Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4399, Philemon Holcombe, Va.
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93-17760
SERVICE                                                                                     NUMBER
Va. [handwritten]        Holcombe, Philemon [handwritten]      S.4399.
Carded [handwritten]
CONTENTS
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N Est Tennessee 26.976
Philemon Holcombe
of Fayette Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a Pr Mr in the Company commanded
by Captain Randolph of the Regt commanded
by Col. Dawson in the Virginia
line for 
  6 Mo. Ensign  -  25.00
  6 Mo. Major  - 150  $175.00

Inscribed on the Roll of N Est Tennessee 
at the rate of 175 Dollars 0 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of July
and Sent to
'34 Thos A Holcombe, Lynchburgh, Va.

Arrears to the 4th of March 34              525.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sepr.        87.50
                                                               612.50
                                           { Revolutionary Claim }
                                           {  Act June 7, 1832      } 
Recorded by J T Sprague Clerk,
Book c2 Vol.  7            Page 92 112
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Philemon Holcomb
Pensioner. Tennessee roll.
Act of June 7.1832
Power of Attorney 
to examine Claims.
Chas. C. Tucker.
Atty
Present.
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Know all men by these presents: that I, Francis A. Watkins, of the county of Fayette and State of Tennessee, do hereby constitute and appoint Chas. C. Tucker, of Washington City, D. C., my true and lawful agent and attorney to prosecute the claim of my Father, Philemon Holcombe, Decd., for any amounts of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension, that may be due under the provisions of any, or the Acts or Resolutions of Congress, and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally present. And I hereby ratify and confirm all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises. 
Witness my hand and seal this, the 26th day of September, Ad. D. 1854. 
In the Presences of M. S. Watkins }       F A Watkins    seal [surrounded by circle]
State of Tennessee }
Fayette County       }
On this the 26th day of September 1854, before me, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county
[all handwritten]
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and State above mentioned, personally appeared the within named Francis A. Watkins, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned. 
Robt. N. Nesbitt,     seal [surrounded by circle]
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee }
Fayette County      }
On this the 26th day of September 1854, before me the undersigned, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid, personally appeared the within-named Francis A. Watkins, a resident of said county, and made oath according to the law, that she is the identical party who executed the foregoing Power of Attorney, and that she is directly interested in said claim, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as her said Attorney may use in prosecuting said claim     F A Watkins

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

Robt. N. Nesbitt seal [surrounded by circle]    }
Justice of the Peace for Fayette County, Tenn. }
[all handwritten]
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State of Tennessee } 
Fayette County       }
I Jarmon Koonce clerk of the Fayette County Court of said County do Certify that Robert N. Nesbitt whose signature appears to the within or [illegible] Certificate is and Was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified and his signature is genuin full faith and Credit are due to his official acts
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Somonerville Sept 26th 1854 Jarmon Koonce Clerk
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31.624
Philemon Holcomb
Tennessee
for - Dragoon
+ major, 1 yr
Dragoon 6 mo - $25.-
major 6 mo         150_
                                    $175.--
see letter 24 June to
Thos. A. Holcomb, Lynchburg Va

Thos. A. Holcomb
Lynchburg, Virginia
[all handwritten]
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State of Tennessee     }
Fayette County To wit}

