Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 8746, Andrew Bankston, Ga.
Page 1

Ga. 
Bankston, Andrew W8746
Sorrel, Mary  BLWt 26758-160-55
or Sorrels or Sorrells
(former widow)
Page 2

Letter to Wm H. Walton
Sept 19, 1850,

23.995
North Carolina

Andrew Bankston--
of Rutherford in the State of N. Ca-
who was a pr in the _____ command
by Captain ____ of the Rgr command
by Col. Clark, in the [illegible] line for 15 months-

Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina: at the rate of 50 Dollars ___ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of May 34 and Sub Hon: I. Graham H.R.

Arrears to the 4th of Mar:34                 150
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept 4-"     25
                                                            _______
                                                           $175.--
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Nath: Rice. Clerk
Book [illegible] Vol. 6[illegible] Page 46
Page 3

30.749 [underlined]

Andrew Bankston
N.C.

admitted as a private 15 months.
$50-


Hon. I. Graham
Page 4

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County

On this 23 day of April AD 1834 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the court of plea & quarter Session now Sitting Andrew Bankston. a Resident of the United States in the county of Rutherford and State of North Carolina Aged 80 year who being first duly Sworn According to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of congress passed the 7th of June 1832 but from [illegible] Age and consequent loss of Memory, he cannot Swear positive as to the precise length of his Service Nor the precise dates of his Different Towers [tours] of duty, but, according to the best of his Recollection not less than the periods Mentioned below are in the following grades and for which Service I claim a pension  That he entered the Service of the United States under the following Named Officers and Service as herein Stated he thinks that in the year 1777 he Moved from Orange county North Carolina and Settled in Wilks county State of Georgia where he Resided untill after peace was made Shortly after he Settled himself he was placed on the Muster Roll under Captain Autory, he thinks in the year 1778 The company was Ordered out we being a Volunteer company The full company Marched under the command of Col Elijah Claark The Cherokee Indians had done considerable Mischief as killed Several families on the frontiers of Georgia we made forced March and over took them we had a Severe Battle with them betwixt the Appalacha and the Ocona where Defeated them we lost Several of our Men and killed a good many of the Indians we was out on the frontiers for 3 months before we Returned home Discharged at Washington Wilks county Georgia After our Return I was Appointed Captain and commissioned by Coln Clark and Raised a Volunteer company, we done some Scouting about but I have not Recollection of any Length of Time at any particular ^period that we was from home untill the year 1780 when I was Ordered by Coln Clark to Rendavouse [rendezvous] with my company at Washington Georgia where his Redgment [regiment] I [illegible] Williamsons we was Marched from that place to the Seige of Augusta where we Succeeded in Taking the place after a Severe Battle, but we only was able to hold possession a Short time before  we had to vacated the place we was out on This Tower [tour] [underlined] 3 Months [end underline]
Page 5

Shortly after our Return home I was Ordered out with my company in persute [pursuit] of the Indians that was very Troublesome on the frontiers we Rative them and had Several Scrimages with them This order was from Coln Clark and we was out 3 Months before I Them Soon after my Return I was Ordered by Coln Clark for the 2nd Seige of Augusta Coln Clark Ridgments [regiments] Joined Coln Williamson at Washington Georgia we was Marched to Augusta and after a Severe Seige we got possession and held it I was Stationed at that place untill the end of these Months Returned home on my return home the Indian had broke in on the back Settlements had Destroyed much property and Murdered one family entirely, we was Ordered out by Coln Clark to Guard the frontiers I was out their for 3 Months before I Returned home after that I was out on Several Short Towers but cannot say any particular length of time I now Reside 200 miles from where I Resided in Time of the Revolutionary war that I do not know of any person living at this time that I can prove my Services by at the Time of the Revolutionary war I had a good property but owing to bad Management and Misfortune I am left entirely Destitute of a Support this is a history of my Services during the Revolutionary War If I am not entitled to Draw as an Officer without Shewing my commission or proving I acted in the capacity of a captain I know that from my advanced age and the distance to where I Resided at the time places the thing out of my power but hope I will be Allowed the pay of a common Soldier This is a Declaration of my Service as a Soldier and Officer of the Revolutionary war and for which Service I claim a pension I hereby Relinquish every claim to a pension except the present and Declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the Agency of any Teritory or State whatsoever {Question set by the courts} Where and in What year were you born {Answer} from Information and circumstances I was born in Orange County State of North Carolina in the year 1754 
Question 2nd} Have you any Record of your  age and if so where is it
Answer} I have no Written Record of my age only from circumstances of the family who kept my Fathers Register of the ages of all the family
Question 3rd} Where were you Living when called into Service where have you Lived Since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live
Answer} I was Living in Wilks county State of Georgia where I continue untill the year 1812 when I moved to the county of Rutherford N Carolina and where I still reside {Question 4th} How were you called into Service were you Drafted did you Volunteer or were you a Substitute and if a Substitute for whom {Answer} In my first Settling in the State of Georgia Joined a Volunteer company of Riflemen under Captain Autory and served a Tower of 3 Months on the frontiers of Georgia on my Return I was promised the commission of a captain if I would Raise a
Page 6

company of Volunteers in a Short I had my company Ready [corner of page torn]
to Coln Elijah Clark who gave me a commission under which authority I acted During the Revolutionary I served 4 Towers of 3 Months each under Coln Elijah Clark as above Stated {Question 5th} State the names of some of the ["conti" crossed out] Regular Officers who were with the Troops where you Served such continental and Militia Ridgments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your Service {Answer} I Recollect I served [illegible, looks like "Lee" but that makes no sense in context] Coln Clark & Williamson 
I have given as full a history of as my memory will Justify me in above History {Question 6th} Did you ever Receive a Discharge from the Service and if so by whom was it signed {Answer} I do not think ["think" is written a second time and crossed out] we ever got a Discharg. but we got Something like certificates Specifying how long we was out on Different Towers we was Volunteers and bound to be Ready at every call whatsoever our papers was They were Signed by Coln Elijah Clark my papers was all Destroyed by the burning of my house {Question 7th} State the Names of some persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can Testify as to your character for Veracity and good behaviour your Service as a Soldier of the Revolution Drury Dobbins [illegible, looks to me like (something) Reverand &] Coln Elijah Walker. & Clayburn Burnett.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year afore Said in open Court.-
T.F. Birchett Clk     Andrew (X his mark) Bankston.

