Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1703, Henry Blevins, N.C.

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Service
NC
Blevins, Henry 
or Blivins, 
Catharine 
Number
W.1703

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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
Jonesborough 13750
Tennessee
Henry Blivins of Hawkins Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Robertson of the regt commanded by Col. Campbell in the North Carolina line for five years
Inscribed on the Roll of Jonesborough Agt at the rate of 80 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of June 1833 and [illegible] [illegible] J. Blair
Arrears to the 4th of March 160
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 40 
$200
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, 
Book E Vol. 46 Page 122
Lett. to [illegible] Agt to Jonesborough 
[illegible] Febr. 6. 37

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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
604 [Jonesboro] [crossed out]
Tennessee Knox
Catharine Blevins
widow of Henry Blevins 
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Private 
N.C. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate o Pension issued the
3rd day of July 1830
and sent to
Hon. A Johnson
House of Reps
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
[February] [crossed out] July 24 1848, Page 189 Vol. 1 [illegible] A
To Knoxville [illegible] March 1850
Augt 26, 1851
Let to Reported
Hon A. Johnson same date
Let to [illegible] Sept 17, 1851
" " Jonesboro [illegible]

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Henry Blevins
Declaration
12.740

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State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  On this 30th day of August 1832 Personally appeared before the Justices of the Court of pleas and quarter Sessions for said County Henry Blevins a resident of said County of Hawkins in the State aforesaid aged Seventy three years next Christmas who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832. That he enrolled in Sullivan County on Holston River where he resided at that time in the State of North Carolina in the spring of the year 1777 with Captain James Robertson in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Arthur Campbell as he believes who held his
commission under the State of Virginia as this
declarent [declarant] believes. He further states that Capt Robertson marched his company to Nolachucky [Nolichucky] and from thence return to Watauga that he did not join his Regiment his company being kept on the frontiers on the Holston that his company was marched to the Long Islands of Holston three or four days after the battle of long Islands from thence to Briants fort and continued guarding the frontier that he was well acquainted with Captain Christian afterwards
Col. Christian and Col Shelby and Col

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Sevier under some of whom he served. that after serving about twelve months in the Watauga settlement he with others was discharged by Col Christian in the spring of 1778. And this declarant further states that he entered the service of the United States as a
Volunteer under the command of Captain Elliot of Col. Isaac Shelby regiment of Militia in Sullivan County aforesaid in the State of North Carolina and was marched under the command of Col Isaac Shelby to Kings mountain and was joined at the Yellow
mountain in North Carolina by the regiment under the command of Col.  Sevier and Col Campbell and arived [arrived] at Kings mountain on or about the 7th day of October
1780 when the army came up with Co. Ferguson at the time said Battle was fought this declarant was detailed as one of the guard to guard the baggage then belonging to the American troops and was not in the engagement. This declarent [declarant] further states that he was marched from Kings mountain to Salem in North Carolina with the prisoners from thence he went on with the prisoners into Virginia from thence returned home after serving about five months. Again this declarant states he served under Captain William Ashe of Col Shelby Regiment about seven months guarding the frontier settlements of Holston at a station near the mouth of Big Creek in the Summer and the
fall of 1781 & 1782 and this declarant further states in the early part of the year 1781 perhaps in the

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the Battle of Kings mountain, under the command of Col Isaac Shelby that Henry Blevins the applicant was also a soldier of the same company under the command of Captain James Elliott and that said Henry Blevins was
left with the Guard that had the Baggage
under care belonging to the American army during the engagement and further that said Blevins himself and the principal part of their company went on with the prisoners to Salem N.C. from place which Blevins on with the prisoners to Virginia as he was informed and return home. And this deponant [deponent] further states that Henry Blevins & himself lived within a half mile of each other until after the Battle of Kings Mountain that said Blevins was enrolled in a Company under the
command of Capt James Robertson and severd at different points on the frontier during twelve months as he believes, and so understood at the time the service was preformed And this deponant [deponent] further states that he recollects that said Blevins was stationed at or near the mouth of Big Creek on the frontier several month in the company commanded by Captain William Asher the precise time not recollected, and this deponant [deponent] was informd & believes that said Blevins was on what was calld Martins expedition the time which he has stated.
This deponant [deponent] further states from his own knowledge of many of facts stated by Henry Blevins in his declaration & the information he received at the time of preforming the service and his knowledge of Blevins ever since that every thing

