Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25548, Nathaniel Durkee, Conn. Continental

Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE
Conn
Continental

Durkee, Nathaniel
Melinda

NUMBER
W. 25548
B.L.W. 19729-160-55

Page 2

14.832
             R
Georgia
Nathaniel Durkee

of Savannah in the state of Georgia
who was a (Quartermaster) in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Swift of the Connecticut
line, for the term of three years.
---------------------------------------
inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 20ty Dollars per month, to commence the 1 of June 1819.
---------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued 6 of September
 and [illegible]
Savannah Georgia
---------------------------------------
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1819                       62.66
Semi-anl, all'ce ending [illegible] 1820.  120.00
3 Mo. 4/30                                                $182.66

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

Continuum

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150.353 Act March 3/50 
                     May [] 55
-----------------------------
Melinda Durkee
           wed of
Nathaniel Durkee
                          []
----------------------------
Quarter Master
----------------------------
Conn Contl Line



            Revolutionary War
----------------------------

[illegible] - 0998
----------------------------
A[illegible]. 160 aer Mar B 5/56
Dirzo

Page 4

3998

Georgia

Melinda Durkee
widow of Nathaniel
                          Durkee
who served in the Revolutionary War as a Quarter Master
---------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 240 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commend on the 3rd February 1853.
----------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued 7th day of April 1854 and sent to Wm. Hunt
                             Present
-----------------------------
Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853.  Pane 150 Vol [ ]

------other side of the page--------
1859 June [ ] Duplicate issued and [ ] 
                                    JJ Coombs Pr[ ]

Sir. W.W. Charlton March 8, 1858
" Hon. A.R. Wright, April 13, 1858
" W. H. Bower, Oct: 5 158
" J. J. Combs = March [ ] 1839
JHW. [ ] Bo[ ]...159

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    4127
Nathaniel Durkee
Qm Master
77 to 80
Swift Connect
     Regt.



Admitted


on Roll

Page 6

Georgia


     Before me John Macpherson Ber
men one of the Judges of the Superior Court of the State of Georgia personally came and appeared Nathaniel Durkee who being duly and solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God deposeth and saith, that he the [deponent?] was appointed in the year 1777 Quarter master of Col Heman Swifts Regiment of Continental troops in the State of Connecticut, that his commission was signed by John Hancock, then President of Congress [ ] as well as he remembers in January 1777 - that the said commission has been lost or misplaced, so that Deponent cannot now produce it.  Deponent further saith that he remained with the aforesaid Regiment and performed the duties of the Regimental Quarter master

Contn

Page 7

under the aforesaid commission until some time after the battle of Germantown, for the space of ten months.  That after the aforesaid battle in which the deponent was present, he went with the approbation of his Colonel into the Commissary Department that which on this Department, he had charge of all the public stores at Mount Holly - from which place he proceeded to Valley Forge, where he [ ] with the approbation of his Colonel

The Deponent moreover saith, that he is poor and [infirmed? ]  and in such indigent [ ] circumstances as to require the assistance of his country for his support.  The Deponent finally saith that he hath never before applied for any [ ]  pension from Government - and that he doth hereby relinquish all claim thereto of any he hath

Sworn to before me this 1st day of June 1819
W. Macpherson Berri[]n
Judge Sup of the E D Georgia

Nath Durkee

Page 8

Nathaniel Durkee was born at New Milford in the State of Connecticut 3rd of September 1757

========================

Marge[] My[]ick Marlon was born 7th day of December 1800 the 7th day of the week @ 7 O.Clock-
Charles Alexander Ma[]in was born 15th July 1803 1 O.Clock in the morning

Page 9

Nathaniel Durkee was Married to Melinda B[]thoth 1 May 1822 -
at Savannah in the State of Georgia by Esg[] Dobbins

Page 10

[Major?] Nathaniel Durkee died the 5th day of August in the 1823

----------------

Margaret Melinda Ma[] died the 5th of February 1814

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Service Conn Continental
Durkee, Nathaniel
Melinda
Number
W. 25548
B.L.Wr. 19729-160-55

Page 12

State of Georgia, Chatham County
Superior Court, January Term 1822.  Nathaniel Durkee, late a Quarter Master in the army of the Revolution, came here into Court, and produced the written Schedule as containing all his estate [ ]  personal, at the same time took and subscribed the following terms of the act of Congress.
"I Nathaniel Durkee, do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since that time, by Gift, sale or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land or Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the eighteenth day of March, on thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not nor had any person in trust for[], any property or securities, Contracts or debt, [] to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto ann[] and by me Subscribed"
N. Durkee
Sworn to before me in [] Court this 20th February 1822
Tho: M.P. Charlton 
Judge of the Superior Court of Georgia

Page 13

The Schedule of Nathaniel Durkee a Quarter master in the Revolutionary War in Col. Heman Swifts Regiment of Continental Troops, and a late pensioner - one []male Saddle Horse, A Saddle Bridle, Saddle Blanket, and a pair of Saddle Bags, and a Buffalo Skin, are about half worn.  Ten Silver Table Spoons,  one pair Sugar [tongs?], one pound [?], one liquor stand containing three pint decanters, one [?] stand a hand[?] or strap, four R[?]s, two pair spectacles, cash thirty five dollars, no bed nor bedding, two pair [Still?] yards, one spice morter, one [brick?] that contains my weaving apparel - Savannah 20 July 1822
Nathe Durkee

The property contained in the Schedule of Nathaniel Durkee, hereto (annexed?) is valued by me at One hundred and thirty five dollars, 20 February 1822  [Tho]: U.P. Charlton
                                           Judge
State of Georgia Clerks Office, Superior Court
Chatham County J. Job T. Bolles, Clerk of Said Court, do certify the foregoing to be a true Copy of the Original affidavit & Schedule, made and of record in said office, in the case of Nathaniel Durkee a late pensioner - together with the valuation of the property by his Honor the Judge Given under my hand and Seal of Office at Savannah, this twentieth day of February, One thousand and eight hundred and twenty Two.  Job Bolles

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[ILLEGIBLE] Georgia on this the [ILLEGIBLE] day of December 1863. County of Chatham, personally appeared before me W F Bowers 
an acting justice of the [ILLEGIBLE] Court in and for said Court Malinda Durkee, a resident of the County and State, Melinda Durkee aged ninety seventy years and a resident of the County and State [ILLEGIBLE], who being duly sworn according to laws [ILLEGIBLE] her oath makes the following declaration in order to
obtain the benefits of the provisions of the [ILLEGIBLE] granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the Revolutionary War. That she is the identical widow of Nathanial Durkee [ILLEGIBLE] Revolutionary soldier and United States Pensioner she believes his rank was that of [ILLEGIBLE] Master, although he was usually addressed as Major.  The father declared that she was lawfully married to the late Nathanial Durkee on the first day of May in the year of one thousand eight hundred and twenty two that the marriage contract, performed by one Bryson Dobbins a justice of the peace at the city of Savannah in the County of Chatham in the State of Georgia that her husband, the late Nathanial Durkee, died at the place of his own residence in the County of Franklin, State of Georgia on the fifth day of August 1895.  She further swears that she has not intermarried since the death of her husband the late Nathanial Durkee and that she is still a widow.  She further declared that there is no public record of his death nor private to be found that there is neither any funeral record of the death in her [ILLEGIBLE] that [ILLEGIBLE] account [ILLEGIBLE], this [ILLEGIBLE].  She [ILLEGIBLE] her old preserved papers the publication of her marriage taken of of a newspaper [ILLEGIBLE] in Augusta Georgia in which publication she swears was copied from the original notice published in a paper printed in Savannah, the place where she was married.  This she [ILLEGIBLE] as corresponding testimony her father swore that

Page 15

her name previous to her marriage was Melinda Bartlett and that some time since she requested Thomas Hues, Esq. to attend to her claim but she claims that [ILLEGIBLE] has not been [ILLEGIBLE] presented. She therefore hereby appointed William Ann of [ILLEGIBLE] City [ILLEGIBLE]. as her lawful attorney to present her claim and to take charge of the
certificate of Pensions if granted, hereby revoking any [ILLEGIBLE] power of attorney given to any other persons. 
Malinda Durkee
Sworn and subscribed before me on this day and year before written and [ILLEGIBLE] certified that from my acquaintance with Malinda Durkee and the circumstances
of her life with which I am [ILLEGIBLE] that I am
well satisfied that he is the identical widow of the [ILLEGIBLE] Nathaniel Durkee. I do further certify that in consequence of her [ILLEGIBLE] and [ILLEGIBLE] state of [ILLEGIBLE] she is not able to attend and affirm before the court
and personally as she has not [ILLEGIBLE] stood alone for a great length of time.
Given under my hand [ILLEGIBLE] Georgia
in County personally appeared before me
[ILLEGIBLE] Court in and for the [ILLEGIBLE] who resided in said County and after being
duly sworn according to her [ILLEGIBLE] and under on oath, that he was well acquainted with Nathaniel Durkee [ILLEGIBLE] that he moved to Franklin County from some
Lower County of Georgia some time in the year 1822, that he was [ILLEGIBLE] to his being a Pensioner and regularly drew money as such so long as he lived, he further declares that to the best of his recollection, Nathaniel Durkee died in [ILLEGIBLE] County some time in the year 1823, that

Page 16


Melinda Durkee named in the forgoing declaration is the identical person that lived with the said Nathaniel Durkie during his acquaintance with him as his lawful wife that she is yet unmarried and remains the widow of the said Durkie
Sworn to and subscribed before me this [illegible] 20th day of December [illegible] Job Bowers [illegible]

Married, At Sparta, on Wednesday last, by the [illegible] Mr. Pierow, the Hon. Judge Tait, of Alabama, to Mrs. Sarah Griffie. In Savannah, on the 1st inst. Justice Dobbins, the gay and gallant Major N. Durkie, aged 80, to the blooming Mrs. Melinda Bartlett, aged 65. Happy, happy, happy pair, 
None but the brave deserve the fair!

State of Georgia in County of [illegible] I Wm Oliver Clerk of [illegible] of said County do hereby certify that [illegible] Bowers is [illegible] of the Justice of said [illegible] Court duly commissioned and qualified to [illegible] and that his acts and doings as such deserve full faith and credit and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine and that I have no interest in the matter and am not concerned in the result thereof. Given under my hand and seal of office this the 24th day of December 1853
Wm. J. Oliver [illegible]

Page 17

Georgia Franklin County
On this the 28th day of December 1833, John Temples and Carrey Temples personally appeared before me a Justice of the Superior Court in and for said county who being duly sworn according to law depseth and say oaths that they have for many years been acquainted with Melinda Durkee and that they were well acquianted with Nathaniel Durkee and that they as man and woman living together as husband and wife from the timeof their first acquaintance with them and at the time of the death of daid Nathaniel Durkee and that the same Nathaniel Durkee died on the fifth day of August 1833 and that the said Nathaniel Durkee was a Revolutionary soldier and pensioner and that Melinda Durkee named in the foregoing declaration is the identical Melinda Durkee who was the (?) wife of Nathaniel Durkee.
    Sworn to (?) before me this day and date above written Nancy Temples

Page 18

We Solomon King resident of Anderson District State of South Carolina and Elmira Ray resident of Hart County state of Georgia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Malinda Durkee in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be that she is still a widow

Solomon King
Elmira Ra her mark X

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written, and I verify that I know the applicants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to e and that I have no interest in this claim.

James F White J.P.

Page 19

State of Georgia
Hart County} 

I Burrell Mitchell clerk of the Superior Court foresaid county and state do certify that James F White whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid. duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts as  due to are entitled to full faith and credit and that I have no interest in this claim.

Given under my hand and seal of Office May 19th, AD 1855

Burrell Mitchell Clk

Please make returns to Solomon King, Andersonville So. Ga.

Page 20

We Solomon King resident of Anderson District State of South Carolina and Elmira Ray resident of Hart County State of Georgia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Malinda Durkee in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicants that she is the identical person she represents herself to be that she is still a widow.

Solomon King
Elmira Ray her mark X

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affidavits to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this case.

James F White J.P.

Page 21

SERVICE|[space}Number
Conn|Durkee, Nathaniel|W. 25548.
Continental|Melinda|B.L.[illegible]. 19729-160-55
CONTENTS [blank]

Page 22

Reg
widow etc
25548
Melinda Durkee 
Widow of
Nathaniel Durkee
Quartermaster  Rev. War

Feb 28 53
Vol A Page 201
Arrangement of 1870

Aug 14, history to
S. Winn (Rector? in 9300 Andrew [?]MBH

Aug 24 history to me
Samuel ? Russell [held
 8s 7 38343  Thos ( )

1916 Nov.  18,N.D.
Russell ad pers as D.M.
a {  }  wife & child was not date

Page 23

Wm Hunt Feb 13/55
Wm Thompson Apl 2 1857

3998
Georgia
Melinda Durkee
widow of Nathaniel
who served in the Revolutionary war was a Pr. Mr.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 240 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued 7th day of April 1854 and sent to Wm Hunt
present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 150 Vol. a

Page 24

19•729
{
Mrs. A[??]

Melinda Durkee
Nathaniel 
[??] . 1855

Sept 27 [?]
Stamp: THREE CENTS
Commifsioner of Pensions
Washingtion D.C.

Page 25

No. 1020
Malinda Durkee
widow of Nathaniel 
Yes

Let to T. Lumpkin
June 10/03
Lt. to [illegible] Hunt J[illegible] 6/54

(crossed out: [illegible] [illegible] Lee letter [illegible])

Maced $240 per. [illegible]
to [illegible]. [illegible]. 3.1853
Act Herby 8/83

Page 26

Pension Office
Apr. 3/34

Sir: Please report time of last payment to, or death of within name pensioner

Respectfully illegible

A Burt Esqr
3 and Present

S. Cole for Court

Nathaniel Durkee qr mr act 1818 $20 per month paid 5 Aug 1823 paid.

F Bench Auditor

Page 27

Proof exhibited, (if original,)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Husband a pensioner under act of 1818 at $240 per annum

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Page 28

May 12th 1857

Lt. G. Spaulding is hereby ant tunned to examine the papers in Mr Durkees case.

W. W. Charleton
agt

Page 29

Application for Pension
Act Feb 3 1853

Melinda Durkee 
widow of
Nathaniel Durkee
Quarter Master
Revolutionary Pensions on the
Georgia Roll

Attorney William Hunt
Washington City D.C.



Filed January 4 1853 
(Revokes all prior powers of attorney which may have been penned.)

Page 30

Clarksville, Georgia
August 9th 1853

Sir,

The claim of Melinda Durkee of Georgia said to be the widow of Nathaniel Durkee presents by Thomas Lumpkin of Washington City and reported back to hm for amendment in the marriage was prepared by me and at a trial to make the requisite marriage proof I find strong doubts as to the reality of it ever taking place. Rumor says that she had a husband living at the time that her marriage is represented to have taken place with Durkee who was absent and is probably yet living and that she and Durkee took yup together and was forced to leave Savannah to evade the civil authority and located in Elbert or Franklin County when he died therefore viewing the claim not to be meritorious I decline prosecuting at any further.

Thomas J Hughes

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Comm of Pensions

Page 31

Synopsis of Evidence

Page 32

Application for widow's Revolutionary Pension, Act Feb 3, 1853

Melinda Durkee widow of Nathaniel Durkee, Quarter Master, Pensioner on the Georgia's Revolutionary Roll,
Synopsis of Evidence

1. Widow's declaration with a slip from the newspaper which published the marriage, the date of the year will e seen appended to an advertisement on the back of the slip, April 1822,
2. The certificate of the Justice of the Inferior Court, that the widow is not able to attend Court. He also certifies that from his acquaintance with her, and with the circumstances of her life, he is well satisfied that she is the identical widow of Nathaniel Durkee deceased,
3. Affidavit of Job Bowers that he was well acquainted with Nathaniel Durkee; that he moved to Franklin County farm som [unk] County of Georgia, sometime in the year 1822, "that he was knowing to his being a pensioner, and regularly drew money as such so long as he lived; also that Durkee died in Franklin Co sometime in 1823; also that Melinda Durkee ss the identical person who lived with Nathaniel Durkeeas his lawful wife; knows that she is still a widow.
4. Affidavit of John Temple & Nancy Temples, were acquainted with Melinda & Nathaniel Durkee for many years, that from the time of their first acquaintance with them they always lived together as husband & wife; that N Durkee died August 5 1823.
5. Certificate of Justice of the Court, that the above applicants are persons of established truth and veracity, the truth of whose testimony no person will presume to doubt.
(Copy of newspaper slip refered to the Declaration)
" In [un], on the 1st inst by Justice Dobbins, the gay & gallant Major N Durkee, aged 80, to the blooming Mrs Melinda Bartlett aged 65.
Happy, happy , happy pair!
None but the [unk] deserves the fair!

Page 33

State of Georgia
County of Hart

On this 15th day of January AD 1855, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said county-Melinda Durkee a resident of said County, aged between 80 & 90 years and made the according to laws that she is an United States pensioner is the widow of Nathaniel Durkee, was was an officer in the revolutionary war, and was pensioner under act of February 3d 1853, and she hereby appoints Thomas Lumpkin Esq of Washington City D.C. her attorney to prosecute said claims and examine all papers & documents is relative thereto on file in any of the Departments of Washington City or elsewhere to get her said claim to retrograde & commence on the 4th of March 1848, and to receive from the officer authorized to disperse  the same a certificate for any such allowance as me be  [unk] to said Deponent and to be able other acts as she might or should do were she personally present at its doing, and she hereby revokes all former powers in said case and [unk] and confirming whatever the above named Attorney may do or lawfully cause to be done in the previous.

in testimony whereof the said Deponent has hereunto set her hand & seal the day and year first above named in the presence of James W Ray

Melinda Durkee

Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year  first above named and I certify that I believe the deponent is directly interested in the claims above state above states and the identical person therein described and that I have no interest in the result of this case and am not concerned in its prosecution.

Page 34

Service    Conn.     Continental     Durkee, Nathaniel.  W.25548     B.L.  Mr.

Page 35

Copy of my letter to Thomas J Hughes
March 18, 1854

Page 36

(Copy of my letter to Thomas J Hughes)
Washington City DC, March 18/4

"Sir,

Some months since I was employed to present a claim from Mrs Durkee, formerly Mrs Bartlett, for a pension.
I was advised by the Commissioner of pensions that you had once undertaken the claim, but that you had written to the effect that on a trial to make the requisite marriage proof you had ascertained it was "rumored" that the sad Melinda has a husband living at the time of her marriage with Durkee. From further investigation, I am of opinion that there is no truth whatever in said "rumor". Yet, I shall fell much obliged to you, Sir, if you still believe it to be fact, if you will give me some clue by which I can, beyond doubts, ascertain that the case was as you supposed; for if I can satisfy myself that she was guilty, my connection with the claim will at once cease.
What I mean is this "Be there anything beyond mere "rumor"? Of there is nothing more than "rumor" I shall not feel justified in abandoning the claim, etc."

I shall show your reply to the Commissioner of Pensions.

Respectfully your ob servant,
William Hunt

Thomas J Hughes Esq
Clarksville
Habersham County
Georgia

Page 37

Letter of Thomas J Hughes
March 24, 1854

Page 38

William Hunt Esq
Washington City DC

Page 39

Clarksville, Georgia
Mar 24th 1854

Sir,

In reply to yours of the 18th just I have to say to you that all that I know about the Durkee case if from rumor and from what I have learned since I abandoned her case I am inclined to believe that it arose from prejudice as it was thought that her claim would be large and a number of persons wished to handle it. And further, I have been since informed by a very honorable gentleman who was well acquainted with Major Durkee and who says he has no doubt but he marriage was legal between him and the widow now applying and as I have been at some exchange in her case if you will send me $25. I will procure a certificate from this gentleman legally authenticated and vouched for by Hon Junius Hillger MC from our [unk] and send to you.

Yours very truly 

Thomas J Hughes

William Hunt Esq
Washington City DC

Page 40

Additional Evidence

Melinda Durkee
(widow of Nathaniel)

Applicant for Rev Pension Act Feb 3 1853

Original application filed January 4, 1804

Albany
William Hunt
Washington City DC

Page 41

Washington City DC April 1, 1854

Sir

On the 4th day of January 1854, I file the application of Melinda Durkee (widow of Nanthaniel Durkee, a Revolutionary Pensioner) for a pension under the Act of February 3, 1853.

On the 6th of January you advised me that "on the 6th of August last, a letter from Thomas J Hughes of Clarksville, Georgia, was received at this office, stating that on a trial to make the requisite marriage proof etc, he ascertained that it was rumored that the said Melinda has a husband living at the date of her marriage with Durkee, to wit, on the 1st day of May 1822, who is probably yet living. The claim will be suspended until further information on this matter shall be received."

On the reception of the above letter from you, as an act of duty to myself, as well as to your office, I wrote to respectable persons living in the vicinity of the widow, and was assured that there was no truth whatever in the said rumor her that it was a cruel report raised by her enemies.

On the 18th of March I addressed a letter to Mr Hughes of Clarksville your informant (a copy of which is enclosed) and last evening I received from him the enclosed letter which I trust will be considered as an antidote to the necessarily unfavorable impression produced by his letter to you of August 1853. 

Its stated in the letter widow's declaration, Mr Hughes retains the certificate of marriage in his possession, and now require $25 before he will give it up. I submit however, that the proof already furnished will satisfy you as to the marriage without the necessity of paying Hughes $25, more especially as the marriage was after the year 1800.

Very respectfully your obt servant

William Hunt Attorney

Hon L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 42

State of Georgia ⎬ ss 
Franklin County] 
On this 25th day of February 1853 Personally appeared before me Henry Freeman one of the Justices of the Inferior Court of said County Melinda Durkee a resident of the County of Franklin in the State of Georgia aged Seventy years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 3rd February 1853 that she is the widow of Maj. Nathaniel Durkee who was a United States Pensioner and was in the receipt of Two hundred & forty [illegible] at the Savannah agency and resided in Savannah State of Georgia while he was a pensioner.  She further declares that she was married to the said Maj. Nathaniel Durkee on the first day of May in the year eighteen hundred & twenty two (1822). that her husband the aforesaid Maj. Nathaniel Durkee died on the fifth day of August 1823 that she was married to him at the time above stated. She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act and is still a widow, and that she has never before made an application for a pension, and that the family record herewith surrendered is in the handwriting of her husband the above named Maj. Nathaniel Durkee except the record of his death and that is in the handwriting of one Edy Holbrooks Esq and has remained in her own possession and has had no change or alteration, since it was made.
 Melinda Durkee 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me and I certify that I am not interested in the result of the case nor concerned in its prosecution, and that the applicant was unable from old age to appear in open Court to make her declaration.
 Henry Freeman, Justice of the Inferior Court
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Page 43

State of Georgia
Franklin County

I hereby certify that Henry Freeman Esq before whom the foregoing declaration was much and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Superior Court in and for said County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn and qualified to administer oaths, and I certify that I am not interested in the result of the case nor concerned in its prosecution. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as clerk of the Inferior Court of said County this 25th day of February 1852.

William J Oliver C.J.C.

Page 44

State of Georgia
Franklin County

Know all men, by these presents, that I Melinda Durkee of said county & state, the widow of Maj Nathaniel Durkee a Revolutionary pensioner, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Thomas Lumpkins of Washington City-DC, my true and lawful agent & attorney, to prosecute the claim of my pension in the right of my said husband Maj Nathaniel Durkee deceased, now due, and I hereby authorize my said Agent to receive the certificate which may be issued for said claim., and to do all things I might or could do were I personally present, hereby authorizing and confirming all that was said, Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises and revoking all former powers. 

Witness my hand and seal this 25th day of February 1853.

Melinda Durkee

Signed, sealed & delivered in the presence of Jacob Wys
Henry Freeman JJC

State of Georgia
County of Franklin

On this 25th day of February AD 1853 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Inferior Court is and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared  Melinda Durkee above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her act and [unk] for the purposes therein mentioned.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the say & year aforesaid.

Henry Freeman MC

Page 45

I William J Oliver clerk of the Inferior court in the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Henry Freeman before whom the foregoing papers were executed was a the date of the same a Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said county duly authorized to administer oaths and the same thereunto subscribed is his genuine signature, the words "by law" interlined before signed"

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 25th day of February AD 1853.

William J Oliver C.J.C.

Page 46

Washington DC
[illegible[ 

Saml Cole Esq
Oh. Clerk &c

Sir
You permitted me this morning "on honor" to see the papers of Mrs Malinda Durkee [illegible] Act 3rd Feb 1853.
I now enclose my power of atty in her case which I hope you will have filed with the papers.
Yours very respy
H. Lumpkin

Page 47

To the Hon John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War

Sir the accompanying letter has been sent to me to be handed to the War Department as containing a claim for a Revolutionary pension.
I have the honor to be your Obedient 
Joel Abbot
H of Rep Feb 28th 1822

Page 48

Hon. John C. Calhoun
Sec of War

Page 49

Washington
April 19 53

Sir:
I herewith enclose declaration of Malinda Durkee widow of Major Nathl Durkee c/a act 3rd Feb 1853. Major Durkee was a pensioner under act of 1818 at $240 per ann. as a Qt Master.
I am very respy
your obt svt
H. Lumpkin

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comm of Pensions

Page 50

State of Georgia
Hart County } SS.
On this 21st day of April 1859 before me a Justice of Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared before me Thos [illegible]Ring of said county to me well known as a man of veracity and a credible witness, who being duly sworn according to law upon his oath swears that Melinda Durkee widow of Nathaniel a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act February 3rd 1853 is very aged person, a resident of his family and under his special protection. That he was informed and so believes said Melinda is entitled to a claim for arrears of her pension from 4th March 1848 to the 3d February 1853 and having confidence in the integrity and management of Mr H. H. Camp of Watson County Georgia to [illegible] the recovery of said arrears he claimed it advisable to recommend said Melinda to execute a power of attorney to J. J. Coombs Esquire attorney at law Washington D. C. to prosecute said claim in the U. S. Court of claims which was accordingly done; that one Wm. F. Bowers, pretending and representing that he was a proper & fit person to act as agent for and on behalf of Widow Durkee to recover the arrears of pension to which she may be entitled and had obtained her original certificate of pension for that purpose and now refuses to return it or permit the use of it in order to apply for the payment of her semi-annual pension which cannot be collected without production of said certificate. So that her voucher can be supported in conformity with the customary form prescribed by the pension office, that

Page 51

That this deponent has applied to said Bowers to return said certificate or permit the use of it for the purpose aforesaid, but he refuses to do either unless he has the control of claiming said pension and otherwise acting agent for said Melinda, which she the said Melinda and this deponent cannot consent lest he may return a portion of said pension in name of [illegible] and further he has not confidence in the fitness and justiceness of said Bowers to act as agent for Widow Durkee, nor has he faith in his integrity and responsibility.
Thomas Ray X his mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first within written.
James T. McDowell J. P. 

State of Georgia
Hart County
I Fredrick C. Stephenson Clerk of the Inferior Court [illegible] and for said County do here by certify that James T. McDowell [illegible] genuine signature appears tot he foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County commissioned & qualified in testimony whereof I set my hand and affix the seal this April 21st 1859.
F. C. Stephenson Clerk

Page 52

John Kennash
The Secretary of War
Washington

Page 53

Savanah D. 28th, Febuary 1822

D/i

Milth thought when my [illegible] was with
[illegible], that I should have apply to [illegible]
meant for aid, but I [illegible] caused Judge of [?]eterity 
the [illegible] of Justice [illegible] [illegible] me [illegible] to the
[illegible] [illegible] of life my misfortune as allowed my
will my before Law is great. the small [illegible]
allowed by Government, will large [illegible] form [illegible]
we will [illegible] to the mountains when C[?]ng Beraon 
is cheap an may [illegible] and a months [illegible] 
the free [illegible] of [illegible], which will soon again
is a way few years [illegible] of said be [illegible], Government
wil soon git[?]. [illegible] of the [illegible] that to many have [illegible], [illegible]
of I recollect i believe at the last [illegible] of [illegible] [illegible]
[illegible] good Patrica Mesnhr W. Col, [illegible] [illegible]
to [illegible] it to one half, he found no one to second [illegible]
motion, & if mistake not [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] Land allowed
[illegible], wonderful Patriot. I hope we have but [illegible] [illegible]
parden my [illegible], I with with pardon and [illegible] to
an Patriots [illegible] & I hope you will [illegible] the liberty [illegible]
have taken. I have [illegible] this letter of my [illegible]

Page 54

my worthy friend [illegible] Abbot, desiring him to call upon you personally & if you should think proper to grant my Certificate I have desired him to obtain & [forward?] it to me. 
wishing you long life & happy days & all the Honor your country can bestow, I am with the greatest respect your very
Humble Servant 
M Durkee

Page 55

State of Georgia
Hart County S.S. 

On this 19 day of May 1859 before me a Justice of peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared [faded out] resident of said County to me well known as a person of veracity who being duly sworn according to law says that she has been informed and so believes through J.J. Coombs Esquire Washington D.C. Attorney for Mrs Melinda Durkee a pensioner of the U.S. that W. F. Bowers has been writing to the pension office on the subject of having in his possession the said Melinda Durkees Certificate of pension and was informed by Commissioner of said office that if he Bowers does not surrender it [illegible] a new one will be issued;  that [illegible] [illegible] must be made on Bowers and evidence forwarded that he still refuses to Surrender the certificate, when a new one will be immediately issued.”  In compliance with the foregoing information and directions this deponent has made and Also demands he Surrender to him said Certificate, but said Bowers refuses doing so
Sworn to and Subscribed before me 
the the day and year first above written 


Over.

Page 56

Georgia
Heart County 
I Thomas J Cason , Clerk of the Superior Court in and for said County, certify that James J McDowell whose signature appears on the within Sheet is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County of Hart, and that all his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit
Witness my hand and seal of office this 19th May 1859 
Tho. J Cason 
C.S.C.

Page 57

Washington City D.C. 
April 1st / 58 

Hon Geo C Whiting
Com of Pensions 

Sir

Your letter of the 8th ult address’d to W. W. Charlton, in relation to the increase of the Pension of Malinda Durkee of Geo. a pensioner under the act of 3d Feb 1853 has been referd to me. 
I would most respectfully refer you to the Journals of the Continental Congress, Vol 2 Page 438, 11th Feb 1778- May 11th 1779- Feb 18th 1779- you will there find the relative positions of this class of Officers. I am clearly of the opinion that the pension is $480 for two years service.
By referance to the pay table of “Tripletts Book” you will see the rates of pay of Commisaries of Miliary stores &c. set down.
Further, I am advised that precedings are numerous in the Pension Office of the pensioning of this Class of Officers.

Page 58

you will please make a further examination
& if the widow is entitled to
increase (which I think she is to $480.) you
send me the certificate
Respectfully
your obt Svt
Augustus R Wright

Page 59

Additional Evidence

Malinda Durkee
wid of
Nathan Durkee
Revolution Pension


Filed by
W W Charlton
Present

Page 60

Conn
Continental

Durkee, Nathaniel    W. 25548.
              Melinda   B.L.W. 19729-160-55

Page 61

Georgia 
To the Honorable John C Calhoun Secretary of the Department of War of the United States of America.

I John Macpherson Berrien Judge of the Superior Courts of the State of Georgia, do hereby certify and make known
That the annexed deposition of Nathaniel Durkee was taken and is now transmitted to the Secretary for the Department of War, in pursuance of the second section of an act of Congress entitled “an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States [smeared] the Revolutionary War" 
I do moreover certify that I am satisfied from the evidence produced to me which is herewith transmitted that the said Nathaniel Durkee did in fact perform such service as in his said deposition hereto annexed is alledged to have been performed by him. Given under my hand and seal this 4th day of June 1819

[written sideways in left margin]
Jn MacPherson Berrien Judge [illegible] Georgia

Page 62

Georgia
I do moreover certify that I am fully satisfied that the within named Nathaniel Durkee is in such reduced circumstances, as to need
the assistance of his country for his support
Given under my hand and seal
this 7th August 1819
Jn: MacPherson Berri[cut off]
Judge [illegible] EO Georgia

Page 63

4127

Case Nathl. Durkee

Jno. McPherson Berrian
Judge
Savannah Ga
re a June 18. 1819

The Judges certificate that "the reduced circumstances" are such as "needs the assistance
of his country for support"-[wanting?]

Page 64

Brief in the case of Melinda Durkee widow of Nathaniel, Franklin County and State of Georgia
act of February 3 1853

Claim, ("original" or " for inscrease")

Proof exhibited (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Husband a pensioner under act of 1818 at $240 per annum

Allowed $240 per annum to commence February 3/53

(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Marriage proved by private record

Death of husband proved by audible report

Identity & widowhood proved by credible witnesses

Name and residence of Agent
William Hunt Esq
Washington 

Examining Clerk: J L Gray

Page 65

Washington City Dc
Feb 10 1855

Sir,

Melinda Durkee widow of Nathaniel Durkee is on the Georgia Revolutionary Roll t the rate of $240 per annum, Act of Feb 3 1853, she having married after the year 1800.

She has been led to believe tho her pension instead of commencing only from the date of papers of the said act, as I informed her, ought to now commenced, from the date of the death of her husband.

May I ask the favor of you caused me to be informed on the subject, or that I can explain the matter to [unk] under?

Very respectfully
William Hunt Attny

Hon L P Waldo
Com

Page 66

Bowersville Sept 21 1838.
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir ,

Melinda Durkee widow of Nathaniel Durkee was alowed a pension under act Feb 3, 1853. She has attorneys at work for her to extend her Pension back to March 4th 1848, they inform her that her Pension Certificate is required in Washington in order to secure her money &c.

She requests me to inquire of you, in regard to the necessity of her sending the certificate, and also in regard to her safely in so doing, 

You will please comply with the above request in so doing confer great favor, 

Yours very Truly , 
WF Bowers

P.L. Add[?]
Bowersville
Hart Co.
Ga

Page 67

You in

[Received stamp “PENSION OFFICE APR 1 1859”]

Bowersville Hart Co. Ga. March 28 1859.

Commissioner of Pensions, 

Dear Sir,

You will please do us the kindness to give us some information in the following case, 
Some time after the act of Congress February 3rd 1853, We J. & W. F. Bowers under took the prosecution of a claim in favor of Widow Melinda Durkee-
We engaged on the following terms, we were to have one half of the amount first obtained & then one fourth of the annal out during her lifetime, 
we succeeded in establishing the claim and procuring a certificate of Pension, when which had come to hand-- we with her the widow & many others were all together, she told us that in pursuance with the former contract to take in hand her certificate for safe keeping for her use, and keep the same during

Page 68

her life time, or as long as she lived.  as we were interested in the Pension, in that we were to have one fourth part of what was coming to her at the same time stating she was more than hearty in it, as we had succeeded in doing what others had failed to do, to which contract or understanding witnesses were called. The matter went on accordingly from that time (1854) until recently we receiving one fourth part, every time she drew, during which him we have attended to her business, in seeing that the papers were property executed, forwarded to the paying agent &c. She now being very old and her mind infirm has been influenced by some persons so refuse to comply with her contract & demands the Pension Certificate.
It is our desire to do nothing but what is right in the premises- we assure you what we have said is strictly true. We now for our information ask you- can we hold the certificate and compel her comply with her contract or can we not, if we can we think it Just if we can’t, we do not wish to try.

Please answer & much oblige 
J. & W. F. Bowers

Page 69

Washington, May 30th 1859
Dear Sir,
Enclosed please find an affidavit in relation to Mrs. Durkee's  application for a new duplicate certificate.
The last time I was at the Pension office Mr Fowler and Mr. Boynton told me a duplicate would be issued immediately on proof that Bowers refuses to surrender the certificate.
As Mrs Durkee has not drawn her last semi-annual instalment I hope you will have this attended to as speedily as possible.
I am just leaving the city to be absent some two weeks. Therefore please send the certificate when issued to James Taylor Esq
[illegible[terville S.C
Very respectfully
Mr. John Robb
J. J. Coombs
Ch. Clk.
Pension Office

Page 70

Sir
Washington DC
January 4. 1833,
I herewith present the application of Melinda
Durkee widow of Nathaniel Durkee, a Revolutionary Pensioner on the Georgia Roll for a pension under the Act of February 3 1853,
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servant
William Hunt
Attorney

Hon L P Waldo
Commissioner

PS My power of Attorney it will be seen, revokes all others previously given,

W.H.

Page 71

Brief in the case of Melinda Durkee widow of Nathaniel Revolutionary pensioner Hart - County and State of Georgia act Feby 6 1833
Claim for new pension certificate,
Proof Exhibited,
That the original is illegally retained and cannot be recovered.
Name and address of agent,
James Taylor Esq
[illegible]
S C

Page 72

Commissioner's Letter to me
January 6, 1834

Page 73

 Pension Office 
January 6th 1834 
Sir,
On the 9th of August last a letter from Thomas J. Hughes of Clarksville Georgia, was received at this Office, stating that "on a trial to make the requisite marriage proof", in the case of Mrs. Melinda Durkee, he ascertained that it was rumored that the said Melinda had a husband living at the date of her marriage with Durkee to wit; on the 1st day of May 1822 "who is probably yet living". 
The claim will remain suspended until further information upon this matter shall be received, Very Respectfully 
L P Waldo 
Commission 
William Hunt Esq
Present
[illegible]

Page 74

[State & County Seal affixed upper left corner]

State of Connecticut 
Comptrollers office
Hartford Jany 11th 1858 

I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Nathaniel Durkee, as a Quarter Master, in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office, and do not any pay Roll which contains evidence of the service of the said Nathan Durkee.  On a Pay Table Ledger in this office is an account which is headed as follows viz. Dr Nathl Durkee, Qr. Mastr.  “Swifts Batt." entry below “1778 Sep. 4th To Cloathing £588.7.9”
Under the above acct is entered "Charged to the U. States”.  The entry for the above account, on the Day Book is as follows, viz.
“ Nathl Durkee Qr.Mr. Swifts Batt. Dr.
“To sundry articles of cloathg Recd of ComY. Elderkin viz. 
To 223 pr Shoes 9/223 pr Stockings 6/ 223 hatts 6/ as pr Rect No 1. £24.3.0 
To Sundries as pr Rect No 8 348.7.9 
To do “” “” “” [Rect No.] 9 5.17.0
[sum total]  £588.4.9
The above account is under date of Sept 4th 1778 1887 

Joseph G Lamb Comptr.
by Geo Robinson, Clerk.

Page 75

Melinda Durkee
Georgia.
Application for duplicate pension certificate under 2d Sec. act Feb. 3, 1853.
Ref[illegible] to Mr. Fowler.
[illegible]
J. J. Coombs present

Page 76

State of Georgia
Hart County ss. On the 7th day of January 1859 before me MA Duncan Justice of the Peace in and for County and State aforesaid personally appeared Melinda Durkee resident of said County and made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical person of that name to whom a pension certificate issued under the act 3rd February 1853 at the rate of $240 per annum. That she employed J.J. Coombs Esq Attorney at Law Washington DC. under power of attorney dated 23 July 1856 to prosecute in the Court of Claims her claim of 4 yes and 11 months back pension from 4 March 1848 to 3 Feby 1853. That her said original certificate of Pension is in the possession or control of one Wm F Bowers whom she has directed to deliver it to her friend and protector Mr. J. W. Ray to be forwarded to her said attorney J. J. Coombs Esq as it may be wanted at a settlement of her said back pension, but she is informed and so believes said Bowers refuses to Sumbit it and unlawfully withholds it and she hereby authorizes her said Attorney to apply to the pension office for a duplicate of the same.
Melinda Durkee

Executed in presence of 
Thomas B. Cook 
F. B. Cunningham
Witnesses

Sworn to and Subscribed before in the day month and year first

[right side of page “D.S.”

Page 77

first within written; and thereby certify that
I know the said [illegible] Durkee to be the identical pension within mentioned and further that I have no interest as attorney or otherwise in said pension or certificate for the same:
Moses A Duncan, J.D.
State of Georgia ⎬ I F. C. Stephenson Clerk Twp N  County Part of the County of Hart do hereby
certify that Moses A Duncan is an acting
Justice of the Peace in and for said County
that all his acts as such are entitled
to all faith and credit and that his
Signature above is genuine and his
testation in due form of Law
Witness my hand and the
Seal of said Court
this Jan 7th 1888
Fredrick C. Stephenson C[illegible].C.

Page 78

Russell 
30

Page 79

The City of Brunswick
office of clerk and treasurer
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
N. D. RUSSELL, CLERK
W. B. FAIN, TREASURER
Brunswick, Ga Oct. 28/16 19
Hon. G.M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Revolutionary War Records
Nathaniel Durkee.
Dear Sir: On Aug. 24th I received certain information from you on the subject aforesaid ; amongst other things, it says he was Regimental Quartermaster, Col Heman Swift, Conn .
It does not state what rank or title a Quartermaster enjoyed.
widowes not [illegible] is date of application
It further says, June 1 1819 his claim was allowed, but states his residence at date of application as Georgia, Chatham County
in 1822, and further states that soldier in 1822 referred to his children, names not stated. Evidently, he got a pension himself, and the pay would probably indicate the title that went
with Regimental Quartermaster. Apparently, his second wife, who he married in Savannah May 1 1822 according to letter of Aug.24
also received a pension on application executed Feb. 25 1853 while living in Franklin County Ga. Now I wish particularly to
know, if his claim allowed June 1 1819 shows it, the names of his children of that of his first wife . Also, what rank or title went with Regimental Quartermaster: either or both of
the pensions I should think would disclose that by the stated,or the amount.  Your usual prompt attention will be appreciated.
Yours very truly,
Nathaniel Durkee [illegible]

Page 80

Rev. War Section.
Nov. 13, 1916.
Mr. N. D. Russell,
Executive Department,
Brunswick, Ga.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the [illegible] [illegible], you are

[illegible]

Commissioner.

It was not proper to state that his widow
and neighbors called him major because they
made no statement whatsoever as to his her
serving under that title even at any time after
the Rev.  and he is only reported as D.M
[illegible]i Heitman & in Conn records. There was no relative rank assigned [illegible] [illegible[