Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3,811, John Helm, N.C. Va.
Page 1

N.C.               Helm, John            W.3811
Va.                 Helms
                                  Anna
Page 2

23.073
North Carolina
John Helms
Of Lincoln in the State of N. Car
Who was a private in the ________ commanded
By Captain _________ of the Reg  commanded 
by  Col Lewis in the Va & N.C.
Line for 1 year

Inscribed on the roll of No. Carolina
At the rate of 40 dollars    Cents per annum, 
To commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of Nov 33
And ______ D. Rinhardt
Lincolnton N Ca

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833    100
Semi-anl allowance ending _____  20 
                                         
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Matth. Rice Clerk,
Book ____ Vol.         Page 5
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[page illegible]
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11135 

Anna Helm
Maw of John
Page 5

State of North Carolina}
Davidson County}
On this 21st day of June 1844, personally appeared before me John Hampton one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County, George Weaver a resident of said County & State aged 79. years and made oath in due form of Law to the following statements (to wit:, that he was well acquainted with John Helm late pensioner deceased of Lincoln County No. Carolina. also with his wife anna whose maiden name was Ockerman. and who is now applying for a pension on the account of her said husbands Revolutionary Services; that this affiant lived a near neighbor to the said parties at the time they were married (to wit: John Helm & Anna Ockerman) which marriage took place in Rowan County No. Carolina about the close of the Revolution in the year Seventeen hundred & Eighty two, or Eighty three. This affiant further stated on his oath that he was not present an eye Witness at the time the aforesaid parties were married, but that their was a number of persons that did witness the marriage serrimonies who said that they was married and that to at the time above stated, furthermore this affiant saith not. 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
[signed] John Hampton J P 
             his
George X Weaver
          mark

State of North Carolina}
Davidson County}
I do hereby certify that George Weaver who hath this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit before me is a credible person and to be believed on oath.
Given under my hand this 21st day of June 1844
[signed] John Hampton J P
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North Carolina}
Davidson County}
I Charles Mock Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that John Hampton whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of Signing the Same an acting Magistrate as aforesaid and the foregoing Signature purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of office at Lexington on the 22nd day of June 1844
[signed] Chs Mock CCC
By And Hunt D.C.
Page 7

26.455
John Helm

Admit as a private 
12 months $40
D. Reinhardt
Lincolntin
N. Caro
Page 8

North Carolina}
Lincoln County}
On this 16th day of July personally appeared [before crossed out] in open Court before the County Court of Lincoln now sitting John Helm a resident Lincoln County and State of North Carolina aged [illegible] 72 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth make the following declaration upon oath in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, He first entered the American Army as a substitute for his father Jacob Helms in the year 1774 or 1775 in the County of Bottertot State of Virginia where he then lived but dose not remember the month he being illiterate & very old but thinks it was in the month of October of that year that he was commanded by Captain William Briant & Colonel John Lewis that he marched from there to the back of Greenbrier in Virginia & from through the Wilderness to Fort Pitt [illegible crossed out] that he was in no engagement during this Tour that he was about 16 years of age when he entered the army at this time & he served six months in this Tour was discharged by Captain Briant according to his present recollection & has lost said discharge if he ever had one in writing that he dose not know that he has any documentary evidence to prove this Term of his service
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& that he dose not now of any person now in this State who can prove this Term of his services
That he moved from Bottertot County State of Virginia to Rowan County North Carolina in the year 1780 and that he volunteered in Augost or September of said year and Jointed the American Army at the six mile creek in Rowan County North Carolina under Captain Smith marched form thence to Charlotte Mecklenburg County N Carolina from thence to Rocky River from thence he was marched [the crossed out] to near the place now called Cheraw hills South Carolina from thence he was marched towards the place where the battle of the Cowpeas (S. Carolina) was fought to Join Genl Morgans army but the battle was over before he arrived or met Genl Morgan & that he met the prisoners who were taken at that battle between Charlotte N. Carolina and the battle ground that he was then marched back to Salisbury N. Carolina to build a Stockade & to guard the prisoners, that he was there discharged that this Term of Service lasted three months was discharged he thinks by Captain [Lewis Crossed out] Smith but has lost his discharge that he knows Genls Morgan & Green
John Helms further state that he returned to the State of Virginia in the month of July or August [illegible] the year 1781 to Bottertot County that he again volunteered in said County as  an American  soldier in the U. S. army in the month he thinks of Augt or July 1781 under Captain John Lewis & Colnl Samuel Lewis that he knew Genl Washington during this Term & was under
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his command that he was first marched to Richmond State of Virginia & from thence to Williamsburg & from thence to [illegible crossed out] Little York was in several light engagements at that place or in its vicinity that he served in this campaign three months took sick & was put in the hospital & believes he was discharged by the Surgeon who attended him whose name he dose not now recollect & has lost his discharge & has no documentary evidence to this or any other part of his services in the Revolution & knows of no person in this state who can prove this Tern of his services. John Helm states further that he was born he thinks about the year 1761 -- in the County of Bottertor State of Virginia as he has been informed but has no record of his age lived in Bollertot County Virginia where he first entered the Army of the U Sates has lived in the County of Lincoln North Carolina ever since the Close of the Revolution and still lives in said County
He states that he is known to John Wacaster & George Wacaster who reside in his immediate neighbourhood & who have know him for many years & knows that [it crossed out] he is generall reputed in his neighbourhood to have been a soldier in the revolution & that the Revered Hugh Quin has known him for several years & knows that it is generally reputed in his neighbourhood that he was a soldier in the Revolution & these
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men can also testify to his character & veracity & that they believe he was a soldier in the American army during the Revolution & served as herein stated. He the said Helms dose hereby relinquish all & every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state
       his
John X Helms
      mark
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                                                                                                                                                                                   [Left side] February28, 1940  
Mrs. E. C. Nickola                                                                                                                                                       [Left Side]  BA-J/AWF
807 Maple Drive                                                                                                                                                        [Left Side]  John Helm 
Glasgow, Kentucky                                                                                                                                                     [Left Side] W. 3811