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so far as [my] [crossed out] his own recollection serves are true and does not believe he would declare falsely. sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
W B Mitchell Clk 
William Walling X his mark
And the said Court do hereby certify their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interogatorers [interrogators] prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, And the Court further Certifies that it appears that Colonel William Snodgrass and William Walling who signed the preceding
Certificates are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit. And further that the said Col William Snodgrass and William Walling were both at the battle of Kings Mountain which fact is notorious in this part of the County
I Stockley D Mitchell Clerk of the Court of
pleas and quarter Sessions of Hawkins County in the State of Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of said County in the matter of the application of Henry Blevins for a Pension

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In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 30th day of August 1832
S D Mitchell Clk
By W B Mitchell Clk
State of Tennessee, Hawkins County
Mr Daniel Howry a clergyman, residing in the
County of Hawkins and William Alexander residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Blevins, who has subscribed and Sworn to the above & foregoing declaration that he believes him to be Seventy three years of age last Christmas, that he is reputed and believed to in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 
Daniel Howry 
Wm. Alexander
Sworn to & subscribed this first
day of April 1833 before me
John N. Cockreham JP
for Hawkins County

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Henry Blevins
amended declaration
Jonesboro agency
J Blain

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State of Tennessee
Hawkins County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace for said County Henry Blevins, who being duly Sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the
perious [previous] mentioned below and in the following grades For twelve months I served as a private under Captain James Robertson, in Col Arthur Campbells Regiment on the watuaga settlement in Green County East Tennessee from the spring of 1777 till the spring of 1778, as before stated in my declarations. For five months I served as a private under Captain James Elliott, in what is now Sullivan County [County] [crossed out]  East Tennessee, in Col Isaac Shelbys Regiment
in the fall and winter of 1780. For five months I served as a private under Capt Smith of Col Martins Regiment in Sullivan County East Tennessee, from sometime in February
1781 till augt following For seven months I served as a private under Captain William Asher of Col Shelbys Regiment on Big Creek in
what is now Hawkins county East Tennessee from Sept 1781 until April 1782 and for such service I claim a pension. I was born in Henry
County State of Virginia, on Smiths River I have no record of my age the same having been destroyed when the Indians burnt my Fathers House in Sullivan County near Shelby's Fort  I am well acquainted with Col. Wm. Snodgrass, and William Walling, who have testified to my services above and also with the Revered Daniel Howry and William Alexander Esqr who have also testified as to my character &c &c And during the whole time I served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority, and was during the whole time either in the

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field or in Garrison and for the time during which the service was performed I was not employed in any civil pursuit, sworn to & subscribed this 2d day of April 1833
Henry Blevins HB his mark
before me
John Cockerham JP for Hawkins County
State of Tennessee 
Hawkins County 
And I the said John H. Cochreham Justice of the peace aforesaid do certify that the who has signed the preceding certificate said Daniel Howey is a regularly ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Baptist Church of Hawkins County, and that William Alexander Esqr who has also Signed the same is a resident of said County and is a credible person and that their Statement is Entitled to credit
John H. Cochreham JP
for Hawkins County
State of Tennessee Hankins County
I Stockley D. Mitchell Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County and State aforesaid Do certify that John H Cochreham whos name attached
and appears to the above certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for and for said County of Hawkins and State aforesaid and that the signature is in proper hand writing Given under my hand and seal of office at Office in Rogersville 2 day of April 1833
S D Mitchell Clk
By W B Mitchell Clk

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State of Tennessee Hawkins County
on this 12th day of December 1848, personally appeared before the Subscriber of the County of Hawkins, Catharine Blevins a resident of Tennessee in the County of Hawkins aged Seventy Seven years, who being first duly Sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d of
February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Henry Blevins, who was a private in Captain Elliotts Company of Riflemen in the Revolutionary War, and said company was attached to Col Shelbys Regiment and the said Henry Blevins had been drawing a pension from the United States for many Years of Eighty Dollars per annum, untill the 12th day of September 1847. when he died, and the said Henry Blevins and Catharine
Blevins was lawfully married previous to the 1st
of January 1794. he had resided in Hawkins County State of Tennessee upwards of forty years before his death, and previous thereto, he resided in Sullivan County State of Tennessee, and she further declares that she is Still a widow
Catharine Blevins X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
Jno. D. McFarland
Richard M. Bishop
I certify that the foregoing declaration made by Mrs Catharine Blevins widow of Henry Blevins Decd is true to the best of my knowledge and information December 12th 1848
Jno. D. McFarland J.P.

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State of Tennessee
Hawkins County
we the undersigned A. Kyle & George Ellkins
do certify upon oath, that we have been acquainted with Henry Blevins, who departed this life in Said County on the 12th of September 1847. for about fifty Years also we are acquainted, with his wife Catharine Blevins for the Same length of time, living near them all the time, in the Same neighborhood, and it has always been understood by us, and as we believe by all others that knew them, that they
ware [were] man and wife, And the said Henry Blevins above named, the husband of the said Catharine Blevins, had been drawing a pension of Eighty Dollars per annum, for many years previous to his death for services rendered in the Revolutionary War.
A; Kyle
George Ellkins
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 2 day of February 1849
Jno D. McFarland J.P.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  
I, John H. Ellis Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that John D. McFarland Esq whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits certificate is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in the for the County & State aforesaid duly commissioned & sworn, that the signatures are genuine and that full faith & credit are due to all his official acts
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of my office at
Office in Rogersville the 5th day of February 1849
John H. Ellis Clk
By J. H. Vance  D Clk

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Catharine Blevins
widow of Henry
Tennessee
Hawkins Co.
[illegible] 19 Oct 1847
admitted
Pr $80 [illegible]
Con 4 March 1848
Act 29 July 48
Hon. A. Johnson
A R

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Henry Blevins
amended
from 1777 private a year $80
for 
Jonesborough
agency 
J Blair
19
6
114
19.37
20.51
12
8.50
30
8.80
3
5.80
17
5.97

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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Henry Blevins which require further proof or explanation,
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout [amount] of pension he is entitled? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? living witnesses
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? [the Court has] [crossed out] Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1.2.7.
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For -- year -- months, and -- days, I served as a -- For -- months and -- days, I served as a --  ; and for such service I claim a pension.

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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the
officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the
applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

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Pension Office,
June 13th 1850
Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that agreeably to your request the papers in the case of Pharaba Hawkins, widow of Samuel Hawkins, have been again examined. The objection raised in my communication to B. McDaniel
of the 20th May last, requiring her to make a declaration before a Court of record, and also requiring record evidence as to her marriage, will not be insisted upon. But the only evidence in regard to the date of her marriage, is the affidavit of Nancy Pratt, which is not deemed sufficient. Her statement should be sustained by the testimony of other witnesses, who know these parties as husband and wife, prior to 1800. In the case of Catharine Blivins, widow of Henry Blivins, the fact of her not being a widow at the date of the passage of the act of 7th July 1838, as the law now stands, is an insuperable objection to the admission of her claim. The additional evidence has been filed
with her other papers.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt St
J L Edward
Hon. Andrew Johnson,
House of Representatives

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Pension office
June 18th 1850
Col Edwards, Will consider Mrs Blevins is
applying under the act of 1848, rather than the
old lady should wait danger and risk the dilatory movement of congress, while she is almost [illegible] for the [illegible]
I have the honor to
[illegible] &c 
Andrew Johnson
Col Jas L Edwards
[*June 18/50 Saml. Houston Ten charge to [illegible] June 1852 Catherine Blevins Ten*]

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Samuel Houston
Washington City
D. C.
[*Catherine Blevins*]

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Rogersville, Tennessee
May 6th 1850
Hon. Saml Houston 
When you was at
my house last, which I believe was the latter part of March last. I mentioned to you respecting [the widow] [crossed out] Catherine
Blevins, who was and is the widdow [widow]
of Henry Blevins Dcd who was a revolutionary Soldier, and drew a pention [pension] as a private during his natural life - I have enclosed to the Hon Andrew Johnston the representative from our Congressional district the statement of the widdow [widow] Blevins, also divers other certificites [certificates] respecting then marridge: [marriage] Now. Genl you will do me the favour and it will
also be a great favour to the Widdow [widow] 
Blivins for you to see. Col Johnson, and tel [tell] him: you wish to examine the, the
Certificites [certificates] and If possible, I wish you to do your best to have her placed on the pention [pension] list, which I have no doubt
you will do. you will please on the

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receipt of this to write to me, and give me your views respecting Mrs Blevins getting a pention [pension] also any other nuse [news] that will be interesting
I am Dear Genl Your
friend A; Kyle

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2
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County
This day personally appeared before me John D. McFarland an acting Justice of the peace for said County Absalom Kyle aged sixty years, and George Ellkins aged Sixty five Years, and made oath in due form of law, that they are acquainted with Catharine Blevins, the widow of Henry Blevins Decd for the Space of about fifty years, living all the time in the Same neighborhood, they raising a large family and all have married off long Since, and they was
always considered man and wife, and never heard any person dispute that fact,
A; Kyle 
George Ellkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th April 1850
Jno. D. Mcfarland J.P.
The above mentioned A. Kyle further states that usage in this country prior to the act of Assembly passed 10th Oct 1815 (see Law, of Tennessee Scott's Edition Vol 1 Page 112. Sect 1&2 & &c & vol 2. page 204 Ch 47.) did not
in the judgement of Officiating ministers require certificate & filing licence. [license] The general knowledge of the fact of Marriage is the only proof of it in such cases. and that careful examination has been made for bond or certificate of Marriage in this case and none can be found owing to the prevailing customs of the time as set forth in the above refered [referred] to acts as I believe
A; Kyle
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th day of May 1850
Jno D Mcfarland J.P.

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House of Representatives June 10. 1850
I hereby certify that Richard Mitchell a resident of Hawkins County, Tennessee has been United States Marshall of the Eastern District of said State of Tennessee and is now a highly
respectable citizen; I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Hezekiah Hamblin, Daniel Lipe, A. Kyle, Geo Ellkins, Geo. Rogers, Samuel Neill, Winsted Ellkins, Lewis Davis
James P. McCarty and Orville Rice, all of whom have given deportions accompanying the application of Catherine Blevins for a pension, and I know them to be among the most
respectable citizens in my congressional District upon where statements the most implicit confidence may be placed, I have no hesitancy in saying that their opinions are entitled to great weight, and their affidavits to implicit belief
Andrew Johnson

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The petition and other
papers of Catharin Blevins
widow of Henry Blevins
paying congress to grant
her a pension &c
Andrew Johnson
Rev Pensions

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State of Tennessee
Hawkins County
This day personally appeared before me William Smith an acting Justice of the Peace for said County George Rogers aged about eighty years and Samuel Neill aged seventy three years and made oath in due form of law, that
they are acquainted with Catharine Blevins the widow of Henry Blevins decd and have been for the space of fifty years and forty years
respectively viz. George Rogers for fifty & Samuel Neill for forty years living all the time in the said County, they the said Blevins and wife raising a large family and all have married off long since and that they were always
considered man and wife and never have heard any person dispute the fact 
George Rogers
Samuel Neill
Sworn to and subscribed before
me this the 5th day of May 1850
Wm Smith JP for Hawkins County
I believe the facts set forth in the above certificate to be true. My age is sixty eight, my residence has been in the County of Hawkins since the fall of 1804 to this time, with the exception of about four years at Kingsport
in the adjoining County of Sullivan - I was well
acquainted with Mr & Mrs Blevins
Geo Hale
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 5th day of May 1850
John Altom JP 
for Hawkins County

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State of Tennessee
Hawkins County 
I, James H. Vance Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that William Smith and John Altom Esquires whose names appear to the foregoing affidavits are both acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid legally commissioned and qualified that full faith and credit are due all their official acts and that their several signatures are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Office in Rogersville the 6th day of May 1850
J. H. Vance
Clerk

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4.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  
This day personally appeared before me John D McFarland an acting Justice of the peace for said County James P. McCarty [and made oath] [crossed out] aged about fifty years and made oath that he was acquainted with Henry
Blevens [Blevins] deceased say same forty years and his wife Catherine Blevins nearly the same length of time, and never heard it doubted but what they were man and wife; I further know that Henry Blevins deceased drew a pention [pension] during his life
J. P. McCarty
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th May 1850
Jno. D McFarland J.P.
[The] [crossed out] James McCarty and Orville Rice further states that usage in this Country, prior to the act of assembly
pasd. Act 10th 1815. (See Laws of Tennessee Scott Edition, Vol 1st page 112. Sec. 1821 & vol 2 page 204 ch. 47) did not in the Judgment of
officiating Ministers require certificate & filing Licence, [license] the general knowledge of the fact of Marriage is the only proof, of it in Such cases, and that careful examination has been made for bond or Certificate of Marriage in this Case, and none can be found, owing to the failing customs of the times as set forth in the above referd to acts, as we believe
J P McCarty
Orville Rice
Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 6th day of May 1850
Jno D Mcfarland J.P.

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3.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  
This day personally appeared before me John D. McFarland an acting Justice of the peace for said County, Winsted Ellkins aged fifty five years and made oath in due form of law, that he has been acquainted with Catharine Blevins the widow of Henry Blevins Decd for forty two or three years, living all the time in the Same neighborhood, they raising a large family, and all have married off long Since, and they was always Considered man and wife, and never heard any person dispute that fact
Winsted Ellkins X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th Apl 1850
Jno D. Mcfarland

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8.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  This day personally appeared
before me John D. McFarland, an acting Justice of the peace for Said County Lewis Davis, aged about Seventy years, and made oath to the following Statement I have been acquainted with Catherine Blevins the Widow of Henry Blevins, who was a Revolutionary Soldiers
and drew a pention [pension] for many years before his death, about forty one years, having lived in the Same neighborhood for that length of time, they ware always considered as Man and Wife, So lived, and I never heard any one dispute that fact
Lewis Davis
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th May 1850
Jno D. McFarland J.P.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  
I, James H. Vance Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that John D. McFarland
Esqr whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits is now and was at the time they severally bear date an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid
legal commissioned and qualified that full faith and credit are due to all his official and that his signature to the foregoing affidavits are in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal of Office at office
in Rogersville in said County the 6th day of
May 1850
J. H. Vance Clerk

Page 33

9.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County
This day personally appeared before me Joseph R. Armstrong an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Richard Mitchell, a resident of said County aged about eighty seven years, and made oath in due form of law, that he was well acquainted with Henry
Blevins deceased, who was for about fifty five years or upwards before his death, a citizen of this County, and who was a revolutionary soldier, and drew a pension as a private up to
the time of his death. Deponent was well acquainted with said Blevins, for about sixty years or upwards having lived for fifty five always lived during that time of fifty five years in the same neighborhood with him. Deponent further states that he believes that the said Henry Blevins was married to Catherine Blevins, that they lived together as man and
Wife from the time of their removal into this County from the County of Sullivan, where I have always understood they were married. They raised a large family in this County, who have all married off. Deponent further states
that the said Henry Blevins, and Catherine Blevins, now his widow, were considered and looked upon as Man and Wife, by every body in the neighborhood, as far as is known to deponent, at least be never heard or understood that any person doubted or denied that such was the fact.
Richard Mitchell
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day May 1850
Jos  R. Armstrong

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State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  
I James H Vance Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that Joseph R. Armstrong Esq whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid legally commissioned and qualified - that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts and that his signature thereto is in his own proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at office in Rogersville in said County the 6th day of May 1850
J.H. Vance
Clerk

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7.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  
This day personally appeared before me John D. Mcfarland an acting Justice of the peace
for said County, Daniel Lipe aged about Eighty years and made oath to the following declirations [declarations] I have been acquainted with Catharine Blevins the Widow of Henry Blevins Decd for about fifty Years,
having lived in the Same neighborhood for that length of time, they having raised a large family of children, and all married long since, they ware [were] always considered as man and wife, and never heard it disputed by any person
Daniel Lipe X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th May 1850
Jno D. Mcfarland J.P.

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Feby 28. 1850
Col. J. L. Edwards
Commiss of Pensions
Sir,
Any information in relation to the subject of the enclosed resolution (claim of Caty
Blevins), will be acceptable to the chr of the Comt Pensions,
respectfully
Your obt servt
Jno P Sheldon
Clk Com Pens (S.)

Page 37

No 13769
742 Act 29 July, 48
Catherine Blevins
wid of Henry
Ten
act 7 July 1838

Page 38

FREE
[post marked] JONESBORO Te SEP 11
J L Edwards Esq
commissioner of 
Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Page 39

Jonesborough Apr 9 1850
I Edward Esq.
D. Sir:
On the 30th August you gave to Wm K Blair agent notice of the transfer of Catherine
Blevins, from the to the [illegible] agency to take effect from the 4th of March 1848 that being the origin of this claim for 5ysI now inform you that Mrs Catharine Blevins had applied for and obtained at this office her pay for two years to wit from 4th March 1848 to 4th March 1850
2 ys $80 $160. before your notice reached the office & of which the agent advised Mr Cocke at [illegible] & to whom you will be pleased to
give notice to pay from 4th March 1850
[illegible] of 4th Mar 1848
respectfully 
John Blair
for the Agent

Page 40

6.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County
This day personally appeared before me John D McFarland an acting justice of the peace for said County Hezekiah Hamblin aged about Seventy five years & made oath to the following declaration in the year 179p or 1800
Henry Blevins & his wife Catherine moved to my neighbourhood & I became acquaint with their family. They then had a parcel of children
and the oldest child was Nancy, Nancy
appeared to be then about Fifteen years of age the said Family have lived in the neighbourhood of said [illegible] since & I have been acquainted with them Henry Blevins
died a short time since, the said Henry & Catherine was always considered as man & wife & they lived together all this said time agreeable as such they understood to have married in Sullivan County Tennessee & I never heard the fact of their being married was disputed 
Hezekiah Hamblin
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th May 1850
Jno D. Mcfarland JP

Page 41

Catherine Blevins aged 79 years.
Widow of Henry Blevins who was a pensioner
at the rate of $80.00 per annum. Henry Blevins & Catherine Blevins, married in Sept. 1786
Proof,-
Richard Mitchell aged about 87 years. No 9.
Acquainted with Blevins & wife for fifty five years, "Always lived during all that time in same neighborhood with him." "They raised a large family of childred." We considered and
"looked upen as man & wife by every body in the neighborhood," "Deponent never heard or understood that any person doubted
or denied that such was the fact."
Hezekiah Hamblin, aged about 75 years. No 6.
In the year 1779 or 1800 parties moved into the neighborhood of deponent, they had a child then by the name of Nancy about fifteen years of age. Has known them ever since.
Always under man and wife and being together as such "I have never heard the fact of their being married ever disputed"
Daniel Sipe aged about 80 years No 7.
Lived in the same neighborhood for about 50 years, raised a great family of children. "They were always considered as man and wife, and have never heard it disputed by "any person."
A. Kyle aged about 60 years. No 2.
Geo. Elkins " " 65 "
Lived in the same neighborhood for about 50 years. "Always considered man & wife, and
"never heard any person dispute that fact."
Geo. Rogers aged 80 years No 10.
Samuel Neill " 73 " Rogers acquainted for 50, and Neill for 40 years, all the time living in same county. "Always considered man & wife, and never have heard any person dispute
"the fact."

Page 42

Winsted Ellkins aged 55. No. 3.
acquainted for 42 or 43 years, living at the time in the same neighborhood. "Always considered man & wife and never heard any person dispute the fact."
Lewis Davis aged about 70 years No. 8.
lived in same neighborhood 41 years, concurs with others.
James P. McCarty aged about 50 years No. 4.
acquainted for "say some forty years" concurs with others.
Orville Rice, [illegible] No. 5
Acquainted about 30 years & concurs.
Before October 11, 1815 it was not considered necessary to make certificates or file license of marriage, and [illegible] but few records of such events. Search has been made but no bond or certificate of marriage can be found.
A. Kyle Dep. No. 2
J.P. W McCarty "  " 4
Orville Rice " " 4.
Henry Blevins deceased Sept. 12, 1847
Orville Neil & A. Kyle Dep. No 5.

Page 43

No 13769
Catharine Blevins
Ten
Hon W. M. Cocke March 2 49
letter to Hon. Geo Jones March 2. 50
Hon S. Houston 28 May 1850
" Andrew Johnson 13th June 1850
Act 7 July 1838

Page 44

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1703
Catharine Blevins,
Widow
Henry Blevins,
Pri Rev. War
Act July 29. 1848.
Index:--Vol. A, Page 66 ┃
Arrangement of 1870.
.

Page 45

State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  
I William Snodgrass of the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee who was duly sworn
according to law states he has been acquainted with Henry Blevins the applicant herein named since about the commencement of the American revolutionary war and knows he did reside on the frontier during the whole time of the war that he was at the battle of Kings Mountain in the year 1780 himself and also that Henry Blevins was there also and belonged to the Regiment Commanded by Col
Shelby as he then understood and this deponent further states that all the inhabitants residing on the frontier that were able to bear arms were frequently called out during the war
& I doubt not that Henry Blevins was call.d [called] out the times herein Stated by him and further that he has no doubt that the facts stated by Henry Blevins in his declaration are true
William Snodgrass
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
W B Mitchell clk
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County
I William Walling of the County of Hawkins
and State of Tennessee who was duly sworn according to law. States he has been well acquainted with Henry Blevins since his first recollection, that he was himself at

Page 46

month of February this declarant served about
five month under the command of Co. Martin
that he entered the service under the Captain
Smith at the long Iland [Island] in Sullivan County and from thence marched to Watauga
to Nolichucky to French broad to little river to
Tennessee to Tellico to old Chota and to Tomallee [Tallassee] after killing some of the Indian and destroying their corn they returned home by the same rout [route]. All of which towns including his twelve months enrollment  his volunteer service & service in the Militia amount to two years and five months in the
service of the United States during the
revolutionary war And this declarant further states that he served under Co Sevier and others against the Indian for eighteen months
or two years after the revolutionary war.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or an annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State
Henry Blevins HB his mark
sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
W B Mitchell DClk
-

Page 47

5.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County  
This day personally appeared before me John D. Mcfarland an acting Justice of the peace for said County, Orville Rice and Made oath to the following decliration [declaration] Having been requested by some of the friends of the Widow Catherine Blevins to State my acquaintance
with the family & I Chearfully Comply, and Certify that I knew Henry Blevins thirty years ago, and from that time up to his death as also his wife the aforesaid Catharine Blevins family, for nearly the Same length of time, I know he drew a pention [pension] from the General Goverment [Government] as a Revolutionary Soldier, all the latter part of his life, and that they have raised a large family of children, which have long Since married and left them, the Widow Catherine Blevins having a
number of Great Grand Children now in this neighborhood during my acquaintance I have always look upon them as Man and Wife, and never heard a Suspicion to the Contrary
Orville Rice
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th May 1850
Jno D. McFarland J.P.
Orville Rice & A. Kyle further states that the above Henry Blevins, died on the 12th day of Sept 1847
Orville Rice A; Kyle
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th May 1850
Jno D. McFarland J.P.

Page 48

Mrs Blevis {Blevins]
Augt 22/50
Cole

Page 49

State of Tennessee
Hawkins County
On this 24th day of July 1850 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the Said County, personally appeared Catharine Blevins
Who on her oath declares that she is the widow of  Henry Blevins, late a pensioner & to whome a pension Certificate has been paid to her at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum, and dated the 3rd day of July 1850, and payable at Jonesboro by William K. Blair. That by reason of the inconvenience of going to Jonesboro there being but little communication between said places and where applicant lives, She wishes her name to be placed on the pension roll at Knoxville Tennessee, where it would be more convenient for applicant to draw her money and less expensive.
Catharine Blevins X her mark
Sworn to and Subscribed before me date above written.
Jno D McFarland J.P.
I certify that Jno D. McFarland is an acting Justice of the Peace in County of Hawkins Tennessee and the above is his signature
Augt 22. 1850 O. Rice
I certify that Mr O Rice is a Gentleman of the first respabilty [respectability] and unquestioned veracity.
Augt 22 1850
Andrew Johnson, M.C.

Page 50

1.
State of Tennessee
Hawkins County 
This day personally appeared before me
John D. McFarland an acting Justice of the peace for said county Catharine Blevins aged Seventy nine years and made oath in due form of law, that She is the widow of Henry Blevins, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and drew a pention [pension] during his natural life, and She further states that She was married to the Said Henry Blevins Sometime in the month of September 1756 in  Sullivan County and State aforesaid, by Valintine [Valentine] Sevier who was an acting Justice of the peace for said Sullivan County, She Says there was Several persons present at the marriage, but no person now living that She knows of to prove that fact, and She further Says that there has been Search made in the Clerk's office of Said Sullivan County, but no license or bonds Can be found in said office.
Catharine Blevins X her mark
Sworn and subscribed before me this 29th, April 1850
Jno D. McFarland JP
Test as to Mrs Blevins mark
A; Kyle
George Ellkins