Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18892, Rawleigh C Christian, Continental Va.

Page 1

Continental    Christian, Rawleigh C.    W. 18892
Va                        Elizabeth

Page 2

Let to Th Armstrong, June 25. 39

[written perpendicular: 
Notification sent 12th Feb. 1822 to Hon. M. L. Ball, H.R.]

[Opposite page:

11182 [illegible]
Virginia
Rawligh C Christian
of _ in the state of Virginia
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Stepens of the Virginia
line, for the term of three years

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 8 dollars per month, to commence on 
the 5th of February 1819

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th of March 1819
and sent to the Hon Mr Ball
House of Representatives US

Arrears to 4th of Mar: 1819 $7.03
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th of Sept 1819 48-
$55.03

{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}

Continued Sept '19
Northumberland County]

Page 3

Letter to Post Master and Tho. Armstrong
Oct 8 1839. do. to Tho.
Armstrong. May 6. 1840

Paid at the Treasury under
the Act of the 6th April 1838 to
1 of 3 Children from 4th March
1836 to 38th Jany 1840. Agent 
Notified 6th March 1841.

Paid the children at Treasury
2 and 3 children
for: 4 March 1836 to
28th. January 1840 - day
of her death X act [illegible]
Agt notified 2d Oct 1841.

[Opposite Page:]
Dead - 4143

Richmond Virginia
Elizabeth Christian
widow of Rawleigh C. Christian
Va
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 4th July 1828
of Lancaster Co. in the State of Va.
who was a Private in the compy. commanded
by Captain - of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Stephens in the Va.
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond Va.
at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Sept.
1839 and sent Thos.
Armstrong Lancaster CH2a

Arrears to the 4th of Sept '39 $280.00
Semi-annual allowance ending [illegible] '40 40.00
$320.00

{Act July 7,
1838}

Recorded by DD Addison Clerk
Book A Vol. 2a. Page 177

Page 4

Rawleigh C. Christian
decoration of 
revolutionary services
8. Feby 1819

AOM.@
date certifi: 5 Mar.1819

Page 5

District of Virginia
Northumberland to wit,

On this 8th day of February - 1819 before the Justices of
the County Court of Northumberland now holding a Court
for the county aforesaid within the district of Virginia aforesaid
personally appears Rawleigh. C. Christian aged 65 - years residence
in the County of Northumberland in the said district who being first
duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of 
Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged
in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary
war" The he the said Rawleigh. C. Christian enlisted
in the County of Northumberland in the State of Virginia
in the Company Commanded by Capt Thomas Gaskins in the 5th
Virginia Regiment on the 10th day of April 1774, having enlisted
for two years and having continued under his immediate command
as private 18 months, he was then transferred to [illegible - crossed out]
General George Washingtons bodyguard Commanded by Capt Caleb
Gibbz where he the said Christian served the remainder of the two years
for which he had first enlisted and when the term for which he
the said Rawleigh. C. Christian reenlisted at Valley Forge as private in the
same corps (to [illegible] Genl. Washingtons bodyguard) Commanded by Capt
Gibb afd., and shortly after this last enlistment he the said Christian being
on Furlough in Virga to see his friends, recd. orders through Thomas Gaskins
who was then in the Continental Service to join the southern army
commanded by General Greene which he the said Christian

Page 6

accordingly did and was attached to the 4th Regt Commanded by Col Stephens
and continued in the Southern army until
after the Seige of York when he recd' an honourable discharge in
Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania
having served in the Continental Army from the date of his last enlistment
three years that he was in the following battles to wit, Taking the
Hessians at Trenton in 1776, At the Battle of Princeton in 1777, at Brandywine
in 1777 - At Germantown 1777 - At Monmouth in 1778
and at Guilford Courthouse in 1781 and at this last battle was
wounded in three places - and that his discharge being attached
to his land warrant which he sold it is out of his power
now to produce it, And that he is in reduced circumstances and
stand in recd his country for support - That he has no other
evidence now in his power of his said services. 
Sworn to and declared in open court the the day and year aforesaid

Rawleigh C. Christian

And the court aforesaid do further certify that it appears to the satisfaction
of the court aforesaid that the said Rawleigh C. Christian did serve in
the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration - against
the common enemy, and the court afsd. do now transmit the proceeding
and testimony taken and had before them to the Secretary for the department of
war pursuant to the directors of the aforementioned act of congress
and they do further certify that the claimant is in indigent circumstances

William Hudnall
Presiding Justice of 
the Court

Page 7

State of Virginia
Northumberland County Court 8th February 1819
Rawleigh C. Christian of the said
County appeared in open court and subscribed and
 made oath to the foregoing declaration, and
the same was there upon signed by the court
which is ordered to be certified 

In testimony of which I Fleming Bates
clerk of the said Court, have hereto [illegible]
my hand and affixed the 
seal of the said County the day
and year aforesaid

[illegible] Bates.

Page 8

R.C. Christian

con -
L. L. E

Hon 10 S. Ball
H.R

Page 9

I know Rawleigh C Christian the person
named within knew him to be poor and
do no think that his property is under valued

Washington Feby 11th 1822

[illegible} Bale

Allowed 
I. C. C. 

[written in margin, perpendicular: 
R.C. Christian

Page 10

District of Virginia
Northumberland County to wit,
On this 9th day of July 1821 personally
appeared in open court, (being a court of record
for the said country, being expressly made a court of
record by the laws of this Commonwealth by which
is was created). Rawleigh C. Christian aged 69
years resident in the said county of Northumberland
who being first duly sworn according to law doth
on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary
war as follows, that he joined the company
of Capt. Thomas Gaskins of the 5th Regt. Virga.
line on continental establishment in the year
1774 and confirmed in the service as a private
until the year 1776 when he was honourable discharged,
that his original declaration is dated
the 8th day of February 1819, his pension certificate
is numbered 7039. and I do solemnly swear that
I was a resident citizen of the United States on the
18th day of March 1818 that I have not since that time
by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property
or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish
it as to bring myself within the provisions of an
act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for
certain persons engaged in the land and naval
service of the United States in the revolutionary
war" passed the 18th of March 1818 and that I have
not nor has any person in trust for me any
property or securities contracts or debts due me
nor have I any income other than what is
contained in the schedule hereto annexed and
by me subscribed

Rawleigh C. Christian

Schedule as follows
Real estate to wit - a life estate in 103 1/3 acres
of land in Northd. County Va

Page 11

Personal estate to wit - necessary bedding and clothing excepted -

Three head of cattle twelve head of hogs, six flag'd.
chairs - one table - three pots - one dutch oven
Rawleigh C. Christian

Occupation and ability to pursue it
A farmer - from his age and a wound he received
in the revolutionary war he is able to do but little.
Number of his family residing with him - names -
ages others capacity to support themselves

Elizabeth Christian his wife, seventy years old
not able to do any thing.
Rawleigh C. Christian
Sworn to and declared on the 9th day of 
July 1821 in open court, by Rawleigh C. Christian
F. Bates C.C.

I Fleming Bates clerk of Northumberland
County Court in the state Virginia do hereby
certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule
thereto annexed are truly copied from the records
of the said court, and I do further certify that [illegible]
is the opinion of the said court that the totals
amount in value of the property [illegible] in
the aforesaid schedule in Seventy three dollars
thirty cents.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of
the said County the 12th day of
July 1821

F. Bates C.C.

Page 12

State of Virginia

On this 15th day of July 1839 personally appeared before me Wm.
P. Harcum a Justice of the peace for the County of Lancaster.  Elizabeth
Christian resident of the aforesaid County of Lancaster aged Eighty Six
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 provisions made
by, the act of congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half
pay and provisions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Rawleigh
C. Christian who was a Revolutionary Soldier and pensioner at the time of
his death then residing in the county of Northumberland state of Virginia
She further claims that she was married to the said Rawleigh C. Christian
on the fourth day of July in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two
that her husband the aforesaid Rawleigh C. Christian died on the fourth day
of July eighteen hundred and seventy eight (1828) that she was not married
to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place
previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four
at the time above stated

her 
+
Elizabeth Christian
mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Wm P. Harcum a Justice of the peace for the county of Lancaster

Wm P. Harcum J.P.

