Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,979, for Alexander Reynolds, Virginia
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Service
Va.
Reynolds, Alexander
NUMBER
S.5979
carded (inscribed)
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12.342
Virgina

Alexander Reynolds of Bedford in the State of Virginia
who was a Private in the ____________ commander:
by Captain ____________ of the Regt. commanded by
Perrin in the VA time for 6 months. 


Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of
20 Dollars _____ Cents per annum to commence on the 
4th day of March, 1831.


Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of April '33
_____ Clk and Treas. Robt. C. Mitchell, Bedford Co.: Liberty

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833       40 --
Semi-an'l allowance ending 4 Sept    10 --  
                                                         $ 50 --     
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832

REcorded by Nathaniel Rice Clerk
Book 6    Vol. 6    Page 24
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State of Virginia Bedford County to with

On this 25th day of February 1833 personally appeared in open court before the justices
of Bedford County now sitting in being a court of record for Alexander Reynolds a resident of Bedford County and State of Virginia aged about seventy years of age who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served herein stated. That in the month of February 1781 he went into the service as a substitute for his brother Bartlett Reynolds. The company in which he marched rendezvoused at Henry Courthouse in the State of Virginia under the command of Lieutenant Clay. They marched southwardly and on their way to Guilford Courthouse in N.C. joined a regiment then commanded by Colo. Gabriel Penn from Amherst County in Virginia. They proceeded in their march and some short distance this side of Guilford Courthouse met the main army retreating, having been defeated at that place [15 Mar 1781]. Naming the officers in this army he remembers Gen'l Robert Lawson, Colo. Charles Lynch, and Colo. Watkins. Upon this meeting the Regiments were rallied and turned upon the British army. They pursued the enemy (now retreating), some distance beyond Guilford Courthouse to a river the name of which he does not remember [to Ramsey's Mill on Deep River]. The enemy having crossed this river the pursuit was given up. During this expedition he thinks Lieut. Clay was promoted to Captain. He marched back to Virginia under Captain Clay and was discharged. He received a written discharge signed he thinks by Capt. Clay, but it has long since been lost. He was engaged in this service nearly three months. Shortly after his return home in the month of May of the same year he was drafted in the militia of Va. they rendezvoused at Henry Courthouse in Va. and marched under the command of Capt. Ragsdale through the counties Pittsylvania, Halifax, Charlotte, Prince Edward, Cumberland, Powhatan, and Chesterfield to Manchester opposite to Richmond. They reached the place a few days after leaving of the town by the enemy [20 Jun 1781]. They then crossed the river and marched to Mobbins Hills (he thinks they were called) below Richmond [sic: Malvern Hill about 15 mi SE of Richmond], where they joined the army, at Mobbins Hills he well remembers seeing General Lawson and Major Holcombe. The whole of them then proceeded to Little York.  On their march they met with many of Gen'l [Anthony] Wayne's men....
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who had been defeated at the Green Springs [on Jamestown Island, 6 July 1781] and were retreating or Flying much cut to pieces. They reached Little york about the 1st of August. Major Gen'l Lafayette was there in command at that place. They remained at that place some 6 or 7  weeks and were then discharged in the seventh of September. they were not discharged until some other regulars arrived at Little York. Whilst at Little York he was engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy in cannonading He was gone on this service about four months. He had a written discharge, but it has been lost. He was engaged upwards of six months as a soldier in the Revolution and served as aforesaid He has no documentary evidence of his services nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure to establish those services except the affidavit of John Hudnall [pension application W25806] hereto annexed as a part of this declaration as to his general character for truth and veracity and as to a belief of his services in the Revolutionary war. He refers to Balda McDaniel and Joseph Slaughter of this county. 
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Signed and sworn to in open Court.
Alexander Reynolds (signature)

The court then proceeded to propound to the said Alexander Reynolds the following interrogations which were answered as herein stated - 