ON this 14th day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and thirty four, personally appeared  in open court, before the Justices of the court of pleas and Quarter sessions of said county and state (now sitting) Philemon Holcombe, a resident of said county and state, aged seventy two years on the 21st day of December next, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress, passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, in the county of Prince Edward, state of Virginia, on the first day of June in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty (in his Eighteenth year of age) He joined as a private and Volunteer, a company of cavalry commanded by Captain Richard Randolph, in which company, David Randolph was Lieutenant. Some time thereafter in the same year, (time not recollected) this company marched to the town of Petersburg, Virginia, and was there attached to the Brigade of Virginia Militia, commanded by Genl Robert Lawson.
He continued in this service, until the first day of December one thousand seven hundred and Eighty, when the militia and volunteers were disbanded, without having been engaged in any battle with the Enemy. He further states that on the third Monday in February, (Prince Edward County court day Virginia) in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one- That he with Thomas Watkins, Abraham Venable, and other patriots raised on that day a Volunteer Troop of Cavalry. The Officers were chosen by the members of the Troop. Thomas Watkins was elected Captain, Philemon Holcombe Lieutenant and Samuel Venable Cornet. There was an arsenal at Prince Edward court house where the troop was equipped, and marched the day following to the County of Mecklenburg, Virginia, and near Gaylor's ferry on the Roanoke river in said County, the said troop was attached to Genl. Robert Lawson's Brigade of the Virginia Militia and marched with said Brigade to the State of North Carolina and near the High rock ford, on the said river, joined the American
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army under the command of Genl. Nathaniel Greene, and was then attached to a regiment of cavalry, commanded by Colo. William Washington, under whom we were engaged in marching from one point to another, on the British lines. At different times before and after the action of Guilford, this deponent command of Cavalry forces to reconnoitre and scout the country and was in several skirmishes with the Tories of North Carolina and in one of the expeditions, two days before the action of Guilford, when watching the British army, commanded by Earl Cornwallis, they approached so near to Tarltons Regiment of Cavalry, which was concealed by the woods, that in retreating, Samuel Venable, the cornet, and some of the privates were made prisoners. and on the 15th day of March, one thousand, seven hundred and Eighty one, was fought the memorable Battle of Guilford courthouse, North Carolina. The american army was drawn up in three lines. The front line was composed of the Carolina Militia  Commanded by Generals Butler and Eaton. The second line of Virginia and Maryland militia, commanded by Generals Stephen and Lawson- the third line of continental Troops, commanded by General Gieger, and Colonel Williams. Colo. Lees, legion of cavalry was stationed on the right, and Colo. Washington's on the left flank of the army. The engagement was brought on by Colo. Lee Colo. Washington's command was in view of the conflicting armies and were spectators of the bloody scene for several hours. The Carolina Militia had given way, and the second, and third lines of the american army were hard pressed , and the British Columns were passing to the rear of the American lines, flushed with victory, marching rapidly and in some confusion. at this important crisis, the brave and gallant William Washington ordered a charge upon their columns, and cut his passage through them. This bold and daring stroke secured the safe retreat of the Virginia and Maryland, and continental lines. After this Colo. Washington moved against a large body of Tories, two hundred in number, who were formed near the court house. They were well armed. On the approach of the cavalry, they fired their guns, and took shelter in the court house, and under it, for it was not underpined. The British army moved from Guilford Court house, and were pursued by General Greene, as far as
[all handwritten]
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Ramsey's Mills on Deep river. This deponent was in all these scenes and discharged his duty as Lieutenant. He thinks there is not now living a single private of the Prince Edward Troop. The celebrated Peter Francisco, who was sergeant at arms to the Virginia House of Delegates was the last of them, who died about three years ago. The officers died many years since. The deponent further states that so soon as the troop was disbanded, he received from General Robert Lawson, the appointment of Major, the first of April, one thousand seven hundred, and Eighty one, and was afterwards commissioner by the Governor and Council of Virginia. He was placed in the second regiment of Virginia Militia as commanded by Colo. W. George Tucker. This deponent was selected by General Lawson some time in April or May 1781 to take charge of a detachment of Virginia Militia, two hundred in number that had been collected at Brunswick Court house Virginia. He performed this service and marched them to the Point of Fork on James river, and there jointed the army commanded by Baron Steuben. At this place there was an engagement between the British and American forces, across James River; on the night of the day of the engagement the Baron had fires built up, in view of the British Army, and immediately thereafter retreated; and by day light the next morning, was many miles distant. He marched on to Charlotte Court house Virginia, and there remained until reinforced by Genl Lawson's Brigade, and other forces. From this point the Army marched to Richmond, Virginia, and from thence to the Malian Hills, about fifteen miles below Richmond, and there joined the Army under General La Fayette. From this point the Army marched to Williamsburg, where General George Washington the Commander in Chief of the American forces, arrived with the main Army, about the 14th of September 1781. In a few days thereafter the American army was marched to Yorktown, where the siege of that place was continued by the French and American forces united until the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, which took place on the 19th day of October 1781. This deponent continued in service for a short period after this day to the 1st of December 1781 He states that he service six months as a volunteer private in the cavalry service, one month and a half as a Lieutenant of Cavalry, and eight months as a Major of Virginia Militia and 
[all handwritten]
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for this service, he asks of his country a pension. That he had no written discharge from the army, and that there are no written, documents by which he can prove the facts above stated, except his service as Major. This he hopes to establish by creditable witnesses who were soldiers that served their country with him. His commission as Major, has long since been lost or mislaid. He further states that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except that present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any state. 
sworn to and subscribed the }            Phil Holcombe
day and year above written   } 


We Milton Moore clergyman and Isaac B McClellan residing in the County of Fayette, state of Tennessee, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Philemon Holcombe, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be seventy two years old the 21st of December 1834, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been an officer and soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
sworn and subscribed the                            Milton Moore
day and year aforesaid                                 [illegible] of the gosple
Thos C Hudson Clerk                                    Isaac B McClellan




