Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8919, for George Nixon, Delaware
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Del

Nixon, George 
S8919
Page 2

Date of death [illegible]
Ohio 27610
George Nixon
Clinton Co. in the State of Ohio
he was a Pr & Dv in the Company commanded
by Captain Prans of the Regt commanded 
by Col Duff in the N Jersey
for militia
6 1/2 Mo Ensign - 45
  1/2 Mo Private 5 = 50
Delaware Records corrected Nov 7, 1906 
_scribed on the Roll of Ohio 
the rate of 50 Dollars _Cents per annum
_mence on the 4th day of March 1831.
_uficate of Pension issued the 4th day of September
and sent to _ 1834.
B. Hicksin, Wilmington, Ohio
Arrear to the 4th of 4 Sept 1 45.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mch '35 25.00
$200.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
D. T. Sprager
Vol. 8 Page 18
Page 3

George Nixon
2h. 315
Page 4

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the Seventh AD 1833 The State of Ohio Clinton County {illegible] On this 22 day of July 1833 personally appeared in open Court before George J Smith President judge and judge Hughes Aaron Sewell and James Lakin Esquires his associates in office constituting the Court of Common pleas in and for said County of Clinton and State of Ohio now sitting George Nixon a resident of Clark Township in said County aged about 81 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832. [illegible] [illegible] the service of the United States under the following named officers and serve as herein stated. On the 10th day of December 1776 and not long previous to the battle of Trenton New Jersey this deponent then being a resident of the State of Delaware New Castle County held the office of Ensign in the Militia of said County of New Castle in the Company commanded by Captain George Evans whose Lieutenant was Paul Ralston did unite with said officers in appointing a day for volunteers to meet them at Brandywine Bridge and March to the relief of the American Army agreeably to the proclamation of General Washington to repel the British forces then on the March towards Philadelphia and to their great satisfaction were met at said bridge by a great part of their own Company & others making in all 50 or 60 men, on the 15 day of December in said year 1776 where it was unanimously agreed to place themselves under the officers [illegible] and there upon said volunteer Company was marched immediately  by said officers to the city of Philadelphia and there attached to a Regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas Duff and joined with the Pennsylvania troops commanded by General Mifflin. Said troops were marches from thence to Bordentown and from thence to an encampment not far from Trenton New Jersey where they were stationed at the time. General Washington crossed the Delaware and surprised and captured the Hessians stationed at that place. Immediately on his return the body of the Militia to which this deponent belonged joined the Army after Washington recrossed the River with him and were stationed with him at said Trenton on the [illegible] of January 1777 when the British marched to attack the Americans. This deponent is old and frail but well recollects the whole scene then displayed. After renewing the fires about midnight the American troops were silently withdrawn and after gaining a position in the enemy's rear were marched towards Princeton near which place early next morning they met the rear of the British troops where a battle was fought and the later defeated , in which this deponent bore his share to the best of his skill and understanding as Ensign
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in said company and he now in his possession the very sword and spontoon by him carried on that occasion. After said battle & the retreat of the British the Americans were marched to an  encampment near Morristown where the deponent served in his company as aforesaid until the 15th of March as well as he recollects when said troops were marched back to Philadelphia & said company discharged, this deponent having served as Ensign therein for three months. Afterwards when the British troops under the command of General Howe were landed at the Elk Ferry in Maryland a General call was again made for volunteers by General Washington and as well as this deponent recollects and verily believes on the 25th day of August  1777 he again entered the service in pursuance to said call in the company of said George Evans Captain, Paul Ralston Lieutenant and this deponent Ensign in the New Castle Delaware Militia. Nearly all of said Company volunteered on that occasion & met on the day {illegible} foresaw at said Brandywine Bridge where the said Company was attached to the Regiment commanded by said Colonel Thomas Cuff, Lieutenant Colonel George Craighead and the Brigade of General Patterson of the Delaware Militia. Said Brigade was immediately marched to a place called Chadds Ford and Joined to the Army of General Washington where on the 11th September 1777 the battle of Brandywine was fought and the American army defeated. It being then fully manifests that the British Army would take possession of Philadelphia and there being no immediate call for said Brigade of Militia the troops comprising the same were marched to Chester in Pennsylvania and there discharged on the 9th or 10th day of October 1777 having served a tour of duty of six weeks as then estimated & will recollected by the deponent; he having been personally with them in said battle of Brandywine as Ensign in said company & served the same length of time.
Afterwards as well as this deponent recollects and now verily believes was on the 15th of Ocotber 1777 and immediately after the British took possession of Philadelphia & was then  occupying the same a company of spies was organized commanded by Captain David M Kee this deponent Lieutenant and Thomas M, Clintick Ensign.  This deponent will not undertake to say precisely by what authority said Company was raised but always understood it to be by request of General Washington himself. It was raised and organized by General  Smallwood in person by whom the officers and privates belonging to said   Company were employed principally from the ranks of the Delaware Militia. They were fully informed of the nature of their duty by said  General Smallwood
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and employed for a tour of nine months - the said company did [illegible]  upon their duty at the time last aforesaid and continued in active service principally in the night season in watching the Tories intercepting them when giving aid to the enemy by carrying provision or otherwise said company was generally  divided into three parties under said officers & Scoutes in different directions generally at night - They had no real battle with the enemy during this term of service but many singular adventures particularly with the Tories who from time to time they caught in the very act of carrying provisions to the British Army in Philadelphia. At one time in particular this deponent with his party took several waggon loads of flower destined for the enemy's use. It was the duty of either of the commissioned officers of said Company upon making any arrest of the [illegible] or any discovery which was deemed of importance to give immediate information to whoever might be the officer of the day in the American Army - The General officer with whom this deponent was best acquainted with were Generals Smallwood Craidhead and Colonel Thomas Cuff and through whom he generally made his communications to the Army - said company was thus employed until after the battle of Monmouth and the entire withdraw of the British troops toward New York and as this deponent verily believes on the 15th of July 1778. They were discharged having  served a tour of 9 months and the deponent returned to his residence in said County of New Castle. The commissions held by the deponent have been long since lost by some means unknown to him at present unless it was in his various removals since that time . He still has the same sword and spontoon carried by him during all his services aforesaid but he has no documentary evidence to substantiate his claim nor any living [illegible] by whom the same can  be proven as unfortunately he believes everyone who was with him or to whom he was known is now dead. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State
Sworn to and subscribed the day & confirmed 
Isaiah Morris   Clerk
George Nixon
We, Asa Brown and James Brown residents of said county of Clinton in the immediate neighborhood of said George Nixon hereby certify that we are well acquainted with said deponent who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 81 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  James Brown
                         Asa Brown
Sworn to & subscribed this day & year aforesaid.
Isaiah Morris    Clerk
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Interrogatories propounded by the Court as follows to wit
1.st Where and in what year were you born?
Answer. In the year 1752 in New Castle County in the now State of Delaware
2. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
answer, I have none
3. Where were you living when called into the service, where have you lived since the ┃
Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Answer when called into service I lived in New Castle County Delaware
I lived in Delaware some years after the Revolutionary war; I then removed
into Washington Pennsylvania, from thence to Clinton County Ohio where I now
live
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were
you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
answer, I was a volunteer as I have stated in my declaration
5. State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you
served; such continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general
circumstances of your service.
Answer I was well acquainted with Gen Wayne & Genl
Smallwood the general circumstances of my service
are previously stated in my declaration.
6. Did you ever receive a commission, or written discharge and if so by whom was it signed and
what has become of it
Answer I received three commission from Gov Bassett of Delaware
as stated in my
declaration but they are all lost. I never received
a written discharge
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood,
and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of
your services as a soldier of the Revolution
Answer. Asa Brown and James Brown
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter
and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above
applicant was a revolutionary officer and served as he states. And the Court
further certifies that it appears to them that James Brown & Asa Brown
who have signed the certificate of reputation are residents of Clark Township
in the vicinity of the applicant, and are credible persons, and that their statement
is entitled to credit And that the Court are satisfied that said applicant
could not have produced a clergyman in Court as one of said persons without
too much inconvenience to him the said applicant
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The depositions of Seeds Nixon and Francis Nixon to
be presented to the Secretary of War on the application of
George Nixon for a pension for services rendered the United States
during the Revolutionary War. The said Seeds Nixon
being first duly sworn according to law upon his oath saith
that he is now about Forty one years of age and that 
as long ago as this deponent can remember which he thinks
at least 30 years ago he heard the said George Nixon his
father related stories which occurred in the Revolutionary War
& profess to have held the office of Ensign and Lieutnant
in the Militia of Delaware & that he served in that
capacity during said war, and that he has often heard the
said George conversing with others who knew him during
said war and who knew him to be an officer therein
but he does not now know of any such person living
said George had his uniform for many years after this desponent
can recollect & still has the sword and spontoon
which he always professed to have carried during his tours in
the Army of the Revolution, said deponent also states
that in the State of Delaware and Pennsylvania where
said George Nixon has resided it has always been the 
Common understanding and belief without any doubt
whatever known to this deponent among his neighbors that
said George Nixon was an Ensign and Lieutenant in
the service of the United States during the Revolution
and further saith not
Seeds Nixon
Sworn to and subscribed before
me this 27th day of August 1833
B Moore Justice
of the peace
For Clinton County State of
Ohio
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Also the said Frances Nixon being first duly sworn deposeth
and saith that he is about 37 years of age. that he was
living with his father as long ago as he can now recollect in
Washington County Pennsylvania and that the said George
Nixon always professed to have served in the Delaware
Militia during the Revolutionary War in the offices of 
Ensign and Lieutenant and that the same was reported in
orally and believed by all his neighbors in said County and
that he can recollect the uniform said to be his during
said campaigns and that the said George Still has the same
sword and spontoon which he always professed
to have carried during his tours in the Army and
further Saith not
Francis Nixon
Sworn to and subscribed before me the undersigned on
acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Clinton
Ohio. I also certify that the erasure and interlineation
in the name of Francis Nixon aforesaid in said deposition
were made before signing and that said Seeds and
Francis Nixon are credible Witnesses. Given under
my hand this 27th day of August 1833
JB Moore
Justice of the peace
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The State of Ohio,
Clinton County,

