Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7,552, Abel Gower, N.C.
Page 1


(3-1776)
SERVICE N.C. 
Gower, Abel
Elizabeth
NUMBER W. 7.552
CONTENTS
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12.045
Georgia
Abel Gowen
of Gwinnett in the State of Geo:-\who was a private in the County commanded by Captain Harvey of the regt commanded by Young in the North Car: for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 30 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of March 1833 and sent to William Mathie, clerk Lawrenceville
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833   60
Semi-Ani allowance ending 4 Sep - 15-
                                                        $75
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nathan Rice clerk
Book E  Vol. 6  Page 91


Sent 26 March 1834
J. Marshall Esq G.C.
Page 3

[illegible] J W Lumpkin [illegible] 12.49

Reprinted January 3/49


2761
Georgia
Elizabeth Gower
widow of Abel Gower
NC
who served in the Revolutionary war as a prvt
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars - 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of Jany 1849 and sent to William Maltbie
Lawrenceville Geo

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 210 Vol 3.
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State of Georgia
Gwinnett County SS
Superior Court October [illegible]
On this 5th day October 1832 personally appeared in open court being a Court of Record, Abel Gowen, aged seventy four years being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress possed the 7th June 1832  That he entered the service as herein stated under the following named officers- To wit he entered the service as a drafted militiaman in the County of Johnson & state of North Carolina in the year 1779 or 1780 the date be cannot positivley recollect under Captain Philip Hamas for the Line of three months (illegible) Johnson was of Capt Thomas Company the ensign was named William Lee- The Isaih Hales Joseph Burnfield & Henry Hales of the same Company was attached to Col Edwards Regiment marched to Rockfield in order to pursue the British from marching from Wilmington to ravage that destination of the County at Rockfish bridge a battle was fought with the British & Torys deponnet was assigned as arm of the guard to protect the baggage after the battle [illegible] about that quarter of North Carolina until was the expiration of his term of service was then marched to Smith field in North Carolina & was then discharged by Capt Hamas a tthe end of the three months service
Shortly afterwards the date he cannot recollect with certainty but thinks if was 1780 at the same place he again entered the service as a drafted Militiaman for three months more in the company under the command of Captain Jonathan Smith Lieutenant Alexander Avery Ensign Lee and the [illegible] above named were of the [illegible] in the company also marched to portridge in North Carolina & ranged about them & in that quarter and joined Col Lintons Regiment at Kingston in North Carolina that the continued in the service chasing the torries & Leaving the country around & about there until mar the expiration of his service term when he was marched back to Smithfield & discharged there.
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by Captain Busch at the end of his Record Terms of Service
That afterwards sometime in the year 1781 at the Jaws plan?? he again entered the service as a drafted Militia Man for three months from? in the company & under the command of Captain Edmund Griffin-Lieutenant William Roberts- Ensin Zadock? Stattion, Sterling Johnson Absohm Carroll and Josiah Gaddon was of his miss in the Company that he marched from Smithfield to Bluoford Bridge in North Carolina and then gained Genl Butlers Brigade- after remaining at Bluford Bridge something near a month he was marched to Wilmington before they marched the men of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis reached there and they were marched to Wilmington and placed under the command of Col Young the supervised the latsing? possessions of the town by the inhabitants who had been expected by the British- the British evacuated the towns after the surrender of York Town. Col Young until his term of service expired and was then discharged by Capt Griffin- 
  That he got no pay for his service- sold for his pay for the service for its three terms to a man of the name of Taylor and for its proof of service detained his three discharges to said Taylor and does prove known what has ? of Taylor or the discharges- immediately of the 1st Class of the Ward surnamed from Johnson County, North Carolina to Richmond County, Georgia- there to Millas County was cut off into the County of Opelousas? then to Clark County then to Giviness? County where he now resides- that a copy of the original Register of his age which shows that he was born its 17th day of October 1757- That he ? of no person having by whom he can prove the service above stated nor has he any documentary evidence of the same.
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8
Abel Gower

[written sideways] Abel Gower 10970
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Georgia
Gwinnett County
Mr. Mitchel Bennett Clergyman residing in the State and County aforesaid + Elisha Winn residing in the same do certify that we are well acquainted with Abel Gower who has sworn to + subscribed the above declaration + that we believe him to be seventy four years of age that he is reputed + believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Mitchel Bennett
Elisha Winn
Sworn to + subscribed in open court the day + year aforesaid
([illegible]) Wm. Maltbic Clk

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
Superior Court October adjourned Term 1832
And the Said Court of declare this [?] opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War department that the above named applicant was a Soldier of the Revolution + served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to the Court that Mitchel Bennett who has signed the above Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the State + County aforesaid and that Elisha Winn who has also signed the dame is a resident of the Said  State +County + is a credible person and that their Statement is entitled to credit
Given under out [illegible] + the seal of
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I William Maltbie clerk of the Inferior Court for said County + State do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Gower for a pension- In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand + seal of office this 5th day of October 1832
William Maltbie C.H.
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9159
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1835. entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
State of Georgia
Gwinnett County

On this 26th day of June 1843, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Inferior Court for said County Mrs Elizabeth Gower aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress papered 7th July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Abel Gower who was a soldier in the revolutionary war for the particulars of his service she would refer the department to the evidence upon which he drew his pension of $30, per annum under the act of Congress of 7th June 1837. She further declares that she was married to the said Abel Gower on the - day of June in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two as well as she can recollect. That her husband the aforesaid Abel Gower died on the seventeenth day of July eighteen hundred and forty one; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz: at the time above stated
her mark   Elizabeth Gower

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me 
John C. Whitworth J.J.C.
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State of Georgia
Gwinnett County    S.S.
We Ambrose George William H. Hacker residing in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify (on oath) that we are well acquainted with Elizabeth Gower who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe her to be seventy eight years of age and that her husband the aforesaid Abel Gower died at the time stated by her in ger said declaration and we also believe the other statements made by her in said declaration so far as the same come under our knowledge and observation are true.
Ambrose George
W.H. Hacker

Sworn to and subscribed on this 26th day of June 1843 before me
John G. Whitworth JJC

State pf Georgia
Gwinnett County   S.S. Before me John C. Whitworth a Justice of the Inferior Court of said County personally appeared Sarah Matthews who being duly sworn according to law saith on oath that (Elizabeth Johnson) now Elizabeth Gowers the above named applicant was lawfully married to Abel Gowers me Johnson County North Carolina at the time stated by her in her said declaration and that she this deponent was an eye witness to said marriage 
Sarah Matthews   her mark

Sworn to and subscribed this 28th day of 1843 before me.
John G. Whitworth
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State of Georgia
Gwinnett County    S.S.
I John C. Whitworth an acting Justice of the Inferior Court of said County for hereby certify that Elizabeth Gower the above named applicant is unable to attend in open Court by reason of bodily infirmity and I further certify that in my opinion this statement made by the above named applicant are true and that they are generally believed to be true in the neighborhood where she resides, and O do further certify that Ambrose George and William H. Thaker who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the County and that they are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit and also I do certify that Sarah Matthews who has sworn and subscribed the foregoing affidavit is also a credible person. Given under my hand this third day of July 1843
John G. Whitworth JJP

Georgia
Gwinnett County  S.S. 
Inferior Court June Term 1843 in the foregoing proceedings examined and approved in open court this third day of July 1843
John C. Whitworth J.J.C.
Rich Drivers JJC
D N Pittman JJC

Attest
Riley S. Baker C.J.C.
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State of Georgia
Gwinnett County   S.S.
I Riley S Baker Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that John C. Whitworth whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court of said County duly confirmed and qualified and that the foregoing approval of these proceedings was done in open Court
Given under my hand and seal of office this third day of July 1843
Riley S. Baker C.J.C.
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No. 19,970
Abel Gowen
Georgia
ammt for 9 mo
paid $30

Abel Thomas
Ed Roman
N.C. Militia

William Mallber Esq
Clerk Court Gormmandt
Co. Georgia
Page 15

BRIEF in the case of Abel Gower
County of Gwinnett in the State of Georgia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1.	Was the declaration made before a Court of a Judge? Court
2.	If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3.	How old is he? 74
4.	State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. draft In 1779 or 1780
Duration of Service. 3 months 
Rank. private 
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen Butler Capt Thomas Col Kennons
Period. 1780
Duration of service. 3 months
Rank. private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Capt Smith, Col Ginton
Period. 1781
Duration of service. 3 months
Rank. private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Capt Griffin, Col Young

5.	In what battles was he engaged? Rockfish Bridge
6.	Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Johnson County N. Carolina
7.	Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  traditionary 
8.	Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? And if so, in what respect? Correct

*CERTIFY that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
M. Clagett  Examining Clerk
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Thomas Green Esq
Richmond Va

[postal stamp] [illegible]
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State of Georgia
Gwinnett County     S.S.

On this sixteenth day of October eighteen hundred + forty there personally appeared before that subscriber an acting Justice of this Inferior Court in + for said County Robert M. Gower aged forty six years and being duly sworn according to law says on oath that the following statement is true to the best of his knowledge + belief and according to the information given him by his parents and which he verily believes to be true. viz: that he is the son of Abel Gower (now deceased) and Elizabeth Gower who makes application for a pension, - that he (this dependent) was born in the year seventeen hundred + ninety seven- that he had one brother and three sisters but the same parents older than himself to wit: Polly Nancy, John and Phereby, the last of which if alive would now be upwards of fifty four years old - that the girl pf all the children were once entered in his father's family Bible but they have long since been all torn out of the bible + last except the age of himself and brother younger than himself- but he does not know in whose hand writing the entries were made - his father + mother were both entirely illiterate + could neither read nor write = that he does not know that there was any record of the marriage of his parents in the family Bible - nor does he know of any Documents of Record proof by which their marriage could now be proven- but were since the earliest of his recollection up to the time of his fathers death they lived together as husband and wife and were reported and believed to have been married prior to his birth of any of their children - and the longevity of their marriage was never called  in question or doubted by any person that he knows of
Robert M. Gower
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Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year aforesaid and I certify that I am well acquainted with Robert M. Gower who has sworn + subscribed the foregoing affidavit that he is a respectable citizen of this County - a credible witness and his statement entitles to credit
John G. Whitworth JJC

State of Georgia
Gwennette County 
I Riley S. Baker Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for said County do hereby certify that John C. Whitworth is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court of said County duly commissioned and qualified, and that his foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office this 16th day of October 1843
Riley S. Baker CJC
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Lawrenceville Gwinnett County Ga
Oct 16 1843
To Col J. L. Edwards
Sir, I send you the foregoing affidavit of Robert M. Gower + Elizabeth Gower and as to further proof of the services of her husband that would be now impossible as the witnesses are now all dead I am told she therefor wishes upon the proof od service made by the old man in his lifetime upon which his pension was allowed
Respectfully
Kinclin Rambo
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L. Edwards Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington City

December 28 1843

all proof Eliz Gower
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Lawrenceville Ga. Dec. 21. 1843
Sir
The enclosed piece of testimony is offered in lieu of the one forwarded by Col. Green in the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Gowers application for a pension and is in answer to yours of 8 August and 24 Oct.
Col. Green advised against this course of sending a duplicate but the first was to awkwardly executed that I was ashamed to offer it to the Department and therefore I beg that this may be received in lieu of the original or first affidavit of Cairy Johnson.
Col. Green's reason for advising against this was that it might delay the investigation of the case. but I hope it will not have that effect as the claim has already been delayed much long ago then I expected.
Respectfully Kinchier Rambo
To. Col. J. L. Edwards
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abel Gower       which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? YES
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? YES
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for not doing so.
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or period’s of the war when he served? YES
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of 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? YES
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? YSE
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  YES
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? YES
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? YES
X. Is the Clerk’s seas affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? YES
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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? YES
XII. If the clergymen’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? YES
XIV. If the applicant’s name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant’s service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? YES
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? V.G.Y
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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.
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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 service. The use of the phrase about three of four months is too definite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place of 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.  
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service                                                                                                                                                                 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 claimants 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 proper officer, under his seal of office.        
QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or 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.  In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
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V     9159
Elizabeth Gowen
Ga
Ret to T. Green August.8.18(illegible) 
- R Rambo Oct 24 "
act 7 July 1838
Page 26

Richard 1 Dec 1843
Col J L Edwards
Washington 
Sir 
On the 20th Oct I sent you additional evidence to sustain the application of Eliz; Gower widow of Abel Gower for pension, under the Act of 7 June 1838-  I now enclose you affidavit of Casey Johnson to be used in the same case. He states that he was at the wedding saw the parties married- no record endeavor can be got.
I am  V resp yours
Thomas Green
Page 27

Aug 8 1843

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Georgia
July 7 1838
Eliz Gower
Page 28

Lawrenceville Gwinnett County Ga July 3. 1843
Sir,
At the suggestion of Thomas Green Esq I have had the declaration and certificates in the case of Mrs. Gower taken over again and they are now respectfully submitted by 
your obt Servt
Kinchin Rambo
Page 29

Mr James L. Edwards
Dear sir,
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you the declaration of Elizabeth Gower widow of Abel Gower a soldier in the War of the revolution who resides in Gwinnett County and State of Georgia for one years are the pensions of an act papered the 3 day of March 1843 your early attention is respectfully solicited in behalf of this application 
your very respectfully
John H Lumpkin
Page 30

Hagartown March 21st 1844

Dear Sir
I addressed a letter to you some time ago in relation to the application of William V. Heard, Mary Barton, and the aforewithin of now named Marchen for a pension. Fearing the letter may not have reached you I have been requested to write again to make the ongoing and  respectfully request an early answer.
Most Respectfully yours.
[illegible]
21st Dec
Coyle + Sam [illegible]
Page 31

State of North Carolina
Johnston County
I William Henry Gray clerk of the Court of Please + Quarter session for the County aforesaid certify that I have made diligent search among the papers on file in this office for the marriage bond of Abel Gower and have not found it.
Witness William H. Gray clerk of said court at office 30 November AD 1843
William Henry Gray
Page 32

Richmond 17th June 1843
Col J.L. Edwards
Washington
Sir
Enclosed is the application of Mrs. Elizabeth Gower of Gwinnett County Georgia, for a pension under the Act 7 July 1838. She is the widow of Abel Gower a pensioner at $30 per annum, of said County under the Act of 7 June 1832, who dies on the 17th July 1841- She has henceforth (illegible) the fraction of a pension due at the time of his death- so that the only important fact now to be established is the date of her marriage, which she declares took place in June 1782, as well as she recollects and the affidavit of Sarah Matthews in portion that she witnessed the marriage and that it occurred at the time above stated. The case seems to be potentially yet I hesitated about forwarding the application to you, as there were several unexplained inconsistencies but upon a close examination it appears they are mostly (illegible) or of a character to whence forth of the application + therefore not to be presumed as wrongfully made. The only one, that earned the  satisfactionly accounted for on the face of the papers themselves is the alteration of the word "Eighty" to "seventy eight" in regard to the age of the applicant. I am not aware of the entire decision required by you on this point, and therefore I submit the application, but will at the same time inform the (illegible) of the defect if I should be deserved a material one.
I am V obt servt
Thomas Green
Page 33

Pension office
Jany 13th. 1844
Sir
In reply to the inquiries submitted in your of the 22nd. I have the honor to state, in reference to the case of Joseph Barton, that your letter furnishes no information in regard to his services, it is therefore necessary to know whether he was a Soldier of the Revolution, or of the late war with Great Britain, and of the former, to what line of the Army he belonged and 9f of the latter, the names or number of the Regiment to which he was attached, or the names of some of the Officers under whom he served.
In relation to the cases of Sammuel, and Robert Marshall + Pointon Charlton who t is stated served under Gen St Clair at the time of that Officers defeat in 1791, I have to inform you that no provision in bounty lands was ever made by Congress for rewarding military services performed during the interval between the termination of the Revolutionary War in 1783, and the commencement of the late war with G. Britian in 1812- An examination has been made of the records of the Maryland Continental line on file in this office, but the names of Sammuel + Robert Marshall and Pointon Charlton were not returned thereon, among those entitled to bounty lands from the W. State
Very Respectfully Yr. Ob. Servt
J.L. Edwards
Page 34

Richmond 6 Dec 1843
Col J. l. Edwards
Washington
Sir
Enclosed is the certificate of the Clerk of Johnston Co. NC. that the marriage bond of Abel Gower cannot be found in the files of his office. Every step has been taken to obtain documentary evidence of the name Elizabeth Gower whose claim to a pension under act of 7 July 1838 is on V. files we have only to defer on the entering's of the witnesses which we hope will be helpful of the 
I am V. rep sent
Thomas Green
Page 35

State of Georgia
Oglethorpe County     S.S.
On this Eleventh day of December eighteen hundred and forty three, before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Inferior Court of said County personally appeared Cairy Johnson aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law saith on oath that he has been acquainted with Abel Gower now deceased and Elizabeth Gower his widow (who makes application for a pension) ever since the earliest of his recollection and that he saw the said Abel Gower and the said Elizabeth Gower (then Elizabeth Johnson) legally married in Johnson County, North Carolina, when he (this deponent) was about twelve or fourteen years of age- he does not know his own aged precisely at the time, but he knows that said marriage took place some time prior to the year seventeen hundred and ninety. And this deponent further saith that he knows that the said Abel Gower did serve as a soldier in the Revolutionary War but does not recollect how long he served - and that the said Abel Gower was generally expected and believed (in Johnson County North Carolina where they both resided for many years) to have been a Revolutionary soldier and this deponent further saith that he does not know of any Documentary evidence by which said marriage could now be proved
his mark   Cairy Johnson


Sworn to + subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before me and I further certify that the said Cairy Johnson is personally known to me and that he is a respectable citizen of said County of Oglethorpe and a credible witness.
Johnathan Crawford J.J.C.
Page 36

State of Georgia
Oglethorpe County
I George H Lester Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for said County do hereby certify that John Crawford is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office this Eleventh day of December eighteen hundred + forty three
George H. Lester Clerk
Page 37

State of Georgia
Oglethorpe County  S.S.

On this twenty first day of November eighteen hundred and forty three, before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Inferior Court of said County personally appeared Cairy Johnson aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law saith on oath that he has been acquainted with Abel Gower now deceased and Elizabeth Gower his widow (who makes application for a pension) ever since the earliest of his recollection and that he saw the said Abel Gower and the said Elizabeth Gower (then Elizabeth Johnson) legally married in Johnson County, North Carolina, when he (this deponent) was about twelve or fourteen years of age- he does not know his own aged precisely at the time, but he knows that said marriage took place some time prior to the year seventeen hundred and ninety. And this deponent further saith that he knows that the said Abel Gower did serve as a soldier in the Revolutionary War but does not recollect how long he served - and that the said Abel Gower was generally expected and believed (in Johnson County North Carolina where they both resided for many years) to have been a Revolutionary soldier and this deponent further saith that he does not know of any Documentary evidence by which said marriage could now be proved
his mark Cairy Johnson

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before me and I further certify that the said Cairy Johnson is personally known to me and that he is a respectable citizen of said County of Oglethorpe and a credible witness 
his mark Cairy Johnson
Henry Jordan J.J.C.
Page 38

State of Georgia 
Ogelthorpe County
I George H. Lester Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that Henry Jordan is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to he is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office this twenty first day of November eighteen hundred + forty three
George H. Lester Clerk JC
Page 39

Richmond 20th Oct. 1843
[illegible] Geo. W.  Crump
Acting Comm of Pensions
Sir,

Enclosed is the affidavit of Robert M. Gower, to sustain [?] the application of Eliz. Gower (widow of the Pensioner, Abel Gower)- 
She says she was married in [illegible] 1782 and the witness Sarah Matthews says she was at the wedding .
Your letter of the 8th Aug: to me, required some record evidence if attainable. [initials?]
The enclosed affidavit if her son, a respectable man, states that there was a family Bible but he doesn't know in whose hands the entries were made as neither his father nor mother could write. That the date of the marriage + of most of the childrens ages, has been torn out + lost long since. that he does not know that there ever was any record of the marriage.-
But he states that he was born in 1797-that he had three sisters + a brother older than he- that his eldest sister if alive would be upwards of 34 yrs old- It then appears, the higher evidence cannot be got. The witness within record the legality of the marriage for she was at the wedding of the son, shows the date must have been before 1794.
I am yr obt sevt Thomas Green
Page 40

5512
Georgia
Elizabeth Gower
widow of Abel Gower
who was a Pri
in the N.C. Line

Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of May 1844 and sent to Hon. J. H. Sumpkin Hof Reps
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Bokk A
Vol A. Page 213
Page 41

Elizabeth Gowen
Ga at 48

Ex by
Page 42

State of Georgia
Walton County
Know all men by these presents that I Elizabeth Gower widow of Abel Gower deceased (who was a Revolutionary soldier + Pensioner of the United States on the Georgia Roll at the rate of $30.00 per annum) do hereby constitute and appoint Thomas Lumpkin of Washington City my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name and stated to examine into my deceased husbands Declaration and other proof on file in the Pension Office and ascertain why he was not allowed a greater Pension (as he often said and as it is generally believed that he served as much as two years in the N. Carolina Militia) hereby satisfying and confirming all that my said Attorney my lawfully do by virtue of these presents (illegible) hand and seal this 1st day of May 1851
her mark  Elizabeth Gower  (seal)
Signed sealed + subscribed in presence Ambrose George
Amizi Rudolph
W. W. Vernum V Public
Page 43

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7552
Elizbeth Gower
Widow
Abel Gower
Pvt; Rev; War
Act: Feby 2 (illegible)
Index: - Vol. A, Page 279
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 44

8226
Georgia
Elizabeth Gowers
widow of Abel Gower
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 17th Day 1841
of Gwinnett in the State of Georgia
who was a Private in the Company
commanded by Captain Thomas of the Regs commanded by Col Gancy in the N.C. line for nine months
Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 30 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of 
March 1844 and Sent to the Hon J. T. Lumpkin Clerk of court
Total amount, $130.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by The Lumpkin, Clerk
Book D Vol. 1 Page 319
Page 45

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
On this fourteenth day of October One thousand eight hundred and forty eight personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Elizabeth Gower a resident of Walton County State aforesaid aged eighty three year, who being duly sworn according to law, doth in her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd of February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Abel Gower who was a private in the wat of the revolution, and as such widow she received under the act of 7 June 1844, an annual pension of thirty dollars; per annum that she has not intermarried [?] but continues the widow of the said Abel Gower deceased,
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before us Ambrose George
John Harbin JP
Elizabeth X Gower her mark
[possible seal or from the other side of the paper]
Page 46

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
I John Harbin a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Elizabeth Gower the declarant above named is personally known to me and is the same person who drew a pension under the act of 17th June 1844.
Given under my hand this 14th day of October 1848. John Harbin JP

Stare of Georgia 
Gwinnett County
I David W. Spence Clerk of the Superior Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John Harbin is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dared on the 25th day of January 1845, and will expire on the first Saturday in January 1849. and that his signature herein before written are genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of said Court this 17th day of October 1848.
David W. Spence Clk S.C.
[seal]
Page 47

9159
Elizabeth Gower
Oct 7 July 38
9 months 
30
Page 48

9159
Elizabeth Gower
Ga
Act 7. July 38
admd
9 [illegible]
------
30

Hon. J.W. Lumpkin
H.R.
[written on side] 9159
Page 49

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
On this Seventh day of June eighteen hundred + forty three, Before me John C. Whitworth a Justice of the Inferior Court of said County personally appeared Elizabeth Gower a resident of the State + County aforesaid aged seventy eight 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 act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 written "an act granting half pay + pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Abel Gowen who was a private Soldier in the Revolutionary War and as he was a pensioner She would respectfully refer the application to the evidence upon which he was pensioned for the proof of Service +c.
She further declares that she was married to the said Abel Gower on the ---- day of June --- in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty two as well as she can recollect + that her husband the aforesaid Abel Gower died on the seventeenth day of July eighteen hundred and forty one that she was not married to him prior to his being in the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred + ninety four viz: at the time above stated sworn to and subscribed on the day + year above written before me
John C Whitworth 

her mark  Elizabeth Gower
Page 50

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
We Ambrose George + William H. Thaker residing in the County + State aforesaid do hereby certify (on oath) that we as well acquainted with the Elizabeth Gower who had subscribed + sworn to the above declaration and that we believe her to be seventy eight years of age + that her husband the aforesaid Abel Gowen died at the time stated by her in the said declaration and we also believe the other statements made by her in said declaration so far as the same. Come under our knowledge + observation are true 
Ambrose George
William H Thaker
Sworn and subscribed before me the 7th day of June 1843
John G Whitworth J.J.C.

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
Before me John C Whitworth a Justice of the Inferior Court of said County personally appeared Sarah Matthews who being duly sworn according to Law saith on oath that (Elizabeth Johnson) now Elizabeth Gower the above named applicant was lawfully married to Abel Gower in Johnson County North Carolina at the time stated by her in her said declaration and that she this deponent was a witness to said marriage
Sworn to + subscribed before me this 8th day of June 1843
John C Whitworth JJC
her mark Sarah Matthews
J
Page 51

State of Georgia
I John G. Whitworth an acting Justice of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that Elizabeth Gower the above named applicant is unable to appear in open court by reason of bodily infirmity and I do further certify that in my opinion the statements made by the above names applicant are true and that they are generally believed to be true in the neighborhood when she resides and I do further certify that Ambrose George and William St Thacker who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in this County and that they are credible and also I do certify that Sarah Matthews who has sworn + subscribed the foregoing affidavit is also a credible person
Given under my hand + seal this 12th day of June 1843
John G. Whitworth J.J.C.

Georgia
Gwinnett County
Inferior Court June Term 1843
The foregoing proceedings examined and approved in open Court this 12th day of June 1843.
Riley S Baker C.J.C.
R. R Williams J.J.C.
John G Whitworth J.J.C.
Sam Mc Dunlap J.J.C.
Page 52

Georgia
Gwinnett County
I Riley S Baker Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that John G Whitworth whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court of said County duly Commissioned + qualified and that the foregoing approval of these proceedings was done in open Court

Given under my hand + seal of office this 12th day of June 1843.
Riley S. Baker C.J.C.

9159
Elizabeth Gower
Act 7 July 38
Page 53

Col J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington City
Page 54

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of 3rd March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7- 1838

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
to wit= 
On this day of April 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Elizabeth Gower a resident of the State of Georgia and County aforesaid aged Seventy eight years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolution and she has received a pension of thirty dollars per annum under the Act of July 7 1838.
She further declares that she is still a widow
her mark  Elizabeth Gower
Sorn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me 
Smith Jones J.P.
and I do further certify that the above declarant is personally known to me
Smith Jones J.P.
Page 55

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
I Riley S. Baker clerk of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that Smith Jones whose name appears to the foregoing declaration is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Gwinnett duly Commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office this fourth day of April 1844
Riley S. Baker C.J.C.
Page 56

State of Georgia
Gwinnett County
I Riley S. Baker clerk of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that Smith Jones whose name appears to the foregoing declaration is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Gwinnett duly Commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office this fourth day of April 1844
Riley S. Baker C.J.C.
Page 57

To Col. J. L. Edwards
Sir
I was very much surprised to learn from yours of 29th that the name of Austin Mebb could not be found on the Georgia Roll of Pensioners I shall feel very much ashamed of myself if it should turn out that he was not a pensioner at all - But I know Mrs. Webb and ger son both told me he was when I made out her declaration and even spoke of the balance of the last installments I shell set about collecting information upon that subject immediately and forward it to the department 
April 8 1844
Respectfully
Kinhcin Rambo
Page 58

Lawrenceville October 17th 1848
Dear sir,
Herewith you will receive the declaration of Mrs Elizabeth Gower you will please forward me the necessary blanks to draw her pension in Savannah
Very respectfully you hub serv
William Matebie
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of pensions
Washington Cirty
Page 59

Edwards Esq
Commissioner of pensions 
Washington City
D.C.