Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,344, for Finch Ragland, Virginia

SERVICE
Va.
Ragland Finch
NUMBER
S 7344
CONTENTS
carded

Lib. S. 22 March 1832.
Virginia
23,335
Richd. Bagland of Frederick in the State of Virginia who was a [blank] in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col. [blank] in the Virginia line for 18 months -
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 60 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Jan y 1834. and Supt Hon. Wm. H. Gordon. & K
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1844. 150 Semi-ant. allowance ending Jan y 31 30 $180
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathl. Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 1/2 Page 30.

9635 Finch Ragland's declaration

At a court held for Goochland County 21 st August 1832. State of Virginia. County of Goochland to wit
On this 21 st day of August 1832 personally appeared before the Court of Goochland County, Finch Ragland a resident of the County of Goochland State of Virginia 69 years old; 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 of the act of Congress passed June 8 th 1832. He states that he was born in the County of Hanover State of Virginia on the first day of February 1763 as appears by his Register kept by his father which Register he has often seen that he continued to reside in the County of Hanover and in March 1779 he enlisted in Capt. Benjamin Timberlake's company of Louisa County, Capt. Timberlake having resigned, the command devolved upon Lieutenant Richard White that he was marched to the Barracks in the County of Albemarle where he remained in service in assisting in guarding the Convention Troops under Burgoyne that the said company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col. Bland, Col. Francis Taylor and occasionally by Col. Fontaine and Major Roberts, the said Finch Ragland further states that he continued in service until the 6 th day of March 1780 being in constant service one year and one day, as he thinks he entered on the 5 th day of March 1779 of the preceding year. The said Finch Ragland further states that he was discharged regularly from service by Col. Francis Taylor at the Barracks that the discharge he obtained in writing, & afterwards sold it to a certain Thomas Elmore for six or seven Dollars, which money was not paid at the time & he has never

never got, that Thomas Elmore got the discharge, I went off in three or four weeks to the state of Kentucky. The said Finch Ragland hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.
Severa subscribed to the day and year aforesaid.
Finch Ragland
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states
J. William Miller Clerk of the Court of Goodland County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Finch Ragland for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 29 th day of August 1832. —
Wm Miller, CC

Finch Ragland Venezuela Declaration
1830
1830

State of Virginia Goochland County } ss
On this 22 nd day of May 1833 personally appeared in open court before the court of the county of Goochland now sitting Finch Hagland, a resident of the said county, and state aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn accor- -ding to law, doth on his oath make the following renewed Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 -
That on the 5 th of March 1779 (and before he had been sent on the Danville ride, he enlisted in Louisa County Virginia for twelve months under Capt Ben m Timberlake to serve at the Barracks in Albemarle. Marched to the Barracks and in a few months Capt Timberlake resigned and Richard White was made Captain - Served under him the whole time of his enlistment in guarding the prisoners of War; drew pay and Regimentals, and was discharged on the 6 th of March 80 Col o Taylor commanded Fortains was Lieut Col o and Roberts Major. White was Lieut. at first and when he was promoted Dick Pollock was made Lieut. - That when he made his former Declaration he was advised that he could not claim for Militia duty at the same time with regular service, and that consequently he did not claim anything for those hours which he afterwards served in the Militia of his State - That he returned from the Barracks to Hanover County Va and in a very short time he was drafted from the Militia of that County under Capt Elisha Meredith - Marched to Williams- -burg and was stationed chiefly at that place and was employed in guarding the place. Nelson or Matthews was Col o and he does not

Recollect any regular troops or any other Militia Regiments in particular. Was in no battle and recollects no events of note. Served two months and was discharged - That in a few months after his return he thinks in the month of August of the same year, he was again drafted and marched from the same County under the command of a Hanover officer, to process, and was then put under the command of Capt Dudley of New Kent - Marched to Williamsburg, then to the Halfway House and then into the neighbourhood of Hampton and was stationed there some time and then returned to Williamsburg. Matthews he thinks, was Col. and Nelson Genl. - Thinks there were regular troops but cannot recollect particulars. Recollects no Militia Regiments in particular and was in no battle. Served two months and was discharged. That at the time of Arnold's invasion he was again drafted from the militia of the same county - Marched to Richmond and was attached to the company of Capt Woodson from the south side of James River. Marched to Hanover town thence to New Castle through New Kent to Charles City Court House saw at that place hats scattered about and blood on the walls of the house and many other signs of recent battle - Marched thence to the Malvern Hills, stayed there some time - Served two months and was discharged - Cannot recollect any other field officers than his Col who he thinks was Col Nelson of King William. Remembers no regular or militia troops in particular though there were troops of both lines in service and that he was in no battle. That he was always a private - That he assigned his discharge from the regular tour and that he never had any other and has no documentary evidence - That he can procure credible witness to his service at the Barracks and also can prove

his military service and that he refers to the Rev. Lewis Chandoin and G Southworth for his character, and the reputation of his service.
To Question 1 st he answers. in Hanover County, Virginia, in 1763.
To Question 2 d I have no record of my age -
To Question 3 d in Hanover County Virginia - since the Revolution - = any War. in Goochland County Virginia.
To Question 4 th I enlisted for my first tour & was drafted for the others.
To Question 5 th answered to the satisfaction of the Court.
To Question 6 th I received a discharge from Col. Taylor, which I opigned - in the militia I had no written discharge -
To Question 7 th Lewis Chandoin & George Southworth, Dr. Andrew Keen.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and declares that his name is not in the pension roll of the agency of any state or Territory Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Finch Ragsdale
We Lewis Chandoin a Clergyman residing in the said County of Goochland and George Southworth residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Finch Ragsdale who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration, that we believe him to be seventy 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 to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Lewis Chandoin
George Southworth
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 certify that it appears to them, that Lewis Chambers who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman, residing in the said County of Greerland and that George Southworth who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I William Miller Clerk of the Court of Greerland County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Finch Ragland for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 23 d day of May 1833.
Will. Miller, C o

Revolution
7344 INVALID.
File No.
7344
Finick Boagland
Priv: Rev. War
Act:
June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol.
1
, Page
209
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Finch Bayland
Admit as a private 18 months $60
Hon Mr. Gordon H. R.
Recd 6 th May 1833.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Finch England. Goochland Co. Va. which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? no Not on the Rolls XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? No # If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
†QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
□ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Testimony

Virginia
Hanover County to wit
This day Personal Harvey known upon the pension roll of the United States as a soldier of the Revolution which by me is to be a credible witness personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid, and made oath that Finch Ragland of Goodland Coun- -ty Virginia, served three tours of duty in the Militia Corps, in the year 1781, to wit  the of two months each, to wit, the first tour under the command of Capt. Elisha Meredith of Hanover. The second under the command of a Capt. Woodson of the  the whose given name or place of residence is not recollected The third and last tour of duty under the command of a Capt. Dudley of the County of New Kent. But at what particular times or places the said Ragland was discharged from the aforesaid service this affiant has no distinct recollection, nor does he recollect for what expedition the said Ragland was called into the aforesaid service. Given under my hand this 4 th day of December 1833
Benj a Wingfield
Virginia, Hanover County, to wit,
I, Benjamin Pollard Jr. deputy Clerk of the Court of the said County in the State of Virginia aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Benjamin Wingfield, whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit, was at the time of signing the same and still is a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that his signature to the said affidavit is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the fifth day of December one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-three.
Benj a Pollard Jr. De. M.C.
" " " " " " " " " "

Testimony

State of Virginia } Goochland County } ss
Be it known, that before me John Warc a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Richard Toler a resident of the said county and as appears to me a credible person, and being duly sworn deposeth, that he has long known Finch Ragland of the same county, who now sues for a pension, and that said Ragland served one year in the time of the Revolution, in the years 79. 80. at the Albemarle Barracks with him, in the company of Timberlake and then of White, and was a private in the infantry. Sworn to and subscribed this 19 th day of August 1833 before me John Warc J.P.
State of Virginia } Goochland County } ss
Be it known that on this 19 th day of August 1833 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Zachariah Alvis, a resident of the said County and State, and as appears to me a credible person, and being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he has long known Finch Ragland of the said county of Goochland, who now sues for a pension since his boyhood that in the time of the Revolution he served three towns at the Albemarle Barracks in guarding the prisoners of war, that each time he was there he saw said Ragland in the service as private in Timberlake's Company of Regulars, that he understood Ragland was enlisted for one year , that he saw said Ragland's drawing Regimentals, and that he velily believes he served the year time. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me John Underwood. Zachariah Alvis mark

Virginia } ss. Goodland County }
I William Miller Clerk of the county Court of said County, do hereby certify that John Ware and John Underwood before whom the foregoing affidavits were made, were at the time the same were made before them, and still are two of the justices of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly Commissioned & qualified, and that their signatures thereto, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 21 st day of August 1833.
Will Miller (C)