We Drury Dobbins, A clergyman residing in the county of Rutherford and State of North Carolina and Coln Elijah Walker ^Clayburn Burnett Residing in the same do hereby certify that are well acquainted with Andrew Bankston who has Subscribed and Sworn to his above Declaration that we believe him to be 80 years of age that he is Reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revo. and that we concur in that Opinion 

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Co.
T.F. Birchett Clk
Clayburn Burnett
Drury Dobbins ["seal" written in a swirly circle]
Elijah Walker ["seal" written in a swirly circle]

And the Said court do hereby declare there opinion after the Investigation of the Matter and after putting the Interogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above Named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as he States And the court further certify that it appears to them that Drury Dobbins who has Signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman Residing in the county of Rutherford and State of North Carolina and that Clayburn Burnett & ^E. Walker who has also Signed the same is a Resident of the Same and is credible person and that there Statement is entitled to credit.- I T.F. Birchett clerk of the court of pleas and Quarter Session for the county of Rutherford and State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings in the Matter of the Application of Andrew Bankston for a pension
Page 7

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal of Office This 29th day of April AD 1834
T.F. Birchett Clk
Page 8

[left side quite torn down left edge]
3.317
North Carolina Asheville
=============
Mary Sorrel, formerly widow of Andrew Bankston ~
served in the Revolutionary 
Georgia
War, as a private
=================
scribed on the Roll at the rate of 50~ Dollars 00~
ents per annum, to commence on 
e 3d February, 1853.
==================
rtificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of Decr. 1853~
d sent to 
M.O. Dickerson
Rutherford N.C.
================
corded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
bruary 3, 1853, Page 138. Vol. A


[right side handwritten notes]
1867 June 20- Letter to SA Bettes-
|  July 18. letter to S A Bettes,
rejecting claim
1868 March 6. Letter to An Walker Martin
1870 Jany 14 Letter to atty. Rejecting claim of pension
he died before restoration.
Renew rejected

Report in response to appeal 
Refd by Sec -see L.B. pages 28 & 29.
Feb 3, '70, F.E. Foster
Rej affirmed by Sec. Feb 5, '70.
& atty notified - F.E.F.
Page 9

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County}

On this the first, day of September 1853 personally appeared before the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of the County and State aforesaid Mary Sorrell a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged about seventy years who being first, duly sworn according to law doth on her oath [illegible] the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d day of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of person who served [X marked over "served"] during the revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Andrew Bankston who was a private in the Georgia Malitia in the Revolutionary War, but she does not know the particulars of his service and refers to his pension papers for proof thereof, and that the said Andrew Bankston had a pension at the time of his death under the act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832 and resided in the County and state aforesaid at the time he was pensioned and received she believes the sum of fifty dollars per annum, and she further declares that she was married to the said Andrew Bankston about the year 1819 that her said husband died about the year 1839 that she was not married to him prior to the 2nd day of January 1800
Page 10

but at the time before stated. for proof of her said marriage and the death of her said husband she refers to proof filed in the pension office about the year 1839 by which she established her claim to arrearages of pension due her said husband at the time of his death. She further declares that, she was married to Walter Sorrells in County and state aforesaid in the year 1844 and that her said husband Walter Sorrells died in the county and state aforesaid in the year 1846. record proof of his death is herewith sent. she further declares that she is still a widow
Mary [X her mark] Sorrells

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County }

On this the 1st day of September 1853 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the county and state aforesaid Martin Walker who after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he knows of his own personal knowledge that Mary Sorrells who makes the foregoing declaration is the widow of Andrew Bankston deceased who was a revolutionary pensioner at the time of his death and that she is now a widow.
Martin Walker 

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year doth above written and
Page 11

and I hereby certify that Martin Walker is a resident of the county and state aforesaid, and that his is a man of credibility
IH Wilkins [circle with illegible letters inside]

State of North Carolina ss

I RL Gilkey clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the county of Rutherford, certify: that the foregoing declaration was sworn to and subscribed in open court, and that I.H. Wilkins whose name appears above was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace for said county & his signature is genuine. I do further certify that the last Will and Testament of Walter Sorrels Deces [deceased] is filed in my office, and that an executer has been qualified to execute said Will, as will more fully appear from the records of my office. Given under my hand and seal of office the 1st day of September AD 1853
R.L. Gilkey Clk

The commissioner of Pensions will please report this case to me at Rutherfordton N.Ca.
Page 12

[left hand side]
60.394   Act 3 March/55
April 12/55
____________________
Mary Sorrel, widow formerly
Andrew Bankston Private
_____________________
Pension 3.317 - Dec.23.1853.
Bankstone

______
Revolutionary War
_____________________
N.C. Feb 33-No 331
____________________
AW:- 160 ACr May 19/56
Boynton

[printed sideways "M" "M" underlined]
_____________
M.C. Dickerson
Rutherfordton
N. Car.

[right hand side]
Civ's  M.O. Dickerson Oct 2d/55




Vol. B,____ 21.
Page 13

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County }

On this the 4th day of April 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for said County, Mary Sorrel a resident of said County aged about seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare that she is the Widow of Andrew Bankston deceased who was a soldier in the revolutionary war. and refers to her declaration on file by which she obtained a pension certificate under the act of February 3d 1853 which said pension certificate is dated 25 December 1853, and numbered 3,317. for proof of her said marriage to the said Andrew Bankston and Walter Sorrel, and also for the death of her said husbands Bankston & Sorrel. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved the 3d March 1855. She further declares that her name before her said Marriages was Mary Walker and that she is now a widow and that she has not applied for nor received bounty land under any act of Congress.   Mary [her mark] Sorrel

We Henry Gibbs and M.O. Dickinson residents of said County and state
Page 14

upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mary Sorrel in our presence; and that we believe from our personal knowledge that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. and that she is now a widow. 
M.O. Dickerson
Henry Gibbs

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons. that the claimant does now exhibit to me a pension certificate numbered 3.317. and bearing date at the department of the Interior the 23d December 1853 and signed by R. McClelland Secretary of the Interior" and that she is this person she represents herself to be. and have no interest in this claim, and that she is now a widow

J.V. Jay [squiggly circle with "JP" inside]


State of North Carolina
Rutherford County }

I, RL Gilkey Clerk of the Court of Please and Quarter Sessions for said County hereby certify that J V Jay whose signature appears to this foregoing certificate is a Justice
Page 15

of the Peace for said county and State said signature is genuine Witness my hand and official seal this 6th of April 1855
R.L. Gilkey Clk
Page 16

July 28, 1939

Mrs. J. DeForest Richards
466 Deming Place
Chicago, Illinois

BA-J/AWF
Andrew Bankston
W. 8746

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Andrew Bankson. The data herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W 8746, based upon the military service of Andrew Bankston in the Revolutionary War. This is the record of the only Andrew Bankston (Bankson) found on file in the Revolutionary War records in this office.

Andrew Bankston was born in the year 1754, in Orange County, North Carolina, names of his parents not given. He moved from Orange County, in 1777 and settled in Wilkes County, Georgia.

Andrew Bankston volunteered in 1778, served three months in Captain Awtry's company. Colonel Elijah Clarke's Georgia regiment, went in pursuit of the Cherokee Indians and had a severe battle "betwixt the Appalacha and the Ocona." 
He was appointed captain by Colonel Elijah Clarke and raised a company of volunteers and was engaged in several scouting expeditions, and in 1780 marched under Colonel Williamsonbto the siege of Augusta, served three months.
Shortly after his return home, he was ordered out with his company in pursuit of Indians, was in several skirmishes. Length of this service three months, marched, again, with his company
Page 17

to Augusta and was stationed there three months; turned out with his company and served three months guarding the frontiers; was, also, out in frequent short tours.
Andrew Bankston continued to live in Wilkes County, Georgia until sometime in 1812, when he moved to Rutherford County, North Carolina.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 23, 1834, at which time he was living in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
He died in said Rutherford County, February 13, 1837.
Andrew Bankston married in Rutherford County, North Carolina, Mary Walker; the marriage bond was dated November 3, 1819.
The widow Mary Bankston, married sometime in 1844, Walter Sorells who died in the year 1846, in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
The widow, Mary Sorrells, was allowed pension on account of the Revolutionary War service of her husband, Andrew Bankston, on her application executed September 1, 1855, at which time she was aged about seventy years, and living in Rutherford County, North Carolina, with her son, Martin Walker.
The widow was allowed, also, one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on her application executed April 4, 1855, in said county.
Martin Walker stated in 1867 that he was the only child of the widow, Mary Sorrells, and that he was sixty years of age, and High Sheriff of Rutherford County, North Carolina.

