Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,667, John Blankenship, Va.

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Service Va. Blankenship, John Number S.6,667 carded.
Contents

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8122
Virginia

John Blankenship of Pittsylvania Co in the State of Va. who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Walker of the Reg. commanded by Col. [illegible] in the Virginia militia [illegible] for 8 mo. from 1781

Inscribed on the roll of Virginia at the rate of 26 dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of March 1833 and handed Thomas Williams

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 53.32
Semi-anl, allowance ending 4 Sept 13.33
$66.65

{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Henry H. Syrascus Clerk, 
Book D Vol.7 Page 124

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State of Virginia
Pittsylvania County, [illegible]

On this fifth day of September 1832 personally appeared before me Stokley Turner a Justice of the Peace for the county of Pittsylvania and State aforesaid.  John Blankenship, a resident of the county of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia aged 72 years, who being first duly Sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832

That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers and Served as herein Stated, I was drafted into the Militia Service sometime in the winter of the year 1781 and marched from the County of Lunenburg in the State of Virginia in a Company which was commanded by Capt. Silvanus Walker, Lieut Matthew Murry, and Ensign James Speed, through Charlotte County into Halifax, and was stationed at Boyds ferry on Dan River for some time, from there we marched into the State of North Carolina and joined Gen. Green’s Army We were stationed for some time at the high rock in Rockingham County, from there we were regularly marching in different directions, until we met with the British who were commanded by Lord Cornwallis in the County of Guilford North Carolina.  We had a severe battle with them, but were defeated, Capt John Thompson was killed in the engagement, we retreated, but rendezvoused again at Troublesome Iron Works near Haw River  We marched from that place under Gen. Green

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In pursuit of Lord Cornwallis until we arrived at Ramseys Mills on Deep River. I was discharged at that place about the last of March or first of April 1781.  The whole of the time of service rendered on this tour was at least two months.  My discharge is lost and cannot be found.  I have no documentary evidence, and I do not know a person living that was in service with me at that time.

On the 10th day of April 1781 I again entered the Service of the United States as a substitute for my father John Blankenship (he being drafted) and marched from the said County of Lunenburg in a Company under the command of Captain Robertson & Lieut Jones direct to Petersburg and from thenee through Prince George County to Cabin Point and was stationed at that place under Col. Stokes until the last of May or first of June when I was discharged by Captain Robertson, the whole time of service rendered on this tour was at least fifty days, my discharge is lost and cannot be found, and I do not know any person living that was in service with me at that time.

On the 12th day of June 1781 I was drafted into the Service of the United States and marched from the said County of Lunenburg in a company of militia which was commanded by Captain Elliston Ellis & through Notoway and Dinwiddie to Petersburg and was stationed at that place several days.  I was transferred to Capt. Edward Jones Company and marched to Newsons Springs on James River in Col Glenn’s Regiment, from thenee, to Hog Island, on the same river and stationed there for some time. Then

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Crossed James River, marched through Williamsburg.  Crossed York River and stationed at Glaustertown under Gen. Waine until Lord Cornwallis surrendered himself and his army to Gen. George Washington in the month of October 1781, I was discharged by Capt. Jones, at that place about the last of October 1781.  The whole time of service rendered on this tour was four months and ten days.  My discharge is lost and cannot be found.  I do not know any person living that was in the service with me at that time.

I was born in the County of Lunenburg in the State of Virginia.  I suppose in the year 1760.  I have no record of my age but know that I was about twenty years old when I first entered the service of the United States

I lived in the County of Lunenburg when I entered the service of the United States.  I lived in the same county three or four years after the war ended, then moved to the County of Pittsylvania and have lived in that County ever since.  Wilson Vaden  Elisha Burch [illegible] Jacob Anderson can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my Services as a Soldier of the Revolution.

I hereby relinquish every claim what ever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State.

John his + mark Blankenship

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year above written
Stokley Turner J.P.

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We Wilson Vaden & Jacob Anderson residing in the County of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Blankenship who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 72 years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a revolutionary Soldier, and that we concur in that opinion

Wilson Vader
Jacob his + mark Anderson 

Sworn, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Stokley Turner J.P.

I Stokley Turner a Justice of the Peace for the County of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia do hereby declare my opion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states, and I further certify that Wilson Vaden & Jacob Anderson, who have signed the preceeding certificate, are residents of the said County of Pittsylvania and are credible persons – and that their statement is entitled to credit.  I further certify that by reason of Bodily infirmaty the above named applicant John Blankenship is not able to appear before the Court of the County in which he resides.

Given under my hand this day of 
Stokley Turner J.P

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Virginia to [illegible]

I William Tunstall Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania County in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that Stokley Turner is an acting justice of the peace in [illegible] for said County and that the signatures annexed to the foregoing Certificates are his genuine signatures.-

In testimony where of I have hereunto let my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 7th day of September 1832

Will Tunstall

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John Blankenship
Virginia

No 10833

[illegible] for 8mo
[illegible] private 26.66

Thos Williams

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BRIEF in the case of John Blankenship of Pittsylvania in the State of Virginia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1.	 Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Justice of the Peace
2.	 If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? Yes
3.	How old is he? 73 years.
4.	State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[Table]
Period.| Duration of Service.| Rank.| Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
	| Years, Months, Days. | As a |Gens Washington Green & Wayne
Winter In 1781 [illegible] | “at least two months” | Private | Cap Walker [illegible]
April 1781 “ | 1 [month] 20 [days] | Substitute for his father | Capt Robinson [illegible]
June 1781 [illegible] | 4, [months] 10 [days] | Private | Col [illegible] Regnal Capt Ellis & Capt Jones

5.	 In what battles was he engaged? Guilford.
6.	Where did he reside when he entered the service? Lunenburg Co Va
7.	Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? One Living witness in [illegible], Traditionary
8.	Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? defective on separate sheets of paper
*Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
C Litle Examining Clerk.

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[illegible mark on left margin]
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.  3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
S. F. 6667   Washington, D. C.,_________, 19___

	In reply to your request of _____, received ______ for a statement of the military history of John Blankenship a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
[Table]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. | STATE.
Winter 1781 | 2 mos. | Pvt. | [Captain] Silvanius Walker | [check mark] | Va.
*Apr 10 1781 | 50 days | | [Captain] Robertson | [Colonel] Stokes |
June 12 1781 | 4 mos. 10 days | [Captain] {Elliston Ellis Edward Jones | [Colonel] Glenn |
*Substituted for his father John Blankenship
Battles engaged in, Guilford, Surrender of Cornwallis
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lunenburg Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Sept 5 1832 His [illegible] was [illegible].
Residence at date of application, Pittsylvania Co. Va.
Age at date of application, born in 1760 in Lunenburg Co. Va.
Remarks:  There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner
J-2850

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Certificate from Frances Lovings for John Blankenship

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I Frances Lovings of the County of Halifax and State of Virginia do hereby Certify, and Solemnly Swear, That John Blankenship of the County of Pittsylvania and State aforesaid, was a revolutionary Soldier, That I lived with him in the County of Lunenburg, in the time of The Said War, and know that he Served Several Tours of duty from the Said County of Lunenburg, That he Served One tour as a Substitute for his Father John Blankenship, That I understood at the time, and have frequently heard Since, that he was in the battle of Guilford and that he was present when Lord Cornwallis Surrendered at Little York, Given under my hand This 3rd day of September 1832
Frances (X) her mark Lovings

I John L Jennings a Justice of the Peace for the County of Halifax, do hereby Certify that Frances Lovings, who this day appeared before me, and Swore to, and Subscribed to the foregoing Certificate, is a Credible Person and that her Statement is entitle to Credit.  Given under my hand this 3rd day of September 1832
John L Jennings J.P.

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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Blankenship which require further proof or explanation.

I.	Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes

II.	Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes

III.	If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV.	Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes

V.	*Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? Yes

VI.	Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes

VII.	Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes

VIII.	Has the Court given their opinion? Yes

IX.	Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X.	Is the Clerk’s seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

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XI.	Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  No Clergyman

XII.	If the clergyman’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No

XIII.	If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? One Living witness

XIV.	† If the applicant’s name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? Yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? No 

XV.	Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant’s service? Yes 

XVI.	‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No

XVII.	Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  Yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
	“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades;  For ------ year------months, and --------- days, I served as a ------ For ------ months and ----- days, I served as a ------; and for such service I claim a pension.

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

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John Blankenship

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Know all Men by these Presents that, I, John Blankenship of the County of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia, do hereby constitute and appoint Thomas Williams of Said County, my true and Lawful Attorney, with a power of substitution for me and in my name, to receive from the United States, the amount of pay now due to me, under the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, entitled an Act Supplementary to an Act for the relief of the Surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution, as a Private in the Army of the Revolution.
As Witness, my hand and seal this fifth day of September 1832
John X his mark Blankenship       [Circle stamp with LS in the middle]
Sealed and delivered in the presence of } Elisha Burch
Tho W. Clark

Before me Stokley Turner a Justice of the Peace, in the County of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia  Personally appeared this day John Blankenship whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledged the same to be his Act and Deed 
Given under my hand this fifth day of September 1832
Stokley Turner J. P.

Before me Stokley Turner a Justice of the Peace, in the county of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia  Personally appeared this day Thomas Williams the Attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney, and made Oath that the same was not given to him by reason of any transfer, or of any attachment, levy, or seizure, by any legal process whatever, of the pay therein authorised to be received, but that the said pay is intended to enure wholly to the personal benefit of the person by whom the said power was executed.
Witness, my hand this fifth day of September 1832
Stokley Turner J. P.

I William Tunstall Clerk of the Court, of the County of Pittsylvania in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Stokely Turner before whom the foregoing Power of Attorney was acknowledged, and Affidavit was Sworn, was at the time a Justice of the Peace, duly empowered to Administer Oaths
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & affixed the Seal of Said Court this 7” day of September 1832
Will Tunstall

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[Right side]
6667
[illegible right margin]
[check mark]	INVALID.
File No. 6,667
John Blankenship
Priv Rev. War
Act: June 7th /35
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Left side]
1916 Vol. 3 Hist. to Mrs. A. A. Dunnica.
1928 Mar. 15 Photos to Lyon G. Tyler.  See case of Anthony Tucker Dixon R. 13,772 WCS

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15822
3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division

March 3 1928
Chief Rev. and 1812 Wars Section Division.
I have this day received from Lyon G. Tyler cash in the amount of $1.50, requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith
.
[handwritten across page] 
Copies mailed & Finance Div. notified

C. J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division
N.C.L.

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March 4, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Please send me photostatic copies of following Rev. War claims:
Five pages (not certified) from Va. Half Pay R. 13772, Anthony Tucker Dixon
Five pages (not certified) from pension claim, S. 6667, John Blankenship.
Lyon G. Tyler
Holdcroft P. O
Charles City Co., Va
Received payment
$1.50
March 4, 1928
M. C. Stokes
Rev. & 1812 War Section
[illegible stamp]

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SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE     I-681  [illegible initials]      PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 21539
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
March 4, 1928____192
Bureau ordering Pensions     Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of five pages from Rev. War pension claim, S. 6667, John Blankenship.
No. of copies 1 of each page Shall form be kept standing? ____ ___ days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch  5033 Room No.  541 Phone No.
Approved:
A.B. Dickinson 
[illegible] Chief Clerk of Bureau. Reed
Margaret M. H. Finch
Chief of Branch [or Division] [strikethrough]
NOTE:  No order made “SPECIAL” unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering___
[Oval Stamp] DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED MAR 5, 1928 DEPT. OF THE INTERIOR
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature?__
Mimeograph one side or both sides?__ Facsimile signature?__
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses?___ Dated?___
Addressograph from lists__
Envelopes, size__ | __ | ___ | Cards, size__ | __ | __
Proof list ___ | __ | ___ | Pay rolls___ | __ | ___
Labels (submit sample)_ | __ | ___ | Corrections___ | __ | ___
Fill in letters__ | __ | ___ | Tabulation sheets | __ | ____
Photostat x Size actual Official use? ___ Repay? Yes $0.75
Blue Print Size ___ Official use?___ Repay? ___ $____
Remarks__
(OVER)

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NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
____192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
	Make new addressograph plate
	Change present addressograph plate	}	On list ___
	Destroy present addressograph plate
as follows:
Now reads 	1___
		2___
		3___
		4___
		5___
Should read	1___
		2___
		3___
		4___
		5___

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ___ 192
Operator ____
MULTIGRAPH
Operator___ Date ____Type set by___Date___
Remarks:_____
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator___ Date ____Cut by___
Remarks:_____

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Rev.-1 CB[illegible] Memphis, Tenn.
Sept. 13 – 1916
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:- Will you please send me the record of service contained in the application papers of the Revolutionary Pensioners, “Jno. Blankenship of Pittsylvania Co. Virginia in 1833” and Thomas Owens of Union [strikethrough]  Union Dist. S. C. in 1820,” and oblige.

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Yours Very Truly,
Mrs. A. A. Dummica,
1275 Jefferson Ave –
Memphis, Tenn