Dear Madam: 
                            Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Helms of North Carolina.

             The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in Olaim for the pension, W. 3811, based upon service of John Helm in the War of the Revolution. The name is shown, also, Helms, and Helums. 

             John Helm was born in the year 1761, in Botetourt County, Virginia. He was the son of Jacob Helm, the name of his mother was not given.

              While a resident of Botetourt County, Virginia, John Helm served from October, 1774 or 1775, as a substitute for his father, six months as a private in Captim William Briant's company, Colonel John Lewis' Virginia Regiment, and marched to Fort Pitt. He moved in 1780, from Botetourt County to Rowan County, North Carolina, and volunteered sometime in August or September, 1780, served three months in Captian Smith's North Carolina company. He returned to Botetourt County and enlisted sometime in July or August, 1781, served three months in Captain John Lewis' company, Colonel Samuel Leris' Virginia regiment, and was in several engagements at Yorktown.
 
                                                         John Helm moved after the close of the Revolution
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2-

to Lincoln County, North Carolina. 

John Helm was allowed pension on his appli-
cation executed July 16, 1833, while a resident of 
Lincoln County, North Carolina. He died May 31, 1838, in Lincoln County, North Carolina. 

John Helm married in the month of May, 1782
or 1783, in Rowan County, North Carolina, Anna
Ockerman. The date and place of her birth and names of parents were not given.

The widow, Anna Helm, was allowed pension on her application executed May 1, 1844, at which time she was eighty years old, and a resident of Cleveland County, North Carolina. She was living in 1848, in Burke County, North Carolina. 

The following data in regard to the children
of John Helm, and wife, Anna, are shown in the claim - 

John born March 1, 1788
Jacob " born August 1, 1793
Peter " May 29, 1798
Any " February 15, 1800 
Eliza " August 25, 1803
Barbary " October 20, 1810.

Their son, Jacob Helm, was living in 1845, in Catawba County, North Carolina. 

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 on pension, name and address of person paid, and possible the date of death of the widow, Anna Helm,
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3-

you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records [struck through - Division], this city, and furnish the following data:

Anna Helm, widow of John Helm 
Certificate #3036
Issued January 15, 1849
Rate $40.00 per annum
 Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848 
North Carolina Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 15

John Helums was born March the 1 day 1788
Jacob Helums Was born Augest the 1 day the year of 1793
Peter Helums: Was born May the 29 day 1798
Any Helums Was born feburary th 15 day 1800
Eliza Helums Was born Augest the 25 day 1803
barbary Helums Was Born October th 20 day 1810
Page 16

April 28, 1908 Hist to Hon. RN. Page V. L. M.

1910 Sept 26 Hist to Mrs. Mary W. Helms, V. L. M.

1911 Jan'y 7 Hist to Mrs. D. G. Scholton V. L. M

1926 Jan 30 Hist to May Smith See letter in George Helm S. 38824 [illegible]
1940 Feb 28 Hist to Mrs. Nickol

Reoy Widow, &c.
File No. 3811
Anna Helm
Wid.
John Helm
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Feby 2/48
Index:--Vol. A, Page 324
[Arrengment of 1870.]
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11135
Anna Helm
NC
[illegible] to T. Potts Oct 16 184[cut off, illegible]
Let to [illegible] D. M. Barringer [illegible] 20 [illegible]
Hon D. M. Bering April 3d 45
Do Do June 23 45
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[handwritten on pre-printed form]
9732
N. Carolina
Anna Helm,
widow of John Helm
who was a pensioner under the Act of '32, and who died on the 31st: May, 1838, of Cleveland Co in the State of N. CA who was a private in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Virginia line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 40 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the [crossed out 4th day of March, 1836] 31 May, 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of Nov 1845 and sent to S. Bettis, Morgantown, N. Ca
Total amount, $130.44
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by W M  Stewart Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 1 Page 291
Page 19


[handwritten on pre-printed form]
7421
N. Carolina.
Anna Helm,
widow of John Helm, who was a private, in the Virginia line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of Nov: 1845. and sent to S. Bettis, Morgantown, N. CA
[Act of March 3, 1843.} & 17 June, 1844.
Recorded in Book A vol. 2 Page 155
Page 20

State of North Carolina}
Davidson County}
On this 17th day of March 1845 personally appeared before me Jacob Berrier one of the Acting Magistrates in and for the County aforesaid, Susannah Eller, a resident of the said County aged Eighty one years, and made oath, in due form of law, that she was many years ago well acquainted with John Helm and wife Anna, the latter of whom is now a resident of Cleveland County No. Carolina, and is applying for a Pension due to her as she understands on the account of the Revolutionary services of her said husband Joh Helm now deceased
that she deponent lived in the immediate neighborhood of the parties aforesaid and was well acquainted with them, at the time they were married, which marriage took place in the County of Rowan just about the close of the War of the Revolution, in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty two or three, that she herself was married in April Seventeen hundred d& Eighty three or four soon after the war closed and that the aforesaid parties were marred some time previous and did live together as husband & wife and were considered to be lawfully such by all that knew them
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
[signed] Jacob Berrier JP
                her
Susannah X Ellers
             mark
Page 21

North Carolina}
Davidson County}
Be it known, that I, Jacob Berrier a Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Susannah Eller who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit before me is a respectable and an intelligent person and her statements deserve credit
And I do further certify that after questioning the above affiant as to the date of the aforesaid marriage I am fully satisfied that it took place just at the close of the War of the Revolution IN witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of March 1845 [signed] Jacob Berrier JP

State of North Carolina}
Davidson County}
I Charles Mock Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions in and for the said County, do hereby Certify that Jacob Berrier Esquire is an acting Magistrate as above and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his [illegible crossed out] are genuine
In testimony whereof I have here[illegible] affixed my Seal of Office & Subscribed my name this 20th March 1845
Chs Mock CCC
By [signed] AD Hunt D. C.
Page 22

State of North Carolina}
Catawba County}
ON this 3d day of May 1845 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Jacob Helm, a resident of the County & State aforesaid, and made oath, in due form of law, that he is a son of the late John Helm a pensioner deceased of the County of Lincoln & State of North Carolina, whoes widow Ann Helm (his mother) is now a resident Citizen of the County of Cleveland & State aforesaid and is applying for a Pension due to her on the account of the Revolutionary Services of her husband the aforesaid John Helm deceased that this deponent has now in his possession an old paper containing the ages of the surviving Children of his parents the parties aforesaid which has been lately found amoungst their old papers and that he believes it contains a true account of the ages of their Children, and from which the following has been Copied
"John Helums was born March the 1st day 1788.
Jacob Helums was born August 1 day 1793.
Peter Helums was born May 29" day -- 1798.
Any Helums was born February 15" day 1800.
Eliza Helums was born August 25" day 1803.
Barbary Helums was born October 20: day 1810.
and that the original is hereunto appendixed 
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year first above written before me
[signed] P Swamy [J P surrounded by squiggles] 
[signed] Jacob Helms
[Seal surrounded by squiggles]
Page 23

State of North Carolina}
Catawba County}
I Peter Stamey a Magistrate in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Jacob Helm who has this day sworn to and subscribed the above affidavit before me is a person to whose statements is due full faith and credence.
And I do further Certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Helms 'to wit' John Helm the pensioner & wife Anna & family for the last Fifty years, and from my knowledge of that family I have no doubt but the annexed Family Record Contains a correct & true statement of the ages of thier children
Given under my hand this 3d day of May 1845
[signed] P Stamey [J P surrounded by squiggly line]

State of No Carolina}
Catawba County}
I Joseph A Reinhardt Clerk of the Court of Please & quarter sessions for said County do hereby certify that Peter Stamey is an acting magistrate as above & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand affixed my seal of office this 8th May 1845
[signed] J. A. Reinhardt [illegible]
Page 24

State of North Carolina}
Cleveland County}
On this 1st day of May one thousand Eight hundred and forty-four. personally appeared before me John W. Swofford, one of the acting Magistrates and a member of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County of Cleveland. Anna Helm, a resident of the County and State aforesaid. aged. eighty years. who being first duly sworn according to Law. doth, on hers oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1818. "Entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to Certain Widows." That she is the widow of John Helm late deceased of Lincoln County North Carolina who was a private Soldier, in the Virginia Cont. Line in the War of the Revolution and was allowed a Pension as such under act of June 7th, 1832, at the rate of Forty dollars per annum. 
She further declared that she was married to the said John helm in Rowan County North Carolina in the Month of May in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty two, or Eighty three, that her husband the aforesaid John Helm died on the 31st of May, in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty Eight. 1838. and that she has remained a widow ever since that period; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service. but that the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & ninety four. Viz: at the time above stated in May 1782, that she well recollects that was the close of the War. 
She further stated that she has no Family Record showing Either the date of her marriage or the births of hers Children nor does she know that their was any Record made of her Marriage, that at the time she was married her marriage was published in Church by one Nicholas Lutherman a Minister of the Gospel who married her which publication superceded the necesity of a marriage Licence
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year first above written before
[signed] John. H. Swo0fford J P
        her 
Anna  X  Helm
           mark
Page 25

MM.01
State of North Carolina}
Cleveland County}
I do hereby certify that Anna Helms who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration before me is a person to whose statements is due full. faith and credit. I also certify that she is the widow of John Helm late United States Pensioner, deceased of Lincoln County North Carolina. and that she has never married since his death. An I further certify that said declarant Ann Helms is by reason of old age and bodily Infirmity unable to attend Court to make her said declaration
Given under my hand this first day of May 1844.
[signed] John. H. Swofford J P

State of North Carolina}
Cleaveland County}
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions May Term 1844
I Richard Champion Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Said County do hereunto Certify that the foregoing declaration of Anna Helm, widow of John Helm late Revolutionary pensioner deceased of Lincoln County. North Carolina, this day was laid before said Court now opened and held in Shelby for said County of Cleaveland, examined and approved by the Court, whereupon the Court ordered that the Clerk Certify the same to War Department 
And I do further certify that John H Swafford Esquire before whom the foregoing declaration was proven is and was at the time signing the same an acting Magistrate for Said County of Cleaveland as aforesaid and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine -- In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Office in Shelbythis  the 6th day of May 1844
[signed] Richard Champion Clerk of  Cleaveland County Court
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11135
Anna Helm
Widow of John 
NC
Act 7 July 1838
dated  31st May 44
adm.d
12 mo. pri
40 from 31st May 38 when her husband died
also 
Acts 43 & 44
Page 27

aa
7421
Page 28

Declaration
" In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 2nd February 1848. Entitled an act making further provision for the surviving widows and Soldier of the Revolution" 
State of North Carolina}
Burke County}
ON this 16th day of September, 1848. personally appeared before me, Francis P. Glass one of the acting Magistrates in and for the said County, Anna Helm, a resident of the county & State aforesaid, aged 84. years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts act of Congress passed on the 2d February, 1848. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of John Helm late pensioner deceased of Lincoln County North Carolina who was a private Soldier in the Army of the Revolution and as such he served the United States against the Common Enemy
She further declares that she was married to the said John Helm in May 1783. that her husband the aforesaid John Helm died on the 31st May, 1838, and that she has remained a widow ever since his death.
She also declares that she has applyed for and received pensions under the Acts of the 7 July 1838: 3rd March, 1842, and the 17 June, 1844. at the rate of Forty dollars per Annum as will now fully appear by refference to the papers filed in the Pension office, on which her said pension was granted
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year first above
written before F. Pl Glass J. P.}
      her 
Anna X Helm
         mark
Page 29

State of North Carolina}
Burke County}
I. Francis P Glass a Magistrate in and for the said County do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Anna Helm who has this day sworn to. and subscribed the foregoing affidavit, or declaration, before me, and that she is a person to whoes statements is due full faith and credit -- I also Certify that I am credibly informed by her former Agent, that she has drawn pensions as stated by her in her declaration, that until quite recently the old Lady has resided in Cleveland County No. Ca
I further Certify that she is still a widow
Given under my hand and seal this 16th day of September, 1848.
[signed] J P Glass J. P. 

State of North Carolina
I J. D. Ferrce Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session for the County of Burke and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that F. P Glass Esq is an acting Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my sela of office at office in Morganton this 20th day of September, 1848.
[signed] J D Ferrer Clerk of Burke County
Page 30

Aug 29, 1845
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr. of Pensions
Pension office
Reed
Anna Helm

B
Page 31

Washington City Augt 27/45
Sir
In the Claim of Anna Helm widow of Jno Helm of No. Carolina under the act of July 17th 1838, I ask you to reconsider her claim as I feel fully confident that if all the Evidence that has been forwarded to your Department in this Claim be Examined and duly Considered that thier will appear Just grounds for its admission
I have forwarded the deposition of five disinterested and respectable person who testify to the fact of said parties having lived together as husband & wife prior to January 1794. -- It has also shown that Evidence of a higher grade  [in crossed out] than that furnished is unattainable
Please to examine this claim and [illegible] the same to me to Hampton, Oneida County No. [illegible] and you will oblige me
I am very respectfully yours
[signed] Sylvester Bettis

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 32

[illegible] feb 11. '45
Page 33

State of North Carolina}
Burke County}
On this 14th day of January 1845 personally appeared before me R. C. Pearson one of the acting Magistrates in and for the aforesaid County Sylvester Bettis, and made Oath, in due form of law, that he is well aquainted with Anna Helm, a resident Citizen of Cleveland County North Carolina, the widow of John Helm deceased, an applicant for a Pension, and that the deponent has born into the County and neighborhood where it is alledged that the parties aforesaid (to wit) John Helm & wife Anna were married (In old Rowan County now Davidson) for the purpose of obtaining Record Evidence of the date of said marriage. And on Enquiry was informed that the society in which, the intended marriage of the aforesaid parties was published has long since ceased to be; and that their is not now in Existence, niether Church, nor Church Records, known to the present people of that neighborhood. That old Mr. Lutherman a Dunkard Preacher of the Gospel was the founder of that little Society, and he died about fifty six 56 years ago, and after his death the Society went down
And this deponent further stated, that he has made dilligent Enquire amongst the different branches of the aforesaid family for some Record of the ages of the Children, but was unable to find any Record whatever.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
[signed] R. C. Pearson J. P. }
[signed] Sylvester Bettis [seal surrounded by squiggles]
Page 34

North Carolina}
Burke County}
I R. C. Pearson a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesd. Do hereby Certify that I am acquainted with Sylvester Bettis who swears to and subscribes the foregoing affidavit and that he is a Gentleman of [illegible crossed out] respectable standing, and good character and his statements are entitled to full faith and Credit
Given under my hand this 14th day of Jany 1845
[signed] R. C. Pearson J. P. 

State of North Carolina}
Burke County}
I I. I. Erwin clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that R. C. Pearson whose signature appears above is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that the above signatures purporting to be his are genuine
Page 35

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office at office in Morganton this 16th day of January 1845
[signed] J. J. Erwin Clerk
[white paper attached to left margin]
Page 36

State of North Carolina}
Cleveland County}
ON this 10th day of January 1845 personally appeared before me J. P> Elliott, one of the acting Magistrates in and for said County, Polly Whisnant, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged seventy five years, and made oath, in due form of Law, that she is well acquainted with Anna Helm, a resident citizen of Cleveland County, the widow of the late John Helm a pensioner deceased of Lincoln County N. Carolina, and that she has been intimately acquainted with the aforesaid parties (to wit) John Helm & wife Anna for the last sixty odd years, and was a living in their immediate neighborhood at the time they were married, which marriage took place in Rowan County North Carolina in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty two, or Eighty three, that she well recollects that it was just at the close of the Revolutionary War, and that said John Helm had not been long out of the War at the time of his marriage to the aforesaid Anna, That she was not present an Eye witness at the time said marriage took place, but she well reocllects that her mother went to the wedding, and that the parties was at their House the day after their marriage, as man and wife
Page 37

and lived togeather as such till the death of the aforesaid John Helm, and that his widow Anna has never married since but remained a widow
And this deponent further stated on her said oath. that she was herself married on the5th day of August in the year Seventeen hundred & Eight Eight, 1788, and at the time of her marriage the aforesaid John Helm and wife Anna had a family of some two or three Children, and had been married for some five or six years
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
[signed] J P Elliott JP 
      her 
Polly X Whisnant
    Mark

State of North Carolina}
Cleveland County}
ON this 10th day of January 1845, personally appeared before me J. P. Elliott, one of the acting Magistrates in aforesaid County, Adam Whisnant, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged seventy six years, and made oath, in due form of Law, that he was well acquainted with John Helm late pensioner deceased of Lincoln County, No. Carolina whose widow Anna is now a resident Citizen of the aforesaid County of Cleveland and that his first person acquaintance with the aforesaid parties was in the fall of the year Seventeen hundred and ninety
Page 38

1790. But that he had known their was such a family as John Helm & wife Anna, from information as Early as the year 17 hundred & Eighty Eight, that he deponent lived at that time in the County of Lincoln and said John Helm & wife lived in Rowan County and it was in the year 1790 as aforesaid that said John Helm was at his House in Lincoln, and some few years afterwards the aforesaid John Helm moved to Lincoln County where he lived till his death
And this deponent further states on his oath that the reason how he knows the given date  is from the births of his two first Children the first was born in the year 1789. and the second in the year 1792 and it was between the births of those two Children that he first become personally acquainted the the aforesaid John Helm who was at that time married and had a family of several Children
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
[signed] Adam Whisnant
[signed] J P Elliott J P

State of North Carolina}
Cleveland County}
I do hereby certify, that Polly Whisnant, and Adam Whisnant, who has this day, sworn to, and subscribed, the foregoing affidavits, before me, are respectable, and intelligent, persons and their statements are entitled to credit Given under my hand and seal this 10th day of January 1845,
[signed] J P Elliott J P
Page 39

State of North Carolina}
Cleveland County}
I, Richard Champion Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County of Cleveland, do certify, that J. P. Elliot Esqr whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Office in Shelby this 15th day of January A. D. 1845. 
Richd Champion Clk
pr D Beam D. C
Page 40

Morganton No. Ca,
May 10th 1845
To the Comr. of Pensions
Sir
Inclosed with this note you will receive further Evidence in support of the date of the marriage of Anna Helms which I hope will be satisfactory
You letter bearing date Apl 5, 1845. in the above Claim is now before in which you Call for Cumulative Evidence of disinterested neighbors -- You will find by Examination that you have already the Evidence of five disinterested & respectable neighbors whose Evidence I have forwarded to you office in this Claim showing most clarly that said marriage took place before 1794 and that too some years previous, which Evidince I thin could not have been present on this last Examination of this Claim Else I could have Expected a more favourable decision
I am truly Yours
[signed] Sylvester Bettis
Page 41

State of North Carolina}
Davidson County}
On this 21st day of June 1844, personally appeared before me John Hampton one of the acting Magistrates in and for said County of Davidson Easter Painter aged 83 years and made oath in due form of Law to the following statements to wit: That, she was at the close of the Revolutionary War well acquainted with John Helm late decd. of Lincoln County No. Ca also with his wife Anna whose maiden name was Ockerman. And who is now applying for a Pension on the account of her said husbands Revolutionary services, that this affiant live a near neighbor (within one mile) at the time the parties aforesaid to wit John Helm & Anna Ockerman were married by Nicholas Leatherman a minister of the Gospel which marriage took in Rowan County No. Carolina In the summer of the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty two or three. that she well recollects it was at the close of the Revolution She also stated in her said oath that she was not present an Eye witness at the time the aforesaid parties were married but that she understood by those that did witness said marriage, that the were lawfully married at the time above stated, that she well knows that the lived together afterwards as husband & wife and were considered as such by all that knew them and that she as fully believes that that said parties were lawfully married as if present and witnessed herself. 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before
[signed] John Hampton J P 
         his
Easter  X  Painter
     mark
 
State of North Carolina}
Davidson County}
I do hereby certify that Easter Painter who hath this day sworn to and subscribed the above affidavit before me is a person to whose statements is due full faith & credit
Given under my hand this 21st day of June 1844.
[signed] John Hampton J P
Page 42

State of North Carolina}
Davidson County}
I Charles Mock Clerk of the Court of Please and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that John Hampton whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of Signing the Same an Acting Magistrate as aforesaid and the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine:
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Lexington the 22nd day of June 1844
Chs Mock C C C
By And Hunt D. C
Page 43

Mr Bettis
Page 44

North Carolina
Rowan County}
I John Giles clerk of the court of Pleas & Quarter Session for said County, do hereby certify that my office affords no evidence of the marriage of John Helm to Anna Ockerman
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court at Office the 12th of March 1845
Jno Giles C CK
by John H. Hardie D C
Page 45

Morganton N C
2d Oct '48
Sir,
Please enclose me the Certificates for the [illegible]
Respectullfyyy
[signed] R C Pearson
Page 46

John Helm
Page 47

North Carolina}
Lincoln County}
I Patty Whistenhunt aged about 64 years & a resident of said County do certify that I am well acquainted with John Helms the present appicant & who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that she knew him in the state of Virginia & knew him when he entered the army under Capt Lewis as above state & saw him start. She [illegible] that he is 72 years old that he is reputed & believed in his neighbourhood to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that she concurs in that opinion --
      her
Pally X Whistenhunt
         mark

Witness affirmed Test [signed] V McBee CC

We Hugh Quin a Clergyman residing in the County of Lincoln North Carolina & George Wacaster who resides in the same state & county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Helms who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 72 years of age that he is reputed & believed in his neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion
[signed] George Wacastir
[signed] Hugh Quin [illegible]
Sworn to in open Court Witness
[signed] Varday McBee CC
Page 48

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interogatories prescribed by the War Department - that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Hugh Quin who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergy man resident in the County of Lincoln No Carolina & that George Wacoster who has also signed the some is a resident in said County & is a credible person they further certify that Polly Whislenhunt who signed one of the [illegible ink blot] certificates is a resident of said County & entitled to credit
[signed] I Fooney [J P surrounded by circular squiggle]
[signed] Larkin Stowe [Jus P surrounded by circular squiggle]
[signed] John B Harry [J P surrounded by circular squiggle]

I Vardry McBee Clerk of the court of pleas & quarter Sessions do Certify that the foregoing contains the amended proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Helms for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office at [illegible] the 27th day of July 183[cut off]
[signed] Vardry McBee C C
Page 49

w 3811 [handwritten]

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

April 27, 1908.

Hon. V. Warner,
Commissioner of Pensions,
City.
My dear Mr. Warner:-
As a favor to one of my constituents, I would like to have a copy of papers in the application of one John Helm, a Revolutionary pensioner who resided in either Rowan or Lincoln county, North Carolina, and he of course has been dead for a number of years. I would greatly appreciate a copy of any record in your office that would throw light upon this man or any immediate member of his family.  I am informed by the Adjutant General that you are the custodian of the pension records of all wars.
Thanking you in advance, I am,
Yours respectfully,
Robert N. Page [handwritten]
7th Dist. NC. [handwritten]

RNP-S.
Page 50

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

Have you an record on the Rev--" pension list of a John Helm or Leonard Helm or Abraham Barriger or Barger, as it was afterwards called, el [crossed out] enlisted from Virginia + served under Anthony Wayne.
Wanted for joining D. A. R.
Page 51

kindly let me know and Greatly oblige

Mrs D. G. Scholton
20 East Barney St
Gouverneur, N. York
Page 52

Morristown Tennessee September 15
The Commissioner of Pensions, 
                                         Washington D.C
Dear Sir: Will you have the kindness to inform me if the name of John Helms is found in your records among the names of those who served in the Revolutionary War? It is probable that he went from the state of Virginia. The information is desired for use in connection with an application for membership to a D.A.R. Chapter. 
Respectfully, 
Mrs. Mary W. Helms.
Page 53

only [illegible] of NC service [different handwriting]

Received Feb 3 [stamp in black ink]

Rev. + 1812 V. [different handwriting]

807 Maple Drive
Glasgow Ky.
Jan. 31, 1940

Bureaw Pension:
Please send me a copy of any record you have on file of claim for pension or bounty land based upon the service of John Helms, who served from North Carolina in the Revolutionary War.
With Thanks,
Very truly yours
Mrs. [illegible]. C. Nickols
Page 54

Record Division.

April 29, 1908.

Hon. Robert N. Page,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Page,
In reply to your letter dated the 27" and received the 28" instant, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in pension clam Wid. File 3811, it appears that John Helm (name also appears Helums) was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, in 1761, and was allowed pension on an application executed July 16, 1833 while a resident of Lincoln County, North Carolina. He stated that while living in Botetourt County, Virginia, he substituted for his father Jacob Helms October 1774 or 1775, under Captain William Briant and Colonel John Lewis and served 6 months; volunteered August or September 1780 and joined the army in Rowan County, North Carolina, where he had recently moved, under Captain Smith and served 3 months. Volunteered July or August 1781 in Botetourt County, Virginia, under Captain John Lewis and Colonel Samuel Lewis and served 3 months.
Soldier married in Rowan County, North Carolina May 1782 or 1783 Anna Ockerman. He died May 31, 1838. She was allowed pension on an application executed May 1, 1844 while a resident of Cleveland County, North Carolina, aged 80 years.
Page 55

Wid. File 3811.

Their children were:

John,---- born March 1, 1788.
Jacob, born August 1, 1793.
Peter, born May 29, 1798.
Any, born February 15, 1800.
Eliza, born August 25, 1803.
Barbary, born October 20, 1810.

Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 56

aug [handwritten]

Rev. and 1812 War Section.

January 30, 1926.

May H. Smith
222 East E St
Ontario, Calif.

Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 3811, it appears that John Helm (name also appears Helums [crossed out] Helms + Helums [handwritten above]) was born in 1761 in Botetourt County, Virginia.
While residing in said Botetourt County, he served, as a substitute for his father Jacob Helms, from October 1774 or 1775, six months as a private in Captain William Briant's Company, Colonel John Lewis' Virginia Regiment.
He moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, in 1780 and enlisted in August or September of that year and served three months in Captain Smith's North Carolina Company.
In July or August 1781, he was again in Botetourt County, Virginia, and served three months in Captain
Page 57

[illegible]

John Lewis' Company, Colonel Samuel Lewis' Virginia Regiment, and was in several skirmishes near Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 16, 1833, while a resident of Lincoln County, North Carolina. He died in said county May 31, 1838.
Soldier married in May, 1782 or 1783, in Rowan County, North Carolina, Anna Ockerman. She was allowed pension on her application executed May 1, 1844, while a resident of Cleveland County, North Carolina, aged eighty years.

Children-

John born March 1, 1788.
Jacob " August 1, 1793.
Peter " May 29, 1798.
Any " February 15, 1800.
Eliza " August 25, 1803.
Barbary " October 20, 1810.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 58

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. [handwritten] John Helm W. F. 3811 name also appears Helums
-----------
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED - CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. - | STATE.

Oct. 1774 or 1775 | 6 mos. | Pvt. | William Briant | John Lewis | Va.

Aug. + Sept. 1780 | 3 mos. |   | Smith |   | N. C.

July or Aug. 1781 | 3 mos. | John Lewis | Samuel Lewis | Va

* Substituted for his father Jacob Helms.

Battles Engaged in, Several skirmishes near Yorktown

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Botetourt Co. Va moved to Rowan Co. N.C. in 1780

Date of application for pension, July 16 1833 [illegible]

Residence at date of application, Lincoln Co. N.C.

Age at date of application, 72 Born in Botetourt Co. Va. in 1761. Died May 31, 1838

Remarks: Soldier married in Rowan Co. N.C. May 1782 or 1783 Anna Ackerman.  She was allowed pension on an application executed May 1, 1844 while a resident of Cleveland Co. N.C. aged 80 years. Children : John, b. Mar. 1, 1788 : Jacob, b. Aug. 1, 1793 : Peter, b. May 29, 1798 : Anny, b. Feby. 15, 1800 : Eliza, b. Aug. 25, 1803 : Barbary, b. Oct. 20, 1810.

Very respectfully,