Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8081, William Bowen, Va.

Page 1

SERVICE
Va.

Bowen, William

NUMBER
S. 8081

Carded

CONTENTS

Page 2

16.521-
Virginia

William Bowe. S: _. Decd
of Culpeper in the State of Va:
who was a Corporal in the ____ commanded
by Captain ____ of the Regt commanded
by Clark ____ on the Va
line for 2 years Certificate issued
[left margin torn, missing] in favor of John Bowen & others
[left margin torn, missing] heirs [illegible] of the said Decd

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
[left margin torn, missing] the rate of 88 Dollars - Cents per annum,
[left margin torn, missing] commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Aug; 33
and Sub to William
Walden Woodville Culpeper Co. Va

[Crossed out: Arrears to the 4th of March 1833] 
[Crossed out: Semi-anl allowance ending]
Amt due up to 1 Oct
1832, the day of his death. } $135.17

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 3

Page 3

William Bowens
Declaration
for a Pension
15431

17 Sept 1832

Page 4

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed
the 7th June 1832
State of Virginia
Culpeper County} S.S.
On this 17th day of September 1832 personally appeared
before the County Court of Culpeper State of Virginia, William Bowen
senr resident of the said County and State, aged Seventy 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 pension made by the act of Congress, passed June the 7th
1832, That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in
the year [lightly written and inserted: (Nov 22)] 1779 undr Captain Benjamin Roberts, and served in
the Virginia State Regiment under the command of Col George
Rogers Clarke, under the following named offices, That he
enlisted for two years under Captain Benjamin Roberts who was
recruiting soldiers to serve in the Western part of then Virigina
inther year 1779 in the County of Culpeper Enginia _ That he
marched to the falls of Ohio under the command of said Roberts
that Major George Slaughter was the Major to said Command
that he served the term of his enlistment under the said Virginia State
Regiment under the immediate command of General George R Clarke
who the greater part of the time, and that after his term of enlistment
had expired secured his discharge and returned home That he
proved his service in the year 1811 before the County Court of Culpeper
by a living Witness Thomas Norman of said County, who was a
private soldier in said Company and served untill he was discharged,
and that at the same time produced his discharge in court which
was ordered to be made a part of the record, that his discharge has
been lost, or mislaid in the Clerk's office of said County and that
he herewith accompanies a certified Copy of the same with the
proof of service, That he can prove his service in addition by
William Smith and Hedgman Triplet living witness residents
in the County of Culpeper Virginia as well as by Thomas Norman
who is now living and likewise a resident of the County of Culpeper
Virginia He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is
not [illegible] Roll of any agency of any State.
his
William x his mark Bowen senr
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and date aforesaid
F T Lightfoot

Page 5

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the
above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier
and served as he states.

I, Frances Lightfoot Clerk of the Crest of Culpeper County
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a true copy copy
of the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of William Bowen senr for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereto
set my hand and seal of office this 9th
day of October in the year one thousand
eight hundred and thirty two, and the
57th year of the Commonwealth
F T Lightfoot

In Culpeper County Court
21 October 1811.
Thomas Norman came into cour and made oath that
William Bowen served as a soldier in the late Virginia
State Regiment for two years under the command of Capt.
Benjamin Roberts in Major George Slaughters company & the said
William Bowen filed his certificate of discharge which
is ordered to be made a part of the record
A copy teste
F T Lightfoot

The certificate of discharge referred to in the above certificate
is not to be found among the record of my office for
F T Lightfoot

In Culpeper County Court. 21 October 1811
Peter Campbell came into Court and made oath

Page 6

15451
William Bowen Sr [lightly inserted: Decd]
Culpeper Co.
Virginia

[lightly inserted: Rolls]
Not found in a State line rolls

Admit as a Corporal
for 2 yrs- $88.00

Cert Died 1 Oct 1832
[Crossed out: 12.] p. 356
[Crossed out: Int. 12]
P. 356
[Crossed out: Apl.  26 30]
Sp. let. May
10. 1833 to _
-
William Walden
Woodville
Culpeper Co
Virginia

Page 7

BRIEF in the case of William Bowen
of Culpeper Co in the State of Virginia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court 

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 70

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.
Enlisted In 1779 
Duration of Service 2 Years,
Rank.
As a ____
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
George Rogers Clark
Maj George Slaughter

5. In what battles was he engaged? None mentioned

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Culpeper County, Virg

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Documentary evidence

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Perfect

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
J. E. Bradford
Examining Clerk.

Page 8

Wm Bowen's heirs
Certificate

Page 9

Virginia
In Rappahannock County Court 3rd June 1833
Ordered that it be certified to the Department
of War of the United States that it was proven to the
satisfaction of the Court, that William Bowen of the County of
Rappahannock, (former out of the County of Culpeper by a
late act of the General assembly of Virginia,) an applicant
for a pension from the United States, departed this life the
first day of October 1832 And that John Bowen, Polly
Bowen, (over the age of twenty one years) and Thompson
Bowen (an infant) children of Thomas Bowen deceased
Anne Bowen a child of Silas Bowen deceased, which
said Silas and Thomas Bowen were children of the said
William Bowen, the applicant as aforesaid and Anne
Beam late Anne Bowen, who has intermarried with
John Beam, and William Bowen, are the seven and only
Heirs and distributees of the said William Bower deceased.
In testimony that the foregoing is a true copy
of the [Illegible] I William J Menefee Clerk
of the Court of the County aforesaid have
subscribed my name and affixed my own
private seal ("there being no County sea"l)
this 13th day of July in the year 1833
and in the 58th year of the Commonwealth
William J. Menefee

State of Virginia
Spotsylvania County⎬ss:
I John M. Patton member of Congress
from the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the County of Rappahannock Constitutes a part of my district, and that Wm J.
Menefee is the Clerk of the said County, and that I believe the
above signature purporting to be his, is genuine. Given under my
hand this 22 day of July 1833.
Jno M. Patton

Page 10

State of Virginia
Rappahannock County} S.S.

I William Walden do hereby certify that I was
personally present in the Court of said County on the 3rd day
of June 1833 at which time it was proven to the Court
that ____ Bowen the widow of William Bowen decd
had departed this life about two months after the
death of her said husband William Bower senr decd and
that the persons named in the certificate of the Clerk of
said Court, are the only heirs and distributees of the
said William Bowen the applicant for a pension
from the United States. Given under my hand
this 16th day of July 1833.
Wm Walden

Sworn to before me this 16th day July 1833
John Turney
Justice of Peace
for the County of
Rappak

Page 11

March 8, 1938

XXXXX

BA-J/EEL
William Bowen-S.8081

Mr. James M. Watts
National Park, 8
Rosslyn, Virginia

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your personal request of March 3, 1938.
that you be furnished the Revolutionary War record of William
Bowen, S.8081,

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file
in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.8081, based upon the military
service in that war of William Bowen.

The date and place of birth and names of the parents of William
Bowen are not shown.

William Bowen enlisted in Culpeper County, Virginia, November
22, 1779, served as corporal in Captain Benjamin Roberts' Company,
Colonel George Rogers Clark's Virginia Regiment, marched to the Falls
of the Ohio, and was discharged December 21, 1781.

Pension was allowed on his application executed September 17,
1832, at which time he gave his age as seventy years and was a resident
of Culpeper County, Virginia. He signed William Bowen, Senior.

He died October 1, 1832, in Rappahannock County, Virginia,
and his wife died about two months later. There are no further
data in regard to her.

The only names of children shown are daughter Anne, who married
John Beam; sons William, Thomas and Silas Bowen. Thomas
Silas Bowen died previous to their father. Grandchildren named
are John, Polly and Thompson, children of Thomas Bowen, deceased
and Ann Bowen, daughter of Silas Bowen, deceased.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator,

Page 12

Mrs E. M. Finch
8 Byrd Ave.
Takoma Park
Md. (D.C.)

I enclosed an official
note with the histories
of the WM Bowens
stating the 
rush of
work & 
regret
that reply
could not
have been
made sooner.
MNF

Page 13

Culpeper Va. Dec. 5/3
My dear friend
If you get this
will you send me
Rev record of "Wm
Bowen" of Culpeper
[Illegible] _ of any mention
of his family. I note
[Illegible], but can't
[illegible] Tell me if the
address was wrong.
I haven't been [illegible]
lately but may see
you in late winter
With many thanks,
& my best love,
Your Friend
L. K. Wine,
Box 511" 
over _

Page 14

[Same as document 12)

Page 15

Culpeper Va. Nov. 18/38.
Navy Bldg
Wash. D.C.
Dear Sirs:
Please send me
at your earliest, the service
of "William Bowen Sr",, of
Culpeper Va  (S.of W. 1835)
Pension 2.128, with all possible
about his family.
Also
service of John James, Lieut,
Fauquier Militia,
John James, seems to have gotten
no pension. If there is
another Wm Bowen, with

[Note after "Dear Sirs" in another person's writing says: only 2 of Va]

Page 16

pension from Va Would you
let me have both?
Thanking you,
I am, 
Sincerely,
(Mrs C. H.) L. K. Wine

RECEIVED
NOV 22 1938

Page 17

Mch. 3-1938
Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Please furnish Rev. War
record of William Bowen
S. 8081 -
James M. Watts
N.P._ 8
Rosslyn, Va

Page 18

162 Ponce de Leon Ave
Atlanta, Ga
Nov. 9th, 1910

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C

Dear Sir
Will you please
send me a record of the
service of William Bowen
a Revolutionary Pensioner
of Culpepper Co. Va. in 1832
and give me all data concerning
his family that
may be contained in his
application papers?
Yours very Truly
Virginia Bowen Hancock
(Mrs. W. L. Hancock)

Page 19

1910 Nov. 16. Hist to Mr. W. L. Hancock

June 12 1930 Hist to Mrs
W. E. Lipscomb, Letter
in case of John Bowen
S. 39200. EEL

1938 - Mar - Hist to Jas. M
Watts, EL

1938. Hist to Mrs C. H. Wine AWF

Rev War
8081.
INVALID.

File No. 8081
S

William Bowen Sr
Corpl. Rev. War

Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. 1st, Page 38

[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 20

Auditors Office Richmond
22 April 1833

Sir
Your
communications of the 12 and
17th inst-- I have duly received and proceed the earliest
convenient moment to answer

I find among the papers relating to the
Illinois Department of the Revolutionary army - a muster
Roll, and only one of Capt Benjamin Roberts company
whilst in service under General Clarke. The Roll
is very much defaced by time, but on minute examination
I think there is no doubt but that the names of
Wm Bowen a corporal and Thomas Norman a private
are to be found thereon. It appears that Bowen
enlisted 22d Nov. 1779 and was discharged the 21
Decr 1781. Norman enlisted on the same day &
was discharged on the 26 Octo 1781. So far as I
can perceive there is an exact correspondence
between the evidence furnished by this Roll &
Bowen's declaration
I enclose you a certificate
Newing

Page 21

that the name of Pilkington appears on our Rolls,
Doubtless Pilkinson was a mistake of the transcriber

I am sir very respectfully
your obedient sert
Jas E Heath aud Va

Page 22

Wm Bowen
Ad 2 yrs @ Corpl
$88
This should be sent to the county
of Culpepper [sic] instead of Chesterfield.

Issue the certificate in favor of
John Bowen, Polly Bowen and
Thomas Bowen an infant child
of Thomas Bowen, decd and
Anne Bowen an infant child
of Silas Bowen decd, [crossed out: which said
Silas & Thomas was children of
William Bowen decd] and Anne
Beam, late Anne Bowen, and
William Bowen, the only heirs
at law of William Bowen who
held the rank and served
2 year as Corporal during the
War of the revolution
at the rate of $88 per ann.

Page 23

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
William Bowen of Cuulpeper co Virg. which require
further proof or explanation.

1. 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

Page 24

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary
service? The applicant overs that he filed in the Clerks'
office of Culpeper county, his his discharge, which county
was [illegible] found _ a certificate of the Clerk is furnished.

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain
ing 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?

XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct?

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

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered? 1. 2,

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.

Page 25

[See document 25 for the original text]

Page 26

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

Page 27

Moorville, Rappahannock County
July 16th 1833

J. L. Edwards

Dear Sir 

Your favour of the 10th of May was duly
received together with the papers connected with the claim of William
Bowen Senr is at the ensuing Court held for this County after the
receipt of your letter the required proof of the heirs of said Bowen was
made. The delay that has occured in not forwarding the same has
been produced by a wish to accompany the certificate of the Clerk
of the County with the presenture of the County Seal, which at tht
time the Court did not possess (it being recently organized and which
was expected to be had very directly, and which would save the
trouble of sending the papers to Mr Patten our number of Congress for
his certificate. The court has not yet a seal. I have therefore concluded
to send the papers on without farther delay to Mr Patton who
resides in Fredericksburgh with the request to then affix
his certificate as to the Official Character of the Clerk and then
forward them on to your department. The Clerk of our Court
who sent me the inclosed copy of the proof made in court as
to the heirs of Wm Bowen decd I observe omitted to state the fact that
proof of the death of Mrs Bowen the widow of Wm Bowen was
at his same time made. I have therefore made a certificate of
of that fact and qualified to the same- though as you will observe he
certifies that the persons proven to be the heirs of said Wm Bowen are

Page 28

the only heirs and distributees of said Bowen _

I avail myself of this opportunity to bring to your
notice the claim of Mason Colvin, and to urge upon you its consideration,
you will find upon examination that his militia service
is set forth at large, and supported with proof by two living
witnesses. his regular service as he sets forth to wit; his enlistment
for and during the war he has no further proof than that already
submitted, and which Doct Crump informed me was insufficient to
enable him to claim under it. I therefore withdrew that part 
of his claim but Crump informing me at the same time
that he would forthwith report favourable as regarded his
Militia service Upon my return home I saw Colvin and informed
him that he would receive a certificate for his militia service
[crossed out, illegible] only which has not come to hand. I recollect
Doct Crump stating apparently an objection that  his paper upon
which his claim was made was [crossed out, illegible] sheets and
not connected by a piece of tape or ribbon. I do not suppose at
the time that any [illegible] would [illegible] from that circumstance
as there was so positive evidence [crossed out, illegible] from
the subject [crossed out, illegible] that the several sheets were neccessary to set forth his claim
of proof of service, and that the subject itself proves so manifestly
that they belong to each other. If however that should be required
would it be proper for me as the friend and agent of said

Page 29

[illegible] to request you to have it done, if it should
I will presume so far as to ask of you that favour should that
be the only impediment to the passage of Colvin's claim.
With sentiments of high consideration
I am Yr Obt Servt
Wm Walden

Page 30

December 7, 1938

BA-J/AWF
William Bowen-S.8081
William Bowen-R. 1067 [Note added in handwriting: Belongs in]

Mrs. C. H. Wine
Culpeper
Virginia

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which
you request the Revolutionary War record of William
Bowen of Culpeper County, Virginia, John James of
Fauquier County, Virginia, and any other William
Bowen of Virginia.

The Revolutionary War records of this office
have been searched and no claim for pension found
based upon the service of a John James of Virginia.
As a possible means of securing the military record
of John James, it is suggested that you apply to
The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington,
 D. C.

You are furnished herewith the Records of two
soldiers named William Bowen, of Virginia. These
are the records of the only William Bowens found
on file in the Revolutionary War records of this
office, who served with the Virginia troops.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

[Added in handwriting:] See her letter in
William Bowen S. 8081
Neg in not as [illegible] Files

Page 31

December 7, 1938

BA-J/AWF
William Bowen-S.8081
William Bowen R. 1067

Mrs. C. H. Wine
Culpeper
Virginia

Dear Madam:

The data furnished herein concerning William
Bowen were obtained from papers on file in claim
for pension, S. 8081, based upon his military
service in the Revolutionary War.

The date and place of birth of William Bowen
are not given, nor are the names of his parents
stated.

William Bowen enlisted in Culpeper County,
Virginia, November 22, 1779, served as corporal
in Captain Benjamin Roberts' company, Colonel
George Rogers Clark's Virginia regiment, marched
to the fall [sic] of the Ohio, and was discharged
December 21, 1781.

Pension was allowed on his application
executed September 17, 1832, at which time he was
aged seventy years, and a resident of Culpeper
County, Virginia.

William Bowen died October 1, 1832 in Rappahannock
County (which county was formed out of
Culpeper County), Virginia, his wife died about
two months later. There are no further data in
regard to her.

The following data in regard to the children

Page 32

2-

of William Bowen are shown in the claim-
Anne Bowen, who married John Beam, William
Bowen, Thomas Bowen, and Silas Bowen; Thomas
Bowen died previous to his father, leaving
children, John, Polly and Thompson; and Silas
Bowen died previous to his father, leaving a
child, Anne.

The papers on file in this claim contain
no further discernible data in regard to family.

****

William Bowen-R.1067

The data which follow relative to this William
Bowen were obtained from papers on file in pension
claim, R. 1067, based upon his military service in
the Revolutionary War.

William Bowen was born in the month of August,
1758, place not stated, nor are the names of his
parents given.

William Bowen applied for pension March 14,
1837, then a resident of Nicholas County, Kentucky,
and alleged that he enlisted in Charlottesville,
Albemarle County, Virginia, served in Captain John
Marks' company, Colonel Charles Scott's Virginia
regiment, that he was in the battles of Trenton,
Jamestown, and siege of Yorktown, and that he
served four years, six months, and seventeen days.

The claim for pension was not allowed as proof
of the alleged service was not furnished.

Reference was made in 1852 to William Bowen of

Page 33

3 -

Kentucky one of the sons of the soldier, William
Bowen, who was then deceased.

The date of death of this soldier, William
Bowen, is not shown, and the papers on file in
this claim contain [inserted: no] further discernible data in
regard to family.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Page 34

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
EEL:MLB

June 19, 1930

Mrs. H. E. Lipscomb
1514 Grove Avenue
Richmond, Virginia

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim,
S. 8081, it appears that William Bowen, Sr., enlisted in Culpeper County,
Virginia November 22, 1779, served as a corporal in Captain Benjamin
Roberts' Company, Colonel George Rogers Clark's Virginia Regiment;
marched to the Falls of the Ohio and was discharged December 2, 1761.

Pension was allowed on his application executed September 17, 1832,
at which time he was aged seventy years and residing in Culpeper County,
Virginia.

Rappahannock
He died October 1, 1832 [inserted, a handwritten note: Rappahannock C] and his wife, her name not shown, died about 
two months later.

The only children referred to are Anne, who married John Beam,
William Thomas and Silas. The latter two died previous to their father.
The grandchildren named are John Bowen, Polly Bowen and Thompson Bowen,
children of Thomas Bowen, deceased, and Anne Bowen, child of Silas
Bowen, deceased.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

Page 35

In reply to your request of Nov. 9", received Nov. 12, 1910,
for a statement of the military history of William Bowen Sr.
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his [crossed out: (or his widow's)] application for pension
on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Nov. 22, 1779

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
to Dec 21, 1781

RANK, Corporal

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. Benjamin Roberts
COLONEL. George Rogers Clarke

STATE. Va.

Battles engaged in,____
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  Enl. in Culpeper Co., Va.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 17 1832
Residence at date of application, Culpeper Co. Va.
Age at date of application, seventy years
Remarks: Soldier died Oct. 1, 1832 and his widow - died about
two months later. His claim was allowed, [crossed out: and the certificate issued]
on Aug. 29, 1833 for the benefit of his [crossed out: heirs] [inserted: only heirs; viz;] children John, Polly, William
and Anne (Bowen Beam, and gr. ch. Thompson infant child of Thomas
Bowen decd and one child of Silas Bowen dec'd

[Inserted: Children & grand children all mixed up on 
this form]