Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7678, for Stephen Nixon, South Carolina

Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE  S.C.

Nixon, Stephen
Martha

NUMBER R.7678

CONTENTS

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14803
Declaration of Stephen Nixon Jr
Son Stephen Nixon Senr
Revolutionary Soldier
for Pension due to the Widow of Stephen Nixon Pr at the time of her death
Act July 7 1838

Attorney
William Hunt
Washington City D.C.

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[ State of Alabama Randolph County ] ss. On tis  7th day of June  eighteen hundred and  fifty two before me  a Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid personally appeared  Stephen Nixon   Junior a resident of the said County and State who being first duly sworn  according to law  doth on his oath make the following declaration  in order for himself  and his two sisters  who has appointed him  their attorney to obtain the  benefit of the provision made by the at of Congress passed Jul 7  1838  , entitled  " An Act  granting half pay and pension s to certain  widows. " That he , the sad Stephen Nixon Jr. , Mary A Nettles and Nancy Finch  are the only surviving children of Stephen Nixon Senior, a Revolutionary  soldier , and Martha his wife, that there were only four children  in all to  with  Stephen Nixon Jr. born in  the year 1796 , Mary A Nixon ( now M A Nettles )  born in the year   1797 , Nancy Finch ( formerly Nancy Nixon )  born in the year  1794 and Johan Nixon  born in the year 1788  and who died without wife or children in the hear 1850.in the District of Richland  , State of South Carolina . hat the said Stephen Nixon Senior  served in   the war of the Revolution  as a private soldier, His service commenced  in the early part of the year 1777, and he continued  in the service of the United States  for about five years until about the close of the war. The said services were performed  under Sumpter  for the most part ,  He  constituted a part of some  Horse Company  in the  State of South Carolina  and Sumpter District on the high hills of Santee.  His serves was mostly rendered there and in the  County adjacent . Declarant is not able to give the names of the  inferior officers. The state of this Country then  calling for scouting companies  , the said Stephen  Nixon  formed a part of these companies of horsemen, until 1780 , when General green took command of the Southern Army , when the said Nixon  continued in the service under Gen. Green until  about the close of the war. The declarant makes this statement from information  given to him  by his deceased father the said Stephen Nixon a, and by others who previous to  the death of the latter spoke of their own knowledge of the facts. He  does not know that any persons  are now alive  who could testify  to the service from their own personal knowledge, neither can he find  any papers which would  afford proof . He does not recollect  what  particular  battles his father was in / After the close of the war, the said Stephen Nixon  was a Baptist Minister for many years. He was Pastor for the  Church  called Congaree in Richland District South Carolina  , up to the time of his death , which took place there on the 1 4th of February  1816. He left his sword, cartridge box, etc., i the family. He was born in  the year  1754 , and was raised in South Carolina  . In the year  1780  April 10th he was married to Martha Nettles . The marriage took place  in Sumter District South Carolina . They were married by one Richard Furman  Minister of the Gospel.

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that the said Martha the mother of the declarant and his sisters remained a widow until her death which took place in the Dist of Richland State of South Carolina on the 25th of September 1846. Her age was about 90 years, without ever making any application for a pension, that she was married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place prior to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four (1794) by at the time heretofore stated

That the said Stephen Nixon Senr and the said Martha his wife are buried in the same Grave Yard,

That as appears from a letter from the State office at Columbia South Carolina, the service of the said Nixon is on record there, for one years service at one time

The declarant, Stephen Nixon Jr by virtue of the power of Attorney vested in him hereby appoint William Hunt of Washington City DC as his true and lawful Attorney to apply to the Commissioner of Pensions for and to receive a certificate allowing to the said children of the
parties aforesaid the amount of pension to which Martha Nixon the widow of Stephen Nixon Sr was entitled at her decease on the 25th of September 1846
[signed] Stephen Nixon

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Stephen Nixon Jr and am fully satisfied that the above statement made by him is true,
Henry N. Armstrong
Justice of Peace

State of Alabama
County of Randolph
I Joseph Bunten Judge of the Court of Probate of said County, do hereby certify that Henry W. Armstrong whose genuine signature appears above is and was at the execution of the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned & sworn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith & credit. I further certify the the Court of Probate Court of Record, and that I am the sole Judge and Clerk thereof

Given under my hand and seal of office at Wedowee State of Alabama this 10th day of June 1852
Joseph Benton Judge of Probate

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No 3.
Affidavits of Nancy Finch, Mary A. Nettles, & Caroline A. Payne,
with original Family Record, proving Marriage 10. Apl 1780,
and birth of first child on 15. March 1781

Claim of Martha Nixon Wid, Stephen-
Ala. Act 1836

Mrs Finch wishes the Family Record to be returned to her -
---
Ch. C. Tucker,
Atty
Present

23. Sep. 54

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The State of Alabama
Butler County
On this 30th day of August Eighteen hundred and fifty four before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, Personally appeared Nancy Finch a resident of said County aged sixty years and made oath according to Law that she is the daughter of Stephen and Martha Nixon deceased formerly of South Carolina. that her Father the Rev Stephen Nixon was for many years pastor of the Congaree Baptist Church in Richland District South Carolina and died there on the 4th day of February (1816) and ever since that time she has had charge of the Family Bible and find it recorded there in his own hand writing that he was married to Martha Nettles on the 10th day of April Seventeen hundred and Eighty (1786) and she knows the other dates upon said Family record are correct that her said Father died in 1816 as above stated and that her Mother the said Martha Nixon died on the Twenty fifth day of September Eighteen hundred and forty six (25 Sept 1846) that she send herewith the said family record which she has this day torn from the said Bible which she requests may be returned to her as soon as the officers of government shall compare it with the above dates as it is a valuable fairly Relic she further swears that since her earliest recollection she has heard her Father say that he served in the South Caroline Cavalry in the Revolutionary war some four or five years and that most of the time was after he was married that he was a Sargent and she believes that he was under Col Harry, General Sumpter & Green that during last year a man in Washington City named Hunt was employed to obtain a pension on account of her said Mother who as she is informed drew the paper erroneously and failed to Establish her Mother claim which the believes to be a

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Just one and the makes this  affidavit to aid in proving the facts herein stated she further swears that Stephen Nixon, Mary A Nettles and herself are the only children now living of the said Stephen Nixon and that Martha Nixon remained his widow until her death as aforesaid and she has reason to believe that there is no public official record or private record (except in the Family Bible) of the said marriage of her said Father and mother
[signed] Nancy Finch A

Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid
John S. McMullan J Peace
A Justice of the peace

[paragraph crossed out, not transcribed]

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid and I certify that the above named 
Nancy Finch and Mary A Nettles are known to me as credible and Respectable persons. And I further certify that I have no interest in the pension claim herein mentioned and are not concerned in the prosecution of it
John S. Mullan J Peace
A Justice of the peace

We Mary A Nettles and Caroline A Payne do swear that the statements made in the foregoing statements affidavit of Nancy Finch are true to the best of our knowledge and belief
[signed] Mary A. Nettles
C. H. Payne

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The State of Alabama Butler County.
Saml J. Bolling Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, hereby certify that the within named John S McMullen was an acting Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid on the 30th day of August 1854, and that he was then and is yet duly qualified and commissioned as such, and that this official acts as such of that date and since, are entitled
to due faith and credit, and that the within Signatures purporting to belief is genuine

Given under my hand and seal of office at office this the 2nd day of September A.D. 1854
Saml J. Bolling
Judge of Probate

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Power of Attorney
Mary A Nettles to
Stephen Nixon Jr
the Claimant

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State of Alabama
Randolph County
Know all men by these presents that I Mary A. Nettles a daughter of Stephen Nixon and Martha his wife both deceased do hereby constitute and appoint Stephen Nixon Jr my brother as my true and lawful attorney with power to appoint other attorney for me and in my name to present my claim to the Commissioner of Pensions for the amount due to my Mother Martha Nixon at the time of her death, as the Widow of our deceased father who was a Revolutionary Soldier, and to receive a certificate therefore
[signature] 
Mary A Nettles

