Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2391, John Willson, N.C. Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Nb.
Va.
Wilson, John Wilson
W. 2391
Elizabeth
CONTENTS
b. Nov 30 1756 in Md.
res. at m. Albemarle Co. Va. & Surry Co. N. b.
res. in 1833 Pulaski Co. Ky. & there died Oct. 26. 1844

See letters 8 Augt 1834 to Pen apt 2 W. H.
1942  Kentucky
John Wilson of Pulaski in the State of Kent who was a pr of In & Cav in the co commanded by Captain Blond of the regt commanded by Col Starywell in the Va line for 6 mos. 10 days profered 4 22 1 1 2 1/2 New Certificate issued } for 9 Oct '31, - { 42 10
Inscribed on the Roll of Kent at the rate of 33 Dollars 15 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Sept 1833 and Wm Fox  Somerset Ky
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 82.87 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 March 16.57
42 10 $99.44
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Bond Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 33

C. G.
2094 Leitch Ky Elizabeth Wilson widow of John Wilson who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Pirate Infantry Cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 42 Dollars 10
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 3 rd February 1853 Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Sept r / 53 and sent to
J. G. Lair Somerset Ky
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 22 1848 , Page 179 Vol. A 3 rd / 53
1837

State of Kentucky County of Pulaski ss. Set.
On this Fifth day of March in the Year one Thousand eight hundred and fifty three, Personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace, duly authorized to administer Oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid. Elizabeth Wilson aged Twenty four Years, a resident of the County of Pulaski in the State of Kentucky who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath Make the following Declaration, in order to obtain, the Pensions to which she is entitled under the Laws of the United States, for the service of her late husband John Wilson who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, That she is the Widow of John Wilson, who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and who was placed on the Pension List of the Kentucky Agency, and who drew a Pension of $ per. Annum from the day of _____ up to the 4 th day of September 1844. she has taken to the Papers on file, in the Pension Department of the United States, for the proof establishing his service, and to his Certificate, which she understands has been returned to the Pension Department since his death, for the time and amounts which he received as Pension - She further Declares that she was Married to the said John Wilson by John Chesney a Justice of the Peace for Pulaski County

at the house of the said John Wilson in said County on the 9 th day of April 1812, that her Maiden Name was "Bread" she refers to a copy of the Certificate of her Marriage from the Record Pulaski County Court Clerks Office, she further states that she now resides in the County of Pulaski State of Kentucky and has resided here from the time of her Marriage, with the said John Wilson and until the present time; her
From to and Subscribed before Elizabeth Wilson mark
Me John W Adams a Justice of the Peace for Pulaski County on this fifth day of March 1853, and I further Certify that I believe the said Elizabeth Wilson, is the Widow of John Wilson who was a Resident of the United States and that she is of the age therein stated, and that I have no interest in obtaining the Principal herein Requested for
J W Adams J.P.
State of Kentucky County of Pulaski ss
On this Fifth day of March in the Year one Thousand eight hundred and fifty Three person appeared before me John W Adams — as acting Justice of the Peace only authorized to

a Member of Quarters, rather used for the learning and state of mind. Lewis Patterson and John W Cowan, who being only known according to Law State that they are both well acquainted, with the forgoing declarant Elizabeth Wilson, and have been from the time she was married to John Wilson up to the present time, that her name upon her marriage was Elizabeth Sned, that she was married (as they believe to the said John Wilson) about the 9 th day of April 1812 they were not present at the marriage, but they know that they recognized each other, and were recognized by the neighbors as husband and wife from about 9 th day of April 1812, until the death of the said John Wilson. They further state that the said John Wilson died at Pines, for Mary Young Pines to his death, for his services in the Revolutionary War and that the said John Wilson died at his residence in Pulaski County on the 26 th day of October 1844. and that the forgoing Elizabeth Wilson is still a widow.
I swear to and subscribe before John W Cowan on this 5 th day of March 1853 Lewis Patterson And I further certify, that Lewis Patterson and John W Cowan are persons of credibility and entitled to belief, who in each or otherwise
L W Sorrels J P P C

State of Kentucky County of Pulaski 3 rd Sub
I James D Allcorn Clerk of the County Court within & for the County & State aforesaid do certify that J W Adams whose genuine signature appears to the within foregoing Certif- icate is now at the time of signing the same an acting justice justice of the Peace within & for the County & State aforesaid duly commission- ed and sworn - And that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit And that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of record having general jurisdiction
IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereto subscribed my Name & caused the seal of my Office to be affixed at office in the Town of Somerset on this 8 th day of March 1853
J D Allcorn Clerk

State of Kentucky
Pulaski Circuit Court.
and Pulaski County. Set.
On this 15 th day of April 1833. personally appeared, in open court, before the circuit court, for Pulaski County, held by the Hon ble John L Bridges, Circuit Judge, now sitting as a court. John Wilson a resident of the County of Pulaski, State of Kentucky in the Seventy Seventh year of his age, 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 entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated, that while a resident of Albemarle County State of Virginia, the time, from the lapse of time, and loss of memory, he cannot state exactly, a call was made for soldiers & he volunteered for the term of two months, the name of his Captain of the company to which he belonged is not now recollected was in the Regiment commanded by Col o Taylor, and was employed during the term for which he volunteered in guarding the prisoners taken by the Americans at Burgoyne's defeat, and was stationed at Albemarle Barracks, there was at the same place, other companies besides the company to which he belonged, both of Regular and Militia, all under the command of Col o Taylor, as the affiant now thinks and believes. He served

Out the said two months. (2) was discharged. Rec'd a written discharge by whom signed, he does not recollect, which has long since been lost or afterwards, the time not now recollecting, while a resident of Surry County North Carolina, there was again a call for soldiers and he volunteered, for the term and period of Three months, in the Company of Captain Joseph Blond, and at the place of Rendezvous, Capt. Freeman, took Command of the Company in stead of Captain Blond, Samuel Dyer was the ensign, the Regiment Commanded by Col. Fagenell and after being Rendezvoused, he was marched towards the City of Charles Ton, South Carolina, with a view to afford Succor and Relief to the City, which was then besieged, but before we reached Charleston, a capitulation had taken place and the City was in possession of the Enemy. He served out said three months, except eight or nine days and was discharged, by his Officers by by a furlough, provisions being scarce, and the Officers being Rec'd a discharge In want of provisions to disband the army, which Furlough was which has long since been lost or destroyed, so that he
afterwards, the exact time he does not recollect, while a Resident of Surry County North Carolina, a call was made for mounted Men, and he volunteered in a Company of Horse men, under Captain Joseph Blond, Commanded by Col. Campbell, and after joining the army was marched towards Kings Mountain, and belonged to the same army that fought the Battle of Kings Mountain, but was not himself in the Battle, having been ordered and detached, on the day the Battle was fought, to Guard the horses belonging to the army

(3) that were not in use at the time. He entered the service for no express or specified period, but was to serve until he should be dismissed by his officers. He was engaged in the above service, therefore the Battle: the exact time he cannot now state, but not less than Six weeks: and after the Battle was ordered to guard the prisoners taken in the Battle and was engaged not less than four weeks, and was discharged during the time at the Moravian Towns: and as his son does not recollect whether he received a written discharge and discharge from the service, afterwards the time not recollected still a resident of Surry County North Carolina, a call was made for soldiers, and he volunteered in the company of Captain Joseph Blount, was under the command of General Greene, was marched with the army to Guilford, and was in the Battle fought at Whitins Mill, Colo Washington of the horse, Colo Lt. and Genl. Morgan were all commanding Corps. in said Battle, he volunteered for no specified term, but was to serve until discharged by his officers, was engaged in the service from the time he entered until he was discharged, the time precisely he cannot state but not less than Two months. Received no discharge in writing — afterwards the time not now recollected while a resident of Sullivan County State of Tennessee North Carolina he volunteered, in Captain Christopher Taylor Company of Horse, to serve against the Indians on the frontier, was under the command of Governor Sevier, was marched to the Muscle Shoals, on the Tennessee River, and from thence toward the Creek

Nation of Indians
Anderson. was a Major. in this service
he was discharged by his officers. after having been engaged in the service, the exact time he is unable now to state but not less than Two months. but never a no discharge in writing and while out on this last mentioned service. his Horse was stolen by the Indians. which Horse. he has since never obtained and for which loss the United States, have not as yet paid him One cent. the Horse was valued in the manner prescribed before the Company marched from the place of Rendezvous to be of the value of Twenty five pounds. He has no Documentary Evidence whatever of his services, and knows of no person, whose Testimony he can procure, who can testify to his services. He is known to Martin Owens the Nearest Clergyman, Resident in his present Neighborhood and Samuel Dogan Residents of his immediate vicinity and Neighborhood. who can testify as to his character. for veracity. and their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution, the said John Wilson further states he was Born in the County  the County he does not know, was very small when he left there state of Maryland on the 30 th day of
November 1756. according to the information of his Parents he has no Record of his age. Nor does he know whether there removed from there to Albemarle County state of Virginia from there to Surry County North Carolina, from there to Sullivan County North Carolina. from there Back to Surry County, and then from there about twenty eight years ago. Removed to Pulaski County Kentucky, in which