I certify that the above mentioned Elizabeth Christian is from bodily infirmity
unable to travel to Lancaster Court [illegible] to make the above declaration
before the court of said county July 15th 1839

Wm P. Harcum J. P.

Page 13

The affadavit of Capt Matthew Lambkin of the County of Northumberland
State of Virginia now in the seventy first years of his age taken in
support of the claim of Elizabeth Christian widow of Rawleigh C.
Christian deceased late of Northumberland County who was a revolutionary
soldier and pensioner. Saith on oath that he was well acquainted
with the said R. C. Christian and with his widow Elizabeth Christian
who now applies for a pension under the act of Congress of the
United States appeared the 7th day of July 1838 and believes that the
said Rawleigh C. and Elizabeth were lawfully married having lived
together as husband and wife from the time he knew them as husband
and wife to the [illegible] of said Rawleigh C. Christian. by whom the
said Elizabeth had four children. and knows the became husband
and wife between the last period of Said Christians Service in the
Revolutionary War and the first day of January 1794 Seventeen hundred
and ninety law and the said Elizabeth Christian is now his
widow and has not been married to any other person since the
death of her husband Rawleigh C. Christian.  July 8th 1839
Matthew Lamkin

Northumberland County State of Virginia
Sworn to before me Edward Coles a Justice of the peace for said
county the 8th day of July 1839
Edw Cole J.P.

Northumb.d County to wit
I.M.B. Cralle clerk of the court of said county
do hereby certify that Edward Coles Esq. whose name 
is appended to the foregoing certificate is, and was at
the time of signing the same, a Justice of the peace
in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed
the seal of said county this 8th
day of July 1839.
M.B.Cralle CC

Page 14

Raw. Christians's
Marriage license
bond
ACopy

Page 15

Know all men by these presents that we Rawleigh
Christian and John Christopher Jr are held and firmly
bound unto the Commonwealth of Virginia in the penae
sum of Fifty pounds current money, to which payment
well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves
and each of our heirs eyors and admors, Jointly severally firmly
by these presents, sealed with our deals and dated
this 4th day of July Anna:Dom: 1782. 

The condition of this obligation is such that whereas 
there is a marriage shortly intended to be had and solemnized
between the above bound Rawleigh Christian
and Elizabeth Pope widow, - Now if there by no lawful
cause to obstruct the said marriage, then the above
obligation to be voids, else to remain in full force [illegible]
[Sealed and delivered
in the presence of 
Charles Clarke}

Rawleigh Christian [handwritten "seal" and circled]
Jhn. Christopher Jun. [handwritten "seal" and circled]


Truly copied from the original now on file
in my office

Attest
M. B. Cralle CC
July 8th 1839

Page 16

COPIED FROM EEL

May 19, 1932

B-J/MLB [illegible initial]
XXXXXXXXX
RAWLEIGH C. CHRISTIAN
W. 18892

Mrs. J. Frank Thompson
11 Kuhlman Court
Columbia, Missouri

Dear Madam:

Reference ins made to your letter requesting information
relative to Rodham Booth and Rawligh Chinn Christian, soldiers
of the War of 1812.

War of 1812 data furnished by this office are obtained 
from claims for pension made to the United States based upon
military service of soldiers in that war. 

A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim
on file on account of the War of 1812 service of Rodham Booth
or Rawligh Chinn Christian.

The Revolutionary War records of this office do, however,
show a claim for pension on file on account of the service in
that war of Rawleigh C. Christian, and his record (W. 18892)
is furnished you as follows:

Rawleigh C. Christian enlisted in Northumberland County,
Virginia, April 10, 1774, served as a private in Captain Thomas
Gaskins' company, Colonel Parker's Virginia regiment, for about 
two years; was transferred to General Washington's Life Guard
under Caleb Gibbs, Commandant; reenlisted in the Life Guard,
was detached and served in Colonels Stephen and Thomas Gaskins'
(his former captain) Virginia regiment, and was discharged
sometime after the siege of Yorktown. He was in the battles of 
Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Monmouth and Guilford, in which
latter engagement he received two wounds, one on the left hand
which fractured one finger and rendered his hand almost useless,
and the other on the right thigh a little above the knee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed February
8, 1819, at which time he was aged sixty-five years and resided
in Northumberland County, Virginia.

Page 17

Soldier died July 4, 1828 in Northumberland County, Virginia.

Rawleigh C. Christian married July 4, 1782, Elizabeth Pope,
a widow (given name of her former husband not stated).

Soldier's widow, Elizabeth, was allowed pension on her
application executed July 15, 1839, at which time she was aged
eighty-six years, and resided in Lancaster County, Virginia. In
1821, soldier stated that his wife, Elizabeth, was then aged
seventy years.

She died January 28, 1840.

Rawleigh C. Christian and his wife, Elizabeth, had four
children. The only son was in the United States Army in 1817
and had then served at least ten years. He was unmarried at that 
time. The other three in 1817 were married. In 1840, three
children were living. No names of children are given.

Very truly yous

A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

- 2 -

Page 18

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 24th, 1841.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States, "Two of the three child.n of Elizabeth
Christian, dcd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at
the rate of Eighty Dollars and _ Cents
per annum, under the law of 7th July 1838, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1836,
to the 28th January 1840.

Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Page 19

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 18, 1841.

Sir:
Under the act of 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States," One of the three childn. of Elizabeth Christian
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at
the rate of Eighty Dollars and - Cents
per annum, under the law of the 4th July 1838, has
been paid 1/3 of said pension at the Department, from the 4th of March 1836,
to the 28th January 1840. 

Respectfully yours,

Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Page 20

White Stone Va
April 30th 1840

Free

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 21

Lancaster County Va. April 30th 1840

Sir
At the request of Elizabeth Christian revolutionary pensions
I went to Richmond in November last and presented to Mr. Robinson
at the Bank of Virginia the enclosed power of Atty. which he refused to
pay upon the [illegible] of haveing received a letter from you directing him
not pay such pensions, until the 4th of last month(March) my expenses
in the Steam Boat to Fredericksburg and cars to Richmond and returning the same
way adding tavern lieu, were over eighteen dollars, which I have to advance out
of my own pocket. in consequence of this widow being since the death of her
husband entirely destitute of the means of Support, In order to avoid if possible
[illegible]  and disappointment in obtaining the pensions on 
the 21st of last month I addressed a letter to Mr. Robinson enquiring of him
if he would then pay Elizabeth Christian's pension. I received from him
the following reply. Sir In reply to your letter of the 21st Instant I have
to state to you that the pensions of Mrs. Elizabeth Christian cannot be
paid under the [illegible] formerly presented; which is the same now
inclosed to you and which you will please to examine and return
to me, with instructions how this pension is to be obtained. please to
direct your letter to White House Post Office

I am very Respectfully
your obdt. Servt.

Thomas Armstrong

James. L. [illegible] Esqr
commissioner of pensions

Page 22

Oct 29

Eliz Christian
[illegible] Va. file

4143

[perpendicular written to the above:
White Stone Va
October 24th, 1839
J. L. Edwards Esqr
commissioner of pensions
Washington City

Page 23

Lancaster County Va October 24th 1839

Sir 
Your letter of date 8th [illegible] is received. the pension certificate
of Mrs Elizabeth Christian has been forwarded to the
White Stone Post Office and received by me

Respectfully your Obdt. Servt.

Thomas Armstrong
Atty for Mrs. Christian

J.L. Edwards Esqr.

Page 24

Oct 8
Eliz Christian
Va. [illegible]

[written perpendicular:
White Stone Va
October 3 1839

Free

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of pensions
Washington City]

Page 25

Lancaster County Va September 28 1839

Sir

In the month of July last I enclosed to you by mail proof
of the claim of Elizabeth Christian for a pension, under the act of congress
of the 7th of July 1838. Accompanied by a power of attorney executed
by Mrs Christian authorizing me to receive the same from you or any
other person duly authorized to pay pensions, under the laws of the United
States. I have not yet received from you any answer to my communication
on this subject. Upon the receipt of this you will oblige me by informing
me the cause of delay in not hearing from you

I am respectfully you
obedt. Servt.

Thomas Armstrong

[in the margin:
James L. Edwards Esqr.]

Page 26

Eliz Christian

Page 27

Lancaster County Va. July 17th 1839

Sir

In due time I received your favour of the 25th [illegible] accompanied
by the regulations accepted by the Department of war for the
guidance of widows of Revolutionary officers and Soldiers entitled to pensions
under the Act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838. Herewith
you will receive Testimony in Support of the claim of Elizabeth
Christian which I hope will be considered Satisfactory, by the department
also a power of atty given to me to receive a warrant or  if 
granted, which you will please to forward to me [illegible]
White Stone P. Office in the above mentioned County. 
Mrs Christians, condition is deplorabe in addition to old age and
its consequent infirmities she has upon the right side of her face
a cancer which has destroyed a part of her now and will soon destroy
her right eye. She is without any means of support and has Since
the death of her husband

I am Respectfully your
obedient Servant
Thomas Armstrong

[written the left margin:
J. L. Edwards Esqrs.

Commissioner of pensions

Page 28

Know all men by these presents that I Elizabeth Christian now
residing in the County of Lancaster State of Virginia. Widow of Rawleigh C. Christian
late of Northumberland County and State of the aforesaid who was a Revolutionary
Soldier and pensioner at the time of his death do hereby nominate constitute
and appoint Thomas Armstrong of the county of Lancaster State of Virginia
my true and lawfull attorney and agent form and in my name to ask
demand, require, and receive and from James L. Edwards Esqr. commissioner 
of pensions. Acting under laws of Congress or any other person or persons
therein to act in behalf of the United States. Any and all rights, claim or interest
that I now or may hereafter have to warrants, pensions, or annuities to which
I am or may become entitled to by virtue of Act of Congress passed the 7th day
of July 1838 as the widow of Rawleigh C. Christian, above mentioned, the title
of Said act being: and act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows
And I hereby authorize Thomas Armstrong aforesaid to grant receipts
therefor and to do all Acts of things relative thereto in my name as fully
as if I were personally present to sign and acknowledge the same hereby
ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing my said attorney
and agent may do by virtue hereof with power of attorney or attornies
under him for that purpose as I may deem best for my interest
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 15th day
of July 1839

her
+
mark
Elizabeth Christian

Signed and acknowledged before me Wm P. Harcum a Justice of the
peace for the county of Lancaster this 15th day of July 1839
Wm. P. Harcum J. P.

J Thomas Armstrong to whom the above power of attorney is given declare an oath
that I have no interest in Said money by any pledge. mortgages, transfers, agreement
understanding or arrangement. and that I do not know, or believe. the same has
been so disposed of to any other person

July 15th 1839
Thomas Armstrong
a Justice of the peace for the county of 
Wm P. Harcum J.P.

Sworn to before me a Wm P. Harcum
Lancaster this 15th day of July 1839

Page 29

5826
Elizabeth Christian
Wd of Rawleigh C.
Va
Act of July 7 1838
Married 1782 S
died 1828
Allow $80 per a anm

Page 30

The affadavit of Thomas Armstrong of the County of Lancaster State of
Virginia of Lawfull age taken in support of the claim of Elizabeth Christians widow
of Rawleigh C. Christian late of Northumberland County State aforesaid who was at
the time of his death a United States pensioner, Saith on oath that he was well
acquainted with Rawleigh C. Christian aforesaid and is with his widow at this time
well acquainted. The death of Rawleigh C. Christian above alluded to took place on the
4th day of July 1828 as their informed, but was present of the 5th day of July 1828 and
seen his corpse in coffin and intered on the last mentioned day, he has
frequently
heard him say that he was married to the above mentioned Elizabeth after he
had quit the Revolutionary Army and believes the were married in the
year 1782. he knows the Said Elizabeth Christian to be the widow of Said R.C
Christian and that she has not been married after his death, and is now his widow
and further declares that the following writing is a true copy of a petition kept in
his possessions since the date thereof which the Said Rawleigh C. Christian had drawn
up to present to the Congress of the United States and which he believes was presented
to that body and that the aged wife mentioned therein is the same person who now
applies for a pension under the Act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838

To the honourable the Congress of the United States
the petition of Rawleigh C. Christian respectfully represents that the entered into the
service of this country as a private soldier in the month of April 1776
and continued in the army until sometime after the surrender of Lord
Cornwallis at little york in the year 1781 that during that period he was in
Seven engagements with the enemy to with the battle of Trenton on the 26th
of December 1776, the battle of Princeton on the 3rd of January 1777 the battle
of Monmouth on the 28th day of June of 1778 the battle of Brandywine on
the 11th day of September 1777 the cannonade of Trenton on the 2nd of January
1777 and the battle of Guildord on the 16th of March 1781 in the battle last
mentioned your petitioner received two wounds one on his left hand
which broke one finger and has rendered that hand almost [illegible] the
other in his right thigh a little above the knee from which the bullet was
[extracted?] by doctor Green of the 3rd Regt of Infantry. your petitioner
sets forth that for many years past he has been dependant on his Children
for support. [illegible] have now all married except his only son who is now

Page 31

and has been for ten years past in the army of the United State, same
petitioner being left alone with an aged wife is incapable of earning a
support by his own labour, he is sixty three years of age and feels as he
advances in life much more sensibly the injury done to his thigh during
the revolutionary war, thus situated he has determined to lay his case
before the legislature of his country, your petitioner will further
state that he enlisted in the 5th Virginia Regt under the command of
Col Richard Parker and belonged to the company o Cptn Tho.s Gaskins,
his service expired at the end of two years he then again enlisted in
the same Reg.t and was taken into the life gaurds of General George
Washington. and continued in that service for three years. he was
then furloughed to visit he parents. In some short time after general
orders were issued that all thou who were on furloughs in Virginia should
proceed to the Sauthara and join the army under the command of general
Green, this order your petitioner obeyed and marched under the command
of his first Capt.n who had been promoted to the command of a Regiment
and was there Col. Thomas Gaskins. your petitioner having thus
devoted the prime of his life to the Service of his country and being now
incapable from the effects of his wounds received in that Service and his
advanced age from procuring the means of Supporting himself and his
aged wife, throws himself on the Justice and County of the Congress of
the United States. under the most thorough assurance that the will not suffer the worn out soldier of the Revolution to [illegible] in want for that
pittance which would be like a drop from the Ocean when taken from
the coffers of a great and wealthy country.  your petitioner therefore
prays that your honorable body will grant him something for his immediate
support and also such an annual pension as you may think
just taking into consideration his Service and Situation
Northumberland County Virginia December 17th 1817
Rawl C. Christian
Lancaster county July 15th 1839
Thomas Armstrong
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and

Page 32

years before written, before me Wm P. Harcum a Justice of the peace
for the County of Lancaster
Wm. P. Harcum J.P.

Virginia
Lancaster County [illegible]
I Benjamin M. Walker. Clerk of Lancaster County Court.
do hereby certify William P. Harcum is a magistrate in
and for The Court of the County aforesaid, [illegible] commissioned
and qualified according to law, and that
the five foregoing signateurs pruporting to be his are
genuine
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto affixed the soul of the
said County Court and subscribed
my name this 15h day of July 1839.

B.M Walker.

Page 33

[in ink]:
W 
June 25
Rawleigh C. Christian
[illegible] 1878

[in pencil]: 5 Mar 19
[illegible]

[written perpendicular to above:
White Stone Va
June 20th 1839

James L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of pensions
Washington City}

Page 34

Lancaster County Va. June 17th 1839

Sir
Rawleigh C. Christian a revolutionary Soldier obtained
a pension for his Services under the act of Congress of 1818
he died on the 4th day of July 1828 leaving a widow now (in the 87th
year of her age) utterly destitute of any Support. And having been
married to Rawleigh C. Christian after the expiration of the last period
of his Service and before the 1st day of January 1794 it serves clear
that she is entitled to the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th
of July last. I will thank you to inclose to me Such regulations and
forms or evidence as has been adopted by the war department under
pensions to certain widows. and direct to the White Stone P.O.
Lancaster County Wa

Respectfully your obdt Servt

Thomas Armstrong

[left margin: James L. Edwards Esqr]

Page 35

Washington September 4, 1931

BA-J/EEL
Honorable William L. Nelson
House of Representative
Washington, D.C.

My dear Mr. Nelson:
Reference is made ot your letter of September 1, 1931, in regard
to Rawligh Chinn Christian and Reuben Hatton, soldiers of the
Revolution.
Your are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary
War pension claim, W.1889e, that Rawleigh C. Christian enlisted
in Northumberland County, Virginia, April 10, 1774, served
as a private in Captain Thomas Gaskins' Company. Colonel Parker's
Virginia Regiment for about two years; was transferred to General
Washington's Life Guard under Caleb Gibbs, commandant; re-enlisted
in the Life Guard, was detached and served in Colonels Stephen and
Thomas Gaskins'(his former captain) Virginia regiment, and was discharged
sometime after the siege of Yorktown. He was in the battles
Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Monmouth and Guilford, in which
latter engagement he received two wounds, one on the left hand,
which fractured one finger and rendered his hand almost useless and
the other on right thigh a little above the knee.
He died July 4, 1828, in Northumberland County, Virginia.
The soldier married July 4, 1782, Elisabeth Pope, {handwritten: a widow}
Soldier's widow, Elisabeth, was allowed pension on her application
executed July 15, 1839, at which time she was aged eighty-six
years and resided in Lancaster County, Virginia. In 1821, soldier
stated that his wife Elisabeth was then aged seventy years.
She died January 28, 1840
They had four children. The only son was in the United States
Army in 1817 and had then served at least ten years. He was unmarried
at that time. The other three were married in 1817. in 1840
three children were living. No names of children are given.
It does not appear that soldier or his widow ever resided in 
Boone County, Missouri.
[handwritten in the right margin:
He said
in one place
that he served
6 may in the 
Life Guard and 
the next time
he stated that 
this serv. [illegible]
three years,
so I did not
use either.
He said 
Col Richard
Parker but 
as it appears
to have [illegible]
Joseph Parker
who serv
in 5th [illegible]
I did not
use Christian
name}

Page 36

Apr - 13 - 1932

Pension Department 
Dear Sirs -
Have you an 1812 War Pension
of Rodham Booth - of Va. and 
Rawligh Chinn Christian of Va -
If you haven't the pension have
you their war record.
I will appreciate any help you
can give me. - Very Sincerely -
Mr. J. Frank Thompson

II [illegible] Court
Columbia. [illegible]

[worn out stamp:
APR 15 1932]

Page 37

William L. Nelson
8th Dist. Missouri
Room 374
House Office Building
Residence:
Columbia, Missouri

Member 
Committee on Agriculture

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

September 1
19 31

Office of the Director of Pensions,
Revolutionary War Section,
U.S.  Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

-o-

Gentlemen:
We will greatly appreciate it it you will kindly
furnish us with such information as your records may reveal
concerning the following Revolutionary War soldiers:
Reuben Hatton, originally from Northumberland
County, Virginia, and who died in Boon County,
Missouri, in 1842. His wife was a Miss Ballew.

Rawligh Chinn Christian, also from Northumberland
County, Virginia, and who, I believe, moved to 
Missouri and died in Boone County.

Thanking you for your reply, I am

Yours very truly,
C.T. Lindsay
Secretary to Mr. Nelson.

[rubber stamp: 
[illegible] revolutionary & 1812 Wars
Section
Sep 2 1931
[illegible} of pensions]

Page 38

1931 - Sept 4 - Hist. to Hon
Wm L. Nelson - EEL

1932 - May 19 - Hist to Mrs. J. Frank
Thompson - MLB

[illegible]
Widow, etc.

File No. 18892
Elizabeth Christian
Widow of
Rawleigh C Christian
Piv. Rev. War

Act: July 7th 1838
Index:-Vil. A, Page 132
[Arrangement of 1870.]