I Isaiah Morris, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County
of Clinton aforesaid, do hereby certify that George B. Moore, Esq. by whom the
within depostions appear to have been taken, was at the time of taking the same
and now is, an acting justice of the peace in and for said County,
duly elected, commissioned and qualified; and that to all his acts as such due,
due faith and credit is due and ought to be given. I further certify that his
signature is genuine. In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and
affix the seal of our said Court of Common Pleas,
at Wilmington, the 20th day of Aug 1833
Isaiah Morris, Clerk.
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The State of Ohio, Clinton County, ss.
I, Isaiah Morris, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do
hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court
the matter of the application of George Nixon for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office,
this 27th day of August, 1833.
Isaiah Morris, Clerk.
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George Nixon
2h. 315
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26.315
George Nixon
Ohio
for 1776 Ensign & Pri
Proof required See Notes
Ensign  4 1/2 - $45.-
Pr 1 1/2 5.-
$50.-
Can only allow a [illegible] within
B. Hinchson
Wilmington Clinton Co Ohio
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War Department,
Pension Office
29 Oct 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statemen of your case in tabular form. On comparing there papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus:}).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
Statement, showing the Service of George Nixon
[Period when the service was rendered] [Duration of claimant's service][Years][Months][Days][Rank of claimant.][Names and Rank of the Field officers under whom he served][Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service][Proof by which the declaration is supported]
10. Dec 17th 3 Ensign Cap. Evans 81 years
Col. Duff New Castle Traditionary
25 Aug 1777 8 12 Ensign Same officers New Castle County Delaware
15 Oct 1777 9 Lieut Cap. McKee
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of
On this _day of _ personally appeared (a) before
of _ aged (c) _ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _, with _ and 
served in the
(e) regiment of the
line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C. D. residing in (the same)
who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.}
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 16

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.To a Soldier.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
6. To an Officer.
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
to an office has become of it?
7.State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure,taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow
the rule laid down for his guidance.
The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
law of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
The undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For year months, and
days, I served as a -. For - months and --- days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority
; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
┃ The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pubseal
of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses
, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 17

January 19, 1934

George Nixon-S.1819
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Louis F. Johnson
515 Briar Place, #701
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to George and John Nixon, soldiers of the War of the Revolution, who located in Washington County, Pennsylvania, after the war.
Page 18

tenant in a company of Spies commanded by Captain
David McKee; this service was usually at night,
watching Tories to prevent them from aiding the British.
The soldier, George Nixon, was allowed pension on his application executed, July 22, 1833,
then a resident of Clark Township, Clinton County,
Ohio, having moved there from Washington County,
Pennsylvania.
Seeds Nixon and Francis Nixon, sons of the
soldier, were aged respectively, forty-one and
thirty-seven years in 1833, and were then in
Clinton County, Ohio.
The name of the wife of the soldier, is not
given, and there is no further reference to children
.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 19

Freeport, Ill Sept 11. 1920

Sect. of Interior.
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.D.

Dear Secretary-

My great-Grandfather, George Nixon was in the Revolutionary War. I believe he had a pension. After the war when my father was born he lived in Washington Penn.

He had two sons, Seeds and Francis Nixon.

I am anxious to join the D.A.R. Would you kindly let me know if you have his pension record. and oblige
Page 20

Belle Nixon
152 Douglas Ave
Freeport, Ill



Nixon
Page 21

Freeport, Ill, Jan. 6 - 1912
56 Chestnut St.
Pension Office,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir-
I am tracing out the genealogy
of George Nixon, born about 1749
was officer in N.J. Reg. and was all
through the Revolutionary War. Presumably
from what I know was Capt. of Cummings
Co. 2nd Reg of New Jersey, Want to know
his genealogy and where he came from
I am his G. Grand Daughter,
Family names which have descended 
George, William, James, John, Robert After
War went to Penna, owned a Stone Quary
was of a prominent Collonial family
Page 22

Had coat of arms. He carried
a silver handled sword and
spontoon and rode a horse in the
war was a fine rider. Had two sons
Francis More Nixon, my grand father
and one my father calls (Seeds). This
may not have been the baptismal
name of my fathers uncle but
as a boy he called his uncle Seeds
Great Grand Father George Nixon
went from New Jersey to Penna Do not
know just where they might
have gone at first but before
moving from Penna to Ohio they
lived for some time in Washington
or Washington County Penna, where
Page 23

they owned a big stone quarry
He and his sons went to Ohio, near
Cincinnatti in about 1830 and
in about 1840 started to Oregon
but stopped near Rock Island
on the east of the Mississippi R.
and Great Grand father is buried
there by the side of my grandfather.
George Nixon died at age of 91.
I enclose some questions which
if you will answer for me I
will be much obliged.
Thanking you for your valuable
time I am, yours respy.
Emma Nixon Richardson
56 Chestnut St. Freeport, Ills.
Page 24

Was there more than one George Nixon
who was not in the Navy in Rev. War?
I only found the one named at Newberry
Library Chicago
If so
who was he ?
Names of ancestors in this country?
of what nationality?
Whom did he marry?
Names of his sons?
Dates of their births?
time of
time of his enlistment?
time of discharge?
Am I right as to Capt. George Nixon
of Cummings Co. 2nd N. Reg being my ancestor?
Page 25

Rev. and 1812
War Section.
Charles G. Davis,
Geneseo,
Ill.
Sir:
May 15, 1925
I have to advise you from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 8919, it
appears that George Nixon was born in 1752 in New castle County, Delaware.
While residing in said county, he served in
the Delaware Troops as follows-
From December 10, 1776, as Ensign in Captain
George Evans' Company, Colonel Thomas Duff's Regiment, he was in both battles of Trenton and in the
battle of Princeton and served until March 15, 1777.
From August 25, 1777, six weeks as Ensign in
same company and regiment as above and was in the
battle of Brandywine.
From October 15, 1777 to July 15, 1778 as Lieu-
Miss Wilson said use both
battles of Trenton aws
Page 26

tenant in a company of Spies under Captain David
McKee, watching Tories to keep them from aiding
the British. This service was usually at night.
He was allowed pension on his application
executed July 22, 1833, while a resident of Clark
Township, Clinton County, Ohio, having moved there
from Washington Co, Pennsylvania.
In 1833, sons Seeds, aged forty - one years and
Francis, aged thirty-seven years are mentioned. There
is no further data on file as to family.
For the last known post-office address, date
of last payment of pension, name of person paid and
probably the date of death of the Revolutionary War
pensioner George Nixon, you should apply to the Pension Section,
Civil Division, General Accounting Office, 1800 E
St. N. W. Washington, D. C., citing all of the following
data: George Nixon, Certificate No. 27610,
issued September 4, 1834, rate $50 per annum, 
commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Ohio
Agency.
Respectfully,
WILDER S. METCALF
Commissioner.
Page 27


Mrs. Emma N. Richardson,
154 Cherry Street,
Freeport, Illinois.
October 4, 1917
Madam:
In response to your letter of the twenty-fifth
ultimo, you are advised that in the claim of George Nixon, S. F.
No. 8919, Rev. War, a history of which was furnished you on January 14, 1913, the name of the soldier's father is not stated.
For the last known post-office address, date of
last payment of pension, name of person to whom said payment was
made and probable date of soldier's death, you should address
the Auditor for the Interior Department, Washington, D.C., giving
all of the following data:
George Nixon, Cert. No. 27,610, issued
September 4, 1834, at $50 per annum, from
March 4, 1831, under the Act of June 7,
1832, Ohio Agency.""
Very respectfully,
GM Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 28

[Stamp]
RECEIVED
JAN 9 1934
Mail SUB-Div
Vets. Adm.
Reader 88
Page 29


515 Briar Place, #701
Chicago, Ill.
Jan., 8th, 1934
Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen,
Would you kindly supply me with a copy of whatever
genealogy and War records you might have of a John Nixon, born in
Fermanagh Co, Ireland in 1754, who was on the list of weekly
recruits raised by Captain Samuel Neilson for Pennsylvania Regiments
listed for Philadelphia in the year of 1777 Also I would like to
have similar records of a brother, George Nixon, who served four
years in the Revolutionary War, under George Washington. Both men were
sons of an Edward Nixon and located in Washington Co., Pa., after
the War.
Thanking you most kindly, I am,
very truly yours
Mrs Louis T. Johnson
Page 30

DIRECTORS
Leo H. Lowe, Kewanee
Charles R. Hanna, Orion
Jacob Jacobson, Bishop Hill
Historical Society of Henry County, Illinois
Col. Charles G. Davis, Geneseo, President
Wm. F. Huston, Cambridge, Vice President
Ella Hume Taylor, Geneseo, Sec'y Treas.
DIRECTORS
Joseph L. Shaw, Geneseo
Lucia Stit, Alpha
Fred U. White, Galva
War Department,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Geneseo, Illinois, May 11, 1925.
George Nixon is the only soldier of the American
Revolution who is known to be buried in Henry County, Illinois.
We desire to erect a suitable monument over his grave and are
requesting information, additional to what we have, as to this
soldier. We have the following information:
GEORGE NIXON enlisted December 15, 1776, for three
months, as Ensign with Capt. George Evans, and Col.
Thomas Duff in the Delaware troops. He re-enlisted
for six weeks in the same company, and was chosen
Lieutenant October 15, 1777, serving from October 15,
1777, until July, 1778, under Capt. David McKee, and
Col. Thomas Duff. He was in the battles of Princeton
and Brandywine. He removed to Ohio, and from there
to Rock Island county, Illinois, August 15, 1841. He
is buried in Glennwood Cemetery in Henry County,
Illinois. He was pensioned.
Do your records, or the records of the AGO, show any
of the following:
Date of birth?
Place of birth?
Date of death?
Place of death?
Date of last pension voucher?
Place to which last pension voucher directed?
Anything other or further of his military record?
Any further or other information of interest that
can be given?

Very respectfully,
Charles W Davis
Charles G. Davis,
President of
above Society.
Page 31

Rev War
Records
F.W.
S.F. 8919
Established 1901 Incorporated 1915
Woodward Abstract Co.
Incorporated
The Only Complete Abstract Books in Woodward County
Woodward, Oklahoma
January 3 1923
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir;
Will you kindly send me a copy of the military
history of one George Nixon a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
I am interested in this information, to see if I cannot trace my geneology back to this 
soldier whom I have reason to believe was an Officer under Col Thomas
Duff, for the reason that I want to become D.A.R. and if possible, a Colonial Dame.
If there is any fee for this information, please let me know and I will gladly remit,
Thanking you most kindly, I am
Yours very truly
Woodward Abstract Company
By Elizabeth Nixon Bleckley
Secretary Treasurer
[Stamp] Pension OFFICE Jan 6 1923 US
Page 32

Rev Sec
Freeport, Ill. Sept 25, 1917
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr Commissioner:
I wish you might be able to give me some information on certain
lines in regard to the death of my
great grandfather Lieut, George Nixon
father of Seeds Nixon and Francis Nixon. My father is a son of the 
younger one that is Francis Nixon and my father's name is Francis Moore Nixon.
The Bureau of Pensions kindly gave me a copy of the application
for pension made by my great grandfather. They lived near Clarkstown, Clinton Co.
Ohio when the pension was allowed in 1833 and about seven or eight years
later moved to near Moline in Rock Island Co. where they had some friends
by the name of Glenn. I believe the nearest town was
Page 33

2.
Port Byron. My father was about 12 and says
the the first year they were there whn his
father Francis went out to crade some grain
and came in sick with a fever.  They procured a
doctor and he gave him so much calomel
that his tongue burst in his head. The second
doctor could not save him but save a girl
who had been overdosed with calomel at the
same time.  He died and his friends Jas. Glenns
folks being nearest neighbors were there and buried
him in their own cemetary some little
distance away where they had laid out a burying 
ground and Lieut, George Nixon the only
surviving adult male member of the family
took my father one day and went out to 
fix the fence and came back and had a chill
and shook till he died and as all the
other members of the family were sick with
chills & fever my father went to for the Glenns and
they came and they buried him beside his son
The family being sick these friends and neighbors
buried the Lieut.
These Glenns had been instrumental in
getting our people to move there so they took them
both and my grand mother who had never had a care as to management
was left a widow with a large family and 
since the place was not desirable where they
were and was only rented they soon moved
up the Green River.
Page 34

3. they soon moved up the Green River and
never went back to attend to those graves
(For which I can hardly forgive them) but
just said that they were buried in
Jim Glenns Graveyard.  Now I am desirous
of having Lieut. Nixon's grave marked by the
D.A.R's but the descendant of James Glenn
who has charge of the cemetary cannot
remember the names of two men whom his
grandmother told him about while he stood
at their graves (and on which they laid a flag
on Memorial day) All the old settlers who
might remember them have passed away
There was no one really who might be
effected to remember but the Glenn's
and it seems this man has been thinking
that those two graves were made in of before
1837, now this is wrong but I cannot
convince him so I have turned to you
to know if the records furnish any
data of when Lieut. George Nixon last
received any pension money in Ohio
and whether he ever received any in Illinois
If so then did the Glenns or any one else
write you of his death (Please give date)
which my father thinks took place in 1841.
Was the money sent and unclaimed?
Page 35

4. To sum up.
What I wish to know is when he
received his last pension money and
where and whether there is any official
record of this death, In application for pension
did he mention his father's name? Think it was James McCorkle Nixon
Anything further which the records
might give would be greatly appreciated 
for it seems a pity that this grave 
should never be marked for my
great grandfather enlisted and helped to form
three companies. Each time when
the company disbanded he helped to form 
another and was Lieut for the time from
Oct 15 1777 to July 15, 1778 under Capt David
McKee and Col. Thomas Duff of Del.
Hoping that you may find it possible
to give me the above data I am
Yours respectfully
Mrs Emma Nixon Richardson
154 Cherry St
Freeport Ill.
P.S.
He served in the Rev. War
in battles of Princeton & Brandywine
Page 36

1913 Jan. 14, History to
Mrs. Emma N. Richardson,
1917, Oct. 4. To above to address
Auditor for Int. Dept. for date of 
death &c. See carbon F.W. 
1918, June 1. Jr. Mr. Genl. S.
for tombstone
1920 No 2. History to Belle Nixon
1923 Jan. 17. Hist. to Elizabeth J. Black
1925 may 15 Hist to Charles G Davis
1934 Jan 19 Hist to Mrs Louis F Johnson
8919
INVALID.
File No. 8919
George Nixon
Let. Rev. War
-
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 275
Arrangement of 1870.}

┃
Page 37

Dear Sir
Columbus August 29. 1834
I herewith return the application of George
Nixon for a pension with the additional Testimony of Thomas
Hardin and Gordon Howard two credible witnesses
from my own knowledge of the character of Mr Nixon
as an upright and honest man I had no doubt of
the truth of his narrative but have we proven it
agreeably to the rules prescribed by the department.
think we have by taking the best evidence the nature
of the case admits of same is positive & supported by
so many presumption in his favour that I think there
can be no reasonable doubt on the mind. I see that 
in some instances you have in cases of application as
Officers & where you did not consider the proof strong
enough, Still given a pension for a less sum, if the
evidence would be strong enough to warrant that course 
rather than fail altogether Mr Nixon would be willing
to accept of a pension or these terms. Whatever answer
you may think proper to give - Please direct to me
at "Wilmington Clinton County Ohio"
Very Respectfully yours
IS Edwards cy
B. Hinkson
Page 38

The Deposition of
Gordon Howard
Page 39

The deposition of Gordon Howard to be presented to the Secretary
of War on the application of George Nixon for a pension for
Services rendered the United States during the War of the Revolution
The said Gordon Howard being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith
that he is about Eighty two years of age & served as a soldier
in the regular army of the United States five years & six months
during the Revolutionary War. And has frequently converse
with said George Nixon prior to the passing of the law of the
7th of June in the year 1832 and believes from facts related to
him by said George Nixon that he was in the Battle of
Brandywine in which Battle this Deponent was engaged &
was personally acquainted with Captain Evans, and knows of
own knowlege that Captain Evans who commanded a company
the Delaware Militia was in the Battle of Brandywine -
& was captain of a Company of the Delaware Militia in
said Battle, but does not recollect any of the other officers
of said Company, has seen the Spontoon & Sword of the said
George Nixon and believes they are similar to those used
in the Revolutionary War. This deponent further says
that he believes said Nixon was in the service of the
United States in the Revolutionary War, and further saith
not witness
Caffith Fos, Jr
X his mark
Gorden Howard

Sworn to & Subscribed before me the undersigned an acting
Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Clinton, Ohio,
I also certify that the erasures & interlinations in the above
deposition were made before the signing, & that said Gordon
Howard is a credible Witness Given under my hand
this 12th day of June in the year 1834
Amos T. Serrell J Peace
Page 40

United States of America
The State of Ohio Executive office I Robert Lucas Governor and 
commander in chief of the State of Ohio do hereby certify that Amos
J Sewell before whom the foregoing deposition of Gordon Howard
was taken, was at the time of taking and certifying the
same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Clinton
in said State duly commissioned as such and that to all his official acts full
faith and credit are due and ought to be given as well in towns
of justice as elsewhere and I also certify that his signature
to said certificate is genuine In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and caused
the Great Seal of the State to be
hereto annexed at Columbus this
2d day of August AD 1834
By the Governor
Willis
B. Hinson Sect of State
Page 41

Deposition of Thomas Hardin
Page 42

The deposition of Thomas Hardin to be presented to Secretary
of War on the application of George Nixon for a pension
for services rendered the United State during the War of
the Revolution, the said Thomas Hardin being duly Sworn
according to law upon his oath saith that he is now in
Eighty third year of his age and served as a soldier in the
Revolutionary War and became acquainted with George
Nixon who now applies for a pension
at a place called crooked billot in the State of
Delaware New Castle County at a general Review of the
New Castle County Militia under the command of Colonel
Craighead & Colonel Duff he was then an ensign in the
Company of Captain Evans & carried the colors of said
Company, thinks this Review took place in the year 1776
but his memory is so frail from old age that he is not positive
as to the year & went in the same Rigment to which George
Nixon belonged from Crooked billot to Wilmington and
from thence to Philadelphia under the command of Colonel
Duff, Colonel Craighead & Lieutenant Col. Evans of said Regiment, Stayed in Philadelphia some days. The Regiment then
left Philadephia under the command of General Mifflin
& Marched to a Pale called Bristle (as well as this deponent can
recollect) about thirty miles from Philladelphia on the
Bank of Delaware River- and from Bristtle or Briston the Regiment
Marched through Barlington under the command of General Mifflin
& Col. Duff & Craighead to BordenTown where the Regiment
remained three or four days as near as recollected, and from
thence to Trentown where they had a severe engagement with the British army under the command of Colonel Morehood or
Mahood & after the battle was over the Regiment Marched
to Prince Town, under the command of Genl Mifflin Col. Duff
& Craighead where they had a skirmish with the enemy
from which place the Regiment returned, a part by the same
rent it they went and a part by another route to Philladelphia
where they were discharged some time in the year 1777, all
of which time from the time the Regiment left Crooked billot for Philladelphia
and from their to Prince Town & back again to Philladephia
Page 43

where they were discharged in the year 1777 said George Nixon
served in the same Regiment with me until the discharge
aforesaid at Philladelphia & this deponent further saith
that during the whole time above mentioned he personally
know the said George Nixon & knew him to serve as a above
in Captain Evans company as an Ensign
mentioned in the Regiment aforesaid & believe he was in the
Battle of Brandywine - After they were discharged at Philladelphia
this deponent enlisted in the light Horse of the Regular
Army of the United States & did not see said Nixon any more
after the war was over, but believes said Nixon was
in the service of the United States as a Lieutant in the Delaware
Militia after they were discharged as aforesaid at Philadephia
and further this deponent saith not
Witness
Guffith Foor Jr
Thomas Hardin
X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the undersigned an acting
Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Clinton Ohio. I also
certify the erasures and interliniations aforesaid in said
deposition were made before signing & that said Thomas Hardin
is a creditable Witness Given under my hand this 27th
day of May 1834
Leo Nace J.Peace
The State of Ohio Clinton County Ss.
I Isaiah Morris Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for
the County of Clinton aforesaid do hereby certify that Geo. Bruce Esquire
before whom the within and foregoing deposition of Thomas Hardin
was taken, and whose signature appears to the above certificate thereof,
at the time of taking and certifying the same was and now is an acting
Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn into office and to all his official acts as such full
faith and credit are due and ought to be given as well in courts of
Justice as elsewhere. In Testimony whereof
I hereunto set my name and affix the seal of
our said Court at Wilmington the twenty seventh 
day of May A.D. 1834
Isaiah Morris Clerk
Page 44

Unites States of America
The State of Ohio Executive Office I Robert Lucas
Governor and Commander in chief of the State of Ohio
do hereby certify that George Bruce Esq before whom the 
foregoing deposition of Thomas Hardin was taken was
at the time of taking the same and still is an acting
Justice of the Peace in and for Clinton County in 
said State duly commissioned as such and that
to all his official acts full faith and credit are
due and ought to be given as well in Courts of Justice
as thereout & that his signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my name &
caused the Great Seal of the 
State of Ohio to be here affixed
at Columbus this 2d day of Aug
AD 1834
Robert Lucas
By the Governor
B Hinkson
Secy of State