In order to obtain the name and address of the person who received the last payment of this pension, you should apply to the Comptroller Gen-
Page 18

eral, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data -

Mary Sorrells, widow of Andrew Bankston
Certificate #3317
Issued December 23, 1853
Rate $50.00 per annum
Commenced February 3, 1853
Act of February 3, 1853
Asheville, North Carolina

if you desire information in regard to the location of the land referred to herein, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish the following data-

Warrant #26758-160 acres- Act of 1855

very truly yours
G.H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 19

The first objection will now be waived, and like amt due to clt will be paid on after production of satisfactory proof of her loyalty, which has not yet been filed
Page 20

Respectfully, yours, 

Chris. C. Cox.
Commissioner.

Dr.
Endorse your report "Ordered Case No. _______."
Page 21

No 3236
________________
Mary Sorrel of
Andrew Bankston
Set to M.O. Dickerson
Oct 18/53
Gray
________________



26.758
{
Mr Gray
Page 22

Respectfully returned to the Commissioner with the information that there is [underlined] no claim on record by the widow of Andrew Bankston [end underline]
Dec 7th 1869     P.H.B

[written sideways] Special
_______
HVA
Dec6-

[printed upside down]
Department of the Interior,
Page 23

corner ready to fall off
Page 24

Pension Office
Oct 14/53

Sir
Please report time of last payment to or death of written named pensioner
Respectfully Inc
S. Cole
for Comm-.

F. Burt Esqs
3 and 
Present.

Andrew Bankston,
Act 1832, $50.00. p. an.
Died 13th Feby, 1837, paid 
to his death.
F. Burt
Auditor.
Page 25

Brief in the case of Mary Sorrel widow of Andrew Bankstone.
Rutherford County and State of North Ca.
act of February 3 1853
===============
Claim. ("original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a private in Georgia line 15 Mos. & pensioner of U.S. under act of June 7, 1832 at $50 per annum & paid to his death Feb. 13.1837.
Allowed $50 per annum commencing Feb 3 1855

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by record evidence
Death of pensioner proved by Auditor report.
Identity & Widowhood proved by credible witnesses.

Name and residence of Agent
M. O. Dickerson
Rutherford
N. Ca.

Examining Clerk.
J.L. Gray
Page 26

[Oval shaped stamp illegible over printing]
Payment to be made at Asheville by 
I.F.E. Hardy,
Agent for paying Pensioiners, in the Agency of 
N. Carolina
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 138 Vol. A
G.T. Getty
Clerk.
Page 27

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION
____________

I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, Mary Sorrel. formerly ~
widow of Andrew Bankston.
who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Fifty----- dollars ["and _____ cents" is crossed out] per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.

Given at the Department of the Interior, this Twenty third day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.

Rho Clellan
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned.
SP Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 28

Additional Evidence in the claim of Martin Walker for the arrears of pension due his mother Mary Sorrels decd. formerly widow of Andrew Bankston 
Act of 3d Feby. 1853.

Reported 20th. June [illegible]
____________

Reject.
July 18, 1867. J.H.B.

S.A. Bettis Agent
Morgantown
N. Car
Page 29

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County

On this 8 day of July, 1867. personally appeared before me, J B Eaves Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid Martin Walker a resident of said County, aged 60 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the acknowledged and expected son. and only issue, living or dead, of Mary Sorrels late deceased of the aforesaid County of Rutherford, who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States under Act of 3d Feby: 1853, and died 14April, 1865.

Deponent further declares, that his said Mother Mary Sorrels maiden name was Mary Walker and that she was twice married- First to Andrew Bankston a Revolutionary soldier whom she survived, and subsequently to Walter Sorrels whom she also survived for a number of years and died with out [illegible] after the death of said Sorrels her 2d husband 

Deponent also, declares that he was born out of wedlock and inherited or took, the name of Walker from his Mother

Subscribed and sworn before me, date above written

J.B. Eaves Clk
Martin Walker [illegible]


Also appeared James Kilpatrick M N Kilpatrick resident citizens of Rutherford County, and made oath in due form of law, that they are personally acquainted with Martin Walker the above deponent and have been for many years, also well know his Mother Mary Sorrels, late deceased of said County, as well as her two husbands [writing in parentheses is illegible] Andrew Bankston, her first, whom she survived, and Walter Sorrels, her second, whom she also survived for a number of years, and died not having intermarried after the death of said Sorrels, her second husband

Deponents further declare that the statements made
Page 30

by Martin Walker in the above affidavit which has been made in their hearing in regard to his name, and his relationship to the parties herein named is in strict conformity with the minimal understanding of this community in which said parties always lived, and that deponents have no doubt of its correctness, and that they have no interest in his claim

Subscribed and sworn to this 8th day of July, 1867. before me, 
J.B. Eaves Clk

James Kilpatrick
M.H. Kilpatrick

And I the said Clerk do hereby Certify, that the foregoing affidavit have [illegible] proven before me, and that the two latter deponents are aged and highly respected citizens of one county, and there statements are entitled to credit, while the good character and standing of Mr. Walker the claimant has been heretofore duly certified

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Office in Rutherfordton date first above written

JB Eaves Clk
Page 31

by Martin Walker in the above affidavit which has been made in their hearing in regard to his name, and his relationship to the parties herein named is in strict conformity with the minimal understanding of this community in which said parties always lived, and that deponents have no doubt of its correctness, and that they have no interest in his claim

Subscribed and sworn to this 8th day of July, 1867. before me,
J.B. Eaves Clk

James Kilpatrick
M.H. Kilpatrick

And I the said Clerk do hereby Certify, that the foregoing affidavit have [illegible] proven before me, and that the two latter deponents are aged and highly respected citizens of one county, and there statements are entitled to credit, while the good character and standing of Mr. Walker the claimant has been heretofore duly certified

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Office in Rutherfordton date first above written

JB Eaves Clk
Page 32

Pend.

Department of the Interior.
Washington, D.C.           Feby 4th 1879.

Sir:
I return herewith, the papers which accompanied your report of the 3d" incl, in the case, No. 3,317, of Martin Walker, who claims arrears of pension, alleged to be due his mother Mary Sorrels deceased, formerly widow of Andrew Bankston, sometime a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and in which an appeal has been taken by Sct. Pettis, Morganton, Burke Co., N.C.

Your decision therein is af- (firmed)

The Commissioner of Pensions }
Page 33

firmed and you will so inform the appellant.

