Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,616, for Absalom Jinkins, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Jenkins, Absalom
S. 5616
carded.
CONTENTS

Virginia
12.282
Salomon Jenkins of Hanover in the State of Va who was a pvt — in the — Company commanded by Captain Muncie — of the — commanded by — — — in the Va line for 2 years —
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 10 — Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of April 1833 and in the name of Nathaniel Childers, Richmond — Va
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 1/2 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept — 1/2
$200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathaniel Rice Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 6 Page 13

(1) To the Honorable The Legislature of the state of Virginia. now in session in the City of Richmond.
The petition of Abraham Jenkins of the county of Hanover in the said state, most humbly shews; that he is one of the surviving revolutionary soldiers of the state line, who served in the revolutionary War; that he regularly served eight Tours of duty; of three months each. To Wit:
First. under Captain Elisha Meredith. Second. under Captain Thomas Richardson, Third. under Captain John Thompson, Fourth. under Captain David Whitlocke, Fifth. under Cap t Thomas White (afterwards Gen l White), Sixth. under Cap t Shields Seventh. under Cap t Fowles Eighth. under Cap t William Talley
But death has, removed them all home, except Cap t William Talley, who he understands, is yet alive, but neither his strength of body, or length of purse, enables him to seek him for information, upon this subject; This petitioner, further states, that part of the time, he was commanded by Generals Mullenburgh, and Stevens; and by Col o s Moreweather, and Call; and by Majors Jones, Boyce, William Mosby, & Diggs - the Army was attended to, part of the time, by adjutant General Gardeman: all of these latter Gentlemen he understands are all dead;
That

That although, he faithfully served those several eight Years of study, he never obtained a regular discharge, though never impeached for any default of duty, during the whole time; to prove this service, he introduces here the affidavit of Lieut. Peter Foster, to show that he served part of the time: (marked A.) and introduces for further proof the affidavit of Mary Ann Jenkins, to show he served the whole time: (marked B.) he here in- troduces the affidavit of Doct. James Dacus McCaw, to show that a surgical operation has been performed upon his body, which renders him, entirely incapable of maintaining himself, by his labor: (marked C.) he intro- duces the affidavit of William J. Clarke, to show that he is at this time, unable to maintain himself, by his labor; and is an aged and infirm man: (marked D.) he here introduces the affidavit of Burwell Jenkins, to show, that he is in very indigent circumstances, and can not, from what he possesses, or his bodily, labor, main- tain himself: (marked E.) all of which, he most hum- bly prays, may be taken as a part of this his petition; and read and heard, as a part thereof: And this Peti- tioner, most solemnly avers, before almighty God, that he never received, one Cent, in compensation for his services aforesaid: nor has he ever asked it, of any tribunal, what- ever, before this present application; nor would he now ask it, if he was able to maintain himself, by his property, or the labor of his hands: but without aid he must perish; and most humbly conceiving, that he has just

3 just claims, upon his Country, for those services, rendered, in time of need, and danger, and for which he has never as yet, received one cent for; he now humbly comes before your honorable body, and most humbly implores assistance. How gratifying it would be to his feelings, as an old and faithful revolutionary , Soldier, to be turned off by his native state, upon the charity of his country at the advanced age of near eighty years. he sickens at the idea; when he well knows in good conscience, that he has been a faithful defender of those Glorious rights and liberties , we now so happily enjoy. This petitioner in good faith hopes this Honorable body, will not suffer it to be so in the present case. And therefore most humbly prays, that your honorable body, will grant, to this War worn, feeble disabled petitioner, that portion of pay, he may here prove to be due and unpaid to him; and place him upon the Pension list, and allow him by Law, a reasonable Pension, for the balance of his life, which can not be long, and chargeable, in any way whatsoever. And your petitioner, shall and will, as in duty bound ever pray &c.
his Absalom Jenkins Mark
Hanover County to wit:
This day personally appeared before me

4 me Reuben Meredith a justice of the Peace for said County; Absalom Jenkins, who is the foregoing petitioner, who made oath on the holy evangelists of almighty God; that the matters and things, set forth in the foregoing petition, are strictly true, to the best of his knowledge and belief. Given under my hand & Seal this 19th day of January 1832.
Reuben Meredith
[A.1]
City of Richmond to wit
The affidavit of Lieut Peter Foster of lawful age; Says, that being called upon to state what he knows of the services of Absalom Jenkins in the revolutionary War, says: upon Oath, that he himself (This affiant) was a Lieutenant in the continental line under Captain William Campbell and others from time to time, that by virtue of which commission, he now receives a pension from the United States Government. that he well remembers Absalom Jenkins during the late War, served in the Army during Arnold's invasion of Richmond, and perhaps afterwards, at least least between three & four months. They afterwards separated, and he never knew any thing more of him during the War, and further this affiant saith not.
Peter Foster Lieut.
Sworn and subscribed to before me an alderman for the City of Richmond this 18 th day of January 1832
Martin Drewry

