Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2318, for Elijah Meacham, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
learn.
Weacham, Elijah
W. 2318
Meachum
B. L. W. 578-160-55-
Frances
CONTENTS

21426. Act. March 3/53 March 17/53.
Frances Meachum widow of Elijah Meachum private -
said Frances now a pensioner -
Pr: in Capt: Geo: Herman's Comp. in Col. Becker's Regt. Ct. Cont. line
Warrant 160 acre, May 1 st 55 By the
Warrant 578 Ls 2 nd May 1 st 55
James C. Taylor - Christiansburg Va.
1585 July 3 rd 53.
Vol M s page 1 -

1887 Aug t Pen a Ag t reported paid to June 4. 1880 - (lived in Montgomery Va aged 85 years)
Restoration 1585
Virginia (Rich d ) Frances Meacham widow of Elijah Meacham who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private Conn ee
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853 4 th March 1861
Certificate of Pension issued 5 th day of May 1866 and sent to Re D Montague Christiansburg Va
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 154 Vol. IV

Virginia
Elijah Meachum
of Montgomery in the state of Virg a who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Durkee of the Connecticut line, for the term of 5 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 2 d of June 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th of July 1819 and sent to Charles Taylor Clerk, Montgomery C.H. Va.
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 $72.76 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept. 48. — Sm. \frac{29 \ 4}{30 \ 31} $120.76
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

Asa or Elijah Meachum Herman's compy Durkin's Regt enlisted Jan'y 12 th 1778 for the War
Elijah Meachum
Sept 18
[Large decorative initial letter 'G']
The opinion of the Constitution with regard to the city is required
Vol. 1. p. 68. Miss 1. 64. Webb
[Faint handwritten text, possibly 'Owen']

SCHEDULE.
District of Wyoming 38. Montgomery County
On this 3 rd day of October 1820, personally appeared, in open court, (a) being a court of record (b) for the said district, [ circuit, county, or corporation, as the case may be, ] Elijah Meecham
aged sixty five years, resident in said County in said district, [ circuit, county, or corporation, ] who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: (c)
that he enlisted in the war of the revolution in the town of Suffield, Hartford County Connecticut on the first day of January 1778 under Capt. John Dickinson of Col. Duryee's regiment, which he believes was called the first Connecticut Regiment and continued at New York until the 1780 when he was drafted in the light Infantry Battalion under Capt. John Hart and some time about the year 1781 he was placed under Capt. John Hart. I am inclined to believe that he was engaged in the battle of Red Bank where the Continental Congress was taken. Some time in 1782 he was taken prisoner by the British and remained a prisoner until the war was over.
And I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. (d)
One male, two yearly slaves five boys five girls... No. 19732... he has a son named Elijah who is deceased aged 17 or 20 years and is interred with a white marble stone as he is unable to do any kind of labor and that his occupation that of a common laborer.
Elijah Meecham
Sworn to, and declared, on the 3 rd day of October 1820 before the Court of Montgomery County
I, Charles Teylor clerk of Montgomery County do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath (or affirmation) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is forty dollars and cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 3 rd day of October 1820
Charles Teylor
Clerk of the Court for the County of Montgomery

Quat - (a) The whole of the form prescribed in the first section, to verify the amount of property of the applicant, the oath of the party, and the certificate of the clerk excepted, must be done while the court is in session.
(b) All are courts of record, within the contemplation of the act of Congress,
1st. Which are expressly made courts of record by the laws of the state which create them;
2d. Which have been solemnly adjudged, by the tribunals of the several states, to be courts of record;
3d. Which proceed according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of their proceedings.
4th. Which have the power of fine and imprisonment;
And courts which proceed according to the course of the civil and canon law, having neither of those attributes, are not courts of record, although they may keep a registry of their proceedings, and possess a seal. The court should, in every instance, state, on the face of the proceedings, that it is a court of record, and state why it is such.— [Opinion of the Attorney General of the United States.]
(c) Here set forth the regiment, company, and line, or ship, corps, or vessel, and the date of the original declaration; and, if he has received a pension, the number of the pension certificate should be inserted.
(d) Here enumerate each article of real and personal estate, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, and subscribe the same. The declarant must also mention his occupation, his ability to pursue it, the number and names of his family residing with him, their ages, and their capacity to contribute to their support, in order that the department may be enabled to decide whether the applicant is in such indigent circumstances as to be entitled to the pension. It is the opinion of the Attorney General, that the words of the third section of the act of the 1st of May, 1820, "in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the assistance of his country," comprehend those only who are incapable of supporting themselves without the aid of the government, except by private or public charity.

