Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5698, for William Jones, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Jones, William Dorothy
R. 5698
CONTENTS
about 1100 in Warren Co. Va. & moved from there on Jan. 1, 1835 in Yancey Co. N.C.

State of Alabama County of Gay
On this the 6 th day of August in the year One thousand eight hundred & fifty five personally appear before me the undersigned James C Howell one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said county and State James McMahan aged eighty years a resident of Gay county who being duly sworn according to law says on his oath that he has no interest of any kind in the matter of which he is going to testify and is not related to any of the parties That he was born in the State of Virginia and before he left that State he was for several years personally and well acquainted with the Jones family and especially with William Jones who was also born and raised in said State of Virginia that declarant's father Redmond McMahan was a soldier of the Revolutionary War in the Virginia continental line. That William Jones and he were very intimate friends and a great deal together and when in each others

company this conversation was frequently about the war of the Revolution and that both spoke of Jones's service in said war as being an enlistment for some time or three years the precise time he cannot recollect. That declarant's father often spoke of William Jones as a true and faithful soldier, and said he was as true grit as ever thundered a musket and the Whigs were that Jones and Redmond McMahan frequently talked for hours about the services of each other the battles and hardships through which they passed and the length of time they served and from these repeated conversations his present recollection is that said William Jones enlisted and served for Three Years which fact he learned from both parties his father's enlistment being for about the same time! Declarant further states that the Jones family were all men of good character and one of his brothers was forces represented Graham County Virginia in the Legislature for several years That William Jones was a man of good standing in that country and generally esteemed by the community in which he lived what so far as his knowledge entitled regarded and believed him to have been a soldier of the

Revolutionary War and which fact he never heard disputed! That about the Year Seventeen hundred and sixty five Richard McMahon and his deponent moved to South Carolina then Berkeley county (now Yancey) that some years after this William Jones above mentioned also moved from Vir- ginia to this county and settled near this deponent where he and his wife whose maiden name was Dorothy Hampton lived and raised a family at which place said William Jones died many years ago that up to the date of his death his character continued good and that no one in the community had any better character for truth and probity than he and it was the general opinion of this commu- nity that he was a faithful soldier in the Revolution and was treated accordingly! Deponent further avers that his father Rich- ard McMahon & his wife moved from this county to what is now West Tennessee where both of them died before any pension laws were passed for all the soldiers of the Revolutionary War, that from information derived from his father and other old soldiers and the community in general both here and in Virginia he has no doubt of the truth and correctness of each fact narrated in the foregoing affidavit. Deponent further states that he has no interest

in the appearance or rejection of this case but simply testifies from a sense of duty
James his M c Mahan
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 6 th day of August 1855 and I certify that James Mc Mahan is a respectable citizen of this county and his statements are entitled to full faith and credit and I believe from his appearance he is eighty years of age I further certify that I am in no wise interested in this case in testifying whereof I have set my hand
James C. Howell
State of North Carolina County of Yancey 3 d I, David M c Carlos, clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County do certify that James C. Howell Esq r whose signature appears to the foregoing is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in said County was duly commissioned and sworn according to law. I further certify that he is a man of good character, and that James Mc Mahan the witness above is a man of good character. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at Officer on this 6 th day of August A.D. 1855
David M c Carlos clerk of Yancey City Court

W m Jones died 1 Jany 1888 Dorothy Jones died 28 July 1854

State of N o Carolina I David M. Canby Clerk
Certificate of Clerk As to death.

State of N o Carolina } David M. Canles, Clerk Yancey County } of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County do certify that it appears of Record in my office from satisfactory evidence produced before said Court that William Jones of said County died on the first day of January in the year one thousand Eight hundred & thirty five and that Dorothy Jones his Widow died on the Twenty Eight day of July in year one Thousand Eight hundred & fifty four
in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at office on this 22 nd day of February 1855
David M. Canles Clerk of Yancey County Court
Respectfully yours the Court

State of North Carolina County of Ganey } ss.
On this 22 d day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County and State, Alfred Jones to the Court Well Known who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit first of the act of Congress passed the 7 June 1832 and also the act of Congress passed the 7 day of July 1838 entitled an "Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows and for other purposes" That he is the son and legal heir of Dorothy Jones, deceased who was the widow of William Jones deceased who was his father: That his father and William Jones was born in the County of Henrico in the State of Virginia and from his age when he died about the year 1760, that he worked at the brick and stone masons trade in Richmond, Va. until he was about he was about 18 or 19 years old, when he enlisted or was drafted but things he enlisted from the County of Henrico in said State of Virginia for the term of three years, under a Captain Henderson in a Virginia Regiment of State Troops Command at times by Col's Williams and Cropper, and is of opinion that it was about the year 1778 or 1779. He further declares that William Jones often stated that his Officers (some of them) were changed and others took their places, during his period of service, and that he heard him mention the names of Capt Shields and Col. Anderson as being in some way connected with them, or under them during the period that he was in service and that he also mentioned that he was under Gen Green a good deal of the time. He further states that while under Gen Green (he believes it was) that he was marched into some portions of North and South Carolina that he was in a battle called the Eutaw Springs and an other at the ford of the Catawba, and several small skirmishes, but has forgot

ten the names and places as well as dates of these skirmishes and that after they had been in the Carolinas for a considerable length of time they were marched back to Virginia and remained there for the remainder of the war and was principally engaged in hunting up and dispersing gangs of outlaws or Tories and British in small gangs who were committing ravages on neighborhoods in the Western part of the state. He further declares that said William Jones frequently told about being (in connection with the other soldiers) in a great want of clothing and that on one occasion their provisions also gave out, and their hunger became so great that some of them killed and eat a dog. He states, that he is of opinion that said William Jones said he was at home once during his service but is not certain as to that, nor whether more than once or not. That he is not certain about the line to which his father was attached, whether it was in the continental line or in the Virginia state line as on this point the old man spoke frequently of both, and for that reason they are some who blended together in his memory, but is of opinion that his father said he was paid for said services by the state of V.A. in what he called old Pise money and that the greater part of what he got for said services was in this kind of money and which soon became so worthless that it would take ten pounds of it (£10) to buy a dinner. He further declares that William Jones stated that he continued in the service to about the close of the war, and that the fighting had almost ceased, (only small skirmishes) and that his term of service had also expired, when he was regularly and honorably discharged by his officers and received a written certificate to that effect, which he left with present declarant's grand father at the time he (said William Jones) emigrated to this state, some

years after his marriage, and as he did not go back to Virginia any more he did not know what became of it. That it was during his father's services and marches that he formed some acquaintance with the lands in N. Carolina in consequence of which (he said) he afterwards determined and did move to said State of North Carolina where he bought land and settled for life. He further declares that not a great while before his father's death a man by the name of Thomas Gardner came to his father and informed him that he could get his Pension and was about to undertake it, when the Cancer of which he was afflicted became suddenly worse and he soon after dying the matter entirely stopped and that at that time they did not know the widow could draw for her husband's services, nor did the widow know it for several years afterwards. That his Mother was old and very infirm for a long time before her death and her children much scattered over the country, and those that were near her were poor men and all professing but little general information about the Pension Laws, and men who served with the old man living in Virginia, and it also being a long ways to where they might be found to prove the service, that it was a good while before the widow finally determined to make application, and that after so determining the agent she employed did not get the papers all sworn to before she took sick and died, and that since her death the present declarant has been getting all the information he could from the older children who were with his father more, about the service the old man said he rendered that he might be enabled to do it in this application. He further declares that he does not possess any record evidence of the service nor does not know where any can be found, but supposes there may be some persons in Virginia that may know something

of said series. He further declares that the attached family Register of the births of his father and Mother's children which is in the hand writing of his father is all the evidence in relation to said marriage that he now knows of and that it has been in possession of his mother from his father's death to her death and that in that of his sister Dorothy Shepherd until he procured it to put with this declaration. That he believes there was once a record of the marriage also but does not know what has become of it. He further declares that said Family Register shows the oldest child (Lucinda now dead) to have been born 4 th day of June in the year 1789 and as his mother always said she was married precisely eleven months when her first child was born, that from this it appears that the marriage took place on, or just about the 4 th day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty eight, in the County of Wythe and State of Virginia and that his Mother's maiden name was Dorothy Hampton, and that she was also born and raised in said County of Wythe in the State of Virginia. He further avers that said William Jones died of a cancer, on the first day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five in the County of Iredell State of North Carolina and was seventy five years old at his death. He further states that Dorothy Jones his Mother died in the County of Iredell State of North Carolina on the 28 th day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, all of which will more fully appear from the accompanying testimony herewith presented. He further avers that at his Mother's death she left the following children, heirs and issue of said marriage between her and William Jones and who were living the last

time heard from, and those that are mentioned as being dead and her mind to show their ages, viz: Lucisa who is dead & Laban Jones, 3 Viney wife of Elijah Shepherd 4 Malindy wife of James Runions all of whom live in Wacon County, Ky. 5 Sarah Ann wife of Gabriel Madcap lives in Madison County, Ky. 6 Phoebe who is dead but was the wife of Julius Roberson of Kentucky, 7 th Dorothy wife of John Shepherd lives in this County 8 th Preston Jones now living in Kentucky, 9 Alford Jones the present declarant, 10 and William B Jones who lives in Washington County, Tennessee - eight now living and two dead. He further avers that his father and mother were not married at the time the series above described but that it took place before the 1 st day of January 1794 at the time hereof mentioned, and that his mother continued a widow from the day of her husband's death to that of her own in the year 1854.
Alford his Jones mark
Sworn to and subscribed in open court on this 22 nd day of February A.D. 1885 and the court hereby certify that Alford Jones is a man of good character and they believe has stated the truth in the foregoing declaration signed and sworn to by him before this court. It is further certified that from satisfactory evidence it appears that William Jones died on 1 st day of January 1835 and also from the same it appears that Dorothy Jones, mother of declarant died on the 28 th July A.D. 1854 (eighteen hundred and fifty four) Intestacy whereof I, as chairman have set my hand.
J. P. D. Chairman

State of N. Carolina 3 d David McEntire Clerk of the Yancey County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify that J. D. Poole Esq. is acting Chairman of our said Court duly Commissioned and authorized according to Law and the signature above purporting to be his is genuine in testimony whereof I further certify that Alfred Jones is duly appointed Administrator of Dorothy Jones Deceased and has given Bond with approved security & has rec d letters of Administration and sworn according to Law. and I further certify that Alfred Jones appeared in Court and was duly sworn and subscribed to this declaration as appears of Record in my Office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set My seal of Office & Subscribed my name at Office in Burnsville the 22 d day of February 1855 David McEntire Clerk of Yancey County Court

No 15,274 Dorothy Jones a and William L.C. Aug 7. 1838 A
Revolutionary Claim origins Alford Jones Declaration William Jones N.C. - c 1832 must be original case Cole
S. Godwin Present
S. Godwin Present

1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812
1498 was the the 13th day was the first some may think it is not it is not I am for ever your friend

L. Goodwin Benson

Abner Jones was Born September the 10 Day - 1801
Sally Jones was Born March the 25 Day - 1804
William Jones was Born May 24 Day - 1806
Alfred Jones was Born April the first Day 1809

5698
P. O. _____
Dorothy Jones
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleged claim filed too late to have cause of rejection
Re-enlisted: entered our printed list of 1852
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

15,274
Dorothy Jones dec? Widow of William N. Coa
S Godwin Mch 19/1835. Pm, Loney May 15/1835. J M Woodfin Aug 18/1835. Same Aug 27/1835. Hon T. L Glingman Sep 11/1835. J M Woodfin Oct 9/1835. Hon T L Glingman Dec 12 1835 - (Secy Int Feb 11/1836) dec affirms see let to Hon T. L Glingman June 5/1836
5698
July 7/1838-

1856 Mrs. H. S. Clingman
B. F. Butler
Respectfully yours H. S. Clingman
Respectfully yours B. F. Butler

Pension Office
June 15 1836
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the Secretary of the Interior has affirmed the decision of this Of- fice disallowing the claim of the children of Dorothy Jones dec d his wife William of New under the Act of July 7 1838,
1838
Hon T L Clingman
Hys Resp

7. L. Cluymans
Dear
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Pension Office
Dec 12/855
Sir
I have carefully re-examined all the pa- pers in the case of Dorothy Jones dec'd widow of William J. N. C. And have not been able to arrive at any conclusion more favorable than that contained in the letter of the 27 Aug last to Mr Woodfin Esq, I have the honor a copy of which is herewith to enclosed. No evidence has been filed since then tending more directly to iden- tify the father of the claimant with the 1838 } record,
Hon J. L. Klingman
Hoy Reps

Gen. B. M. Edney
May 15/85
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Pension Office
May 15 1855
Sir
The enclosed copy of a letter of the 19th of March to S r Godwin E s will explain the condition of the case of Dorothy Jones dec d of N.C.
Gen Bell Edney Asheville N.C.

Pension Office
May 18 1855
Sir
The enclosed copy of a letter of the 19th of March to S r Godwin E s will explain the condition of the case of Dorothy Jones dec d of N.C.
Gen Bell Edney Asheville N.C.

J. P. Woodfin, Oct. 9. 1835.

Pension Office
October 9 1855
Sir
While the date of the marriage of Dorothy Jones dec d Widow of William of No has not been proved with as much clearness as is desirable, still I am disposed to admit that it has been shown that she was married before 1794. — But it is certainly she has not been identified as the widow of the soldier who received the pay shown by the Certificate of the Auditor of Virginia. I need not again state the reasons why I am not satisfied with the proof upon this point,
1838]
J B Woodfin Esq Burnside N.C.

Hon. J. L. Clingman Sept. 11. 1855.

Pension Office, Sept 11 th , 1855
Sir
The additional proofs filed in support of the claim of Dorothy Jones, decd, widow of William, of N. Carolina, under the act of 1838, while they strengthen the conviction that the claimants husband did serve in the Revolutionary war, do not aid me in determining several to what particular service, of that rendered by several persons of his name should be credited to him.
The claim remains substantially in the condition reported in my letter to J. B. Woodfin, Esq.  you of the 27 th ultimo.
Hon. T. L. Clingman
J. B. Woodfin Esq. Asheville Barnesville
N. Carolina.

sup. P.L. act. '38
Pension Office.
August 27, 1855.
Sir,
I have very carefully examined the additional proof transmitted by you in the case of Dorothy Jones, deceased, together with that previously filed - and have to state, that the father of the present claimant is not satisfactorily identified as the soldier certified by the auditor of Virginia as having served in the Virginia State line for the greater part of the war - but records show that at least three persons of the name of William Jones, served in the State line of Virginia alone - The proof furnished would apply to either one of these soldiers as well as to the other, and also to  as well as to those of the same name who served in the Virginia Continental line or the  state line - Evidence that a party may be reported to have been a revolutionary soldier, is not sufficient to establish certain particular service,

and proof of that Character can only be regarded in this case as Cumulative - several affidavits having been previously filed to that effect.
I am, very truly
Yr
Aug. 27/55
John B. Woodfin Esq. Burnsville, Yancey Co North Carolina Virginia

Pension Office
August 18 1855
Sir
The affidavits of John McElroy and others have been examined and filed with the papers of Dorothy Jones dec d widow of William of North Carolina. They are not sufficient to justify the allowance of the claim. The service for which a pension is claimed must be proved by witnesses who at least were in a position to know that it was rendered. You say, in your letter accompanying the above named affidavits, that it will be impossible to obtain such proof as I require. If such be the case I can hold out no hopes of the allowance of this claim  case . The fact that proof can not be obtained can never do away with the necessity for it. You will readily perceive that if such a plea is admitted the danger of admitting such a plea, Where would be the end

of allowances? and what Exchequer could meet the demand upon it if claims are to be al- lowed because proof of their validity can not be furnished? The matter of allowances is a matter of department . I would suggest the inconvenience to this Office of holding a cor- respondence with more than one agent in the same case. — At one time you empowered Lt. Genl. G. to receive the reports, then Genl. Edg. asks to know the condition of the claim, and now you ask request me to correspond with you.
1838
Aug. 18/38
L
J B Woodfin Esq Burnsville N Carolina

Tennessee Office March 19, 1855.
Sir
I have examined and filed the affidavit of Alfred Jones, one of the children of Dorothy  William Jones, do who was the widow of William, claiming in her right the benefit of the act of July 7, 1838—and you are informed that the claim alleged  claimed is not sustained by any reliable proof, for the official had no personal knowledge of the facts about which he  they has testified. There were found a few soldiers named Wil- iam Jones in the Virginia Continental and State Lines, and here you will see the necessity of my strict  strict proof to identify the systems of Dorothy with

on of them I have honor, examined the Roll of Hendersont's capary, the only Roll accessible,  and for the year 1778, and it does not con- tain the name of James father William Jones. But, as stated, we cannot express any definite opinion in relation to the period unless it is sustained by direct proof. Before we can receive the evidence submitted addressed to establish the date of the marriage, it must be shown that there is no Record of that event in the office of the clerk of the County in which the rites were celebrated.  L. Godwin Mar. 17/35
Thomas Godwin Esq. Washington D.C.

Asheville N.C. May 5th. 1885 Thom L. P. Waldo - Dear Sir -
I herewith enclose you a power of attorney to me to act in the case of Doritha Jones - from the same - the papers were sent to Mr Godwin & I supposed filed if not please ask him to file them. & that the petition desired be should do so at once. The declaration is filed under act July 7th 1836 - for services in Virginia Doritha was the Widow of William Jones - I hope the case will be examined - Respectfully Your obt Servant -
B. M. Edney

Burnsville Tazewell Co. N.C.
8 th August 1855
Sir
I send you the affidavit of Maj John M c Elroy as to the character of William Jones his bond of Dorothy. You will perceive that he did not know that Jones served, but from all others said of him in that respect he had no doubt that he (Jones) actually did serve. He further shows that this is the same Jones of whom we speak in the Declaration No 2. The affidavit of James M c Mohan an other old man who knew Jones in the State of Virginia and with whom his father a revolution ary soldier was well acquainted. This paper speaks for itself; examine them and report. In your letter of the 15 May 55 to Gen B McElroy you say that "as there were four or five William Jones on the Rolls very direct evidence will be required" I suppose that you do not mean by this that we must prove the service by some one that served with him. This you know is now impossible. I am of the opinion that if we by corroborating circumstances show that this William Jones did serve about 3 years that you will then allow the claim, and I have no desire that you should allow it until we have first produced a reasonable quantity of evidence to convince you

that he did actually serve as stated by the here. The thing that the amount paid goes by Virginia is quite a strong circumstance as it only a little over covers 3 years service.
I am Sir
Yours Atte Servt.
John B. Woodfin.
Hon L. P. Waldo Washington D.C.
P.S.
If these witnesses character are not sufficiently prove the Certificate of Hon. L. P. Waldo just elected to Congress can be had.
J.B.W.

Burnsville Fannin Co. N.C. 9 August 1855
Sir
I send you the affidavit of Joseph Shepherd Esqr in the Dorothy Jones case un- der act 7 July 1838, and also, David Coler- man Esqr certificate as to his character & that of Col. J. M. Cloy sent you some days ago with James McMahan's evidence, all of which you will file and report on as soon as practicable.
I am sir Your
Very abt servt
John B. Woodfin
Hon L.P. Waldo Washington D.C.

None of the papers within relate to the ques- tion of identity with the re- cord and consequently have not been discussed in the letter of appeal-

Barnsville Stacey Co. N.C.
10 th Aug 1885
Sir
Enclosed you will find the affidavit of Mrs Nancy Phillips as a witness against the son of Dorothy Jones of this county under act of July 1828 (and also under act of June 1832). You will observe that the witness is seventy seven years old and that she testifies in regard to two particular points, viz., As to the marriage, having personal knowledge of what she states, and also what Jones' general reputation was as to having been a soldier in the revolutionary, both in this state and in Virginia before he came to this country.
You will please carefully examine this connection with all that has already been filed in this case & report agreeable to its real merits.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your O bt Servt
John B. Woodfin
Hon J. Minot Comm te of Pensions Washington D.C.

Barnesville Janney Cook Co.
20 th September 1895
Sir
In this letter I send you Harold S. Mathews Certificate showing that there is no bond to be found in his office relating to the marriage of William Jones to Dorothy Hampton.
This I presume under existing circumstances will be satisfactory as to the marriage as you have the only family record that can be found as yet. Then as to the services, last night I received a letter from Hon. T. L. Clingman conveying one from you authorizing the reception of the last testimony taken in said case, dated 11 this month. I wish respectfully to call your attention to some of the facts that have been proven as regards the service of William Jones as it is not impossible in the hurry of business to overlook the material facts coming in as they did at different intervals. First you will will recollect that Alfred Jones (the soldier's son) says his father served 3 years or over as an enlisted soldier. Secondly you have the extract of a Certificate showing that William Jones received £101. 81. 3 for his services in the Virginia State Line - precisely where the claimant alleges his father served.
This payment I admit is a fraction over the pay for 3 years alines but I am certain you are aware

that not unfrequently it was not convenient for the Officers to discharge them as soon as their term expired & all such cases they were paid to the end of the service. It does appear to me that this certificate goes in itself very far towards identifying my client as being the man therein named. Though of this I know you must be the judge . Then comes the affidavit of Mr McMahon aged 80 years who states that he knew Jones in V.A. that it was generally believed there that he Jones served in the war, 3 years or thereabouts. That his father who was also a soldier told this witness that said Jones did serve in the war for about 3 years. This information being obtained immediately after the war when there were many to settle former matters it you must concede much stronger than is recently acquired.
Then comes Mrs Phipps also from V.A. who gives about the same testimony with the additional as to the marriage. May McElroy & Shepard strengthen the same & then comes McCoury who heard Jones & his father talk much of the war & their services. Two important points are worthy of your notice in all this testimony viz the great age of all these witnesses giving them many means of reformation as to what they state and that they all agree as to the unanimous belief & understanding that Jones did serve 3 years or upwards . If he did not perform that service would not have been a miracle for him to have gained such notoriety both here & in V.A. as to having served 3 years or more? If he did serve 3

your as stated, (and you say that belief is much strengthened), would it not be just that this claim should be paid even if there be others of the same name on the rolls? But a very important fact in this case is that the Swedish of Va. States that there is no other William Jones on his rolls, having received the same amount of pay. I do not write this Sir to dictate to you, but merely to respectfully call your attention to what I conceive important points & in discharge of duty I owe to those I must think are honest & just claimants. I hope you will examine all facts referred in connection with the law of 7 July 1838 & the rules there laid down and report according to its real merits & justice .
I am Sir Respectfully, Your obedt Servt John B. Woodfin
Hon J Minot Comr of Pensions Washington City DC

Please return this letter J. H. Cloyman

Barnstable County Co. Mass. 22 nd Nov 1855
Dear Sir,
I have after some delay occasioned in obtaining the information, prepared the list of names you desired from this county, one containing all those names that it is necessary to send speeches to, and the other those that are generally active in elections and who possess more or less influence in the settlements in which they reside. You will observe that I have with very few exceptions taken in all the Preachers, and for their reasons; there are a great many of them in this County and they exercise a great influence over the masses. It is also true that as a general thing they are (in this County) your warm friends. The first list I have made no distinction between church and non-church, putting down all that I thought were likely to read. In the second list I have also put down some of the known Nottings because I have known you to change

encouraging into a friend quite by send- ing a book to such an one, and the like may be done again. In a word I have endeavored to make you out just such a list as would likely use public documents to the interest of themselves, their county, and to enhance your interest. On the Tax list there were some companies these that had to be divided between differ- ent P.O. and consequently you will observe that I have inserted first one office & then another, so as to bring these names under the right Office.
An other thing I have done was to get the names all the most influential young men in the County.
I would very glad if you would go to the Pension Office and examine the papers in My Dorothy Jones case, as I do think that is the clearest case I ever knew to be rejected. If you would just spend a few minutes in exam- ining these papers in connection with the loss of 7 July 1838 you would there see that if it is possible to prove any case, this one is double proven.

If you can get it allowed see that it be paid first for the soldier on 4 days of March 1831 to 1835 when he died, then for the widow from 4 March 1836 up to 1854 when she died, both at $80 per annum. If they follow the law in this case they will make it pay- able at Washington City, both the pensioning died, and it would save me much as the agent in our state agencies charge high. If I can get this and a few other good claims I believe it will then enable me to go on with my law studies without being involved. I am now reading and wish to get license at August. Now if you please look after this claim yourself and I know it will succeed as it is so well and so strongly proven , which you can see by examining the papers in the case. Col. McElroy has lost his wife & a daughter nearly grown in the last 3 weeks. Know nothingism is certainly in its wane here.
I am Sir
Very truly yours
Hon. L. L. Cuming Washington City D.C.
John B. Woodfin

Department of the Interior Washington, June 3 d 1856
Sir
I have affirmed the decision of your Bureau, in the case of Dorothy Jones, as the widow of William Jones, a claimant for arrears of Pension under the Acts of 1832 and 1838, for alleged services in the State or Continental Line of Virginia, during the War of the Revolution - For the reasons stated in your report thereon of the 11 th February last.
The Papers in the case are herewith returned to your office.
I am, very respectfully, Wm H. L. Scott P. W. B. Bland Secretary
Heads of Ady Comm ee of Pensions }

David Coleman Esq. Certificata

Burnsville, Gance Co. N.C.
August 8 th 1858
I certify that I have been acquainted with Major John M c Elroy and Joseph Shepherd, both of this place, for several years past; that I know them well, and that they are men of exemplary conduct and excellent character; and any statement made by either of them would be implicitly relied on by the community in which they live. Major M c Elroy states his age at 77 years, and Mr Shepherd at 62 - Aside from the confidence due their statement, I should suppose from their appearance, and from my knowledge of their history, that they are as old as they represent themselves to be.
Your obedient Servt H. Coleman
Senator of the 49 th Senatorial Dist. of N.C.
Hon: L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Alfred Jones Ad - of Doris Jones -

Know all men by these presents That I Alford Jones of the County of Zanesville and State of North Carolina Administrator and heir of Dorothy widow of William Jones deceased do hereby constitute and appoint B. M. Edney my True and lawful Attorney for me and in my name and the name of the original parties to prosecute and receive the Pension Certificate due the said parties, to file additional evidence if the same be required and generally to do all lawful acts and things in as full and perfect manner as I could were I personally present and acting for myself hereby revoking all powers of attorney at any time heretofore executed in this claim and granting unto my said Attorney power and to substitute one or more substitutes under him, and general to do all things lawfully by virtue hereof.
Witness my hand & seal this 24 day of April AD 1855
Witness W m H. Moore. Alford Jones Seal
State of North Carolina County of Zanesville 3
On this 24 day of April AD 1855 personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County & State Alford Jones and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his own act and deed and I certify that

I have no interest in said matter nor am not concerned in the prosecution thereof. In testimony whereof I have set my hand
J. D. Poole
State of N. Carolina
Yancey County } I David M. Canale Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Yancey do hereby certify that S. D. Poole Esq. is and was at the time of signing the above Power of attorney an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn according to Law and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of my office at Office in Burnsville on this 25 day of April 1855
D. M. Canale Clerk of Yancey County Court.

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line as settled their Accounts and received Certificates for the balance of their full pay, according to An Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777 to 31st December 1781, (See Hening's Statutes at Large, Vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 24 th day of April 1783 in the name of William Jones as Sol d Inf y _____ and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for £ 101/1/3 _____ delivered to himself but as the original settlements or copies thereof are not to be found in this Office, the term of service embraced therein cannot be stated
Given under my hand, at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 23 rd day of February 1855
{ NO SEAL OF OFFICE. }
G. M. Chittenden Auditor Pub. Accts.

State of Virginia Wythe County S.S. I Harold S. Matthews (Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas the County Court for said County) and State do hereby certify, that I have made diligent search for the Marriage Bond or License of William Jones to Dorothy Hampton through all the papers of my Office in any manner relating to Marriage Bonds and Licenses, and after a thorough search as aforesaid I am unable to find said Bond or License or any thing relating thereto among the papers therein in my office. I further certify that I do not believe that said paper is in this office, among any other files as a mislaid paper
In testimony whereunto I have set my hand & affixed the seal of my office, at office in the town of Wytheville on this 24 th day of August 1855. —————
Harold S. Matthews C.C.

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State of North Carolina 355 County of Surry
On this 8 th day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me W m M c Enoy one of the acting justices of the Peace in and for said County and State. Joseph Sheffield a resident of Burnsville Surry County State of North Carolina who being by me first duly sworn according to Law says on his oath that he is sixty two years old and now going on sixty three and that he has resided in this vicinity for the last sixty years that he has now interest of any kind in the matter about which he is going to give evidence nor is in no wise concerned in the prosecution.
He further states that over thirty years ago he became acquainted with William Jones who had previously come to this country from the State of Virginia and who then settled not far from where this witness lived and and continued to live there, and thereabouts until his death which took place many years ago. That said Jones was then an elderly man and at his death must have been quite old judging from his general appearance. He further states that both

the people who come with Jones from Virginia and those who became acquainted with him in this country regard him as a truthful man and he does not believe that statements made by him said William Jones in relation to his Revolutionary service was doubted by those who knew him well as his character was good. — He further avers that from the appearance and general reputation of said William Jones in this community and from those who had known him long here and also when he came from and his own statements, this witness has no doubt but he was old enough to have served as stated during the Revolutionary war from the state of Virginia about three years and these facts are believed by this community.
John Shepherd Williams.
Sworn to and subscribed before me J. W. McElroy on the 8 th day of August A.D. 1895 and I certify that Joseph Shepherd Esry is a man of good character and full faith may be placed in all his statements touching this matter and I believe him to be as old as he states it. Further certify that I have no interest in this matter nor am not concerned in the prosecution. Testimony whereof I have set my hand J. W. McElroy J. P.

State of N. Carolina, I David M. Conlee Clerk of the Court Yancey County of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of said County do hereby certify that D. M. M c Gray is an acting Magistrate in and for said County duly commissioned & authorized according to Law and that the Signature purporting to be his is genuine and I further certify that the foregoing Witness is a man of undoubted character in Testimony.
I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of my office at office in Burnsville the 8 day of August 1855
David M. Conlee Clerk of Yancey County Court

State of North Carolina, county of Yadkin 355
On this the 18 th day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally came before me, J. C. Howell the undersigned, one of the justices of the Peace for the county of Yadkin and state aforesaid, James L. Carey, aged fifty eight years, a resident of said county and state, who, being duly sworn as the law directs, in such case, deposes to the following facts, in relation to William Jones deceased, of North Carolina, formerly of Virginia, viz: That the deponent has been a resident of Buncombe and Yadkin counties from his birth to the present date, having lived in this vicinity all the time. That about fortyfive years ago, a man by the name of William Jones, and his family moved to this valley from the state of Virginia, and here settled, which took place many years ago, leaving at his death, a widow by the name of Dorothy, whose maiden name was Hampton.
We further avers that his father, Malcolm McCreary was an officer in the Revolutionary war, and took great interest in all the old soldiers in that war, and that they (the soldiers) were much about his father's house, and when there, their conversation was generally about the war, and the part each had taken during its existence. That William Jones aforementioned, was a close neighbor, and much at his father's house, and from numerous conversations with two old persons, he learned these facts, viz: That said William Jones had been an enlisted soldier in the regular service from the state of Virginia, and that he had served for several years, both in this state and Virginia; but that he cannot

recalled precisely the length of time: Though he is of the opinion that the time was stated by Jones at three years, and that, as well as he recollects, the old man always told about the same tale. He further states that from the consistency of his statements, and from the knowledge which he seemed to have of officers and battles of North Carolina and Virginia, he believes that Jones served as he stated, and that the community generally believed the same thing concerning said Jones.
This deponent further asserts that those persons who knew Jones in Virginia all appeared to entertain the same opinion as to his having been a soldier, and that he believes that all regarded him as a truthful and honest man, and one in whom implicit confidence could be placed, as to veracity, honesty and general integrity.
It is further stated by this witness, that from the time he became acquainted with William Jones aforesaid, he "best" found him to be a correct man in all his actions, and that his "character" continued to be good, down to his death. And he states of his own knowledge this community regarded him as a truthful man, and that statements made by him relative to his services were believed by them, and that he has never heard these facts contradicted by any one either of this state or Virginia.
He further states that said Jones was a very old man, and that those who knew him had no doubt, so far as he knew, as to the above facts. He states that he is actuated in this matter from no interest whatever of any kind - never expects to be benefitted a single cent if the claim is recovered. attest J. C. Howell Jp James L. McComas

Sworn to before me J. C. Howell after the the same, was duly signed, and I certify that James G. M. Curry, the witness above, is a truthful, correct man, in whose statements confidence is placed by all who know him, and that from his appearance, I believe him to be as old as he states in this affi- davit. I further attest that I am in no wise interest- ed in the prosecution of this claim, nor do I ever expect to be. This the 18 th day of August 1855 J. C. Howell J. P.
State of South Carolina Yancey County } I David McCanles Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify that J. C. Howell Esq. as above is a Magistrate duly commissioned and authorized according to law and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of my official office in Burnsville this 22 nd day of August A.D. 1855 and I further certify that the foregoing witness James G. M. Curry is a man of good and unblemish- ed character.
David McCanles Clerk
I certify that James G. M. Curry, the witness to the foregoing deposition, is a man of good character, for truth and honesty, in whose statements confidence is placed by those who know him; and that, from his appearance, I should suppose him as old as he represents himself to be.
H. C. Solem Senator of 49 th Sen. Dist. of N. C.

Athens Sept 1 st 1855
I have pleasure in testifying that David Coleman Esq is a highly respectable member of the Bar and all he says is entitled to the fullest credit
Respectfully J. H. Colman
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Purnell, Fannin Co NC
August 18 th 1855
Sir
I take pleasure in certifying that I am personally and well acquainted with Maj John McElroy Joseph Shepherd Esqr James McMechan James L McConny and Peter Honeycutt of this County witnesses in the Dorothy Jones Pension Claim and know them to be old men highly respectable in this community and implicit confidence may be placed in their testimony. I farther certify that I am also well acquainted with Mrs Nancy Shipps of said County another witness in the above case that she is a very old woman and her character is good and her statements would be fully relied upon by this community. I have no interest in this matter of any kind
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
J W Garland
Member of NC Legislature from Fannin County
Hon J Morton Commr of Pensions, Washington City
Asheville Sept 1 st 1855
J. W. Garland Esq whose name appears of type is a highly respectable man and fully endorses his statement I also know most of the witnesses above named and fully concur in what he says of them particularly the first five named above Respectfully J. L. Klingman

Know all men by these presents That I, Alford Jones of the County of Yancey and State of North Carolina legal heir and Administrator of Dorothy Jones deceased of said County and State, do hereby constitute and appoint and by these presents do irrevocably constitute and appoint John B. Woodfin of Burnsville Yancey County North Carolina for me and in my name and in the name of my mother or father to as he for and receive from the Commissioner of Pensions of the United States or any other Officer of said Government having the control of said Pensions the Pension Certificate due for the services of my late husband the said William Jones to file all papers that may be required in substantiating the same, and to examine all papers now on file if desired, to sign and execute all receipts and vouchers appertaining to said matter in as full and perfect manner as I could do were I personally present and acting for myself; hereby revoking all powers of attorney at any time heretofore executed by me, fully confirming and ratifying all that my said Attorney may legally do by virtue hereof.
Witness my hand and seal this 29 th day of October in the year 1865
Witness by J. E. Johnson      Alford his Jones mark Witness
State of North Carolina, County of Yancey ss
On this 29 th day of October A.D. 1865 personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for

County and State Alfred Jones to me well known and acknowledged the foregoing Pow- er of Attorney to be his own act and deed and that he makes the same of his own free will and accord. I certify that I am disinter- ested and am in no wise concerned in the pro- secution of said claim. In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand on the day and year first above written.
Jno Hensley S.P.
State of N o Carolina, I David McEntee Clerk of the Yancey County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify that Jno Hensley Esq. whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing power of Attorney is a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and authorized according to Law in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of my office at office in Burns- ville this 23 day of February 1856.
David McEntee Clerk of Yancey Co. Court

State of North Carolina, Wayne County } 55
In this 15 day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and fiftyfive, personally appeared before me, Jno Hensley the undersigned, one of the acting justices of the Peace in and for said county and state, Nancy Phipps, aged seventyseven years, a resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to Law, says and saith that she was born and partly raised in the county of Wythe and state of Virginia, and that when she was about ten years old, she became acquainted with a man by the name of William Jones, who, about that time began to court her sister Dorothy, who was about ten years years older than herself. That her father and mother were both opposed to the marriage, and finally endeavored by prohibiting said William Jones from coming about the house, to prevent it. But they continued their courting secretly, and were that summer, she thinks in the month of July in the year seventeen hundred and eighty eight in said county of Wythe, state of Virginia, married at her father's house.
Deponent further avers that there were two circumstances the recollection of which very much aids her memory in these facts and dates: first a short time before the said marriage, her sister Dorothy was engaged weaving in a small house in the field some distance from the main dwelling, and that this witness had occasion to go out there, where she found said Jones and his sister both crying. Her mother came in and after some short words, said Jones told this witness' mother that they

will not oppose it, for he intended to marry Dorothy, her daughter, and shortly afterwards left the house, that soon after this, the parents became reconciled to the match, and Jones and her sister were married; but that the difficulty above mentioned, made quite an impression upon her mind.
She further states that soon after this marriage, before said Jones and her sister had gone to him. Keeping, the father and mother of this witness went to North Carolina to see their relatives, and Jones and his wife Dorothy were left to keep house & mind the children; that said Jones was fiddler, and one day, while he was sitting in the door, playing his fiddle, a severe thunder-storm came up, and struck a tree in the yard, and that Jones stopped for a moment, and remarked that that was a damned hard clap, and then very unconcernedly played on again, and that being very much frightened by the storm, the unusual (to her) propensity of Jones, and the absence of her parents from home for some time, and there being a record of her own age, and knowing that she was ten years of age when her sister was married, all which circumstances taken together, enables her to recollect all things connected therewith, as well as, or better than many things that have taken place long since. and these things being frequently talked of by the family, still keep it fresh in her memory. She further states that it was always her understanding and she thinks it was believed by the community, both here and in Virginia, that said William Jones was a revolutionary soldier, and that she has heard him tell of being in the service, in Virginia, and

in North Carolina, and as well as her recollection seems to her, he always said he enlisted for the term of three years and served out his time.
Deponent further states that said Jones was a brick and stone mason, and was a man of truth. That many years ago, this witness and her rel- atives moved to this section of N. Carolina, to which William Jones and his wife above mentioned, also moved, and settled in Buncombe county - now Pender where they both died, leaving Alfred Jones and other living children. She further avers that, has no interest in the final issue of this matter, nor ever expects to be benefitted in the least by its allowance.
Jno Hensley
Nancy Phillips mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me, Jno Hensley on the day and year first above written, and I certify that Nancy Phillips is a woman of good character, a member of good standing the Bap- tist church, and that those who know her, put implicit confidence in her statements.
I further certify that, from her general appear- ance, I have no doubt of her being of the age as above stated in this affidavit which was read to her before signing the same.
I further certify that I am in no wise con- cerned in the prosecution of this claim, nor have I any interest in it, of any kind; In testimony whereof, I have set my hand
Jno Hensley I.P.

State of N. Carolina, I David M. Canles Clerk of the Court Yancey County of Pleas & Quarter Sessions do hereby certify that John Hensley Esq. is a Magistrate as above duly commissioned and authorized according to Law and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine in Testimony whereof I have hereunto my name and affixed the seal of my office at office in Burnsville This the 15 day of August 1855 David M. Canles Clerk of Yancey Co. Court
DF
Ms. A. 9. 2. 5

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State of North Carolina County of Yadkin 3
On this Third day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me the undersigned James C. Howell one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County and State John M c Elroy aged seventy seven years a resident of said County and State, who being by me first duly sworn according to Law deposes and says on his oath that he has no interest of any kind in or connected with the matter about which he is going to depose. That about forty four years ago he became acquainted with one William Jones (father of Alfred Jones now of this County) who had then recently moved from Virginia to this Country, and that his knowledge of his character continued from that time to the death of said Jones in this County, and so far as he knows (and he was well acquainted with him), his character for truth and purity was decidedly good, and that those who came with him to this Country as well as those in this Country looked on him as a truthful man, and that any thing relating to his services as a soldier told by him would have been believed by his neighbors, and the community in general.
Declarant further states, that from general reputation (here and in Virginia) his age and appearance, his character for truth, and his own narrations of the matter together with information from those who knew him well in V.A. he has no doubt of said Jones being old enough to have served in the Revolutionary war as stated by him and other old soldiers, some two or three years as a regular.
John M c Elroy Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written and I certify that Maj t John M c Elroy is a man of unimpeachable character, a man of good

standing in the Church to which he belongs, and I have no doubt that he is of the age stated by him. I further certify that from personal knowledge and general reputation in this commu- nity that the facts stated by him touching this matter, are in every particular correct. I further certify that I am in no wise interested in this matter.
James C. Howell J.P.
State of N. Carolina } I David M. Canales clerk of the Yancey County } Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County do certify that James C. Howell Esq. is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and authorized according to law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine and I further certify that the above witness John H. Eby is a man of undisputed character In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at office in Burnsville
This 6 th day of August 1855
David M. Canales clerk of Yancey County Court