Very respectfully,
Your servant,
JD Cox.
Secretary
Page 34

Additional Evidence.
In the claim of 
Martin Walker
For arrears of Pension
case his mother Mary Sorrels
a clec. Revd: sess. Act 3Feb.53

Reported to 
Hon. Alexr. H. Jones. MC
Dec. 7th 1869.


[bottom of page holds an oval stamp. partial text reads "DEPARTMENT" across the top, "JAN" in the middle, and "PENSION" across the bottom]
Page 35

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County }

On this 31 day of December 1869 before me, JB Carpenter Clerk of the Superior Court in and for the said county and State personally appeared GW Logan & A Mooney resident citizens of the County of Rutherford, and State aforesaid, & are well known, whom I hereby certify to be Loyal, intelligent, and of the highest respectability, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, and the object made known to them. obj: To prove the Loyalty of Martin Walker, a citizen of Rutherford County, and a son of Mary Sorrels late Revo: Pensioner dec'd of Rutherford County and State aforesaid declare upon their said oaths that, they live near to, and have been well acquainted with the aforesaid Martin Walker, for the last twenty years, during which time he has always been a devoted union citizen whoes principles were never conceeded, and that he neither aided or abetted, by word or deed the late Rebellion in the United States, nor manifested any sympathy with their cause; that he is in fact, and ever has been a lively loyal, sincere and devoted freind to the old union of the States: that they are not related to claimant, nor have they interest  whatever in his claim

G.H. Logan
A Mooney

Their office address is 
Rutherfordton N. Ca

Sworn to before me 4th January 1870,  JB Carpenter S.C. Clk.

And I JB Carpenter Infr Court Clerk in and for the County of Rutherford do certify that the foregoing affidavit of GW Logan & A Mooney was executed and proven before me in due form of Law. I also certify that the facts therein set forth
Page 36

relative to the loyalty of the said Martin Walker are just and true of my own personal knowledge and that I have no interest in his case. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Rutherfordton This 4th January 1870
J.B. Carpenter SCClk
for Rutherford County


Washington D.C. Jan 13th 1870.

From my own personal knowledge of the said Martin Walker, and his character during & since  the war; I hesitate not to say, that his devotion to the Government of the United States has never at any time been doubted
A.H. Jones   M.C.
Page 37

Washington D.C.
Dec. 3, 1864
Hon. Comm. of Pensions

Sir:

I herewith inclose letter of Sct Bettis, along with that of the [witness?? illegible] showing that a former argument in favor of Mrs Sorrells arrears of pension had been filed.

Mr Bettis' letter fully explains the case and I request the favor of a report to him through me at your earliest convenience and much oblige.

Very Respectfully
A.H. Jones
Page 38

Department of Interior.
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C.  Dec 7 18[illegible]

Sir
In reply [illegible] refers to the claim of Martin Walker on the [illegible] of Mrs Mary Sorrels [illegible] Pension. The [illegible] was rejected by a [illegible] of the allegations of claim [illegible] of the [illegible] of loyalty. [illegible]
first [illegible] of loyalty on the office [illegible] 

The [illegible] claims will [illegible] M[illegible] his loyalty which he [illegible] [filed or lived??].  N[illegible] Th[illegible]
Page 39

Hon A.H. Jones, MC
Washington DC

Morganton N. Ca
Dec. 2d" 1864.

My Dear Sir

At the instance of our mutual friend Martin Walker, Sheriff of Rutherford County whoes application for the arrears of Pension dccc his mother, Mary Sorrels, stands suspended at the Pension Office. I now trouble you with this letter, and in order to a fair understanding. I will give you a statement of the case.

Martin Walker, the claimant, is the Illegitimate & only chile of Mary Sorrels decd. [deceased] formerly the wife, and widow of Andrew Bankston decd. a Revolutionary soldier, and pensioner of the U.S.- His mother was twice married, first to said Bankston, 2d to one Walter Sorrels, both of whom she survived, and was a widow on the passage of the Act of 3d Feby: 1853. applied for & obtained a pension under said Act of $50. per annum drew her said pension [illegible] to March, 1861. when payt. was suspended by order of Secretary of War in the Rebel States, in which conditions it remained [illegible] to her death, in April, 1865, at which time their now due her some $200~

In the early part of 1867. Mr. Walker asked me to write out his application for the arrears of pension due his decd. [deceased] mother, Mary Sorrels, at her death, which I did in due form & forwarded his application to the Pension Office, and in reply the Court required Mr. Walker to show how he come to be heir at law of Mary Sorrels, the former widow of Andrew Bankston
Page 40

To assist the requisition, the facts were shown by an expose of claimants Illegitmacy, the Evidence filed, and in answer he was informed that his claim was rejected without advising him of the cause of their peremptory rejection

Anticipating Mr. Walkers illegitimacy as the only possible objection, and finding in Mayors & Moultons Edition of the Pension laws. Page 546. Chapter, 129. A case desidly in point reg: Ovelia Leath, widow of Wm. Leath in which Secretary Stewart decided in Dec. 1851. "That the children although not born in wedlock could take what was due their mother that the law gives it to the [underlined] children [end underline] and although they may be illegitimate, they are children"

On finding the above decision I wrote out an argument I used upon said decision, offering such other reasons as seemed to me pertinent to the case, and forwarded the same to the pension office, respectfully asking for a [underlined] Reconsideration [end underline] of there decision, believing that the claim was just & ought to be paid 

After waiting some weeks without an answer, I added a letter of enquiriry to the court and in reply I was informed that no such letter appeared on file in the case. - I then forwarded a copy of the letter refered to, and to avoid miscariage I directed it to Geo: C. Ames Esq. of Washington City for many years an Examining Clerk in the Pension Office, soliciting him to take charge of the case, to examine my arguments, and to supply any omissions I might have made bearing upon the legality of the case -- and in reply. please see Mr. Ames letter of 22May1868~
Page 41

inclosed herewith from which it appears that he then filed my copy of letter in the Pension Office, with a request to report the same to me. -  That was in May 1868. and is the very last that I have ever herd from Mr, Walkers claim although I have made two, or more efforts since to get his case reconsidered and reported

My letter is much longer than I could wish but  it seems necessary to a full understanding of the case 

Give personal attention to the business will not fail, I trust, in securing an Early report of  this long neglected claim, which will greatly oblige Mr. Walker, and I hope relieve your humble correspondent from further anxiety- and hustle with this provided case

I am sir with much Respect
Your Obeidt Srvt [obedient servant]
S.A. Bettis ~
Page 42

W.S. Pearson Esq.
Present

Morganton   Decr [December] Sec 19th 1868.

