Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26365, for Robert Rankins, Virginia
Page 1

Service Va.
Rankins, Robert
Number W. 26365

or Rankin, Peggy
Number B.L. Wt. 1380-200
Page 2

Robert Rankins
W 1380
Page 3

[illegible - possibly "for Watson"]

The State of Alabama
County of Washington

I, Robert Rankins, aged Seventy five years, do, upon oath, testify and declare, that in the year, one thousand seven hundred and seventy six - I entered the service of the United States for the term of "during the War" in the [stricken "Third"] Regiment [stricken "(to the best of my recollection)"] under the command of Colonel Hugh Stevenson - of the Virginia Line, and that I continued in the service aforesaid until the close of the War. I do further declare that I entered the said Regiment [insert "a private and was afterwards promoted to the rank"] [stricken "as an"] Ensign and, before the [insert "close of the"] War, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, in which capacity I was disbanded or [illegible] after the conclusion of Peace.

I further declare, that I have never received a Warrant for the Bounty Land promised to me on the part of the United States, nor have I ever assigned or transferred my claim in any manner whatsoever.

Therefore,

Know all men, by these presents, that I, Robert Rankins, as aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint Col. Joseph Watson, of the City of Washington, to be my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to demand and receive from the Secretary of War of the  United States a Warrant for the quantity of Land due to me as aforesaid, and my said attorney is hereby fully authorized and
Page 4

empowered to constitute and appoint one or more Substitutes or attorneys under him for the special purpose before expressed.

Attest
[signature] Robert Rankins

[illegible stricken line of writing]

Before me William Grimes, a Justice of the Peace, for the County of Washington, in the State of Alabama, personally appeared the above named, Robert Rankins, subscriber to the foregoing Declaration who made oath, in the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, to the truth of the facts stated in the said Declaration, and acknowledged the Power of Attorney, thereto subjoined, to be his act and deed. 

Given under my hand and seal this Eighteenth day of September, A.D. 1828.

[signature] Wm. Grimes [illegible initials]

The State of Alabama
Washington County

I, William Grimes, Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify, that the above written William
Page 5

Grimes was, at the [insert "date,"] and now is, a Magistrate authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgments, [illegible] in the State aforesaid, and that his name there subscribed appears to me to be the usual signature of the said Wm. Grimes.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court this 18th day of September A.D. 1828.

[signature] Wm Grimes clk

[faint seal on document - illegible]
Page 6

On to Pen Agt 20 Oct 1837

To Louisiana from Mobile from 4th March 1835 - 17 Nov. 1837 - Notification sent to Hon. Rice Garland Member of Congress.

Alabama
Robert Rankin
Act 15th May 1828
Lieut $ 320.
Page 7

Texas 7839
Payable at Washington City, there being no agency at Texas.

Peggy Rankin
widow of Robert Rankin
who was a Lieutenant
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 320 Dollars [blank] cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of July, 1846 and sent to Hon. S. Houston, Senate U. States.

Act of March 3, 1843. & June 17, 1844

Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2. Page 257.

[illegible word]
[stricken "See letter to Hon. S. Houston August 3, 1846 & to same Aug. 8, 1846 - to same Jan. 25, 1847"]

Date of death [illegible]
Page 8

[check mark] 795

R. Rankins
rec'd Aug. 12, 1828
[illegible] 26

Honorable Richard Rush.
Secretary of the Treasury U States
Washington City
Page 9

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an Act, entitled, "An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution", approved on the 15th of May, 1828, I, Robert Rankins, of the County of Washington, in the State of Alabama, do hereby declare, that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such to the end of the War, and also to the time when the arrangement of the Army provided by the Resolves of Congress of the 3rd and 21st of October, 1780, were carried into effect, and was reduced under that arrangement, at which periods I was a Lieutenant in the Third Regiment of the Virginia line. 

And I also declare, that I afterwards received [insert "a certificate"] (commonly called a Commutation Certificate) for a Sum equal to the amount of five year's full pay, which sum was offered by the Resolve of Congress, of the 22nd of March, 1783, instead of the half pay for life, to which I was entitled by the Resolve of the 21st of October, 1780.

And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States since the 3d day of March, 1826, no money, nor have I received since the close of War of the Revolution, from the United States, any manner of compensation whatsover for my services in said War. 

And I do further declare, that I was one of the
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officers who served under and was captured with, 
Mayor General Lincoln at the Siege of Charleston, 
South Carolina, and that every officer in the Army of the Sais General Lincoln in reward for the signal services rendered by them at that memorable sefence was fromoted a Grade higher by a Resolve of Conqrefs, but I can not remember, at this distance of time, whether the said officers were regularly commishioned, or not. But if my commifsion as a Lieutenant, I the grade to which I had been promoted I was ever received, it has, in the long lapse of fifty years, been wither lost or mislaid, or destroyed by time or accident, so that it cannot now be produced. 

......
before me this 26th          Robert Rankins
July - 1828 .....


Before me, William Grimes, a Justice
of the Peace in an for the County of Washington in the State of Alabama, duly commishioned by the Governor of said State, formally appeared, this day, Morrison Hunter, Csq Attorney at Law, and formerly Judge of the County Court of the County aforesaid, 
Clerk of the Circuit Court
who did severally 
and Green S.Caller make oath, that Robert Rankins, by whom the
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foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated, and, further, that the character of the said Robert Rankins for honesty, integrity and veracity stands unimpeached and unimpeachable.

Witness my hand and private Seal this Twenty sixth day of July, A.D. 1828.

[signature] Wm. Grimes J.P.

I, William Grimes, Clerk of [insert "the"] County Court of the County of Washington, in the State of Alabama, do hereby certify, that William Grimes, before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, and now is, a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid, duly commissioned by the Governor of said State, and duly authorized to administer Oaths.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this 26th day of July in the year of Our Lord, 1828.

Wm. Grimes clk
[illegible]
Page 12

Washington Court House, Washington County, Alabama
July 1828

Sir,

As an officer of the Army of the Revolution and in compliance with the terms of the Circular recently issued from the Treasury Department prescribing to those entitled to the benefits of the late Act of Congress "for the relief of the surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution" the manner in which they shall seek that relief, I do myself the honor to transmit you herewith the evidence upon which I expect to rest my claim.

A few explanatory remarks, I trust, will not be amiss. In acceptance of the terms proposed by the Resolves of Congress, of October, 1780, I embarked in the service of the United States, in heh capacity of an Ensign, in a Regiment of the Virginia Line upon the Continental Establishment (the number of which I do not now distinctly recollect, but which may be readily ascertained
Page 13

by reference to the Records of the War Office where my name will be found enrolled and commanded by Colonel

A short time after the formation of the said Regiment, it was ordered to the South under the command of Maj. Gen. Lincoln where it was captured, with his whole Army, at the surrender of Charleston. Congress, in reward for the brave defence made by the officers & soldiers of that Army at that memorable seige, passed a Resolve, raising each officer a grade higher, or rather conferring upon them Brevets, and holding them in reserve to fill any vacancies that might thereafter occur in the Army.

It will be perceived that I have stated the circumstances accounting for the absence of my commission, if I ever received [insert "any"]. In all other respects, I persuade myself that the statements herewith enclosed substantially fulfil all the requisitions of your Circular. If it were necessary, and should hereafter be deemed material, I can adduce an abundance of collateral proof, all tending to establish my indisputable right to a participation in the benefits of the late Act of Congress. Upon examination of the Records of the War Offices, it will be that my name is enrolled as a Lieutenant
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of the Virginia Line, who served to the close of the War, and it will be further perceived that I am one of those who are yet entitled to bounty Land by virtue of the aforesaid Resolutions of Congress. And if the Commutation Certificate which I sold at an immense depreciation has ever been redeemed by the Government - I presume it will be found on the files of the proper Department, together with the Receipt which I gave when I accepted that Certificate. The fact that I am yet entitled to bounty land in consideration of having served to the end of the War, I should think would alone be competent to establish my claim. It would be superflous to detail the reasons why I have not heretofore availed myself of that bounty. It will be sufficient to say that I have never wanted and never sought relief from my Country, and nothing but the helplessness of age with unlooked-for poverty forces me now to ask a portion of the munifence extended by the Government.

Should any part of my testimony, be defective, or should any additional evidence be necessary, I will take it as a favor if you will advise [insert "me"] of the fact. 

I have the honor to be
with great Regard
Your ob. Servt.
[signature] Robert Rankins
Page 15

6699
Peggy Rankin
Texas
Act 4 July 36
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[check mark]

Republic of Texas
Sixth Judicial District 
L.S.

On this twenty-second day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and forty-four, personally appeared before the District Court Judge of the Sixth Judicial District Peggy Rankin, a resident of the County of Liberty, within the said District - in the Republic aforesaid; aged eighty-eight years on the sixteenth day of February last (1844). Who, being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Act of the Congress of the United States of America passed July fourth eighteen hundred thirty six - to wit that she is the widow of Robert Rankin, who was a Lieutenant in the Army of the the Colonies, during the War of the Revolution which ended in the establishment of the Independence of the United States. That during the continuance of the war, he was in the battles of Germantown, Brandywine, Stony Point and the siege of Charleston. That at the latter place he was in command of one of the batteries, was taken prisoner and remained a prisoner till the exchange of prisoners took place; when he was permitted to return home, on furlough, for a short time
Page 17