(B.) 157
City of Richmond to wit The affidavit of Mary Ann Jenkins aged seventy years. Saith, that her Brother absalom Jenkins, who now applies to the Legislature for a pension, entered in the Militia Service in the revolutionary War, in the second call for Soldiers after the War was declared between Great Britain and these United States: That he was at the time he first entered service very little over sixteen years of age, and from that time until the end of the War he was almost constantly in service, and always ready when called upon to serve his Country. Sometimes he would stay not more than one or two weeks at home, and some times longer. But he must have served at least twenty four Months, if not more; he was at the taking of Fort Wallis at Little York, which ended the War, and he was engaged in it very shortly after it commenced, and indeed almost always in the Army: he is now nearly Eighty years of age, and very infirm, and since the operation performed on him by Doct. James Drew McCabe his weakness has greatly increased, and very poor, and unable to get his living by his labor: and no property to support him. Further this affiant saith not.
Mary Ann her Jenkins Mark
Sworn to before before me an alderman for city of Richmond this 18 th day of January 1832 Martin Drewry,

(C) 6.
Richmond Jan'y 16 th 1832
I hereby certify, that about 30 years ago, I was called upon to visit Mr. Absalom Jenkins residing in the City of Hanover. — I found Mr. J suffering from an obstruction of the Bowels. — It became necessary to operate immediately for Hernia — this I performed with success. — Mr. Jenkins completely recovered — but was cautioned against using any violent exertion.
James Drew M c Law.
Sworn to before me an alderman, in and for the City of Richmond this 20 th day of January 1832
Marten Dreevy
(D)
City of Richmond to wit The affidavit of William Clarke of Lawful age of the County of Hanover, the he understands sets forth, that he is a neighbour of Absalom Jenkins, of said County of Hanover, who he understands is about to petition the Legislature for some Assistance; and upon his oath says, that the infirm situation of Mr. Jenkins is such, that he is totally unable by bodily labor to get his living, and has been so for some time past; and understands and verily believes, that his debility in a great measure proceeds, from an Operation performed on his body, some years ago by Doctor James

James Drew McCaus. He is far advanced in years, but how old he does not know: And further this affiant saith not: Richmond January 17th 1832
William J. Clarke
Sworn to, before me on this 17. Jan'y 1832.
James Rawlings
An ald n in & for the City of Richmond.
City of Richmond to wit:
The affidavit of Burrell Jenkins of Lawful age, saith, that he is nephew to Absalom Jenkins, who now petitions the Legislature for a pension,
He knows nothing of his services in the revolutionary War, not being in existence at that time: but has understood by information, that he was a Meritorious Soldier and served his country faithfully; he is called upon to state the circumstances of said Jenkins, & here upon Oath to say, that he is a very Old in- firm man, and a very poor man as to property; and can neither support himself by his labor, or income from any thing he possesses. And further this affiant saith not.
Burrell Jenkins
Sworn to before me an alderman, in & for the City of Richmond, this 18 th day of January 1832.
Martin Drennan —

I Certify, that while at the siege at Little York, at the close of the revolutionary War, I commanded a company as Pro. tem: and I have no doubt but Absalom Jenkins thought I was the proper Commissioned Officer at that time, and to whom he alludes to, in his petition to the Legislature.
Billy Talley
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 23 rd day of January 1832. Nathl Charter S.P.
An act placing Absalom Jenkins and Jesse Lilliford on the Pension list. Passed February 28 th 1832.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That Absalom Jenkins of the County of Hanover, and Jesse Lilliford of the County of Southampton, poor, old and infirm soldiers of the revolution shall be placed on the Pension list, and each receive sixty Dollars annually during his life and be paid as other Pensioners are paid; they shall moreover receive thirty Dollars each for their present relief, to be paid them from any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. This act shall be in force from and after the passing thereof.
I George W. Munford, Clerk of the House of Delegates, and Keeper of the Rolls of Virginia, do hereby certify and make known, that the foregoing petition of Absalom Jenkins, and the several certificates, (six in number) accompanying the same, & the act above are true copies of the Originals now on file in my Office. Given under my hand this first day of March 1833.
George W. Munford C.A.D.