My Dear Sir,

I understand that you have been chosen by the board of Presidential Electors for our State to take their votes to Washington city and will leave for that purpose on Wednesday Dec 23d. proximd, intending to spend a few days in that city

Shall your time permit, your will not only oblige me, but Especially Martin Walker, sherif of Rutherford. &c. by your personal attention to a long neglected business matter he has suspended in the Pension Office 

Martin Walker, the claimant, is the only child of one [underlined] Mary Sorrels [end underline] decd. of Rutherford Co. who was a Revo: pensioner under the act of 3d Feby. 1853. at $50. per annum, and formerly the widow of Andrew Bankston a Revolutionary pensioner

Mary Sorrels, claimants mothers, pension was suspended in 1861. and she [underlined] died [end underline] in 1865. leaving some $200. of arrears of pension due her, and in the Spring of 1866, I wrote out for the said Walker an application for the arrears of pension due his decd. mother which was forwarded to the Court of Pensions, and a peremptory rejection reported without any intimation of the cause of their rejection.

Anticipating the Illegitimacy of the claimant as the only possible reason. I asked for a Reconsideration of their decision & cited a decision of Secretary ["Alcoroy" crossed out and extremely unclear but seems to be "Stinout" written over it] in the Leath case, which was in favor of illegitimate claimants, addrest [addressed] my letter to the Com. of Pensions to which I have never received an answer and on enquiry, some six months thereafter, was informed that no such letter appeared appeared on file in the case
Page 43

where I sent a copy of my said letter which was handed on to the Pension Office by Geo: C. Ames Esq. of Washington with the request that it should be reported to me, that was done some six months ago, and we are still without a hearing and a short time before this  the adjournment of last Congress Mr. Walker wrote to our member in Congress the Hon. A.H. Jones asking his personal attention to this business. and nothing has been received from him in the case

Now, as before stated, if your time will permit,  you will greatly oblige Mr. Walker and relieve me from unpleasant anxiety by your personal attention, ["and" is crossed out] The Conv. refust in the case ["which" is crossed out] you cannot fail to fully understand when you read my argument in the case, filed by Mr. Ames, - If possible get a hearing.

With much Respect
Your friend, and Obeidt Svnt [obedient servant]
S.A. Bettis

P.S. Since writing the foregoing I have though [thought] it advisable to furnish you with a copy of my letter to the court which you will find enclosed herewith
S.A.B.
Page 44

Rutherfordton NC  Feby 20,/68

To the Court of Pensions
Washington City

Sir,

Some twelve months since I filed in your office my application for some $200. arrears of pension due my deceased mother, Mary Sorrels, former widow of Andrew Bankston, under Act 3d. Feby 1853. and my application was reported on the 18th July last, and peremptorily rejected without assigning any cause for its rejection

My friend S.A. Bettis of Morganton, formerly a pension Agent. by whoes direction I was ground in my application informed me that he knows of no just, or legal ground, for the rejection, and for my benefit addressed a letter to your office with sundry refferences and suggestion in regard to its legality respectfully eliciting a Recommendation of my case, which yet remains unanswered, and I now address you this note, renewing my request, and asking the favor of a report in answer to Mr. B- letter of the 17th August. 1867.

Your Early attention will greatly oblige
Yours, Very Respectfully
Martin Walker
Page 45

"Ebbitt House"
Jany the 4th 1869.

For the Honorable Comm. Pensions:

Enclosed please find letter & statement of S.A. Bettis of Morganton NC relative to claim of Martin Walker the illegitimate child of Mary Sorrels, des" [deceased] Rutherford Co North Carolina=

You will please look into the matter & write to Mr Bettis regarding it = 

The hollidays & short staff have prevented my calling in person = Genl Abbott or any NC Refs can vouch for good character &c =

Very Resfy [respectfully]
WS Pearson
Page 46

(Copy)

Morganton N.C. Augt. 17th, 1867.

Sir,

Your report of the 18th, July last rejecting the application of Martin Walker for the arrears of  Pension due his mother, [underlined] Mary Sorrels [end underline] late Revo: pensioner decd was recvd some days since and I have to regret you did not setforth in your report the reason for your pereptory for our information and guidance 

In a protracted business of more than twenty years with your Department, I have never before presented a claim with more confident Expectation of a certain recover than the one now in question believing then as now, that the United States are fairly, justly & legally indebted to Mary Sorrels decd. in the sum of some $200. of arrears of pension, which is now by law and the published instructions of your department, due and payable to her son Martin Walker the claimant, who is her only child and heir at law.

My object in addressing you this is to ask  the favor of a Reconsideration of your decision in the case, while your attention is asked to the following random remarks which I have to submit, believing them applicable to the case, 

If rejected upon the ground of the Illegitimacy of the claimant, you are refered to a decision in the case of the widow of Wm" Leath as a case in point, which will be found in Mayors &  Moultons Edition of the Pension laws, Page 546, Chapter 129. dated 1st Dcm 1851. In that case Secretary Stewert decides that the Children although not born in wedlock could take what was due their mother, decd the law gave it to the children allthough they may be
Page 47

illegitimate, they are children, and if this decision has not been superceded, the case would seem clear, and to reject it upon the ground of want of issue by the soldier Andrew Bankston would seem to be at variance with long Established precedents in the payt [payment] of arrears of pension to the surviving children of decd. pensioners, and in the absence of a child to an Adult, a fact set forth in your note of directions over your Rev. [illegible] of Attorney, in which it is stated, "that death or intermarriage terminates a widows pension and the arrears due are immediately payable to her loyal children &c. and if no children, their the arrears can be paid to an administrator 

I cannot regard the present claim in any other light than a legal, liquidated debt, in Evidence of which the Department did issue  to Mary Sorrels its certificate assuring her that she was Entitled to receive $50. per annum during life. and payable semi annually, and in her case you will observe the payment was suspended in 1861. by order of the Secretary of War without any fault of hers, and at the time of her death there had accumulated some $200 of arrears, and should the Deparmt. take the position that her claim had [underlined] relapsed [end underline] would impose a hardship, and at the same time taking advantage of its own wrong, a thing I cannot think possible, all of which is respectfully submitted

Respectfully
Your Obeidt sevt [obedient servant]
S.A. Bettis
Page 48

See Mayo 57 } page

Morganton N.C. Augt. the 17th, 1867.

Sir,

Your report of the 18th, July last rejecting the application of Martin Walker for the arrears of Pension due his mother, [underlined] Mary Sorrels [end underline] late Revo: pensioner decd was received some days since and we have to regret that your reasons for this peremptory rejection was not setforth in your report for our information and guidance

In a protracted business of more than twenty years with your Department, I have never before presented a claim with more confident Expectation of a certain recovery than the one now in question believing then as now, that the United States are fairly, justly and legally indebted to Mary Sorrels decd. in the sum of some $200. of arrears of pension, which is now by law and the published instructions of your department, due and payable to her son Martin Walker the claimant, who is her only child and heir at law.