And the said Court propounded the following questions to the said Philemon Holcombe.
Question 1st. Where and when were you born?
Answer. I was born on the 21st. day of December 1762, in Prince Edward County State of Virginia
Question 2d. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it? 
Answer. My age is recorded in a large family bible now in the possession of Doctor William H Robertson (my son in law) Amelia County, Virginia.
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Question 3d. 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 Prince Edward County State of Virginia, and continued in said County until I was thirty eight years of age. I then removed to the county of Amelia, State of Virginia, and resided there until May 1829, when I removed to Fayette County State of Tennesee, where I resided ever since, and am now living.
Question 4th. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
Answer. The whole of my service was voluntary, and rendered from no other motive than a conviction of duty. 
Question 5th. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served. such continental and Militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Answer. I have already named General Nathaniel Greene commander of the southern Army, General Huger, and Colo. Williams who commanded the continental Troops at the battle of Guilford. Colo. Henry Lee, and William Washington who commanded the two regiments of cavalry. I recollect also Colo. Lynch who commanded a regiment of Volunteer Riflemen, Capt. Trigg, Captain Jones, Capt. Helm and Captain Richwood from the state of Delaware, and Capt. Hoffman from the Virginia line, who commanded a company of Regular Officers of the Militia. Generals Eaton & Butler, North Carolina, Stephens and Lawson Virginia. & Having been attached to Lawson's Brigade before and after the action of Guilford. I knew most of the officers, and those that I recollect, I will name: My brother John Holcombe commanded the first regiment. St. George Tucker the 2d. Beverly Randolph the 3d. and Henry Skipwith the 4th. I knew Majors Thomas Watkins Samuel Duval, Wood Jones, John Overstreet, and Asa Purnell. There were the Baron Steuben, Marquis de La Fayette, and George Washington the 
[all handwritten]
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Commander in Chief, under all of whom I served for some period during the year 1781- I entered the army before stated, very young, a private- My conduct and course gained me the confidence and approbation of Genl. Robert Lawson, Colo. Beverly Randolpp of Cumberland, who was twice Governor of Virginia, and St. George Tucker who was after the War, one of the Judges of the court of appeals in Virginia. I was promoted by my own efforts, aided by the influence of those distinguished patriots. I was intimate with all the field officers of this Brigade, and I believe I am the only survivor. My services were rendered during the years 1780-1781, mostly in Virginia, when the sufferings of the army were very great. We were often in want of food, and had very poor pay; but the men of those days knew what hardships were, & encountered them with an order and zeal, worthy the glorious cause in which they had embarked.
Question 6th. Did you receive a discharge from the service when you acted as a private, and did you ever recieve a Commission; and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
Answer. I do not recollect whether I received a written discharge, when disbanded at Petersburg from Capt. Randolph's Cavalry. If I did it is long since lost or mislaid. I received no Commission as Lieutenant of Cavalry, for the Company was raised on the Spur of the occasion, for the express purpose of aiding the Southern Army commanded by Gel. Greene, who had been maneuvering, marching and counter marching for more than a month, to avoid a general Engagement with Lord Cornwallis. I received from Genl. Lawson the appointment of Major and was Commissioned by the Governor and Council of Virginia. I think my commission was signed by Thomas Jefferson. Of this however I am not certain for Virginia was invaded ... this year by Arnold and the civil authorities of the state were thrown into gre
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great confusion, and the civil officers of the state government had to retreat before Tarlton's Cavalry. My commission is lost or mislaid.

Personally appeared in open court Philemon Holcombe, who has subscribed the declaration above, who being duly sworn deposed and saith, that his discharge as a private if he ever had one, is long since lost, as also his commission as a Major.  Phil Holcombe
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thos C Hudson Clerk

And the said court do herby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and officer as he states. and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Milton Moore a clergyman and Isaac B Mc Cllan, who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents in the County of Fayette and state of Tennessee, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Selen Hudspeth J P
Jesse Allen J. P. 
Thomas Hollway [P with circle surrounding]

I, Thos C Hudson clerk of the court aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Philemon Holcombe for a pension. 
In Testimony wherof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 14th day of April [piece of paper affixed to left side covers letters]ne thousand, eight hundred and thirty [piece of paper affixed to left side covers letters]our. Thomas C Hudson Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter [illegible] for Fayette County
[all handwritten]
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Oct 3, 1925.

R.E. Van Syckle
1729 Ford Building
Detroit, Michigan

Sir:

I have to advice you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 4399, it appears that Philemon Holcombe has born December 21, 1762 in Prince Edward County, Virginia. 

while residing in said Prince Edward County, he enlisted June 1, 1780 and served as a private in Captain Richard Randolph's Virginia company. [illegible]

He was appointed in February 1781, Lieutenant and served one and one half months in Captain Thomas Watkins' Company, Colonel William Washington's Virginia Regiment, and was in the battle of Guilford.