Signed in the presence of Josiah X Woodward his mark

State of Alabama 
Randolph County
On the 7th day of June 1852 personally appeared Mary A. Nettles and acknowledged the  forgoing power of Attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes above named
Henry W. Armstrong
Justice of peace

The State of Alabama 
Randolph County 
I Joseph Benton Judge of the Court of Probate of said County do hereby certify that Henry W Armstrong whose genuine Signature appears to the above acknowledgment is an acting Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that full faith and credit is due and should be given to all of his official acts as such I further certify that I am sole Judge and Clerk of said Court and that the same is a court of Record

Given under my hand and seal of office at office in Wedowee this 10th day of June in the year AD 1832 and of American Independence the 76th year
Joseph Benton Judge of Probate

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Vol. II. A Coronation Sermon, preach'd at Dartmouth. 761
[column 1 ]
unto me; thy Yoke is easy, and my Burden is light.
His Commands are not grievous, I John V. 3. All
his Ways are Pleasantness, and all his Paths are Peace,
Prov. iii. 17. The joy of the Lord shall be your
Strength, Neh. viii. 10. If there be repenting
Work, believing Work, Sin-mortifying Work, or
suffering work for you; there is also a suitable
Provision of divine Assistance, to enable and carry
you through it all. 2 Cor. xii. 9. My Grace is suf- 
fcient for thee. If men cast you out, God will
receive you, 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18.  If any sharp Trial
befal you, there's a Door of Escape prepared for
your outlet, 1 Cor. x. 13. If you meet with
Trouble in the World, you shall not fail of Peace
in Christ, John xvi. 33. If you lose any outward
Enjoyment for Christ's sake, it shall be recompen-
ced an hundred-fold in this world, besides the Re- 
ward of Heaven hereafter, Mat. xix. 29. If you
be cast in Prison for Christ, the Comforter shall
come from Heaven, and rest upon you there, I Pet.
iv. 13, 14. If you suffer with him, you shall reign
with him, 2 Tim. ii. 12

What think ye, Brethren of Christ's Terms
now? What is there here, for men to scare and
fright at? Can you mind yourselves elsewhere
O when shall the match be made? When will
you come to Christ, and say, "Lord, I heartily
consent to take thee for my king: I am pleased
" with the hardest Condition required in thy
"Word?"

5. Lastly, be convinced of the Unreasonable
ness of all that you can pretend against this great
Duty. If you say, the pains of Mortification
are hard; you must in Reason yield, that the
Pains of Damnation are harder, and that it is bet- ter for you to enter into Life balt and maimed than
having two Eyes or hands to be cast into Hell;
where the Worm dies not, and where the Fire is not
quenched, Mat. v. 29. If you say you have no

Power to come to Christ, your consciences will
presently tell you that you never yet put forth the
uttermost Power that you have, in striving for your
own salvation: It will also tell you, that you sup- 
pose you have such a Power; else why have you so
long delayed Repentance and conversion upon this
with self-reflecting Powers, we are able to retire
Pretence, that you will seriously perform them here- after? Besides, though your Endeavours do not
oblige God to do that for you, you cannot do of
yourselves; yet 'tis more probable he will do so,
when you strive to your utmost, than when you
carelesly neglect those Duties, and give yourselves up
to the contrary Course.  If you say, you would 
strive, if you were assured of Success, and that you

should be received and accepted by Christ, if you
came unto him, and did cast your poor Souls upon
him; you can answer yourselves, if you will, that
you daily spend your Time, Pains, and studies,
upon lesser Things, having no Assurance at all of
Success. The Husbandman toils all Day at Plough,
yet is not assured of a good Harvest; his corn may
die in the seed, or be blasted in the ear. The
Mariner ventures his Estate upon the Sea, yet hath
 no Assurance of a good Return; the Ship may
miscarry. The Miner will dig into the Bowels of
the Earth, and try here and there; yet hath no
Assurance he shall find that rich vein of ore, that
shall recompence his Colt and Pains. Now if 
man willlabour to hard and adventure to much
upon uncertainties, for a little of the World; 
doth not your own Reason conclude, you ought
to do more, and adventure further than any of 
them, to obtain Christ, and eternal salvation? I 

[column 2]
strive, strive to make your Escape out of Sa- tan's Kingdom, to Christ: Sit not with folded
Hands on the Seats of Sloth, saying, 'Tis to no
Purpose.

Suppose yourselves now upon your Death-Bed,
all earthly Comforts insipid Things to you, Con-science presaging the wrath to come, Time and
Hope ending together; would you not then wish,
O that we had been ruled and govern'd by Christ's
Laws and Spirit, and not by Satan, and our own
Lusts! Had we been the servants of Christ, we
had how been going to Christ, had he governed,
he would have saved us; but his Servants we are,
to whom we obey: We have served our Lusts, and
the Wages of sin is Death.

Or suppose you saw the Glory of Heaven, or
the Horrors of Hell; that you heard the Hallelu- jabs of the Palm-bearing multitude, or the Shrieks
of damned Catt-aways; would it be so indifferent
a thing to you, whether you obey Christ's Call,
or no? Believe it, these are no devised Fables,
but do really exist, whether you mind them, or
not. And why should you not suppose, and fore-
think Things so sure, and so nigh? A sweet
Voice comes from Heaven this day, saying, Let
all that expect to enjoy the Glory that is here, see
that they submit heartily to Christ's Scepter; for
he saves no more than he rules: And the whole
Number of the glorified in Heaven is made up
of such as heartily closed with Christ's Terms on
Earth. A dreadful voice comes up from Hell,
crying (as it were) in your Ears; As ever you
expect to escape the Miseries and torments that
are here, do not reject Christ's Yoke and Govern- ment as we did; Our yielding up of ourselves to
the sway and Government of our Lusts, was our
Ruin.

Use III. To conclude: Let all Men try their
own Estates, and examine to what King they do
indeed belong, and whose subjects in Truth they
are, Christ's or Satan's; for these two kingdoms
divide the whole world. God hath furnished us
with self-reflecting Powers, we are able to retire
out of the confused noises of the World, and fit
retired in the innermost closet of our own souls,
where none but God and our consciences shall be
privy to our Debates; and there solemnly demand
of our Conscience, and charge it to make plain
and faithful Answers to such Questions and Enquiries as these:

Ques. 1. To whom do I yield the most prompt,
cheerful, and constant Obedience? To the Com-
mands of Christ, or to Sollicitations of Satan and
my own Lusts? He that hath my Obedience, the
same is my Lord and King. Rom. vi. 16. To whom
ye yield yourselves Servants to obey, his Servants ye
are to whom ye obey. When God and Conscience
calls me to pray, and the World calls me off to
attend its ensnaring Pleasures, and unnecessary Em-
ployments; which of these Calls do I pay Obedience
to?

Ques. 2. Who governs the secret and unseen
Part of my Life? That every Man is, in the Ac-
count of God, which he is in secret, Rom. ii. 28,
29. Now who is King in the Closet? And what
Rules do my Thoughts move by? If Christ bring
my thoughts into Obedience, so that I dare not
indulge to myself a sinful Liberty to enjoy the speculative Pleasure of the sins I have acted, or
would act, had I opportunity for it: And if I
am in the fear of God when alone, and make
Con -

Page 12

762 A Coronation-Sermon, preach'd at Dartmouth. Vol. II.

King of my Soul, 2 Cor. x. 5. Mat. vi. 6. But if
I make an external Shew of Obedience to Christ,
and secretly obey my Lusts; I am really the ser-
vant of sin, and belong to another King. O my
Conscience! what sayest thou to these Things?