(she thinks sixty days). That on his return, having been previously engaged, their marriage was consummated on the first day of October just eighteen days before the close of the seige of York and surrender of Lord Cornwallis. That on the fifteenth of the same month her said husband's furlough expired and he returned to the Army and continued in the service till the close of the Revolutionary War. Having been retained as a supervisary  officer, a Lieutenant, after the fighting was over. That her said marriage took place at the time before stated nearly a year before her said husband's service expired, in the County of Frederick, in the then Colony of Virginia. That they lived together as man and wife from the said period of their inter-marriage till the thirtieth day of November eighteen hundred and thirty-seven when he died as she supposes from old age and the exaustion and exposure of a life of much labor & activity, having been at the day of his death eight-eight years of age. That they had by their said marriage ten children, seven sons and three daughters, six of whom are yet alive, the oldest of which children was born the eighth of May seventeen hundred and eighty-three; and the youngest of which is now forty four
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years of age. That her said husband died in Saint Landry Parish in the State of Louisiana, U.S.A.; and she soon after came to Texas to live with her children. That her advanced age and the infirmities consequent upon it, feble and almost blind, make it impracticable for her to repair to the United States, from which she is quite remotely situated, there to make her declaration; or even to attend the sittings of the Courts of this Republic without the greatest inconvenience, if not the risk of her life. That she has had the misfortune to loose all the papers and documentary evidence of his services and his having been a pensioner, left by her said husband. That the circumstances of her removal, her age as before stated, and the supposed impossibility of obtaining the bounty provided by the munificence of the Representatives of the good people of the United States to persons in her situation, are the reasons why an earlier application has not been made. And that she has been unable to procure from the archives of the County of Frederick, as yet, the record or a copy of the registration of her said marriage if, indeed, the record is yet extant, which, as it was in the [illegible, possibly "hottest"] period of the war, when it took place, may have been altogether omitted to be recorded, lost
Page 19

or mislaid. That she has in consequence of these various misfortunes controlling her case she has made this declaration as full of facts as her memory would enable her to do, so, that it may be seen by the various references which she makes whether or not it carries with it any satisfactory corroboration of the evidence which will accompany it. And in further support of her claim begs leave to refer the Department to further evidences on file in archives at the Seat of Government furnished with the Declaration of her late said Husband in further support of her claim and such other proof as may be furnished, in case there is no record of her said marriage in said Frederick County, by oral proof there to be taken as to the intermarriage of Peggy Beary (which was her maiden name) to said Robert Rankin. She further declares that since the death of her said husband she has remained and still is a widow never having married or entertained the idea of marrying again. That the above declaration is correct & true in all things, to which, being herself too blind to write authorises and requests her attorney to write it for her. 

Her mark.
[signature] Peggy Rankin
Page 20

Republic of Texas
County of Montgomery

I Wm. H. Fowler Deputy clerk of the District Court for the County aforesaid to hereby certify that the two foregoing pages is a true and correct summary of the testimony of Jesse Grimes & Wm. Sandrum as stated and entered in their certificates that they each signed and swore to the same in [illegible] before me, and are citizens of the County and of unimpeachable integrity, & recognised by their countrymen as Such.

Given under my hand & private seal for want of a seal to the District Court of Said County this 30th March 1844
[signature] Wm. H. Fowler Deputy Clerk [hand drawn seal]
Page 21

Power of Attorney
from
Peggy Rankins
widow of
Robert Rankins

Rev Pensioner
Act of 1828
for Land 
& Pension due

Not suspended

Wid. entitled
to pension
also

[stricken "July 30/[illegible] send form for widow to sign"]

Sent form
again Aug [illegible]

Montgomery County
in the State of Texas
Page 22

[Power of Attorney.]

Know all men by these presents, that We Peggy Rankin, widow & W. M. Rankin heir, of the County of Montgomery, and State of of Texas, for and in consideration of

do hereby make, constitute, and appoint, L. Blanchard True, of Washington City, D.C., our true and lawful Attorney, for us and in our names to examine all papers filed in any Department or Office of Government, upon which a Revolutionary Pension was granted to Robert Rankins on account of the Revolutionary services of said Robert Rankins and to obtain, by all lawful means, any and all additional amounts that may be due from the United States to said Widow & Heir, by virtue of said services, as [illegible] in the Company of Capt. [blank] in the Regiment of [blank] and in the Continental Line line of the forces of the State of Virginia during the said Rev. War also to obtain any allowancy that may still be found due said Widow Peggy Rankins as former wife of said Robert Rankins deceased Pensioner of the United States as [illegible] of the [illegible] Act of 1828 - to prosecute obtain and receive any amount that may be found due the same, or us as his legal heirs or also amounts due him at his death or Land bounty due
And for good and suffcient reasons we do hereby Revoke and Cancel any and all other Powers of Attorney and authority which we or anyone of us may at any former time have given to any person or persons for the above specified purposes; and we do hereby vest the same irrevocably in our said Attorney herein appointed, said L. Blanchard True.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 29th day of December, in the year A.D. 1852.

In presence of
[signature] Appleton Gay
[signature][illegible]

[signature] Peggy Rankin [stamp "SEAL"]
[signature] W M Rankin, son [stamp "SEAL"]

State of Texas
County of Montgomery 
ss.

On this twenty ninth day of December in the year A. D. 1852, personally appeared before me John E. Shelton an acting Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County duly authorized by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgments in and for the county aforesaid Peggy Rankin widow of the late Robert Rankin now deceased & William M. Rankin her son subscribers to the above, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be their free act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned; and made oath, in due form of law, that they were personally interested as [blank] in said claim.

And I further certify that they are both personally known to me to be the identical individuals represented.

[illegible]
[signature] John E. Shelton J.P. [stamp "SEAL"]
Page 23

The State of Texas
County of Montgomery

I, Appleton Gay clerk of the county Court of Montgomery County do hereby certify that John E. Shelton whose name appears subscribed to the written certificate as Justice of the Peace was at the time of signing the same and still is, an acting Justice of the Peace; and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such.

Given under my hand and seal of the County Court of Montgomery County this the [illegible, possibly "2nd"] day of March A.D. 1853
[signature] Appleton Gay Clerk of the County Court of Montgomery County in the State of Texas

Power of Attorney from Peggy Rankins widow of Robert Rankins

Rev Pensioner Act of 1828 for Land & Pension due

not suspended

Wid, entitled to pension also

[stricken "July 30/53 sent Form for widow to sign"]

Sent Form again Aug [illegible date]
Page 24

A Transcript from the  Record of the Oaths of the children of Robert Rankin and Peggy Rankin.

"Thomas B. Rankin [illegible] was born on the 11 day of May 1783"

"Elizabeth Rankin [illegible] was born [illegible] of January 1785"

"William M. Rankin was born on 24th August 1786"

"Joseph  Rankin was born 4th November 1787"

"John R. Rankin was born 5th January 1791"

"James Rankin [illegible] was born 27th June 1792"

"Frederick Rankin was born 15th February 1794"

"Henry Rankin was born 7th February [illegible]"

The State of Texas
County of Montgomery

This day the 21st day of October A.D. 1846. Before me Thomas [illegible] a Notary Public [illegible]
Page 25

To which I certify who being duly sworn by
the said Notary upon his oath sayeth He was personally
acquainted with Robert Rankins deceased
and with his wife Peggy Rankin and that they
the said Robert  + Peggy mother children Thomas
R Rankin _ William N Rankin John K Rankin
James Rankin + Fnoere R Rankin [illegible]
his father Peter Cartwright house in the Mississippi
Territory now the state of Alabama
Washington County Some time in the year 1811-12. 
sometime and settled near his fathers house
for many years - that he was nine years old or
thereabouts at the time the Rankins moved
to the Missippi territory and has a [illegible]
clear and [district/distrust?] [illegible]
to his fathers house and of the persons of the
Rankin family above named, that
Said Robert and Peggy Rankin lived together
continually and as Man + wife in his fathers
neighborhood until the year 1802 when
the said Robert + Peggy Rankin removed
to Texas in company with Peter Cartwright
his father and his company with Deponent
who all emigrated to Texas at the same
time - that he said Deponent frequently heard
and took much [illegible] thereof from interesting
associations ^ and narration ^ connected therewith of the
conversations held between the Robert + Peggy
Rankin relative to their marriage and their
condition during the Revolutionary war of
American Independence in which they
often times stated their distressed [illegible]
having a small family + being [illegible] Depending
for support upon their [illegible][illegible] and
if Mr Robert Rankins having [illegible]
Page 26

Compelled to have his wife Peggy
to save in the way of the United States
and of his having been in several battles
during the revolutionary war - that he
has seen the family Record upon a leaf
of the family bible of the births of several
children of Robert and Peggy Rankin
as correctly copied upon the first page of
this testimony and he believes that 
same to be a true hand of them since
ages that William Rankin and Frank
Rankin children before named of the
said Robert and Peggy Rankin are resident
Citizens of the South of Texas and of the
County of Montgomery and Polk in said
state - that they are now living and
here present and the [illegible] here as the
same William + Frederick who came
with their parents Robert + Peggy this
fathers house in Missippi territory
as aforesaid that he had [illegible]
as before said Peggy Rankin the
now living in the County of Polk aforesaid
To all of which I certify and that I
have correctly copied the names and births
of the Several Rankins a appear upon 
the first page of this evidence from a leaf
of the family bible record of said Rankins
I further certify that said William and
Frederick Rankin, the first a citizen
of Said County of Montgomery is well
known to me and now presently corresponding
in age to his birth as mentioning
in said Record about Sixty years of age
Page 27

and Frederick Rankin of Polk County
(Reported Children of [illegible] Robert Rankins)
+ he present appearing to be about 55 years
of age -

I further certify that the [illegible]
Willaford Cartwright Deponent is a 
man of [illegible] + veracity in this [illegible]
[illegible] and highly [illegible][illegible][illegible][illegible][illegible] from[illegible]
the 21st day of october the said
Williaford Cartwright after having

[illegible] hereto being duly sworn + this
[illegible] of Williford Cartwright

Thom.s Betts
Notary Public
Montgomery
County

the State of Texas
County of Montgomery

I W H Fowler Clerk of the
County Court in and for Said County certify that
Thomas Betts whose name and seal is appended to the
above and foregoing certificate is Notary public for the
County of Montgomery that he has given Bond and
Complied with the requisites of the Law - and that full
faith and credit is due all his official acts as such
rotary public for the County of Montgomery

Given under my hand and
Page 28

Seal of Office of the town of Montgomery this twenty first 
day of October 1841,  
Montgomery County
Page 29

Robert Rankins
W. 26365
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. V. B. Wood
1019 E. 8th Street
Pueblo, Colorado

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary
War records of Robert and Simeon Rankin of
Virginia.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office
are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land,
which have been made to the United States, based upon
service in that war. A search of the records fails
to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary
War service of Simeon Rankin or Rankins.

The date which follows wars obtained from pension
claim, W. 26365, based upon the service of Robert Rankins
in the Revolutionary War.

