Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,987, Thomas Yeargan, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Yeargan, Thomas
S. 7987
carded.
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for entries]
[Ruled lines for entries]

12.080
North Carolina
Thomas Yeargan
of Randolph in the State of N.C.
who was a M c : — in the — commanded by Captain — of the Reg t commanded by Col Waters — in the Va: — time for 10 - mo: 6 days
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 34 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of March 1833 and del d Hon A Rucker, M c
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 68 — Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept r — 17 85 —
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, Book 6 — Vol. 6 Page 11
Order to pay 24 Oct 1838.
Hon E. Reed July 17 1836
J.B. Troy Sep 8 1836 — Same May 22 1837 Voucher to B. A. ...

State of North Carolina Court of Pleas & Quarter Randolph County Sessions. February Term 1833
On this 18 th  28 th day of February A. D. 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions now sitting Thomas Yeargan, 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 act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832. — That he intends the service of the United States, under the following named officers, & served as herein stated: viz —
He states that he was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on the 25 th of May, he thinks in the year 1762 (judging from a comparison of the dates of other occurrences) & has no record of his age: he was raised in Brunswick County, where he resided until he entered the service of the United States.
He states that at sixteen years of age or thereabouts, & he thinks in May 1778 he substituted for one Evans Mabry, the Clap to which he belonged (not recollected), & served six weeks under Capt. James Harrison & Col. Watson; & was discharged at Spring Swamp Church. The events of this service were comparatively unimportant. The Virginia Militia was divided into ten Claps & also subdivided into divisions of twenty five men each: each Clap to serve in rotation when called out — & when so called on to continue in service until relieved by a succeeding Clap: that he fell in Clap No 16, & for the consideration of one dollar, exchanged with one Robert Lee, & was placed in Clap No 2 — which

was called into service under Capt. n James Harrison Major Wilkins & Col. Watson, he believes in the summer of 1778: was marched to Cabin point in Surry Co., thence to Spring Swamp Church in same Co., where he was relieved after a service of six weeks. He was again called into service later in the winter of '78-'79 & was marched under Major Lucas & Col. Dolman to Cabin-point, remaining there about one month, marched thence to head-quar- ters, at Bab's Oldfield, near the Sleepy hole ferry on Nansemond river, where he was relieved by the next class, he believes in April 1779: having served three months  six weeks .
After this a short time, but date not recollected he substituted in the place of one John Abornathy, the No. of whose class is also forgotten, & served six weeks  three months , under Capt. Buckner Stith, Major Pegram & Col. Richard Elliot - was marched to Sleepy hole on Nansemond river, thence up James river & was relieved and discharged at Cabin point in Surry County.
He was called again into service under Capt. John Clayton & Col. Richard Elliot, but cannot recollect either the month or year, but he is under the impres- sion that after serving six weeks he was discharged in the month of October in the latter part of that month. In this town he was marched to Swan's point on James when river, he lay at the period of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, shortly after which they were discharged. It is further stated that each division of 25 men was required to furnish one man to service for eighteen months, when called on; & that for a small consideration he volunteered himself as the division man in his divi-

to serve when called on; that he was so called on & served three months. This service was mainly in the County of Brunswick, & commenced about the first of September, but cannot undertake to state the year his memory has so much failed him. He lay at Brunswick Le House, about two months, when he was discharged. He has never had any discharge in writing & has no documentary evidence of service. He ex- pects to prove a circumstance by William Law Esq. which may aid him in his application, & by his neighbours T. Law, Charles Duncan & the Rev. Isaac Larrabee, reputation of service. He removed to Randolph County N.C. in the year 1800, & has resided in the same ever since; He knew no con- tinental officers except a French General at Brats Old Field whose name he has forgotten—
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not the pension roll of the agency of any state
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Thomas his  Yeargan Mark

We Jesse Larrance, a clergyman & Sedana and Charles Duncan - residing in the County of Randolph, State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Thomas Morgan who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, & that we con- cur in that opinion. Sedana Law further Certifies that in the year 1805 he was in Virginia, & saw said Morgan and a Major Pegram together, who expressed their gratification in meeting each other having served in the revolutionary war together, & that Major Pegram then stated that said Morgan had served under him; & that they talked over many of the occurrences that took place while now together in the service Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Jesse Larrance Sedana Law
Charles his Duncan mark
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigating the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Depart- ment, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Sedana Law Jesse Larrance who have signed the preceding certificate are a residents of the County & State therein mentioned, & that Sedana Law & Charles Duncan who have signed the same, are residents of the same; are credible persons, & that their statements are enti- tled to credit.
Woodthorpe 3
Col. Hugh M. Cain, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Randolph County do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings

proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of Thomas Gearzau for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 8 th day of February Anno Domini 1833.
Hugh W. Barr C.C.

Declaration of Thomas Gargan for a pension

Thomas Gorgan N. C. a. N o —
Adm ty for 10 mo and 6 days as private in V a from 1778. Col. Watson p 34.
Rev A. Rencher N. C. Hugh M c Cain Clk. Randolph Co. N. C. a.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Thomas Geargan
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     thinks May 1778 sub. 6 weeks 1 12 Pri. Capt. Jas. Harrison Col. Watson From Brunswick to Cabin Point in Surry Co 75 yrs Brunswick Co Va   winter '78-'79 3 " Maj. Lucas Col. Tolman For a ditionary   sub. 6 weeks 1 12 " Capt. Buckner Stith, Maj. Pegram Col. Rich'd Elliott   - 6 weeks 1 12 " Capt. Ino Clayton Col. R d Elliott   vol. 3   10. 11  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, 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 the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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 amount of pension he is entitled. 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:—_____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
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 , 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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 from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Cedar Falls, N.E. Aug 27. 1836 Hon Comt. of Pensions Washington City,
Sir,
In your letter to the Hon E. G. Read, of July 17 th last you say "In reply to the in- quiry of Mr. J. B. Perry S.C. I have the honor to state that I can give the information he desires when I am informed just when the widow of Thomas Gearson died when she was married to him whether he left any children that are now alive!"
The widow of Thomas Gearson was married to him in the month of March 1816. She died the 27 th or 28 th of Dec r 1832. Thos. Gearson left several children by a former wife, which are living, but none by his last wife. The information desired was whether the widow or his children are entitled to a continuation of his pen- sion after his death. Will you please inform me?
Very Respectfully
Yours S.C. J. B. Perry

Ocean Falls, N.E. Aug 27. 1836
To
Esq
3 d Auditor of the Treasury Washington City
Sir,
In your letter of July 23 d last to the Hon E. G. Read your day  11 Any arrears that may be due (on the Pension of Thomas (Giangue) to the day of his death in Dec 1838. Will be paid through this office upon vouchers duly executed agreeably to the enclosed forms?
As forms were enclosed, will you do me the favor to send me the necessary forms instructions &c.
Very Respectfully Mr Robt. Lupton
A. B. Lupton

Reahan
7987
INVALID.
File No. 7987
Thomas Geargan
By Rev. W. B.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index: Vol. 1st , Page 420
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Thomas Yeargan
N.C. - Oct 1832
John J. Smith
FREE
F.P. 1/2
Official Business
Commissioner of Revenue
Washington
D.C.

Washington July 8 th 58
Will the Department please furnish me the information sought in the accompanying letter of Mr. Troy
respectfully E. S. Mead
Hon. Comr. of Pensions }

Prison Office Newcastle. Oct 16 1838
J. L. Curran Esq. Commissioner of Prisons
Sir
In reply for your inspection the papers of. Handman Duke. Act of 1832. at $80 per annum paid last on 20 Sept 1837. Also the papers of Thomas Grayson act of 1832 at $34 per annum approved application since this day
Application was this day made by the Attorney of Rachael Docus. for payment of the said sum has been referred to the Government - The certificate is dated the 13 Sept 1838 - Act of 1836 rate of pay $80 per annum.
2315
I am Sir my obedient Servt John O'Leary John O'Leary Esq.