Quest. 3. Whom do I follow,  or heartily resolve
to follow, when it comes to a parting point betwixt
Christ and the World when I must cleave to the
one, and forsake the other, Mat.vi.24 do I with
full purpose of Heart cleave to the Lord? AEts xi.
23. Is it my sincere Resolution to follow the Lamb
whithersoever he goeth? Rev. xiv. 4 or have I se-
cret Reserves to quit Christ's Service, and give re- 
ligion the slip, when it comes to a real Distress and
Difficulty? These are founding Questions, and will
discover whose Government we are under.

 CONCLUSION.

Thus I have endeavoured to spiritualize and im-
prove the great and solemn actions of this good
Day; a Day for which (I hope ) the Children yet
unborn shall praise the Lord. How happy will
our King and Queen be, if they reign over a Peo-

[column 2]

ple that Christ reigneth over; and will conscien-
tiously pay them Obedience in, and for the Lord!
I believe it will be a greater joy to their souls, to
see you set the Crown upon Christ's Head, in your
Subjection to his Laws, than to see the imperial
Crown of England set upon their own heads. Re-
ligion breeds the best Subjects.

Let England praise the Lord for such a Day as
this! how many fad Years are run out, since it saw
the Crown upon the Heads of a Protestant King
and Queen at once! Let faithful Magistrates rejoice
they shall never more be put upon the odious and
dangerous drudgery of persecuting good Men, un-
der such a Government as this.

Let Ministers rejoice, yea, let them rejoice with
double Joy to others; they shall no more be driven
into  Corners, nor put to silence, (a Silence as bitter
as Death ) whilst the royal Scepter is swayed by those
Hands, wherein God hath now plac'd it.

Let all the people rejoice, for these their Rulers
shall be to them as the Light of the Morning, and
as the clear shining after Rain, 2 Sam. xxiii. 3, 4.
And let us all say, Isa. xxv. 9. Lo, this is our God;
we have waited for him, and be will save us: This
is the Lord, we have waited for him; we will re-
 joice and be glad in his salvation.


Stephen Nixon was born December 11th 1754
Stephen and Martha Nixon was Married April 10th 1780
Richard the son of Stephen and Martha Nixon was
born March 15th : 1781 about 9 O Clock in the morning
Eliabeth the daughter of Stephen & Martha Nixon was born
March 5th: 1783 about two O Clock in the morning
Eliabeth the daughter of Stephen & Martha Nixon departed
this life  October 18th: 1783 about one or two O Clock in the
morning  beeing, 7 months & 13 days old
                                                                                1784
Thomas and Sarah Nixon was born October 7th about 10 O Clock at night
__________________________________________________________
Sarah the daughter of Stephen and Martha Nixon departed
this life 18 October 1784 aged Eleven days
Richard the Son of Stephen & Martha Nixon Departed this Life
December 24th: 1786. About Eleven O Clock at night.
being5 years 9 months and nine days old                                              1787
Stephen the Son of Stephen & Martha Nixon was born March 1st about one O Clock
at night  and departed this life 27 March 1787 about one or two O Clock
in the morning, aged 27 Days                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Thomas son of Stephen & Martha Nixon departed this life May 23 about  twelve
o clock at Night 1787 being two years and seven months
Sixteen Days old

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The State of Ala
Macon County
Personally appeared before me Thos B. Macon an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid David Powell of the County of Macon & State of Alabama, who after being duly sworn doth depose & say as follows. That he was acquainted with in Stephen Nixon of Richland District South Carolina for about Twenty years, & that he was the husband of Martha Nixon, & I [illegible] Stephen Washington. Nancy & Mary were the lawful Heirs of the said Stephen & Martha Nixon & that the said Nancy Nixon first married a man by the name of Hays he died & she then Married Caleb Finch, & that the said Mary Nixon Married a Man by the name of Samuel Nettles. Affiant further states that the said Stephen Nixon was a Baptist Minister  for years & had charge of the
Congaree Church
[signed] David Powell

Subscribed & sworn to before me this 22d of Oct 1835. 
Thos L Macon JP

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The State of Alabama
Macon County 
I Lewis Alexander Judge of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Tho L Macon whose name is signed to the within oath is & was at the time of signing an acting Justice
of the Peace duly qualified & commissioned as the Law directs. that it is his genuine Signature

Given under my hand & seal of office this 27th Oct 1855

Lewis Alexander
Judge of Probate

[sideways]
Affidavit of David Powell

Page 15

Additional Evidence for Claim of
Martha Nixon, decd Widow of Stephen-

Alabama - Act 1838-
now claimed under Act 4 July 1836

Page 16

14.803  7678
Martha Nixon dec'd widow of Stephen
Ala

Wm Hunt April 2d 1853
 " Octo 13 1853
JF Dowdell Mch 10 1854
? Tucker Sept 27 1852 (Rhe
 " Dec 13 1854 (Nile
 " Apl 23 1855 (hipp
Mary Arm Nettles, Sept 3/53
gh Montgomery "
B Fitzpatrick Jany 26 /56
Mary a Nettles July 11/56
C.C. Tucker, March 31 /57

July 7 1838.

Page 17

7678
P. O.
Martha Nixon
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____ ,18
Application filed:  _____, 18 
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney:  _____
P. O.  _____

 _____Recognized.  _____ Contract
 _____Cert. of Dis.   Searched for  _____, 18

Page 18

14.803
Martha Nixon dec widow of Stephen
Ala

Wm Hart April 22 1853
same Oct. 13. 1853
Hon J. F. Dowdell 10 Mar 54
C.C. Tucker 27 Sept 1854.
C.C. Tucker Dec. 13 /54

Act July 7 1838

Page 19

Steven Nixon, Mary A Nettles, & Nancy Finch

children of Stephen Nixon & Martha Nixon
Stephen Nixon died 1816
Married 1780
Martha Nixon Died 25 Sep 1846

no certificate of Court, showing death & heirship, no proof of
Marriage - Certificate of comp showing Service.
no proof of identity

Page 20

L P Waldo
Washington City

[illegible] Ala August 20 1885

Sir I want you to inform me what is the situation of a Revolutionary claim of Stephen Nixon's Widow at the pension office if the Identity of Martha Nixon the widow of Stephen Nixon is sufficiently proven

yours truly
Hugh Montgomery

Page 21

Oxford Ala: June 26 1856
Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

Dear Sir
Sometime since I received your favor of the 3d Sept last enclosing copy of a letter to C.C. Tucker in which I was informed of the condition of the claim under act of July 7 1838 filed by the  children of Martha Nixon widow of Stephen Nixon a Revolutionary Soldier from the State of South Carolina since the receipt of your favor I have used all exertions in my power and have succeeded in obtaining the Testimony of three additional witnesses which I herewith enclose you will greatly oblige by taking up the claim again for examination as I flatter myself the proof made out by the witness statements herein enclosed, substantiates our claim-- You will also oblige if you will
hereafter send your communication in connection with this claim to my address at this place to the care of James M. Jones, who is my neighbor and who is assisting me in the matter-- would be pleased to hear from you in the event the proof is not sufficient to substantiate the claim, wherein it is still deficient - If however the proof is sufficient in

Page 22

Your opinion to authorise the allowance owed the claimants as children aforesaid. You will also forward the necessary papers to me at this place to the care of James M. Jones -

I am Respectfully
Your Obedent Servant
Mary Ann Nettles
-
-

Page 23

Additional Evidence
Heirs of Martha Nixon widow of Stephen Nixon
Revolutionary Soldier
-
Claim under Act July 7 1838

Original claim Filed Oct 16 12

Attorney
William Hunt
Washington DC

Page 24

Washington City D.C. Sep 29 1853
Sir,
I herewith present additional evidence in the case of the heirs of Martha Nixon deceased widow of Stephen Nixon a Revolutionary Soldier of South Carolina

Your letter of April 22 1853 required me to identify Stephen Nixon as the man mentioned in the certificate of the Comptroller of So Ca

To effect this, enclosed is the affidavit of Theophilus Perry Revolutionary Pensioner on the Alabama Roll, who declares that he served with Nixon &c

The Justice before whom his affidavit was made certifies the Perry is "known to him and is a gentlemen above suspicion"

Considering the extreme difficulty of finding living persons at this late period, who served at that time, it is hoped that the evidence of Perry will be deemed sufficient to identify Nixon or the man alluded to in the certificate

Among the papers filed by me, the day after received your letter of April 2 1853, will be found
A certified copy of the family Record, shewing the the marriage took place on the 10th day of April 1780, also the affidavit of Samuel M Nettles that the parties were married prior to 1794, and that they had 4 children before that time. This will be borne out by the certified copy of the Family Record

A certificate of the Court of the date of the death of the Widow is also enclosed.

Very Respectfully  Yours
William Hunt

Hon L P Waldo Commr

Page 25


Oxford Ala
Aug 27 1855

Hon J Minot
Com of Pensions
Washington City
D.C. 

Sir

Some four years ago I [illegible] the
other heirs of my father. The Rev. Stephen Nixon, filed our claim
for a Pension due us in right of our father as a Revolutionary
Soldier, and have caused to be forwarded to your depart=
ment a great deal of proof sustaining the validity of
our claim, the prosecution of said claim has been conducted
through agents, and we have not been advised of the pro- gress or condition of our claim even through our agents
since May last.  I would take it as an especial favor
if you will inform me whether the claim has been
suspended, and if so what proof is yet require_
your attention to the above will oblige
Your Obt sevt-
Mary Ann Nettles

Page 26

Washington D.C. Dec. 8. 1854
Hon. Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,

Enclosed please find additional evidence for the Claim filed under the act of July 7. 1838 of Martha Nixon dec widow of Stephen of Alabama, consisting of an additional and explanatory affidavit from the witness Theophilus Petty

A careful examination of said claim and an early report upon it is respectfully requested.

The object in forwarding the enclosed affidavit unaccompanied by proof of the date of the widow's death names of surviving children &c. which is stated, is necessary in your last letter is that the heirs desire to hear if the service will be admitted before incurring further expense. They believe that no further proof of identity can be obtained at this late day, they are poor and unable to incur further expense in collecting evidence, unless there is some prospect of establishing the claim.-

Very respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
Chas. C. Tucker

Page 27

Certified Copy of Marriage Record
Stephen & Martha Nixon

application of Heirs for pension due Widow

Act July 7 1858

Wm Hunt Washington City DC

P Horry

Page 28

The State of Alabama
Butler County
I, John Shows acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid on the 24th day of December 1852, that I have on this day Examined the family Book of the said Stephen Nixon and Martha Nixon and in examining the said Book I find that Said Stephen Nixon and Martha Nixon were married on the 10th day of April AD 1780

I do certify that the above is a true statement of the records of the family Record Book of
the said Stephen Nixon 

Given under my hand and seal this 24th day of December AD 1852
John Shows
Justice of the peace

Page 29

The State of Alabama
Butler County 
Samuel J. Bolling Judge of the court of Probate for said County hereby certify that the within named John Shows was an acting justice of the Peace in and for said County and State on the 24th day of December instant 1852, and that he was and is duly qualified and Commissioned as such and that official acts as such of that date and service are entitled to due faith and credit, and that his official within Signature purporting to be his is genuine

Given under my hand and seal of  office at office this the 27th of December 1852

Samuel F Bolling
Judge of Probate

Page 30

Washington D.C. April 18. 1855
Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
Enclosed please find additional evidence for the Claim under the Act of 4th of July 1836 of Martha
Nixon wid of Stephen of Alabama

After a considerable trouble and delay there has been obtained the testimony of an aged person who was acquainted with the husband of Martha Nixon and testifies that he was a Baptist preacher of Richland District S.C. as suggested in your letter of Dec. 13, 1854 -

An early examination of the claim in connection with the within affidavit is respectfully requested.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Chas.C. Tucker.-

Page 31

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington City, 23d Sept. 1854.
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose herewith, additional evidence in the claim of Martha Nixon, decd of Alabama, Widow of Stephen, which was filed in your office by another Agent some two years ago, under the Act of 7 July 1838, but now claimed under Act of 4. July 1836

The papers now sent, are-

No 1. Supplemental Declaration of Stephen Nixon, Son of Widow, explaining his former application, and claiming under Act of 1836.shewing that his parents were married 10 April 1780, his Father died 4 Feb. 1816, his mother died 25 Sept. 1846, and her only children now living, are Nancy Finch, Mary A. Nettles, and himself

No 2-- Affidavit of Theophilus Petty, that he served with Stephen Nixon in Col. Peter Horry's S. Carolina Cavalry, explaining his former affidavit, and identifying said Nixon as the husband of Claimant; also that said Nixon was a married man when he knew him in said Regiment.

No 3.
Affidavits of Nancy Finch, Mary A. Nettles, & Caroline A. Payne, with original Family Record, proving Marriage on 10. Apr. 1780, and birth of first child on 15. March 1781.

No 4
Affidavit of Samuel M. Nettles, proving service, marriage deaths, and heirship.

No 5.
Letter from Hugh Montgomery Esq. to me, enclosing additional papers, and stating that a former Agent had presented very imperfect papers;-- and-

No 6.- A power of Attorney authorizing me to prosecute the claim.

Page 32

I am  informed that there is filed with the claim a certificate of  the  Comptroller of South Carolina showing  that  Stephen Nixon  received  twelve months pay as a Sergeant in Col. Peter Horry's   State Cavalry  in  1781 & 1782 , and that  the former affidavit of  his  comrade  Theophilus  Petty did not identify him with sufficient clearness, and that he has been called upon and questioned , and has not  given as correct a statement as his old age will permit. As the proof of the marriage and of the birth of  the first child ( herewith sent )  shows that the marriage must have been before the last service, you will readily perceive  the propriety of placing the claim under the  Act of 1836 ; and as  these affidavits are all duly certified & authenticated, I trust they will be satisfactory to  your office. The supplemental  declaration  states why the claim was not made in the widow's lifetime , and as the witnesses appear to be respectable and credible , the whole subject is respectfully submitted to your candid consideration , trusting that you  will not permit errors of the former  Agent  to prejudice  the testimony  now given, as they appear to have consisted mor in  omissions , that intentional errors. I have the honor to be  very respectfully  your obt. servt.  Chas. C. Tucker ( signed )  Attorney

Page 33

No. 5.
_____
Letter from
Hugh Montgomery Esq.
Oxford, Ala. 17 Sep 54-
to C.C. Tucker.
_____________
Enclosing additional papers
for claim of
Martha Nixon, decd
Wid. Stephen,
Alabama - Act 1836
and stating that a former
Agent had presented very
incomplete papers.
____________________

Chs. C. Tucker
Atty.
Present
23. Sep. 54.

Page 34

Oxford Ala September 1784
Chas C Tucker Esq
Washington City
Sir
As you have been employed to prosecute the claim of Martha Nixon deceased, for a Revolutionary Pension. I am requested by the heirs to send you the enclosed papers and to say that they
understood that a Mr Hunt, whom they employed last year presented some very incomplete papers and the Department refused to allow the claim the Witness who was with the Father in service was not properly questioned and his affidavit was not satisfactory but there is one name sent which they think will satisfy the Department that their Father was the man who served with Mr. Petty the said Witness. They hope you will so manage this business that this part and have claim shall not be defeated by the inexperience and indiscretion of their former agent

The papers herewith sent will surely be sufficient to answer all reasonable requirement. Please request as early action as possible
Very Respectfully
Hugh Montgomery

Page 35

Oxford Benton Co October 30 1856
Mr Tucker Dear 
Sir I received your letter and would have written to you before this but have been waling to get some more Testimony but have failed. I know of none in South Carolina Richland Dist for in Fathers Lifetime there was but one old revolutioner that lived In Richland and he has been Dead 15 or 20 years my Father did not Live in Richland Dst During the war it was several years after the war when he moved to Richland, he was living in Sumter Dist in time of the war some of them Affidavits you have there will prove this. You have one there of Mr Gipson that says that she was acquainted with Father In Sumter Dist and had heard him Preach often and that he moved from Sumer to Richland and that there was no other Stephen Nixon In Sumter nor Richland,  you have another Affidavit of David Powell who Lived 20 years in Southeast Richland was a near Neighbour And Also A Deacon in the Church that Father was Pastor of, he knew of no other Stephen Nixon.

Please examine All those Affidavit I think you will find Testimony sufficient to establish the claim - examine if you please Mary Compton She testifies that she has often heard Father and her old uncle talking about the war. We saw an account in the news papers of an old Revolutioner it stated that he was one hundred and 10 years old it Also Stated that he fought under the same officers that Father did. we got Lower Fauny of Jacksonville to write to him but he did not receive any Answer. I will give you his same and the County he lives in you will right or go to see him and get his testimony or any other proof sufficient to establish the Claim or to draw the money the heirs are all willing that you shall be well paid for it. The Name of this old Revolutioner is Elisha Denney Puhaska County. I know of no other Revolutioner but if we should fail in getting proof from
him I do not know where we will get it. Though it Appears to me all those Affidavit were carefully examined it would certainly would be sufficient proof

Page 36

I did not write where the old gentleman lived . He lives in  Kentucky  Pulaski County  . We think it is very likely  that this old gentleman  and  Father was acquainted as they fought under the same officers and were both  members of the Baptist Church . You wrote  me that  Mr. Hunt said he had  no papers of  ours , if he has not got them  have  put them in the  Pension office and they are filed away for I am certain they were sent to him near about  4 years since , one I recollect very well  we sent to  South Carolina and paid 3 dols.  for it is   proved that  Father's name was enrolled with the old  revolution . we could send on and get another if it is necessary by paying  3 dols.  more . It seems very strange tome  that it is so hard to get proof sufficient to draw the money  for I know  my Father was a man of truth  for I have often heard him talk of being in the war and I have seen his sword and cap many times and if we cannot get no  proof from  Kentucky  I do not know where we  will get it. I have had a great deal of trouble in trying to get proof , but I do not know  what more to do for it appears as if there is always something lacking . I can't get no person here to do anything. I hope you will do all you can  for I depend  all together on you . Please have all the papers examined and write to me as quick as you can for I am getting very impatient so more at present. Mary  Ann Nettles ( signed )  Mr. C. Tucker  NB Please do all you can  for   you  shall be well paid for your trouble . we are all willing to do what is right .

Page 37

Washington D.C. March 20th 1857.
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir 
I send enclosed further testimony in support of the claim under the Act of July 4. 1836 of Martha Nixon, dec. widow Stephen of Ala. for arrears of Revolutionary pension.

There seems in possibility of procuring other and more direct testimony in support of this claim, and I beg leave to request a careful re-examination of the testimony on file. If the claim will not be admitted under the Act of 1836, but under the act of 1838. I request that a certificate under the latter act may be issued

It will I think be admitted that the testimony of Theophilus Petty, that the soldier and the  Clergyman of Richland Dist, were the same person, and a careful examination of Mr Petty testimony and the other testimony on file will I think satisfy you of the identity between the
father of the applicants with the Clergyman. Mrs Nettles in her letter, which is enclosed refers to other affidavits which have been filed. I have no copies of these affidavits but I presume the correctly states the tenor of them

I have written for the testimony of Elisha Denny referred to by her, but received no reply. I presume that he is dead.

Very Respy Your Obt Servt. Chas. C. Tucker

Page 38

No. 2.
_____
Affidavit of
Theophilus Petty,
that he served with
Stephen Nixon in Col.
Peter Horry's Regiment
of S.C. Cavalry, explains
his former affidavit, and
identifies claimant's Husband
______________
Claim of
Martha Nixon
Wid. Stephen
Ala.- Act 1836.
___________

Chas C. Tucker
Atty
Present

23. Sep. 54.

Page 39

[ State of Alabama Butler County ] ss. On this  24th day of August   A.D.  1854  before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for  the County aforesaid personally appeared Theophilus Petty  a resident of said County  aged  ninety seven years , and made oath  according to law, that he was well acquainted with  Stephen Nixon  and served with him  in the Revolutionary  War, a part of the time  under General Marion and Sumter, that they  served together in several places,  and were at the Battle of Eutaw, that they  were in  Col. Peter Horry's  Regiment of State Cavalry of South Carolina , and the latter part  of their service they were under General Greene, that  he knows the said Stephen Nixon served as  much as one year as a Sergeant of Cavalry and believes it was much longer, as his whole service was as much as three years, that said Nixon   often told him while in service that he had left a wife at home and wished he could  see her, that he never saw said Nixon after the war, but was informed and believed  that he became a Baptist Preacher and was Pastor  of a Church in Richland District , South Carolina and died there about  the year 1816 , that he learned this part of his history some years ago from a

Page 40

source entitled to credit and should have inserted it in his former affidavit, but did not suppose it necessary; and he verily believes that the said Nixon was the identical Stephen Nixon who was a Baptist Preacher in Richland District aforesaid and died in 1846, and whose Widow Martha Nixon died on 25th September 1846, whose son Stephen Nixon is now applying for a Pension due said Widow, and that he has no doubt she was his Widow and was entitled to a pension for said services. He further swears that he has no interest in the Pension claimed by the children of said Nixon.
[signed] Theophilus X Petty his Mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year aforesaid
John S. McMullan ( signed ) 
A Justice of the peace

I John S. McMullan Justice of the Peace, do hereby certify that the above Theophilus Petty is a respectable and credible witness, and that from a personal acquaintance with him of several years I believe him to be above suspicion and his statements may be relied on

Page 41

as true. I further certify that I have no interest in the Pension claim above alluded to and am not concerned in the prosecution of it, this August 24th 1833
John S. McMullan ( signed ) 
A Justice of the peace

[ The State of Alabama Butler County ] 
I. Sam J. Bolling Judge of the Court of Probate for said County and State hereby certify that the above and within named John S. McMullen was on the 24th day of August 1854, an acting Justice
of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, that and that he was then and is yet duly qualified and commissioned as such, and that his office as such, and that date and since are entitled to due faith and credit, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.--

Given under my hand and seal of Office at Office this the 2nd day of September 1854.
Saml. J. Bolling ( signed ) Judge of Probate

Page 42

Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia S.C. Sept 1st 1854.

Dear Sir

                                 I have received a letter from 
Mr Hugh Montgomery requesting me to inform
you of the service of Stephen Nixon a
Revolutionary soldier as found on file in
this office. Accordingly I can state that
Book R. No 271 proves an Indent issued
to Stephen Nixon for £84 Sterling for
12 months service as sergeant in Colon
el Peter Horrys State Cavalry in 1781
& 1782.  For official copy thereof $2
which please enclose. No more Records
relating to him is found.

Very Respectfully
P. S. Jacobs
Dep Comp Genl

P.S. Please inform me
if you have received the
Documents relating to
John Reed
________

Chas C. Tucker Esq
Washington D C

Page 43

No. 6.
_____

Act of July 7. 1838.
Suspended Claim
of
Martha Nixon
widow of Stephen
Ala
Power of Attorney
to examine claim

Chas. C. Tucker
Present.

Page 44

now all men by these presents that I Stephen Nixon  of the County of Benton and State of Alabama  do hereby constitute and appoint  Chas. C.  Tucker of Washington  City  D. C. my true and lawful attorney  to prosecute the claim of Martha  Nixon for any amount of Revolutionary  pension or increase of pension  that may be due under   provisions of the  act of  )) or any other act or resolution  of Congress and I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers and documents in  relation to said claim on file in the  Departments at Washington City  or  elsewhere , to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the certificates which may be issued for said claim and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed and to do all things that I might  or could do were I personally present, hereby certifying  and confirming  all that my said attorney  may lawfully do in the premises. Witness my hand and seal tis 3rd day of March  1854.  Stephen Nixon ( signed / sealed ) In the presence of W. B Seay ( signed ) Hugh Montgomery ( signed )  [ State of Alabama Benton County ] On this  3 day of March 1854 before me  a Justice of the peace in and for the  County and /State above mentioned personally appeared Stephen Nixon and  acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes  therein mentioned this  _ day of March  1854. E.P. Gaines ( signed ) Justic of the peace

Page 45

[ State of Alabama  
Benton County ]
On the day of 3 March 1854 Before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Personally appeared Stephen Nixon a resident of said County and made oath according to the law that he is the Identical Stephen Nixon who Executed the foregoing power of attorney and that he is directly interested in said claim and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional Evidence or arguments as my said attorney may use in prosecuting said claim
Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year above written
E.P. Gaines ( signed ) 
Justice of the peace

[ State of Alabama
Benton County ]
I Alexander Wood Judge of Probate of Benton County, do hereby certify that E. P. Gaines Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgement were made and who has thereunto signed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit

Given under my hand & the Seal of said Court at office in the Town of Jacksonville on
this 6th day of March AD 1854.
A Woods  ( signed / sealed ) Judge of Probate

Page 46

State of Florida
Gadsden County ⎬
James Gibson a citizen & resident of the State & County aforesaid being questioned in reference to the following facts, answers & testify as follows,

That from the year A.D. 1803 & several years following, he was a resident of Richland District So. Carolina, that he was there acquainted with & knew one Stephen Nixon a Baptist Minister, that he was at that time an old man, that he was then also residing in Richland District, but how long he had been so doing he is not able to say. That he (James Gibson), was acquainted with several members of his family, knew him to have several children both male & female, but was only acquainted with the following named three, Isham, Jesse and Stephen. That he knows not of his personal knowledge, but believes from all the circumstances viz. his age, sentiments; position &c,
that the said Stephen Nixon must have taken an active part in the revolutionary war probably as a soldier
[signed] James Gibson

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 14th day of Jany. A.D. 1856 . 
R H M Davidson ( signed ) J. P.

Page 47

State of Florida
County of Gadsden ⎬
Martha Gibson a citizen and resident of the County & State aforesaid personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County State, on this 19th day of January AD 1856 and being questioned in reference to the facts below, answers & deposeth as follows -

That during the year AD 1785 & for many years subsequent thereto, she resided in Sumpter District South Carolina. That she there knew one Stephen Nixon - That the said Stephen Nixon was a Baptist minister, & at that time quite an old man. That he resided then in Sumpter District So. Carolina, and that she knew of no other Stephen Nixon in that District, That the said Stephen Nixon some time between the years 1793 & 1796 removed she thinks removed into a neighboring district in the aforesaid State, That the said Stephen Nixon was at the time she knew him a married man, the name of his wife though, she does not now remember.
[signed] - Martha Gibson

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of January A.D. 1856
R. H. M. Davidson ( signed ) 
J.P.

Page 48

State of Florida}
County of Gadsden}

I Robert C. Lester Clerk
of the Circuit Court of the County and State
aforesaid hereby certify that R H. M Davidson
before whom the foregoing affidavits were
sworn to & subscribed is and was at that
time an acting Justice of the Peace in & for
said County & State duly commissioned, and
that his signatures above are genuine.

SEAL

Given under my hand & seal of
office at Quincy Fla, this 19th
day of January A.D. 1856
R.C. Lester Clk

Page 49

[ State of Alabama,
Benton County ]ss.
On this first day of August A.D. 1854, before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Samuel M. Nettles, a resident of said County, aged seventy four years, and made oath according to law that from his earliest recollection he was well acquainted with Stephen Nixon and Martha his wife, whose children are now applying for a Revolutionary Pension, that more than fifty years ago he has heard the said Stephen Nixon say he served in the South Carolina Cavalry in the Revolutionary War a long time, he believes as much as four or five years, and that he was one or two years a Sergeant in Col. Peter Horry's State cavalry, but does not recollect the name of his Captain; that from his long and intimate acquaintance in the family, having often seen their family Record, he knows that the said Stephen Nixon was married to Martha Nettles in Sumter District, South Carolina on the tenth day of April seventeen hundred and eighty, that he served in the War one or two years after his marriage; that after the War he was Pastor of the Congaree Baptist Church in Richland District South Carolina; that he died there on 4th February 1816, that the said Martha Nixon remained his Widow until her death which took place on the twenty fifth day of September Eighteen hundred & forty six; and that Stephen Nixon , Nancy Finch and Mary A. Nettles are the only children now living of the said Stephen and Martha Nixon; he further swears that

Page 50

6
he has heard the said Stephen Nixon speak of a comrade who was with him at the Battle of Eutaw, named Theophilus Petty, and he being said Petty is now living in a County near this. He further swears that he has no interest in the Pension claim herein referred to, and he gives his testimony to aid in establishing facts which he believes, as he has the best and most positive evidence of their truth
[signed] Saml M. Nettles

Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year aforesaid. And I certify that the above named Samuel M. Nettles is a credible and respectable Witness and I believe his statements above made to be true.

I further certify that I have no interest in the claim for Pension herein alluded to, and am not concerned in the prosecution of it
S.H. Likens ( signed ) J.P.
-
[ The State of Alabama
Benton County ]
I Alexander Woods Judge of the Court of Probate for said County & State do hereby certify that S H Likens whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is & was at the time of certifying and attesting the same an acting Justice of the Peace for Benton County Ala duly 
Elected commissioned and sworn according to Law and all his official acts as such are and ought to be entitled to full faith and credit Given under my hand & the seal of said court at office in the  Town of Jacksonville on this the 8 day of August AD 1854.
A Woods ( signed/ sealed ) Judge of Probate

Page 51

[ The State of Alabama
Chambers County ]ss.
On the 30th day March A.D. 1855 Before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, Personally appeared Jesse Compton aged sixty two years and five months, known to me as a respectable resident of said county, and made oath according to law, that he knew the late Rev'd Stephen Nixon in his life time of Richland District South Carolina and wife Martha Nixon who cohabited together as man and wife, and recognized each other as such during their life time; and that Stephen Nixon was a Baptist Preacher, and that Martha Nixon who is claiming pension is widow of the late Rev Stephen Nixon of South Carolina Richland District and further that he has no interest in the Pension claim of said Martha Nixon deceased.
[signed] Jesse Compton

Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year aforesaid, and I certify that the said Jesse Compton is a creditable and respectable Witness
George Emes ( signed ) J Peace

The State of Alabama
Chambers County
It is hereby certified, that satisfactory Evidence has been exhibited before the Probate Court, of said County, by the above affidavit of Jesse Compton to prove that Mrs. Martha Nixon widow of the late Rev Stephen Nixon of Richland District South Carolina, is the wife of the late Rev. Stephen Nixon, who is claiming Pension as his widow and further that the late Stephen Nixon was a Baptist Preacher in testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name, and cause the seal of the Probate Court to be hereunto affixed this 5th day of April A.D. 1855.
Samuel Pearson ( signed / sealed ) 
Judge of Probate.

Page 52

[ The State of Alabama  
Wilcox County ]
On this 3d day of April AD 1855 before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Mrs. Mary Compton aged about seventy six years old known to me as a respectable resident of said County, and made oath according to Law that she Knows the Rev Stephen Nixon to be the husband of deceased of the Late Mrs. Martha Nixon the widow of the Rev. Stephen Nixon of South Carolina Richland District. Deponent saith that she has been acquainted with the Rev Stephen Nixon from her earliest recollection until his death and his wife Martha Nixon until her death and that they cohabited together as man and wife during their lifetime and was reputed as man and wife and that the Rev Stephen Nixon married Deponent to James Compton the year 1799 who was a Baptist preacher then and way before that time and has always understood from the old Revolutionary soldier of the vicinity of the Rev Stephen Nixon that he had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was Recognized as such by all men of his age and deponent further Saith that she has no interest in the Pension claim of said Martha Nixon deceased.
 Mary Compton ( her mark X )
Attest Wm Walthall ( signed ) 
Justice of Peace

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that the said Mrs. Mary Compton is a creditable and Respectable Witness.