Robert Rankins (as his signature is shown in the
claim) was born in the State of Virginia, date not 
given, nor are the names of his parents stated.

Robert Rankins served from sometime in 1776, as
private, ensign and lieutenant with the Virginia
troops, part of the time in Colonel Hugh Stephenson's
regiment, also in Captain John Marshall's company; he
was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Stony
Point, and the siege of Charlestown, South Carolina,
where he was taken prisoner and held until exchanged
(date not given), went home on furlough and shortly
afterwards returned to the army and served until the
close of the war.

The above named Captain John Marshall was later
Page 30

Chief Justice, and was a near kinsman to said Robert
Rankins, degree of relationship not shown.

Robert Rankins in 1802 was living near Logan
County, Kentucky, and from there moved to Mississippi
Territory, that part which was later, Washington
County, Alabama. He was allowed pension on his application
executed July 26, 1828, then aged seventy-five
years and living in Washington County, Alabama. [handwritten: He has a 
[illegible]]

Robert Rankins married October 1, 1781 (while
home on furlough) in Frederick County, Virginia,
Peggy or Margaret Berry. She was born February 16,
1756, place not stated, nor are the names of her 
parents given.

Robert Rankins died November 1, 13, or 30, 1837
in St. Landry, Louisiana. The widow, Peggy or
Margaret Rankins, was allowed pension on her application
executed March 22, 1844, at which time She was living
in Liberty County, Texas. [handwritten: res. 1852 [illegible]]


Robert Rankins and his wife, Peggy or Margaret,
had seven sons and three daughters, six of whom were
alive in 1844; the following are the only names shown
in the claim -

Thomas B. born May 8 or 17, 1783
Elizabeth born January 27, 1785
William M. born August 24, 1786
Joseph born November 4, 1788
John K. born January 5, 1791
James born June 27, 1792
Frederick born February 15, 1794
Henry born February 7, 1796.

Thomas B. Rankins was killed at the battle of
Fort Mims in 1813, he was then an officer, rank not
shown. William M. Rankins in 1844 was living in
Montgomery County, Texas, and Frederick Rankins in
1844 was living in Polk County, Texas. William Butler
stated in 1846 that John K. Rankins married in 1815 or
1816 a sister of his, but did not giver her name.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 31

Revy
Widow, &c.

File No. 2,6365
Peggy Rankin
Wid of
Robert Rankin
Lieut Reev War

Act: July 4th 1836
Indes: - Vol. M, Page 157

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 32

1931 - Sept. 17 Walter H. Raukins 
1931 - Oct. 10 " " Mrs. J.H. Tuscany 
1931 - Oct. 31 Mrs. F.H.  Tuscany  
1934 - Jan 22 - " " "  "   " 
 list - us was herned away any
1934 - april 6 lish to mrs. V.V. me Murray 
1936 - Dec 16 - "  " mrs. V.B. Woodards
1939. June 20 - "  " mrs. madura Celar an
1939 - June 28 - "  " mrs. V.W. McMurrey
Page 33

Mr Edwards will
be so good as to let
Gen.l Houston Know if
the present enclosed
papers will be sufficient
to make enable him to
draw Mrs Peggy Rankins
pension. 

Very Truly
Thine

[illegible]

6th July 1845
Page 34

Texas 11, 007
Payable at Washington, D.C. 
Peggy Runkin
Widow of Robert Runkin

And who died on the 1st November, 1837, 
Of Liberty Co. in the State of Texas, 
Who was Lieut. In the conferderacy
 commanded by Captain
Commnady by 
the Virginia line for 2 years from 
Inscribed on the Roll of Texas 
at the rate of 320 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence of the ---
____ 1st November, 1837.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of 
July, 1846, and sent to Hon S. 
Houston, Senate U. S. 
Total amount, 
Recorded by D Brown, - clerk, 
Book D Vol. 1 Page 523
Page 35

Texas 4447
Payable of Washington City
Peggy Rankin
widow of Robert Rankin
who died on the 1st November, 1837
of Liberty Co. in the State of Texas
who was Lieutenant in the company commanded 
by Captain --- of the  commander 
by ---- in the Virginia 
line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Texas 
at the rate of 320 Dollars -- Cents
per annum, to commence on the 
1st, November, 1837.

Certificate Pension issued the 23 day of February, 1867 and sent to Hon 
Samuel Houston, Senate U States
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1847
Semi-annual allowance engingle Sep...
the amount paid under
acts of July 7, 1838, March 31
June 17. 1866, to the deducted
Page 36

To what time was Robert Ranken, 
act May 15, 1828, last paid - He was once 
on the Louisiana Roll - also on the 
Tennesea Roll. 
                                    J.L. Edwards
                                    July 9. 1846
Page 37

one [illegible] [illegible] 130 00
one centr talbe 22 00
one meriras 14 00
one ring 3 00
carpet + matting 22 50
curtains 6 00
-----------------------
19 750
=============

2 parlor 6 Chairs 11 00
1 fench reab chair 10 50
sofa 24 50
Merras 9 50
table 8 50
rug 3 00
Carpet + Matting 23 50
=============
96 50
=============

Kitchen 
Home 20 00
table 4 50
Reading  Chairs 1 90
1 Child dining chair 80
1 Child [illegible] chair 50
oil cloth 5 00
Settee 2 25
--------------------
38 45

painted sette + matrass 50 00
parlos chambrs 80 00
[illegible] 25 00
[illegible] 15 00
[illegible] 5 00
Crib 5 00

[on left margin to list:]

38 45
5000
8000
2500
1500
500
------------------
50745
500
51145
Page 38

State of Louisiana Parrish of St Landry personally Came Robert Rankins and Being Duly sworn Before the under signed authority acting in and for the parrish of St Landry and saith he Resides in the parrish of St Landry who was formerly a citizon [citizen] of washington County of Alabama he the said Robert Rankins saith he he was and in titled [entitled] to the pay of Lieutenant as a pensioner of the United States and that the government of the united states is yet Due him from the third of March Eighteen hundred and thirty Five To the presant [present] time of July 11 day 1837 he furthe [further] saith that he is the said and same Robert Rankins who served as Lieutenant in the old Revolution a war and have Drawn my pay as such to the above Described time
Robert Rankins
I do here By Certy [certify] that Robert Rankins personally appear Before me Hardy Coward one of the Justices of the acting in and for said parris and saith that the above facts and alegations [allegations] are Just and true
Hardy Coward Justice of the Peace in and for the parrish of st landry La
Page 39

Judge Lipsbomb
attrtaken
MM [HH?]
Page 40

The Republic of Texas
Washington County
I have been acquainted with Margarett Rankin, the widow of Col Robert Rankin [illegible] the winter of Eighteen hundred and Eleven Twelve. She and her husband, then lived in Washington County in what is now the State of Alabama, then Mississippi Territory; they had at that time a large family of sons and daughters grown who the eldest son could not have been under thirty years of age He was in 1813 an officer, in General Claiborns [Claiborne] Brigade of Twelve months volunteers, And was slain by the Creek Indians at the fall of Fort Mims I had always heard and it was so understood, that she Margarett Rankin, was the lawfull wife of Col Robert Rankin, and the mother of all his children She could not at the time of my first acquaintance, with her been less than fifty years of age, And from the first, that she was the mother of the member of the family slain at Fort Mims. I had no doubt, that she must have been married to her husband before the close of the war of the American Revolution. I have frequently heard my mother, speak of her as the companion of her girlhood, in the State of Virginia before the Revolution, as Margarett Berry, her maiden name My mother if living is about Eighty years of age. The standing of Mrs Rankin is [illegible] forbid the slightest inferences that she had ever occupied any other than the relation of legal wife of Col Robert Rankin When I first knew them, they were in tolerably easy circumstances, but after the year 1820, they became reduced, and quite indigent I was then one of the Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Court
Page 41

in the State of Alabama. And Col Rankin, applied to me to aid him in having the testimony necessary to place him on the list of Pensioners. As an officer of the Revolutionary Army of the United States properly authenticated He encountered great difficulty in identifiing [identifying] himself, [illegible] in consequence of his having left Virginia soon after the close of the war And I believe he was much indebted at length for his success to the last Chief Justice Marshall, who was his near Kinsman, And in whom Company he had served
Some few years after Col Rankin had been placed on the list of Pensioners, he removed from the State of Alabama for the [illegible] as he told me of following his children, who had emigrated to the West. And I never saw him afterwards Mrs Rankin now lives in the Republic and has never married since the death of her husband
Abner S. Lipscomb
Republic of Texas Supreme Court June Term 1844
Personally appeared [crossed out] in open [end crossed out] Abner S Lipscomb who in open Court subscribed and made oath in due form of Law to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit that the same is in all things true in substance and fact
To certify which I have hereunto in open Court subscribed my name as Clerk of said Court and affixed the seal of the Court this 22 day of July A. D. 1844.

