326.0.7 Specie
Indent 5270  L. 9.13.6 Specie Salisbury District 1781
Indent 1362 L. 43.9.4 Specie Salisbury District 1782
Indent 5131 L. 9.16.0 Specie Salisbury District 1783

Book 3 Page 17 L. 19.10.0 Specie Salisbury District 1783
Book 3 Page 18 L. 12.3.0. Specie Salisbury District 1783
Indent 1226 L. 88.13.8 Specie Salisbury District 1782
Book A. Entry 3136 L. 853.15.8 Specie Salisbury District allowed to self & company of 49 men and is the only payment which the records show whose been made is himself & company the first payment (963.2.4) was not all for military service Book F2 is a list of payments made in the Militia and others person by the state and furnished Bill Minion U.S. Commissioner for final settlement by the General Government, this payment is the sum total of 3 entries in Book 175 which were allowed in the "Council of Safety" one for rations so that it does not appear how much if any of the L.963.2.4 was for actual military service. The payment L. 326.0.7 is also made up of other entries on other books therefore accounts for
Page 135

for its being so large but their payment was for personal military services the dates of the payments allowed in 1782-3 although they do not fix the exact time of the service show that it must have been rendered about the close of the war.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name an affixed the seal of my office in Raleigh this 18th day of July A.D. 1855.

George W. Brooks, Comptroller
Page 136

March 5/56
$2.00
Page 137

Comptroller General's Office
Columbia March 5th 1856

I hereby certify that it appears from the Revolutionary Records of this office that Sumpter's Brigade composed in part of North Carolina Troops were in Service during the Revolutionary War for the term of Ten months and that the officers and privates thereof were paid for the same indents issued by this State to the officers and soldiers separately in proportion to the length of time served by each and it is further certified that Charles Polk as it appears from Indent Book "Lib. M. No.522" served as "Lieutenant in Lieutenant Colonel William Polk's Regiment, Sumpter's Brigade, State Troops" said Indent issued to him for "Ninety four Pounds Sterling" and that said Polk as it appears from " A payroll of the Third Regiment of  Light Dragoons Lieutenant Colonel William Polk General Sumpter's Brigade March 16th served Five months as Captain in said Regiment commencing 8th April 1781.

Sworn Under my hand
M.M.R. Strumm
Deputy C.G.
No seal of office

5mo. Captain
Lt. 5
Page 138

Captain Charles Polk
Page 139

I certify that the following is a true copy of an army certificate found in the Comptroller's office at Raleigh North Carolina.

State of North Carolina
Salisbury District

No. 1362
Agreeable to an act of the General Assembly passed in Wake County 14 of July 1781 Captain Charles Polk was allowed Forty three pound L. 43.9.4 Specie for Militia Service by the Board of Auditors
August 19 1782
By order
Richard Trotter C.B.
David Wilson
Will Gathey Auditors

I certify that the following is a true copy of an Army certificate found in the Comptroller's Office at Raleigh North Carolina.

State of North Carolina
Salisbury District
No. 1126

Agreeable to an Act of the General Assembly passed in Wake County 14th July 1781 Captain Charles was allowed Eighty Eight pounds thirteen shilling & Eight pound L. 88.13.8 for a public claim by the board of Auditors August 2, 1782
By order
Richard Trotter G.B.
David Wilson
Will Gathey Auditors
William J. Bain Clerk for
G.W. Brooks Comptroller
Page 140

I certify that the following is a true copy of an original certificate found in the Comptroller's office at Raleigh North Carolina.
State of North Carolina No. 3688
Salisbury District}
Agreeable to an act of the General Assembly passed in Wake county the 14th of July 1781, Charles Polk was allowed nineteen pounds, Ten Shilling, Specie L. 19.10.0 for Militia Service by the Board of Auditors the 8th August 1783.
By order 
R. Trotter G.B.
David Wilson
William Gathey Auditors
Raleigh May 27, 1855
William T. Bain Clerk
for G.W. Brooks Comptroller

Also another original certificate of the Salisbury District No. 5290 to Charles Polk for L. 9.13.6 dated July 14, 1781. Also another of the same of Salisbury District No. 5131 to Charles Polk for L. 9.16 Specie July 14, 1781. Signed as above.
William T. Bain Clerk
for G.W. Brooks Comptroller
Page 141

Additional
Charles Polk
Act of 36 or 8
Dec. 10/55
The executed will please examine for report to me or by memo comment.
Inc
Philipena Polk-Charles
N.C. December 2nd '48
Cole
Page 142

State of N. Carolina
Comptroller's Office

I George W. Brooks Comptroller of Public accounts in and for the state aforesaid do hereby certify that after another  & more thorough search of the records in my office, i find the following payments to Charles Polk in addition to those enclosed on my last certificate in case of said Polk service in the Revolutionary war to wit,
Small Book accompanying No. 28 (hand written above next number below listed : L. 1960.00)
L. 784.17
Ditto $504
Ditto $270
Ditto $7
This small book purports to be a list of the accounts of money paid the N. Carolina Troops by S. Carolina and is marked "1779"
the payment L. 963.2.4 included in my last certificate appears also in Kinston Book as three different entries as follows
a
1st- L. 239.15 Captain Charles Polk & Company
2nd- L 718.18.8 for Captain Charles Polk & Co of Light Horse
3rd L 4-8-8 to Captain Charles Polk & co. for rations .
No further explanation can be given of the payment. L. 326.0.7 ones is it now perhaps necessary.
In testimony of the above I have hereunto set my name and office the seal of said office on
this the 10th day December 1855.
G.W. Brooks Comptroller
Page 143

North Carolina
Mecklenburg County}

Isaac S. Henderson maketh oath that he is a resident of Mecklenburg County was born and raised in the town of Charlotte and is now in his seventy fifth year, that  he was well acquainted with the Polk family knew old Captain Charles Polk who was a brother of General Thomas Polk and Ezekiel Polk who was the grandfather of James K. Polk Captain Charles Polk was a small man and was engaging a fearless soldier of the Revolutionary war deponent believes he was as qualified as all the Polk's who were in United States service  his days in were known as head of any others Charles Polk old enough to have been service in the Revolution.
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 28th day March 1855.
Isaac S. Henderson
F. M. Ross J.P.

And I certify that I am well acquainted with Isaac S. Henderson he is amongst the oldest men in Mecklenburg County a very highly respectful citizen and his statements entitled to full credit. Given under my hand the day and year above written.
F.M. Ross J.P.
Page 144

Mary Tarlton maketh oath that she is a resident of Union County N. Carolina aged fifty two years that she was well acquainted with Philipena Polk the widow of Captain Charles Polk and remembers old Captain Charles very well he was a small man and entirely blind greatly respected by his neighbors for his Revolutionary services.
That Captain Charles Polk died when she was a girl about  seventeen or eighteen years old. That Philapena Polk widow of Captain Charles died some six or seven years ago the exact date she  does not remember. That she was well acquainted with captain Charles Polk's children by his last wife Philapena. Their names are Charles, William, Ezekiel, Susanna, Martha or Patsy, Pheby died an infant and George all of whom are now dead but George the youngest child who is now living on the same plantation where his father and mother lived and died.
Sworn to and subscribed this 11th day of April 1855.
Mary Tarlton
Thomas Henry Long J.P.

and I Henry Long as Justice of the Peace for  Union County certify that Mary Tarlton is a credible witness whose statements are fully to be relied upon.
Henry Long J.P.
Page 145

On this 14th day of April 1855 personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace for the County of Union in the State of North Carolina Jane M Long a resident of Union County aged forty two years who after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that she was born and raided within one mile of residence of Captain Charles Polk where he lived and died, she has a distinct recollection of his death although she was quite young at the time one of her brothers was born in November before Captain Polk died and her brother is going on thirty five years old and will be thirty five in November next. She further states that she has a perfect recollection of the death of Philapena Polk Captain Charles Polk's wife she being one of the  nearest neighbors frequently went to see Mrs. Polk in her last illness and sat up with her night after night before she died and was present at her death and saw and helped to lay her on & under a cap for her due that she Mrs. Polk died in the latter part of January 1849. The date of the death of Philapena Polk is impressed upon deponent mind from the fact that one of George W. Polk's daughters was married the same month her grandmother Philapena died and deponent was at the wedding and went and the wedding party to the (illegible)
Deponent further states that she now lives within one mile and a half of the spot where Captain Charles Polk lived and died, she is well acquainted with the family George W. Polk is the youngest child of Captain Charles Polk by his wife Philapena and she believes that the said George is the only surviving child by Captain C. Polk's last marriage there were six children.
Page 146

by said last marriage all of whom died in this neighborhood except William Polk and his sister Martha who moved to the state of Tennessee when William was killed and Martha is supposed to be dead as she has not been heard from for more than two years.
Even since she was a child deponent has heard the old people say Charles Polk was a Captain in the Revolutionary war he was entirely believed when she first saw Captain C. Polk he was a small stern man.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
est. W. P. Muse J.P.
Marcus L. Tary J.P. and I William P. Muse a Justice of the Peace as above do hereby certify that Jane M. Long who signed the above affidavit is a credible witness.
W.P. Muse J.P.
Page 147

On this 25th day of April A.D. 1855, Dan Alexander came before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace for the County of Mecklenburg and after being duly qualified according to law says that he is now  seventy three years old was born and raised in said county is the son of Captain William Alexander who was a Captain in the Revolutionary war and drew a pension at the rate of $80 per annum besides a pension of $75 from the state of N. Carolina that he was often heard his said father say that Captain Charles Polk was a brave soldier of the Revolution and served as Captain, thinks form what he has heard his father  & others say Charles Polk must have served through the whole war he Polk was said to be a very active man in the Revolution. That Charles Polk was affidavits fathers uncle and was often at his house many years back. Captain Polk was rather a slender man in appearance lived near clear creek then Mecklenburg now Union County had a large family but affidavit knows of none living now but George W. Polk and affidavit has never seen heir but he said George lives only about twenty miles distant but in a very isolated part of the county.
Sworn to before me this day and year above written.
William Davidson J.P.
Page 148

and I certify that I know affidavit Dan Alexander to be a respectable man and a credible witness.
William Davidson J.P.
Page 149

2005 Clay St.
Cedar Falls, IA
1-17-31

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Sir,

have you in your Revolutionary war records any mention of a Captain Charles Polk, of the requirement of Minute Men of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, under command of Colonel Thomas Polk?  He died in 1823. Have you also any mention of the names of his parents?  if you have any such records can you let me have an official acknowledgement of same? if not, would you please transfer this letter to: Chief of Records, War Dept. Pension Office.

Thank you & them,
Sincerely,
H. Hollingsworth

[Stamped: Pension Office January 19, 1931 U.S.]