Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1079, for Benjamin Ragsdale, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.B.
Ragsdale Benjamin or Martha Patsey.
W. 1079
CONTENTS

8311
Nashville
Tennessee
Martha Ragsdale widow of Benj t Ragsdale who was a Private N.C. in the Revolution Her bane died Aug t 1842
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 21 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Jan y , 1848 and sent to
John Bruce Gallatin, Tenn.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book a Vol. 2. Page 197
Reported Wid w to John Bruce March 13. 48 Wid w to same Abt 29. 1848 Rel d to Hon. Mr. P. Gentry May 13. 48
State of Tenn. not att

19.033 West Tennessee
Benjamin Ragsdale who was a private in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Company commanded Captain Dillard of the reg t commanded Col. Austin in the Tennessee for 6 months & 15 days
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 21 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of July 1833 and South No. 2 At Service Frankfort
Arrears to the 4th of March 43.32 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 10.83
$54.15
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 9 Page 95
order to pay 14 Nov. 1836. See letter to Col. Campbell letter to W.P.C. Mar 11. 1837 to W.P.C. & Ben As of May 5, 1837.
Seller to Mrs. Parke 13 Auditor 5 Sept 1840
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6. April 1838 from 4 March 1838 to 4 Sep 1839. Agt notified 21. Sep 1840
Paid as above from 4 March to 4 Sep 1840. Agt Notified 26 May 1841.
Date of death not as yet

No. 12323.
Brig. Raleigh
from 1780 private 6 1/2 months. $21.66 2/3
Thomas M. Scovel Franklin Tennessee Feb. 27. 1833.

BRIEF in the case of Benjamin Ragdale of Williamson County in the State of Tennessee (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? A Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 78 Years.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1780 — — 3 — Private Capt. Billard   — about — 18 do. Capt. Hawkins Bdy. — Co. Mulgrew Troop of horse   1781. — 3 4 months do. Capt. Yarbro — Co. Davidson caused 18 months men.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? —  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Chatham County, North Carolina  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No. 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. F. Pleasants Examining Clerk.

State of Tennessee } On this 4 th day of Sept 1832 Williamson County personally appeared in open court before me Thomas Stuart Presiding Judge of the circuit court of Williamson County Tennessee Benjamin Ragsdale, a gen of 73 years who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed 7 th June 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated That he was first drafted for a three months tour while residing in Chatham County North Carolina and on the month of June 1780 in his 21 st year of age and entered into Capt Dillard's company We marched from Chatham courthouse down by Ramsey's Mill, crossing Pedee river and was continuing our march to join Gen Gates who had recently been appointed to the command of the Southern Army, when the news of Gen Gates defeat reached the men I was with and my capt ordered the men to retreat. We were then marched back thro' the Cheraw Hills and into Chatham county, and about this time my tour of three months expired and I got a discharge for that time signed by Capt Dillard. I remained at home some short time when I volunteered into Col Hulston's horse troops we met at his house when we were organized and Hawkins Dye was my capt. There was a certain Col Fannin whom we were going to capture: we made several unsuccessful at- tempts I served with Col Hulston until he was taken prisoner. I served in this tour about 15- days. I next entered as a volunteer with what were called the 18 months men. I think into the 71 st regiment. I recollect of hearing our men

say hurra for the 11 th regiment. I entered into Capt Yarbry's Company. I recollect two other Captains in this regiment, Capt Sangum & Capt Sauners I recollect, the following men in my company. Ben Taylor Charles Taylor, Tom Holkenhead Ben Holkenhead Augustin Williams, Beny Bonner and Ward We rendezvoused at Salisbury where Col David- son, (uncle of Gen Davidson who had been a short time before killed at a ford on the Catawba) took command of us. We marched from Sal- isbury and crossed the Peele and intended to join Gen Green who was not far from Charles- ton. The British about this time evacuated Charleston and we took possession. Soon after this the news of Cornwallis's surrender arrived and I think about 4 months of my 18 months tour, had elapsed. I entered this 18 months tour the year Cornwallis surrendered which was in 1781 and about the month of June or July I know I had been in this company but a short time before Roasting ears came about I got a discharge which was for three or four months service. This discharge together with the first I lost when I moved to this country which was twenty years after I got it. The 18 months men were to be paid in land I have never got any myself. I was born on Cape Fear river Chatham county N Carolina in 1759 where I lived until I was grown when I moved to Moore county where I staid 10 or 12 years when I moved to Williamson Tennessee where I now live and have been living ever since I have been acquainted with all the officers above mentioned but Gen Gates. I am acq- uainted with Nathan Lunn, Lancaster Ragsdale. John Satterfield and Robert Davis

I had a record of my age which was in my mother's Bible, but now lost. I have I know of no person in this country who can prove my services as stated. I have no documentary evidence of my services except those stated. I hereby relinquish every claim to a pension or annuity whatever except the present and declare my name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state. The day of the year aforesaid. Sworn to in open court. Benjamin Ragsdale Sworn to and subscribed in open court. P. Keayelk de 3 mark We Robert Davis, a clergyman resident in the county of Williamson & state of Tennessee and Lancaster Ragsdale, John Satterfield and Nathan Lunn residents of the same
county and state, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Ragsdale who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 73 years of age, that he is respected & 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 in open court. Robert Davis 4 th Sept. 1832. P. Keayelk de 3 John Satterfield
Lancaster Ragsdale his mark Nathan Lunn mark
And the said court does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after the putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states; and the court further certifies that it appears to him that, Robert Davis who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county of Williamson and state of Tennessee and that John Satterfield, Lancaster Ragsdale and Nathan Lunn who have signed the same are resident

in the same county and state and are credible persons and that their Statement is entitled to credit
Thos Stuart Judge X C
I Preston Hay Clerk of the circuit court of Williamson county in Tennessee do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceed- ings of said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Rags- dale for a pension. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and private seal, there being as yet no seal of office. This the day & year aforesaid
State of Tennessee ss
Preston Hay Seal
I hereby certify that Preston Hay whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is clerk of the Williamson county circuit court, and that said signature is in his proper hand writing and that no seal of office is provided for said court
Felix Grundy
Benj Ragsdale Declaration
12.323
State of Tennessee ss
I hereby certify that Preston Hay whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is clerk of the circuit court of Williamson county in the state of Tenn and that said

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the Act of Congress of the 11th of July 1836
State of Tennessee Williamson County } ss
On this 8th day of August personally appeared Martha Ragsdale aged eightyone years before me Joseph Burnett one of the Acting Justices of the peace in and for Williamson County Who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath say she the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July the 11th 1836 That she is the widow of Benjamin Ragsdale who was a private in the Army of the Revolutionary War and drew a pension of twentyone dollars and sixtysix cents per annum at Nashville in Tennessee That she was married to the above named Benjamin Ragsdale in September seventeen hundred and seventyeight in the State of North Carolina in Moore County The day of the month she cannot recollect and has no record of her age or marriage The reason why she recollects that her marriage took place in September that she did ride to the minister's residence at which place she was married to the above named Benjamin Ragsdale the reason why she recollects that her marriage took place in the date of 1778 is from the size of her oldest child at the capture of Lord Cornwallis that her husband Benjamin Ragsdale was then in the Army of the United States but not at the capture and surrender of Cornwallis but when he was taken she was the mother of two children, that she left her oldest child at home and took her youngest child with her and went in search of her husband Benjamin Ragsdale whom she found on his way home that she returned home with him, it being the last campaign that he ever served

That he died on the 20th day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty two and, That she has remained a widow ever since that period As will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed Sworn to And subscribed to on the day and year above Written before
Joseph Burnett Justice of the Peace For Williamson County. Martha Prago-dale Mark
State of Tennessee Williamson County } ss
I Joseph Burnett — one of the Acting justices of the peace do certify that Martha Prago-dale was duly sworn According to law and did subscribe to the above declaration for the purposes therein mentioned That from old age and bodily infirmity she is unable to attend court That she is a woman of high credibility and good character that considering her advanced age her mind is yet good Given under my hand and official seal this 8th day of August A.D. 1843
Joseph Burnett Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee Williamson County } ss
Personally appeared James Prago-dale a citizen of Williamson County before me Joseph Burnett one of the Acting justices of the peace in and for Williamson County and State aforesaid who first being duly sworn According to law doth on his oath say that he has the record of his own age which which is fifteen thirteen years the the 12th day of May last That he has been acquainted with Martha Prago-dale and her husband Benjamin Prago-dale ever since he can recollect up to the day of the death of Benjamin Prago-dale

which death was on the 20th day of March 1842 and that Martha Ragsdale his widow has remained a widow ever since that period and is now a widow. That from what he has always heard from Benjamin the husband of Martha Ragsdale say that their oldest daughter was about thirteen years of age when he was born which would make their oldest about sixty-four years old that he believes that they were lawfully married for they lived together as man and wife that he has often heard Benjamin and Martha Ragsdale often speak of their marriage on a muster day that he believes if they had not been he must have heard it lawfully married, for he has lived near them ever since he could recollect that he was raised in part in Moore County in the State of North Carolina in which county he always understood they were married. Second to that considering her advanced age her mind is yet good that Martha Ragsdale is a woman of high credibility and undoubted veracity. Sworn to and subscribed on this 8th day of August 1843
James Ragsdale
Interlined before assigned
Joseph Burnett Justice of the Peace for Williamson County
State of Tennessee
Williamson County } 1843
“ Personally appeared Matthew P. Montgomery a resident of Williamson County before me Joseph Burnett one of the Acting justices of the peace for Williamson County who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he is personally acquainted with Martha Ragsdale the foregoing subscriber to the foregoing declaration that she is a woman of high credibility and undoubted veracity and that considering her advanced age her mind is yet good. Sworn to and subscribed on this 8th day of August 1843. Joseph Burnett Justice of the Peace — Matthew P. Montgomery

State of Tennessee Williamson County } SSS
Personally appeared Joshua Gilbert a resident of Williamson County before me Joseph Burnett one of the acting justices of the peace in and for Williamson County and State of Tennessee who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he is personally acquainted with Martha Ragsdale the foregoing subscriber to the foregoing declaration also with her husband Benjamin Ragsdale ever since he can recollect up to the day of his death that his first recollection of them was in Moore County in the State of North Carolina in which county he resided and in which county it is said that Benjamin Ragsdale and Martha his wife were married They lived together as man and wife and believes that if they had not been legally married that he would have heard it so stated but to the contrary he always understood they were married for Benjamin Ragsdale and Martha Ragsdale's oldest child is near the same age with himself. That his own age is sixtyfour years the 10th day of February last and that he has heard Benjamin Ragsdale say that he and his wife Martha the subscriber to the foregoing declaration was married before he was born that they moved from the State of North Carolina Moore County to the State of Tennessee Williamson County in which County he died and that Martha Ragsdale has remained a widow ever since that period and is now a widow That she is a woman of high credibility and undoubted veracity and considering her advanced age her mind is yet good
Sworn to and subscribed on this 8th day of August 1843
Joseph Burnett Justice of the peace ~
Joshua Gilbert mark

State of Tennessee Williamson County
I Joseph Burnett — one of the acting justices of the peace in and for Williamson County do certify that I am personally acquainted with James Bragsdale Matthew P. Montgomery and Joshua Gilberd that they are men of high credibility and undoubted veracity and that they were duly sworn according to law and subscribed to the foregoing Affidavits purporting to be their several and separate given under my hand and official seal this 8th day of August A.D. 1843
Joseph Burnett Justice of the Peace for Williamson County State of Tennessee
The State of Tennessee
James B. McCormick clerk of the county courts of Williamson county in the state of Tennessee aforesaid do hereby certify that Joseph Burnett whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate and affidavits is now and was at the making thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county of Williamson aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due his official acts and that said signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office this 10 day of August 1843 James B. McCormick

State of Tennessee
Williamson County
I Gilbert Marshall Chairman and presiding Magistrate in the State of Tennessee of the County Court of Williamson County do certify that Lemuel B. McCormick is the Clerk of the county Court of Williamson County that the foregoing certificate is in lawful form that he was County Court Clerk at the time of signing the same that the signature purporting to his is genuine Given under my hand and seal this 18th day of August A.D. 1843
Gilbert Marshall (Seal)

XXXXXX
Mr. Batley Rags- dale? case.

1 Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 July 1836.
State of Tennessee ?
Williamson County ?
on this 3 rd day of February 1847. personally appeared before Seth Shackman me, an act- ing Justice of the peace in & for Wil- kinson County in the State afore- said, and one of the members of the county court of Williamson Coun- ty in the State aforesaid - Patsey Ragsdale a resident of Wilkin- son County in the State aforesaid aged eighty six years, who being fi- rst 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 July 4 1836; That she is the widow of Benja- min Ragsdale who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. She states that owe- ing to the great lapse of time, and con- sequent loss of memory she cannot re- collect at this time the particular facts with regard to Benjamin Ragsdale's services in the Revolutionary war But so far as she can recollect, they were as follows. That in the year about one, or two years after the commencement of the Revolutionary war, her husband the said Benja- min Ragsdale went into the service of the United States, as a private

That George Washington was his General but she does not recollect any of his other officers names. That he resided in Moore county in Northcar- olina at the time he went into service That she does not recollect in what capacity he went into service but she has reasons to believe, but does believe, that he went into said service as an enlisted soldier. That he was served in all two years. But she does as not know of his ever getting more, than one written discharge. That at the ex- piration of said tour, or term afore- said he received a written discharge from his proper officer but he lost the same she states that in coming in North Carolina in North Carolina in the year
she married the said Benjamin Ragsdale. That the banns were pub- lished, or notice, given three times in the church notifying the people, that said marriage would take place, on day that to the best of her recol- lection she was then married, by a Justice of the peace who was then a jud- ge the decline of life, & consequently now on probably now dead. She states that said marriage did not take place after her said husband the said Benjamin Ragsdale was done servi- ng in the revolution but said mar- riage did take place, before he was done serving in said revo-

lution. She states 3 that her Benjamin Ragsdale several years previous to his death applied for & obtained a pension of twenty one dollars & cents from the Government of the United States and continued to draw the same down to a period not long previous to his death. That after his death her his pension certificate was transmitted to the war department as she has reasons to believe. She states that the said Benjamin Ragsdale her husband died in Williamson county in the state of Tennessee on the 20 day of March 1842. She states that she never has married any other person since the death of the said Benjamin Ragsdale. She states that she is at this time a widow and resides in Williamson county in the state of Tennessee. That she has no other documentary evidence at this time in her possession in support of her said claim except that which she has transmitted with this declaration to the department in this cause.
Patsey her Ragsdale mark
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 3 day of February 1847.
Seth Spatman Justice of the Peace for Williamson County

State of Tennessee } Williamson County }
On this 3 rd day of February 1847. personally appeared before me Jethro Shuckman a Justice of the peace in and for the county of William- son and State aforesaid, one of the members of the county court of the county and state aforesaid, and being qualified to administer oaths Sely. Elliott a resident of the county of Williamson in the state aforesaid, and aged sixty six years or who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law doth on her oath state as follows, that about fifty years before the death of said Benjamin Ragsdale she formed an acquaintance with him & he and said Patsey Ragsdale were at that time living together as man & wife. "and that she continued to be in- timately acquainted with them from the time she first formed an acquaint- ance with them down to the time of said Benjamin Ragsdale death which took place on 26 th of March 1842. She states that said Benjamin Ragsdale and Patsey Ragsdale his wife had the following children to wit Mary Ragsdale William Ragsdale Dan- iel Ragsdale Dempsey Ragsdale Ragsdale Jeriah Ragsdale Dicy Ragsdale Sarah Rags- dale John Ragsdale & Rosa Ragsdale all of whom were, born  married in Macluck as she believes. She states, that

during all the time she was ac- quainted with said Benjamin Ragdale he and Patsy his wife, they lived very affectionately together as man and wife so far as she knows, she states that on the 25 th of March 1842, the said Benjamin Ragdale died in Wil- kinson County in the State of Ten- nessee, and that since his death, the said Patsy Ragdale, never has ma- ried any other person, whatever at this time resides in Wilkin- son County in the State of Tennessee. Sworn to & subscribed her before me this 3 rd . day of February - 1847. Saly H Elliott mark
Seth Spitzman
Judge of the peace for Williamson County.
State of Tennessee } Williamson County }
on this 3 rd day of February. - 1847.
personally appeared before me Seth Spitzman an acting Justice of the peace in & for Williamson County in the state aforesaid, having the pow- er to administer oaths. Sarah Ragdale a resident of Williamson County eight years, who being first duly sw- orn according to law deposes, and states as follows, that about thirty eight years, before the death of said Benjamin Ragdale, she formed an acquaintance

7. with him, and said Patsy Ragsdale and they were at that time liv- ing together as man and wife and she continued to be intimate- ly acquainted with them, from the time above mentioned down to the time of the said Benjamin Ragsda- le's death, which took place on the 20 day of March 1942. in Wil- liamson county in the state of Tennessee. She states that since the death of the said Benjamin Rags- dale, the said Patsy Ragsdale has never married any other person whatever, and at this time resides in Williamson coun- ty in the state of Tennessee. Sworn to & subscribed before me
This 3 day of Feb February 1947. Sarah her Ragsdale mark
Jeth Sparkman Justice of the peace for Williamson county
State of Tennessee } Williamson county }
on this 3 day of February 1947 personally appeared before me Jeth Sparkman and acting justice of the pe- ace in and for Williamson county in the state of Tennessee James Ragsdale resident in Williamson county in the state aforesaid, aged fifty-three years who being first duly sworn, ac- know-

