Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6416, Joseph Watkins, Va.
Page 1

Watkins, Joseph 
                  Susan
Page 2

Caty Watkins The Daughter of Joseph Watkins
and Susannah his wife was born 4th day of March 1791
-
Elizabeth Watkins The Daughter of Joseph
Watkins and Susannah his wife
was born 1st day of December 1794

Polly Wood Watkins The Daughter of
Joseph Watkins and Susannah his wife
was born 18th September 1800
Page 3

8126
Virginia  - Richmond

Susan Watkins
widow of Joseph Watkins
Va
who was a Private
in the Revolution
husband died in September, 1822
=
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
40 Dollars~~
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
=
Certificate of Pension issued the
23rd day of March 1847
and sent to
R. Saunders Jr Esq
Fleetwood Acady
King & Queen Co. Va
=
(Acts of March 3, 1843, and June
17, 1844.}
Recorded in Book
Vol. 2
Page 130

Reported
2 Certificates
Acts '38 - '43 & '44

Set to R. Saunders Jr
April 10  '47
Page 4

March 27  1844

Va
Act Proof
Susan Watkins
7 July  1838

Col. James L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington City

[postmark] AYLETTS  Va.
Page 5

Col
Ayletts March 23rd 1844
James L Edwards
Commr. of Pensions

Sir
Since I forwarded you
the last papers in the case of Susan Watkins, I
have seen the Gentleman who married her eldest
Daughter and upon enquiring of him if he had never
seen any thing of the record of the ages of
Joseph Watkins Children, he informed me that
he had & that he had it in his possession & would ┃
place it in my [...illegible] which he did on the 20th
of this present month, and I now enclose it
to you together with his affidavit, stating that the
memorandum has been in his possession for
many years past. &c. I deemed it useless to go to the
expense of getting the Clerks Certificate & County
seal, in testimony of the Official character of the
Magistrate before whom this affidavit is made
as by reference to some of the other papers in
the case. You will then find the certificate of
the Clerk certifying to that fact

Very Respulfully &c
R Saunders, Esq
Page 6

The affidavit of Sally Watkins of the County of
King & Queen taken on the 9th day of January 1844
before David P. Wright a Justice of the peace
in and for the said County of King and Queen
This affiant being first duly sworn according to
law, doth on her [...illegible] state that she is now over
Seventy years of age, that she was called upon
sometime during the past year, 1843, to certify as to
the marriage and services of Joseph Watkins in
the Revolutionary war, but that she could not
at that time state in what year the said Joseph
Watkins and Susan Lumpkin, his present widow were
married but she the said affiant is now able
to state positively that the said Joseph Watkins
& Susan his widow were married before the
first day of January Seventeen hundred and
ninety four, because she the affiant was married 
on the 21st day of January Seventeen hundred
and ninety and well recollects that the aforesaid
Susan Watkins, who was then the lawful wife
of the said Joseph Watkins, could not attend
at the wedding of this affiant by reason of her
advanced state of pregnancy -- This affiant
further states that she herself has children now
alive more than fifty years of age and further
this affiant saith not
Sworn to & subscribed
on the day and year first
above written before me
And I certify that the said
Sally Watkins is personally known to me and that
she is a respectable & credible person
D. P. Wright J.P.

Sally her mark [handwritten X] Watkins
D. P. Wright J P.
Page 7

I Philip Watkins of the County of King & Queen
do hereby certify that I am the son of Sally
Watkins now of the County aforesaid, and that
agreeable to my Fathers Register. I was born on
the 21st day of February Seventeen hundred and
ninety one, and I further certify that my aunt
Susan Watkins (who is the widow of my Uncle
Joseph Watkins deceased, had a Daughter by the
name of Catherine who is now alive would
be about one year older than myself
Given under my hand this 9th day of
January 1844 -
---
Philip Watkins
State of Virginia
King & Queen County to wit
Be it Known that on this the 9th day of
January 1844 before the subscribed a Justice
of the peace for said County & State, personally 
appeared Philip Watkins above named, and
made oath in due form of law to the
truth of the foregoing certificate and I certify
that I am personally acquainted with
the said Watkins and know him to be
a respectable and credible person. In 
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand the day & date first above written.
D. P. Wright J.P.
Page 8

Virginia
King and Queen County to wit
I Robert Pollard Jol Clerk of the County Court of King and
Queen do hereby certify that David P Wright whose name is signed
to the annexed certificate was at the time of signing the same and now is
Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned
and qualified according to Law that his Commission as dated the
7th day of March 1838 and the signature aforesaid is the genuine signature of the said David P Wright
Given under my hand and seal of my office this 7th
day of March 1844
Robert Pollard Jolel
Page 9

Affidavit
Sally Watkins
Page 10

I Joseph Gatewood of the County of
King & Qunn & State of Virginia, do hereby
certify that I have been well acquainted with
Mrs Sally Watkins for several years
that I live a very near neighbor to
her and believe her to be entitled to as
much credit and belief, as any person.

Given under my hand this 14th day of
June 1843-
J.L.  Gatewood

State of Virginia)
County of King & Queens) ss.
This day personally appeared before this
subscriber a Justice of the peace for said
County & state, Joseph Gatewood above
named, and made oath to the truth of
the above certificate Given under my
hand this 14th day of June 1843
D. P. Wright JP
Page 11

The affidavit of Sally Watkins a resident of
the County of King & Queen and State of Virginia
taken at her home on the 14th day of
June 1843 before David P. Wright a
Justice of the peace for said County & State.

This affiant being unwilling to be sworn
does however affirm that she is now upward
of seventy years of age that she was well
acquainted with Joseph Watkins deceased
late of the aforesaid County of King & Queen
and knows that the said Watkins enlisted as
common soldier in the Revolutionary war
but that she does not know at what time
he enlisted, how long he served, or who he served
under. All that she knows about his service is
that he enlisted, and went into service, and was
gone a long time. She further states and affirms
that after the said Watkins served out the period
of his enlistment, that he was draughted 
for three months, and returned out of
service after the Battle of York Town, this
affiant further states that the said Watkins
married her sister, Milly Pruitt, in some short
time after the end of the war who lived about two
years - that the said Watkins then married
in about twelve or Eighteen months, after
her death a lady by the name of Susan
Lumpkin who is still alive and his widow.
This fact, this affiant knows, because she
the affiant, was present and saw them married.

affirmed & subscribed to
on the day & year above
written before

Sally  her mark Watkins
Page 12

State of Virginia
King and Queen County ⎬ SS.

Be it known that on this 14th
day of June 1843, Sally Walkins personally appeared
before me a Justice of the peace in and for the
County aforesaid in the State of Vern and subscribed
and affirmed in due form of law that the
facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit are true. and
I do further state that I am well acquainted with
the said Sally Watkins and believe any statement
made by her ought to be entitled to full credit,
and belief. Given under my hand and seal this
14th day of June 1843
D. P. Wright, J.P.  [Seal]
Page 13

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th
July 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions
to certain widows.

State of Virginia)
County of King & Queen.) ss.

On this 1st day of July 1843
personally appeared before the subscribed a Justice of the
Peace in and for the aforesaid County of King & Queen, Susan
Watkins, a resident of said County and State, aged aged about
seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law,
doth on her oath make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of
Congress passed July 7th 1838. Entitled an act granting
half pay and pensions to certain Widows.

That she is the widow of Joseph Watkins who was a soldier in
the Army of the Revolution. That she knows nothing of her
own knowledge of the said Watkins services nor does she
know under what officers he served, or in what capacity
he acted. Nor does she know when he entered or left the
service - but she well recollects of hearing him, during his
life-speak of having served, both in the regular and militia
service, and she has some recollection of hearing him speak of
being in service with one Capt Fleet of the aforesaid County
of King & Queen.-- She also heard him say that he was under
one Capt Anderson, but how long she does not recollect.
That he was a resident of the aforesaid County when he
entered the service. That she does not remember to have
heard him speak of being engaged in any battles except
the siege of York - she further declared that she
Page 14

has no documentary evidence in support of her claim
but respectfully believes  that reference may be had
to the public records and papers in Richmond & Washington
for his name and service which together with the testimony herewith
submitted she hopes will be sufficient to entitle 
her to a pension. She further declares that she was
married to the aforesaid Joseph Watkins sometime in the
month of November (the day not now recounted, seventeen
hundred and Eighty six, and that her husband the said
Watkins died in the month of September Eighteen hundred
and twenty two, but that she does not recollect the particular
day-- That she was not married to him previous to his having
this service, but the marriage took place prior to the
first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four
[...illegible], at the time above stated. She further declares, that she
is unable from bodily infirmity from attending Court.

Sworn and subscribed
on the day and year above
written before
John Lumpkin J.P.

Susan her mark [handwritten X] Watkins

State of Virginia)
King & Queen County) ss.
 
Be it known that on this 1st day of July 1843
before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for said County and
state personally appeared Susan Watkins, and subscribed and made oath to the facts
set forth in the foregoing declaration and I certify that I am
personally and well acquainted with the said Susan Watkins
and know her to be the identical person she represents
-
Page 15

herself to be and that her statement is entitled to full
credit and belief, and I further certify that from the remote
distance that the said declarant resided from the
Court House She could not without great inconvenience
to her person get them for the purpose of making her
declaration. Given under my hand and seal
the day and date last before written

John Lumpkin J.P



King & Queen County, towit
This day personally 
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the
peace for said County. Edmund Smithey
who being duly sworn according to law did upon
his oath testify & declare that Joseph Watkins
the husband of Susan Watkins departed this life
in the month of September 1822. and I certify
that the said Smithey's statement is entitled to credit
Given under my hand this first day of
July 1843

John Lumpkin J.P.
Page 16

At a Court held for King and Queen County at the Courthouse on Monday
the 11th of September 1843
the declaration of Susan Watkins made
on the first day of July 1843 before John Lumpkin a Justice of the
peace for said County being submitted to the Court  it is ordered to be certified
that the Court doth approve the said Lumpkins proceedings in the case
and a copy of this approval ordered to be endorsed on the
papers

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
of my office this 11th day of September 1843
Robert Pollard

[seal]

State of Virginia
King and Queen County to wit

I Robert Pollard Jr Clerk of the County Court
of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright
and John Lumpkin are Justices of the peace in and
for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified
according to Law and the said signatures of David Wright
John Lumpkin on the aforesaid certificates are
genuine.  Given under my hand & seal of office this
11 day of September 1843

Robert Pollard Clerk

the clerk will place the end of the tape under his seal
Page 17


In reply to your request of___,received___
for a statement of the military history of Joseph Watkins
soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
formation as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension 
file in this Bureau.
W. File 6416

DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.

LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
3 mos.

RANK.
Pvt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.   COLONEL.
Fleet
Hanford Anderson


STATE.
Va






Battles engaged in, ___ Siege of York

Residence of soldier at enlistment,

Date of application for pension, July 1, 1843

Residence at date of application, King & Queen Co., Va.

Age at date of application, 74


Remarks:
Milley Pruitt [...illegible]
Nov. 1786 Susan Lumpkin
he died Sept 1822 age not stated.
.I Cates b. Mrch . 1791. Elizabeth Dec. 1, 1794, Polly [...illegible]. Sept 18, 1800
Mr. Edmund Smithey
Page 18

This is to certify, That it appears from a List in this office of such Officers
and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War,
as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay,
according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate
issued on the  23d day of June 1783, in the name of
Joseph Watkins - as a soldier of Infantry
for £13.17.0, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to himself
and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.
ss.313 office (No Seal) Given under my hand, at the Audit's Office, Richmond, this
25th day of July 1846.
Jas. E. Heath AUDITOR.
Page 19

Not on roll
x Andrew Loshe   Act 7 June 1832, Pa
Susan Watkins widow of Joseph act
July 1838  Va   8126 - 43
Mary Hughes widow of Gabriel VA.
6001-18

all Ex by For Francis A. Dickins
M Cole

Feb '52'
Page 20

Feby 13-1900
Mrs. Jno. Downing Johnson
Indianapolis Ind
1910 Mch. 28. Mrs.W.H. Struby 

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6416

Susan Watkins
Wid.
Joseph Watkins
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Mch. 13 & June 11 1844
Index: -- Vol. H, Page 307

(Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 21


Department of the Interior
Kindly let me know
hope on record any
members of the following
families at any time
listed upon the pension roll
or served in the Revolutionary
Bej, or Joseph Walkins
John James  Trabue, John
James Dupay. All of Virginia.
Again a record of the Smith
family from Culpepper Co
Virginia or of any by the
Name Bearn also from 
Virginia. I have been 
directed to this department
with the hope of gaining
some information will
gladly compensate for trouble
Page 22

I sincerely hope you can
be of same help to me.

Very truly yours
Mrs. John Downing Johnson
66 Woodruff Place
Indianapolis Ind. Jan. 15 1900

[received stamp]  US PENSION OFFICE  JAN 25 1900
Page 23

Shreveport, La. Mr. 7, 1910

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear sir,
In reply to yours
next attached beg to submit
the following:
Joseph Watkins was
said to be a Major under
Page 24

2.

Captain Fleet in 1782 and
was in the Yorktown siege.
At the close of the war he
resided in King and Queen
County, Va. He was approximately
about sixty-seven
years of age when in the 
war, and his widow Susan
received a pension.
Page 25

3.

can find no data in reford
to Col. Robert Haskins
except that his wife's
name was Elizabeth Hill
and they resided in Va.
John James Trabue was
said to be an Ensign
Infantry. His place of
residence before the war was
King William Parish, Va. and
his wife was Olympia Dupuy
Page 26

died Dec. 23, 1803.
Edward Trabue was under 
Col. Forkner, (he under Gen
Horatio Gates), and was in
the battles of Gilford and
York town siege. He was
born in 1764 and died in
1814, and his second wife was
Jane Play. He resided near
Sublett's Ferry at end of war.

Respectfully
Mrs. W.H. Struly
1450 Garden St

[received stamp]US PENSION OFFICE  MAR 10 1910
Page 27

3 - 871.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by Geo M. Moore
Claim No. Mar 19, 1910
Certificate No.
Claimant ... Susan
Soldier ... Joseph Watkins
Service ... Rev.
Additional Service
No ...  claim, State records ...190.
No claim, combination records ... , 190

REMARKS:
to O  W  J   War as above
except  W.F. 6416.
O - 8
Chief Division
Page 28

William Taylors affidavit
in Watkins claim
Page 29

The affidavit of William Taylor Sent. of the County
of King & Queen & State of Virginia taken at his House
on the first day of July 1843 before John Lumpkin a Justice of the peace in and for said County &
State

This affiant being duly sworn according to law doth
upon his oath testify and declares that he is well
acquainted with Susan Watkins of the said County
& State, and knows her to be the widow of Joseph
Watkins deceased late of the aforesaid County & State
that he has been acquainted with and neighbour to
the said Susan Watkins for thirty years past and
does not believe that she would willingly and
Knowingly make a false declaration and this
affiant further testifies and declares that he
was well acquainted with the said Joseph Watkins
for many years before his death and frequently
heard him, the said Watkins, speak of his services
in the Revolutionary war and from what he said
Watkins said, he, the affiant had every reason to
believe that he was a soldier of the Revolution
but how long he served, or whether in the Militia
or regular service this affiant does not [...illegible]
recollect to have heard him say; and further this
affiant saith not.

William his mark [handwritten X] Taylor 

State of Virginia
County of King & Queen⎬ ss

Be it Known that on this first day of July 1843 before the subscribed
a Justice of the peace in and for said County & State, personally appeared William Taylor above named and made oath in due form of
law & subscribed to the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit
and I certify, that I am personally and well acquainted with the
said William Taylor Sr.  and know him to be a respectable
Page 30

a credible person & that his statement is entitled to full credit & belief. Given under my hand this day and
date last above written

John Lumpkin J.P.
Page 31

10.227.
Reported

Virginia Richmond
Susan Watkins
Widow of Joseph Watkins
who was a pensioner under the Act of---
and who died in September, 1822
of King & Queen Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a private in the Company
commanded by Captain Fleet of the
Regt commanded by...in
the Virginia line for One year
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 40 Dollars...
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of
March 1847 and sent to R. Saunders
 Fleetwood acamy.
K & Queen Co., Va.

Total amount, $200.00
(Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by Tho. Lumpkin Clerk
Book D.  Vol. 1. Page 283
Page 32

Honl. Willinghby Newton
near this day
Westmoreland Co Va.
Page 33

Ayletts Va Sept 30th 1844
Hon Willoughby Newton
Dr Sir
Your Communication together
with the Pension Certificate of Elizabeth
Elliot & other papers, has been duly received,
and I feel thankful for your attention to the same.
I must however ask your further attention
to the claim of Susan Watkins whose claim
I perceive from a communication from Col
Edwards of the 20th July last to yourself, has
been rejected for reasons which you will find
in that communication, which is herewith returned
He says, or rather he is made to say that the
additional evidence in the case of Susan
Watkins is sufficient to show the date of the
marriage. But the papers afford neither
the detailed statement and proof of service
which the rules require, and which is
indispensable in the adjustment of a privates
Pension- Now Sir, this is [...illegible] a strange
sort of Communication to come from the department
after the one which I had the honour to receive
from the Com of Pensions in relation to the same
claim dated the 15th January last five
months before-- which communication I now
enclose you - In this letter Col Edwards
raises no objections to the claim except
so for as the marriage was concerned. Now
after five long months have elapsed, he admits
that the marriage is sufficiently proved, but
that there is no testimony of service & now
if in his letter of the 15th January last  he
had informed me that the evidence, was
not sufficient the applicant might per[...illegible]
Page 34

have stumbled upon some additional testimony
 now in all probability she may never
be able to obtain any other evidence, as
since then, three of the old Revolutionary
soldiers of the County have died, some one of
them might have been able to have
given some testimony in the case and the
an name others that she knows of who
can know any thing of her husbands services.
But sir it does appear to me that the
evidence already furnished, ought to be sufficient 
what that evidence it is the
evidence of a respectable witness, who
testifies under oath that she knew of her 
own knowledge that Joseph Watkins
enlisted but that the she can't 
[...illegible] tell for how long. She however states that
he was gone every time & that after he
served out his enlistment he was
drafted for three months. Another witness
states that he knew him to have performed 
a term[?] of three months duty at a different
time-- this was in six months service in 
the militia and the [...illegible] Books in
Richmond show that only one Joseph
Watkins received depreciation and as he is
It is but fail to suppose that he was the man and
proved to have enlisted although it may
not be proved to any he enlisted for the
amount received by him as depreciation
ought to show how long or with what unit
was paid for again another witness testifies
that he had known Joseph
Watkins for many years & that he was
always reputed & believed in his neighborhood
to have been one of the regular soldiers
Page 35

of the revolution. These facts & circumstances
ought to entitle the applicant to a Pension
without subjecting her to the further trouble
& expense of hunting the county over
for further testimony & which perhaps
might not be had was by visiting every 
soldier in the County - I must therefore
under all the circumstances in this case
at the favor of you to examine it
& get Col Edwards to reconsider his
objections.

Very Respectfully truly 
Your obt sevt Edward 
R. Saunders

This will attend to
the matters of service 
in your case [...illegible] as the lady is 
obviously sworn & [...illegible]
Page 36

March 20 1844
Va
wdo declaration
Susan Watkins
7 July 1838
Col. James S Edwards

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

FREE

[postmark]  AYLETTS VA MAR 18
Page 37

Ayletts March 15th 1844
Col James L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Enclosed you will receive an additional
affidavit of Susan Watkins in order to obtain the benefit
of the act of 7th July 1838 in which she reaffirms that
she was married prior to the year 1794, indeed you will
discover that she states that she was married about the period
stated in her former declaration, and that she had been married
eighteen months before she gave birth to her first child, which
I hope will clearly satisfy you of the fact of her having been
married before the year 1794 especially when you take in
connection the two accompanying affidavits of Sally
Watkins, and Philip Watkins, Sally Walther testifies
that Susan & Joseph Watkins were married before the
time above mentioned, because she herself was married
on the 21st day of January 1790 and that the said Susan
was then so far advanced in pregnancy, that she could
not attend at the marriage of the affiant Philip
Watkins, states in his certificate that he is the son
of Sally Watkins, and that agreeable to his Fathers-
Register, he was born on the 21st day of February 1791
and that his and Susan Watkins, the widow of
Joseph Watkins had a Daughter by the name of
Catharine, who is now alive would be about one
year older than himself all this I think clearly that
Mrs Watkins marriage before the first of Jany 1794
in truth it establishes the fact beyond a doubt that she
was married before the year 1790. Mrs Susan Watkins
cannot, as she states, recollect whether there was any
record of their marriage kept. but that there was a record
of their childrens ages kept by her husband, which by
some means had got misplaced, destroyed or lost so that
she could not avail herself of it,
in order to establish her marriage.

Very Respectfully

R. Saunders
Page 38

Fleetwood Va. April 2/47.
R. Saunders
Ashs increase of [illegible]
Susan Watkins pension
S. 115. Rec. Apl 5/47
Pension Office
DC

Fleetwood  Acdy Va.)  paid
2nd Aprl)

Paid 5--

Honl Wm. S. Marcy
Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 39

Fleetwood Va. April 2/47.
R. Saunders
Ashs increase of [illegible]
Susan Watkins pension
S. 115. Rec. Apl 5/47
Pension Office
DC

Fleetwood  Acdy Va.)  paid
2nd Aprl)

Paid 5--

Honl Wm. S. Marcy
Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 40

Fleetwood King & Queen Co. Va. April 2d 1847
Honl, W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War

Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of the certificate of Pension granted to Mrs
Susan Watkins on the 23d Mar and am no less surprised
thou disapointed at the amount allowed. I had supposed
that the department if it allowed her a Pension at all, was
bound to allow her a full Pension say 80 dollars for annum
because the evidence in support of her claim was specific
as to his enlistment for three years tho it did not show conclusively 
that he served that length of time, but I should suppose
that when the contrary is not proved by record in
testimony, or where the paroll[?] testimony does not state
particularly as to the precise time the department should
& in deed is bound to allow a full Pension. If I mistake not
the act of 1838, gives to the widows of all officers, and soldiers
who were in service as much as six months or more a  Pension. That
Pension is proportioned according to the time that the
time of service performed bears to two years- Now the
papers in this case show that Joseph Watkins enlisted for
three years, and the Auditors Certificate shows that he was
in service in the state line more than twelve months, and Leonard Shacklefords
evidence shows that Watkins served a tour of three 
months in the Militia so that if she is stated down to
the very shortest time. She would at any rate be entitled
Page 41

to more than the $40. If the Auditors Certificate be relied
upon as the only evidence to prove his service in the State
line and that shows a service of more than twelve months
then Shacklefords affidavit proves three months more
which would make fifteen months at least, which according
to the law as I understand it, would give the sum of $50
per annum. "Setting down his service in the state in
at only 12 months", but I take the ground, that when a
soldier is proved to have enlisted for any specified term
and actually entered the service, that it devolves upon
the department either to show by the records that
he deserted or was discharged from service befor the
expiration of the term for which he enlisted. I must
therefore ask a reconsideration of this case and feel
assured that a more liberal conclusion will be
arrived at by the department.

I am dear Sir with very great
respect, Yr mst obt Servt
R. Saunders
Page 42

To the
Comm of Pensions
Page 43

The Comm of Pensions will 
fully allow me by sending
at his behest on the
information asked in this
enclosed letter to me

Me  respectfully
RNS Hunter

[this entire note was difficult to make out, so the above is my best guess as to its content]
Page 44

Act '43  9234
9659  Act '44 - 1387

Susan Watkins
Va.
Act 7 July 38
Cert # 1317 say 12 mo.
and
12 mo paid
___
40$
___
Act '43 & 44
$40

R. Saunders J. P.
Fleetwood Acady
Va.
Page 45

We whose names on hereto annexed hereby certify that
we were well acquainted with old Mrs Sally Watkins
who has not died, of this County, King & Queen, and
unhesitatingly say that any statement made
by her under oath or otherwise is entitled to full
faith and credit. Given under our hands this
30th day of Decr. 1846

J. H. Skelton
Henry Hutchinson
Sthustely Stokes

King & Queen County to wit
This day personally appeared
before John Lumpkin a justice of the peace
for said county J H Skelton Henry Hutchinson
& Sthustely Stokes and acknowledged the above
to be their act and deed and I certify that the
said Shelton, Hutchinson & Stokes are all
respectable & credible person given under
my hand this 31st day of Decr 1846
John Lumpkin J.P.
Page 46

Mr. Cooks Certificate for
Joseph Watkins.
Page 47

I do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with
Joseph Watkins deceased, the husband
of Mrs Susan Watkins of King & Queen County
and know that the said Watkins was always
considered and believed to have been one of the
Regular Soldiers of the Revolution
but I don't know how long, or under whom
he served - My Husband, the late William
Cook received a Pension during his life for Eighteen 
months service, and I have heard him
in his life time speak of Mr. Watkins having
served with in the same company or in the same
Regiment together. I cannot now recollect which.

Given under my hand this 17th day of March
1846
Clara her mark [handwritten X] Cook

State of Virginia King & Queen County, SS

Be it known that on this 17th day of March 1848 before
the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County
personally appeared Clara Cook above named and made
oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing certificate
and I certify that the said Clara Cook is personally Known to me
and is a reputable & credible from and appears to be about
Eighty Years of age and is a United States Pensioner
Alexr. Fleet J. P.
Page 48

Virginia King and Queen County to wit

I Robert Pollard  Clerk of the County Court
of King and seven do hereby certify that Alexander Fleet is a Magistrate
in said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing
signature purporting to be his, is genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my
hand and affixed the seal of my office this 18th
of April 1846

Robert Pollard J C C
Page 49

I do hereby certify that I am now
Seventy Eight years of age that I was well
acquainted with Joseph Watkins deceased
then the said Watkins married for his first wife
Milly Pruitt and for his second Susan sometime 
called Susanna Lumpkin, then he married
the last wife prior to the year 1794. but I
cannot state what month or day. The said
Watkins and myself were raised, and lived not
for apart and I know that he was one of the
Regular Soldiers of the Revolution; but I cannot 
state how long he served neither can I state
under what officers he served, but I know
that he did serve and was generally called
believed one of the old Regular Soldiers. 

Given under my hand this 25th day of March 1845
Sally her cross [handwritten X]  Watkins
Page 50

State of Virginia, King & Queen County, SS.

Be it Known that before on this 26th day of
March 1846 before the subscriber a Justice of
the Peace in and for the aforesaid County of
King & Queen personally appeared Sally Watkins
whose name is annexed to the foregoing Certificate
by a cross and made oath in due form of
law to the truth of the same. And I certify that the
said Sally Watkin is personally Known to me
that she appear to be fully of the age she states
and that she is a very respectable & credible
person of good mind & memory. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand this day
and give last above mentioned

Jos Ryland  J. P. 

And I further certify that the said Sally Walkins is
not the same who upon a former occasion
testified to the enlistment & Services of the individual 
mentioned in her certificate.  That the Sally Watkins
who testified in that occasion is a different individual
and resides in a different neighbourhood. 

Jos Ryland J.P.
Page 51

Virginia King and Queen County to wit

I Robert Pollard Jr Clerk of the County Court
of King and Queen Co. do hereby certify that Jos Ryland is a magistrate
in said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the
foregoing signatures purporting to be his, are genuine.

In Testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand and affixed the seal of my
office this 10th day of April 1846
Robert Pollard JCC
Page 52

May 14 '46

Sally Watkins

F. A. Dickins
P C
Page 53


Washington 13th May 1846.

Sir
Enclosed are two affidavits sent to
me in relation to the claim of Mrs Susan
Watkins widow of Joseph Watkins under the
act of 1838. by W. R. Saunders I now
have the honour to present them and
shall be glad to see the papers so that
I may draw up a statement of the claim
to submit to you.

Yours very respectfully
Francis A. Dickins


James L Edwards Esq. 
Com of Pensions
Page 54

The Deposition of Sally Watkins of the County
of King and Queen in the State of Virginia taken
by question and answer before John Lumpkin
a Justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid-
County to be read as evidence in a claim for a
Pension claimed by Susan Watkins of said County
under the act of 7th July 1838, on account of
the Revolutionary services of her husband Joseph
Watkins deceased taken at the House of Philip
Watkins on the 16th day of Oct, 1846. in addition 
to a former statement made by the said
Sally Watkins vouching the Enlistment & Service
off the aforesaid Joseph Watkins in the War of
the Revolution.

Question by R. Saunders atty for Susan Watkins
You have stand in a former affidavit, that
you were well acquainted with Joseph Watkins
deceased the Husband of Mrs Susan Watkins and
that the said Joseph Watkins to your Knowledge
enlisted in the Revolutionary War, but you omitted
to state for what time he enlisted or how long
he served?
Answer
He enlisted for three years, but I dont know
whether he served that length of time or not
because it has been so long since that time that
I cannot now recollect; He was however gone
from his family & friends a long time.
Question by same
You also stated in your former affidavit that
Watkins was drafted and served a tour of
Page 55

three months in the Militia Now will you state
whether this was before he enlisted or after
he returned from his enlistment?
Answer
I cannot now recollect but I know that he
served out one draft and I think it probable
that it was before and that the
reason why he enlisted was to get clear
of being drafted so often.

Question by same,
Do you recollect the names of any other person
who enlisted about the same time that Walkins
did?
Answer.
I recollect two. Benjamin Whealey and William
Norris but I cannot state how long any of them
served-

Question by same,
When and then first became acquainted with
Joseph Watkins.
Answer
I became acquainted with him when a very
young man he addressed one of my sisters &
was engaged to be married to her when he
enlisted and after the war they were married.

Subscribed and affirmed to
the day & date first before written

Sally her mark [handwritten X] Watkins

Before me John Lumpkin J P
And I certify that the deponent is personally
Page 56

Known to me, is a member of the Church, and
very respectable and credible person
John Lumpkin

Virginia King and County to wit
Robert Pollard & Clerk of the County Court of
King and Queen and hereby certify that John Lumpkin is a
Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly
a magistrate and qualified that his commission was
dated 7th of March 1838 and is held by him during
a good [illegible] and that his signatures above
written is genuine.

Given and or  my hand and the seal of
the County this 28th day  of October
1846


Robert Pollard
Page 57

The affidavit of Leonard Shackleford of King
& Queen County in the State of Virginia, a Revolutionary Pensioner taken this 7th day of March 1843
before Thomas Haynes a Justice of the peace
in and for the aforesaid County of King & Queen.
This affiant being duly sworn according to law
states that he is a Revolutionary Pensioner now
going on Eighty four years of age that he was
well acquainted with one Joseph Watkins,
late of the aforesaid County of King & Queen
and that the said Watkins served a tour of three
months service with him the said Shackleford
in the Revolutionary War, in  Capt. Hanford
Andersons Company of Militia, some time
between the years seventeen hundred and seventy
Eight, and seventeen hundred and Eighty. but that
he cannot now recollect the particular year, but
that he well remembers that it was after he
the said Shackleford had served three years
and before the time of his, the said Shackleford's
Marriage which took place in the year seventeen
hundred and Eighty one. He states further
that he has no distinct recollection, that the said
Watkins was in service with him afterward
but has no doubt of his having performed
other tours of service of both before and
after these two periods, as the Militia of
King & Queen in the surrounding counties
was frequently called into service about that 
time, this affiant further states that the time
of service spoken of above was performed
at Williamsburg little York and various other 
places. This affiant further states that the
said Joseph was a married man, to his knowledge 
at the time of his death, and that his
widow is still alive in the County of King &
Page 58

Queen aforesaid,, and that the said Watkins &
his widow were married some time previous
to the year seventeen hundred and Ninety,
but does not recollect the exact year, and
further this affiant states not 

Given under his hand the day & year first above written
Leonard Shackelford

State of Virginia
King & Queen County, SS.

Be it Known that on this 7th day of March
1843 personally appeared the above named-
Leonard Shackelford before the subscribed
a Justice of the peace in and for the County
of King & Queen, and made oath to the facts
stated in the foregoing affidavit, and I certify
that the said Shackelford is a Revolutionary
Pensioner as he states, and that his statement
is entitled to full credit and belief. Given under
my hand and seal the day and year last
above written


Thos Haynes J.P. [seal]

Virginia
King and Queen County to wit

I Robert Pollard Jr Clerk of the County
Count of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that
Thomas Haynes is a Justice of the peace in and for the
said County, duly commissioned and qualified that his commission
was dated the 7th of March 1838 and is held by him
during good behaviour and that the signature above written
is genuine

Given under my hand and the seal of the
said County this 25th day of March
1843

Robert Pollard Jr Clk
Page 59

Faucetts Va. Mch 9 '47
R. Saunders
Appeals on pension
claim of Mrs Susan
Watkins

S86. Rec Mch 13/47
Pension Office

[...illegible] Marcy 
Secretary of War
Washington City

Paid 5
Page 60

Fleetwood Acdy Va
10th Mar

No Paid

Honl Wm L. Marcy
Secretary of War
Washington City

Faucetts Va. Mch 9 '47

R. Saunders

Appeals on pension
claim of Mrs. Susan
Watkins.

S86. Rec Mch 13/47
Pension Office
Page 61

Faucetts Essex County Va. March 9th 1847.
Honl Secretary of War
Washington City

Sir
As the Agent and attorney of Mrs Susan Watkins
who claims a pension under the act of  7th July, 1838, on account of the services
of her husband Joseph Watkins, in the Revolution, I have been reluctantly
driven to the alternative of appealing from the decision of the Commissioner 
of Pensions in her case, and to ask that you will cause the papers
to be taken up to yourself and that you will fully examine the case, &
if after a thorough examination of all the evidence, you shall agree
with the Commissioner that the claim is not fully sustained 
and ought not to be allowed I must of course submit to your joint decisions, 
however I may differ them.

The Declaration of Susan Watkins was filed in 1843 I think, sometime
after which, I received a letter from the Commissioner saying that the papers in
the case had been examined, but that before the Claims Court be allowed
She, Mrs Watkins would have to furnish the Department with more-
satisfactory evidence as to her marriage saying nothing at that time
about the evidence of service not being sufficient, of course I took
it for granted, that this was all sufficient and simply proceeded
to hunt up further testimony as to the marriage and after the
lapse of some two or three months succeeded in obtaining such additional
testimony, which I forwarded to the Department through the Hon Mr. 
Newton, and on the 20th July 1844, at least four months after, he Mr. Newton
received a note from the Commissioner, saying that the evidence of Marriage
was then sufficient, but that the evidence of service was not- This
was rather a novel mode of doing business I thought and demurred to
it but the commissioner insisted that his having failed to raise any
objection to the evidence of service in a former communication
was no reason why the claimant should not then be  required to furnish
such additional testimony as was necessary-notwithstanding 
I differed with the Commissioner, and thoughtt under the
circumstances, that the case would justify an appeal, I went on to
Page 62

to obtain such other additional evidence as to his services as it was in
my power to do, and filed it all with the original papers in the
case. At the time that the Commissioner addressed his note to
me of the of 1843. There were then alive
in the County of King & Queen two old Revolutionary Pensioners from
whom perhaps I could have obtained the desired information, but dismiss the
evidence already furnished amply sufficient, especially as no objection
had been raised, I thought it useless to ride so far to see them and they
both unfortunately for this old lady, died before the question as
to the evidence of service was raised. So that she lost all chance
of being able to obtain any further testimony from those who
perhaps had some personal knowledge of her husbands
services, and she was consequently thrown entirely upon such other
testimony and corroberating circumstances as she could gather from
those who had seen and heard something of the Revolution, all of which goes
conclusively to show that her husband was in both the Regular, and Militia Service
long enough to entitle her to a full Pension. But let me call your attention to
the evidence itself, the first of which is an affidavit subscribed and sworn to by one
Leonard Shackleford, a Revolutionary Pensioner, in which he states, that
he was acquainted with Watkins & that he Watkins performed a tour of duty
of three months in the militia, that he saw him in service himself. The
next is an affidavit subscribed and sworn to by an old Lady by the
name of Sally Watkins, the sister of Joseph Watkins first wife
whose character for veracity stands unimpeachable, and what does she
State "why she states that she was well acquainted with Joseph Watkins
from his earliest boyhood, and knew of her own knowledge that he
enlisted in the Revolution for three years, but could not say which
he served that length of time; He however went into service, and was
gone a long time-- That after the close of the war he married
her sister being engaged to her before he enlisted. She further states
that he also served some one or two tours in the Militia. It is
true however, that she does not exactly locate his service in the militia
whether it was before, or after he was in the regular service, but she
was inclined to the opinion that it was before. This however
Page 63

ought not to prejudice her testimony at all, because it certainly cannot
be expected that I person who perhaps never dreamed of being called on for
any thing of the kind could recollect at this very distant day with positive
certainty, whether a man enlisted first, or whether he was drafted first
it ought to be sufficient I should think, that a witness be required to
state facts as he can recollect them. Now if this witness knows and has
so stated in her affidavit, that Joseph Watkins did enlist for the
term of three years and actually entered the service, and the [...illegible]
do not show to the contrary, is it not fair to presume that the
witness is right. The records do here sustain the witness because they show
that a man by the name of Joseph Watkins was in the State line, and that he
received his depreciation; but the Commissioner says that there is no
evidence to prove that this was the man, and that unless he is identified 
as such, the claim cannot be allowed. Now Sir, is this a fair, or
just position to take, how can it be expected that this old lady
after a lapse of some sixty odd years, can prove that her husband was
the identical person who drew on a particular day in 1783
particular sum of money/ and how he could the identity be made,
Sir,  such an idea is preposterous. The records show such a
man to have been in service, and they do not show but one person
of his name, and as she has full proved that her husband was in
service, there cannot be a shadow of a doubt as to his being
the man whose name appears upon the records

There is other testimony which I have omitted to mention, but which you
will find on file, and which goes to sustain the validity of the claim.
I shall therefor close my remarks deeming it unnecessary to multiply 
and extend my argument any further, as I feel assured that you 
will give the case a thorough investigation personally &
thereby be enabled to detect & correct error into which the Comr.  has
fallen- It may be proper for me to add however, that in a note addressed
by the Commr to the Honl.  Mr.  Hunter he therein again
objects to the evidence of Marriage having no doubt overlooked his
letter of 10 July 1844. in which he states the proof of Marriage to be sufficient.

Very Respectfully
R. Saunders
Page 64

The affidavit of Susan Watkins, widow
of Joseph Watkins deceased of the County of
King & Queen & State of Virginia taken
at the House on the 22nd day of February
1844 before me John Lumpkin a Justice of
the peace for said County

This affiant being first duly sworn
according to law doth on her oath make
the following additional statement in order
to obtain the benefit of the provision made
by the act of Congress of 7th July 1838-
That she has no record of her marriage
neither does  she recollect whether there ever was
any kept, but she well recollects that her
husband, the late Joseph Watkins deceased, Kept
a record of the ages of all their children but
that from some cause unknown to this
affiant this family register has been lost
destroyed, or mislaid so that this affiant
cannot now avail herself of it in order
to establish the fact of her marriage to the
said Joseph Watkins before the year
seventeen hundred & ninety four but this affiant 
here affirms upon her oath that
she was married on or about the time
mentioned in her former declaration and
that it was Eighteen months after she and
the said Joseph Watkins were married
before she gave birth to her first child.
which occurence took place about
the year seventeen hundred and ninety.

Sworn to and subscribed
the day & date fist
above written before me.

Susan her mark [handwritten X] Watkins


John Lampkin J.P.
Page 65

Virginia
King and Queen County to wit

I Robert Pollard Jr. Clerk of
the County Court of King and Queen do hereby certify that John
Lumpkin whose name is signed to the within certificate
was at the time of signing the same and now is a Justice
of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned
and qualified according to law that his Commission was
dated 7th day of March 1838 and the signature
aforesaid is the genuine signature of the said John Lumpkin

Given under my hand & seal of my office this 7th day
of March 1844
Robert Pollard Jr Clk
Page 66

H of R  June 7th 1820

May I ask your early attention
to the following claim, now pending
in your office-- attending to Ann Perry, widow of
William Perry, Susan Watkins, Widow
of Joseph Watkins, and Elizabeth Elliott
widow of William Elliot.

Resply
Willoughby Newton
Comr of Pensions
Page 67

Hon Commr of Pensions
Page 68



[illegible] Sept 9th 1844


Sir
I enclose the letter of W. Saunders
with the accompanying documents and beg
have to ask your early and favorable
attention to this.

Sincerely, yr obt. st.
Willoughby Newton

Col. Edwards)
Comr. of Pensions)
Page 69

9659
Va.
act 7 July 38.
R. Saunders Jany 15 '44
Hon. W. Newton  July 20 ---
  Oct. 17--
F. A. Dickins  July 2  '46
1746
to Hon R. M. T. Hunter
Jany 26, '47
Page 70

Central Point Va)
15th Septr 1843)
Va)

James L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
D. C

9659
18 Sep 1843
Susan Watkins
Act 1838

Free

R. Saunders
Central Point  Va.
Page 71

Central Point Caroline County Septemr.  16th 1843
Col James L Edwards
Com of Pensions

Dr Sir
Inclosed you will receive the
Declaration of Mrs. Susan Watkins for a Pension
under the act of 7th July 1838, I will forward
some other testimony in a short time as to marriage
& hope the evidence of substance and service
is sufficiently proved to which the applicant to 
a pension.

Very Respectfully
Yr obt Serv
R. Saunders JP
Page 72

the affidavit of Edmund Smithey of lawful
age of the County of King & Queen in the
State of Virginia taken on the 20th day
of March 1844 before David P. Wright
a Justice of the peace in & for the aforesaid 
county.

This affiant being first duly sworn
according to law doth upon his oath
state that he married the
Catharine Watkins the Daughter of
Joseph & Susan Watkins of the aforesaid
County of King & Queen, and that a piece
of paper purporting to be a record of 
the ages of three of the children of the
said Joseph & Susan Watkins & which he 
the affiant has this day placed in the
possession of Reuben Saunders JoP has
been in his the affiants possession for many
years past, & that the said piece of paper
or memorandum is a true & faithful
record of the age of three of the children
of the said Susan & Joseph Watkins
Edmund Smithey

Sworn to & subscribed
this day & date first above
written before me
D. P. Wright J.P.
And I certify that the said affiant is a
respectable & credible witness. Given
under my hand this 20th day of March 1844

D. P. Wright
Virginia
King and Queen County to wit
I Robert Pollard Clark
Page 73

of the County Court of King and Queen County aforesaid do certify
that D. P. Wright whose name is signed to the within certificate
was at the time & signing the same and now is a Justice of the
peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and
qualified  that his commission was dated March 1838 and held
of the during good behaviour that his signatures above e
are genuine
Given under my hand and of seal of said
county this 18 day of November 1846
Robert Pollard JoP