Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 7005, Frederick Debow, N.C.

Page 1

N.C. Debow, Frederick		W7005	
	       Rachel

Page 2

Form on the left., on the right in handwriting 8th + Jones Dec 23/5.
2266
On the left: Tennessee, Nashville
Rachel Debow
Widow of Frederick
Of – in the State of Tenn:
Private Captain
Who was a DCWM   in the – commanded 
By Captain N.C. of the – commanded
By – in the Revolution
[illegible]  for 8 months [illegible]  3 months cap 
3 months DCWM
Inscribed on the Roll of
At the rate of 146 Dollars 66 Cents
Per annum to commence on the 4th day of 
March ,1831. [illegible]   by January 1840
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of
July 1852 and sent to J Bryan
Semi-annual allowance ending
[illegible]  from $26.67
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 4, 1836,}
Section the 3}
Recorded by HR Weightman Clerk
Book D Vol 2 Page 41

Page 3

State of Tennessee}
Smith County }
On this first day of July 1837
 Personally appeared Rachel Debow
A resident of the county of Smith and state of Tennessee 
before me Charles [illegible] one of the of the acting Justices
of the peace in and for said county aged seventy eight 
years on [struck through] the 15th of last March, who being
first sworn according to law oath on her oath with 
the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits 
of the provision made by the Act of  Congress
passed July the 4th 1836.
That she is the widow of Frederick Debow who was 
A Waggon Master General in the army of the 
Revolution and entered the Service in that capacity in 
The Spring of 1747 as well as she can recollect. She left
Edenton in North Carolina having in charge and under
His command the baggage. [illegible] North [illegible] 
and Military equipment clothing for the soldier and
marched to Philadelphia Mayor Tilman Dixon 
was then a Captain and was ordered to march as a a guard to [illegible] 
He was out a three month tour in this Service. 
In about six or seven months after this tour of service
this applicant and the said Frederick Debow were
married  in September of the same year.  [illegible]
the service again immediately or rather was continued 
as he has a regular compliance for Wagon Master Gener-
al and active that Capacity but something other
as Commissary for certain [illegible] of the army 
of North and South Carolina he service from the times
they were married to the close of the war where Cornwallis
was taken al Lille York Virginia but this affidavit
[illegible] whether he was [illegible] in North Carolina
Or was in Virgina at that [illegible]. During the three 
Or four years that he was in the service they would
Frequently come home and stay a few days and then
[illegible] the away more [illegible] when he was not far
Off. She recollects that one battle that he was enga
-ged in and that was the battle of Guilford
She recollects well the day for she loved in Casewell

Page 4

County adjoining and could distinctly hear canon firing 
in that Direction. She and her negro woman were even
[illegible] to sow oats as if it was the Spring of the year
And her American officer rode by and asked her if
She knew what was the cause of the firing of canon and 
Upon her answering in the negative he told her it was
No doubt the great battle that was fighting at
Guilford Court House. He even asked her if her 
husband was there and alighten Showed her negro
woman how to sow the oats and then proceeded on 
his rout. She could give a history of most of the transaction
of the wars in North and South Carolina but deems it 
uneccesary as she can She thinks produce abundant [illegible]
of her husbands services by living with [illegible] and will 
close this declaration by one or two other carc[illegible]
After the battle of Guilford her husband [illegible]Major
Arc[illegible] Murphy came home and the [illegible] was in 
The neighborhood at the red house which was a 
[illegible] able [illegible] kept at the fork of the roads and
She had to watch with her husband and military slept 
They had four swords each of them and a gun a [illegible]
And they hid their guns out and directed her to watch 
So that on the approach of a hostile for they could get
Their guns and at last defend themselves and the
House they rose early next morning and joined the 
Army under General Green across the river Same
She cannot say whether he was in the service three
Or four years but must rely upon other proof
Than he serves.
She further Declares that she was married to 
The said Frederick Debow in September 1777 as
Well as she can now recolect.  That her husband 
The aforesaid Frederick Debow died in October or September 
1810 and that she has remained a widow ever since
That period as well more fully appears by references to 
The [illegible] hereto annexed. She further stated that 
She had his com[illegible] in many years after his death

Page 5

Together with a great many papers but she cannot 
Say [strike through] whether any of them can [illegible] be from.
She further declares that through old age and 
Badly [illegible] she cannot [illegible] to the Court
House in [illegible] to [illegible] this declaration in [illegible]
Court sworn to and subscribed before me this
Day and date above [illegible]
				Her
			Rachel   Debow
				X
				mark
Charles McMurray 
Justice of the Pease

I Charles McMurry one of the acting justices of the 
Peace for the county of Smith and State of Tennessee hereby
Certify that I am well acquainted with Rachel Debow
The afore named applicant for a pension that from [illegible]
Ago and [illegible] [illegible] She is unable to [illegible] of 
Court [illegible] the above Declaration in open court
And I hereby certify the [illegible]
[illegible] under my hand and seal this 
1st day of July 1887

		Charles McMurray
		Justice of the Peace

Page 6

State of Tennessee}
Smith County} on this day personally appears 
Sarah Thomson aged about
Seventy three years of age and made oath in due form of law that she recollects the services of Frederick Debow in the War of the Revolution. He was this affiants Brothers but lived some [illegible] from her on a planation that her mother had left on the death of this affiant father. She knows that Frederick Debow was a tour of Service and was [illegible] at Hillsborough and also another tour he went to South Carolina believed one of the those tours to have been to subdue the tories but she cannot say how long each tour was or whether he served long. She knows of the marriage very well but this affiant was at home but her brother and his wife came to her mother in a few days after the marriage her brother Frederick Debow and his wife had to come thirty or forty miles home to her mother. This affiant believes Frederick Debow served most of the time during the war of North and South Carolina but on account their living at [illegible] distances she cannot give park [illegible].
She believes most of the services was after they were married.
Swon to and subscribed before me 
This 9th day of August 1887
Charles McMurry}				Her
Justo for [illegible] County		Sarah X Thompson
				Mark

Page 7

August 28/52
Rachel Debow deceased
Declaration 
Of Heirs.


Increase of Revolution Pension
Act July 4, 1836

Smith & Jones

Nashville
Tenne

Page 8

State of Tennessee}
Davidson County}
On this 14th day of August of 1852, formally
Appeared John A Debow, Solomon Debow and Bird Debow,
Resident of Smith & Wilson Counties Tennessee and made oath
In duo form of law that they are the only surviving children
Theirs at law of Rachel Debow deceased who was the widow 
Of Frederick Debow, who was a Private, Captain, Deputy
Company, and Wagon Master, in the Revolutionary War from
The State of North Carolina, and who served for a consid-
-erable length of time in said war, that they have received
From the United States a pension as children of Rachel
Debow deceased of One hundred and forty six 46/100 Dollar
Per annum under Act of July 4 1836, after deducting
Former payments at the rate of Twenty six 67/100 Dollars
From the 4th day of March 1831 to 6th January 1840
When she died, that they do ask believe that they have
Received as they are satisfied that their deceased
Father, Frederick Debow her formed more service
Than has been allowed them, and that they make this
Declaration for the purpose of obtaining an increase
Of said pension.
Sworn to &  before me}	John A Debow
This 14th day of August 1852} Solomon Debow
Robert W Greene  JP}		Bird Debow

State of Tennessee}
Davidson County}

Know all men by there presents, that we John A Debow,
Solomon Debow, and Bird Debow only children and heirs at law of
Rachel Debow, do hereby irrevocably appoint Smith & Jones of
Nashville, Tennessee our true & lawful Attorney for us and in our names,
Is present and prosecute our claim to an increase of pension under
Act of July 4, 1836. Hereby annulling & revoking every & all
Power of attorney, hereafter at any time made to any heirs in
Whatever, and approving all the lawful act of our

Page 9

Said attorneys Smith & Jones in the pension in as full
And ample a manner as if we were present and
Acting in person. Witness our hands and seals this
14th day of August 1852.

	John A Debow   seal
	Solomon Debow   seal
	Bird Debow   seal
Acknowledged before me this 14th day of August 1852
		Robert W Green  seal

State of Tennessee}  
Davidson County} F.R. Cheatham Clerk of
The County Courts of said county do certify that
Robert W Green whose name appears to the above 
Certificate of acknowledgement is & was at
The time of signing the duly an active justice
Of the peace in aforesaid county, duly commissioned
Purporting to be his is genuine.

On testimony whereof I have hereto
Set my hand & office in Nashville
This 16th day o August 1852
F R Cheatham Clerk
By LP Cheatham DC

Page 10

State of Tennessee}
Smith County} On this day personally apear-
Ed Sarah Thomson before 
Me Charles McMurry one of the acting justices of
The Peace in and for the county aforesaid and made
Oath in due form of law that she is [illegible] of
Amending her testimony in favor of Rachel
Debow for a pension. She has reflected and thought
More about it since her affidavit was taken and
Finds that she has a distinct recollection of one
Tour of service performed by her Brother Frederick
Debow in the War of the Revolution She in 
Her former testimony mentioned that her brother lives
About 30 miles off on a plantation let him by
His father at the time of his marriage with Rachel
Debow his present widow. She cannot say whether
It was before or after the marriage that her Brother
Frederick Debow came to his mothers he was on his
Way to join his company and persuaded his 
Younger Brother Benjamin Debow to go with him 
It has a volunteer company raised for the term
Of three months and was then organizing at Hillsboro
Her mother was very reluctant at first to let 
Benjamin go but finally consented. They both left
His mothers together and joined as volunteer light
Horse troops their company at Hillsboro they were
Gone a three months tour and returned together.
They were marched to the high hills of South
And Stahonee there and on the borders of South
Carolina partly as a check upon the tories thinking
It was before the battle of Gates defeat and is certain
It was some time before the battle of Guilford
She cannot state who was their Captain nor any
Of their officers names. Sworn to and subscribed before
Me this 13th October 1837  
Charles McMurry, seal	          Her
Justice of the Peace         Sarah X Thomson Seal
                                                     mark

Page 11

State of Tennessee}
Smith County} I Charles McMurry one
Of the acting Justices of the
Peace in and for Said County hereby certify that I
Am well acquainted with Sarah Thomson who has
Made the foregoing affidavit that she is a [illegible smudge]
Of truth and respectability and that full oath 
and [illegible] is and should be given her statement
given under my hand and seal this 13th 
October 1837
	Charles McMurry seal
	Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee}
Smith County} On this day personally appeared
Rachel Debow before me Charles 
McMurry one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and 
for Said County and made oath in due form of
law that after searching all her husbands papers
that are left she cannot find among them any
record or documentary proof of her husbands
services no can she find the Commus[illegible] she
had mentioned in his former Declaration but is
certain she has seen it since his death.
She believes that most all his papers have been
Destroyed as it was not expected that any good
Was to be made of them.
Sworn to and subscribed before me
This 13th October 1837 			her
Charles McMurry seal		Rachel X Debow seal
Justice of the Peace			mark

Page 12

Certificate Comptroller
Of North Carolina
Relative to 
Frederick Debow

Page 13

State of North Carolina
	[Comptrollers Office		
	[June 24th 1851
I William J Clarke comptroller of public accounts,
In and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that
It appears of record in said office, in the record of
Payments made by said State to sundry persons for
Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows
To wit.
Book No. 4 payments by W. McCauley page 10 Frederic
Debow Pound 800 & I find that the depreciation was at the
Date of said payment (August 1782) seventy five for one,
Also Book No. 24 page 19 pound 6&2 [illegible] paid Frederic Debow
     I also find in Book I which is register of officer,
That Frederic Debow was a D.C. (Deputy Commissary)
& W.M. (Wagon Master)
	In testimony where of I have hereunto
	Subscribed my name and affixed my
	Seal of office the day & year above written
	Wm J Clarke Comptroller P.A.

Page 14

Know all men by those present that we John A Debow and Solomon Debow of the county of Smith and State of Tennessee hers at law and of Rachel Debow widow of Frederick Debow deceased who in his lifetime was a Revolutionary XX of the United States do nominate and affidavit Adam Gennifer of Carthage Tennessee our true and lawful attorney for [ink blot] and in our name to persecute our claim to the ball[illegible] or arrears of [illegible] that should have been allowed our late mother in [illegible] of the Revolutionary Service of our father the said Frederick Debow and further to furnish all papers and proof officially with power an attorney or attornies under him to [illegible] and appoint to act in the [illegible] we hereby contribute the said Adam XXX my [illegible] attorney to receive in Pension certificate when allowed for my benefit and further we make this power of attorney if any here to fore made hereby [illegible] and confirming all the lawful acts that our said attorney shall do by [illegible] here [illegible] [illegible] hands and seal this 18 day of August 1851.
Hugh Debow	J A Deboe
John A McMurray 	Solo Debow
State of Tennessee} for this day personally ap-
Smith County}peared John A Debow
Before John S McMurray    William Kearly   one of the acting [illegible]
Of the peace in and for said county with whom
I am well acquainted and acknowledged that for
Going power of attorney to the act and
[illegible] for the [illegible] [illegible] expe[illegible] witness
Hand and seal this 18 day of August 1851
William Kearley 
Justice of the Peace

Page 15

Declaration
State of Tennessee}
Smith County}  On this 18th day of August in the year 1851 personally appeared John A Debow aged 67 years a resident of the county aforesaid before me William Kearly one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said county and a Justice of a Court of record who being first duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress adapted July 4th 1851 and for the purpose of recovering under said act the amount of Pension justify due the heirs of Rachel Debow widow of Frederick Debow deceased. That he is the son and one of the heirs at law of the said Rachel Debow who was a pensioner of the United States and drew her pension at Nashville Tennessee. Declarant is informed and believed that the amount of pension grantee to this mother the said Rachel Debow in right of the Revolutionary Services of his father the said Frederick Debow was but a small amount to what she was [illegible]  [illegible]  To that proof was furnished to justify the allowance of a Pension [illegible]
 To that of the pay of a Commissary and Wagon Master Head also for the pay of a Captain and other grades of office as well as a considerable amount more than was received as the pay of a Private ensign and [illegible] declarant is also in formed and  [illegible]
 That the reason and [illegible]

Page 16

Only reason why a full pension was not granted at the time of his mother being placed [illegible]
 The roll was that Documentary evidence of his having served as an officer could not be procured and although proof by living witnesses who had a knowledge of the fact was sufficient yet owing to the rules of the Pension officer a pension was not granted but for only part of his services as a private. That this part of the pension was received by her and [illegible] Understood by the Commissioner of pensions that should hereafter any further documentary proof he discovered that then and in that case a pension would be allowed in proportion to the grade of the officer he Frederick Debow served in during the War of the Revolution. That up to the year 1843 or 1844 It was not known in Tennessee that any of the military roll or evidenced of services in the War of the Revolution existed in North Carolina that since that time rolls of the military and volunteers of the War of the Revolution has been discovered at Raleigh which shows the services of Frederick Debow as Deputy Commissionary and Deputy Wagon Master Declarant further is informed and believes that payments to a considerable amount has been discovered but he has not seen them nor has any one told him the exact amount. Declarant is also informed and believes the information to be his

Page 17

The services for which she drew a pension was for eight months services under Captain Tilman Dixon to the north and that nothing has been allowed for the volunteer services as Captain Deputy [illegible] and Deputy Wagon Master or any of the other grades as [illegible] Ensign 1st Sergeant and Private that the said Rachel their mother departed this life on the 6ty day of January 1840 and that she left the following [illegible] children to wit John Debow Solomon Debow and Bird Debow and that they are the only legal and surviving heirs. They are all informed and believe that sufficient proof is already filed in the Pension office to establish their claims. [strike through THEY] Declarant prays therefore that in behalf of himself and the forgoing mentioned heirs that the whole case be taken up [illegible]
 With the allegations and proof already filed and to be filed and such allowance of Pension grantee as to Justice belongs and as in duty bound he will [illegible]
 Be worn to and subscribed before me this day and year first afore written
William Kearley	J A Debow
Justice of the Peaces

Page 18

Tennessee}
Smith County} County Court October [illegible] 1851.
I William V R Hallum clerk of the County Court of Smith County, do hereby testify, that satisfactory evidence has been, exhibited to said court. [illegible] at Carthage in and for said county that Rachel Debow was a pensioner of the United States, at the rate of twenty six dollars and 67/100 per annum was a resident of the county of Smith in the State of Tennessee, and died in The County of Smith in the State of Tennessee, on this 6th day of January 1849. That she left the following children, to wit, as her A Debow, Solomon Debow, and Bird Debow of lawful age and that they are the only surviving lawful heirs.
SEAL In testimony whereof I have here and set say [illegible] and the seal  of said Court this 16th day of October 1851.
William V R Hallum

Page 19

[illegible] [illegible]pay -
Ments were for [illegible] as a Wagon Master
[illegible] show 2 months 9 days [illegible]
570
    9
5130
1323
----------
3707

Page 20

Tennessee}
Smith County}
I William V R Hallum clerk of the county court of said Smith County. I do herby certify that William Kearly whose name appears to the foregoing and annexed power of attorney and the acknowledgment of the same and the forgoing annexed declar- tion of John A Debow was at the time his several attestations proports to bear date and now is one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid and a Justice of the county court being a court of record and that he has been duly commissioned and qualified to act as such and duly authorized to administer oaths, and that full [illegible] and credit are due and of right ought to be given to all his official acts and that his signatures thereto are genuine. 
[One line struck out} In testimony where of I have these into set my hand and seal of office this 17th day of October 1831.
William V R Hallum

Page 21

Washington 4th July 1852
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir
Be pleased to furnish me the papers in the case of Frederick DeBow his widow was allowed a part of her pension under Act of 4th July 1886.
Respectfully
A Fergusson

Page 22

Increase
Rachel Debow
Widow Frederick 
W. Tennessee.
Act 4 July 1836
8 months [illegible] - $26.66
3 months Captain       60.00
3 months D.C. & W.M. 60.00
                                      -----
                                    $146.66
PER ANNUM TO 6 Jan 1840
When she died
De[ceased] or at  former payments
At the rate of $2667 her
An[num]
Payable to 
John A. Debow
Solomon Debow +
Bird Debow, only 
Surviving children

Cert to 
J Bryan 
Present.

Page 23

V
Rchel Debow
Tennessee
--
Suspended
Per [illegible] 15 [illegible]
1838 [illegible] W.B.
[illegible] 
Do. 15 May 1838
Do.  20 June 1838

Page 24

Left side [handwritten] 
Oct. 12. 1904. His to
W Henry Hot
Burlington, VT
Right sige [form]
[handwritten] Rvy [typed] WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7005  [illegible and on the side]
Rachel Debow
Widow
Frederick Debow
 Capt. Rev. lin
--
Act: July 4 cc [under cc] a / 36 Sec 3d. 
Inex:-- Vol. A, Page 175
 [Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 25

[back of document]
[top of document] [illegible]

[bottom of document]
Honorable W B Campbell
[illegible]

Page 26

The Honorable Wm B. Campbell (of Tenn.)
Wishes [illegible] cares of Mrs. Debow
[illegible] M.  [inserted No. 2300] Carrole, to be reported to him.
He can certify to the credibility of the
[illegible] in the above cases – 
Feb. 15. 1838

Page 27

[at the bottom of the page]A Ferguson
By 
J Bryan of [illegible]
July 05th  1832

Page 28

{Comptroller’s Office
I, William J Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it ap-pears of record in my office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:
Frederic Debow
Book No. 4 page 33, £57S2 specie (Fifty seven pounds, two shillings,
“       “     24 “ 19 £6S2 specie
Payments by Wm McCauley Vol. 1, page 10. £10S12 specie
Vol. C. No. 3152 £7S15 specie
“       “    “  3405 £339S15 specie, Captain Frederic Debow for 
Milita services of himself and company, July 1783.
I am of the opinion that the last payment was for a tour of three months service.
Frederic Debow also appears on Book “I” which is a list of officers as “D. C& W.M.” (Deputy Commissary and Wagon Master) 
SEAL   In testimony where of I have hereinto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 22d day of July 1852.
Wm J Clarke, Comptroller

Page 29

Carthage Tennessee
18th October 1851
Sir
Inclosed please find the declaration and proof in the case of Rachel Debow widow of Frederick Debow deceased and amended by her son and reviewed by her surviving heirs. You will discover by the papers on file in your office that she was place on the pension list at the rate of $26..67 costs per annum under Act of 4th July 1836. And you will also discover from the proof then furnished that a number of witnesses is of the first respectability and Revolutionary Solders some of them pensioners who had a perfect knowledge of the services of Frederick Debow testified full to his services as Waggon Master & Commissary but particularly as Captain and perhaps other offices that I cannot now recollect. That owing to the rules then adapted by the Pension office no pension would be granted to an officer unless a commission showing his grade or documented evidence showing the officer be held was furnished. That every proof necessary by witnesses was furnished, but owing to the want of documentary proof at that time a pension only for a private for eight

Page 30

Months leaving out all the proof for a pension as an officer. These facts you will find already on file in her original papers. That I frequently insisted for the pension to be allowed as an  officer but was informed by Commissioner Edwards that if documentary evidence was furnished showing that he served in any of the grades proved up then a pension would be allowed proportioned to such grade of office. That upon searching some of the letters from Mr  Edwards as commissioner of Pensions I find in one of them the following extract “If record or “documentary evidence can be shown a “pension will be increased to that pay  alleged “ as Captain commissary or Wagon Master
See letter of J L Edwards 21st June 1839 and other letters by him written in this case. I therefore rest the case as [illegible]  now that the Comptrollers certificate pension as that evidence and that There is yet to be found in the Pension Office and at Raleigh as I fully believe further add -itional evidence which is your duty to furnish if to be found. I believe that specie payments made to Frederick Debow as state in Comptrollers certificate shows payments in specie to the amount of $184..88 which agreeable to your calculation will increase the Pension to that amount at least per

Page 31

Annum but you have your say your rules and without saying anything in regard to them as to their being mysterious and uncertain. I deem it my duty to remind you that it is as much a Mater of Justice [underlined “in fors concientie”] to guard against with holding a pension as it is to grant one illegally. I know and can show great injustice has been done to claimants by delaying their claims. I hope to find in this case prompt attention. I want your own declarations to be carried out. That each claimant whether present by attorney or letter shall have speedy justice without delay a partiality to one favorient more than another. I make this remark without any allusions or reflections towards you  or any of your clerks under you I do it with the utmost respect. I have no reflections to make all I want is justice to be done I here take the liberty to state that no claim if ever prosecuted was other than a loyal and just one. In conclusion be pleased to take up this claim at your earliest convenience and allot it, and a certificate for what is due the heirs as prayed for 
Respectfully 
A Fergusson
James E Heath Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 32

Carthage, Tennessee
3rd February 1839
Sir
Inclosed you have the affidavit of Mr Herndon Haralson of Brownsville of the Western district of our State showing that Frederick Debow served a longer period in the revolution war than the time computed by you when the Pension was allowed to his widow Rachel Debow last year. I have had it by me for some time thinking I could get more proof of services but have not as yet succeeded. You will discover that by this affidavit he proves 2 tours of three months each already proved one with Captain T Dixon and one in the light horse troops. Also that he saw him in the service afterward at different times and also that he serves as affiant was informed six months as a Captain. I have also included Haralsons letter tto me I think upon reexamination of the claim you will find that Mrs Debow is entitles to the pay of an additional six months as a Captain, but should the proof be insufficient to obtain a Captains there is surely must be sufficient for a privates pay this will increase her present pension to nearly double what it now is. With due respect I therefore apply in her behalf for an increase of pension.   
Respectfully A Fergusson
James L Edwards Esq

Page 33

Carthage Tennessee
3rd January 1838
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will find the papers of Rachel Debow for a pension her husband Frederick Debow was a Captain and Wagon Master in two different tours of service in the War of the Revolution beside other tours of Service. You will discover that from the various date of the papers that some time was spent in preparing them and taking testimony. The reason is obvious he had served a great many tours and in different capacities. I wish to therefore to get as many of them in as possible.
In the testimony of Alexander McMenamy you will see he has allusion to his own papers furnished the War Department when he himself was pensioned, you can refer to these papers and see how the two corroborates. I am very much in hopes this may prove conclusive. I have endeavored to get all the proof in the counties within each of this place but I am inclined to believe that a great deal more exists in North Carolina could it be procured. I wish you to refer to other papers in your possession on which other Pensioners were placed on the Pension list perhaps they have mad allusion to the services of Debow either as a Captain or Wagon Master. I have had the information from a good many persons who saw him on

Page 34

On the morning of the battle of Guilford stating that he conducted the baggage wagons to [illegible]some iron works in the rear of the American Army but they could tell but very little more. I am induced to believe that much proof has been permitted by various pension-ers in their Declaration referring to him and is now on file in the War Depart-ment. I would refer you for further information about Mr. Debow to the Honorable William B Campbell who is well acquainted the family her sons in particular. With these statements I submit the case to your consideration for her and in her behalf [illegible]   give the whole that examination  [insert] and decision it deserves.
Respectfully
A Fergusson

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City

Page 35

 [ round stamp] Raleigh Apr 13 NC
A.	Ferguson
Carthage
TennesseE

Page 36

Raleigh 11th April 1838.
Dear Sir
Your [illegible]  of the 27th  [illegible]   was received yesterday enclosing $1-Alabama money - [illegible]    get it off with cause [illegible]    travelling to the South or West.
I have very carefully examined the rolls and the settlements of the line of this state in the revolutionary war for the name of Frederick Debow, but do not find. From what I have seen & heard, I don’t think Wagon Masters were re[illegible]   on the rolls generally, as they [insert] were off probably attending to their du-ties when the rolls of those who bore arms were called.
Very respectfully yours 
	W Hill
A Fergusson Esq

Page 37

[illegible]
Tenn.
[centered horizontal]
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
[handwritten on the left vertically]
Honorable W. B. Campbell
H.R.

Page 38

House of Representatives
June 19. 1838

Sir,
I enclose  you a letter from 
Rec. A Fergusson which you will
Please, given now [illegible] assurance upon
+ return it to me.
With [illegible respect
You [illegible] off. [illegible]
WB Campbell 
JL Edwards Esq } 
Court of Peace}

Page 39

Dobbe [stamped vertically] PAID 37 1//2
[round stamp] Brownsville Sep 11 Te.
W A Fergusson
Carthage
Smith County 
Tennessee

Page 40

Brownsville 10th September 1838.
Dear Sir.
Received your second letters: drew Sept my affidavit of facts as came within my recollection near as possible, had the necessary certificates annexed;  send it inclosed and wish it safe to hand – there is no charge for these papers by our offices.
If the affidavit and attestation of the magistrate and clerk is not correct, send it back with your direction and it shall be perfect as   [illegible] you are in danger. I  will spare no pains in my power and can insist with my duty to serve that good woman with whom I have known for sixty years. 
I have at present no commands of a similar character to trouble you with; should any [illegible] you to hear hear from one, and duty I be able to serve you in any way in the western district, you have a right to command me.
Respectfully in hast
H Haralson
PS I have no documentary evidence papers or letters on this subject.

Page 41

[circular stamp] Carthage Aug 2 Te
[illegible]
James L Edward Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Page 42

Carthage Tennessee
31st July 1831
Sir
The certificate of Mrs Ann Haynier has come safely to hand. I have waited some time for the certificate of Mrs Debow Mrs Meadow Mrs Darnell and Mrs Reaves the three last all the regulations in regard to further testimony were completed with except Mrs Reaves whose claim I have not heard from since last April but the testimony was I thought such as would authorize a pension as it was principally documentary. The testimony in regard to Mrs Meadow and Mrs Darnell was complete  with agreable to the instructions contained in your letters. I wrote you in regard to the claim of Mrs Debow that a part of it would be accepted until she could establish the balance. I wish you also in the latter case to inform of the tours of service for which a pension is allowed and those not sufficiently proved as I we have some witnesses in her case yet to examine. I hope you well. Send on this claims as soon as practicable
Very Respectfully
A Fergusson

James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Page 43

Washington January 12 1851.
Sir
You will find in the papers of Ann Haine, Terri Adam, Act 4th July 1936, that’s Mr Fergusson has authorized me to attend to this case. Mr Ferguson in his letter to me stated [stick through two words] that he had furnished the evidence from the records at North Carolina but when examined the papers it has not there and that last need I wrote to the Comptroller.
It seems that [illegible] I had furnished the evidence as is shown by the accom-panying papers, which came up in the regular mail. You will deem [illegible] the results of the examination to me. 
	Respectfully
		F S Evans
J E Heath Esq
Law Pension

Page 44

Mo [illegible]
Mo Fergusson, days that 
He is this only agents
That has ever had
Any thing to do [illegible]
These cases. His
Papers [illegible] [illegible]
[illegible]. –
--
All the cases 
[illegible] B Fergusson
July 1 - 1851

Page 45

Washington City 
June 30th 1851 
To the commissioner of pensions
Sir
I respectfully ask to examine the papers on file in your office in the following cases to ti
V Sarah Cochran widow of Samuael Cochran}
The papers on which he was pensioned} Nashville
As well as those she was pensioned [inserted above filed 1846]} Roll middle
V Rachel Debow widow of Frederick    Tennessee
Debow  [underline the follow] Pensioned and paid about 1839      Do  Do
Mary Black now in receipt of a pension                  48-“ 47 [illegible]
Mary Brown   Do    De   Du                                      [illegible] “ 1548
V Ann Haynie           died in 1840 pension paid 36 - [illegible]
V William Brandon     cash still pending              “            “
V Elizabeth Yancy    widow of Do Do                 “               “
V Catharine Cobb  widow of David Do Do     “        “
V Lucy Preston widow of Joel Preston Do Do   “  “
In order to prepare them for a final decision and to file additional proof
Respectfully 
A Fergusson

Page 46

[FORM]
[typed] Brief in the case of [handwritten] Rachel Debow, widow Frederick
[typed] County and State of [handwritten] Tenn.
[typed] Act [handwritten] 4 July 1836

[typed] Claim, (‘original,’ or ‘for increase,’)
[typed] Proof exhibited, [struck through the following] (if original)
[typed] Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
[handwritten]
This claim was originally allowed for 8 months as [illegible]. The staff services being then refused.
Recently there has been files record evidence of his service as Deputy Commissary and Waggon Conductor.
[typed] (If for increase.)
[typed] Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Page 47

State of Tennessee
Haywood County [illegible]
On 10th day of September 1838 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County of Haywood aforesaid of Veracity and made oath in due form; that durint the Revolutionary War he was personally acquainted with Frederick Debow then of Caswell County, North Carolina. That in the years 1779 or 1780. As well as this affiant recollects this said Debow was on a tour of duty to the North that headed as Waggon Master under Captain Tilman Dixon then Captain Dixon probably for three months. That on his return he continued [struck through] entered on a tour to the South of three months then as a Mounted Milita man and this official further saieth that at this time when General Greene retreated before Lord Cornwallis from the south through Norh Carolina in to Virginia about the first of the year 181This said Debow was in the army, he frequently saw him in actual service, but as he did not belong to this affiants company he does not recollect in what capacity. – This official saieth that after the Battle at Guilford he himself had charge of a company of Mounted Militia and marched with General Greene to the south and continued till after the battle at the Eutaw Springs during this time affiant saith that said Debow required the title of Captain and that he has been informed he served and commanded as such six months at or near Hillsborough [word struck through] was a very active man and generally in the service of his country at that time and from the belief of

Page 48

This affiant he must have (at least) [word struck through] served twelve [word struck through] months and six months of that time as Captain of a company in the  [illegible]. [illegible]..-
Sworn and subscribed to before me
The day and year aforesaid.
Wm [William] E Owen}
Justice of the peace}
For Haywood County}
State of Tennessee}
Haywood County} St
		I Littleton Joyner Clerk of the County Court
Of said Haywood County hereby certify that Wm [William} E Owen
Is a magistrate as above and the foregoing signature purporting to be 
His is genuine. And that he [was written over with] is duly commissioned & qualified & justice [insert mark and written above] of the peace aforesaid
SEAL In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and
Affixed my seal of office this 10th day of September
1738.-		L Joyner Clk [clerk]

Page 49

The case of Rachel Debow, decd [deceased] widow of Frederick, of Tennessee, a[illegible] Act 7th July 1836 ad[illegible] as Private, Captain, Deputy [illegible] and Waggon Master,
8 Months Private
3    “          Captain
3    “           Deputy Commissary of Waggon Master $146.
‘for commencing 4th March 1831, and ending January 1840, when she died.
Is this case we think, that the payments to Frederick De Bow, [illegible] a Service nearly of time years as Commissary and Waggon Master.
Aug 1782 £800, depreciation 75 Jan 1.
“    57    2         Specie
“     6.    2               “
“     10   12               “
“      7    15              “
“  339.  15              “   himself & company

		over

Page 50

£800.-75 for 1. Amount to £200. Making, at as calculation of [struck through three words] $2.50/100 to the [struck through £] N Carolina currency………$500.00. Specia payments £ 8031 she makes £81.11.0. Which reduced to dollars above amounts to ………….$201.87.
This amount for services as  [illegible]        $701.87
As Waggon Master, which at $50 per mounts, wile entitle us to a credit of 14 months 1 day – amount to a notes of pension of ………$350.00 per annum.
Also, for services as Captain, for himself and company, specia payments £339.15 which divided equally between 1. Captain at $40 per month, 1. [illegible] at $26 66 per and, 1. Ensigna at $20 per month, and 30 privates at $6.66/100 per audit as provided, by the Act of assembly of N Caroina, while entitles him to a credit of 3 months as Captain - $60.00 which should be his rate of pension as such per annum     350.00
					      60.00
					-----------
					   $410.00

Page 51

Captain Debow, as [illegible] his widow has been allowed $146.66. Which deducted from $410 – [struck though] [insert mark] the amounts [illegible] contend should have been allowed, will give an increase of pension of $363.33ys, for annum, from his 4th March 1831 to the 6th day of January 1840. This [illegible] content id clearly due, [illegible] you give credits to his record testimony, and as a parts has been recognized, the whole is entitled to equal credits.
This marriage has already been admitted, and also this identity. There is indeed [illegible] and points to be considered, and that is who [illegible] [illegible] and will allow the payments heads to him, as noted.
		F S Evans
	For Saints and [illegible]

Law of Pensions

Page 52

Rachel Debow}  	[struck through a Chaterine and of June N.Y a N 38]
Ten No 3170}
36 [struck through 38]}
Adrand June ‘38]

Page 53

Rachel Debow}  	[struck through a Chaterine and of June N.Y a N 38]
Ten No 3170}
36 [struck through 38]}
Adrand June ‘38]
Page 53
[Front and back of form]
[Front of form]
West Tennessee 53599
Rachel Debow
Widow of Frederick Debow decd [deceased]
Who died in-the  about October 1710
Of Smith Co in the State of Tenne.
Who was a Private in the company commanded
By Captain   [illegible]  of the Regt [regent] commanded
By ------- in the [struck through] NC
[illegible] for 8 months. 
Inscribed on the Roll of W Tenne.
At the sats of 26 Dollars 67 cents for annnum
To commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Augu.
183 and sent A Fer
Gusson Carthage Ten
Assears to the 4th of March 1838 $186
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 38-13.00
		                   $300.02
		{Revolutionary Claim]
		{Act July 4, 1836}
		{Section the 3.}
Recorded by D D Addison Clerk, 
Book A, Vol 2,nd Page 182
[Back of form]
Let 21 June 1839
A Fergusson 
[illegible] F S Evans Feby 2. 1852

Page 54

[back of page]
[illegible]
Rachel Debow
[illegible]

Page 55

State of Tennesee}
Smith County}
This day personally appeared Reuben Graves a resident of Jackson County and state aforesaid before me. Silas C Cornwell one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the county of Smith and state of Tennessee and made oath before me in due form of the law that he is about seventy seven years of age that he is now a pensioner of the United States. He states that he was well acquainted with Rachel Debow before her marriage with Frederick Debow. They went to school together lived as neighbors her name previous to her marriage with Rachel Rogers. This affiant was present at their marriage believes if was the identical times She mentions in her Declaration to wit in September 1777 he knows it was in at the time of year they were making cider at her fathers he had a large orchard and made a great quantity of cider he recollects it was at the time also the country people were making and taking care of their cider; he knows that she was legally married to the said of Frederick Debow he thinks {strike through  Col] Mayor Archibald Murphy married them he was a Jutice of the Peace. This affiant knows that from his own knowledge that Frederick Debow was a Wagon Master in the War of the Revolution. But this affiant does not recollect the particulars of his services as after his marriage he moved higher up in North Carolina and this affiant lives in Virginia close to the line and when this affiant was called to serve the tours of service he performmmed he always had to go North in his own state except one tour he was South when the battle of Stone on Savanah River [insert sign] was at[illegible] which time this affiant was at Cam-den. Mrs. Debow’s father lives between North Carolina and Virginia.
Swon to and subscribe before Ruben Graves   [seal]
Me this 22nd day of July 1837
Silas C Cornwell   JP Justice Peace

Page 56

I Silas C Cornwell one of the acting Justice of the Peace for the county of Smith and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the Ruben Graves who has this day appeared before me and made the foregoing affidavit in the support of the claims to a pension of Mrs Rachel Debow. That he resides within four miles in of him the undersigned for the last seventy years and within the county of Jackson.
That he then said Reuben Graves is a man of the first Character and respectable man. That felt faith and credit are due to his state mentioned and I hereby certify the same.
Given under my hand and seal [ink blot]
This 22nd day of July 1887
Silas C Cornwell & JP
Justice Peace

Page 57

State of Tennessee]
Wilson County}  On this day personally appeared Alexander McMenamy a resident of Wilson County State of Tennessee before me George Brown one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the County and State of aforesaid and made oath in due form of law. That he was well acquainted with Fred-erick Debow in the War of the Revolu-tion. They loved in the same county of Caswell North Carolina. Frederick Debow had been out in the service before this affiant served under him which he will mention during his relation of facts. This affiant states that about the fall of 1780 as well as he can now recollect he volunteered as a private soldier for the term of six months as well as he recol lects but would refer in this matter [written above] as to 
To the statement made by him in support o his own pension and Frederick Debow was their Captain his Lieutenant name was Gatewood. Colonel Moore was then Colonel. They were marcher to Hillsborough and there state ones to guard the General assembly and support the tories by therefore honors of hois own knowledge that Federick Debow was a Captain during this tour of service and continues as Captain while the tour of service was performed. This affiant got a discharge from under the hand of Captain F Debow but lost it and has sent a copy of it which he fortunately reclaimed to Washington with this declaration in support of his pension. It was during [struck through] this tour when they were out after the tories that having met some soldiers who where dis charged from the service in South Carolina and the soldiers regarded their old Captain Say [insert sign] in and as they met each other “how do you” for Captain what out again in the

Page 58

The service this leaded to a conversation with the soldiers and this affiant gathered from their friendly conversation that these were soldiers, that had served under Captain F Debow previous to that time and that Debow was their Captain. He thinks it must have been a tour to the north or at least sometime fbefore for he distinctly recollects one of the soldiers saying during this conversation “they have hd no such good times as we had when we serviced under you Captain. It was a th that close  of this tour of service that this affiant recollects Captain F Debow expressing great anxiety to go home and see his wife and children. 
This affiant after their return home which was in the latter part of the [struck through year] winter and the beginning of the year 1781 voluntered again and entered the services as the British was at the time advancing upon North Carolina in the direction of Guilford Court House he did not know [struck through as well] as well as he now recollects at what time Debow entered the service again but recollects distincltly on the morning of Guilford Bbattle this affiant was the sergeant of twelve men and was guard-ding seven prisoners and Captain Frede-rick Debow came up in a hurry on horse-back and ordered this affiant to take charge of General Butlers baggage wagon but this affiant refused stating to Debow that they were ordered to march the prisoners they had twelve miles to Troublesome Iron Works in the rear of the American army and that he must get some others for that he would not. This affiant understood afterwards and at this time that he was Wagon Master and had the command of the baggage wagons after the close of the war Captain Debow and this affiant had several conversations about

Page 59

About the War of the Revolution and this affiant learnt from these conversations that Debow was out in most of the time that the war raged in North and South Carolina but as this conversation were had long ago he cannot state any particulars with certain-ty except those before mentioned.
This affiant will therefore only say that he knows of his own knowledge that Frederick Debow served as Captain one tour of six months, one other tour during the time when the battle of Guildford was fought of six months and believed from the circumstances he witnessed and the information he got in the army he must have served the last tour in the capacity of Wagon Master.
Sworn to and subscribed beoer em this 14th day of August 1887.
Alexander McMennamy {seal]

George Brown [JP Seal]
Justice of the Peace
For Wilson County
State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}  I Goerge Brown one of the acting Jutices of the Peace for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Alexander McMennamy who has this day appeared before me to make the above affidavit and have been for upwards of twenty years and have lived a close neighbor for the lasat four years. That he is a man of respectability and truth and good character and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his statements.
Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of August 1837.
George Brown [JP seal]
Justice of the Peace for Wilson County

Page 60

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I Josiah S McClain clerk of the county court of said Wilson County; hereby certify that George Brown is a magistrate as above and that this foregoing signatures [illegible] to be his as genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have [illegible] and my hand & affirmed any [illegible due to heavy ink marks]
 Of office this 19th day of August 1837
JS McClain Clerk 
Of the County Court of Wilson County

Page 61

Papers of
Rachel Debow
An applicant for a
Pension

Page 62

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}   I JohnJ Burnett clerk of the county court of  [smudged] Smith County do hereby certify [insert] that Charles McMurry and Silas C Cornwell before whom before [illegible] the foregoring declar ation of Rachel Debow and affidavits of Sarah Thomson and Reuben Graves were had were at the time the same p[illegible] to bear date acting Justices of the peace cous[illegible] electes and duly comis[illegible] and qualified to act as such and thatfull faith and credit is andof right ought to be given to these affiant facts..
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affiant my sea of office at office this 4 day of January 1838 subscript 62 3 [illegible] of American independence
John J Burnett clerk
Of Smith County Clerk