My object was in addressing you this letter, is to ask the favor of a Reconsideration of your decision in the case, with the following random remarks which I have to submit, as perhaps applicable to the case,

If rejected upon the ground of the Illegitimacy of the claimant, I would refer you to a decision in the case of the widow of William Leath as a case in point, which will be found in Mayors & Moultons Edition of the Pension laws, Page 546, Chapter 129. dated 1st Decr 1851. In this case the
Page 49

Secretary Stewart decides, that the Children, although not born born in wedlock, could take what was due their mother, the law gives it to the Children. and although they may be illegitimate, they are children, 

Again, to reject it upon the ground of want of issue by the soldier Andrew Bankston would seem to be at variance with long Established precedents in the payment of arrears of pension to the surviving children of deceased. pensioners, and in the absence of children, to an Administrator: this last fact I see set forth in your note of directions over your Rev. Processes of Attorney, in which it is stated, "that death or intermarriage terminates a widows pension and the arrears due are immediately payable to her loyal children &c. and if no children, their the arrears can be paid to an administrator

The present claim I cannot regard in any other light than a legal, liquidated debt, in Evidence of which the Department did issue to Mary Sorrels its certificate assuring her that she was Entitled to receive $50. per annum during life. and payable semi annually, and in her case you will observe the payment was suspended in 1861. by order of the Secretary of War without any fault of hers, and at the time of her death there had accumulated some $200 of arrears, and should the Deparmt. take the position that this claim had [underlined] relapsed [end underline] would impose a hardship, and at the same time taking advantage of its own wrong, a thing I cannot think possible, __.__ Your attention is respectfully asked to the foregoing-

Respectfully
Your Obeidt sevt [obedient servant]
S.A. Bettis

Hon Jos. H. Bennett
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
Page 50

(Copy)

Morganton N.C. Augt. 17th, 1867.

Sir,

Your report of the 18th, July last rejecting the application of Martin Walker for the arrears of Pension due his mother, [underlined] Mary Sorrels [end underline] late Revo: pensioner decd was recvd some days since and I have to regret you did not setforth in your report the reason for your pereptory for our information and guidance

In a protracted business of more than twenty years with your Department, I have never before presented a claim with more confident Expectation of a certain recover than the one now in question believing then as now, that the United States are fairly, justly & legally indebted to Mary Sorrels decd. in the sum of some $200. of arrears of pension, which is now by law and the published instructions of your department, due and payable to her son Martin Walker the claimant, who is her only child and heir at law.

My object in addressing you this is to ask the favor of a Reconsideration of your decision in the case, while your attention is asked to the following random remarks which I have to submit, believing them applicable to the case,

If rejected upon the ground of the Illegitimacy of the claimant, you are refered to a decision in the case of the widow of Wm" Leath as a case in point, which will be found in Mayors & Moultons
Page 51

Edition of the Pension laws, Page 546, Chapter 129. dated 1st Dcm 1851. In that case Secretary Stewart decides that the Children although not born in wedlock could take what was due their mother, decd the law gave it to the children although they may be illegitimate, they are children, and if this decision has not been revoked, the case would seem clear, and to reject it upon the ground of want of issue by the soldier Andrew Bankston would seem to be at variance with long Established precedents in the payt [payment] of arrears of pension to the surviving children of decd. pensioners, and in the absence of a child to an Adult, a fact set forth in your note of directions over your Rev. [illegible] of Attorney, in which it is stated, "that death or intermarriage terminates a widows pension and the arrears due are immediately payable to her loyal children &c. and if no children, their the arrears can be paid to an administrator

I cannot regard the present claim in any other light than a legal, liquidated debt, in Evidence of which the Department did issue to Mary Sorrels a Pension certificate assuring her that she was Entitled to receive $50. per annum during life. and payable semi annually, and in her case you will observe the payment was suspended in 1861. by order of the Secretary of War without any fault of hers, and at the time of her death there had accumulated some $200 of arrears, and to take the position that her claim had  relapsed would impose a hardship, and at the same time taking advantage of its own wrong, a thing I cannot think possible, all of which is respectfully submitted by- Your Obst- [obedient servant]
S.A. Bettis
Page 52

May Sorrell
Page 53

Morganton NC
March 8th 1867

Hon J.H. Barrett
Coms. of Pensions
Washington City

Dear Sir,

Inclosed please find the application of Martin Walker for the arrears of pension due his deceased mother Mary Sorrels

Please examine and report result to me at the above place and oblige

Respectfully 
Your Obeidt Servt [obedient servant]
S.A. Bettis (Agent)
Page 54

Washington  May 22 '68

S A Bettis Esq

Dear Sir

Your enclosery papres in relation to the claim for arrears of Pension in the Case of Mary Sorrell formerly widow of Andrew Bankston was duly received.

Your letter to the Pension Office a copy of which you sent me sets forth so clearly the merits of the case that I have thought I could But do better than to file it with a request to report to you.. I could add nothing to it:

Should they refuse
Page 55

to allow this claim. I would advise you to take an appeal from the Commission of Pension to the Secretary of the Interior which is all that can be done- The claim [underlined] I believe [end underline] to be paid under Stewarts Decision and unless the secretary overrules that decision must be allowed

Very Respectfully
Gm OO[illegible]
Geo C. Ames

[to the left of the signature is an oval stamp partially reading "DEPARTMENT" on the top row, "DE" in the middle row, and "PEN" on the bottom row]

The letter refered to intended to be filed with inclosed letter of his Inst [instructions]
SAB
Page 56

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County

Clerk's Office of the County Court
Rutherfordton N.C.

On this day 25th, July: 1867. Martin Walker a resident and high Sheriff of the County and State aforesaid personally appeared ["before
" is crossed out] at my office and before me, J.B. Eaves Clerk of the Court of please and Quarter Sessions in and for the aforesaid County who being first Duly sworn, declared that he is the son and only child of Mary Sorrels late- deceased of said County who was a Revo' Pensioner on the roll of Agency at Morganton N.C. and whose pension certificate is herewith returned: that she resided since the 1'st Day of January 1861 and for a no' of years previous hereto with him at his residence in the County of Rutherford, and was since then mainly dependent upon him for her support, that what little she was able to do, was done in assisting his family in its daily business- That she did not take up arms against the Government of the United States in any manner encourage the rebels, or manifest a sympathy with their cause, but remained loyal to the United States up to the day of her death which occured on the 14th" day of April in the year eighteen hundred and sixty five (1865) That she was paid her last pension up to the ["1" crossed out] 4th day of March 1861 after which pay't was suspended. And he now makes this application for the purpose of obtaining the arrears of pension due his dec'd mother at the time of her death, under existing laws, reference being make to the evidence heretofore filed in the pension office to substantiate her her original claim. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me. 
Attest                             Martin Walker
J.B. Eaves Clk


Rutherfordton NC
["January" is crossed out] February 11th, 1867.

To the Coms of Pensions

Sir, - You will please recognise S.A. Bettis of Morganton as my duly authorised Agent for the recovery of a pension due my decd. mother Mary Sorrels & oblige 

Respectfully Yours
Martin Walker

Feb 5
JB Eaves CCClk
Page 57

[double underlined] Amnesty Oath. [end underline]

I, Martin Walker do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will hence forth fully support protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the union of the states thereunder, that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the Emancipation of slaves, so help God" --- sworn to and subscribed this 25" Feb 1867 before me.
 attest                                 Martin Walker
J B Eaves Clk


Also appeared at the same time and place MH Kilpatrick and James Kilpatrick citizens of the county of Rutherford whom I do certify to be persons of intelligence and respectability who being duly sworn made oath that they have been personally acquainted with Martin Walker that present applicant, for many years, also well knew his mother Mary Sorrels late pensioner dec'd of Rutherford County - that they lived near to and were often in her companu during the late Rebellion and that she was ever loyal and heir to the old Gov't of the United States did not to their knowledge or belief, or belief, aid encourage or in any manner abet - by word or deed the party in Rebellion, but was duly loyal in ever sense of the word.