April 1, 1781, he was appointed Major and served eight months in Colonel St. George Tucker's
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Virginia Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 14, 1834, while a resident of Fayette County, Tennessee.
Soldier's son, Thomas A., was living in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1834 and a daughter, Frances A. Watkins, was living in Fayette County, Tennessee in 1854. Son-in-law Dr. William H. Robertson is referred to, the name of his wife is not given, nor is the name of soldier's wife on file.
Respectfully,
E.W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
[unsigned]
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[left side panel]
Apl-17-1902
Jno. Walker Holcombe
appli.clk.Intr. Dept
[line]
1908 Aug. 4 Hist to Ida Ludlow V.L.M.
1908 Aug 5 Statement to Ida Ludlow with name of Son omitted in one sent Aug.4
1916 June 2 Hist. to Capt. John L. Holcombe.
1925 Oct. 2  Hist. to R.E. Van Syckle Anj
1927 Nov. 30 Hist to Martha E. Williams anj.
[line]
1928 Apr. 5 Mrs. Virginia H. Buck adv. that name of wife of Philemon Holcombe not given in claim. WCS See Jno. Holcombe S.
[line]
1940 June 25 Hist to Mrs Mame F. Pitt  anj.
[right side]
Rev War  4399
INVALID.
File No. 4399
Philemon Holcombe
Major Va. line
Act: June 1932
Index: Vol. A, Page 176
Arrangement of 1870.
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The affidavit of David G Talbot taken in the town of Lynchburg Campbell County Virginia on the 12th day of June 1834. to enable Philemon Holcombe of the county of Fayette Tennessee to obtain a pension. 

This affiant being qualified states that he the[crossed out] is seventy three years of age, that he was in the American Revolution, that he became acquainted with Philemon Holcombe in the year 1781. he was a Major in General Lawsons Brigade of Virginia Militia at that time, and continued to act in that character as long as this affiant continued in service, which was about two months and that he left the said Holcombe in service acting as major. Given under my hand & seal the day and date above written
DG Talbot sela[circle surrounding]
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State of Virginia Campbell County to wit.
This day personally appeared before me in our county aforesaid David G Talbot, who has subscribed the within affidavit, who made oath that it contained the truth to the best of his knowledge & belief and I do hereby certify that the said David G. Talbot is a witness of good character and of unquestionable credibility. Given under my hand & seal this 12th day of June 1834. 
Tho Rudd J P seal [surrounded by circle, underlined]

State of Virginia}
Campbell County to wit} 
I John Alexander, Clerk of the County Court of Campbell in the state aforesaid do hereby Certify that Thomas Rudd before whom the foregoing affidavit of David G. Talbot was subscribed and Sworn to is the [illegible] and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Campbell duly Commissioned and qualified according to Law and his official acts are entitled to full faith and Credit. This Commission [illegible] date the 13 Day of July 181ad. and is held During good behaviour. and the signatures hereto [illegible] purporting to be his [illegible] genuine. In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 17th Day of June  1834  In the 58th Year of American Independence
John Alexander C C C
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To the Honble [Honorable]
the Secretary for the Department of War of the United States. Washington
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Virginia Lynchburg 20th December 1832
I William Daniel, one of the Judges of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Virginia do certify that for many years past I have been personally acquainted with Philemon Holcombe, who at the time of our first acquaintance with each other was Philemon Holcombe jr of the County of Prince Edward in the State of Virginia aforesaid. That he was then called Captain Holcombe. That about the year 1794 and for several subsequent years I was intimately acquainted with his family. That from the time of our first acquaintance, until within a short period previous to this, the present time, he resided in Virginia, & I had various occasions of meeting with him, sometimes at his own house, & sometimes at places of public resort. That during the whole period of time he was recieved, respected and regarded in the best, & in all circles of society, so far as I ever heard, saw, or had reason to believe, or suspect, as a Gentleman of unquestioned integrity & Veracity. When I first became acquainted with him, in the County of Prince Edward, I also became acquainted with many other persons, some of Prince Edward, & some, of other adjoining Counties, whom I occasionally met at public places where Captain Holcombe was. They spoke of him generally in terms of highest respect , as being a brother soldier in the Revolutionary War, with whom & under whom, some of them said they had served. They all spoke of him as a Gallant soldier, & as one who was an officer of some grade in the Revolutionary War. Whether his appellation of Captain
[all handwritten]
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was derived from his Commission in the Army of the Revolution or otherwise I know not. He was afterwards styled Colo. Holcombe of the Virginia Militia & I have no doubt had a Commission which justified it. He has, as I understand, in some few years past, moved from Virginia to another State, since which I have not had the pleasure to see him. During the whole time of my acquaintance with him, I regarded him as a Gentleman of Honour, of integrity and of strict veracity. I have never at any time up to the present, heard anything respecting him to weaken, but everything to confirm that opinion--all of which I hereby certify to whom it may concern, and especially to the Honoruable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day first above written
Wm. Daniel seal [surrounded by a circle]
[all handwritten]
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Va July 5
Free
To J L Edwards
War Department
Pension Office
Washington

Phil Holcombe case of Pensions refer to Mr Allen
Phil A Holcombe
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Lynchburg July the 1st 1834
Dear Sir
I acknowledge the receipt of your favor of June the 24th saying to me that my fathers papers are placed on file and that there will be no objection to issuing a certificate for his services in the revolutionary war, 6 months as a major & 6 months as a dragoon. In relation to his services as a Lieutenant of Cavalery, the troop was raised at the request of General Lawson, who commanded a brigade of V. Militia. on the Spur of the occasion, whether the officers had any papers or certificates from him, I do not recollect to have heard my father say, but I have often heard him say that it was raised at the special instance of General Lawson. John L. Crint and James Morton of P. Edward could probably give me some information on this subject, but as both of them are very old men, it is likely nothing satisfactory could be had. I feel it my duty to return you my thanks for the speedy manner in which you have issued this claim, and on the part of my father most cheerfully acquiesce in your decision. You will forward me his certificate to this place which will be conveyed to him by a friend
[all handwritten]
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who visits the west this summer.
Yours with respect
Thos. A Holcombe
[all handwritten]
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The affidavit of William Turner of the county of Amherst State of Virginia taken at the residence of said Turner in consequence of his indisposition on the 24th day of May one thousand eight hundred & thirty four. 

This affiant being duely sworn, deposeth and saith [illegible]. He is seventy four years of age on the 30th day of September next, he entered the Army of the Revolution in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty, that he was a private and afterwards a serjeant in a company of Virginia Militia, commanded by Young Landrum of the county of Amherst. This company was attached to the Brigade of V. M. commanded by General Robert Lawson, sometime in the year 1781. In the spring of that year, he became acquainted with Philemon Holcombe, who held the office of Maj in the 2nd Regiment of Virginia Militia commanded by Col. Saint George tucker that the aforesaid Philemon Holcombe during this year frequently performed the duties of the Col. and as an officer no man in the army was more highly esteemed. I can say with truth from own experience, that he was the firm and sincere friend of the soldier. This deponent continued in the Army [illegible]tice a few days before the seige of York and left the said Major Philemon Holcombe in it, who he beleives continued in the service of his country a month or two after the Seige. This Affiant is himself a pensioner & further he saith not. 
Wm Turner
Amherst County To wit.
This day personally appeared before me
[all handwritten]
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a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid William Turner who has subscribed the above affidavit, and made oath that it contains the truth. Given under my hand & seal the day & date above written
Jesse Mindy J. P. seal [circle surrounding]
[all handwritten
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At a Court of quarterly Session held for the County of Amherst at the Court House on Monday the 16th day of June 1834
The affidavit of William Turner taken before Jesse Mundy a Justice of the peace for the County of Amherst in the 24th day of May 1834 as evidence for Philemon Holcombe of the County of Fayette State of Tennessee for the purpose of obtaining a pension was produced in open Court and it is ordered to be certified that the said William Turner is well known to the Court as a man of unexceptionable character for credibility and integrity and that Jesse Mundy is a regularly qualified Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and whose acts are entitled to confidence and credit.

State of Virginia, Amherst County to wit:
I Robert Tinsley Clerk of the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing order is a true transcript from the records of said Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and annexed the seal of said Office this 16th day of June 1834 
[white paper affixed to document]     Robert Tinsley

State of Virginia, Amherst County to wit:

Presiding Justice of the County Court of Amherst County and State of Virginia do hereby certify that Robert Tinsley who has given the foregoing certificate is now and was at the time of giving the same Clerk of the said Court and that his attestation is in due form Given under my hand this 16th day of June 1834
[all handwritten]
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The affidavit of James Warwick of the town of Lynchburg county of Campbell, state of Virginia. 
This affiant is Sixty nine years old the 19th day of February 1833. He was called into the service of his country in the year 1781, in the month of March in the character of a private, and in the Month of April, in the county of Prince Edward, he was attached to the Brigade of Virginia Militia commanded by General Robert Lawson. He was placed in the 1st Regmt commanded by Col. John Holcombe, the 2d Regiment was commanded by Col. St George Tucker, the 3d Regiment was commanded by Col. Beverly Randolph and the 4th Regiment by Col. Henry Skipwith. Thus situated in the month of April or May he became acquainted with Col Philemon Holcombe, now a resident of the State of Tennessee, Fayette County, who was then a Major of the 2nd Regiment commanded by Col. St George Tucker. This part of the Army was placed under the command of Baron Steuben and was marching and countermarching for three months from James River to Charlotte Court=House in the State of Virginia. During this time till the 13th of July, the time of my discharge
[all handwritten]
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I knew Philemon Holcombe as a Major who continued as this affiant beleives to act in the capacity of Major till after the Siege of York and till the Virginia Militia were disbanded. This affiant regards it as a duty which he owes his country and Col Philemon Holcombe now an applicant for a pension, to state that as an officer of the Revolution, no one stood higher, both with the officers and soldiers of the Army. This affiant may say with truth that while he was a rigid disciplinarian, he was the sincere friend of the Soldier, and no officer was more popular, more respected and more beloved by the private Soldiers than Major Philemon Holcombe, and his standing as a patriot and a citizen of unimpeachable character has continued undiminished even down to this day. 
Given under my hand this 9th day of November in the year of our Lord 1832
James Warwick
[all handwritten
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wit [handwritten]
Page 32

W. F.
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The affidavit of Daniel B. Perrow taken in the town of Lynchburg Virginia on the 12th day of June 1834 to be used in the application of Major Philemon Holcombe of Tennessee (formerly of Virginia) to obtain a pension for revolutionary services. 
The affiant being first duly sworn; deposeth and sayeth, that he was a soldier in the American revolution-- that he served a tour of six weeks in the year 1781 in the months of June and July, in the Brigade of Virginia Militia, commanded by Genl. Robert Lawson--He was attached to  the 1st regiment commanded by Colo: John Holcombe--and during his service he became acquainted with Philemon Holcombe who was a Major[underlined] in the regiment 9the number not now remembered) commanded by Colo: St. George Tucker-- Daniel B. Perrow
Campbell County State of Virginia to wit
This day the before named Daniel B. Perrow made oath before me a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid, and made oath [crossed out] that the foregoing affidavit contains the truth--Daniel B. Perrow has been long known to me as a justice of the peace for this county, and is a man every way entitled to confidence--Given under my hand at Lynchburg in the county of Campbell the day & year stated in the caption
Thos Rudd J P
[all handwritten]
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State of Virginia}
Campbell County to wit} 
I John Alexander Clerk of the County Court of Campbell in the state aforesaid do herby Certify that Thomas Rudd before whom the foregoing affidavit of Daniel B. Perrow was subscribed and sworn to is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and Qualified as Such and all his Official acts are entitled to full faith and Credit. his Commission bears date the 13th Day of July 1817 and is held during Good behavior and the signature hereto annexed purporting to be his is genuine In. Witness whereof I. have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 17 Day of June 1834 In the 38 Year of the Commonwealth. 
[faint round mark] John Alexander. CCC
[all handwritten]
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At a Court of Hastings continued and held for the Corporation of Lynchburg in the State of Virginia on the 9th day of November 1832
James Warwick a soldier of the revolutionary army came into court and made solemn affirmation that the foregoing affidavit (for the purpose of Philemon Holcombe obtaining a pension) is true and it is ordered to be certified that the affiant is well known to the court and that he is a man of unexceptionable charecter and It is ordered further to be certified that three out of four members now sitting and constituting the Court are personally acquainted with the said Philemon Holcombe the applicant for the pension and know him to be such as he is described in this affidavit
A Copy Teste James Benagh clk

State of Virginia
Corporation of Lynchburg to wit
I James Benagh clerk of the Court of Hustings of the Corporation aforesaid in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records of the said Court In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and annex the seal of the said court this 12th day of December 1832 and in the 57th year of the Commonwealth
[white folded paper with visible "eal" fixed to the left hand margin]
James Benagh clk

Corporation of Lynchburg to wit
I John M Warwick Mayor of the Corporation of Lynchburg in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that James Benagh who hath given the preceeding certificate is now and was at the time of giving the same Clerk of the said Court and that his attestation is in due form Given under my hand this 12th day of December 1832 
J M Warwick Mayor
[all handwritten]
Page 36

Date Oct 18, 1916
Name Philemon Holcombe
No. S. File 4399
Rev. War

2 Photographic copies wanted of 1 pieces, consisting of 4 pages.

Remarks uncertified

Exr. 

Acting Chief Rev War Div Section

APPROVED:
Serial No. 4180

Chief, Law Division.
Page 37

[Two Stamps]

U.S. Pension Office
Oct 17 1916

Finance Division
Bureau of Pensions
Oct 17 1916
Page 38

Mr. John W. Holcombe
Room 206. Int. Dept.
$1.20 for copies (uncertified) of papers
Philemon Holcombe
S. File 4399 Rev. War.
Page 39

Bureau of Pensions
Finance Division

Oct. 17, 1916
Chief of Rev. War Section

Sir:
I have this day received from John W. Holcombe cash $1.20 requesting copy as per slip herewith.

Very respectfully,

W.W. Campbell
Chief of Division
Page 40

[stamp black ink]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE. A, OCT 17 1916
Page 41

Received of John W. Holcombe Room 206 Interior Dept. Wash, D.C. $1.20 cash for copies of certain papers in the case of Philemon Holcombe Rev. War Sur. File No 4399

RWB Law

Oct. 17, 1916
Page 42

[STAMP BLACK INK]
RECORD DIVISION
JUL 30 1908
[hand written] 31123
Page 43

Blue Island Illinois

Pension Office:-

Will you kindly send me copy of Pension Record of Philomel Holcombe.  Ohio widows.

The name appears on a report from the Sec. of War in relation to the Pension establishment of the U.S. Wash. 1835. at that time he was living in Fayette County Tennessee

[U.S. Pension Office Jul 29, 1908]
Page 44

Fayette County Tennessee
Philomel Holcombe
Dragoon & Major (illegible)
all $175. Virginia Line
Commenced Pension March 4, 1831

Would also like copy of review of Christopher Heavener, and his widow, Warren Co., Ky
Private PA military

Address
Miss Ida Ludlow
Public Library
Blue Island
Illinois
Page 45

The Union League Club
San Francisco

May 23 - 16

To Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir:

I wish to determine the military record of one Philemon Holcombe.  Family tradition gives the following account of his services.  Joined a military company raised by students Hampden Sidney College Va 1776.  Joined Army 1777.  Served as a Lt. of Horse under William Washington during
Page 46

Southern campaign taking part in Battles of Camden, Cow Pens, and Guildford.  Returned to VA. raised a troop of horse which he offered to Henry Lee but was refused on account of poor condition of command.  Joined Gen. Lafayette in Va and was assigned to staff of that General with rank of Major.  Witnessed final surrender at Yorktown and was granted a Lt. Col. and returned to his home.  In 1814 he was made "Master of Horse" for State of Va with rank of Lt. Col.
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He died in 1833.  Adjutant Generals office offers only the information 1. That he served at Battle of Guilford as a Lieut. in troop of Dragoons commanded by William Watkins. 2nd. That he was Lieut. Col. in an unnamed Va. Cavalry Regiment in Sept. 1814.

Any further information that your office may have will be gratefully received.

Very Respectfully

John Lee Holcombe
Capt. G.A.C. U.S.A.

Address will be Fort KhameaKhamea Honolulu, Hawaii
Page 48

Clover Va
June 22, 1927

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

I am anxious to become a member of the (Daughters of the American Revolution) and would appreciate very much any information that you can secure for me in
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regard to Philimon Holcomb, who was Lieut. or colonel during the Revolutionary War.  And was killed, I think at Guilford County Court House N.C.

Thanking you in advance.

Respectfully,

(Miss) Martha Ann Williams
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2127 Bancroft Place
Washington, D.C.

September 30, 1929

The Commissioner of Pensions -

Sir:

In your files relating to the veterans of the Revolutionary War is a statement of my ancestor Philemon Holcombe, made by him on April 14, 1834, before the Court of Pleas of Fayette Co. Tennessee, in applying for a pension.  It's signed
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"Phil. Holcombe."  I have a photostat copy of this document in four pages.  Will you kindly furnish me the reference title and numbers of my ancestor's file in order that definite reference may be made to it in the records of the "Son's of the American Revolution."  Also, if your records show whether the pension was granted,
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how long paid, and date of the pensioner's death.

Your compliance with this request will greatly oblige.

Very respectfully yours,
J.W. Holcombe

Mr. J.W. Holcombe called at the Bureau and got the information he needed on Oct. 8, 1929 and said disregard this request. (illegible)
Page 53

The Michigan Society
Sons of the American Revolution

Office of the Secretary
1729 Ford Building
Detroit, Michigan

August 7, 1925

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sir:-

Please send Revolutionary War record and family data of the following pensioner:--

Philemon Holcombe, Jr, bn Dec. 21, 1762 of Prince Edward County, Va until 1790 of Amelia County, 1790-, died Fayette County, Tenn.

Major Second Regiment Gen Robert Lawson, Brigade, 1780-1781.
Lieutenant Colonel during War of 1812.

Survivors File 4399, Pension Office.
Sec. of War's Report for 1835, Pensions Rolls, 3Tenn 58.
List of Rev. Sold. of Va. (State Libr. Rept.) Pt. 2, p. 152

Yours truly
R.E. Van Syckle
Page 54

Madison, Ind., Mar. 9, 1928

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

Dear Sirs,

On or about the year of 1808 Col. Capt. John Holcombe was granted a pension.  Could it be possible, that you might have a record of his wife name, or any information regarding the names of his parents or other relatives?

2nd. Have you a record of Nancy Jameson Holcombe who received a pension after the death of her husband.  She was from Va. Died in Fulton Co. Ind. 1888.

3rd. Was Col Philemon Holcombe on the pension list.  He was from Va. Would like his wife name.  These soldier were in Revolutionary War 1812.

Any reasonable charge will be payed.

Yours very truly

Mrs. Virginia Holcombe Buck
Page 55

Madison, Ind., Mar 31, 1928.

Pension Department
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Some weeks ago I wrote the Pension Dept. Did not get an answer. If you do not give this information, will you please give me the name of someone who will.  Thank you.

Col. John Holcombe rec a pension in 1808.  What was his wife name. If it on file.

Did Col Philemon Holcombe get a pension?  If so have you his wife name.

Have you a Nancy (Jameson) Holcombe. She died 1838 in Fulton Co. Ind. near Rochester Ind.  Maybe Jameson, was omited, who got a pension.

Will be glad to pay a reasonable charge.

Yours very truly

Mrs. Virginia Holcombe Buck.

P.S. you have a S. envelope
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Cornwall, New York,
May 13, 1940.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Information would be appreciated as to whether you have a record of a pension application by Philemon or Phillip Holcombe (Halcomb) who was born in Virginia, and served during the Revolutionary War as a captain in a cavalry unit from Prince Edward County, Virginia; and, if so, as to whether the application contains data concerning the soldier's family and his military service; especially whether there is any mention of John Holcombe (Halcomb).

Very truly yours,

(Miss) Maude Fuqua Pitt

Maude F. Pitt
20 Quaker Ave.
Cornwall, N.Y.
Page 57

Record Division

August 5, 1908.

Miss Ida Ludlow
Public Library
Blue Island, Ills.

Madam:

The enclosed record of Philemon Holcombe, a Revolutionary War pensioner, Sur. File No. 4399 is sent to amend one forwarded you on the 4th instant in which the name of a son was inadvertently omitted.  Please destroy that one, substituting this for same.

Very respectfully,

Acting Commissioner.
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information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this bureau.

Philemon Holcombe S.F. 4399

Dates of enlistment of appointment
June 1, 1780 - December 1, 1780: Pvt: Under Captain Richard Randolph, Va. militia
Feby,1781: 17 mo.: lieutenant, Under Caption Thomas Watkins and Colonel William Washington
Apr. 1, 1781: 8 mos.: Major, Under Colonel St. George Tucker, Va militia

Battles engaged in: Guilford (as the soldier does not state that he participated in engagement on James River or at Siege of York, I did not put it here. AW)
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Prince Edward Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Apr. 14, 1834 (illegible)
Residence at date of application, Fayette Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application, born Dec. 31, 1762, in Prince Edward Co. Va
Remarks: Soldier's son, Thomas A. lived in Lynchburg in 1834 and daughter, Frances A. Watkins in Fayette Co. Tenn. in 1854.  Son-in-law D: William H. Robertson and soldier's brother, John, also referred to.  No other data as to family.
Very respectfully
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From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 4399, it appears that Philemon Holcombe was born December 21, 1762, in Prince Edward County, Virginia.
     In February, 1781, he was appointed lieutenant in Captain Thomas Watkins' Company, in Colonel William Washington's Virginia Regiment.  On April 1, 1781, he was appointed Major in Colonel St. George Tucker's Virginia Regiment.
     He was allowed pension on his application executed April 14, 1834, while a resident of Fayette County, Tennessee.
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The name of his wife is not on record.
This is the only Philemon Holcombe that is found on Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
     The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information relative to pension or bounty land having been claimed by Nancy Holcombe as the widow of a soldier surnamed Holcombe.
     No charge is made for this service.
     Respectfully,
     Winfield Scott,
     Commissioner

Apr. 5, 1928
To Mrs. Virginia H. Buck
Madison, Ind
See case of Jno Holcombe
Page 61

June 25, 1940

BA-J/AWF
Philemon Holcombe
S. 4399

Miss Maude Pitt
20 Quaker Avenue
Cornwall, New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Philemon or Phillip Holcombe of Prince Edward County, Virginia.

The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of Phillip Holcombe.

The data which follow were obtained from claim for pension, S. 4399, based upon service of Philemon Holcombe in the Revolutionary War.

Philemon Holcombe was born December 21, 1762, in Prince Edward County, Virginia.  The names of his parents were not given.

While a resident of Prince Edward County, Virginia, Philemon Holcombe enlisted June 1, 1780, served six months as private in Captain Richard Randolph's Virginia company of cavalry.  He was elected the third Monday in February, 1781, lieutenant of cavalry, and served six weeks in Captain Thomas Watkins' company, Colonel William Washington's Virginia regiment, and was in the battle of Guilford Court House, and several skirmishes with the Tories.  He was appointed, April 1, 1781, Major and served in Colonel St. George Tucker's Virginia regiment, was in the siege of Yorktown, served
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until December 1, 1781.
     Philemon Holcombe moved from Prince Edward County, Virginia, in 1800, to Amelia County, Virginia, and in May, 1829, moved to Fayette County, Tennessee.
     He was allowed pension on his application executed April 14, 1834, at which tie he was living in Fayette County, Tennessee.
     John Holcombe, brother of Philemon Holcombe, commanded a Virginia regiment, in 1781.
     Thomas A. Holcombe, son of Philemon Holcombe, was living in 1834, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and a daughter, Frances A. Watkins, was living in 1854, in Fayette County, Tennessee, she stated at that time that her father, Philemon Holcombe, was deceased, but did not give date of death.
     Reference was made in 1834 to Doctor William Robertson of Amelia County, Virginia, the son-in-law of Philemon Holcombe, name of his wife not shown.
     In 1854, M.S. Watkins was of Fayette County, Tennessee, no relationship shown to the daughter, Frances A. Watkins.
     The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data in regard to family.
     In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the exact date of death of Philemon Holcombe, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this
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city, and furnish the following data:

Philemon Holcombe
Certificate #26976
Issued July 30, 1834
Rate $175.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
West Tennessee Agency

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator