Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6779, Thomas Watkins, N.C.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE N.C. [North Carolina] Watkins, Thomas or Wadkins Elizabeth NUMBER W.6779 B.L.Wf. 45592-160-55
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CONTENTS
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229.239. Ref Num
Dec 22 1855
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Elizabeth Watkins widow of Thomas Watkins [illegible] Pensioner
Private [underlined] NC [North Carolina] Troops
Revolutionary War
115592 [illegible]
Ins Feby [February] 53 [1853]
He Red [Received?] Pension of $ 60 per annum certif dated 29th May 1854 Lexington Ky. [Kentucky] Agency Book E Vol. [Volume] 7 page 33
Ins Feby [February] 53
Ky June 32 - 26789
Ad. 160 ac’s Oct 10/56
Dodge
Hon. J. H. Elliott Ho Repo John M Burns Prestonsburg or Hon. J. M. Elliott Ho of Preston? Ky.
EILCL P
Vol W = 1 = 26
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Increase
No. 5951
Kentucky
Elizabeth Watkins widow of Thomas Watkins NC who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
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Lexington agency.
Rate 96 Dollars 00 cents per annum.
Commencing 27th July 1868 Deduct payments made since
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Certificate dated 26th October 1869 and sent to Claimant Prestonburgh “Floyd Co” Ky
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Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 134 Vol. 4 July 27, 1868
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See letter to J. Ficklin, May 13. 183
Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6th April 1838 from 4 Sep [September] 1839 to 4 March 1840. Agt Modified 21 / April 1841.

26789
Kentucky
Thomas Watkins of Perry Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the com commande [commanded] by Captain Gorden of the regt [regiment] commande [commanded] by Col [Colonel] Locke in the [illegible] line for 18 months
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Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 60 Dollars – Cents per ann [annum] to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
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Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of May 1834 and [illegible] M Johnson
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Arrears to the 4th of March 180.00 Semi-anl. [semi-annual] allowance ending 4 Sept
30.0
—---
$210.0
{Revolutionary Claim, Act Jun 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk.
Book E Vol. 7 Page 33
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State of Kentucky
Floyd County
SS
On this 27th day of November 1855 personally appeared before me the under assigned Caunty [County] Judge of the Caunty [County] of Floyd in open court Elizabeth Watkins aged years who upon her oath declares that she is the widow of Thomas Watkins deceased who was a soldier in the rear of the revolution a private and was made a pensioner of the united states at the rate of sixty dollars per annum during life under the act of 7th June 1832 his pension certificate bearing date 29th day of May 1834 payable at first at the Lexington Kentucky Agency in Book E Vol 7th page 33 for proof of service she refers to the evidence in file upon which her said husband was pensioned as paid hereof she further states that she was married to the said Thomas Watkins on the 29th day of March 1845 by the Reverend John Morris a minister of the Gospel as will
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More fully appear by the marriage [crossed out] certificate +c herewith filed as part hereof she further states that her sd [said] husband Thomas Watkins departed this life in this County (Floyd) on the 4th day of November 1854 and that she is still his widow as will more fully appear by the proof hereto affixed she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension to which she may be entitled under the act of 3d February 1853 Granting pensions to the widows of revolutionary soldiers
Elizabeth her x mark Watkins
Sworn to before me by Elizabeth Watkins in open County Court being a court of Record this 27th day of November 1855
Lindsey Layne S.J.H.C.C

State of Ky [Kentucky]
Floyd County
SS
On this 27th day of November 1855 personally appeared before me presiding Judge of the Floyd County Court in open Court who being duly sworn by me acording [according] to law doth on his oath declare that he was well
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Acquainted with Thomas Watkins and Elizabeth Watkins his wife during the life of the former and that they lived together as man and wife and was so reputed that the said Thomas Watkins departed this life in the County (Floyd) on the day of November 1854 and that the said Elizabeth is now his widow and has so remained since his death that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim nor am I concerned in its persecution Sworn attest to before me this 27th Nov [November] 1855

On the same day personally appeared before me in open court Abiner Salyer and Wm [William] J Mayo Residents of the County of Floyd and State of Ky [Kentucky] [illegible] know as credible witnesses who being duly sworn by me declare that they are personally acquainted with Elizabeth Watkins the applicant and know her to be the person she represents herself to be and that Thomas Watkins her husband died on the day of Nov [November] 1854 in Floyd County Kentucky and that the said Elizabeth is now and has remained his widow since his death and that they have no interest in this claim nor are they concerned in
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Its persecution 
Abiner his x mark Salyer
William J Mayo Sr

Sworn to before me by the said Abiner Salyer + [and] Wm [William] J Mayo [crossed out] this 27th day of November 1855 and I certify that I have no interest in [illegible] [P.J.H.C.C crossed out] Claim nor am I concerned in its persecution
Lindsey Layn P.J.H.C.C.

Elizabeth Watkins Pension Claim under the act 3d [3rd] Feb [February] 1853 Widow of Thos [Thomas] Watkins presented by John M. Burns of Prestonsburg Kentucky Claimants attd
Forwarded by Hon J. M Wioll
Hons Repd
State of Ky [Kentucky]
Floyd County
SS
Triplett
I James Trimble Clerk of the County Court for the County and State above named do hereby certify that Lindsey Layne before whoom [whom] the foregoing declaration and affidavits were made is and was at this time of so doing Presiding Judge of the Floyd County Court duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that his signature thereunto is genuine in testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 12th of December 1855
James Trimble Clk [Clerk]
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229.239.
Elizabeth Watkins
Bounty Land Claim
Widow of Thomas Watkins under act 3d [3rd] March 1855
Forwarded by Hon J. M. Elliott
House of Reps
5
John M. Burns
Prestonsburg Ky [Kentucky]
Claimants attd
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State of Kentucky
County of Floyd
SS
On this 27th day of November 1855 personally appeared before me the under asigned [assigned] + [and] Justice of the peace in and for the county and state above named Elizabeth Watkins who aged 45 years who being duly sworn by me acording [according] to law doth on her oath declare that she is the widow of Thomas Watkins who was a soldier in the war of the revolution she does not know the time he served or the officers under whom he served but for proof of the same she refers to the evidence on file in the pension office upon which her said husband was pensioned she says he was made a pensioner of the united states at the rate of sixty dollars per annum during life under the act of 7th June 1832 his pension certificate bearing date 29th May 1834 payable at the Lexington Ky [Kentucky] agency at first in Book (E) Vol 7 page 33 she further states she was married to the said Thomas Watkins in the 29th March 1845 by John Morris a minister
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Of the Gospell as will more fully appear by the marriage certificate herewith filed as part hereof she further states that her said husband Thomas Watkins departed this life in Floyd County Kentucky on the 4th day of November 1854 and that she is still his widow she makes this declaration for the purpose of attaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act of 3d [3rd] March 1855 never having Received Bounty land or knowing she was entitled Except for the above service she says she had a declaration prepared some five months since but the same is lost or she does not know what has become of it she hereby constitutes John M Burns of Prestonsburg Ky [Kentucky] her attn to persecute this claim and receive the Bounty land warrant to which she may be entitled
Elizabeth her x mark Watkins

Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me in the day and year above writen [written] and on the same day personally appeared before me Abner Salyers and Wm [William] J Mayo Residents of Floyd County Ky [Kentucky] to me known as credible witnesses
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Who being duly sworn declared that they were personally acquainted with Thomas Watkins + [and] Elizabeth Watkins during the life of the former and know they lived together as man and wife and were so reputed and that the said Thomas Watkins is now dead and that the said Elizabeth is now his widow + [and] has so remained since his death and that the said Elizabeth Watkins is the identical person she represents herself to be and that they have no interest in her claim or are they concerned in its persecution
William J Mayo Sr
Abner his x Salyers
Sworn to before me this day and date first above writen [written] and I certify that I have no interest in this claim
John M. Barnitt J.P.
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State of Kentucky
Floyd County
SS
I Jame Trimble Clerk of the County Court for the County and state above named Certify that John M Barnitt Esqr before whom the foregoing declaration + [and] affidavits were made was and is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit and that his signature thereto is genuine
In testimony whereof I have herewith signed my name and affixed my seal of office this 12th December 1855
James Trimble Clk [Clerk]
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State of Kentucky
Floyd County
} SS
On this 17 day of February 1834 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the court of Floyd county now sitting Thomas Watkins resident of Kentucky in the county of Floyd and State of Kentucky aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7 1832. That he entered the service of the united states under the following named officers and served as herein stated under Col. [Colonel] James Locke Captain Charles Gordon in the year 1780 in the north in Dec [December] in the State of North Carolina and County of Rowan he entered for nine months as a drafted man in the millitia [militia] of that state he marched from Salisbury in the afd [aforesaid] month (Dec [December], 1780) and was in the battle of Cross Creek in the high land country with the Tories after this battle he was marched back to Salisbury and was then placed under the command of Gen. [General] Sumner and was in a [illegible] fight near Sailsbury [Salisbury] with Cornwallis advance guard, he then marched with the main army into virginia and was at what was called the “hacking frolic” with tories in North Carolina when the tories were put to fight and many slain he was in the battle at Guilford Court house in the Spring of 1781. The day or the month not recolected [recollected] after laying at the [illegible] after this he marched to the south state, he was then in the battle of ninety six, after this he was
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Down on Pedel [Pedal] river in South Carolina under Captain Captain to expel a few tores [tories] that was at a ferry on the river and [illegible] [illegible] boats, before he armed at this place, the Captain was informed by some whigs that the tories were reinforced from Mosborough and [illegible] retreated back to the main army. Much was done alone by marching in the night he will state that he was in the battle at Camden which [illegible] soon after the army came from virginia he does not state that all of his service was rendered under the same Col [Colonel] or the same Capt [Captain] its very different one day he was under one Col [Colonel] and another day transfered [transferred] he was in [illegible] several engagements not mentioned here. He was in a [illegible] fight on the Santee river with some of the british dragoons. This was [illegible] before the battle of the Euta [Eutaw] Spring he was then transfered [transferred] to a diferent [different] Capt [Captain] and Col [Colonel] To wit Col [Colonel] Hill, Capt [Captain] Smith he was also in the battle of the Eutaw Springs and was commanded by Gen [General] Pickens
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And Col [Colonel] Bill and Lieut. [Lieutenant] Clark after the battle was over he was marched to Camden up the the country.  [illegible] [illegible] having left the fort he returned to ninety six where some prisoners were kept. He was here discharged for his nine month service.
At this place many of his acquaintance were, and still in the service, dangerous too to mail home for the country was full of tories in many places of North Carolina he then enlisted for eighteen months at Nelson Ferry on the [crossed out] Santee river under Col [Colonel] Ben Hemen and Captain William Davis in South Carolina he does not know what the county was called if he ever knew he has forgotten it. He was marched then october 1781 at which time he engaged the time mentioned to Georgetown near the sea board at the north of Pedel [Pedal] river, he there remained until next Spring guarding some prisoners that had been taken in June 1782 he marched up to a little river the name of which he has forgotten to attack some
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Some tories, that were stealing, and plundering near the Georgia line about sixty miles from augusta, he was under a Captain Allen, and was commanded by Major McCawley [McCauley], he arrived at Edge hill, and there turned across the country to the Saluda river in a north east direction, after arriving at Captain Marsh’s place on that river, he marched then to Camden where the americans had several hundred men stationed from this place after resting about a week for he then marched a long distance he proceeded down to Eutaw Springs in august 1782 he then marched to a place called Orangeboro that the americans had taken from the tories and british from this place after staying here till the middle of November 1782, he marched to fort Walkson, and remained there till the army took Charlestown [Charleston] he marched into Charlestown [Charleston] a few days after the main army had got in. during this last year he was in a battle with
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The tories on the Saluda in July 1782 a few days before he armed at Camden but after killing a few the rest fled in the swamp he then remained in Charlstown [Charleston] or some times on the island till May 1783 when the forces all broke up and this applicant was discharged his services being no longer necessary as peace times made he thinks this was in May 1783 but knows it was in mid spring of that year he did not serve out his eighteen months nor will he state how long he did actually serve the last time as he was sick all the winter and spring in Charlestown [Charleston] and was confined in the hospital. He knew many Regiments in the Continental service but he is not certain he could name them he knew so many militia Regiments that it would be difficult to designate them these were things that he never took any notice of. He knew Gen [General] Greene (that is he has seen him often), Col [Colonel] Smith, Col [Colonel] Singleton, Col [Colonel] Whitson, Gen [General] Casewell [Caswell], Gen [General] Sumner, Gen [General] Hugar [Huger], Col [Colonel] Baxter, Gen [General] Rutherford, Col [Colonel] Henderson Gen [General] Moultrie
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Col [Colonel] Lee, Gen [General] Mason, Capt [Captain] Henry Adams, Capt [Captain] [illegible] Franzen Major Butler, Lieut [Lieutenant] William Young, Capt [Captain] George Jamison, Capt [Captain] Robert Pearson, Major James Blair. These were Captains + [and] officers in the militia, most of the officers before named were regular officers he saw. Gen [General] Marion in Georgetown during his service he has no documentary evidence in his favor, to establish his claim, he does not know any person living that can bear testimony as to his last services or all of the first.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity excepted the present and declares his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day + [and] year aforesaid
Thomas his x mark Watkins Seal
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We Ezekial Stone a Clergyman residing in the county of Floyd and State of Kentucky and Reuben Marshall residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with  Thomas Watkins who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty three years of age. That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Ezekiel Stone Seal
Reuben Marshall Seal

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after an investigation of the matter and after putting the [illegible] prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Ezekial Stone who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in [crossed out Floy] the count of Floyd State of Kentucky
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And that Reuben Marshall who has also signed the same is a resident in the county of Floyd and State of Kentucky and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Jacob Mayo clerk of the court of Floyd County do hereby certify that the forgoeing [foregoing] contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of [crossed out Thomas] the application of Thomas Watkins for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this nineteenth day of February 1834
Attn Jacob Mayo C.J.C.C.
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Questions and answers
1 Where and in what year were you born?
Ans [Answer] In N. [North] Carolina Rowan County in the year -
2 Have you any record of your age and if so where is it -
Ans [Answer] I have it set down in a book at home
3 Where were you living when called into service: where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you you now live?
Ans [Answer] In Rowan County: which was allways [always] my home and claims that as [crossed out my home where] his home even when he engaged for 18 months in South Carolina, many years subsequent to the revolution he immigrated to this county (Floyd Kentucky) where he now lives
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom
Ans [Answer] He was a drafted man the first time and enlisted in South Carolina the second time -
5. State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops, where you served? Such Continental and Millitia [Militia] Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
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Ans [Answer] He knew Gen [General] Greene, Gen [General] Hugar [Huger], Col [Colonel] Baxter, Col [Colonel] Washington + [and] Col [Colonel] Lee, Col [Colonel] [illegible], Gen [General] Moultrie, Col [Colonel] Henderson, Col [Colonel] Hemen and Gen [General] Casewell [Caswell] and may be he has forgoten [forgotten] the general circumstances of this applicant service are these he was drafted in North Carolina for nine months under Col [Colonel] Locke and Capt [Captain] Gordon in 1780. He was in a battle with the tories at + creek in North Carolina. He was in a fight with the tories when so many were killed he was in the battle of Guilford Court house in NC [North Carolina], he was in the battle of Camden where the [illegible] was defeated. He was at the battle of Ninety Six, he was at the battle of the Eutaw Springs, he then engaged for 18 months in S.C. [South Carolina] and served from Oct [October] 1781 till in the spring 1783 (but not in actual service all the time) for he was sick a long time in Charlestown [Charleston] and did not perform duty. The last time he engaged in the service
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It was under Col [Colonel] Benj [Benjamin Hemen Capt [Captain] William Lewis, he knows he got one discharge for nine months but has no recollection about getting any the last time, peace being made when his time was up, and the army almost all went home during the year he last served the tories on Pedel [Pedal] and Saluda done more damage than the british and many were caught, since the whigs hung and some were killed and some put in jail, his recollection has failed him much, any he has now being little recolection [recollection] of many little circumstances that happened during his service in the Revolutionary war
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it
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Ans [Answer] He state he was discharged from some service, received the discharge he recollects well but he cannot state about the record he thinks that he was verbally discharged the last time, he does not remember who signed or gave him the discharge nor does he have any knowledge what has become of it. It is not among his papers nor has he seen it for fifty years that he knows of
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution
Ans [Answer] There is Francis Whitaker Rev Patrick Eag Hugh Patrick Col Lewis Poor Capt [Captain] John Mongomery [Montgomery] William Prater E. Prater, Rvd Wallis Bailey Michael Resener, John Salyers, William Marshall, Johnson Marshall, Revs John Moring Cudith Stone Chas [Charles] Menix Meredith Patrick Esq. Reuben Fraley
29.804
Thomas Watkins
Kentucky
[illegible] to John
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29.804
Thomas Watkins
Kentucky
fl. 1780 p 18
$60
[illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
Proof of 2 Witnesses submited [submitted]
Mr Harris
Hon. R. M. Johnson
N. R.
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
March 6, 1834
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
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A Statement, showing the Service of Thomas Watkins
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Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant’s service. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served | Age at present, and place of above when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported.
 |  | | | | |
1780 | | | | Pr. [Private] | Capt [Captain] Gordon Col [Colonel] Locke | 83 N.C [North Carolina] | Traditionary
1781 | | | | | Col [Colonel] Hemen Capt [Captain] Lewis | | |
There were no drafts to serve in the militia form log a period as nine months and Col [Colonel] Hemen [crossed out did not] under whom he alleges to have enlisted for 18 months did not belong to the Continental establishment. He should state the length of each term of service from 1780, and prove his service under his enlistment + [and] endeavor to amend his declaration also, as to the Colonel’s name.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms “Continental Line,” “State troops”, “militia,” and “volunteers,” all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keeps, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
The Regular Troops.
The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
Persons employed in the Naval Service.
Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of }
County of } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [hand symbol pointing to the right] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
{Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
{If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
{alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampsire and the State troops of Virginia.
Where and in what year were you born?
Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and stating of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the PEace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
—---------------
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
{ [e] Every continental officer or soldier must have the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Ever claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: – For — year — months, and — days, I served as a —. For — months and — days, I served as a —-; and for such service I claim a pension.”
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. Without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant’s entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[symbol of hand pointing to the right] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to the continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 30

State of Kentucky }
Floyd County } ss
The [illegible] of Kentucky Floyd County [illegible]
This shall license and [illegible] it [illegible] to join in marriage acording [according] to the rites and ceremonies of the Church to which [illegible] belong Thomas Watkins and Elizabeth Shepherd of this County and for so doing this shall be [illegible] sufficient warrant given under my hand this 29th day of march 1845 attest Edwin Trimble C.K.C.C.
Here follows a coppy [copy] of the marriage certificate
This to certify that the within couple were married by me this 29th March 1845
John Morris
I James Trimble Clerk of the County Court for the County of Floyd certify that the above and foregoing licence and marriage certificate is a true coppy [copy] of the same as found in my record sworn under my hand this 12th December 1855 seal of office James Trimble CLR [Clerk]
Page 31

[Stamp: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OCT 18 1869 PENSION INCREASE]
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION.
Under section 13, act of July 27, 1868.
—--------
Elizabeth Watkins
—--------
FILED BY
GM Witten
Prestonburg Ky [Kentucky]
—--------
Printed and sold by W.H. Moore, 454 11th st., Washington, D.C.
Atts [illegible] not [illegible]
Page 32

N.
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION.
Under Section 13, Act of July 27, 1868.
—-------
State of Kentucky }
COUNTY OF Floyd } SS.
ON THIS 6th day of October, A.D. 1869, personally appeared before me, County Court Clerk within and for the County and State aforesaid, Elizabeth Watkins, aged 54 years, a resident of Magoffin County in the State of Kentucky, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Elizabeth Watkins to whom was granted Pension certificate No………, payable at Lexington Ky [Kentucky], at the rate of Sixty dollars per annum [crossed out: month], issued under the act of February 3d [3rd] 1853; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the thirteenth section of the act of July 27, 1868.
My Post Office address is as follows: Prestonburg Kentucky
And she hereby constitutes and appoints G M Witten of Prestonburg Kentucky her, Attorney, to present and prosecute this claim, and authorises him to receive and receipt for any certificate that may be issued for the same, and to do any other act or thing necessary or that ……… might do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose.
Witness:
A G Mcguire
R S Friend
Signature of Claimant: Elizabeth her x mark Watkins
Also personally appeared James Johnson and Evan Jones ……, residents of Floyd Co [County] Ky [Kentucky], persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Elizabeth Watkins sign her name (make her mark) to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Signatures of Witnesses. { James Johnson
{ Evan Jones
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6t [6th] day of October, A.D. 1869; and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
Signature of the Judge or other Officer: John G Johnson [illegible]HCC
Page 33

5957
Kentucky
Elizabeth Watkins
Widow of Thomas [illegible] NC who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
—------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the [crossed out: 3d February, 1853.] 4th Nov [November] 1854
—------
Certificate of Pension issued 16th day of Oct [October] 1856 and sent to Hon. J. M. Elliott Prestonburg, Ky [Kentucky]
—------
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 179 Vol. C4
Page 34

John Hall
Deposition
Proof of Wadkins services
Col. [Colonel] Johnson
Page 35

Perry County
The deposition of John Hall aged seventy nine years of age on his oath states that during the year 1781 1782 he [illegible] during the Revolution he knew Thomas Wadkins and that he served for a long time in the Revolution as a soldier in the american ranks. He was a good and faithful soldier, and further he states that he knows of there being “nine months men” in the service of North Carolina and he (Wadkins) belonged to that organization of the State of North Carolina. There was millitia [militia] drafts for nine months + [and] that the undersigned served forty days
Page 36

Days at one time in the nine months men there is no doubt of the service of the applicant in the army of the Revolution for a great while does not pretend to [illegible] all the services but he saw him in the service many times during the Continental service of the applicant when he went to Georgetown he never saw him afterwards until the close of his service in the year 1783.
John Hall
Perry County set
I certify that John Hall made oath to the forgoing [foregoing] deposition, and that he is a credible witness.
April 22nd 1834
Andrew Willson JPM
Page 37

Perry County
State of Kentucky
Perry County Clerks office set - I Jessee Combs Clerk of the court for the county aforesaid certify that Andrew Willson who hath signed the forgoing [foregoing] certificate is a Justice of the Peace + [and] that his signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have here until affixed the seal of my office and set my hand this 23rd day of April 1834
Jessee Combs Clerk of the Court of Perry County
Page 38

Revy WIDOW, &c.
—-
File No. 6779
Elizabeth Watkins
Wid
Thomas Watkins
Privt [Private] Rev [Revolutionary] War
—-
Act: Jul 3d [3rd] 1853
July 27 / 68
Index: – Vol. M, Page 4
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 39

E. Patrick
[illegible]
Wadkins services
To Henry R. Harriss Prestonsburg Ky [Kentucky]
W.C. Harris
Hon. Rh. M. Johnson
W. C. Harris
Page 40

Perry County set
Ezekiel Patrick states on his oath that he knew Thomas Wadkins now of Floyd county State of Kentucky ever since he could recollect. That they lived in the same county in North Carolina, that he well recollects when Wadkins entered in the army of the revolution he knows when he served under Col. Locke for nine months he served out his time, and that he enlisted for eighteen months in South Carolina in the year 1781 and that [illegible] of his ([illegible] [illegible]) served with him at the same time they were however taken prisoners in the war and was carried of [off] in the fleet when the british left Charlestown [Charleston] in Carolina Wadkins was not taken prisoner and he came home after peace had been restored.
Page 41

He states that he has no recollection what day he got home from the war and further he deposes that he did not serve with him all the the time he served during the 18 months services being the last he served but he knows he served he did serve under Col. [Colonel] Hemen but he cant say wither [whether] he was a millitia [militia] man or a regular officer he as well as Wadkins was frequently changed from one commander to another. He further states that there was “nine months men” out of North Carolina, they were not regular but state troops and that he served as one of the nine months as to
Page 42

this beeing [being] the same men he cannot doubt for he knew him from the earliest recollection to this day and further this deponent saith not
State of Kentucky
Perry County set
I hereby certify that Ezekial Patrick who has given [illegible] the forgoing [foregoing] statement of Thomas Wadkins services in the army of the revolution and that he is a credible witness
Given from under my hand the 2d [2nd] day of April 1834
Andrew Willson
Page 43

State of Kentucky
Perry County court clerk office set I Jessee Combs clerk of the court for county aforesaid certify that Andrew Willson is a Justice of the Peace for Perry County and that the signature to the forgoing [foregoing] certificate purporting to be his is genuine.
[crossed out] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set the seal of my office and set my hand this 23rd day of April 1834
Jessee Combs Clerk of the Court of Perry County
Page 44

Thos. [Thomas] Wadkins s
Amended Declar[illegible]
Thos [Thomas] H. C. Harris
WC Harris
Rh M Johnson
Page 45

State of Kentucky
Floyd County set
Thomas Waldkins here amends his original declaration of the 17th July 1834 under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832.
He states that he rendered the service enumerated in his former Declaration and enlisted for the terms set forth, and served out each tour as therein set forth as to Col. Hemen he was nor does he rely on hemen his Col. he served under Col. James not a Continental soldier but at the time he enlisted in S. Carolina for 18 months, he happened to have the command the troops to which he belonged at the time of the engagement. He here sets forth the length of each engagement. First in N.C. [North Carolina] State Troops for 9 months and then he enlisted for 18 months these were not call tours or strictly drafts. He states he has been put to gnat trouble and expense in procuring the testimony and [illegible] the [illegible] from a distance. He from the lapse of time
Page 46

He has forgoten [forgotten] many things which he should have remembered, one thing however he is certain of that he performed the service stated in his former declaration of the 17th July 1834. There was no drafts [illegible] true in the strict sense of the word in the millitia [militia] for nine months yet they were so called by all in the time of the revolution, but there was engagements for nine months under the state establishment for nine months. That men not deemed continental troops this is a notorious fact. There were to his knowledge many volunteer companys [companies] for nine months in North Carolina for nine months he here submits his case to the dept of war with the proof of his services.
Thomas his x mark Wadkins
Page 47

Floyd County set
The applicant made oath to the amended declaration this day before me a Justice of the Peace for said county aforesaid
12th [crossed out: April] May 1834
Ichabad McBrayer JP

State of Kentucky
Floyd County court clerks office set
I Jacob Mayo Clerk of the court for the county aforesaid hereby certify that Ichabod McBrayer is a Justice of the Peace and that the forgoing [foregoing] signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony wherefore I have hereunto set the seal of my office and subscribed my name this 16th day of May 1834 att Jacob Mayo Clerk of Floyd County Court
Page 48

[Stamp: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE OCT 18 1859]
Payment to be made at Louisville by J. B. Kinkaid Esq Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Kentucky Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d [3rd], 1853, Page 179 Vol. C4
G. T. Getty Clerk
Page 49

[circled K]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
WIDOW’S PENSION.
—-
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d [2nd] section of the act of February 3, 1853
Elizabeth Watkins,
Widow of Thomas Watkins, who was a private ___ in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Sixty dollars [crossed out: and ___ cents] per annum, commencing on the [crossed out: 3d of February, 1853] 4th November 1854, 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 Sixteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and fifty six
[illegible] McClelland
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned,
J Minot
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 50

May 12
[Stamp]
Tho [Thomas] Watkins
Ky [Kentucky]
2g May 1834
16789
FREE
I L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner for
Pensions
Washington City
Page 51

Lexington Ky [Kentucky] 5th May 1835
Sir,
The enclosed case has been rejected by the Pension agent here on the ground of difference of spelling the name which is in once place speled [spelled] Wadkins. I can not [illegible] that such a variance when the reject is [illegible] to be the same [illegible] material objections but the agent [illegible] to a case returned to certify in which the name of Potter appears in the same [illegible] Paulter if both I have been [illegible] their [illegible] be no difference in the name except the letter in [illegible] of the letter [underlined: o] the [illegible] of this case of Potter induces the agent to act with much
Page 52

greater caution. I do not [illegible] the objection well founded in this case + [and] hope you will examine + [and] return it with instructions to [illegible]. The agent will not act except from [illegible] [illegible] to [illegible] as it now stands.
Respectfully
Your [illegible]
Joseph Ficklin
Page 53

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller’s Office
April 10th, 1841.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled “An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States,” Thomas Watkins, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Kentucky Agency, at the rate of Sixty Dollars [crossed out: and — Cents] per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1839. To the 4th March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 54

45.592
[illegible] [illegible]
Page 55

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Watkins widow of Thomas
Floyd County and State of Kentucky
Act 3 July 1853
—----
Claim, (“original,” [crossed out: or “for increase.”])
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was pensioner at $60 a year under the act of June 7 1832 and died in [illegible] 1854.
Marriage present by record (see [illegible] 13 [illegible] papers)
[crossed out: (If for increase.)]
[crossed out: Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?]
Cohabitation, general reputation of marriage, her identity as the [illegible] pensioners wife, his death + [and] her present widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
Hon J M Elliott
Prestonburg Ky [Kentucky]

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.
Page 56

Revolutionary
Widow
Page 57

W
Lexington Increase
Brief in the Case of Elizabeth Watkins widow of Thomas Private Rev [Revolutionary] War Prestonburg Floyd County and State of Kentucky Act 2d [2nd] See Act Feb [February] 3 1853
—---
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
She is a pensioner on the roll of Ky [Kentucky] at $60 per annum + [and] returns her certificate with application for increase under the 13th See Act July 27 1868
Identity shown

Admitted Oct 21 1869 to pension at $96.00 per annum to commence July 27 (1869) 1868 deducting pay since
Name and residence of Agent.
Claimant
Prestonburg
Ky [Kentucky]
F. E. Trask
Examining Clerk.
[illegible]
Page 58

3d [3rd] [illegible] office
Decr [December] 27 1853
Paid to 4 Sept [September] 1854. There is no evidence of the pensioner’s death on our books as far as accounts have been received.
Hon J [illegible] Mimon
Auditor
Page 59

Pension Office
Dec. [December] 26, 1853
The [illegible] auditor will please certify the date of death of within named pensioner
Very respectfully,
R. M. Rae
For Commn
4 [illegible] 1832
Geddes
Page 60

229239
N8. 6170
Elizabeth Watkins widow of Thomas Ky [Kentucky]
Set Hon. J. M. Elliott
Dec. [December] 29 / 53 [1853
Act Feby’ [February] 3 [3rd] 1853
Page 61

Elizabeth Watkins
Widow of Thomas
Kentucky
adm 3 Feby [February] 1853
$60 a year from Act of 1854 when he died
Cert to
Hon. J. M. Elliott
Prestonburg
Ky [Kentucky]
Page 62

[Stamp: THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE OCT 18 186[illegible]]
Prestonburg Ky [Kentucky]
October 8t [8th] 1869
Hon H Van Hernam,
Commissioner of Pensions:
I enclose you the application of Mrs Elizabeth Watkins for increase of Pension under “act of July 27 1868.”
Respectfully,
G M Witten
I do [illegible] not [illegible] his [illegible] as ally before this office
Page 63

Elizabeth Watki[illegible]
Appl[illegible]
For Pensi[illegible]
—---
Presented by John M Burns of Prestonburg Ky [Kentucky]
—---
Page 64

State of Kentucky }
County of Floyd } SS
On this 8th day of April [crossed out] 1856 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state above named William J Salyer
Who be duly sworn by me acording [according] to law declares that Thomas Watkins a Revolutionary Pensioner of the uni[illegible] states and husband of Elizabeth Watkins who is now trying to obtain a pension; departed this life in the county of Floyd on Licking River in the 2 day of November 1854 he says he lived near him for some time before and at his death
William J Salyer
X

Sworn to before me by William J Salyer this 8 day of [crossed out: March] April 18[illegible]6 and I certify that I know the [illegible] [illegible] to be a credible person and that I have no interest in claim of Elizabeth Watkins and I [illegible] in its pres[illegilbe]
Holloway Power
Page 65

State of Kentucky }
Floyd County } SS
I James Trimble Clerk of the County Court for the county of Floyd certify that Holoway [Holloway] Power whose signature appears to the within certificate was and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature is genuine and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit in witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 16th day of April 1856
[illegible] James Trimble Clk [Clerk]