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress of the 7 th of June 1832.
State of Virginia. County of Hanover S.S.
State of Virginia. County of Hanover 1833 On this 16 th day of March personally appeared before me Benjamin Kingsfield one of the commonwealth's justices of the peace for the aforesaid County of Hanover Absalom Jenkins a resident of the County aforesaid, aged Seventy four 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 7 th 1832. That he entered in the service in the Army of the United States in the year, 1776 or 7, with Capt. Elisha Mowdith, and served in the 4 th Regiment of the Virginia Militia line, under the following named officers: John Mayo who commanded as Col o . From time to time under the following officers, Capt. Thomas Richardson, Capt. John Thompson, Capt. David Whitlocke, Capt. Thomas White, (afterwards Genl. White), Capt. Shields, Capt. James  James & Capt. William Talley. That at different times, he was commanded by Genl. M c Donough, and Stevens & by Col o Menwether, and Col o Call, & by Majors Dodge, William Morely & Diggs & Adjutant Genl. Hardeman, been but always ready to go when called upon. he resided then, & still does, & has ever since the revolutionary war, residing in the County of Hanover & State of Virginia. He fought two battles, one at Springfield, & the other at Red Bank Red Bank Bridge. He hereby relinquishes every claim 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, nor in any shape whatever, except what the enclosed documents will show; and he is advised, that, that does not conflict with his present application. Absalom Jenkins mark. Sworn to & subscribed before me.

Sworn to, and Subscribed 10 the day and year afore- said.
Benj. Wingfield
And the said justice of the peace, do hereby de- clare his opinion that, that from report the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states- and that by age, infirmity and indisposition, he is totally unable to attend court.
Benj. Wingfield
I Philip B. Winston, clerk of the Court, of the aforesaid county of Hanover do hereby certify, that the above named Benjamin Wingfield is a justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid county of Hanover in the afore- said state of Virginia which said county court, is a court of records: and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. Given under my hand & Seal of Office this 26th day of March 1833:
Philip B. Winston C.H.C.
Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
State of Virginia, County of Hanover S.S.
On this 16th day of March, 1833 personally appeared before me Benjamin Wingfield one of the commonwealth's justices of

14 of the peace for the aforesaid county of Hanover, & State aforesaid, Absalom Jenkins, a resident of the aforesaid County of Hanover in the aforesaid state of Virginia; age Twenty four years; who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. under Capt. Elisha McDowd, Capt. Thomas Richardson, Capt. John Thompson, Capt. David Whittocke, Capt. Thomas White (a General White), Capt. Shuld, Capt. Lowles & Capt. Wm. Talley, that John Mayo in the early part of his service, commanded as Col d . At different times, he was commanded by Gen l . Mullenburgh, Stevens & by Col d . Morecashu, Hall, & by Majors Boyce, Wm. Mosby, Digg, & Adjutant Gen l Hardiman, he can not recollect the particular period when he entered into or came out of service, but was always ready, when called upon, he resided. Then & there does and has ever since the revolutionary war, in the County of Hanover in the state of Virginia; he fought two battles, one at Spring field & the other at Bottoms Bridge, he has no documents to shew, but the evidence here set forth. He entered in the service in 1776 or 7. And left it at the of the war end, at the taking of Cornwallis at the siege of Little York.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, nor in any shape whatever, except what the inclosed documents will show. and he is advised that, that does not conflict with his present application.
Teste J. Nathaniel Sworn to and
Absalom his Jenkins mark
Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Benj a Wingfield J.D.

We Wm Priddy a clergyman residing in the aforesaid County of Hanover and state aforesaid and Samuel Jordan Winston residing in the same County as above hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Absalom Jenkins, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be twenty four years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion sworn to and subscribed the day and year afore- said:
Wm Priddy Minister of the Gospel Saml. J. Winston Benjamin Whittington J.P.
And the (said) Benjamin Whittington justice of the peace aforesaid doth hereby declare his opinion after the in- vestigation of the matter, and after putting the inter- rogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states; and the said justice of the peace doth further certify, that it appears to him that Wm Priddy who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, in the aforesaid County of Hanover, and that Saml J Winston who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same place, and is a creditable Person, and

and that their statement, 13 is entitled to credit. + Benj a Wingfield J.P.
I Philip B. Winston Clerk of the aforesaid county Court of Hanover which is a court of record in the aforesaid state of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before Benjamin Wingfield a justice of the peace of our said court, in the matter of application of Absalom Jenkins for a Pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 26 th day of March 1833.
Philip B. Winston C. H. C.
Questions propounded to the applicant, by the afores d Justice of the peace
1 st Where & in what year were you Born? 2 Have you any record of your age, & 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

14 with the troops where you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
7 State the names of persons to whom you were known in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution.
Answer to 1 st Question. I was born in the county of Hanover in the year 1759
2 d I had a record of my age but have lost it
3. I was born in the aforesaid County of Hanover and have always lived there
4. I served my country by routine & draft, but never substituted for any man
5. To this question I answer by referring to the Bill before the Virginia Legislature, now inclosed.
6. I never rec d any discharge the officers never having offered any although demanded could not be obtained
7. To this I answer by referring to the foregoing documents and the certificate of Saml. J. Winston here annexed
Benj. Kingfield Jr.

The aforesaid Saml. J. Winston further states, that he knows of his own knowledge, that the aforesaid Absalom Jenkins was at the siege of York and that he was in Capt. Thompson's Company likewise, and that he served in several other Companies he can not now recollect, I was reputed as an active good soldier.
Saml. J. Winston
Sworn to before
me the same day 16 th March 1833
Ques. Wingfield

The aforesaid foregoing Petitioner, Absalom Jenkins, most humbly prays, the Honorable Sec'y at War, to pay him, for the twenty four months services, rendered his country, which he is instructed, and advised, he has fully proven in his petition, to the Legislature of the state of Virginia, for a Pension, which they in mercy granted him, as appears, by the Copy of Papers, hereto annexed, to which, your Petitioner, most respectfully, refers Honor as a part of this his Petition; & prays, that the same may be taken, as a part thereof: your Petitioner, again here repeats upon Oath, that he faithfully served in the revolutionary War, the Eight Years of duty, as set forth in his aforesaid petition; and to which, he has already referred, your Honor to; And he further, & again states upon Oath, that he never received one cent, in any form or shape whatever, for the aforesaid services: And your Petitioner, most humbly states; that he is well advised, that if the service is proven, and it cannot be made appear, he has received payment, that the right, & command of your department, the amount proven to be due him, and your duty to pay him, follows as the shadow does the substance: Therefore your Petitioner, most humbly prays, your Honor, that you will consider the premises, and compensate a poor old soldier, for spending all the best of his days, to achieve the very independence , you now so highly enjoy. & he being now near the brink of the Grave by age & infirmity that, if any thing, is to be paid him, that he humbly implores, it may be sent immediately, that he may have the satisfaction,

to enjoy it a little while. And your Petitioner as in duty bound shall & will forever pray
Absalom his Jenkins Mark
Hanover County. State of Virginia
This twenty second day of March 1833, personally came and appeared before me, Ed B. Crenshaw one of the Commonwealth's Justices, of the peace, for the aforesaid County of Hanover, in the aforesaid state of Virginia; Absalom Jenkins, who is the foregoing and aforesaid petitioner, and made Oath, on the Holy evangelists of Almighty God, that the matters and things, set forth in this Petition, are strictly true, to the best of his knowledge & belief. Given under my hand, & Seal, the day, & date, above mentioned.
Ed B. Crenshaw
Virginia, Hanover County to wit,
I Philip B. Winston Clerk of the Court of the said County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Benjamin Wm. Field and Edmund B. Crenshaw, before whom the foregoing proce- edings were had in the matter of the application of Absalom Jenkins for a pension were, at the time of doing the same and still are Jus- tices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and duly authorized to administer oaths and that their signatures annexed are their genuine signatures.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the twenty seventh day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Philip B. Winston C.P.C.

Rev May
5616
INVALID.
File No. 5616
Abraham Jenkins
Dis Rev War
Act: June 1 th 32
Index:—Vol. M , Page 193
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pension Offer
$80 per ann —

Richmond Va Mar. 31 st 1833
Honble Sir I enclose documents to obtain a Pension and paym t for services rendered as a soldier during the revolutionary War. He is a very old indigent man, and bears the character of being one of the best soldiers in the revolution. He Abraham  Adams  Adams  the petitioner, humbly prays you will please take his case into early consideration, and if allowed to forward it here as quick as you can. he is very desirous to hear from you the probable time it may be acted on. Please cause a line to be sent
I have the Honor to keep y r Ob t Serv t
Nathaniel Childers
The Honble Gentry at War