The deponents further declare upon their said
Page 58

oaths that her son Martin Walker the present applicant is and ever has been ^regarded as a loyal Union citizen opposed to secession and the late war from the beginning a fact known to all his acquaintances Deponents also state that the time set forth, viz: April the 14th 1865 as the day of which Mary Sorrels died, They believe from their best recollection to be correct and true, They also declare that they have no interest in the claim --- Sworn to and subscribed this 25th" Feb. 1867. before me
M.H. Kilpatrick
Jas Kilpatrick

Attest
JB Eave CCC }

And I the said Clerk do hereby certify that it has here this day satisfactorily proven before me that Mary Sorrels died at her late residence in the County of Rutherford on the fourteenth day of April Eighteen hundred and sixty five leaving surviving Martin Walker the present claimant her only child and heir at law. I further certify that the aforesaid Martin Walker is and ever has been ^as loyal to the United States Government, as he dare be to remain in the south. and that I have no interest in his claims

In witness of all which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office in Rutherfordton this the 25th day of Feb 1867
JB Eaves, CCClk
Page 59

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County }

I, JB Carpenter Clerk of the Superior Court of Law for said County certify that I am well acquainted with Martin Walker the claimant in this case and know him to have been as loyal to the Government of the United States as a man dare to have been and remained in the south, and I am well satisfied that his mother Mary Sorrells was loyal to the United States Government

see testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office. Feby 25th 1867
JD Carpenter SC Clk


["Trash" is written sideways]

[oval stamp reading the following: "[illegible] OF THE INTERIOR" "MAR 11 1867" "PENSION OFFICE."]
Page 60

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C
Page 61

Rutherfordton NC
10th Sept 1850

Sir.

Mrs Sorrill, the wife of Andrew Bankston. a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress 7th June 1832. who died in the year 1837 and The his widow married two or three years afterward, and who has now been a widow some 7 or 8 years. Can she not Draw a pension under the act of 1838. She says that her husband has submitted to a County of Land that he never got That he drew as a private and ought to have Drawn as a Captain which he could have proven by a Mr. John Clark of Georgia but was unable to go and see Clark She is quite an industrius and repectible old lady and wishes information on the subject. You will please inform me. I know that her husband was a pensioner for I prepared in his life time every 6 months. his pension appeal

Verry Respectfely
W.H. Walton
Page 62

copy

"State of North Carolina
Rutherford County }

Be it known that we John Harrill, Andrew Bankston and A Bankston in the state aforesaid, are held firmly bound unto the Governor of the State of North Carolina for the time being, in the just and full sum of Five hundred pounds current money of this state, to be paid to the said Governor or his successor ["in office" is crossed out] assigns. to the which payment will and truely to be made and done we find ourselves our heirs, Executors and Administrators, sealed with our seals, and dates this 3 day of November Anno Domini 1819. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above borrowers ----- hath made application for a License for a Marriage to be celebrated between him and ----- of the County aforesaid. Now in case it shall not appear hereafter, that their is any lawful cause to Attend the said Marriage, their the above obligation to be void. otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of Berry Hicks }

Andrew Bankston ["seal" written in squiggly circle]
John Harrill ["seal" written in squiggly circle]
A. Bankston ["seal" written in squiggly circle]


State of North Carolina
Rutherford County }

I R.L. Gilkey Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County, certify, that the foregoing is a true copy of the bond in which it refers, as will appear from the original now filed in my office,

Given under my hand and seal of office the 14th Decr 1853
R.L. Gilkey Clk
Page 63

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County }

On this the 12th day of November 1853 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid Madison H Kilpatrick & Housen Harrill who being duly sworn according to law doth on their oaths declare that they were personally acquainted with Mary Sorrells when was the wirfe of Andrew Bankston that they know the said Mary Sorrells and Andrew Bankston lived together as man & wife up to the time of the death of the said Andrew Bankston and they were generally reputed to have been lawfully married in the neighborhood in which they lived
Madison H Kilpatrick
Jesse. B. Sloan 
Housen Harrill


Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written & I hereby certify that the said Madison H Kilpatrick & Housend Harrill whose names appear to the foregoing certificate are persons of credibility and that they [bottom of page is cut off. I can see that there is more there but it's cut off] Rutherford County [something below this that is cut off again]
Page 64

State of North Carolina &c.

I R.L. Gilkey clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Rutherford, certify that Jesse B Sloan whose name appears within was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned & qualified & his signature is genuine.  I do further certify That That Mary Sorrels refered to in the within affidavit is the identical Mary Sorrels who made a declaration before the court aforesaid at Summer Sesn [session] 1853

Given under my hand & seal of office: the 13th day of December A.D. 1853
R.L. Gilkey Clk
Page 65

STATE of North Carolina }  S.S.:
COUNTY of Rutherford

Be it known, that on this 5th day of May, A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty two, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Mary Sorrels, a resident of [blank] in said County, and made oath according to law, that she is the widow of Andrew Bankston who was a revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of $50 per year under an act of congress passed 7th June 1832.
that she is directly interested, as aforesaid, as a claimant, and makes this affidavit for the purpose of obtaining such [illegible] of Pension as may be due under any of the Laws, Regulations, or decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted. The said  Affiant further declares that she hereby constitutes and appoints JOHN K. MARTIN, of the City of Richmond and State of Virginia, to be Attorney and Agent to prosecute said claim, with power of substitution, to examine all papers and documents in relation to it, and to do all things necessary and lawful in the premises : except drawing the money, which will be hereafter provided for.

Mary [X her mark] Sorrels

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me, 
J.V. Jay J. Peace. }

I James V. Jay Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Mary Bankston, above-named, is a respectable resident of this County, and is, as I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth, and acknowledges the above Power of Attorney to be Libr [?] act and deed.

J.V. Jay J. Peace

In testimony that the above-named James V. Jay was a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, at the date of the same, I hereby subscribe my name and faffix the County Seal. the 7th day of May 1852

R.L. Gilkey County Clerk,
of Rutherford County N.C.
Page 66

Revy WIDOW, &c.
___________

File No. 8746
Mary Sorrel
formerly Wid
Andrew Bankston
Privt Rev. War
_______________
Act: Febry 3d 1853
Index:- Vol. M, Page 231

[intentional brackets as printed]
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[end intentional brackets]

[right margin notes]
1935- Feb. 6- list to Mrs. C.A. Fars elt ans

1935. Sept. 19. list to Mr. Robert Campbell [illegible] Hen letter [illegible] Jos Cater S.8147. amy
_________________________________________
1839. Jult 28- list to Mrs. J. DeForest Richards [illegible]
Page 67

7106 Stewart Ave
Chicago, Ill.
Jan. 23, 1935.

[round stamp below with numbers and lines around the outside. In the center is "JAN 28 1935" with illegible type above and below the date]

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Kindly furnish me with date of a biographical nature in regard to the Revolutionary War pensioners whose services, as far as I know them, are listed below.