County. he has up to this time continued to reside, and still resides. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name, is not on the pension roll, of the agency of any State or Territory.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid - John his  X Willson mark
We Martin Owens, a Clergyman, residing in the County of Pulaski, State of Kentucky, and Samuel Dagan, and John Cowan residing in the same. Hereby certify that we are well acquainted, with John Willson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above and foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be of the age he states, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion, and that we have heard him detail and relate, the events of which he speaks in his declaration, and recount his services in the Revolution long anterior to the passage of the act of June 7 th 1832 and from our acquaintance with the said John Willson we believe him to be a man of veracity & probity, and his statements are entitled to credit.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in Open Court Martin Owens
Samuel Dagan John Cowan

(6) I John L Bridges, presiding Judge of the Pulaski Circuit Court aforesaid. Do hereby Declare, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named John Wilson, was in the Opinion of the Court, a Soldier of the Revolution, and served as he states, and the Court further certifies, that Martin Owens, who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman Resident in Pulaski County, and that Samuel Logan, and John Cowan, who have signed the same Certificate are also, Residents of Pulaski County, are credible persons, and their statement is entitled to credit.
John L Bridges Circuit Judge
State of Kentucky, Pulaski Circuit Ct.
I William Fries, Clerk of the Pulaski Circuit Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the Application of John Wilson, for a Pension. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Private Seal (a Seal for said Court, not yet Revived) at my Office in the Town of Somerset this 28 th day of April, A.D. 1833.
Wm Fries, Clerk of the Pulaski Circuit Court

State of Kentucky Set.
I Nathan Gaither Member of Congress from the State of Kentucky Do hereby Certify, that Will Hoss, whose Signature is affixed & subscribed to the above and foregoing Certificate. to the declaration of John Wilson an applicant for a pension, was at the date of his Certificate, acting Clerk of the Pulaski Circuit Court Kentucky, duly appointed and qualified. That his Signature to the Certificate appears affixed is his genuine Signature. and that his attestation is in due form of law. Given under my hand this 4 th day of May 1833.
Nathan Gaither

Wilbur Johnson
Denia papers 25577
Kentucky. Pulaski County Court April Term 1833. Exhibited Document P. R. Note City

State of Kentucky Pulaski County, ss. 3 Set July Term 1853
On this Eighteenth day of July in the Year of Our Lord, one Thousand eight hundred and fifty three, personally appeared before the County Court held for the County of Pulaski in the State of Kentucky the Elizabeth Wilson aged about seventy four years, who being duly sworn according to Law in Open Court, makes the following Declaration, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provisions of the acts of Congress, granting bounty land in aid of Pensions to the Widows of deceased Soldiers of the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of John Wilson now dead, who was the identical John Wilson, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and was placed and paid on the Kentucky Pension List at the Rate as the non Recollected of about forty Dollars per annum. That she does not know in what Corps he served which entitled him to a Pension but she refers to the proof on file in the department at Washington as

on which he obtained his Pension Certificate and also to his Certificate, which the latter was returned to the Department after the death of the said John Wilson, and makes said proof and said Certificate part of this Declaration - she further states that she was married to the said John Wilson, in the County of Puceatle State of Kentucky, on the 9 th day of April in the Year 1812 by John Chinney, as will more fully appear from the Certificate of Marriage, her before filed in the Department on her former application, for a Pension, and that her said Husband the said John Wilson depar- -ted this life in the County of Puceatle aforesaid on the twenty sixth day of October in the Year one Thousand eight hundred and forty four, since she has remained his Widow ever since and is still his Widow, she here refers to the proof heretofore filed by her in the Department at Washington, as to her Marriage identity, and the death of the said John Wilson and makes it part of this Declaration. Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court on this 18 th day of July 1853
Elizabeth Henry Wilson
• Mark

No 25677
John Willson Pulaski County Kentucky
from - private of Canaly & Inf 11 th m ch
  Pa Can 6 mo. 10 days to  26.38     " Inf 4 " 22 "  15.77            $ 42.15   
26.38
15.33
2.44
 42.15
Wm Fox Col Pulaski County Kentucky
AKW

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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. These 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 John Wilson Pulaski County Kentucky
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol. - 2 - private Col Taylor 74 years Traditionary evidence paper   Vol. - 2 22 " Capt Blond, Capt Freeman Col Tazewell Albemarle County Correct   Vol. - 2 10 Troops Capt Blond, Col Campbell Virginia   Vol. - 2 - " Capt Blond, Col Green Col Washington   Vol. - 2 - " Capt Taylor, Col Severn Major Anderson Battle at White's Mills,  
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 days 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 the 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. 3
[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:—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."
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 that 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 shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place- 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. 3

April the 9 th 1813 I then celebrated the rights of matrimony between John Wilson and Elizabeth Sneed
John Chesney for
The foregoing list of marriage was returned to me in my Office as Clerk of the Pulaski County Court by John Chesney Esq r & the same has been duly recorded in my Office
At Will Fox
State of Kentucky County of Pulaski
I James D Allcorn Clerk of the County Court within for the County Aforesaid do Certify that the foregoing Certificate of marriage which I subscribe to have been between John Wilson & Eliz- abeth Sneed together with the Certificate of Will Fox former Clerk of the Court Aforesaid were truly & correctly copied from the records of my Office In testimony whereof I have hereunto caused my Name to be subscribed and the Seal of my Office to be affixed this 8 th day of March 1853.
J. D. Allcorn by W. B. Perkins De

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2391
Elizabeth Wilson,
Widow.
John Wilson.
Rev. Rev. War.
Act. Feb. 3. 1853.
Index:—Vol. M. , Page 337
[Arrangement of 1870.]

N o 618.
Kentucky Oct 23 Feb. 1853 2 d Section
Circular to J. G. Dair May 24 53
(Should have returned before)
Elizabeth Wilson wid: of John.
Death alleged 1874 admit it and conf.

Thomas Ky
Commencement Pensions
March 13 th 53.
David and wife Elizabeth Nelson's Declaration of Proof for Pension
Respectfully John J. Lane

Gen. Off. Sept. 17. 1853
Sir,
Please Certify death or last payment of Jno. Wilson, Rev. Pensioner, Act 7 June '32 $33.15 per ann. (Ins. 142.00 Kinty Roll -
Respy
J. Cole for Commr.
J Burt Esq. 3d Audr.
John Wilson, Act 1832 $33.15. p. an. - increased to $42.10. p. an - Died 26 th October 1844 - Paid to his death.
J. Burt Auditor.

Concord N.H. July 19 th 1853
Comm d Pension Washington City D.C. Dear Sir.
I have enclosed Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson's Declaration, for Pension, to the above Comty as directed, which with the proof heretofore forwarded, I suppose will be sufficient.
Respectfully Yours etc John G. Luce

Kentucky, Somerset, Sept. 27. 1834.
Sir.
Yours of the 2 nd . Ins t . in relation to the Dumas boat of John Wilson, was only Rec d . and I herein agreeably to your request enclosed to you for cancellation, his said Wilson Dumas cancelled.
I am respectfully
Yours M c G o ,
Edward L d of Dumas
Wilb. Fox.

Payments to be made at Lexington by the P t of U.S. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Kentucky
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 7 Page 33 by Sam Boyd Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th. June, 1832, John Wilson of the State of Kentucky who was a private of Infantry & Cavalry in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty-three dollars and Fifteen cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Fifth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
J. P. Kirtland Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Edw. Wilson Recd 1853
(The additional evidence here cited shows the existence of the claim. If no report.)
(If documentary evidence is required by law, it either sets the substance.)
Proof exhibited (if original.)
(If not original, or for reference.)
Copies and Notes of
Brief in the case of
Edw. Wilson vs. [illegible]

Brief in the case of
Eliz th Wilson wid m of John
County and State of
Kentucky
act
February 1833,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband pensioned at $33.15, afterwar d $42.10 p. ann. Act 7. June 32 Marriage proved by Certificate of Clerk of Cat. from Record
Identity of husband with pensioner & of Claimant, as his widow, proved by two witnesses
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
J. G. Lair Esq. Somerset Ky.
P. M. Ware Examining Clerk.

Kentucky
Eliz a M c Wilson widow of John -
At d 3 February 1853
Admitted H d 2 nd 10 Pr ann. from 29 th Feb. 1853
J. G. Lair Esq. Somerset Ky.

State of Kentucky Pulaski county
I James D Alcorn, Clerk of the county court, within & for the county aforesaid, do certify, that at a county court, held for said county of Pulaski, at the courthouse thereof, in the town of Somerset, on Monday the 18 th day of July 1853. The foregoing declaration of Elizabeth Wilson for a pension, was produced and sworn to in open court by the said Elizabeth Wilson, as required by law, and be it known that I am in no way interested in the obtension of said Elizabeth Wilsons claim neither am I prosecuting it - And I further certify that the aforesaid county court is a court of record having general jurisdiction.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto caused my name to be subscribed and the seal of said county court to be affixed at office in the town of Somerset this 19 th day of July 1853
James D Alcorn Clk By M c Beckins Dk