1st Where and in what year were you born [?]
Answer - I was born in Cumberland county in the State of Virginia about the year 1763 - 
2nd Have you any record of your age and if sowhere is it [?]
Answer - I have a record of my age in a bible at home. That record was given to me by a brother in law and not my parents. If not right it must be nearly so - 
3rd Where were you living when called into service - where have you lived since the Revolutionary war & where do you now live - [?]
Answer - At the time I was called into service I lived in Henry County Va. Shortly after the war I removed to Amherst County where I lived for almost three years. I have been living in Bedford County ever since -
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4th -  How were you called into service; were you drafter [?] did you volunteer [?] or were you a substitute [?] and if a substitute for whom [?] - 
Answer - I first went into the service as a substitute for Bartlett Reynolds, the next time, I was drafted.
5th - State the name of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served - such as continental & militia Regiments as you can recollect & give the general circumstances of your service[?]
Answer - In my Southern tour I remember Colo. Gabriel Penn of Amherst Gen'l [Robert] Lawson, Colo. Lynch and Colo. Watkins and Capt. Clay. I cannot remember the number of any of the regiments. I was very young. The officers I named Colo. Penn, Colo. Lynch & Colo. Watkins I suppose had command of regiments. As to my general services the declaration which I have made will best speak of them. In my other Tour I remember General Lawson. Gen'l Lawson Gen'l Lafayette, Major Holcombe & Capt. Ragsdale - 
6th - Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it signed and what has become of it [?]
Answer - I received a written discharge from both tours, The first I think was signed by Capt. Clay and the other by Ragsdale. They have both been lost or destroyed.
7th - State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and good behavior and your services as a soldier of the revolution - 
Answer -  I think Major Balda McDaniel and Capt. Joseph Slaughter can do so.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid
Alexander Reynolds

We Balda McDaniel and Joseph Slaughter residing in the county of Bedford State of Virginia hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alexander Reynolds who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy years of age or thereabouts that he is reported and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we can say in that opinion - we further certify that he is a man of veracity  and good character
Subscribed and sworn to in court the day and year aforesaid

Balda McDaniel
Joseph Slaughter
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Bedford County to wit:

This day John Hudwall a revolutionary soldier came before me Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid &  made solemn affirmation that whilst he was in the Revolutionary War in the summer of the year 1781, he very well remembers to have seen at Mobbin Hills a soldier of the of Alexander Reynolds. He does not remember to what company and what regiment the said Reynolds then belonged. He belonged to a different company to which this applicant was attached. He said Hudwall further makes solemn affirmation that he has a distinct recollection of having seen said Reynolds as a Revolutionary soldier at Mobbins  Hills and he knows that he is the same man who now lives in Bedford County Virginia and who is an applicant for a pension. And whose declaration this certificate is to accompany. Given under my hand this  25th day of February 1833.

John W. Holt J.P.

I do hereby certify that John Hudwall who made the above affidavit before me is a man of good character this statement's entitled to full weight and credit.

John W. Holt J.P.

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department and an inspection of John Hudwall's affidavit taken before John W. Holt who is a justice of the peace in this county duly commissioned that the above named applicant was a soldier of the revolutionary war and served as he states,  and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Major Balda M. David and Joseph Slaughter magistrates in this county who have signed the proceeding certificate are residents in this county and state and that both of them are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Robert C. Mitchell, Clerk of the County
Court of Bedford do hereby certifiy that
the foregoing contains a true copy of the 
original procedings of the said court in the 
matter of the application of Alexander Reynolds
for a pension. And in testimony whereof
I  have hereto set my hand I affixed the
seal of the said court this 2nd day of March
1833 in the 57th year of our independence.
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No. 22946
Alexander Reynolds
Va.

Admit for 6 months as a Private - $20-

Col. Perris Va.

Robert C. Mitchell, Clk
Bedford County Court
Va.
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office
183

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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim

A Statement showing the Service of Alexander Reynolds, Bedford Co., Va.

He was a Substitute from February 1781 for nearly 3 months as a Private serving in a company under the command of Lt. (later Capt.) Clay in the regiment/army commanded by Colonel Perris and General Lawson. The regiment was engaged at the Battle of Guilford after marching through Virginia and North Carolina. The Veteran is now at the age of 70 years and lives in Henry Co., Va.
He was drafted in May, 1781 for 4 months as a Private serving in a company under Capt. Ragsdale in a regiment/army under the command of General Lawson and Major Holcomb. The company was engaged a the Battle of Little York., Va.



I am respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J.L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832
The following regulations have been adopted:
This {illegible} 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
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3
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 Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. 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.
6. 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?
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.

The court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are request 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 standing 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 enquiry 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 give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every 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."
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 free 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;
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 fix 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.

(k) 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 continental troops only.

(l) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.

(m) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
/s/ Dyer Aston
Exam Clerk
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August 2, 1934

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX [illegible]

BA-J / MCS
Alexander Reynolds, S.5979
Jesse Reynolds, W. 5683

Mrs. Florence C. McCartney
134 North Macdonald Street
Mesa
Arizona

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of July 10, 1934, requesting
the records of Revolutionary War soldiers, Abner, Alexander, Jesse
and Lewis B. Reynolds.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in
the pension claim, S. 5979, based upon the Revolutionary War service
of Alexander Reynolds.

He was born about 1763, in Cumberland County, Virginia.

While a resident of Henry County, Virginia, he enlisted in
February, 1781, as substitute for his brother, Bartlett, served
nearly three months under Lieutenant Clay who was promoted to Captain,
in Colonel Gabriel Penn's Virginia Regiment. He enlisted in May, 1781,
in Captain Ragsdale's Virginia company and was discharged in September,
1781, at Little York, having served about four months, and was in
several skirmishes in cannonading with the enemy at Little York.

Shortly after the Revolution he moved to Amherst County, Virginia,
and from there to Bedford County, Virginia.

He was allowed pension on his application executed February 25,
1833, at which time he was living in Bedford County, Virginia.

He referred to his brother-in-law but did not give his name.
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to the
family of the soldier.


***********************************************
Page 12

The date which follows were obtained from papers on file in the
pension claim, w. 5683, based upon the Revolutionary War service of
Jesse Reynolds.

He enlisted in Bedford County, Virginia, in 1776, served as
private and sergeant in Captains Cross Scruggs: and Henderson's
companies in Colonel Morgan's Virginia regiment, was in the battles
of Trenton and Princeton, was wounded in the hand at the battle of
Saratoga and served at least two years. He then served two tours in
the Virginia militia, one of six months and one of three months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September
15, 1832, at which time he was seventy-eight years of age and was 
a resident of Bedford County, Virginia.

He died April 22 or 23, 1836, in Bedford County, Virginia.

This soldier married April 2, 1778 or 1779, in Bedford County,
Virginia, Mary, her maiden name not given.

She was allowed pension on her application executed December
21, 1838, at which time she was seventy-eight years of age and was a 
resident of Bedford County, Virginia.

The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to 
the soldier's family.

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

Because of the large number of requests for records of Revolutionary
War soldiers and the lack of clerical force available for furnishing
this information, this office is unable to send more than two records
to each inquirer.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
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June 22, 1832

BA-J/ MCS
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. Anna C. Rippier
413 Third Street
Brooklyn
New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of June 8, in which you
request the records of Alexander, Bernard, Jesse, John, and William
Reynolds, soldiers and pensioners of the Revolutionary War.

Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and
the limited clerical force available for furnishing such information,
it has not been possible to comply with each request which requires
an unusual amount to research and time.

The records of Alexander and Jesse Reynolds are herewith
furnished you.

Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 14

June 22, 1932

BA-J/MCS
XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Alexander Reynolds
S. 5979

Mrs. Anna C. Rippier
413 Third Street
Brooklyn
New York

Dear Madam:

The date furnished herein were obtained from papers on file
in the pension claim, S. 5979, based upon the Revolutionary War
service of Alexander Reynolds.