Thomas Green 
Clerk Sup. Court
Page 42

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS.
THE UNDERSIGNED, Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas, hereby certifies, that [handwritten] Thomas Green, [end handwritten] whose name is subscribed to the instruments of writing hereto annexed, was, at the time of signing the same, [handwritten] Clerk of the Supreme Court in said Republi; [Republic] [end handwritten] and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts.
GIVEN under my Hand, and Seal of Office, at [handwritten] Washington, [end handwritten] the [handwritten] Seventeenth [end handwritten] day of [handwritten] August [end handwritten] 184 [handwritten] 4 [end handwritten] 
Anson Jones
Page 43

The Court made the following order
Abner S. Lipscomb having this day appeared in Open Court and in due form of Law sworn to and subscribed an affidavit in support of the Declaration of Peggy Rankin who claims as the widow of Robert Rankin Deceased to be entitled to a Pension from the United States of America.
The Clerk of the Court is required to Certify the same under the deal of this Court.
Attest-
Thomas Green
Clerk
Washington July 22 1844.-
Page 44

S. Stephens July 8th 1828.
Sir,
At the request of Colo. Robert Rankin I take the liberty to state to you that I have been acquainted with him since the year 1813; that I should take him to be upwards of seventy years of age, that his mental faculties are unimpaired, and from his general reputation I should not hesitate to believe him on oath that the is the same individual who served the United States during the Revolutionary war
Page 45

as a Lieutenant.
I am with great respect,
Your obl. servant,
Wm. Crawford

Honble [Honorable]
Richard Rush
Secretary of the 
Treasury.
Page 46

Calcasieu La 11 July 1837
Rice Garland esqr
Sir I am called on by Mr Robert Rankins an old soldier of seventy six (a [illegible] by birth) to write you in relation to my knowledge of him.
I knew Mr Robert Rankins in Washington County Alabama, near my former residence, about thirtyen [thirteen] or fourteen years ago, and from his character I have no doubt but his statements are true. I have been induced to make him advances on the faith of his claims on the U. States as a pensioner and as proof to my mind that his claims are correct, I collected for him last fall two drafts draw on the branch Bank of the U.S. in New Orleans (vis, one years pay [ink blot, illegible] hundred and twenty dollars) I hope you will attend to this old soldiers claims without delay, he is in want and will ever be thankfull to you for your attention. I am thankfull for your favors of Double Documents from Washington and hope you will not forget me next fall
Yours truly - - - 
R.C. Neblett
Page 47

Agents Office
[illegible] H Nov 1837

Sir
Yours of the [illegible] is received. and in answer to your request I
have to state that Rob.t Rankin a pensioned per act 15 May 1828 at 320
per annum, has not claimed or been paid since he has been inscribed in
our Book thought it appears from our Books that is entitled to receive
from H March 1835.

I am Very respectfully your HS[illegible]
Geo S Gann
P agt

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm. Pensions
Washington City, DC -
Page 48

Washington Oct. 17th 1837

Sir

In reply to your letter of the 5th - inst.
I have to observe, that in my opinion the
affidavit of Mr Robert Raskins, together
with the letter of Doctor R. C. Niblett, substantially
complies with the Law and the regulations
of the Department, though they have
not all the formalities required in the printed
form of the affidavit sent me - The
only object is to identify Mr Rankins as
the person entitled to the pension, which appears
in his name in your office - I now
submit, whether that fact is not established
The old gentleman swears to it himself and
Doctor Niblett certifies to it and knows the
fact from having collected the pensions for
him - I am personally and well acquainted
with Handy Cornand Esqr, before whom
the affidavit is made, and know he is
an acting Justice of the peace in and for
the Parish in which he and I reside - he
is a highly respectable man - is personally
acquainted with Mr Rankins, and I know
would not have permitted any one to pen-
Page 49

sonate him - I have a letter from him on
the subject - I have known Doctor Niblett
a [illegible] of years, and no man
stands higher - His letter as entitled to full
as much credit as if it were sworn to -
It would be very inconvenient and cause
much delay, to send the papers to Louisiana 
- Mr Rankins resides near the Sabine
River and at a great distance from any
post office - I hope you will review
the case, and give an order to have his
name placed on the roll of pensions to
be paid in New Orleans - He is very old
and is much in need of the money -

Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt

R. Garland

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com.r of Pensions

P S. I enclose the affidavit of Mr Rankins
and the letter of Doctor R. C. Niblett to me,
to be filed necessary -
Page 50

Nashville, February 4th 1803.

Sir,
I am applied to on behalf of a Mrs Rankin now resident in
Texas and who claims to be the widow of a Revolutionary Officer to take the
proper measures for procuring her a pension from the United States. I learn that
the name of her husband was Robert Rankin, sometimes called Rankins, and
that for some years previous to his death he was in the [illegible] of a pension,  under
the act of June 1832, but whether enrolled under the name of Rankin or Rankins,
his widow does not know. She states that Hon. Rev Garland formerly a member
of Congress from Louisiana was the agent who procured his pension and transacted
his leasings during his life. That after his death, Mr. Moore also a member of
Congress from the same state and subsequently a Mr. Niblett was instructed on her 
behalf to procure her a pension, but with what success she never never learned.
I wish to be informed whether the name of Robert Rankin or Rankins is found
on the pension rolls previous to Nov. 1837 when he died. If found it will most
probably be an those of the Louisiana agency. In case his name be found,
and the right of his widow be otherwise established, I wish to know whether the
removal of the widow to another government will constitute any impediment to the
allowance of a pension, and if i do not, what officer or tribunal in Texas would
be recognized as competent to take the requested proofs of marriage, widowhood.
[illegible] I am not yet prepared to say whether the application will be made under the act
of 1830 or that of 1838.

Respectfully,

Preston Hay

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City}
Page 51

Preston Hay
May 16 1843
Page 52

314
Pen H
March 11 [illegible]

Sir
In answer to your
enquiry in the case of the widow
of Robert Rankin dec.d late pensioner
on the Louisiana Agency
and the act of 7. June 32  I
would inform you that her
declaration must be made in
the U. States - Material facts may
be established by depositions of witnesses
in Texas either before a consul of
the U. States or any Judicial offer
of Texas whose official character
signature should be attested by
the seal of the proper officer.

Preston Hay [illegible]
Nashville
Ten.
Page 53

The Republic of Texas know all Men by these
County of Liberty present that I Peggy Rankin 
of the County and Republic 
aforesaid do as this the twenty-eigth day of September 
in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and forty four constitute, nominate, and appoint
My son William M. Rankin My free and lawful 
perform all and singular the things, business, and
transactions in deed in fact and in law in as full
and ample a Manner I My self could do serve I
personally present. To ask of demand and receive
of and from the secretary of the Treasury of the
Authorized to Pay out the Money to which I am
entitled as the widow of Robert Rankin pensioner
of the said United States of America and to seek 
for the same And do and perform  all and singular 
the things or thins in as full, final, complete and
ample a Measure as I might or could do were I
personally present and in the last above specified 
business as will as all other business to see and 
be sued to please And be inpleaded in Maintaining 
any suit or action which he My said Attorney 
may think proper to institute or Maintain which 
shall be a complete bar to any right of Action 
in me
Page 54

And further by these presents do constitute nominate
and appoint the said William M. Rankin My true
lawful and sale Attorney in deed in fact and in law
hereby recording and making knull and void all other
powers of Attorney here tofore made by me to any
person or persons whatsoever or whomsoever And
further by these presents do I waive all informaity
in this instrument and place and [illegible] > My said son
William M. Rankin in My room place and stead
to do and perform all the premises both special
and general, in full and [illegible] legal and Equitable
a Manner as I Myself could do. Advanced age
rendering it impossible for me to do and perform
said premised in person. In testimony whereof
I have here unto set My name And affixed a scroll
as My seal On the day And date above written
signed seald and delivered
in the presence of
F H Rankin
Robert. S. Rankin}

Peggy Rankin {Seal}
Page 55

at offices

The Republic of Texas
County of Liberty}
Personally appeared the within
named Peggy Rankin before me
the undersigned Notary public in
and for the County and Republic aforesaid And
acknowledged that she signed sealed and delivered
the foregoing instrument in writing for the purposes:
therein contained And stated that the wished it
fully respected.

In testimony whereof I G. L. Martin
Notary public in and for the
County and Republic aforesaid
have here unto set My name
officially and affixed a scroll
as my seal these being no public
seal at My office On this the
twenty eight day of September in
the year of Our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and forty.four

G.L. Martin N.P.C.L. {Seal}
Page 56

Republic of Texas.

The Undersigned, Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas,
hereby certifies, that P. C. Jack, whose name is subscribed
to the instruments of writing hereto annexed, was, at the time of signing the same,

Judge of the sixth Judicial District, and
one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme
Court of the Republic of Texas
and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts.

[illegible] under my Hand, and Seal of Office, at
Washington, the
Tenth day
of August 1844

Austin Jones
Page 57

Washington
11th Apl 1846

Gail Houston presents his respects
to Mr Edwards, and would ask
of a reference to Mrs Rankins papers
papers, in which a pension has [illegible]
how drawn, would not furnish,
the evidence which you desire.
She formerly drew a pension, and
I think it never ceased, until
she removed to Texas. I hope
the necessary information may
be found.

[illegible]
Page 58

Winchester April 14th 1846

Sir

Yours of [illegible] was [illegible] to Frederick County
Maryland which will account for its not having been answered sooner.

There is no record of the returns of managers in my Office prior
To the year 1782 now [illegible] I find any law requiring Ministers of the Gospel
to make returns from [illegible] years. I have examined the register from
this Commencement to the year 1790 and [illegible] find any return of the
marriage of Robert Rankins and Peggy Berry.

I cannot find any of the bonds Taken where licensed [illegible] [illegible]
the Revolutionary war and very few prior to the year 1799. The register
has been well kept of all returns made by Ministers sworn this
year 1782, but, judging from their negligence now, I presume many [illegible]
2 [illegible] took place in these [illegible] the returns of which were not made 

I am very respectfully
your Obt Serv

J. S. Tidball
Page 59

Winchester April 20th 1826.

Dear Sir

I few days before the receipt of yours of the
17th. Inv., requesting information of the information of Robert Rankins
and Peggy Berry, I received a letter from J. L. Edwards
of the pension office on this same subject.

I informed Mr. Edwards that there was no record in
my office of the marriages celebrated by Ministers of the Gospel
prior to the year 1782 nor could I find any law prior to that
time requiring them to make returns to the clerks. I refer
you to the letter to Mr Edwards for my full statement on the
Subject.

I much regret that it is not in my person to furnish the
evidence of the old ladies marriage to enable her to obtain a
pension - I presume, under the circumstances, evidence of their
being reported man + wife and or received and acknowledged
by the community in which they lived, would now be the only +
best evidence of the marriage -

I am very respectfully
your obser

J. S. Tidball
Page 60

Hon. [illegible] Houser
Aug. 3 '46
Page 61

Pension Office
August 3, 1846

Dear Sir,

I find on looking t Mrs.
Rankins papers that pension certificates
were issued in her name giving her a 
pension ab$320 per annum under
the act of 1838 for live ^years^ and a like
pension under the Act of 1843 and
1844 from [illegible] # 1843 March 
1848. They were sent to you on the
9th [illegible]

[illegible]

Hon. S. Houston
Senate U.S.
Page 62

Pension office
August 8, 1846

Sir,

In compliance with your request
I have again taken up the case of Mrs.
Peggy Rankin. If she can prove that her
husband the late captain Rankin was
born so far back as in 1783, such evidence
will be sufficient to establish the fact of
her marriage before her husband the late
Robert Rankin left the service. In that
case she will be entitled to a pension
from the time when her husband died
up to the day of her death, unless she
should again marry. If she should be able
to establish her claim under the act of
July 4, 1836, her pension certificate
issued under the acts of 1838, 1843 and
1844 just be returned to this office

I have the

Hon. Samuel Houston
Senate U. States.
Page 63

Hon. Sam.l Houston

Jan. 25, 1847.
Page 64

447
Pension Office
January 25. 1847

Dear Sir,

I have examined and
filed the papers which you recently Deposited
here in the care of Mrs. Peggy
Rankin, widow of the late Lieutenant,
Robert Rankin, and I find that they
contain proof sufficient to authorize
us to place her name on the roll of
Pensioners under the act of July 4, 1836,
which mite give her a pension for life.
But before we can issue a certificate
under that law, she must return her
other certificate to this office, in order
that they may be cancelled.

I have the power

Hon. Samuel Houston
Senate U. States.
Page 65

Washington City, Feb'y 20, 1847.

Sir,

I have the honer to state, in reference to the subject 
of Mrs. Peggy Rankin's pension, that on my return
to Texas last summer I delivered to her in person her
certificate, which she holds, and at the same time gave
her the draft of the Bank of the Metropolis, where I
had deposited her funds.

My object, now, is to obtain another certificate,
embracing the additional allowance of pension under
the proofs which I brought on with me upon my
return here in December, and which have been deposited
in your office - so that I may be able to
draw her pension agreeably to the Power of Attorney
which she gave me for that purpose.

I presume there can be no impropriety in
granting a new certificate; for the reason that no
transfer in the payment of her pension has taken
place; and the certificate which would be filed with
the Pension Agent here would serve as a check upon any
attempt to use the other certificate, if it should remain
out. But I pledge myself, if I live to return home, that the
other shall be returned to you office, if it is in existence
if the old lady ever needs it, it will be at the present time.
She is now blind and resides with one of her children.

My wish is to deposit the money in bank
here, and take drafts of such size that she can cash
Page 66

them at home without trouble. Knowing the old
lady as well as I do, and as none of her connections
are business people. I take more pleasure in soliciting
from you every aid that you can consistently
extend to her.

I trust you will do me the favor to
notify me with the result of you action on this
application.

I have the honor to be,
with great consideration,
your very ob't ser't, 


Sam Houston

J.L. Edwards, Esq.,
Commissioner of Pensions,
[illegible]
Page 67

Deposition of
William Butler
in the case of
Mrs Peggy Rankin
for Pension
Page 68

State of Texas
Polk County
Be it known that I James P. Collins, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that William Butler of said county, about sixty years old, and arlo known to me, as a [illegible] truthful, and honest man, personally appeared before me and made Oath to the following facts (to wit) In the year eighteen hundred and two, when I was about sixteen years old, my Father with his family resided in Logan County Kentucky, Robert Rankin with his wife Peggy Rankin, and his family removed, and settled within two miles of my Fathers, and that both families resided, at their respective places for two years. They then separated and again resided near each other in the States of Alabama, Mississippi and then removed to Texas.
Page 69

In eighteen hundred three, Thomas B.
Rankin the oldest son, was a bearded
man, and grown , and I am fully
Satisfied, that he must have been at
least twenty year old. 

I have seen and examined
the deposition of Williford Cartwright
and I verily believe all the material
facts therein contained, as they correspond
with my own recollections of
details which I often heard, as my
father had been in the Revolutionary
war at the same time with Robert
Rankin. I have seen the family
Record, (a transcript - of which accompanies
the Deposition of said
Cartwright) and I believe it be
genuine; and true, as well from
the appearance of the original, as
from my Knowledge of the various
members of the family

Owing to the intimate + frequent
intercourse, of the families of my
Page 70

Father, and Robert Rankin, I have often
heard both Mr + Mrs Rankin, speak of
their marriage, which they said took
place, while he was on furlong from
the army, and that he left for the
army again, and did not return
home, until after the war which
to the best of my recollection, was
about two years.

My recollections of the
Rankin family is more particular
from the fact, that Jno K Rankin, the
fourth son in the family married
a sister of mine in 1815 or 16, and I
have resided, within eighteen miles
of Mrs Peggy Rankin, in Texas for
years, and often see her, and other
members of the family William Butler

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 13th day of
Nov 1846}

James. P. Collins
Justice of Peace
Page 71

State of Texas
Liberty County}

On this fifth day of
March in the year of our Lord eighteen
hundred, and forty six personally appeared 
Peggy Rankin, aged ninety years
before me a Notary Public for the
county aforesaid, (and she being
well known to me) and making oath
that she is the identical person, who
Signed a declaration, before the Judge
of the sixth Indiana District ^on the 22nd March^ in the 
year eighteen hundred and forty four
and that all the facts material made
in Said declaration, are true, and that
the present instrument is intended
to be considered, as a part of the
[illegible] and that she has remained
a widow ever since the decease of 
her husband, Robert Rankin.

her
x
mark
Peggy Rankin

Sworn to and Subscribed before G.L. Martin notary public
duly commissioned and Sworn as such on this the 5th
day of March A.D 1846

G. L. Martin, Notary public
Liberty County Texas
Page 72

Act 1828
Settled ab

Treasury
Coms.d [illegible]

[illegible]
File #26360
Page 73

591
[crossed out: 795]
806

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Augt. 26. 1828

Robert Rankins, of [blank] in the County of
Washington, in the State of Alabama, has applied to the Secretary
of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving
officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution,' approved on the 15th of May, 1828.
He states that he was an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end
of the war,
at which period he was a Lieutenant in the third regiment of the Virginia
line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve
of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 
1826, nothing [crossed out: dollars, paid to him by the agent
in the State of]
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated
by the records in his office.

By order of the Secretary,
A. Dinkins,

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Third Auditor's Office,
2nd September 1828

It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for
the commutation of five years full pay to Robert Rankins. Lietuenant in
the Virginia line, amounting to Sixteen Hundred dollars.

It further appears that Robert Rankins in ^not^ now on the pension
list of any agency, and has ^not^ been since the 3d March
1826 [crossed out: at the rate at] [blank] [crossed out: per month]

Peter Hagner  [illegible]
Page 74

Republic of Texas
Sixth Judicial District} ss.

Personally appeared before me,
(In Chambers) Peggy Rankin
the declarant in the foregoing declaration,
to me personally known
who having heard the declaration
read made oath in due form
of said that it is in all things
true in substance and fact.

To certify which I have hereunto
subscribed my hand and affixed
my seal this 22nd day of March
A.D. eighteen hundred and forty-four
and I do further certify that
from her appearance as well as the general
Reputation the very advanced age
of her children with several
of whom I am personally acquainted
and her minute acquaintance
with the occurrences of the Revolution
I do not entertain a shadow of a 
doubt that she is the widow of Robert
Rankin dec.d and that her said
declaration is entitled to perfect
faith and credit

P C Jack {seal},
Judge of the Sixth
Judicial district
Page 75

I Patrick C Jack Judge of the
sixth judicial District of the Republic 
of Texas which includes the
District Court of Montgomery County
do hereby Certify that William Landrum
whose deposition precedes this statement
is well known to me - that he is a 
man of strict truth and his deposition
entitled to full faith and credit
and that he subscribed and sworn
to the said deposition in open
court after having examined and
approved the same

Given under my hand +
seal this 30th March 1844 -

PC Jack {Seal}
Judge [illegible]
Page 76

The testimony of William Land
[illegible] of full age of the County of Montgomery 
in the Republic of Texas taken
before the District Court of said county
in open court - 

This deponent having been duly
sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty
God deposeth and saith - that
he has known Robert Rankin and Peggy
Rankin whose declaration has 
been read in his hearing from
the year 1812 till some time in
the fall of 1836 or winter following
when they removed to the United State 
of America (as he is informed to the
State of Louisiana - where (he is 
informed and believes) the said
Robert died in or about the year
1837 - soon after which the said
Peggy Rankin returned to Texas
and ever since has resided in, and
still lives in this Republic - that they
the said Robert and Peggy Rankin
ever recognized each other and were
unequivocally and uniformly regarded
by all others acquainted with
them as husband and wife - that
this deponent was also acquainted
with the children of the said Peggy
and from their age or that of several
of them as well as from general uncontradicted
reputation he does not 
doubt the statements made by her
Page 77

her declaration is in this respect is in all
things correct and true - that he should
suppose her to be approaching ninety years
of age and he does not doubt that he 
was the oldest of her children was as old
as she represents him to have been - that
the said Robert was generally reputed to
have been a soldier and an officer in
the Revolutionary Army of the now
United States of America - that he
knew Thomas Rankin son of the said
Rob
Page 78

[postal cancellation:}
Pueblo
Dec 5
1030 PM
1936

[rubber stamp:]
Received
Dec 7 1936
[illegible]

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS

Veteran's Administration,
Washington, 
D. C.
Page 79

Dear Sir - Can your office
furnish any data on Lieut
Robert Rankin who served in
the Va. Continental Line during
the Revolution. He was given
a military land warrant in
Ky. in 1783.

Can you furnish data on
Simeon Rankin who served in
in the Va. 11th Regt.
appointed Lieut 57th 11798

Yours truly 
Mrs. V B Wood
1019 E. 8th St., Pueblo,
Page 80

Republic of Texas
Montgomery Court} 
District Court
Spring Term 1844.

In support of the Declaration of
Mrs. Pegg Rankin taken in Chambers
before Judge Patrick C Jack of
the sixth Judicial District including
said County personally appeared
in open Court the Hon.l Jesse Grimes
who being first duly sworn in open
court. deported that he was acquainted
with the Declarant Peggy Rankin
and her late husband Robert Rankin
from the year 1818 till the death of
the latter in or about the year 1837
and the former to this time - that he
knew him as man and wife - they
lived together and were recognised 
as such - that he knew most of their
children and yet knows some of them
who are from forty to sixty years 
of age - did not know Thomas Rankin
but was informed by the family
and Knows by general reputation
that he fell at Fort Mims during 
the late war between the United States 
and Great Britain - that by general
reputation he knew the said Robert
Rankin to have been a revolutionary
officer and pensioner of the U.
States. - From his long acquaintance
with Peggy Rankin - the accuracy
of her memory as to the events of
the Revolutionary War in the said
Page 81

United States her advanced age and reputation
for strict veracity added to her appearance 
and feebleness he does not dout
the accuracy of her statements, to 
her age and the time of her marriage
to her said husband - that she has
never married again since her said
husband's death but is still the widow
of said Robert - that he believes she
is too inferm to go to the United 
States to make her Declaration or
even to attend the sessions of the
courts in Texas without the risk of
her health - and that he has full confidence
in the accuracy and truth
of her declaration in every part. 

William Landrum being first
in like manner + form sworn testifies
to the same facts as stated by the Hon.
Jesse Grimes and in addition states that
he knew the said Robert Rankin from
the year 1812 till a short time before his
death which happened in Louisiana
one of the United States of America
in the year 1837 and that
he knew Thomas Rankin his son
- that he fell at Fort Mims during
the war between the United States
and England and he does not doubt
was as old as he was represented
to be by the said Declarant Peggy
Rankin.
Page 82

The testimony of Jesse Grimes a
citizen of the County of Montgomery
taken in open court before the Judge
of the sixth Judicial District of the
Republic of Texas - The said deponent
being first duly sworn on the
holy Evangelist of Almighty God
deposeth and saith --

That he has known Robert Rankin
and his wife Peggy Rankin
from the year one thousand
eight hundred and eighteen - The
first named till he left Texas in
the winter or spring of eighteen hundred
and thirty - six when he left as
this deponent was informed and believe\for 
Louisiana United States of America
and have known the latter during the
same period up to the [crossed out, illegible] time
of the departure of the said Robert
to the United States and from 
the time she returned to Texas in
the year 1838 or 1839 to this time
-she having since that time remained
in Texas - that he knew them
as living together as man and wife
-that he knew most of her children
mentioned in her petition or declaration
-and now knows several of them
who are from forty to sixty years
of age - that he never knew Thomas
as having died (as he is informed
and believes) or been killed at Fort
Page 83

Mims. He further states - that all the persons
whom he has known and regarded as
the children of said Robert and Peggy Rankin
during this period have been recognised
as their children and have recognised
them as their father and mother and
have been so reputed and recognised
by general reputation to his knowledge
in the relationship before stated for
near thirty years in the United States
and this Republic - and from general
reputation he knew the said
Robert Rankin to be recognized 
amongst his acquaintances as an
officer of the Revolutionary Army of
the Now United States aforesaid and
a pentioner of that Government -
-That from his knowledge of, and
acquaintance with the said Peggy
Rankin + her appearance he is well
convinced that she is as old as she alleges
herself to be and from her uniform 
accuracy in regard to the events of
the Revolution of the said United
States + her character for truth he
is confident that her declaration
in regard to her marriage and in
short in every respect is strictly accurate
and true - that her age and
infirmaties This deponent well believes
would together render it exceedingly
dangerous if not iminently so ^to her heal[illegible]^either
to attend the courts of any part of the
United States or Texas - that since
the death of her said husband she has
Page 84

never married again

Sworn to + Subscribed
before me 30th March 1844
WH Fowler DCD [illegible]

Jesse Grimes

I Patrick C Jack Judge of the sixth Judicial
District of said Republic do hereby
certify that the foregoing testimony was 
given and subscribed to be the Honorable
Jesse Grimes to me well known in open
court and that he is a man of strict
veracity and his testimony entitled
to full faith and credit.

Given under my hand and
and seal this 30th March 1844.

PC Jack {seal}
Judge [illegible]
Page 85

Sawyr

Susan A. F. Randall
[illegible]
W. W. D. 
[illegible]
Page 86

Westfield Feby 10th 1882
A T Randal + Co.
Washington D. C.

Gentlemen
you will see from enclosed
card that you have been recommended
to me
Robert Rankin was a Revolutionary,
of 1776. please ascertain up to what 
time he recieved his pay, I mean
his Pension, write me the exact
amount that he drew per anum
and the precise date of his
last payment
also the amount that his wife Peggy
Rankin was entitled to and her
last drawing
and write at once
your fee will be all you can ask

yours tuly
John. J. Rankins
Page 87

address me at
Westfield
Harris County
Texas
Page 88

Augusta, Ky
8-20-'31

[rubber stamp:]
RECEIVED
SEP 9 1931
RECEIPT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION

Director of Pension,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:-

Will you please have your office
inform me of any records you may have of
William Rankins, also spelled Rankin, and
Robert Rankins.

I desire to know the place and
date of birth and the names of their parents
or any beneficiaries.

They were both revolutionary soldiers
from Virginia and later located in Mason
County, Ky.

Any information you may send me will
be highly appreciated.

Yours very truly,
Walter H. Rankins

Walter H. Rankins,
Augusta, Ky.

[rubber stamp:]
RECEIVED
AUG 22 1931
RECEIPT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
Page 89

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

[crossed out: BUREAU OF PENSIONS]

WASHINGTON

September 1, 1931

THIS LETTER REFERS TO
YOUR FILE NUMBER:

IN REPLY REFER TO:
BA-J/AWF

Walter H. Rankins
Augusta
Kentucky.

Dear Sir:

You are advised that the data given by you
are not sufficient to enable this office to make
a proper search of records.

as a means of identifying the records of 
Robert and William Rankins (Rankin). War of the
Revolution, as much as possible of the following
data in regard to each, are essential - approximate
dates of birth and death and places of residence
at enlistment and after service.

Please return these letters with your replay.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

[rubber stamp:]
RECEIVED
SEP 9 1931
RECEIPT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
Page 90

J.M. MILNER'S SON
T.E. MILNER, PROP.
DEPARTMENT STORE
AUGUSTA, KY.
September 7, 1931.

Reply: File Number BA-J/AWF

William Rankins was born in Virginia (probably August County(?)
in 1758 and died at Washington (Maysville), Ky. Mason County,
April 12, 1836.

Robert Rankins was probably born at the same place and died
probably at the same place and was about the same age as
William Rankins.

The records of the War Department contain the following:

William Rankin served in the Revolutionary War as a private
in Captain Henry Heth's Independent Company, Virginia, stationed
at Fort Pitt. His name is borne on a record dated December
28, 1777 and the latest record shows him present at
Fort Pitt April 5, 1778.

The name William Rankin, also borne Rankins, appears on a
record under the heading,

A list of soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental
Establistment who have received certificates for the
balance of their full pay agreeable to an Act of Assembly
passed November session 1781.

This record shows the following certificates:
June 13, 1783, for I 64-1?-8, received by Colonel Gibson;
August 2, 1783, I 46-9-4 received by Robert Rankins and
January 18, 1785 I 56-6-2 received by Captain Tannihil.

This is all the data I have except the tombstone of
William Rankins on which is carved these words: '' He
was a soldier of the Revolution." His wife's first name
was Mary Ann.

[illegible]
Robert Rankins wife is borne "Peggy" on a deed in
Maysville, Mason County, Ky. the year 1800-1802.

Very respectfully submitted:

Walter H. Rankins.


[rubber stamp:]
RECEIVED
SEP 8 1931
RECEIPT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
Page 91

[rubber stamp:]
RECEIVED
OCT 21 1931
[illegible]

Fort Worth Texas.
3136 Odessa st
Oct 15, 1931

Veterans Administrator
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir.

Refer to Ba - J1AWF
I am in receipt of yours of the 15th inst
in reply to my letter to you regarding Robert Rankins
(Rankin) for which I am so very grateful to you, 
as you gave me so much valuable information.
I would like so very much to have he middle name
of interest of James son of Robert, That is my [illegible].
If possible I would also be very glad to have you
relate in just what way Robert Rankin was related
to Captain John Marshall..as you state he was a war
kinsman.

I have been told that the mother of Robert Rankin
was a Sister to Geo. Washington. Possibly you can
enlighten me on this. Will you also advise me if this Robert
also served as Sergeant in Captain Lieutenant Slaughters co. 7th Virginia
Regiment commanded by col Daniel Morgan Revolutionary War. and was
Capt also Lieutenant [illegible] Johnston's Co. I have such record on Robert Rankin
Having he enlisted Aug 26, 1776 but want to be sure if they are the same or not
Thanking you very kindly and trusting that I may hear from you in the very
near future, Jain

Very Sincerely

Mrs. F. H. Tuscany
Page 92

[rubber stamp:]
RECEIVED
MAR 20 1934
MAIL [illegible]
[illegible
[illegible]

Camilla, Texas
Mar 18th 34

Veterans Administration..

Wash, D. C.

Dear sirs:

Will you please give
me all the information you
have on the life of Rob't
Rankins, based upon the military
service in the War of the American
Revolution - (Revolutionary War
pension claim #26365 -
His wife's name and Peggy
(Margaret) Berry Rankins -

All the information you
can give me will be
highly appreciated -

Very Resp
Mrs V. W. Mc Murrey
Page 93

Va.
Rankins, Robert
Rankin, Peggy
W.26365
B.L.Wt. 1380-200
Page 94

[rubber stamp:]
RECEIVED
MAY 29 1939
SEARCH SECT.
INDEX
SUB- DIV.
Page 95

[[rubber stamp:]
RECEIVED
MAY 8 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS ADM.
READER #17



[crossed out:]
 Mrs. Ella McMurrey
"ELLA" crossed out and V.W. written above

Dealer in

[crossed out:]
GENERAL MERCHANDISE

Camilla, Texas
4/18/1939

Veterans Adm,

Wash, D. C.

Dear Sir:

Would you please send
me the War Record (Revolutionary)
of Robert Rankin, as found in
pension claim, W. 26365.
and any information on his
life that you may have.

Very Resp.

Mrs. V. W. McMurrey

[crossed out: Tyler, Texas]

Camilla, Texas
Page 96

1781
1753
-----
    28

1837
1785
-----
    52

1785
1753
-----
    32
Page 97

War Department
The Adjutant General's Office
Washington 
November 22, 1933.

In Reply ORD-rd
Refer to

Respectfully returned to

Mrs. Frank H. Tuscany,
3136 Odessa Street,
Fort Worth, Texas.

It is shown by a record of correspondence on file in this office that a statement of service in the case of Robert Rankins was furnished Mrs. Tuscany on January 11, 1932.  If the prior statement has been lost or destroyed and this office be so advised with the return of these papers the matter of the furnishing another statement will receive consideration.

l inclosure.

James F. McKinley
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
By RD
Page 98

A. G. 201
Rankins, Robert
(12-1-33) ORD
1st Ind.      CL

War Department, A. G. O., December 5, 1933. -To the Director of Pensions.

1.  Inviting attention to the basic communication and inclosure, also copy of reply thereto.

James F. McKinley
Major General,
The Adjutant General,
By JM

2 inclosures.
Letter dated 11/17/33.

Copy of A. G. letter.
Page 99

WASHINGTON  October 31, 1931

BA-J/AWF

Mrs. F. H. Tuscany
3136 Odessa Street
Fort Worth, Texas.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative
to further information in regard to Robert Rankins
(Rankin) W. 25365, a soldier of the War of the 
Revolution, which record was furnished you, October
10, 1931

The statement given you in that record, that
Captain John Marshall, later Chief Justice of the
United States, was a near kinsman to said Robert
Rankins, is all that is on file in regard to the
relationship.

It is not shown in this claim that [crossed out: their][inserted: illegible] son,
James had a middle name, he was always referred to
as James Rankins (Rankin).

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 100

WASHINGTON 
October 10, 1931

BA-J/AWF

Mrs. F. H. Tuscany
3136 Odessa Street
Fort Worth, Texas.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative
to James and Robert Rankin or Rankins soldiers
of the War of the Revolution, and soldiers of
the War of 1812 with surname Rankin or Rankins.

Revolutionary War and a War of 1812 data
furnished by this office are obtained from claims
made to the United States for pension and bounty
land based upon military service of soldiers in
those wars.

In order to identify the record of the James
Rankin, in the War of the Revolution, in whom you
are interested, as much as possible of the following
data in regard to him are essential - approximate
dates of birth and death and places of residence
at enlistment and after service.

In addition to the above data, the full name
of the soldier is necessary, in order to make a
search of the War of 1812 records in your behalf.

You will find enclosed the record of Robert
Rankins a soldier of the War of the Revolution.
Page 101

January 22, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Robert Rankins - W. 26365
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Frank H. Tuscany
3136 Odesse Street
Fort Worth, Texas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of November
22, 1933, addressed to the War Department, which on
December 5, 1933, was transmitted to this office,
for further reply in regard to Lieutenant Robert
Rankins of Rankin of the Revolutionary War.

You state that your records of this soldier
were burned in June, 1933. His record which was
furnished you by this office of October 10, 1931,
is given herein as found in pension claim, W. 26365,
based upon his service in that war.

Robert Rankins, as his signature appears in
the claim, was born in Virginia, date not stated,
nor are the names of his parents shown.

He enlisted in 1776 and served as a private,
ensign and lieutenant with the Virginia troops, a
part of the time in Colonel Hugh Stephenson's regiment, 
also in Captain John Marshall's company; he 
was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Stony
Point, and the siege of Charleston, South Carolina,
where taken prisoner, held until exchanged (date
not given), went home on furlough and shortly afterwards
returned to the army and served until the
war closed.

The above noted Captain John Marshall was later
Chief Justice and was a near kinsman to said Robert
Rankins.

Robert Rankins in 1802 was living near Logan
County, Kentucky, where he lived a few years, from
Page 102

there moved to Mississippi Territory, that part
which was later, Washington County, Alabama.

Robert Rankins was allowed pension on his
application executed, July 26, 1828, then aged
seventy-five years and living in Washington County,
Alabama.

William Crawford in 1828 referred to the soldier,
[illegible] ^as Col. Robert^ Rankins, but at this time 
he stated that Robert Rankins served during the War
of the Revolution as Lieutenant. no ex given as to the use
of the name of Col.

Robert Rankins died November 1, 13 or 30, 1837
in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.

Robert Rankins married, October 1, 1781 (while 
home on furlough) in Frederick County, Virginia,
Peggy or Margaret Berry; she was born February 16,
1756, place not stated, nor are the name od her 
parents given.

The widow, Peggy (Margaret) Rankins, was allowed
pension on her application executed, March 22, 1844,
then a resident of Liberty County, Texas.

They had seven sons and three daughters, six of
whom were alive in 1844, the following are the only
names given -

Thomas B. born May 8 or 17, 1783
Elizabeth born January 27, 1785
William M. born August 24, 1786
Joseph born November 4, 11788
John K. born January 5, 1791
James born June 27, 1792
Frederick born February 15, 1794
Henry born February 7, 1796

Thomas B. Rankins was killed at the battle of
Fort Mims in 1813, it is stated that he was an officer,
rank not shown. William M. Rankins in 1844 was
living in Montgomery County, Texas, and Frederick
Rankins was living in Polk County, Texas.

William Butler stated in 1845 that John K. 
Rankins married in 1815 or 1816 a sister of his,
but
Page 103

but he did not give her name. 

Your letter addressed to the War Records Department,
dated November 17, 1933, is returned herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 104

June 28, 1939

BA-J/AWF
Robert Rankins
W. 26365

Mrs. V. W. McMurrey
Camilla
Texas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which
you request the Revolutionary War record of
Robert Rankin, as found in pension claim,
W. 26365.

The data furnished herein were obtained
from papers on file in claim for pension, W. 26365,
based upon service of Robert Rankins in the War
of the Revolution.

Robert Rankins (as his signature is shown
in the claim) was born in Virginia, date not given,
nor are the names of his parents shown.

Robert Rankins served from sometime in1776,
as private, ensign, and lieutenant with the Virginia
troops, part of the time in Colonel High
Stephenson's regiment, also in Captain John Marshall's
company; he was in the battles of Brandywine,
Germantown, Stony Point, and the siege of Charleston,
South Carolina, where he was taken prisoner and held
until exchanged (date not given), went home and
shortly afterwards returned to the army and continued
in the service until the close of the war.

He was living in 1802 near Logan County, Kentucky,
and from there to Mississippi Territory, that
Page 105

2-

part which was later, Washington County, Alabama.

Robert Rankins was allowed pension on his
application executed July 26, 1828, at which time
he was seventy-five years of age, and living in
Washington County, Alabama. He was allowed, also,
two hundred acres of bounty land on account of his
Revolutionary War service.

Robert Rankins died November 1, 13, or 30,
1837, in Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana.

Robert Rankins married October 1, 1781 (while
at home after being exchanged), in Frederick County
Virginia, Peggy or Margaret Berry. She was born
February 16, 1756, place not stated, nor are the
names of her parents given.

The widow, Peggy (Margaret) Rankins, was
allowed pension on her application executed March
22, 1844, at which time she was living in Liberty
County, Texas. 

Robert Rankins and his wife, Peggy, had
seven sons and three daughters, the following are the only names shown in the claim:

Thomas B. born May 8, 1783
Elizabeth born January 27, 1785
William M. born August 24, 1786
Joseph born November 4, 1788
John K. born January 5, 1791
James born June 27, 1792
Frederick born February 15, 1794
Henry born February 7, 1796

Thomas B. Rankins was killed in the battle of
Fort Mims in 1813, he was at that time an officer,
rank not shown, William M. Rankins was living in
1844, in Montgomery County, Texas. Frederick Rankins
was living in 1844, in Polk County, Texas. William
Butler stated in 1846 that John K. Rankins married
Page 106

3-

in 1815, or 1816, a sister of his, but did not give
her name.

The Captain John Marshall, under whom Robert
Rankins served in the Revolution, was later Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court, and was a near kinsman
of the said Robert Rankins, degree of relationship
not stated.

The papers on file in this claim contain no
further discernible data relative to family.

In order to obtain the date of last payment
of pension, name and address of person paid, and
possibly the date of death of the widow, Peggy
Rankins, you should apply to The Comptroller General,
General Accounting Office, Records Division, this
city, and furnish the following data:

Peggy Rankin, widow of Robert Rankin(as she was pensioned)
Certificate # 7839
Issued July 9, 1846
Rate $320.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1843
Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844
Texas Agency (Payable at Washington City, "there being no
Agency at Texas".)

If you desire information in regard to location
of land referred to herein, you should apply to The
Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior
Department, this city, and furnish the following data-

Warrant #1380- 200 acres- Issued October 8, 1828.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 107

(COPY)
WAR DEPARTMENT
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE
WASHINGTON

CL
A.G. 201
Rankins, Robert
(12-1-33) ORD

December 5, 1933.

Mrs. Frank H. Tuscany,
3136 Odessa Street,
Fort Worth, Texas.

Dear Madam:

This is in reply to your recent request for the military record of
Robert Rankins, a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War. You state that he was
called Colonel Rankins, and inquire if the records show that he was entitled to that honor. You also ask in the records show that he was
entitled to that honor. You also ask for certain personal history said to be
on file in the Veterans Bureau.

The records of this office show that Robert Rankins served in the
Revolutionary War as a sergeant of Captain William Brady's Company, 11th Virginia
regiment, commanded successively by Colonel Daniel Morgan, Major Snead,
Lieutenant Colonel George Nicholas, Colonel William Blackwell, and Lieutenant
Colonel John Cropper. He enlisted July 26, 1776, for three years, and in
June, 1778, was transferred to a consolidated regiment, designated the 11th and
15th Virginia Regiment. In December, 1778, he is shown as a member of Captain
Charles Porterfield's Compan6, 7th Virginia Regiment, commanded by Colonel
Daniel Morgan. In May, 1779, he was transferred to Captain - Lieutenant Philip
Slaughter's Company, same regiment, and in July, 1779, to Captain William
Johnston's Company, same regiment. He was commissioned ensign July 4, 1779;
lieutenant January 1, 1780; and was deranged (retired) on July 1, 1783.

Heitman's Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army,
an unofficial publication entitled to credit, shows also that he was taken prisoner
at Charleston, May 12, 1780.

Nothing has been found of record to show that the above named officer
was ever commissioned a colonel. No record has been found in this office of
any Colonel Robert Rankins as of the Revolutionary War.

I am transmitting your letter and inclosure to the Director of Pensions,
Veteran's Administration, this city, for consideration and reply as to
the desired personal history in this case. 

Very truly yours,

James F. McKinley
Major General,
The Adjutant General,
By J. P. Wade
Page 108

WASHINGTON 
October 10, 1931

BA-J/AWF

Mrs. F. H. Tuscany
3136 Odessa Street
Fort Worth, Texas.

Dear Madam:

The data which follow are obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension
claim, W. 26365, based upon the military service
of Robert Rankins in that war.

Robert Rankins (pensioned Rankin) enlisted
in 1776 and served as private, ensign and lieutenant
with the Virginia troops, a part of the time
in Colonel High Stephenson's regiment, also in
Captain John Marshall's company, was in the battles
of Brandywine, Germantown, Stony Point, and the
siege of Charleston, where he was taken prisoner
and held until exchanged (date not given), went 
home on furlough and shortly afterwards returned
to the army and served until the war closed.

The above noted Captain John Marshall was
later Chief Justice and was a near kinsman to said
Robert Rankins.

Robert Rankins in 1802 was living near Logan
County, Kentucky, where he lived a few years, and
from there moved to Mississippi Territory, that part
which was later, Washington County, Alabama.

He was allowed pension on his application executed, 
July 26, 1828 then a resident of Washington
County, Alabama, and was ages seventy-five years.

He died November 1 or 30 (both dates appear
in the claim), 1837 in St Landry Parish, Louisiana.

He married, October 1, 1781 (while home on furlough)
in Frederick County, Virginia, Peggy or
Page 109

garet Berry, who was born February 16, 1756.

She was allowed pension on her application
executed, March 22, 1844, then a resident of Liberty
County, Texas.

They had seven sons and three daughters, six
of whom were living in 1844, the following are the
only names given.

Thomas B. born May 8 or 17, 1783
Elizabeth born January 27, 1785
William M born August 24, 1786
Joseph born November 4, 1788
John K. born January 5, 1791
James born June 27, 1792
Frederick born February 15, 1794
Henry born February 7, 1796

Thomas B. Rankins was killed at the battle of
Fort Mims in 1813. William M. Rankins in 1844 was
living in Montgomery County, Texas, and Frederick
Rankins was living in Polk County, Texas.

William Butler stated in 1846 that John K.
Rankins married in 1815 or 1816 a sister of his,
but he did not give her name.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 110

WASHINGTON 
September 17, 1931

BA-J/AWF

Mr. Walter H. Rankins
Augusta
Kentucky.

Dear Sir:

You are advised that it appears from the papers
in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 26365, that
Robert Rankins (pensioned Rankin) enlisted in 1776
and served as private, ensign and lieutenant with the
Virginia troops, a part of the time in Colonel Hugh
Stephenson's regiment, also in Captain John Marshall's
company, was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown,
Stony Point, and the siege of Charleston, where he was
taken prisoner and held until exchanged (date not given),
went home on furlough and shortly afterwards returned to
the army and served until the war closed.

The above noted Captain John Marshall, was later
Chief Justice and was a near kinsman to said Robert
Rankins.

In 1802, Robert Rankins was living near Logan
County, Kentucky, where he lived a few years, and from
there moved to Mississippi Territory, that part which
was later, Washington County, Alabama.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
July 26, 1828, at which time he was living in Washington 
County, Alabama, and was aged seventy-five years.

He died November 1 or 30 (both dates appear in claim),
1837 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.

The soldier married, October 1, 1781 (while home on 
furlough), in Frederick County, Virginia, Peggy or Margaret
Berry, who was born February 16, 1756.

She was allowed pension on her application executed
Page 111

March 22, 1844, then a resident of Liberty County, Texas.

They had seven sons and three daughters, six of
whom were living in 1844, the following are the only 
names give

Thomas B. born May 8 or 17, 1783, [crossed out: killed at the]
Elizabeth born January 27, 1785
William M. born August 24, 1787
Joseph born November 4, [crossed out: 1787] 1784
John K. born January 5, 1791
James born June 27, 1792
Frederick born February 15, 1794
Henry born February 7, 1796

Thomas B. Rankins was killed at the battle of Fort
Mims in 1813. In 1844, William M. Rankins was living in
Montgomery County, Texas, and Frederick Rankins was
living in Polk County, Texas.

William Butler stated in 1846 that John K. Rankins
married in 1815 or 1816 assister of his, but he did not
give her name.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 112

April 6, 1934 
XXXXXXXXX

Robert Rankins-W.26365 
BA-J/AF

Mrs. V. W. McMurrey 
Ca[m?]illa
Texas

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Robert Rankins, as found in pension claim, W. 26365. 

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in the above noted pension claim, based upon the Revolutionary service of Robert Rankins. 

He was born in the state of Virginia, date not given, nor are the names of his parents shown. 

Robert Rankins enlisted in 1776 served as private, ensign, and lieutenant with the Virginia troops, part of the time in Colonel Hugh Stephenson's regiment, also in Captain John Marshall's company; he was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Stony Point, and the siege of Charleston, South Carolina, where taken prisoner and held until exchanged (date not given), went home on furlough and shortly afterwards returned to the army and served until the close of the war. 

The above named Captain John Marshall was later Chief Justice, and was a near kinsman to said Robert Rankins; degree of relationship not stated. 

Robert Rankins in 1802 was living near Logan County, Kentucky, where he lived a few years, from there moved to Mississippi Territory, that part which was later, Washington County, Alabama. He was allowed pension on his application executed, July
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26, 1828, at which time he was seventy-five years of age and residing in Washington County, Alabama. 

William Crawford in 1828 referred to Robert Rankins as Colonel, but at same time stated that Robert Rankins served during the War of the Revolution as Lieutenant; no explanation given as to the use of the rank of Colonel.

Robert Rankins died November 1, 13, or 30, 1837 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.

Robert Rankins married October 1, 1781 (while home on furlough), in Frederick County, Virginia, Peggy or Margaret Berry; she was born February 16, 1756, place not stated, nor are the names of her parents given.

The widow, Peggy (Margaret) Berry [crossed out and replaced with "Rankins"], was allowed pension on her application executed, March 22, 1844, then a [illegible phrase] County, Texas. 

Robert Rankin and his wife, Peggy or Margaret, had seven sons and three daughters, six of whom were alive in 1844; the following are the only names shown in the claim: 
Thomas B. | born May 8 or 17, 1783 
Elizabeth | January 27, 1785 
William M. | August 24, 1786 
Joseph | November 4, 1788 
John K. | January 5, 1791 
James | June 27, 1792 
Frederick | February 15, 1794 
Henry | February 7, 1796.  

Thomas B. Rankins was killed in the battle of Fort Mims in 1813, he was an officer, rank not shown. William M. Rankins in 1844 was living in Montgomery County, Texas, and Frederick Rankins in 1844 was living in
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Polk County, Texas.

William Butler stated in 1846 that John K. Rankins married in 1815 or 1816 a sister of his, but he did not give her name.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
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June 20, 1939

BA-J/AWF Robert Rankins W. 26365

Mrs. Madura Cochran 
Cold Springs 
Texas 

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Robert Rankins, #W. 26365. 

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W. 26365, based upon service of Robert Rankins in the War of the Revolution. 

Robert Rankins (as his signature is shown in the claim) was born in Virginia, date not given, nor are the names of his parents shown. 

Robert Rankins served from sometime in 1776, as private, ensign, and lieutenant with the Virginia troops, part of the time in Colonel Hugh Stephenson's regiment, also in Captain John Marshall's company; he was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Stony Point, and the siege of Charleston, South Carolina, where he was taken prisoner and held until exchanged (date not given), went home on furlough and shortly afterward returned to the army and served until the close of the war. 

He was living in 1802 near Logan County, Kentucky, and from there moved to Mississippi Territory, that part which was later, Washington County, Alabama.

Robert Rankins was allowed pension on his
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application executed July 26, 1828, at which time he was seventy-five years of age, and living in Washington County, Alabama. He was allowed, also, two hundred acres of bounty land on account of his Revolutionary War service.

Robert Rankins died November 1, 13, or 30, 1837 in Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana. 

Robert Rankins married October 1, 1781 (while home on furlough), in Frederick County, Virginia, Peggy or Margaret Berry. She was born February 16, 1756, place not stated, nor are the names of her parents given. 

The widow, Peggy (Margaret) Rankins, was allowed pension on her application executed March 22, 1844, at which time she was living in Liberty County, Texas. She was living in 1852 in Montgomery County, Texas. 

Robert Rankin and his wife, Peggy, had seven sons and three daughters, the following are the only names shown in the claim:
Thomas B. | born May 8 or 17, 1783
Elizabeth | January 27, 1785
William M. | August 24, 1786
Joseph | November 4, 1788
John K. | January 5, 1791
James | June 27, 1792
Frederick | February 15, 1794
Henry | February 7, 1796.

Thomas B. Rankins was killed in the battle of Fort Mims in 1813, he was at that time an officer, rank not shown. William M. Rankins was living in 1844 in Montgomery County, Texas. Frederick Rankins was living in 1844 in Polk County, Texas. William Butler stated in 1846 that John K. Rankins married
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in 1815 or 1816 a sister of his, but did not give her name. 

The Captain John Marshall under whom Robert Rankins served in the Revolution, was later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and was a near kinsman of the said Robert Rankins, degree of relationship not stated.

The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data in regard to family.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of the person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Peggy Rankins, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data: 
Peggy Rankin, widow of Robert Rankin (as she was pensioned) 
Certificate # 7839 
Issued July 9, 1848 
Rate $320.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1843 
Act of March 3, 1843, and Act of June 17, 1844
Texas Agency (Payable at Washington City, "there being no Agency at Texas"). 

If you desire information in regard to location of land referred to herein, you should apply to The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish the following data- 
Warrant #1380- 200 acres- Issued October 8, 1828. 

Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator