Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,088, John Boyd, Va.

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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Va. 
Boyd, John 
NUMBER 
R 1,088

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Declaration 

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the seventh of June 1832. 

The State of Ohio 
Warren County }  [Illegible initials] Court of Common Pleas July Term 1837 
On this 15th day of July A.D. 1837 Personally appeared in open Court John Boyd, a resident of the town of Lebanon, County of Warren and State of Ohio, aged seventy four years and up-wards, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following 
declaration in order to obtain the bene-fit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. This applicant states that according to the best information in his pos-session he was born the on the 25th day of March in the year seven-teen hundred and sixty three in the Town of Winchester and the Colony of Virginia; in which place and its vicinity he con-tinued to reside until the 25th day of December in the year 1779 on which day he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the said town of Winchester, under one Lieutenant Charles MLean or MLane, under the promise of receiving the appoint-ment of orderly sergeant, which appointment he immediately re-ceived on his enlistment. From the period of his enlistment applicant continued in the recruiting service as orderly ser-geant aforesaid, in the towns of Winchester, Millerstown, (now called Woodstock) and Staunton in the now county of Augusta Virginia until about the first day of September in the year 1780 when in company with said Lieutenant MLean and about thirty two or three recruits principally enlisted by declarant under said MLean, he marched from the town of Winchester to the City of Richmond in said State, where he arrived with said recruits in some three or four weeks after leaving Winchester, and joined the Corps or regiment of Riflemen commanded by Gen Daniel Morgan, for which Regiment said recruits had been enlisted; and in which regiment declarant from that period continued to serve, until subsequent to the battle of Guilford in North Caro-lina in the month of March 1781. 
When Declarant joined said regiment William Darke was the Colonel; _______ Stevenson or Stinson the Major and the company to which declarant was attached, was commanded by Capt John Steed - Charles MLean Lieutenant, & Rees Bowen Ensign. Very shortly after declarant’s arrival at Richmond and joining the rifle Corps, Lieutenant MLean left Richmond and returned to Winchester for the purpose of recruiting; on his [begin crossed out word] department [end of crossed out word] departure Rees Bow-en was promoted to the Lieutenancy of the Company, and on that promotion taking place, this declarant received from Gen Morgan the appointment of Ensign of the Company Com-manded by Capt Steed, and within a few weeks thereafter when in the State of North Carolina received from the Conti-nental Congress an Ensign’s Commission.

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From the time of receiving the appointment of Ensign which he thinks was in the latter part of the month of October 1780 he immediately commenced acting in that capacity and continued to sustain that grade until his final dis-charge in the month of March 1782. After Lieutenant MLean left Richmond, declarant saw him no more – it was reported that he died shortly afterwords in or near the town of Winchester. 
From Richmond the Rifle Regiment commanded by Gen Mor-gan with this declarant and his company, commenced their march for the South, as near as declarant can now recol-lect, sometime in the latter part of the month of October in the year 1780 accompanied by about three hundred regular or Continental infantry: Declarant received the appointment of Ensign prior to marching from Richmond, but was not com-missioned, or did not receive his commission, until arriving in North Carolina. They marched through a part of Virginia to Hillsborough in North Carolina, where they [begin crossed out text] were joined by a party of Virginia militia [end crossed out text] rested a few days: from thence they marched to the Catawba River, where they were joined by a party of Virginia Militia commanded as deponent believes by Col Campbell; and also by a regiment or Squadron of Horse commanded by Col Washington. Crossing the Catawba river at a place called the “Island ford” the troops accompa-nied by the Militia and Squadron of Horse aforesaid, mar-ched to the Eutaw Springs, when learning that the British Army under Lord Cornwallis, was in considerable force in the neighbor-hood, and fearing an attack from a force superior to our own we marched to the “Cowpens” in South Carolina, where we arrived on the day preceding the battle at the place. Declarant was in the whole of that engagement, which he thinks was fought [smudged word possibly “on”] about the middle of February 1781. In that affair the Ameri-can troops were successful; and succeeded in capturing up-wards of five hundred prisoners from the enemy. Shortly after the battle understanding that the British army under Corn-wallis were in pursuit of the American army, Gen Morgan commenced a retreat with the prisoners; marched through a part of North Carolina, crossed the Catawba river, and the next day, the river Yadkin. When the American troops rea-ched the North bank of the Catawba, the British army was on the South bank of the same stream; and such was the ardor of pursuit that when we [smudged word possibly “crossed”] to the North side of the Yadkin, the British were in full view on the south side of that stream. From the Yadkin we marched in the direction of Guilford County, and on the same day that we left that river, we were joined by Gen [illegible possibly “Green’] and his state [?], who had left his army to meet us [illegible, possibly “and”] on the next day as declarant believes, we were met by the army commanded by Gen Green. After joining that army, Gen Mor-gan’s command crossed Dan River, and escorted the priso [continued on next page]

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ners taken at the “Cowpens” to some point in Virginia – return[illegible] rested several days, and with the troops commanded by Gen Green crossed Dan river at Musgrove’s Mill, and marched to Guilford Court House, where we were joined by a body of North Carolina Militia, and where we remained until the battle of Guilford, which was fought about the Middle of March 1781, declarant was in that battle.  
After the engagement, the company to which this appli-cant was attached accompanied their regiment to the South; and applicant being desirous of returning home for the purpose of supplying himself with clothing, was attached to, and dis-patched with a company of Riflemen commanded by Capt ----- Cherry whose lieutenant’s name applicant thinks was John Moore [inserted carrot and crossed out text begins] as applicant believes [end crossed out text] and whose ensign had been killed in the battle of Guilford, to guard the prisoners taken at the “Cowpens” to Charlottesville in Albemarle County Virginia, with a furlough from Gen Morgan allowing him leave of absence for five weeks after he should arrive at Charlottesville with the priso-ners. On arriving at the latter place, he left there and went to Winchester – remained there until about the time of the expiration of his furlough, and then returned to Char-lottesville, where he remained attached to, and serving as ensign of Capt Cherry’s company guarding said prisoners un-til the latter part of the month of October 1781, subsequent to the Capture of the British forces under Cornwallis at Yorktown in Virginia – when we marched with the prisoners we were guarding to Little York in the State of Pennsylvania, where we remained in winter quarters, with the American army under the command of Gen Anthony Wayne, until the 25th day of March 1782 when declarant was finally and honorably discharged from the Service: Declarant enlist-ted “for during the War,” and served from the period of his enlistment until the time of his discharge (including five weeks on furlough) for the period of two years and three months – at least sixteen months of which period he served in the capacity of an Ensign as before stated, & the balance of the time as an orderly sergeant. 
After applicant’s discharge from the service, he resided in the state of Pennsylvania until the year 1789 when he returned to Winchester Virginia – remained there until the month of October of that year, when he removed to Augusta County Vir-ginia where he married – removed from thence to Rock-ingham County Virginia in 1791 where he remained until the year 1808; from thence he removed into the County of

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Lee in Virginia – thence to [begin crossed out text] Bourbon Co [end crossed out text] Ohio – from thence to Bourbon County Kentucky – from thence to Lee County Virginia again, thence to Christian County Kentucky – from thence in the year 1824 to Madison County Tennessee, and from thence in January 1836 to Lebanon, Warren County Ohio where he still resides. When this applicant was dischar-ged from the service in 1782 he with the company commanded by Captain Cherry, was attached to a regiment commanded by Col. Hart-ley and had been from the period of his arrival at York Pennsylvania Declarant obtained a written discharge which he thinks was signed by one Van Reddeford, the adjutant of Col Hartley’s regiment. When declarant removed from Christian County Kentucky to Madison County Tennessee in 1824, the said written discharge, and his [begin crossed out word] Ensign [end crossed out word] Com-mission as Ensign, were left at the residence of his son in Chris-tian County – that son is now deceased, the papers supposed to be lost or destroyed. When left they were not deemed to be of any value; and though then in existence, they are now lost to decla-rant, and beyond his power to produce them. 
While declarant was in the service, and even prior to his enlistment he was intimately acquainted with Gen Morgan; has seen Gen Green, Gen Wayne and Gen Lee. He Knows of no living officer, soldier or other witness, who served with him in the revolutionary war, and by whom he can prove his services. He hopes however, that the rolls of the Regiments to which he was attached, are preserved in the depart-ment of War, and if so, he thinks his name will be found [begin crossed out word] upon [end crossed out word] [carrot inserted] in them. He is now upwards of 74 years of age, is poor & stands in need of the bounty of his country, he has a record of his age. Ignorance of the provisions of the pension law, and other cir-cumstances unnecessary to detail, have prevented an earlier appli-cation for a pension.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.  
John Boyd 
Sworn & Subscribed in						
Open Court the day and  
Year aforesaid } 
J. K. Wilds clk 
 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. 
I Jonathan K. Wilds Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Warren & State of Ohio, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procee-dings of said Court in the matter of the application of John Boyd for a pension 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Lebanon this 15th day of July A.D. 1837. 
J. K. Wilds clk

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Amended Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the Seventh of June 1832 
The State of Ohio 
Warren County } [illegible marks] 
On this 22d day of August A.D. 1838 perso-nally appeared before the undersigned one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County and state aforesaid John Boyd a resident of the Town of Lebanon Warren County Ohio aged seventy five years and upwards, who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath make the following additional or amended declara-tion, to the one already made by him and pending in the War Department, in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
Declarant states that shortly after the battle of Guilford in North Carolina in March 1781 he was attached to, and dispatched with a company of Riflemen commanded by Captain Cherry of the Continental Army as he believes, to guard and escort the prisoners taken at the battle the “Cowpens” to Charlottesville in Able-marle County Virginia. The ensign of Captain Cherry’s company had been killed in the battle of Guilford, and declarant officiated as ensign in the Company commanded by Captain Cherry. We marched the prisoners to Charlottesville, from whence declarant went to Winchester, where he remained for a few weeks and then returned to Charlottesville. Declarant thinks that a Major McCartney of Virginia commanded the escort from Guilford to Charlottesville. Declarant remained on duty at Charlottesville after returning to that place from Winchester guarding the prisoners until after the Capture of Lord Cornwallis and the Army commanded by him, in October 1781: we then marched with the prisoners we had been guarding to Little York in the State of Pennsylvania. In going from Charlottesville in Virginia to York in Pennsylvania, we marched through the towns of [inserted carrot] Winchester Millerstown now called Woodstock, Martinsburg, to Hagers-town in Maryland, where we met with a part of the prisoners taken at the Capture of Cornwallis, and where we remained as near as declarant can now recollect three or four weeks. From thence we marched through Fredericktown and several smaller towns to York in Pennsylvania where we arrived sometime in the latter part of Autumn, or in the winter; at all events it was after the commencement of cold weather. After our arrival at York the barracks being occupied, de[continued on page 7]

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clarant with others was “billeted out” [begin crossed out word] with [end crossed out word] or occupied a house in possession of a citizen of the Town. It is the impression of declarant that when he arrived at York the American troops at that place were under the command of Col. Hartley of the Pennsylvania line but he has a distant impression that Gen Anthony Wayne was at that place during a part of the time that declarant was at that post. He recollects being present and saw six men of the Pennsylvania line shot for a mutiny and an officer said to be Gen Wayne was present: twelve were said to have been convicted of the mutiny – six shot, and six pardoned. 
Declarant stated in his original application that he was “dischar-ged” on the 25th day of March 1782. It was his decided opinion when he made that declaration that he was discharged or disbanded from the service at the time therein mentioned: But declarant is now under the impression that it must have been in the year 1783 of this however he cannot be positive: But of one thing he is positive, that he remained in the service at York until very shortly before the British Prisoners at that place were marched to New York for the purpose of being exchanged or sent to England. If that was in the Spring of 1783 then declarant was in the service until March 1783. 
At the same time that Declarant was relieved from duty at York Captain Cherry and his company was also relieved, and marched to Martinsburg in Virginia, or started for that place: Captain Henshaw and Capt Hawkins with their companies of Virginia Militia, were discharged at the same time.  
Declarant in his original application stated that he was “discharged” The use of the words “discharged” may have been incorrect: he recol-lects perfectly that he did obtain a written paper, discharging him from further service; but it may have been and probably was coupled with the provision that he was discharged, until again called upon”. He recollects of enquiring of Capt. Cherry whe-ther he was bound to return to Gen Morgan’s corps then in the South, who answered in the negative: and this declarant was never again called upon to enter the service. After declarant was discharged as stated above, the Pennsylvania troops as it was said were left at York, and declarant understood that Gen Wayne commanded the escort which guarded the prisoners to New York. 
Declarant understood that shortly after Capt. Steed returned from the South, he died, and [crossed out illegible words] to that cause is perhaps to be attributed the fact, that the name of Declarant does not appear on the rolls of the army; as said Capt. Steed must have been prevented from returning the roll of his company.

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Declarant in his original Declaration, and in this additional declara-tion, has made a correct statement as near as his age and recollection will permit of his services in the Army of the Revolu-tion – or at least as far as such detail can tend to exhibit the leading facts in regard to his services. In some minor particulars he may be in error, particularly in reference to the time stated in his original application when he was discharged from the service. It may have been the 25th of March 1783. Declarant has however referred which is all he can do with positive safety [?] to the general historical fact, that it was about the time that the pris-oners were marched from York in Pennsylvania to New York. And if that should be deemed unsatisfactory, he dont know that he can with safety [?] be more specific. If it was not until the 25th of March 1783 that declarant was relieved from the service, then declarant was in the Service of the United States including the time he was on furlough three years and three months. 
And further deponent states that it was not until after the adjournment of the Court of Common Pleas in this County that he heard read the last letter from the Commissioner of Pensions in reference to his application which is the reason this amended application was not sworn to in open Court. And further declarant saith not. 
John Boyd 
Sworn to and subscribed before						 
me this 22d day of August  
A.D. 1838. 
Benj Blackburn J.P. } 
 
The State of Ohio 
Warren County } I Jonathan K. Wilds Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County certify that Benjamin Blackburn Esquire whose name is signed above is an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned & sworn that his commission bears date the twelfth day of November 1836 & will expire on the 11th day of November 1839 & that his signature above written is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of Said Court at Lebanon this 22d day of August AD 1838  J. K Wilds clerk

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Jno W Hays 
adtr [administrator?] of Jno Boyd 
amended  
Declaration 
under the act of June 
7t 1832 
 
Remit to me at 
Hopkinsville Ky 
D.S. Hays

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State of Kentucky 
County of Christian Sct } 
After being first duly sworn, the affiant John W Hays states that on or about the 26th day of October 1840, as appears from the Record and other documents – John Boyd (now deceased) made his declaration in the county court of Christian County, Kentucky in order to obtain a pension as private or orderly Sergeant, and Ensign under the Act of Congress of June the 7th 1832 – that it appears that the said declaration with other testimony was forwarded to the Pension Office, City of Washington, and upon examination suspended for further proof in regard to his being a commissioned of-ficer – that while efforts were being made to obtain such further proof, the said John Boyd departed this life at the dwelling house of his son-in-law D S Hays in the town of Hopkinsville, Christian County, Ken-tucky, about the 8th day of October 1844 ~ 
At his death said John Boyd left a widow, Elizabeth Boyd, who hath since died in Madison County, State of Tenn-essee; about the year 1852, and also left the following children ~ 
  George W Boyd who hath since departed this life in state of Arkansas leaving children as follows ~ Alonzo, Amanda, Oscar, Newton, Emma, Harriet, John, Lucretia, and Charles Boyd ~ 
Sarah Summers, formerly Boyd deceased without issue ~

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John Boyd deceased – leaving children whose names are unknown 
Peggy Boyd, & grand daughter Mary Boyd 
Milton Boyd, now deceased, leaving children names unknown. 
Jane Hays – formerly Boyd – wife of DS Hays 
James Boyd and Benjamin Boyd –  
Many of said heirs are minors and [begin crossed out word] all [end crossed out word] scattered in different places and States – the whereabouts of some wholly unknown and Powers of Attorney cannot possibly be obtained from them under the circumstances 
Affiant has, (no one dissenting) admin-istered upon the estate of said John Boyd deceased who was his grand-father and given good and sufficient security for the proper administration of said estate see certified copy of letters of adminis-tration filed herewith ~ 
Said John Boyd had been for long time living and boarding with his Son in law DS Hays, and the same was his home. 
Affiant asks in careful examination of the said Boyds original declaration, and the testimony accompanying it, believing the same is sufficient to warrant the allowance of the Pension funds and which under the circumstances, he, as administrator aforesaid, asks for benefit of heirs of said intestate ~ 
John W Hays 
Administrator of the Estate 
of John Boyd deceased

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State of Kentucky 
Christian County Sct } the within statement subscribed and sworn to by John W. Hays, the affiant, before me a Justice of the Peace for said County & State – On this 21st day of August 1857~ 
JMoore JP 
 
State of Kentucky 
Christian County Sct}  I Joseph J. Lan-des, deputy for John S. Bryan, clerk of the county court for said county, do cer-tify that James Moore whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certif-icate was at the time of signing the same and is now an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such  
Given under my hand and the seal of said court which is a court of record this 21st day of August A.D. 1857. 
Att. Jos. J. Landes DC

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State of Kentucky 
Campbell County Sct. } 
Personally appeared before the undersigned Mayor of the Town of Newport James Hudson aged Seventy Seven years and being duly sworn deposeth and saith 
That he was acquainted with John Boyd from his boy hood, that he resided in Winchester Freder-ick County Virginia, That in December seven-teen hundred and Seventy nine Said Boyd enlisted under Lieutenant McLain in the company commanded by Captain John Stead in Col Daniel Morgans Rifle Corps. That Said Boyd enlested [sic] during the War and continued in Service untill [sic] its close. That as an orderly Seargant [sic], he remained in Winch=ester and its neighbourhood in the recruiting Service untill [sic] the latter part of August succeed-ing his enlistment when he Joined the Army [illegible crossed out word] in September, he was promoted to the Office of Ensign in which capacity he served untill [sic] the close of the war and on the twenty fifth day of March in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two he was discharged at Little York in Pennsylvania That this deponent was intimately acquainted with Said Boyd from the time of the war of the revolution up to the year 1823 which was the last time the deponent saw him, and that his [sic] has repeatedly seen his commission and discharge. This deponent resides in the State of Kentucky with his children some of whom live in Christian County some in Todd and some in Estill. This deponent is not acquainted with the present residence of Said Boyd

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He is informed that at present he is at Leb-anon Warren County Ohio but whether permanently or not this deponent cannot say. 
James Hudson 
Commonwealth of Kentucky 
Campbell County to Wit 
The foregoing deposition of James Hudson was this day taken subscribed & sworn to by the said James Hudson before the undersigned Mayor of the Town of Newport in the aforesaid County at the time & place this 24th day of April 1834 Given under my hand & Seal of Office 
John B Lindsey Mayor T N 

State of Ohio 
Hamilton County} 
Before me Ebenezer Harrison a justice of the peace in and for Said County personally appeared John Miller (of Todd County Kentucky) and after being duly sworn Says that he is person-ally aquainted [sic] with John Boyd of Winchester Frederick County Virginia and that the Said John Boyd inlisted [sic] in Genl Morgans Riffle [sic] Company under Capt John Stead some time in the year 1779 for during the War – and that Shortly after he was promoted to office of Insign [sic] in Said Co[illegible], and this deponent further Says that he knows the Said John Boyd Served out the time  for which he inlisted [sic], and was discharged on the 25th day of March 1782 in Little York Pennsylvania further this deponent Saith not. 
John Miller 
Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 24th day of April 1838 Ebenezer Harrison JP

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The State of Ohio 
Hamilton County } 
I William H. Harrison clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County do hereby certify that Ebenezer Harrison, whose name is subscribed to the within deposition of John Miller, is an Active Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected Commissioned and qualified, that his said Commission was dated on the fifteenth day of April A.D. 1837 and will Expire on the fifteenth day of April A.D. 1840:  And that his Signature within written is genuine ~ 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of our said Court at Cincinnati this 24th day of April A.D. 1838 
Wm. H. Harrison clk 
By JaS S Snider Dpy 
[Court seal is affixed to this page]

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John Boyd				H325 
Revo: pensioner

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State of Kentucky 
County of Christian} S. S. 
On this 26th day of October 1840 personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Christian County in open Court. John Boyd a resident of Christian County and State of Kentucky aged Seventy Seven years the 25th March 1840, Who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provission [sic] made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832. 
That I enlisted for and during the war of the Revolution as recruiting Sergeant in the Army of the United States at Winchester Frederick County Virginia, on the 24th or 25th day of December 1779 – under Lieutenant MLean in Captain John Steeds Company and Col Danl Morgans Regiment of Rifle-man, That I remained at Winchester from the time of enlistment recruiting until the 5th September 1780 and then marched with Lieut. MLean with thirty two recruits to Richmond Virginia where we Joined Col. Morgan. We remained there about weeks at which place I received a Commission as Ensign in Capt Steeds Company, and then marched to Hillsborough North Carolina, Where we remained a few days and then marched on to the Catawba River, remained there a few days and then marched and Joined Genl. Green in South Carolina, We were ordered by Genl. Green to a place called Ninety Six finding the enemy too strong for us we retreated to the Cowpens, Where Col. Tarlton over took our Detachment in January 1781 and we defeated them, taking about five hundred and twelve prisoners & killed near three hundred. We then retreated towards Guilford Court-house with the prisoners and Joined Genl Green. after Crossing the Yadkin River Cornwallis in pursuit of us, we continued on and Crossed Dan River (having the prisoners) to Guilford, Cornwallis pursued us to Guilford where we had an engagement with him in March 81. I was then detached under the Command of Major Stevens or Stevenson and took charge of the prisoners taken at the Cowpens and Marched with them to near Charlottesville Albamarl [sic] County Va. And Continued there in charge of the prisoners until Cornwallis was taken in Oct 1781 at Little York, We then Marched our prisoners

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to Winchester Va. Where we wintered within four miles of Town. having the prisoners still in charge, in the Spring of 1782. We were ordered on with the prisoners to Little York in Pennsylvania. in on [?] March there we went through Hagarstown [sic] to Little York and fell in with Genl Wayne who took the command there. Where we wintered in 1782 & 3, the Virginia Militia being discharged. We remained there in Charge of the prisoners until the 25th March 1783. When I was discharged by Col. Wm Hartley of the Pennsylvania line to whose Regt I had been attached in charge of the prisoners. – 
I would State positively that I was Commissioned as Ensign & Served as Such from September 1780 to the 25th March 1783. the  Clear of the War, that I kept my Commission & discharge among my old papers until some time in the year 1823 – When in removing from Christian County Kentucky to  Madison County Tennessee, my papers with Commission and discharge were left with my Son in Christian who Suffered them to be distroyed [sic], and my Son being, dead, I am unable to Say in What way the papers were distroyed [sic] I Cannot recollect by Whom my Commission Was Signed but I received it from Col. Morgan while at Richmond Va. 
In Warren County Ohio, I heretofore made my Declaration in order to obtain a Pension this act and Sent the Same on to War Department and there being Some defect in it perhaps in the time of my discharge which are as improperly Stated in 1782 in place of 1783 the papers were then handed over to Congress with a Petition Which I understood in the Winter of 1838-9 passed favorably since which I have not been able to learn what has been done in the Case, and I now present this as an additional Declaration Which I hope in Connection with the other one on file either in the War office or Congress, will me to a Pension without the  unacountable [sic] delay that Seems to attend Petitions in Congress, - 
Owing to my being detached from my [begin crossed out word] Company [end crossed out word] Company it may be possible that my name may name may [sic] appear on the Company Roll or with those having charge of the Prisoners –

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I hereby relinquish every Clain Whatever to a pension or anuity [sic], except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency of this or any other of these [?] United States 
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid, - John Boyd 
 
Commonwealth of Kentucky 
County of Christian Sct} 
At a County Court began [?] and held for Christian County at the Court house on Monday the 26th day of October 1840 
On the 26th day of October 1840 personally ap-peared in open Court John Boyd aged 77 years a resident of Christian County & State of Kentucky who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath file his declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 – 1832, and the said Court doth hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolu-tionary soldier & served as he states 
I Abraham Stites Clerk of the County Court of Christian County aforesaid so hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the applica-tion of John Boyd for a pension -  
In testimony whereof I have here-unto set my hand and seal of office the 26th day of October 1840 & in the 49th year of the Commonwealth 
attest 
Abram Stites

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James Hudson 
Kentucky 
AD 1833 
Bond appear on Roll of 12 or 18

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To the Honorable members of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled. 
Your Petitioner John Boyd a citizen of the town of Lebanon in the county of Warren & State of Ohio respectfully represents that being an Officer in the army of the Revolution and being aged and in indigent circumstances he made application to the Commissioner of Pensions to be placed in the Pension Roll. That agreeably to the requisitions of the office he made his declaration of his services, his grade of office, the duration of his term of service [illegible] and transmitted it to the Commissioner of Pensions to which and to his amended declaration and the testimony on file in the Pension Office your Petitioner refers your honorable bodies as the evidence of his service and the capacity in which he ser-ved. Your Petitioner represents that the Commis-sioner of Pensions considering the testimony ad-duced as insufficient to establish the facts stated in the declaration of your petitioner has declined granting to him the certificate necessary to make him to draw a pension as an officer in the army of the Revolution. Your petitioner believing that he has substantially complied with the requisitions of the Law prays your honorable

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bodies that he may be admitted to share the bounty provided for those who with himself served his country faithfully in her hour of trial: that his name may be placed upon the pension roll and that such other necessary provisions may be made to enable him to draw such pension as in the wisdom of Congress Shall be thought due his services and your petitioner will ever pray &c 
John Boyd 
Lebanon Dec 20th 1838 
[written vertically towards the bottom of page] 
John Boyd 
Petition for  
Pension

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Hon J R Painsett 
Washington City 
D.C 
 
Hon. Triplett     
H.R.

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The Commonwealth of Kentucky 
Christian County Sct 
John Boyd who served as private & Ensign in the army of the Revolution would in order to enable to the Honorable the Secretary of War, to find his name on the army Roll, and all the papers heretofore forwarded to the War Department and to Congress Would State and make this as an amendment to his form [?] Declarations. 
That in Lebanon Ohio, where he resided for a short time, he made his first Declaration, and procured the testamony [sic] of James Hudson before the Mayor of Newport Ky – John Miller in Cincinnati, Isaac Miller in Lebanon Ohio, by whom he prooved [sic] his actual Service as Ensign, that he then petitioned Congress and entrusted the Same to the Hon Thos Corwine Supported by the Certificate of the Hon Adam Hunstman, and was informed that his petition, passed favorably, 
That he first enlisted as orderly Sergeant in Capt Jno Steed – MLane Liut [sic] and Rees Bowen Ensign, and Shortly after his enlistment Liut [sic] MLane died, Bowen was promoted and the Said Boyd Commissioned Ensign in his place, That after the Battle of Guilford, he was detached under the Com-mand of Major Stevens in Capt Hawkins Company, together with Capts Porterfield Crissup &others to take charge of the prisoners, &Continued with them until in March 1783 When he was discharged These facts are Stated in order to enable the Secretary of War to find his name on Some

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of the Army Rolls, -- 
He cannot concurr [sic], how it is that others with testamony [sic] much less Conclusive, have Drawn their pensions, unless, it has So happened that his testamony [sic] as herein Set forth Never reached the Department, He hopes if this is the Case that he will be informed of it, as he is advised the testamony [sic] fully Supports his Case under the act Which he Claims, He asks a Careful examination of all his papers, and has no doubt, his Claim will be granted, 
Given under my hand this 28th day of December 1840 
John Boyd 
Sworn to before me 
this 28th Dec 1840 
DS Hays J.P

Page 26

Page 26

July 20

Ohio
Act 1832.

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.

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Page 27

Lebanon Ohio 12th July 1839
Sir,
Enclosed is the declaration of John Boyd an applicant for a pension under the Act of 7th June 1832. Accompanied with a certificate of Hon. Mr. Huntsman.
As soon as your official duties will permit, we would thank you to communicate to us the result of the application.
Very Respectfully Yours
Smith + Probasco

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. Of Pensions.

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Washington City Apl. 22 / 1836

To all whom it may concern,
I have been acquaintances with Captain John Boyd for about twelve years, during that time we have lived in four miles of each other. He is a man of good character and his honesty integrity identity he has placed him amongst our citizens in a very respectable rank. The report in that County is that he was a soldier of the revolution.
Adam Huntsman.

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The State of Ohio
Warren County

On this 26th day of April eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared in open court before the Court of Common Please now sitting John Boyd a resident of the town of Lebanon in the county and state aforesaid who being first duty sworn according to law doth on this oath declare that he did not make application for a pension at an earlier day for the reason that he was not aware of the existence of any law of Congress allowing pensions to any other soldiers of the Revolution than such as were wounded in the service until sometime in the year eighteen hundred and thirty five. That when he was informed that such a law had been exacted by Congress he resided in the county of Madison in the state of Tennessee and that as soon as thereafter as his pecuniary concerns would admit he made the application by his declaration now on file in the Pension Office.

John Boyd

Sworn and Subscribed in open Court 26th Apl. 1838
J.K. Wilds, Clk.

The State of Ohio Warren County
I Johnathan K Wilds Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County certify that the above declaration was sworn to + subscribed in open Court s above set forth. In testimony whereafter I have hereto set my hand + affixed the seal of said Court at Lebanon this 26th day of April 1838
J.K. Wilds, Clk

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The State of Ohio
Warren County

On this 27th day of April eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeased in open court in the Court of Common Pleas now sitting Nicholas Earheart and Margaret G. Boyd residents of the town of Lebanon Warren County Ohio who being first duly sworn depose and say that they are and have been well acquainted with James Hudson formerly of Augusta County Virginia now of Todd or Christian county in Kentucky for more than thirty years, that during that time the said James Hudson sustained among his neighbors the character of a man of probity & integrity, and that his veracity so far as these affiants have ever heard is unquestioned and that any statement he might make would be entitled to full credits and further these affiants say not.

Nicholas Earheart
Margaret G. Boyd

Sworn to and subscribed April 27th AD 1838

Before me John Hart
Associate Judge W.C

The State of Ohio
Warren County

I Jonathan J Wilds Clerk of the Court of Common Please for said county do hereby certify that John Hart Esquire before whom the above deposition was made is an acting associate Judge of the court aforesaid duly commissioned + sworn that to all his

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official acts full faith + credit was due + ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand + affixed the seal of said Court at Lebanon this 27th day of April AD 1838.
J.K. Wilds, Clerk

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{Stamped: LEBANON OHIO. 28}
May 3rd
Ohio
addlift
Mr Boyd

Free
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commission of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

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Page 33

Lebanon, Ohio, April 27th, 1838

Sir, 
Enclosed you will find additional testimony procured by Mr. John Boyd of this place in support of his application for a pension forwarded some months since.
You will please (as soon as convenient) communicate to us the result of the application.

Very Respectfully Yours
Smith + Probasco
J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Com. Of Pensions

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Page 34

Copy
War Department
Pension Office
July 2nd, 1838.

Gentlemen,
The affidavit in the case of John Boyd have been examined + filed with his other papers. Before final decision can be had, it should be shown what proof the public records at Richmond afford, as required by my letter to you of the 18th August last. By the present regulations no claim for service as a commissioned officer can be allowed unless there can be record or documentary proof exhibited by competent authority. It is alleged that the applicant enlisted for the war, was appointed orderly sergeant, and after being in the service a short time received an ensign’s commission in the Continental Army and was discharged in March 1782. The war did not terminate in 1789, written were commissioned officers of the regular army discharged. If they left the service before the termination of the war, they resigned their commissions, as were left out as supernumerary officers. If no record proof f service can be obtained from Richmond, the witnesses should amend their affidavits, stated how they became acquainted with the alleged service. 
I am respectfully your obt. servt.
(signed) J.L. Edwards

Mr. Smith + Probasco
Lebanon,
Ohio

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Lebanon
June 26th
Ohio

Free
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Washington City

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Page 36

Lebanon, Ohio June 25th, 1838

Sir,
Sometime during the month of April last, we forwarded to you by mail additional evidence in support of the application of John Boyd if this plea for a pension, with a request that the result of the application should be communicated to us, as soon as convenient.
Since that period, we have received no intelligence from you relation to the matter.
Will you have the goodwill to inform us who then the papers were received, and if so, the probably result of the application?
Respectfully Yours,
Smith + Probasco

J.L. Edwards Esq.

Page 37

Lebanon
July 19th 
Free
James L. Edwards Esq.
July 16th
Mat
Mr. Boyd
Ohio

We think we cannot be mistaken in regard to the substance of the answer of the auditor of Virginia, and much regret this loss of the letter. If we lay our hands on it, we will forward it.
Smith + Probasco

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Page 38

Lebanon. 10th July 1838

Sir,
Your letter of the 2nd instant touching the application of John Boyd for a pension has been duly received; we regret to learn that the testimony is not yet deemed sufficiently satisfactory to warrant the granting of a pension to Mr. Boyd at the rate of the pay of a commissioned officer.
Shortly after the reception of your letter of the 18th of August last recording to the best of our recollection, a letter was addressed by us to James E. Heath Auditor of Richmond Virginia, to endeavor to a section whether any proof could be obtained there of Mr. Boyd having been a commissioned office in the Virginia line on the continental establishment. We are confident that we received an answer from the auditor (but it is at present lost or mislaid) the substance of which was that it did not appear from any of the public records then, that Mr. Boyd had been a commissioned officer in the Virginia line as aforesaid and further, his name could not be found. We only speak of our recollection of the substance or the depg.
As we had failed in procuring record evidence, and not knowing at the time, that Mr. Boyd would be able to establish such proof as was required in relation in the permitted sheet enclosed is your letter of the 18th of August last, we supposed for some months that the application must fail. But during the last spring, the applicant forwarded obtained after the affidavits whilst have before been transmitted.
It seems strange that no record evidence can be produced of the granting of a commission to the applicant: but from the imperfect state and condition of these records, we suppose the absence of such proof is by no means rare. The applicant tho an aged man, seems remarkably distinct and summate in his recollection of facts dated for the days that he thinks his commission was signed by a

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Mr. Rutlege as speaker or President of the old Congress. The [illegible] whose affidavits have been recently forwarded is to recollect correctly swear that they had seen and read the applicant’s commission. The applicant swears that he was commissioned as ensign, and that his commission is last. Made all these lists with the others therewith connected we would on behalf of the applicant respectfully submit whether he has not “proved his service by who credible multiples” according to the requisitions contained in mote J in the proved sheet before referred to?
If however the production of the commission itself, or record evidence thereof, is indispensable, unless something in addition to discourse at Richmond or in the Department of War, his application as an officer must fail.
The witnesses whose deposition were last forwarded, live in some [illegible] part of Kentucky; they happened to be in the neighborhood of Cincinnati where their affidavits were taken. It would be attended with much hard and difficulty, to obtain anything more specific from them, if indeed they could be more specific and satisfactory.
If we supposed anything further could be obtained by writing to the auditor of Virginia we would do so; we think we will wait at all events, and when his letter is received it shall be forwarded.
Mr. Boyd states to us that he is now upwards of seventy six years old; and that he faithfully served his county, there can be no doubt of it, testimony is to be believed; and he thinks himself entitled to a pension, not as a soldier merely but as an officer. He has been put to great worth, and some expense improving his claim; and if he ever receive any

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Belief from the court of his county, that beliefs should perhaps to do him any service, come quickly. But he has no disposition notwithstanding his necessity to relate any rule or law, or regulation of the department. If therefore he has been so unfortunate as to have been unable to produce the [illegible] proof to entitle him to a pension as an officer; while he shall feel that he is thus entitled, and only permitted from receiving it on account of defeat in proof, it will afford him relief to receive a pension as a sergeant or soldier merely and we apprehend that when his claims as an officer is a far to him being entitled as a sergeant or soldier, which we suppose is not the case, that the proof of his service is ample to entitle him to a pension at the rate of pay of a sergeant or common soldier.
Will this, if he can do no better, he must, and we suppose will be content however hard it may be.
Your remark in your letter of the 2nd July that the war [tear] of not terminate in March 1872. And that commission office of the regular army were not discharged. It is true the war did not terminate so soon as March 1872. 
The applicant has used the term “discharged.” The term is perhaps not testimically correct. He says that the war had virtually terminated, that he was with the Pennsylvania + [illegible] troops escorted the prisoners to New York for the purpose of being charged and that the Virginia troops to which he then belonged were discharged from any further service. And that he amongst others was honorably discharged or dismissed from any further service.
You will please pardon these

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suggestions, we think the claim a just one and feel a deep [illegible] that this applicant should succeed.
Please contact us at as early a day as possible of the final decision.
With great respect, yrs
Smith + Probasco
James. L. Edwards, Esquire

Free
Lebanon
July 10th
James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
 July 16th
M at
Mr. Boyd
Ohio

We think we cannot be mistaken in regards to the substance of the answer of the auditor of Virginia, and much regret the loss of the letter if we lay our hands on it, we will forward it.
Smith + Probasco

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M at July 30
Ohio
Lebanon
July 25th

Free 
J.L. Edwards Esq
Pensions Office
Washington City.

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Lebanon 24th July 1838.
Sir,
Your letter of the 7th last or as recorded of yesterday, and we hasten to forward to you the commutation of the auditor of Virginia which came to here on this day.
You will receive that Mr. Heath states that there is no trace of the services of Mr. Boyd, written as an officer or private in the army registers in his office.
If those Registers are perfect, and if they do Register of the Corps in which Boyd served, it is surprising that his name cannot be found. Altho the office casts may be mistaken in some of the details of his declaration, we do not doubt its general [illegible]. The circumstances detailed by him, which if untrue, might have been easily refuted, as strength to the probability of the story.
Mr. Rutledge it is true was from South Carolina; a gentlemen of that name was also a member of the Continental Company from South Carolina. When he [crossed out] Boyd states it as his impression that his commission was signed by a Mr. Rutledge as speaker or President of Congress, it strikes us as probable, that Mr. Rutledge was at our period President of the Continental Congress: we still think it probable, tho we are not certain. It was a mere impression of Mr. Boyd, that his commission was signed

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by a gentleman of that name, a matter he was material, and about which he might very easily be mistaken.
We hope that considering the imperfect condition of the Army Registers that notwithstanding his name does not appear thereon, the proof may be deemed satisfactory, if not to entitle him to a pension as ensign, to the at last, as for commission officer or soldier.
Very Respectfully Yours
Smith + Probasco
J.L. Edwards, Esq.

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Page 45

Misters Smith + Probasco
Lebanon
State of Ohio

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Page 46

July 18, 1838

Gentlemen,
I have duly received yours of the 10 inst and have caused particular animation to be made for the name of John Boyd on the army registers in this office, without success.
There is no trace of the services of such a person either as an officer or private.

Very Respectfully
Jas E Heath
And Va

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Page 47

(Copy word top left conner)
War Department
Pension Office
July 30, 1838

Gentlemen,
Your letter enclosing that of J.C. Heath, Esq Secretary of State of Virginia, has been received. It would appear from his letter, that the records at Richmond afford no proof of the alleged service of John Boyd as an enlisted soldier + ensign in the Virginia line. The war did not terminate in 1782, as alleged in his declaration, neither were those who enlisted to serve during the war discharged in that year. The testimony exhibited in his case is not sufficient. The witnesses do not appear to have a personal knowledge of the circumstances under which the applicant left the service or his service as required by regulations, which should be strictly complied with in order to a favorable decision.

I am respectfully your obt. sevt. 
J.L. Edwards

Mr’s. Smith + Probasco
Lebanon,
Ohio

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The State of Ohio Warren County SP. 
Application of John Boyd for a Pension under the law of 1839

Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and state Isaac Miller notes being affirmed before me deposeth and saith that he is now in the seventy ninth year of his age and will be seventy-nine years of age on the 28th of January 1839 according to records in his custody. This deponent states that he catered the services of the United States in the fall of 1781 or time before the Capture of Lord Cornwallis and was a corporal in a company commanded by Captain Benjamin Price who afterwards fell in the St Clair defeat. This deponent also states that he was acquainted with John Boyd during a portion of this deponents service in the Army and that the said John was in a company commanded by Captain Cherry. This deponent states that he knew the said John Boyd at Hagerstown in the state of Maryland in the fall after the capture of Cornwallis where the company commanded by Capt Price was guarding prisoners. The company commanded by Capt Cherry was also engaged in guarding prisoners and deponent thinks that the two companies remained at Hagerstown about three or four weeks. This deponent further states that he frequently saw this said Boyd in Captain Cherry’s company and said Boyd acted in the capacity of ensign though he never saw his commission. When the company commanded by Capt Cherry left Hagerstown deponent thinks that it went to Little York in Pennsylvania and the said John Boyd was there in the company acting as ensign. After the termination of the revolutionary war this deponent again saw the said Boyd in what is commonly called the Whiskey Campaign being both in the same regiment commanded by Genderal Darke. And further this deponent saith not _
Affirmed to + Subscribed before me this 20th day of August 1838 Benj. Blackburn

Isaac Miller

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J Benjn Blackburn a justice of the Peace within and for Warren County in the State of Ohio do certify that I am acquainted with Isaac Miller who subscribed the within deposition and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity.

August 20th 1838
Benj. Blackburn JP

The State of Ohio
Warren County

I Jonothan K Wilds Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said county certify that Benjamin Blackburn Esquire whose name is signed above + written is [illegible] Justice of the Peace in + for said county duly commissioned + subscribed his said commission is dated the 12th day of November AD 1839 + will expire on the 11th day of November 1839 + that his signature within + above written genuine.
In [illegible] where of I have hereunto set my hand + affixed the seal of said Court at Lebanon this 20th day of August AD 1838.
J.K. Wild, Clerk

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(Stamp-LEBANON AUG 23 OHIO)
Aug 28
Ohio
Add: decln
Mr. Boyd
AD 1832

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

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Lebanon Aug 22nd. 1838

Sir
We herewith transmit to you the amended declaration of John Boyd together with an affidavit of Isaac Miller in which as you will perceive he deposes to the service of Mr. Boyd and the character in which he served. On the original application or [crossed out] declaration of Mr Boyd he stated that he enlisted to serve during the war and was discharged in 1782. On he is evidently mistaken but the fact upon which he fixes as a data [underlined] in which his amended declaration--the marching of prisoners to New York previous to embarkation shows that he served until the termination of the war. Events of that kind are much more likely to be impressed upon the mind of the engaged than the times when they occurred. hence he remembers the fact of the prisoners going to New York though he may be mistaken in the year. Considering the time which has elapsed the memory of the declarant is remarkably tenacious. It is objected that officers of the regular army were not discharged [underlined] This may be true according to the strict meaning of that word. But a man of limited philological learning would suppose upon the disbanding of the army or being left out of the service as a supernumerary or if finally permitted to leave the army for any reason that he had been discharged and would so speak of it and in this sense is the word used by the applicant. In your letters of July 2nd 1838 you remark that the witnesses should amend their affidavits and state how they became acquainted with the alleged service. The two witnesses whose affi-

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-davits were taken in Cincinnati reside in the State of Kentucky at the distance of more than 100 miles from this place: and from the limited pecuniary circumstances and the age of this applicant the amendment would be almost impossible unless he should employ some one to go to Kentucky for him and his want of means prevents it. Having no copy of the affidavits we do not know what the witnesses state as to the manner of their acquaintance with the facts to which they depose. From your letter we presume they say nothing of it If they are silent as to that matter the presumption is that their knowledge is personal [underlined]. A man who is sworn to facts is supposed to speak of what he personally knows. not rumors or reports which he may have heard. So we suppose it to be with these witnesses in this case. If this knowledge was but common fame they would have so said. but we think they swear to actual service and they could not swear truly without personal knowledge. We now send you another affidavit of a man of veracity {underlined] in part the department once acted in granting a pension to Joseph Drake. The objection of a want of personal knowledge cannot be urged to the testimony of Isaac Miller We have then the testimony of three persons as to the official character of this applicant and to his service In addition Margaret Boyd and Nicholas Earheart who I think swear that he is reported to have been a soldier in the army of the revolution. We think that declarant has complied with the essential requirements of the Pension Office in the amount and character of the proof. It is true there has been delay as the witnesses were found by accident and their testimony taken as opportunities presented indeed it is rather matter of surprise that so much proof could be produced after so great a space of time has intervened. From the

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fair character of the applicant since he has been a citizen of our town we have no doubt of the correctness of the material facts he relates though it is very probable and natural that he should be mistaken in some unimportant particulars. Supposing the evidence sufficient for a favorable consideration you will confer a favor by replying at an early day

Yours respectfully
Smith Q[?] Probasco

J. L. Edwards Esq {

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[Illegible]
[Circular stamp reading, "LEBANON OHIO. DEC 1," over which is written, "Dec 6"]
[Stamp reading, "FREE"]
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

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Page 55

Lebanon Nov 30th 1838

Sir
A few days since we received a letter from you stating that the papers of John Boyd an applicant for a pension were still suspended and alledging as the reason that the proof was not made in conformity to the regulations of the Department. I know your regulations must from necessity be strict. But I do not know that Congress ever supposed an applicant for a pension should be subjected to rules more rigorous than are imposed upon litigating parties in a board of Justice. With the latter I have some acquaintance and I am well assured had the proofs been submitted to a judicial tribunal there be no doudt but the decision would have been in his favor. Nor can I but think a severer rule has been adopted in this case than others of which I have heard. With one I have some acquaintance having been solicited [crossed out] to [illegible] the applications. It is the case of Joseph. Drake. he that case the principal witness was Miller whose affidavit is on file in your office in the case of Boyd. If my recollection is not treachorous we have in this case much more proof of service than in Drakes application In granting the pension to Drake the department did not urge the insufficiency of proof though less than in this case. On the last letter I believe the insufficiency is not pointed out. On the one immediately preceding it is stated that the witnesses do not state they saw [underlined] him in the service. Not having copies of the affidavits I must speak from my recollection of their contents. Miller

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a man of credibility says he saw him and states circumstances which independent of his character as a man of truth entitle his affidavit to credit. Of Miller I can speak from my own personal knowledge. Now with respect to the two men who reside in Kentucky whose names I do not recollect. They both say substantially that he was in the service. One of them perhaps saw his commission Now how could they testify that they knew him to have been in the service unless they had seen him. The deposition of these two witnesses are full to the point of his service and the capacity in which he served. It is not to be expected that [illegible, crossed out] affidavits will always be drawn in precise verbal conformity to any regulations If they are substantially what the rules require, they should be deemed sufficient. Then Sir we have three witnesses to one point and that the all important question to be determined. These are two as to reputation both swearing that he is and has been always considered a soldier of the revolution.
If all this proof will not avail; will you be pleased to inform us in what manner that papers could be transferred to the appropriate committe of Congress when a petition shall be presented to that body. If you cannot grant a pension without transcending the limits assigned to your official discretion the applicant may probably submit his case to Congress. The reason I ask in what manner the papers can be transferred is that the applicant is unable from his limited means to procure the proofs from Kentucky. I know your duty requires a watchfulness to gaurd against fraud as I know there are many who have applied to us for the purpose of presenting claims who are unworthy. But I know as well as I know any thing I have not seen that Mr. Boyd is in every respect what he represents himself to be    Yours respectfully. John. Probasco of the firm of Smith Q Probasco

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State of Kentucky
County of Christian
at 0--[?]County Court began and held for Christian County at the Court-house on Monday the 26th day of October 1840,--
Present, John P Campbell
Will V Bernard
Steph S Lander
L T Brasher
D S Hays } Justices
On the 26th day of October 1840, personally appeared in open Court John Boyd aged 99 years a resident of Christian County & State of Kentucky when being first duly sworn in according to law, doth on his oath file his declaration in order to attain the benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress passed June 7 1832 and the said Court doth hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states } [Illegible]
D.S. Hays
Nov 11th 1840. -

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Page 58

January 5th 1853.
At a county court continued and held for Christian County at the court house on Tuesday the 4th day of January 1853--
Present- William V. Bernard Esq
Presiding Judge
On motion of John W. Hays letters of administration were granted him in the estate of John Boyd, deceased, his grand father, and being sworn he entered into bond with Robert McKee approved of as security.

State of Kentucky
Christian county } P.S.
I, Joseph J. Landes, deputy for John S. Bryan, clerk of the county Court for said county certify that the foregoing are true copies of two several  orders of said court, made when dated, from the records in my office.
Given under my hand and the seal of said court, this the 29th day of July, Anno Domini. 1857
Att: Jos. J. Landes,

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Page 59

War Department
Pension Office
January 27 1840
Sir,

In reply to your inquiry in the case of John Boyd, I have to state that the letters from this office of the 20 and 30 July 1838, to Mess's Smith and Probasco, copies of which are herewith enclosed, will show the objections to the admission of the claim.

I have the honor to be very respectfully,
your obt. servt.
J L Edwards

Hon. Kenneth Rayner
House of Representatives

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Page 60
Reg 
Petition of John Boyd, 
for a pension to come a revolutionary Pensions – 
Jany 7 1839 Ref to the Committee on Rev. Pensions 
--- Jany 4, 1840 
under rule to Com on Rev Pension 
March 5, 1840 
comd disd to be Mr. Corwin Conven 39 Rev Pens

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War Department,
Pension Office
December 19 1838
Sir,
In compliance with the request contained in your le[page damaged] 27th inst. I enclose herewith the original papers of John Boyd. Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt of them.
I have the Honor to be.
Very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
J L Edwards

Hon. T. Corwin,
House of Representatives.

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Page 62

Decr 29

Jno Boyd
Ohio

Free
Tho[?] Corwin
James L Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C
Hon T Corwin
[Illegible markings]

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Page 63

Ho Rep 27th Decr 1838
Dear Sir
A petition from Jno Boyd praying for a pension has been sent to me, I will to have it [illegible (conferred?)], but cannot [illegible (expect?)] it to be considered by the committe, without the proofs on file in your office- Can I get the original papers from your files by calling for them.
Yours very respectfully
J L Edwards Esq     Tho. Corwin

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3.     Nov. 21.
H.325.
Novr 23     1840.
Pension office
Ken
Jno Boyd
Act 1832.

[Ilegible]
[Circular stamp reading, "HOPKINSVILLE Ky. NOV 13"]
Hon, J R Painsett

Mail { Secretary of War
        { Washington City D.C

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Hopkinsville Kentucky   Nov 10th 1840
Dear Sir
I send you the declaration of John Boyd a Revolutionary in order to obtain for him a pension Under the law in such case made, should you need any further evidence, perhaps you will be satisfied by a refferance[?] to his formal[?] declarion written[?] on file in your office or in Congress, with a report of Committee then on favorable to his claim, and in case that should be sufficient he will try to obtain for the proofs. but it seems to me he has fully complied with the law & the needs of your department
please give the papers a speedy examination   Write[?] me.
your friend [illegible mark]
D.S. Hays

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Office Ho Reps U. S.
Nov 30th 1840.

Sir
In compliance with your request of the 28th inst. I herewith enclose you the papers in the Case of John Boyd-

I am very respectfully
your Obt Servt
B. B. French
Ch Clerk

J. L. Edwards Esq }
Commissioner of }
Pensions }

Page 67

Page 67

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commiss. of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
[Faded circular stamp]

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Page 68

Ho. Reps.- Jany. 27-

J. L. Edwards Esq.
I am directed by the committee on Revolutionary pensions to enquire of your department,-- What were the grounds upon which the petition of John Boyd of Wann Co. Ohio, for a pension, was rejected
You will please furnish me with the denied[?] information,
Respectfully
K. Rayner

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Page 69

[Circular stamp reading, "HARRODSBURG Ky. JUL 25," over which is written, "Aug 1. 1849]
Ken.

[Stamp reading, "FREE"]

Col J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

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Page 70

Harrodsburg (Ky) 23 [illegible mark] July, 1842
Dear Sir
I have been employed by Mr John Boyd to assist him in getting his pension Claim passed
Mr Boyd claims to have been and Ensign during the Revolutionary War and served under Captain Steed in, Morgan Regiment of Riflemen and says his declaration & testimony was filed with the Commis. of pensions by the Hon Thos Corwine M C from the State of Ohio in the year 1839 that Mr Corwine informed him that his claim was suspended for further evidence
Will you please inform me what is yet required to effect the passage of this claim
I have requested Col Francis A Dicken of your City to assist me in getting this claim passed, this I have have with the consent and approbation of Mr John Boyd who is now a citizen of this State
I will thank you for an answer to this as soon as it will suit your convenience
Your Respectfully
Your Obt Humble Servt
C W Chinn

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[Stamp reading, "FREE"]
H
John Boyd [underlined]
[Illegible] 1832 [underlined]
[Faded circular stamp]
Hon G C Wheler
{ Commissioner of Pensions [underlined]
Mail { City Washington D.C

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Page 72

Ex'r.     INVALID.
[Stamp reading, "REJECTED"]
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1088

P. O. John Boyd
Service:

Enlisted:_____, 18
Discharged:_____, 18

Application filed:_____, 18

Alleges:
Re-enlisted:

Attorney:
P. O.

Page 73

[page is too dark to transcribe, illegible]