He was born about 1763, in Cumberland County, Virginia.

While a resident of Henry County, Virginia, he enlisted in
February, 1781, as substitute for his brother, Bartlett, served
nearly three months under Lieutenant Clay who was promoted to Captain,
in Colonel Gabriel Penn's Virginia Company and was discharged
in September, 1781, at Little York, having served about four months,
and was in several skirmishes in cannonading with the enemy at Little
York.

Shortly after the Revolution he moved to Amherst County, Virginia
and from there to Bedford County, Virginia.

He was allowed pension on his application executed February 25,
1833, at which time he was living in Bedford County, Virginia.

He referred to his brother-in-law but did not give his name.
The papers in this claim contain no further date relative to the
family of the soldier.

Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator

[handwritten:]
Date of death sent
[illegible]
Page 15

Oliver P. McCartney, M.D.
Practice Limited to
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat

Mesa, Arizona

July 10, 1934.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington,
District of Columbia.

Dear Sir:

I have recently learned that pensions were allowed
to Alexander Reynolds (Feb. 25, 1833) and Lewis B. Reynolds
(Sept. 27, 1832) -- these men were from Bedford County, Va.
Eckenrode's list of Virginia Soldiers (list compiled by
Miss Maggie McMannaway) gives the name of Jesse Reynolds
as a Revolutionary Soldier from Bedford County, Va., and
from another source I learned that Abner Reynolds qualified
himself as Lieutenant in the 10 Regiment, 12th Brigade,
1st. Division Infantry, Virginia Militia.

Do you have further information in your files pertaining
to these men?

Am enclosing stamped, addressed envelope for your convenience.

Thanking you for your courtesy, I am,

Very Sincerely,
Florence C. McCartney.

[hand written:]
only 2 furn.

[rubber stamp:]
Received
Jul 14, 1934
Mail [illegible] - Div.
Vets. Adm.
[illegible]
10
Page 16

The Reynolds Family Association
413 Third Street
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mrs. A.C. Rippier, Sec'y. and Treas. 

June 3, 1 32

The Bureau of Pension,
Washington, D.C.,

Gentlemen: -

I find in the 8th Annual Report of the State Library
of Va., the following who were pensioners in the Rev. War. of Va.,
As I am compiling some records of the Reynolds Family for our
Annuals, ( copies are in the Library at Washington)
May I have the record copy of the War record of
Alexander Reynolds, a pensioner of Bedford Co., Va. ( 2- II5)
Bernard Reynolds, a pensioner of Russell Co., Va. (2- 196)
Jesse Reynolds, a pensioner of Bedford., Va. (2- II5)
John Reynolds a pensioner of Augusta Co., Va. ( 2-3I0)
William Reynolds a pensioner of Carolina., Va. ( 2-I24)

I hope I am not asking too much, it is that I want to
complete some records and will  appreciate these when it
is convenient for you to send them to me.
Page 17

Appreciating this courtesy

I am
Most Sincerely

Anna C. Rippier
[(illegible)]

[rubber stamp:]

Received
Jun 11 1932
[illegible]
Pension [illegible]
Page 18

1932 Une 22 hist. to [illegible]
Anna C. Rippier MCS

1934. Aug 2 hist to [illegible]
Florence C. Mc Cartney
M.C.H.

[right page:]

5979
Invalid.

Rev War

File No. 5979
Alexander Reynolds
Pri Rev War

Act: June [illegible]th 32
Index: - Vol. M, Page 312

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

Page 19

Alexander Reynold's
declaration for a pension

#22946

Bedford County, VA
Page 20

Bounty Land Warrant Record card *

The National Archives
Form VAN-51
12-5-41

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Reynolds, Allen | GRADE Private | LINE New Hampshire

WARRANT NUMBER 3422 | ACREAGE 100 | ISSUED Mar.  9 1791
To Phinehas Knapp, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are
registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolution of September 16, 1776, and subsequent
dates. Other records relative to the application for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.