I  [underlined] Andrew Bankston or Bankson), [end underline] private in the Geogia Militia who applied for a pension from Rutherford County, North Carolina. At the age of approximately eighty years he was placed on the pension rolls in 1831.

II  [underlined] Isaac Moore, [end underline] private in the Delaware Militia, applied for a pension from Henry Co. Georgia, and was approximately seventy-nine years old when placed on the pension roll in 1831

Thanking you in advance,
Very Truly Yours
Alice H Fassett
(Mrs. C.A. Fassett)
Page 68

[personal stationary reads as follows:
____________________________
MRS. J. DE FOREST RICHARDS    4 DEMING PLACE    CHICAGO
______________________________]

Dept. of Veterans.
Washington D.C.

[to the right is a round stamp with numbers and lines circled around the outside. Inside the circle is as follows: "(arrow pointing up toward the 11)
RECEIVED 
JUN 20 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM.
HEADER #14"]

Dear Sirs,

Will you please give me the service record in the Revolutionary War of Andrew [underlined] Bankson- [end underline]
Thanking you for any information-
I am
Sincerely
Gertrude Richards.
(Mrs) J. De F. Richards-

Regent of Chicago Clerk M.A.R-
Page 69

September 19, 1935

Isaac Carter- S.8147
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Robert Campbell
138 N. Roosevelt
Wichita, Kansas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.8147, based upon service of Isaac Carter, also, record of Andrew Bankston, possibly of North Carolina.

You will recall that the record of Isaac Carter was furnished you January 5, 1928, and photostatic copies March 19, 1928. The cost of photostatic copes has been increased, which makes the amount of your remittance, $1.15, insufficient to cover cost of copies. The cost is now $1.75, Upon receipt of money order in the amount of 60 cents additional, drawn to the order of the Treasury of the United States, the copies will be made and mailed. There are no further data in these papers than has already been furnished you.

The record of one Andrew Bankston, only, has been found. His record is given herewith.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 70

September 19, 1935

Andrew..Bankston-W.8746
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Robert Campbell
138 N. Roosevelt
Wichita, Kansas

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 8746, based upon the service of Andrew Bankston in the Revolutionary War.

Andrew Bankston was born in the year 1754 in Orange County, North Carolina, names of his parents not given. He moved from Orange County in 1777 and settled in Wilkes County, Georgia.

He volunteered in 1778 and served three months in Captain Awtry's company, Colonel Elijah Clarke's Georgia regiments, went in pursuit of the Cherokee Indians and had a severe battle "betwixt the Appalacha and the Ocona". He was appointed captain by Colonel Elijah Clarke and raised a volunteer company and was engaged in several scouting expeditions; in 1780 marched under Colonel Williamson to the siege of Augusta, and served three months; shortly after his return home, was ordered out with his company in pursuit of Indians, in several skirmishes and served three months; marched with his company to Augusta and was stationed there three months; turned out again with his company and served three months guarding the frontier; was also out in frequent short tours.

Andrew Bankston continued to live in Wilkes County, Georgia until sometime in 1812, when he moved to Ruth-
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erford County, North Carolina.

The soldier, Andrew Bankston, was allowed pension on his application executed April 23, 1834, then living in Rutherford County.

He married in Rutherford County, North Carolina, Mary Walker. The marriage bond was dated November 3, 1918. The soldier died February 13, 1837 in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

The widow, Mary Bankston, married in 1844, Walter Sorrells, he died in 1846 in Rutherford County.

The widow, Mary Sorrells, was allowed pension on account of the service of her husband, Andrew Bankston, on her application executed, September 1, 1853, then aged about seventy years and living in Rutherford County, North Carolina, with her son, Martin Walker. She died April 14, 1865. in Rutherford County.

Martin Walker stated in 1867 that he was the only child of the widow, and that he was sixty years of age and High Sheriff of Rutherford County, North Carolina.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 72

[along the right margin is handwritten: "Letter incl. Andrew Bankston W.8746"]

February , 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Andrew Bankston-W.8746
Isaac Moore-S.16491
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. C.A. Fassett
7106 Steward Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Andrew Bankston, Revolutionary War pensioner from Rutherford County, North Carolina, and Isaac Moore, Revolutionary War pensioner from Henry County, Georgia.

The data which follow were obtained from claims for pension, based upon the Revolutionary War service of the above named soldiers.

Andrew Bankston-W.8746

Andrew Bankston was born in the year 1754 in Orange County, North Carolina, names of his parents not given. He moved from Orange County in 1777 and settled in Wilkes County, Georgia.

He volunteered in 1778 and served three months in Captain Awtry's company, Colonel Elijah Clarke's Georgia regiment, went in pursuit of the Cherokee Indians and had a severe battle "betwixt the Appalacha and the Ocona". He was appointed captain by Colonel Elijah Clarke and raised a volunteer company and was engaged in several scouting expeditions; in 1780 marched under Colonel Williamson to the siege of Augusta, and served three months; shortly after his return home was ordered out with his company in pursuit of Indians, in several skirmished and served three months; marched with his company to Augusta and was stationed there three months; turned out again with his company and
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2-

served three months guarding the frontiers; also out in frequent short tours.

The soldier, Andrew Bankston, continued to live in Wilkes County, until in 1812, when he moved to Rutherford County, North Carolina.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 23, 1834, then living in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

Andrew Bankston married in Rutherford County, North Carolina, Mary, whose maiden name was Walker. The marriage bond was dated, November 3, 1819. He died in Rutherford County, February 13, 1837.

The widow, Mary Bankston, married in 1844, Walter Sorrells, he died in 1846 in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

Mary Bankston was allowed pension on account of the services of her husband, Andrew Bankston, on her application executed, September 1, 1853, at which time she was aged about seventy years and living in Rutherford County, with her son, Martin Walker. She died April 14, 1865 in Rutherford County.

Martin Walker stated in 1867 that he was the only child of the widow, and that he was sixty years of age and High Sheriff of Rutherford County, North Carolina. There is not further reference to children.

      *********************

Isaac Moore-S.16491

Isaac Moore was born March 28, 1755 in Sussex County, Delaware, names of his parents not given.

While residing in Sussex County, he enlisted March 1, 1777, served three months as 1st sergeant in
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Captain Braidy's Delaware company. He enlisted in 1777, served five weeks in Captain Given's(?) company. He enlisted in March, 1778, served three months in Captain Purvis' company, Colonel Hall's Delaware regiment.

After the Revolution the soldier, Isaac Moore, sailed to Savannah, Georgia, lived there three years, lived in Burke County, Georgia about thirteen years, in Greene County, Georgia about twenty-four years, and in Jasper County, Georgia six years.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 9, 1833, then a resident of Henry County, Georgia. He died April 11, 1840, leaving a widow, her name is not stated.

Charles Moore, brother of the soldier, Isaac Moore, served with him in his first tour.

There is no reference to children.

in order to obtain the name and address of the person to whom the last payment of his pension was sent, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing the following data:

Isaac Moore
Certificate #23345
Issued December 11, 1833
Rate $20.00 per annum
To commence March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Georgia Agency.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator