Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 8754, for John Stoakes, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
No
Stoakes, John Stokes
W 8754
Benjamin
Sarah
CONTENTS

Kentucky
John Stakes
Graves Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the com d by Captain Herreod of the reg t com d by Maj McCleary on the volunteer line for 1 year and 8 months
Order to pay 24 Oct 1837
W. 14 Jan 1842 Hon
L Boyd
W. to do 17 Jan 1842
Enrolled on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Oct 1837 and Stephen W Perkins
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 166.65 Pension allowance ending Mar 33 33
$199 98
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 28

State of Kentucky, Graves County.
On this 16th day of May 1833. Personally appeared James  James Cargill. Composing the County Court of Graves County and now sitting. John Stokes a resident in the County and State aforesaid in the 70th 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 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated,
This Declarant, according to his former record was born in Brunswick County Virginia on the 8th April 1764 in which place he, with his parents removed to the County of Pasquotank North Carolina. While he was yet in his infancy, in the year 1779 his applicant was called into the service of the United States by draft from the County of Pasquotank for the term of three months, tho he only served 1 month of the time as his place was taken by his Brother David Stokes, who served out the balance of the time. During this month (which this declarant served) he was stationed with the troops at Hillsborough, N.C. But in consequence of his at the time of service extreme youth & his short service, he cannot now recollect the officers under whom he served nor the day or the month he entered or quit the service.
In the spring of the year of 1780 he volunteered his services to fight for the troops he first served on Dan River, and Saluda and served up the river in a Rock house near the mouth of Atico. He served here 3 months under an Sergeant Raymond.
In the month of August 1781 the said John Stokes took the place of Col Stokes a relation of his who had volunteered for three months from Pasquotank County N.C. the said John Stokes served in the Company of Capt Harold the first name was then a good and belonged to the division to which Major McCleary belonged from Caswell County they marched to High Bridge Plantation, where they met with Genl Greene's Army and joined him and on the 7th September was in the Battle of the Eutaw Springs Green commanded, Col William  William Hinton was slightly wounded and conveyed to Charleston S.C.
After the British had returned he conveyed the wounded to the Baggage Waggons. Then took Charge

of some prisoners who were taken in the battle and conveyed thence from the Eutaw Springs, to between Saul- bury and Charlotte, when we were met by a new guard and who took charge of them and we were then discharged after two months service his dis- charge was signed by Major McClellan.
In the latter part of 1781 after the battle of the Eutaw Springs Joel Stokes enlisted in the state troops of North Carolina in the county of Caswell, for the term of twelve months. His declaration of enlistment again in his place and served out the said Joel Stokes time of 12 months a few days before the term of service expired this declaration received a furlough from Major Bennet Crafton who then commanded the corps he the said Stokes belonged and before the furlough elapsed the troops were discharged and he received no other discharge than his furlough the corps that this declaration belonged to during the said 12 months was a detached part of the state troops of North Carolina Major Crafton was the Commanding Officer this declaration belonged to Captain William Jones Company during a portion of the time Major Crafton with the troops that the said Joel Stokes belonged also placed at Hillsborough N.C. for the purpose of guarding the Legislature which was then in session from the incursions of the Tories after the adjournment the adjournment of the legislature said John Stokes marched with the troops to Haw River where they took a river where they built a stockade here they took a deserter who was tried and hung from a tree from to Churning Creek Thence to Deep River, Thence ash Pole, here they came in contact with General F. Marion's, (men of their time they were enemies,) Major Crafton's men gave the troops of Marion a fire before the mistake was discovered, but fortunately done no damage, Marion was in pursuit of a noted tory by the name of Leaming when Crafton's troops and his men, Thence near Little Pude, Thence to

Hillsborough When this declarant rec d his furlough - In the latter part of 1780. This declarant, volunteered as a ranger from Lee's Creek County N.C. and served in the neighborhood of Hillsborough under Capt. Harold D. months nothing occurred during this service of importance only the conveying some Tory Prisoners from Hillsborough to Halifax, N.C. When he rec d his discharge from Capt Harold,
After the war the said John Stokes moved from Lee's Creek County N.C. to Wilkes County Georgia where he had the misfortune to have his house consumed by fire together with all his property, his discharge his furlough and the records of his age. Also consumed at the same time and place. And never having expected to have rec d a pension, he did not charge his memory with the money incidents, which took place during his service nor the days of the months he entered or quit the service and by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he can not now re- collect or refresh his memory on those subjects, he says the whole time spoken of as a private, he knows of no one by whom he can prove his ser- vices. From Wilkes County he moved back to North Carolina, thence to Surry County, thence to Graves County N.C. When he has resi- ded in Surry he is acquainted with no one giving in his neighborhood or county, in consequence of the newness of the Society of that por- tion in the country.
He hereby requests any claim to a pension or annuity, except the property and deeds that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Subscribed the day and year the day & year aforesaid John Stokes John Stokes his mark
Mr. Thomas B Brown residing in the County of Graves and
Edmund Adams residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Stokes who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be in his 70 th years of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Tho B Brown.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Edmund Adams the day and year aforesaid Edmund Adams Sworn to and subscribed in open court in open court the day & year aforesaid. Tho Anderson aged

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 & served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Thomas B Brown who has signed the preceding certificate is a  is a resident in the County of Graves & that Edmund Adkins who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Graves and are credible persons that their statements are entitled to credit. William Armstrong, James Crawford, Daniel T. Cozart.
I John Anderson Clerk of the court of Graves County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Stokes for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office.
This 16 th day of May 1833
John Anderson

11.025
Kentucky
Sarah Stokes (widow)
John Stokes Who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and enrolled on the 28 th April 1840 of Grady Co. in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Harrod of the regt commanded by Maj McCleary the W. Co. line for
Let to Hon. Simon Boyd Jany 8 th 1842
Inscribed on the Roll of Louisville at the rate of 39 3/4 Dollars 32 Cents per annum on the 1 st day of March 1840.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Jany 1831 and sent to Hon. Simon Boyd House of Reps
Total amount. Special Act Jany 5 th 1848 85 A Rev of Sept 28 th 1832 [Jany 7, 1833.]
Recorded by J. H. McLaughlin Clerk. Book 10. Vol. 1. Page 373

State of Kentucky
Graves County 3 Set
On this 36 day of November - 1844 personally appeared before me James Fike - an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County of Graves and State against Sarah Stokes, aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July the 4 th 1836 - and of a Resolution of said Congress passed July the 7 th 1838 - That she is the widow of John Stokes who was a private in the Army of the Revolution & served therein in manner & form as by him is stated and filed of record in the pension office at Washington City - and that the said John Stokes was in the receipt of his pension up to the time of his death - as his pension certificate filed in the pension office of Record will show - She further declares that she was married to the said John Stokes early in the year 1784 - That her maiden name was Sarah Hall daughter of Henry Hall of Anson County State of North Carolina and that she married to said John Stokes in said County of Anson & State of N. Carolina, that she has no record of her marriage nor of the different births of her children nor does she know that any ever existed - But she states that as the wife of said John Stokes she has had by him the following children to wit Sally who was born in the year 1784 near the end thereof - Betty born in 1786 - William born 1788 - David born 1790 - Polly born 1792 - Phebe born 1794 - Thomas born 1796 - Susan born 1798 - Vincent born 1800 and Lucinda Stokes born 1802 - That after her said marriage to John Stokes in Anson County North Carolina (which she states took place

before her said husband was finally discharged from the Army) they removed to Wilkes County & State of Georgia - then back again to Suran County of Carolina, then to Berks County N. Carolina, then to Stuart County State of Tennessee - then to Maury County same State - then to Bragg County same State then to said County of Graves & State of Kentucky in the year 1832 - That she cannot now recollect the day of the week nor the month in which she was married, but knows it was early in the year 1784 - February or March - That her husband the aforesaid John Stokes died on the 19 th day of April 1840 in said County of Graves - and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to & Subscribed on the day & year above written before me James Fike _____
Sarah her Stokes seal mark.
a Sister of the person as you? - James Fike J.P. G.C.
State of Kentucky Graves County 3 rd Set - On this day personally came before me the Subscribed a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Graves - James Hamblit (well known to me) who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath state - That he was born on the 22 nd day of November 1777 - in Montgomery County State of S. Carolina which County afterwards became of the same State, that in his earliest recollection

He distinctly remembers his acquaintance with Henry Hall & his family including his daughter Sarah - That he also recollects John Stokes about the close of the Revolutionary war, and though then but a child some seven years old or hardly so much he will recollect being present on the day that John Stokes & Sarah Hall now Sarah Stokes was married - he does not recollect to have been actually present at the ceremony but was on the grounds and partook as a child of the wedding festival - He further states that he has known said John Stokes & Sarah his said wife from that time until the death of said John in this County which took place in April 1840. He knows them to be the same persons - and he has within the last few days seen the said Sarah & knows her to be identical person that has professed as the wife of said John Stokes from about the year 1784 - He further states that he has known their children & that they are the same in name & he believes in age as set forth by said Sarah in her own declaration (a part hereof) and that from his knowledge of said John Stokes & said Sarah he does verily believe her statements in said declaration are true -
James L. ... (42)
Sworn to & subscribed before me - on this the 2 nd day of November - 1844
James Fike - pp 9.6.

State of Kentucky Graves County S.R.
On this day personally came before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in & for said County James Gambling (well known to me) aged 56 years - who being first duly sworn according to Law on his oath states, that he has been acquainted with Sarah Stokes for the last ten years & was also acquainted with her husband John Stokes up to the day of his death which took place in said County of Graves on the 19 day of April 1839. He further states that he is acquainted with several of their children - and he further states that some years before the death of said John Stokes said John informed him that the said Sarah (now his widow) had been his wife for fifty two years - and he states that from his own knowledge of the family he does verily believe the tenements contained in the declaration of said Sarah are true. He further states that she is quite infirm & unable to go to & attend any Court the nearest of which is held at least twelve miles from her -
Sworn to & Subscribed before me. this 26 day of November - 1844.
James Gambling Justice of the Peace
James M. McGehee J.P. S.G.
State of Kentucky Graves County S.R.
This day also personally came before me. James Fike - a Justice of the peace in & for said County Calvin Rutherford (personally known to me) - who being first duly sworn according to Law, on his oath states, that he knows said John Stokes departed this life on the 19 day of April 1840 - and that his widow the said Sarah owing to her great age & bodily infirmity

is unable to go to court to make her said declaration to obtain her pension - she further states that he knows several of her children, whose names and apparent ages correspond with her said statements - and that from his knowledge of John Stokes in his life time and of their family for the last ten years he verily believes the statements in her said declaration are true - Sworn to & subscribed on the Calvin Rutherford said day & year above written before me. James Fike Jp. G.6
State of Kentucky, Graves county S.P. On this 27 th day of November - 1844 - personally appeared before me James Fike - a Justice of the peace in the said county Elizabeth Stokes (personally known to me) who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath state & declare that on the 9 th day of December 1844 she will be seventy one years of age - and that she has been acquainted with the said Sarah Stokes wife of John Stokes for the last fifty or years, in North-Carolina, Tennessee & Kentucky - she further states that when she first became acquainted with said Sarah Stokes fifty odd years ago she had three children by her husband the said John Stokes (now dead) and that she knows that the said Sarah has always been known and reputed as the wife of said John Stokes - and that from her knowledge of said Sarah & her children she has no doubt of the truth of her declaration made in this case - & that she remains in her said sworn to & subscribed on the day & Elizabeth Stokes mark James Fike Jp. G.6

State of Kentucky, Graves County S.D.
17 November 1844-
On this 26 th day personally came me James Pike a Justice of the peace in and for said County Reizah Hamblet aged Sixty Seven years in June 1845 - who being first duly sworn and sworn to law, doth on her oath State & declare, that in June next she will be Sixty Seven years of age - and that she is acquainted with the said Sarah Stokes wife of the said John Stokes and has known her as the wife of said John Stokes since - for more than fifty years that she has known her in North-Carolina, and Kentucky - and that when she first became acquainted with said John & Sarah Stokes or Stokes they had three children living - and from her knowledge of her & her children I have no doubt of the truth of her declaration in this case - and that she is still the widow of said John - Sworn to & subscribed before me. Elizabeth Hamblet on the day & year above written -
James Pike J.P. S.D.
State of Kentucky, Graves County S.D.
I James Pike - as a Justice of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforementioned Sarah Stokes or Stokes widow of John Stokes since - and with James Hamblet, and with James Gamblein - and with Calvin Pentecost, and with Elizabeth Stokes and with Reizah Hamblet, & that they are all credible persons and that their several statements are respectively entitled to credit - Given under my hand this
27 th day of November - 1844 -
James Pike J.P. S.D.

State of Kentucky Graves County S.R.
I James Lake a Justice of the peace in for said County do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Sarah Stokes - and do know that by reason of her bodily infirmity & great age she is unable to attend in court - I further certify that she still remains unmarried and the widow of said John Stokes dec d - and that the different interlineations in the declaration of said Sarah Stokes and of some of the witnesses were all made before the same was signed - to wit the word "agree" in the third line of her declaration - and the word "leaving" in the 12 th line of the affidavit of Elizabeth Stokes - and the words of November 1844 - as contained in the affidavit of Kizziah Hamblet - and the words "and that they in all their affidavits of credibility - all of which I do hereby certify - Given under my hand this 27 th day of November 1844.
James Lake J.P. S.R.
I Conner Anderson Clerk of the County Court of Graves County State of Kentucky do certify that James Lake whose name is signed to the foregoing declaration of Sarah Stokes and to the affidavits of James Hamblet, James Gamblin, Calum Rutherford, Elizabeth Stokes and Kizziah Hamblet and to two certificates is now and was at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace in and for Graves County and a member of the County Court of said County and the said signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County Court of said County hereunto this 27 th of Novr 1844 Conner Anderson

e V 25383
John Steahes Graves County Kentucky
from 1779 present 11 yrs & mo $ 66 \frac{66}{100}
3334 5 106.65
Stephen W Perkins Mayfield Graves County Kentucky

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 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 show 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, showing the Service of John Stokes Graves 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.     Draft 1779 — 1 — private Genl. Green Officers not recollected 70 years Caswell County N. Carolina Traditionary - paper Correct   Vol. Apr. 1780 — 3 — privt. Sergt. Raymond   Sub - Aug. 1781 — 2 — privates Capt Harold Major McCleary   Sub - 1781 1 — — " Major Grafton, Capt W. Jones   Vol - 1782 — 2 — ranger Capt Harold Baker at Eutaw Springs  
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.
[c] 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:—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 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 22 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.

Send a copy of the letter containing the objections to the allowance of the widow's claim, and send her habeas, but not the husband's, to
Anne L. Boyd, H.R.

The Cent. Works, you to file this letter and give info. up. S. Service

6372
Sarah Stokes
1847
and
Suspended
Wty to J. B. West and Co.
Plant 13th '45
Sol to Elisha Smith Oct 16 '44
" to Hon. J. P. Martin 20 July 1846
E. Smith Octo. 17. 1846
Act July 4 th 1841

John Stokes. Ken. Ad. of June 1832 to what time paid? Pen Office
Jan 14. 1811 2
Pair to 4 th March 1810.
Van Syn

Letter to Hon. G. W. Jones Chairman of Senate Com te May 29/50

Mr Boyce begs leave to call Mr Evans attention to the omission of the word adollars in the certificate here- with returned for amendment.
St. Johns Jany 4 th /57.
Please state whether Mr Shetton will not apply at Piquay Coleraine for the money Boyce

U. S. Supreme Court.
Raleigh, Mar. 11, 1897.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:- I will thank you very much to send me a copy of the application of John Stokes of N. C. for a pension for services in the war of the Revolution. My object in asking this favor is to furnish data to a friend of mine in New York, who is preparing sketches of the lives of the members of the Continental Congress (1774-1788). He has already completed those of the members from most of the original States.
Yours truly,
Thos. S. Kenan
Photostat.

OLD WAR & NAV MAY 18 1901

Pay  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8754
Sarah Stokes Wid. of John Stokes Pro. N.C. line
Act: Spec. Aug. 5, 48 § 41. Res. Sept. 28/50
Index:—Vol. 110 , Page 242
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr. 10. 1894 - History to Mr. Thos. S. Kenan Raleigh - N.C.

No 14.262
Sarah Stokes, dec. widow of John try
SI case Act of Aug 5, 1828 St. Louis Nov 28 1830
places a roll in the hands of J. L. L. 13/4 per share $293.32, payable to Jonathan St. L. Administrator of the estate of Sarah St. for the benefit of the
Mr. Louis Royal Nov 1

THIRTIETH CONGRESS—FIRST SESSION.
Report No. 111.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 100.]
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SARAH STOKES.
JANUARY 19, 1848.
Mr. S. LAWRENCE, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT :
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Sarah Stokes, widow of John Stokes, a deceased soldier of the revolutionary army, report:
That it appears from the statements of the petitioner that she is the widow of John Stokes, a soldier of the Revolutionary army; that he was, at the time of his death, a pensioner on the pension roll of the United States, and entitled to the sum of sixty-six dollars and sixty-three cents per annum. He died in April, 1840.
The petitioner alleges that she was married to said John Stokes prior to 1794, and on the 2d of July, 1781; that no record of her marriage, either public or private, was ever made to her knowledge; that her maiden name was Sarah Hall.
The fact that her late husband, John Stokes, was a pensioner, appears from the pension rolls; and he is proved to have died in 1840, as stated by the petitioner.
To prove the marriage, several affidavits, duly taken and authenticated, as to form and credibility, have been submitted. James Hamblit swears that he distinctly recollects his acquaintance with Henry Hall and his family, including Sarah, his daughter; that he also recollects John Stokes, about the close of the war; that he well recollects being present at the wedding of said John Stokes and Sarah Hall, though then but a child. He also deposes that he has known said John Stokes and Sarah, his wife, from that time until the time of his decease in April, 1840—he knows them to be the same persons; that he has within the last few days seen the said

Sarah, and knows her to be the identical person that has passed as the wife of said John Stokes from about the year 1784.
Several other witnesses depose that they have known said John and Sarah as man and wife; that they have lived and cohabited together as such, to the knowledge of deponent, upwards of fifty years. One witness swears that she knew them upwards of fifty years ago, and then they had several children.
The evidence in this case is not sufficient, under the strict rules adopted at the Pension Office, to entitle the applicant to a pension under existing laws; and she applies for a special act, by which she shall be placed upon the pension roll.
In this case the applicant should not be required to prove the service of the soldier: his pension certificate and enrolment as pensioner, is proof of that fact. The proof produced is, in the judgment of this committee, conclusive that the petitioner is the widow of said pensioner, and that they were married prior to the year 1794.
The committee, therefore, ask leave to report a bill requiring the Secretary of War to place her name on the pension roll, and allow her a pension of sixty-six dollars and sixty-three cents per annum during her natural life.

22. 30. 21
Payments to be made at Sixon  St. Louis by The Pres d W th Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Kentucky
John St. Louis
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 7 Page 28 by David R. Boyd Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Shoaker of the State of Kentucky who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Sixty Six dollars and Sixty Six 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 21 st day of Oct one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
John P. Kirtland Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
Geo. M c Crump
actg Commissioner of Pensions

Mayfield, Graves County Ky May 17 th 1833 Dear Sir
I take the privilege of troubling you, with the investigation of an application for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1833. By John Stokes of this County a revolutionary soldier, and I will merely say to you that he is a poor feeble but honest old man, he is entirely unable to employ an agent (as it seems to be the custom here with applicants,) to investigate and attend to his application, It is with difficulty that he can procure a pittance for the support of himself and a decrepit wife, he lives 12 miles from the County seat and it was with difficulty that he could get to court, in order to make his declaration, Any communication which you may make it can be directed to him at this place which will be thankfully recd.
Yours Respectfully
Steph d O. Perkins

Petition of Sarah Niles widow of John Niles deceased praying for a pension.
December 30 1847 Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
January 19, 1848. No 1000
March 3, 1850 Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
April 11 th 1850. Joint Resolu- tion No 11.

Capt.
Pentagon Office, January 13. 1885.
The papers in the case of Sarah Stokes, widow of John Stokes claiming a pension under the act of July 11. 1836, have been examined and it appears hereunder that, in accordance with the regulations of the Department, the proceedings before the single magistrate must be submitted to and approved by a board of officers duly organized and acting as such. The date of the marriage should be ascertained by public or private record or documentary evidence, and until the Dept. is satisfied that such exists, none other can be received. The certificate of the Comptroller and Secretary of State of N. Carolina should be produced showing the alleged services of John Stokes who swears in his declaration that he served as a private in 1779 officers not enrolled in 3 months in 80 under Dug. Hays and in 81 two months under Capt. Harold and Major McChery same year, one year under Major Crompton and Capt. William Jones, and 2 months in 1782 under Capt. Harold.
Yours Respectfully (Signed) J. L. Bruns
W. B. Harkness Esq. Pentagon D.C.

Pension Office
May 29. 1850
Sir,
In reference to the Joint Resolution for the relief of the children of Sarah Stokes deceased, I respectfully submit that there does not appear any objection to the passage of the same.
The papers in the case are herewith returned.
I have the Honor to be Very Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t
J L Edwards
Hon Geo. W Jones Chairman of the Committee on Pensions U.S. Senate

E. Hutton Leave on journey
Mr Lynn Boyd esq.
Paid 10
Washington City D.C.
Oak Ridge Ky
Feb 18
Mr Boyd

Ho Raper March 1 st 1850.
By act of congress passed the 5 th of August 1848 Mrs Sarah Stokes was placed on the list of revolutionary pensioners & was to receive $66.63 cts per annum from the 4 th day of Sept 1848, she however died on the 29 th of July of that year, & it remains for congress to determine whether the amount which under that act would have accrued to her on the 29 th July 1848 should be allowed to her heirs. My Shillons statements are strictly true.
Simon B. Raper

1 State of Kentucky Graves County sit.
on this 19th day of August 1845 personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid Sarah Stokes a resident of the county of Graves State of Kentucky aged 83 years on the 22 d of September 1845 and on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of congress passed July 7 th 1836 entitled "an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows" that she is the widow of John Stokes who was a private (as she was informed by her husband) in the militia but being ignorant of his service or his officers she must refer to his original for a pension he drew $66.66 per year for Revolutionary services by application filed in the court in the county of Graves, he departed this life the 23 d April 1840 at the age of seventy six in September following he died in the county of Graves Kentucky, she further declares that she was married to the said John Stokes on the 11 th of July 1781 in the county of Warren in S Carolina before marriage her name was Sarah Kaul, that she was not married to him as she now believes her memory from old age and disease being imperfect, before having the service but the marriage took place previous to the 1 st of January 1794 (wait at the time above stated) since the death of her husband she has never married and is now a widow. She does not know of any person living in Kentucky by whom she can prove her marriage sworn & subscribed to this day and date above written.
Sarah her Stokes mark
James McKee J.P.

I James Pike a justice of the peace for the County of Graves do certify that the foregoing named Sarah Stokes on the day and date in her declaration as sworn and subscribed according to law personally appeared before me I also certify she is the identical Sarah Stokes the reputed wife of John Stokes deceased who was a pensioner for revolutionary services when he died some years since in the County aforesaid and also that she is reputable and to be believed on oath I also certify that she is unable to ride to the Court-house of sd. County given under my hand This 14 day of August 1845.
James Pike J.P.
State of Kentucky
Graves County set on this 21 st day of Aug. 1845 before the undersigned a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid personally appeared James Humble a resident of said County aged 67 years who being first sworn sworn as required by law on his oath made the following declaration that for upwards of Sixty years he knew well the foregoing John Stokes and his reputed wife Sarah Stokes, at the time of the death of the said John Stokes he was a revolutionary pensioner of this County and the aforesaid Sarah Stokes is the widow of the said John Stokes aforesaid and she has not since married - no person in the neighborhood ever doubted their marriage and they were recognised as man and wife until his death

They raised a family of children in good credit The oldest now living is I suppose 47 years of age The the sd Sarah Stokes is old and infirm and in need of assistance Sworn and subscribed to this 3 James Hand day and year above written. 3 John Eater V.P.
State of Kentucky
Graves County set on this 21 st day of August 1845 before the undersigned a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid personally appeared Samuel Seaman a resident of said County aged thirty One years who being first sworn as required by law on his oath made the following declaration That for upwards of Twelve years he knew well the foregoing John Stokes and his reputed wife Sarah Stokes at the time of the death of the said John Stokes he was a revolutionary pensioner of this County and the aforesaid Sarah Stokes is the widow of the said John Stokes aforesaid and she has not since married, no person in the neighborhood ever doubted their marriage and they were recognized as man and wife until his death They raised a family of children in good credit the oldest now living is I suppose 48 years of age she the said Sarah Stokes is old and infirm and in need of assistance sworn and subscribed to this day and year above written John Eater V.P. Saml Seaman

I John Walker a justice of the peace for the county of Graves do certify that the above on this day was sworn to and subscribed according to law The above declaration before me I also certify. That said witnesses who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration is reputable and to be believed on oath given under my hand this 21 st day of August - 1845
John Walker J.P.
State of Kentucky
Graves county - ss
on this day personally appeared before the undersigned an acting justice of the peace in and for sd county Joshua Gambling a resident of sd county aged 35 years and made oath that John Stokes who was a revolutionary pensioner in this county and who died in sd county on or about the 23 d of April 1832 and that no administration has ever taken place on the estate of the said John Stokes
Sworn and subscribed to this 21 st day of August
John Walker J.P.
Joshua his Gambling his mark
I John Walker a justice of the peace in and for the county of Graves do certify that the above named Joshua Gambling the day and date as in his affidavit above sworn to

5 and subscribed said affidavit according to law I also certify that he is reputable and to be believed on oath given under my hand This 21 st day of August 1845
John Walker Sp.
State of Kentucky Graves County Set.
I Edwin Anderson Clerk of the Court of Graves County Certify that James T. Tice and John Walker Esqrs are Magistrates as above and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be their's are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and Subscribed my name This 21 st day of August 1845 Edwin Anderson

No 1
Col. Edwards
According to the request of 2 small bags of Mount Vernon Mocambo tea bags I enclose the written to you
Very truly Yours F. Bell

State of Kentucky Graves County Court etc. September Term 1846
Be it remembered that at a County Court began and held for Graves County at the Court house in Mayfield on the 21 st day of September 1846 the declaration of Sarah Stokes & the accompanying affidavits was presented to the Court and it is certified that James Fike whose name is signed to the affid- avits is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for Graves County and that this Court is a Court of record.
I Ervin Anderson Clerk of the County Court of Graves County State of Kentucky do certify that the foregoing is a true copy - of the order made relative to this Court being a Court of record and James Fike being a member thereof.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the County Court of said County to be hereunto affixed given under my hand Sept r 21 st 1846
Ervin Anderson

6372
Yaralo Stokes
Fr w
Act. July 4 th 36

Paducah State of Ky. Nov. 28. 1844.
Dear Sir:
Enclosed you have the pension certificate of John Stokes - and the application of his widow Sarah Stokes for a pension. Stokes died on the 19 th of April 1840 - although an witness says the 19 th of April 1839. - The claims under laws no doubt are known to the department - If her claim is allowed please forward her certificate and pay to this place. And as the old lady is very feeble and delicate in her health & strength, and greatly in need of pecuniary aid, it is hoped that as early action as practicable will be had on her case.
Respectfully your most ob st Servt. J. B. Husbands
J. L. Edwards Commission of Pensions

Dear Sir,
Mayfield 28 th Dec 1841
an old revolutionary pensioner by the name of John Stokes died in this county a few years ago and his family are anxious to obtain a memorandum of his revolutionary services
His original declaration is on file in the pension office and you will confer a favor on his descendants If you will call there and extract from it the detail of his services giving dates names of officers and length of tours He & etc and send it to me by return of mail
The weather has been muddled here for the last month - we had our first snow on last night say two inches deep
Very respectfully your friend
Geo Anderson
As Col J. L. Edwards can furnish the information desired by Col Anderson so as to save me the trouble of

visiting his office in person, he will confer a favor on his
Obt Svt
J Bays
147 Oryz
Jany 13 th 1842
Hm 2 Bays N.Y.
As I doubt not that it is the object of Col Anderson, to gratify the family of John Starker, merely by fur- nishing them testimonials of their father's Revolutionary services, & not for the purpose of extracting testimony upon which to base a claim for a pension for the widow, I shall I shall again express the hope that the Col's wishes may be complied with
Respectfully
Your Ob Svt J Bays
Jany 17 th 1842

Mr. Vernon
August 27, 1845
Sir,
Enclosed I send you a Persian paper. I dis- cover the Clerk did not seal the ends of the string under the County seal, but you may rely upon that all is right as the whole was done by my friend under my direc- tions. The distance (upwards of 200 miles) or I would send them back. If then that it will not for that cause enclose it back to Johnathan Shelton May- field, Graves County Ky for amenity to have it done right. Please say to him the cause of the return. But I will say to you there is nothing wrong but for the want of information by the Clerk. In that you may rely upon what I say I refer you to my friend Genl. McCalla with whom you will please confer on the Honl. Amos Kendall

Had If they are not re- turned for the error of the Clerk, but the proof is sufficient, enclose them to me if permissible, or write the cause of rejection
Yr. obed. servt.
E. Smith

Pensions Office
Mayfield 3 May 18 St. Louis Gap
Fl-
Secretary of War City of Washington D.C.

Graves City Feb 14th 1950
Mr Lynn Poind Dear Sir
after my respects to you you will discover that I again solicit your influence in conjunction with your council on the Mrs Stokes case. I wish the matter finally adjusted this session of congress and know how the matter stands & wish you if you think it is consistent or reasonable to endeavor to have an act passed allowing me to draw the money as the old woman's Administrator. and then I and my securities will be bound to the heirs as they become of age or select their guardians. For though the instruction of Mr Smith not knowing her death occurred previous to the passage of the law for her benefit I became her Administrator in order to draw the money for she was not possessed of any other estate either real or personal. but when we came to compare dates we discovered that she died 6 days previous to the passage of the law hence she died the 29th of July 1948 and the law appeared to have been passed the 4th of August following. hence you will discover my reason for wishing the above position to be carried out. For several of the old woman's children are dead leaving minor heirs. and them living in different sections of the country. so it would be very difficult for me to ascertain the number or their location. hence I had much rather advertise and let them hunt me than for me to hunt after them upon uncertainties. hence I imagine that if the whole of the heirs has to be identified. that the whole matter is ended. for I do not think that I am willing to undertake the task hence for that reason I plead for the above position. again the application was made 4 years previous to her death. and now certainly the American Congress will adhere to these reasons and not be so rigid in their deliberations as to say to me. sir your 4 years real in application. and all your pleas are unavailing and ineffectual. I wish you as a man in which I place entire confidence in your integrity and influence as an American Statesman to manage the case according to your keen and penetrating judgment.

hence I wish you to give me such information as you may deem necessary on this case or the other that I have sent to you some three weeks past. and if you are put to considerable trouble on either of the cases and is successful there is no good reason why you should not be entitled to compensation for your services the same as a lawyer you will please give immediate information in relation to both cases direct your communication to Oakridge Graves Ky Ky I here with send a true copy of my letters of Administration which certainly will indentify the old ladies death. and if it should be necessary to have the county seal attached you will apprise me of that fact and I remain yours with Respt
Jonathan Shelton
State of Kentucky
Graves County court set
January term 1849
on motion of Jonathan Shelton who made oath according to law ordered that letters of Administration be granted him upon the estate of Sarah Stokes deceased whereupon the said Jonathan Shelton together with D. T. Gargile his security entered into and acknowledged their bond to the commonwealth of Ky in the penal sum of $ 500 dollars with condition according to law
a true copy. Corwin Anderson cycc