October 6 th 1818
472
Elijah Meacham W th gomery Co N.Y. Enl d Nov r 1778 as a private in Col t . Dunke's Reg t . Count. Lines Served to the close of the War
On the Roll
Peter Johnston Dist. Judge W th gomery Court House N.Y.
Correct

State of Virginia Torrit
On this sixth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred & eighteen, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the General Court of Virginia allotted by law to the thirteenth Circuit, which comprehends the County of Montgomery, personally appeared Elijah Meacham, resident in the County, & State aforesaid, aged sixty six years; who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war": That he about the first of January in the year 1778 the said Elijah Meacham, enlisted, as a private, in the service of the United States, with Captain John Warman, of Safford, in the State of Connecticut, and belonged to the first Regiment of Light Infantry, of the Connecticut line, on Continental establishment, commanded by Colonel Daggis: That the said Regiment composed a part of the Brigade commanded by General Joseph B. Varnum: That he continued to serve in the said Corps, or in the service of the United States,

until the close of the revolutionary war in the year seventeen hundred eighty three, when he was regularly discharged: that he was in the battles of Monmouth, & Springfield, at the taking of Stony Point, and at the capture of Lord Cornwallis, at York Town in Virginia: that he has long since lost his discharge, & has no other evidence of his said services now in his power: & that from his reduced circumstances, he stands in need of the assistance of his country for support
Given under my hand & seal at Montgomery Court house on the day & year first above written
Peter Johnston 
I Charles Taylor — Clerk of the Superior Court of Law for the County of Montgomery in the State of Virgini- -a do hereby certify attest & make known that the name of Peter Johnston subscribed to the above declara- -tion of Elijah Meacham is the proper hand writing of Peter Johnston Esquire who at the time of subscribing the same, was & now is lawfully & duly commissioned & qualified as a Judge of the General Court in the Commonwealth of Virginia and that full faith and credit is and

ought to be given to any acts as such by him subscribed as well in Courts of Justice as elsewhere
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand there being no official seal this 6 th sixth day of October 1812.
Charles Taylor
I Peter Johnston one of the Judges of the General Court of Virginia allotted by Law to the Thirteenth circuit, which comprehends the County of Montgomery, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Elijah Meacham, did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy for the term of more than one year and that from his reduced circumstances he stands in need of the assistance of his country for his support on the Continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony, taken & had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. Given under my hand, and private seal, there being no seal of office, October 8 th 1812.
Peter Johnston

I now further certify that it appeared to my satisfaction at the time when the within declaration was made by Elijah Meacham that he was in reduced circumstances and stood in need of the assistance of his country for his support. Given under my hand at Montgomery, Court-house June Thirtieth 1819
Peter Johnston

517
Mar. 18/53
Frances Meacham, Widow of Elijah,
Va
Act Feb. 3 rd 1853.
R. D. Montague, Christiansburg
Va

State of Virginia. Montgomery county Sswit. On this 8 th day of March 1853. personally appeared before the subscribed as Justice of the Peace for said county, Mrs. Frances Meacham a resident of Montgomery county State, aforesaid aged about fifty eight years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the 3rd. February 1853; That she is the widow of Elijah Meacham who was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and who received a pension of eight dollars per month under the act of 18 th March 1818. that he resided in the county of Montgomery, from the time he received his pension until the time of his death; that he was paid at Richmond in the state aforesaid. She further declares that she was married to the said Elijah Meacham on the 9 th day of March 1837 that her husband the aforesaid Elijah Meacham died on the 21 st day of October 1851, that she was married to him at the time above stated; She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act; and is still a widow, and that she has never before made application for a pension, and has no child.
her Frances + Meacham mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written.
Dr. A. Smith, J.P.
I do hereby certify that I celebrated the rites of matrimony between Elijah Meacham and Frances Miles of Montgomery county on the 9 th of March 1837. by virtue of a license issued by the clerk Chester Bullard.
At a Court held for Montgomery county at the court house on Monday the 1st day of December 1851.
It is ordered to be certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to the court that Elijah Meacham was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of eight dollars per month was a resident of Montgomery county in the State of Virginia, and

died in the said county and state on the 26 th day of October 1851. that he left a widow whose name is Frances Mearham. Attest Justus.
R: D. Montague Co.
Virginia. Montgomery County To wit.
I R: D. Montague Clerk of the County Court of said county & state do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the declaration of Mr. Frances Mearham on file in my office that Rupert Smith Esq. before whom the same was sworn to, is now and was at that time an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly elected, commissioned and qualified; that the annexed copy of the marriage register of Elijah Mearham & Frances Miles is truly made from the original record; and that the order of court in regard to the estate of the said Elijah Mearham, is truly made from the records of said court.
In Testimony whereof I R: D. Montague Clerk of said court hath hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 12 th day of March 1853.
R: D. Montague Co.
The date of the marriage of Elijah Mearham & Frances Miles was the Ninth day of March  one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven : and he died on the twenty sixth day of October  one thousand eight hundred and fifty one .
R: D. Montague Co.
Adrop
R: D. Montague
Christiansburg
Montgomery County (Virginia)

State of Virginia } County of Montgomery } most
On this 14 th day of Oct r 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Francis Meachum aged 60 years, resident of Montgomery County Va, in the State aforesaid, who being duly sworn, declares that she is the widow of Eliza Meachum, deceased, who was a soldier in the Company commanded by Captain [blank], in the Regiment of [blank] commanded by [blank] in the revolutionary war that her said husband was drafted at the town of Charlottesville on the day of [blank] for the term of 5 1/2 years and was honorably discharged at [blank] on the day of [blank] as will appear by the muster rolls of said Company, and for the proof of her said marriage, and the death of her said husband before is especially made to all the papers filed in pension office, in behalf of her claim to a pension, by reason of her said husband's service. She is now a pensioner as will appear by said records.
She further states that she was married to the said Eliza Meachum at Montgomery County Va, on the 9 th day of May 1837, by one Chester Bueland a Minister of the gospel and that her name before that time was Francis Miles and that her said husband died at his residence in Montgomery County Va, on the 26 day Oct. 1857 as will also appear by the proofs papers filed in her case as aforesaid; and that she is still the widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act passed March 3 rd 1855. Never having heard of bounty land, or knowing that she is entitled except for the above service, and she

believes that no bounty land, was ever issued by her said husband. She hereby revokes any application for Bounty Land previously made or that may have been presented in her name and she hereby constitutes and appoints James L Taylor of Christandale Ky her true and lawful attorney to prosecute the above mentioned claim and to receive for her benefit the Bounty Land Warrant to which she may be entitled, requesting that all communications respect that may be addressed to him,
Francis his Meacham
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year first above written, and on the same day personally came before me Henry Gearhart, & Betsey Miles - Residents of Montgomery County Pa, to me known as credible witnesses, who being duly sworn  being duly sworn  depose that they are personally  that they are personally  acquainted with Francis Meacham  acquainted with Francis Meacham widow of Eliza Meacham who has made and subscribed the foregoing declaration that they were personally acquainted with Eliza Meacham and his wife during the lifetime of the former, and know they lived together as man and wife, and to be so reputed and they believe that the husband of the said Francis Meacham was the identical person who performed the military services mentioned in the above declaration; that the above named Eliza Meacham is now dead, and the said Francis Meacham is now a widow. And they further swear that they are disinterested,
witness
Henry Gearhart
Betsey Miles
Betsey her Miles

Sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that I am not interested in the claim as concerning in its promissory.
R. H. Smith
Virginia
Montgomery County ss
I R. D. Montague Clerk of the County Court of said county & state do hereby certify that Ralph H. Smith Esquire whose genuine signature is attached to the foregoing certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for said county duly elected commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit as due and ought to be given to all his official acts
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and affixed the seal of my office this 14th day of March 1855
R. D. Montague By J. M. Wade D.C.
...except for one ...

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
W.F. 2.318
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Elijah Meacham a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug 1. 1778 June 1783 Pvt. John Harmon Durkee Conn.   John Burwell   Clift   John Hart  
Battles engaged in, Brandywine, Red Bank, Stony Point, Springfield, Siege of York. Residence of soldier at enlistment, united at Suffield, Hartford Co. Conn. Date of application for pension, Oct. 6. 1818  He el. was al. Residence at date of application, Montgomery Co. Va. Age at date of application, 66 yrs.  In 1820 the Sprague put his age as 65  Died Oct. 26. 1851 in Montgomery Co. Va.
Remarks: He was Mar. 9. 1837 in Montgomery Co. Va. Frances Miles  She was al. Pms. on an app. ex. Mch. 8. 1853 while a Resident  of Montgomery Co. Va. aged 58 yrs. In 1850 soldier referred  to his son Elijah then 19 or 20 yrs. old.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Let. to R. D. Montague Sept. 17/53. (R4) R. D. Montague, mch: 9" 66. 3" And. W. 27" 66.
Virginia, Richmond 1585 Frances Weacham widow of Elijah
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars. 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1845.
28 February 1853 Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Aug 1853 and sent to
R. D. Montague Christiansburg VA
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848 , Page 126 Vol. U
3/53
1878

Elijah Mearns Col. Dunkies Connecticut Reg. 1770 - war.
Roll
see? in a letter from John M c — Prof. D. — Pat Mark — Steu. G. M. V. C.
The particular date in here term 1810, when this decla- ration was made, is wanting, in order to date the commence- ment of pension.
2 d June 1818
Montgomery C. H. Va.

In Montgomery County Court, June 2 nd 1818
It is Ordered to be certified to the secretary of the department of War that Elijah Meachum aged about sixty years, who is now, and has been a Resident of this County for twenty six years, personally appeared in Court and declared on Oath that he enlisted in the War of the Revolution in the Town of Suffield Hartford County and state of Connecticut on the 1 st of January 1778 under Capt. John Harmon of Colo. Durgy's Regiment which he believes was called the first Connecticut Regiment in Continental Establishment and that he served therein until about the year 1780 when he was drafted in the light Infantry and placed under Capt. John Burwell and was engaged in the Battle at the siege of York and some time in 1772 he was placed under Capt. Clift and served under him until June 1783 when he was honourably discharged at West Point, state of New York; That he is in reduced circumstances and needs the aid of his Country for support and that no pension has ever been allowed him; It was further proven by the oath of Ichabod Mitchell that he saw the said Elijah Meachum frequently while in service and that he knows he was a regular soldier in the Revolution. It is also
Ordered to

be certified that the Court are well satisfied that the said Elijah is in reduced circumstances and needs the aid of his Country for support
Virginia Montgomery County to wit
I Charles Taylor Clerk of the Court of said County do certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the records of said Court
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County at my Office the 15th day of April 1819
Charles Taylor
Virginia Montgomery County to wit
I Daniel Hove presiding magistrate of the said County do hereby certify that the foregoing arrestation of Charles Taylor Clerk of said County is in due form. Given under my hand seal the 4th day of May 1819
Daniel Hove

4426
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Mar 17, 1855
Frances Meachem wid of Elijah Meachem By John H. Corp.
Warrant No 518 add 160 acres May 1/55
James L Dayton Christiansburg, Va.

1915 Oct. 21 Hist. to Idah M. Stobridge. V.O.M. 1931 May 1. Photo mailed to Mrs. Electa Spangler & Fin. Div. mfd. A. N. Py.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2318 Frances McEachan Widow Elijah McEachan Pres. Rev. War. Act: Feb. 3. 1853. Index: —Vol. M. , Page 41
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pension Office, 23 d August 1853.
Sir, Please to inform me to what time the widow's annual pension was paid, or the date of his death
I am Sir Respectfully,
J. Cole for the Comptroller: Elijah Meecham, act 1818. $8. p.m. — Died 26 th October 1851, Paid to his dealer.
J. Burt Auditor.
Francis Burt Esq., King's Auditor, Treasury,

Rev. C. May, 1 st 1855.
(A. Oct 53, No. 1166)
Baptist

France, Meacham, wid: of Elijah. Was
Rev. A: for Res:
Spne Cerk: at the rate of $ 46. per An: under the 2 d Sec: of the Act of Feb. 3: 1853: to Commence the 4 th Mch: 1861 to continue during widowhood.
Blyth.
Certificate R.D. Montague Esq: Christiansburg, Montgomery Co.

March 18. 1853
517
Appl. of Frances
Meacham widow of Elijah Meacham
Montgomery
Virginia
Act 3rd Secy: 1853 #96.00 per ann — Com = $6:37853, Rev:
D. Montague Christiansburg Virginia
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business

517
Frances Meacham, Widow of Elijah
va
Let to R. D. Montague, May 17/53
Act Feb. 3 d 1853.

578
160 Ans

64. Christiansburg Montgomery Co Va March 12. 1853.
R. D. Montague
Enclose Affidavits of Mrs Frances Meacham & Mrs Mary Wilson to obtain the benefit of provisions of Act passed July 3 d 1853.
1853
ack. verif. Com d Pens. Dept of Int l Mar 17. 1853
Rec d Mch 16. 1853.

Notification sent December 18. 1820 to Mrs. H. H. Holliday, Monk Court House, Virginia
12,732  Virginia  Virginia
Elijah Meacham
of Montgomery Co in the state of Virginia who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Durkee of the Connecticut line, for the term of 5 years. War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 6 of October 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 of July 1819 and sent to Peter Johnson Esqr Judge General Court Virginia Montgomery County -
Arrears to 4th of Mar: 1819. 4 mos \frac{30}{31} 39.74 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1819 48
$ 87.74
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Sep 19.
Continued

Brief in the case of Frances Meacham, widow of Elijah, Montgomery County and State of Va; act 3 d Feby, 1853,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner, under the act of 18 th March, 1818 & Cont o ,
Record evidence of marriage,
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
R. D. Montague, Esq., Christiansburg, Va, Name and residence of Agent
S. C. Boynton, Examining Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of Feb- ruary 3, 1853,
Frances Meacham widow of Elijah Meacham who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Sixty six dollars and 66 cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this Twenty seventh day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
R. M. McLellan
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. N. Rose Acting Commissioner of Pensions.

1585 Brief in the Case of Frances Blackham, widow of Elijah for Restoration. Montgomery County and State of Virginia. Act 3 d Feb: 1853, the 2 d Section.
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Claimant was pensioned before the rebellion at the rate of $96. per An. On the Richmond. Pay roll.
Her widowhood, identity and loyalty is established by two Credible Affiants, and the Surrender of her original pension Certificate. Their Auditor reports her pension paid to 4 th March 1861.
Claim admitted at the rate of $96. per An: under the 2 d Section of said Act, to commence March 4 th 1861, and to continue during her widowhood.
May 3 d 1861.
Name and residence of Agent.
R. D. Montague, Esq. Christiansburg, Montgomery Co. Va.
B. J. W. Examining Clerk.

Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of Sept r next, in Virginia at the Branch Bank of the United States Richmond.

War Department.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818,
Elijah Meachum late a private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Virginia Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to com- mence on the second day of June one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this twenty seventh day of July one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
J B Calhoun Secretary of War.

Frances Meacham
Address
R. D. Montague Christiansburg Montgomery County Virginia

State of Virginia, County of Montgomery Co.
On this twenty first day of February A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty six personally appeared before me James M. Wade Clerk of the county court of said State & county being a court of record Mrs. Frances M c Eachern aged twenty one years, a resident of the county of Montgomery in the state of Virginia who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Frances M c Eachern who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency of Richmond Virginia, and whose pension certificate is herewith returned that she has resided since the first day of January A.D. 1861. in the county of Montgomery State of Virginia, that during this period, her means of subsistence has been the proceeds of a small tract of very poor land, quite unproductive, and that she has not been in arms against the government of the United States, or she has not in any manner encouraged the rebels, or manifested any sympathy with their cause, and that she was last paid her pension on the fourth of September A.D. 1860.
This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension rolls, and of obtaining a new pension certificate such as she may be entitled to under existing law, reference being made to the widow's affidavit filed in the Pension office to substantiate her original claim.
Witness Philip Woolwine John Leary
Frances M c Eachern marks.
Also personally appeared Philip Woolwine & John Leary residents of the county and State above named, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Frances M c Eachern sign her name by marks to the foregoing declaration, and they further swear, that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant

and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and they further say that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. They also further say that they believe the statements made by the applicant in her declaration are correct & true, and she continues a widow.
Philip Woolwine John Feary
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of February, A.D. 1866, and I further hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim, and I further certify that the contents of this paper were made known to the applicant before signing, and that her witnesses are credible and disinterested.
J. M. Wade Clerk of the County Court of Montgomery State of Virginia being a court of record.
I Frances Meacham do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God that I will henceforth support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the States hereunder, that I will in like manner abide by & faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves. So help me God.
Frances Meacham
The above oath was administered to Frances Meacham by me this 21st day of February, A.D. 1866, the object of which was explained to her.
J. M. Wade Clerk of the County Court of Montgomery State of Virginia being a court of record.

In Witness of all the forings, I James M. Wood clerk of the County court of said county & state, being a Court of record, have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court the day and year aforesaid.
J. M. Wood Clerk

State of Virginia. Montgomery County To wit.
At a Court of Quarterly sessions held for Montgomery County at the court house on Monday the 6 th day of June 1853.
On this sixth day of June 1853 personally appeared before the said court Mrs. Frances Meacham a resident of Montgomery county and State aforesaid aged fifty eight years who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the 3 rd February 1853: That she is the widow of Elijah Meacham who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who received a pension of eight dollars per month under the act of 18 th March 1818. That he resided in the county of Montgomery from the time he received his pension, until the time of his death, that he was paid at Richmond, in the state aforesaid. She further declares that she was married to the said Elijah Meacham on the ninth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven; that husband the aforesaid Elijah Meacham died on the 26 th day of October 1851. That she was married to him, at the time above stated; She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act, and is still a widow, and that she never before made application for a pension.
Frances her Meacham mark
Copy Test.
R. S. Montague, C.
Virginia. Montgomery county To wit.
This day Rich d S t Montague personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said county under oath, that he is personally acquainted with Mrs. Frances Meacham; that she is the widow of Elijah Meacham who died at or about the time set forth in her declaration that she was a widow on the 3 rd of February 1853 & is still a widow.
R. S t Montague.

Sworn to and subscribed before me by the within named Rev. Dr. Montague, who is known to me as a person entitled to full credit upon oath. this 11 th June 1853.
E. D. Williams J.P.
Virginia. Montgomery County Sth.
I Rev. Dr. Montague clerk of the county court of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the declaration of Frances Meacham, made before the court of said county on the 6th day of June 1853. I do further certify that Edward D. Williams Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to, and whose genuine signature is attached thereto: is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly elected commissioned and qualified.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 11 th day of June 1853.
R. D. Montague, C.
certificate of marriage and evidence of the death of the said E. Meacham filed with the former declaration
address
R. D. Montague
Christiansburg
(Virginia)

✓ Shurton's Grove Montgomery Co. Va Sept 10. 1853.
R. D. Montague
In relation to the pension Warrant of Mrs. Fanny Meacham at $60 per annum, also enclose declaration of Mr. Aaron Montague with The Secretary of the Interior his Pension Certificate for $30.00 ————— Washington
✓ Respectfully referred to the Comm. of Pensions
Repr. Int.:
Sept 14/53 A. H. White
(Act. Chf. Clk.)
Co. e
Pritchett
Sept. 14. 1853

Virginia. Montgomery Co. Sta.
Christiansburg Sept 10 th 1853
Dear Sir
I have received the Pension warrant of Mrs. Fanny Meadum for $96 per annum commencing on the 2nd February 1853. I had supposed that her pension would have commenced on the 26 th day of October 1851 the day of his death; I find that Mr. Buchanan clerk of this county who obtained a pension was paid from the time of her husband's death; which took place in 1851, or at least from the time her husband had been paid. Mr. Rogers who received a pension under the act of 29 July 1848 was paid from 4 March 1848: and in fact all the pensions which I have seen granted to widows under the act of 29 July 1848. either went back to March 1848, or from the time of the husband's death; It is true that on time is fixed upon in the act of 2nd February 1853 for the pension to commence, it however provides "that the widows of all officers now commissioned officers musicians and privates of the revolutionary army who were married subsequent to January 1800, shall be entitled to a pension in the same manner as those who were married before that date." It seems but reasonable that the widows claiming under the act of 2nd Feb y 1853 are placed upon the same footing with those of the 29 July 1848. and that their pensions ought to commence from the time of the husband's death unless in cases where the husband died previous to 4 th March 1848. and in that case they ought to be paid from the 4 th March 1848. Should you concur with me in opinion, please inform me, and I will return the warrant for its correction.
Respectfully
R. S. Montague
App of Ann Montague taken out
and given to Mr Dunn
Attains

To be used in the application of Mrs. Frances Meacham to be reinstated on the pension roll.

Virginia Montgomery County Set.
Jacob Woolwine and Charles Willis of said county, who are entitled to full credit, upon oath, this day personally appeared before me James M. Wade clerk of the county court of said county, being a court of records, and being first duly sworn, state that they have been intimately acquainted for many years, with Mrs. Frances McEachern of said county, who has made application to be reinstated on the pension roll, that they have resided in her immediate neighbourhood, that she is bordering on seventy years of age, that she is now a widow, and that she "did not encourage the rebels in the late rebellion, nor manifest a sympathy with their cause". that she has, during the rebellion and for many years previous, supported herself upon a small tract of poor & unproductive land, that they have no interest either directly or indirectly in this claim. Jacob Woolwine Charles Willis
Sworn to and subscribed by the above named persons who are entitled to credit upon oath before me, this 2nd. day of April 1866. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said court, the day & year above mentioned.
J. M. Wade Clerk of the county court of Montgomery County Virginia being a court of records.

Treasury Department,
Third Auditor's Office,
April 30 1866.
Sir,
In reply to your inquiry of the 27 th inst. I have to inform you, that the pension of Mrs Frances Meacham, (on the Richmond Va roll under 2 nd Sec. of act 3 rd Feby '53) appears, by the books of this office to have been last paid to 4 th March 1861.
Very Respectfully John Wilson Auditor
Hon Jos. H. Barrett Commr of Pensions
JH
11.12.66

Christianburg, Montgomery County Virginia March 21 st 1866
Sir. A few days since I received your letter of the 9 th instant in relation to the claim of Mrs. Frances Meacham to be restored to the pension roll, in which you say "I will allow the claim of Mrs. Frances Meacham for restoration to the pension roll, as soon as proof is filed that she is a widow and did not encourage rebels, nor manifest a sympathy with their cause. It is advisable that you show by what means she was supported during the rebellion".
I was under the impression that all these facts were proven. I think I refer to a careful reading of the affidavit of John Denny and Philip Woodliffe you will find that it appears by them that she is a widow. In her declaration she states that she was supported during the war on a small tract of poor unproductive land. She also states that "she did not in any way encourage the rebels or manifest a sympathy with their cause". The two witnesses above named who are certified to by the att to be credible believe that they knew every reason to believe her to be a widow and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, they also swear that they believe her statements made in her declaration to be correct & true. I have endeavored to prove the form, if I have failed please say whether I must prove these facts by additional evidence, and if the physiology is wrong state wherein? also whether affidavits taken

before a Magistrate, will be returned, or a Notary public not of whom are authorized by law to administer oaths. Respectfully R. D. Montague
To be used in the offices of Hon. James Montague for a return to the House of Roll.
From Mr. T. A. T. '26
France, Meacham

Bureau of Pensions. Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
April 25, 1931.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War claim of Elijah Meacham, File
No. W.2318.
Actual 1 of each page.
Remitter: Mrs. Electa Spangler, 215 South Glenwood, Peoria, Illinois.
15¢.....1 page.
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1½ in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Rev. Wars and Pensions Bureau of Pensions
RECEIVED
April 25, 1931.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Cash - 15 cents
Dear Sir:
Please furnish me uncertified photostatic copy of one page from Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 2318, of Elijah Meacham.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Martha L. Hanchett, 215 So. Glenwood, Peoria, Ill.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section-April 25, 1931.
Received payment, $.15
Irene L. Hanchett

— Artemisia, 231 East Avenue Forty-one, Los Angeles.
Rev Ser 9
Comms. of Pensions, Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Gentleman:
Kindly give me such data as you have of Elijah Meacham, of Enfield Conn. but who died (prob.) in Montgomery County, Virginia; a Rev. soldier. I am compiling a Genealogy of the Meacham Family in America. He was a U.S. pensioner aged about 78, June 1. 1840. I will be appreciative of all information you may be able to give as to members of his family in Montgomery County.
Very truly,
Isaac M. Shobridge
October Twelfth
1 9 1 5 .