Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32394, for Peter Mason, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mason, Peter
S 32394
CONTENTS

Indiana 25472
Kentucky
Peter Massey
of Campbell in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Fleming of the right commanded by _____ in the Virginia line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 40 Dollars & 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Jan y 1833 and No. 1833 John W. Noble
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 100.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March 20.00 $120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by John W. Noble Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 7 Page 24
Letter to Hon James Rariden & Co to Pension Agt. 30 th Sept 1837
To Madison Indiana from 4 th Sept 1838. Agt notified to Hon J. Rariden 29 th Oct 1839. Centreville Indiana
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th Sept 1838 to 4 March 1839. Agt notified 1. June 1840
Date of death not on B

State of Kentucky } County of Campbell } ss. On this 26 th day of August 1833. Personally appeared, in open court before the court of Campbell County now sitting Peter Mason, a resident of the aforesaid state and county, aged sixty nine years, on the 22 nd day of the present month, this is the information of his Father, Who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the ben- efit of the Act of Congress passed on the 7 th June 1832. — That he entered the service of the United States in the year 1778, as a volunteer, and in the 14 th year of his age, to the best of my recollection it was, on the 24 th day of October of the year 1778 that I entered the Army and I continued till some time after Cornwallis surrendered to Washington making three years at least; I am not certain of the exact time I served but am certain that it was three years, and some more. I was Young and cared but little about being particular about dates. After peace was concluded I went to sea, and con- tinued at sea for about seven years, and then returned to the state of Virginia. The names of the Officers un- der whom I served were as follows, Colo. Henry Towe Capt. William Tuning; Lieut. Edward Blackmore, Ensg. William Bisco. but he soon became Lieutenant, and then were many changes that I cannot precisely state, and while I was in the service I was employed in guarding the shores of the Rivers Rappahannock and Couritumng, in the state of Virginia. He states that he was in no battle while in the service. That he knows of no person that he can prove his service by, but remembers that he drew his musket at the house of Colo. Towe, and that James Ewell was the Maj r . 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 in the Union sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Peter Mason
We John Stephens a clergyman, residing in the county of Campbell, and Joseph Savin a respectable person residing in the aforesaid county, and neighborhood of the said Peter Mason certify that he is reputed and believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we believe him to be of the age of sixty nine years, and we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. { John Stephens Joseph C. Savin
Where and in what year were you born? answer. I was born in Lancaster county in the state of Virginia, on the 22 nd day of August 1764. This is the information of my parents as I have no documentary evidence of my age. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live. Ans. I lived when called into service in the county of Lancaster in the state of Virginia, from there I went to sea, and after my return from sea I live in the aforesaid state for many years, the precise number I do not recollect, and from there I came to the state of Kentucky near twenty years ago, and now live in the same state and county of Campbell.
How were you called into service, Ans. I was a volunteer all the time, and never received a copper for my pay. The names of the Officers mentioned in the body of my declaration are all that I remember distinctly — And the court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations 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 John Stephens who has signed the preceding certifi- cate is a Clergyman Joseph Tannin is a person of credibility and respectability, and that they both live in the same neighborhood of the said Peter Mason, and their statement is entitled to credit Wm A. Pendleton D.C.
Kentucky: Campbell County, to wit:
I William A. Pendleton, Deputy Clerk of the County aforesaid, in the State of Kentucky, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Peter Mason for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Office, this 27 th day of August, 1833.
Wm A. Pendleton, D.C.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Letter of the Pension in and for the county of Campbell, and state of Kentucky Peter Mason who being duly sworn, deposes and saith that by reason of old age, and more particularly loss of memory, he cannot swear, positively, as to the precise length of service, but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the period mention- ed below. For three years and one month, I served as a private and for such service I claim a pension. Peter Mason Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27 th day of Octr. 1833. Lawrence Baker A.P. 66.67
Hon. A. M. Johnson Geo. T. Tannin John Stephens

State of Ky. Campbell County, to wit.
I John M Taliaferro, Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do Certify that Samuel Baker whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificate is an Acting Justice of the peace in & for said County & that the signature to said Certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 23 d Dec r . 1833.
John M Taliaferro Clerk Campbell County Court
Peter Mason Deputy Clerk

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
State of Indiana
County of Jay ss.
On this Eighteenth day of September 1839
before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Jay personally appeared Peter Mason
who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain William Channing in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Soule in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Kentucky from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State (District, or Territory,) of Indiana where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The following are his reasons for removing from the State of Kentucky to the State of Indiana. That he had lost his companion and that his children had removed to Indiana and that he wishes to be with them
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Peter Mason Daniel W McNeal Justice of the peace Seal
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The County Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

December 30, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL Peter Mason-S.32394
Mrs. B.F.Springer 513 W. Walnut Street Portland, Indiana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Peter Mason, who received a pension in 1840, at the age of seventy-six years: you request, also, to know the place of his burial in Jay County, Indiana.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.32394, based upon the military service in that war of Peter Mason.
Peter Mason was born in the state of Virginia, August 22, 1764. The county in Virginia where he was born and the names of his parents are not shown. over
While residing in Lancaster County, Virginia, Peter Mason volunteered October 24, 1778, served as a private in Captain William Chouning's Company, Colonel Henry Towles' Virginia Regiment; length of service, three years and one month.
After peace was concluded, he went to sea, continued at sea for seven years, then returned to Virginia, resided there for many years, then moved to Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 26, 1833, while residing in Campbell County, Kentucky, where he had resided for twenty years.
In 1839, he had removed to Jay County, Indiana, and then stated that his wife was dead and his children had moved to that state. No names are given of wife and children.
The place of burial of Peter Mason is not shown.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the
could not identify officers there was a Capt. Chouning but not H. M. Oliver Towles was a col. in Va line. Henry Towles was a Lt of the 5th in 1776 & his serv. is not finished in 1781 so he may have gone over to be a col. of militia.
Date of death not on file
name and address of person said and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Peter Mason(S.32394), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Peter Mason, Certificate No.25472, issued January 13, 1833, rate $40 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Indiana Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator,

State of Indiana } Dag County } In this Eighteenth day of September 1839 before me the subscriber a justice of the peace for the said County of Dag Personally appeared Isaac Hearn who on his oath declares that the person who made the foregoing or has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit sworn to and subscribed } Isaac Hearn before me this day } year first above written } Daniel M c Neal { Seal } Justice of the peace
State of Indiana } Dag County } I Daniel M c Neal hereby certify that Isaac Hearn the witness who has made the above oath to the identity of Peter Mason the above named Prisoner is a man of veracity and that his testimony may be relied on as such Given under my hand and Seal this Eighteenth day of September 1839 Daniel M c Neal { Seal } Justice of the peace

State of Indiana } J. Christopher Hanna Clerk Jay County } of the Jay Circuit Court do } certify that Daniel McVea Esq. before whom the foregoing Oaths were taken is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly Elected Commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be Given to all his official acts as such—
Witness Christopher Hanna State of } Clerk of our said Court and Indiana Jay } the Seal thereof this 18 th Circuit Court } day of September A D 1839 } C. Hanna Clerk

Peter H. Brown Kentucky
amend it, & send it to me as soon as possible, and before I may be tried that will do.
Ph. R. Johnson #40
I can vouch for the respectability of Mr. Baker. I hope the Slavery will soon pass. Ph. R. Johnson
Dear Brother
Wm. R. M. Johnson Jct & City, Ken
do what you can to amend enclose to me & will do all I can. Direct to the City Ph. R. Johnson

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 subjoined 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, showing the Service of Peter Mason
   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.  
The applicant should set forth each term of service as required by the regulations of the Dept. in the note.
The regulations have not been complied with in this case. Nov 2. 1833 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) _____ 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 inquiry 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 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 here 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 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 fix 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 subscribe to 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 equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is 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.

Oct 14
D
No Evan
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commrs Peabody Washington D.C.

Northam Park of Kentucky Lexington Ky Octo 1839
J. S. Edwards Esq Sir,
Yours of the 30 ulto is to hand In answer to which, I have to inform you, that Peter Mason a steward, on the roll of this agency; under act 7 June 32. at rate of 40 dollars per annum, was last paid at this agency on the 4 September 1838. and will not hereafter be paid here.
Respectfully I. Belford By James A. Grinstead per clerk

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
April 28 th , 1840.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Peter Mason, _____ a Pensioner on the Roll of the Madison, Ind. Agency, at the rate of Forty _____ Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 2 nd of Sept. 1838, to the 4 th March 1839.
Respectfully, yours,
William B. Parsons
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

J. V. R.
Sept 30
Mr. Garrison
Secretary of War
Pension Office
Washington City D.C.

Centerville Sept 22 nd 1835
The Secy at War
I Enclose you an
application for a Transfer of the pen- sion of a pensioner who has recently removed from Kentucky to my district please attend to it very respectfully
James Rand
Secy at War
Pension Certificate also enclosed.

32 394 Rex INVALID.
File No. 32,394
Peter Mason
Rev Rev was
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 256
[Arrangement of 1870.]

APS
Portland Ind Nov. 21 - 36
Veterans Bureau.
Would you please tell me, if possible about one Peter 3 Mason, a revolutionary soldier who in 1840 at the age of 76 recieved a pension. We want this for our Indiana Roster.
Can you tell where in Jay County Indiana, he is buried? We are unable to locate his grave.
Sincerely
Mrs B. F. Springer Vice-Regent - 513 W. Walnut St Portland, Ind.