Wm Walthall ( signed ) 
Justice of Peace

Page 53

The State of Alabama 
Wilcox County
It is hereby certified that satisfactory Evidence has been exhibited before the Probate Court of said
County by the above affidavit of Mrs. Mary Compton to prove that Mrs. Martha Nixon Widow of the late
Rev Stephen Nixon of Richland District South Carolina was the widow of the Late Rev Stephen Nixon the
solder and Baptist Preacher of Richland District South Carolina, and further that the Rev Stephen Nixon in his lifetime was generally believed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier. In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and cause the seal of the probate to be hereunto affixed this - day of - AD 1855

The State of Alabama 
Wilcox County 
I Jno A Jackson Judge of Probate in and for the County and state aforesaid hereby certify that William Walthall whose name appears to the within certificate, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said
County duly commissioned and sworn and that all his acts as Justice are entitled to full faith & credit

Given under my hand and Seal of Office this 10th day of April AD 1855
-
Jno Jackson
Judge &c

Fees paid
J Jackson

Page 54

Washington City D. C.
Oct 16 1852

Sir

I herewith present the
claim of Stephen Nixon Jr
for the amount of unclaimed
pension due to his deceased
Mother the widow of Stephen
Nixson Senior, a Revolutionary
Soldier,

Very Respectfully
Your obent S
William Hunt
Attorney

Hon James E Heath
Com Pensions

Page 55

State of Alabama
Wilcox County
On this the 11th day of April A.D. 1856 personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Mary M. Compton of the County
of Wilcox & State aforesaid to me well known, who is a credible witness, and from her  appearance must be near Seventy five years old who being duly sworn according to law on oath saith that about the year 1788 she became acquainted with Stephen Nixon a Baptist preacher in Richland District State of South Carolina that he was the only Stephen Nixon she ever heard of except his son Stephen, that she was acquainted with the said Stephen Nixon for sixteen years; that she heard him preach frequently, that he was looked upon and regarded by all the neighbors as a Revolutionary soldier - That she has heard Thomas Compton who was a Revolutionary Soldier, say that the said Stephen Nixon was in the Revolutionary war with him,  that the said Stephen Nixon's wife was named Martha Nixon and they had the following children with whom she was acquainted to wit: Isom, Jesse, Ann, Stephen, Mary A. & Washington - That Ann married a man by the name of
Finch - and Mary A. Married Samuel Nettles - That the said Mary A. Nettles at last account was living in Benton County Alabama - she further states that she has no interest directly or indirectly in the prosecution of this claim-
[signed] Mary M Compton her mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written & I hereby certify that I have no interest in this claim
J. T. Cook J.P.

Page 56

The State of Alabama}  I Jno. A. Jackson Judge of
Wilcox County              }  Probate for the County and
                                              State aforesaid hereby certify
that J. T. Cook whose name is signed to the foregoing
and [illegible] was at the time of signing then an acting Justice
of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and his
acts and doings in the premises are entitled
to full faith and credit and that his
Signature is genuine.

Given under my hand & seal of Office at
Office this 1?th day of April AD 1856
Jno. A. Jackson
Judge of Probate for
Wilcox Co Ala,

Page 57

the State of Alabama 
Butler County
On the 9th day of November 1854 before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace personally appeared Theophilus Petty, and being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that in his former affidavits relative to Stephen Nixon died he did not intend to say that he served in the same company with said Stephen Nixon but that he met him often at times when soldiers of
different companies were off duly and mixed together and he knew he was a Sargent in Col Peter Horry's Cavalry and he did not mean to say he knew what became of Nixon after the war. Except from information on which he relied he heard and believed that said Nixon became a Baptist Minister and settled in Richland District South Carolina and died then about 1816, and he also heard that General Washington died at Mount Vernon about 1799 but he did not see either of them after the revolution and cannot swear positively to either of these facts. Except that he believes them both and believes that said Nixon's Widow Martha removed to Alabama and died there in September 1846 and her children are now applying for a pension and he has no interest in it
[signed] Theophilus X Petty his mark

Sworn and Subscribed to before me the day and year above written and I certify that Theophilus Petty is a creditable and respectable witness and the facts as set forth in the above affidavit are true
John S. McMullen
Justice of the peace

Page 58

The State of Alabama, Butler County
of Saml J. Bolling Judge of the
Court of Probate for said County
hereby certify that the within named
John S. McMullin was an acting
Justice of the Peace for said County
on the 9th day of November 1854 and
that he was then and is yet duly quali
=fied and commissioned as such
and that his official acts as such
of that date and service are entitled
to due faith and credit, and that the
within signature purporting
to be his is genuine-

Given under my hand and seal
of office at office this the 17th
day of November AD 1854,
Samuel J. Bolling
Judge of Probate,

Page 59

Certificate of
service from the
Comptroller
of
South Carolina

Page 60

Comptroller Genls Office
Columbia S. Ca.
26 June 1832.

"No 271}
Book R  }  Issued the 21st May 1783 to Mr.
Stephen Nixon for Eighty four
pounds Sterling for 12 months pay
due him as a Sergeant in Col.
Peter Horry's State Cavalry in
1781 & 1782 as pr acct audited.
Principal £ 84- No 48. Annual Interest £5:17:7.
I do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true
Copy as taken from the Records in
this Office
For Comptroller Genl
James A Black
Dep

(No Seal of Office)

[math calculations ...not transcribed]

Page 61

Power of Attorney by

Nancy Finch to
the claimant
Stephen Nixon Jr

Power of Atty
from Mrs. Finch

Page 62

State of Alabama
Butler County
Know all men by these presents, that I Nancy Finch a child of Stephen Nixon and Martha his wife, both deceased, do hereby constitute and appoint Stephen Nixon Jr my brother as my true and lawful attorney, with power to appoint other attorney, for me and in my name to present my claim to the Commissioner of Pensions, for the amount due to my Mother Martha Nixon at the time of her death, as the widow of our deceased father who was a Revolutionary Soldier, and to receive a certificate therefore
[signed] Nancy Finch
Signed in the presence of 
Elizabeth X Wister her mark
John Shows

State of Alabama 
Butler County 
On the 19th day of June 1852 personally appeared Nancy Finch and acknowledged the  foregoing power of Attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes above named
John Shows
Justice of the peace

The State of Alabama  Butler County
I Saml J Bolling Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, hereby certify that the above
named John Shows was an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County on the 19th day
of June instant 1852, and that he was and still is duly qualified and commissioned as such, and that his official acts as such are entitled to due faith & credit and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine

Given under my hand and seal of office at office this the 25th day of June 1852
Samuel J Bolling
Judge of Probate

Page 63

Note. Theophilus Petty is a Revolution Pensioner on the Alabama Roll WH
The State of Alabama 
Butler County  
Personally came Before me John S McMullan an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Butler Theophilus Petty of said County and State aforesaid and after Being Duly Sworn according to Law Deposeth and saith on oath that he was well acquainted with the claimant Stephen Nixon to the Pension and knew him in the Revolution in the close of the Revolution and further States he himself and Stephen Nixon Served together A. portion of their time under General Marion & Sumpter and this deponent further States on oath that himself and Stephen Nixon Both lived at the time of the Revolution of Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Six in what is Now Known the State of
South Carolina and During the last two or three years of the Revolution my self and Stephen Nixon was some times together and some times we were separated we were both together in the Battle of the Eutaw Springs and some other skirmishes this Deponent further States on oath he himself lived in Washaw. Dist and that Stephen Nixon lived Near the High Hills of the Santee in South Carolina
The Deponeth further States on oath that there was No other Stephen Nixon under General Marion
& Sumpter But the one stated above and I Knew him to be a true friend to his country and After the close of the war we then separated and I Never saw him any more

Page 64

I New him to be a True Friend to his country and After the close of the War we then Seprated and I Never Saw him any more
the Deponeth further States on oath that he is Ninety Six years old the tenth Day of last June 1853. and further States when he left South Carolina he moved to Alabama
The Above Statements Sworn to and Subscribed Before me this the Fifth Day of August Eighteen Hundred and Fifty Three  August. 5th, 1853
Test by
John. S. McMullan
Justice of the Peace
---
Theophelus his X mark Petty

The State of Alabama
Butler County
I, John, S. McMullan Acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Butler and State Aforesaid Do hereby Scirtify that on the Fifth Day of August Eighteen Hundred Fifty Three the Above Named Theophelus Petty Appered Before Me and Being ere Duly Sworn Did then and ther make the Above Statement on oath and then and ther Did in my presents make his marke where it Appers to the Above  I Do further Scertify that I have Been Acquinted with the Aboved Named Theophelus Petty for Serval years and I Do hereby Scirtify the old Gentlemen Stands Above Suspision for Truth and Honisty
This the Fifth Day of August 1853.
John. S. McMullan
Justice of the Peace

Page 65

The State of Alabama=  Butler County.
I Samuel J. Bolling Judge of the Court
of Probate for said County, hereby certify
that the within named John S McMullin
was an acting Justice of the Peace in
and for said State and County, on
the 5th day of August 1853, and that
he was and is yet duly qualified and
commissioned as such, and that his
official acts as such of that date and
Since are entitled to due faith and
credit, and that the within Signature
purporting to be his is genuine.

Given under my hand and
seal of office at office this
the 26th day of August
A.D. 1853.

Samuel J. Bolling
Judge of Probate

Page 66

No. 1.
_____
Supplemental Declaration
of Stephen Nixon,
claiming under Act of 1836,
instead of Act of 1838
___________________
under which the claim is
now filed, & explaining his
former application.
==================
Claim of
Martha Nixon, decd.
Wid. Stephen-
Ger
No 1
Supplemental Declaration
of Stephen Nixon,
E
claiming under Act of 1836,
instead of Act of 1838
---
under which the same is
now filed, & explaining his
former application
Ala.
23.
Claim of
Martha Nixon, decd
Wid. Stephen-
Ala  ____ Act 1836.
===============
Chas C. Tucker,
 Atty.
23. Sep. 54.
Present.
______

Page 67

Supplemental Declaration.
State of Alabama
Randolph County} SS
On this Thirty first day of July A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty four, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, duly authorized to administer oaths in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Stephen Nixon, a resident of said County, aged fifty four [crossed out] eight 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 July 4, 1836, granting Pensions to certain widows; that he is the son of Martha Nixon, deceased, who was the widow of Stephen Nixon who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War; that in the month of June 1852, he made a Declaration under the Act of 7. July 1838, but being informed that as his Mother was married previous to her husband's last service she was entitled to pension under the Act of 1836, he now claims the benefit of the last mentioned Act in behalf of himself and the other surviving children of his said Mother; that having been advised to state all the history of his Fathers services within his knowledge, he now declares that from the frequent assertions of his said Father and Mother which he always regarded as correct family history not to be doubted as his said Parents were religious persons and related the principal facts long before Pensions were known in their neighborhood, he believes the following to be a true account of all that can

Page 68

2
be recollected in the family, of the services of his said Father; that his Father the said Stephen Nixon entered the service as a private Soldier in the early part of the year 1777, and continued in the service, he thinks, about five years or more, as he has heard him speak of being entitled to Bounty Land, which he thinks he never received; he cannot recollect the names of his inferior officers, but thinks he has heard him say he served in the Cavalry, or Troop of Horse the greater part of the time, that he was under General Sumpter until 1780, when General Greene took command of the Southern Army, that he was under Genl. Greene until nearly or quite the close of the War, and a part of the time, he thinks one or two years, was a Sergeant of Cavalry, and has heard him say that Col Peter Horry was his Colonel, his Captains name he does not recollect; that his said Father was married to his said Mother whose maiden name was Martha Nettles, by the Rev'd Richard Furman who was long a prominent Baptist Minister, in Sumter District, South Carolina, on the tenth day of April seventeen hundred and eighty (10th April 1780.) and he has often heard his said Father and Mother say that he left her at home and served a long time in the War after their marriage; that he believes there is no public record of said marriage but that it is recorded in his Fathers Family Bible, which Record, or a copy of it he will endeavor to obtain and send with this Declaration; that he has heard his other speak of applying for a Pension, but as she did not know what proceedings were necessary, she postponed it from time to

Page 69

3
time until her death; that after the close of the Revolutionary War his said Father became a Baptist Preacher, and was Pastor of a Church called Congaree, in Richland District South Carolina until his death which occured on the 4th of February 1816; and that his Mother the said Martha Nixon never afterwards married but continued his widow until her death, which occured on the twenty fifth day of September Eighteen hundred and forty six, (25. Sept. 1846) aged ninety years; and that John Nixon, [crossed out] Nancy Finch, Mary A. Nettles, and this Declarant are the only children now living, of the said Martha Nixon.
Sworn to and subscribed,
before me, the day and year
aforesaid
---
Stephen Nixon

William C Robertson
Justice of the Peace
I, William C Robertson Justice of the Peace do, hereby certify that Stephen Nixon who has sworn to the foregoing Declaration, is personally known to me as a respectable resident of this County entitled to credit, and from my knowledge of him and his family, I believe the statements therein contained are true.
I further certify that I have no interest in the said Pension Claim, and am not concerned in the prosecution of it.
William C Robertson
Justice of the Peace
On next page insert certificate and Seal of the County Clerk.

Page 70

The State of Alabama
Randolph County
I Joseph Benton Judge of the Court of Probate for Said County, hereby certify that William C Robertson whose genuine Signature appears to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for Said County duly commissioned and qualified to act as Such, and that due faith and credit Should be given to all his official acts as Such Justice of the Peace. And I further certify that I have no interest and am not concerned in the prossicution of this claim
Given under my hand and Seal of Office at Wedowee in the State of Alabama the 31st day of July AD 1854
Joseph Benton Judge of Probate

[bottom left corner: embossed seal that reads RANDOLPH CO.; PROBATE COURT; picture of scale of justice at center of seal]

Page 71

Affidavit of
Samuel M Nettles



Probate Judges certificate on  S M Nettles Affidant

Page 72

The State of Alabama
Randolph County
Personally came before Mr F. M. Wagnon an acting Justice of The Peace in & for said County & State Samuel M. Nettles, who being duly Sworn according to law deposeth & saith. That he lived with Solomon Nettles & his wife Elizabeth Nettles his wife [crossed out]. at the time he was 12 years old and, that Stephen Nixon & his wife Martha, had Six children, at that time and that the Sixth child was born in AD 26th January 1788. This I have taken from the family Record. This Solomon & Elizabeth Nettles was the Father & Mother of the wife of Stephen Nixon Son & his wife Martha, who lived near to the said Solomon Nettles, And further deponent was well & personally acquainted with both families
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 29th day of April AD 1852.
Sam. M. Nettles [hand-drawn seal]
Fr. M. Magnon
Justice of the piece

The State of Alabama
Randolph County
I Joseph Benton Judge of the Court of Probate of Said County do hereby certify that Francis M. Magnon whose genuine Signature appears to the foregoing affidavit, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for Said county duly qualified to act as Such, and that due faith and Credit Should be given to all his official acts as Such Justice of the Peace, And I do further certify that I am Sole judge & clerk of Said Court of Probate and that it is a court of Record.
Given under my hand and Seal of office at Wedowee in the State of Alabama this 3rd day of May A D 1852. And of American Independence the 76th year.
Joseph Benton Judge of Probate
[embossed seal: text illegible]