ding to law 9 on this oath of- ate as follows, that about forty ye- ars, before the death of the said Benjamin Ragsdale he formed an acquaintance with him and wi- th said Patsy Ragsdale and they were at that time liv- ing together as man & wife and she continued to be interna- tely acquainted with them from the time above mention- ed down to the time of the death of the said Benjamin Ragsdale which took place on the 20 of March 1842. He states that said Patsy Ragsdale is the same person, who is an applicant for a pension in this case. He states that said Benjamin Ragsdale & Patsy his wife, had the fol- lowing children, to wit Mary Rag- sdale, William Ragsdale, Daniel Ragsdale, Dempsey Ragsdale, Lane- aster Ragsdale, Kizziah Ragsdale, Dicy Ragsdale, Sarah Ragsdale, John Ragsdale & Noda Ragsdale all of whom affiant really be- lieves were born in Meigs. He states that said Benjamin Ra- gsdale and Patsy Ragsdale his wife lived peacefully and affec- tionately together as man & wife so far as he knows. He states that on the 20 of March 1842 said Benjamin Ragsdale died in Wil- kinson County in the state of

9. Furness, and said Patsey Pags- dale has remained single ever since his death and at this time resides in Williamson county in the state of Ten- nessee. James Pagsdale
Sworn to & subscribed be- fore me this 3 rd day of Feb- ruary 1847.
Jeth Sparman
Justice of the peace for Williamson county
State of Tennessee } Williamson county } of Jeth Sparman } an acting Justice of the peace in and for Wil- iamson county in the state aforesaid and one of the members of the county court in and for the said state aforesaid, and being qualified to administer oaths do hereby certify that Patsey Pa- gsdale the person who has sub- scribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration is a person of truth & veracity and entitled to credit upon oath, and owing to her great age

and infirmity 10 she cannot appear in a court of record and subscribe & swear to said declaration. And I do further certify that I am ac- quainted with the characters of James Ragsdale and Sarah Ra- gsdale and Jery Elliott all of whom have subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affida- vits and they are persons of veracity and entitled to credit on their oaths. In testimony wh- ereof I have here- unto set my hand This 3 day of Feb- ruary 1847.
Seth Spaulding
Justice of the Peace for Wil- amson County.

I Samuel B. McCormick Clerk of the county court of Williamson county in the state of Tennessee do hereby certify that Seth Sparkman the person be- fore whom, the foregoing declaration and affidavits were subscribed and sworn to was at that time and still is an acting Justice of the peace in and for Williamson co- unty in the state aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths and du- ly commissioned according to law, and his commission was dated on the 4 th day of April 1842 and will end on the 4 day of April 1848
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my public seal of office in office In Franklin this 6 day of February 1847
Samuel B. McCormick

April 19, 1872
Push U.S. Res.
Amer.
John Bruce complains of the Pension Office not answering his letters etc
P. 86. see April 1872
Pension Office
8311.43
Washington City
His Excellency James A. Garfield President of the United States
John Bruce Esq. Murfreesboro Tennessee

John Breese Esq. Munfordsburg Tennessee
His Excellency James K. Polk President of The United States
Washington City
9 A.M.
83 11.43
Armour Office
Apr 6. 1846
of the Brown Office not answering his letter the
John Breese complained
since
Genl. W. J. Rains
Apr 19. 1846

Murfreesborough Tennessee
Sir
I know, it is the sincere, and ardent wish of your excellency, to see all the blessings, of your Administration, going on well, and to see this nation prosperous and happy. To accomplish that momentous and grand object, you have, laboured much & will do so, a great deal of hardship. But sir I this day make a bitter & sad complaint, against the War Department. Your excellency knows that for many years, I have been attending to pension claims. I have been very useful to said claimants. The Department till, within a few months ago, has always treated me, with a great deal of politeness & attention. Sometime, in February 1847. an old lady named Martha Ragsdale, and her son in law James Ragsdale. employed me to get a pension for her. I went to the house of her son in law, in Williamson county, three times, and took three important steps in said cause, on the 25 th day of January last, said Department, directed, the agent at Nashville to put said case on the Pension Roll, which the agent has done in conformity with said advice. But yet no pension certificate has ever, come to me. And since the agent gave, me the information where named, I have wrote on to J. B. Scrymgeour, the commissioner of Pensions.

sunday times, and requested him to transmit said Pension certificates to me. But he has not done so, nor will, not condescend to answer letters. I have likewise wrote to the Secretary of War, and he never has answered my letter. I have spent many agreeable hours with your excellency, and still have a very warm heart towards you. But sir I am truly sorry to say, that I am at this time writing to you under the influence of anger. I am not mad with your excellency, but mad with the Secretary of War & with the commissioner of Pensions. Indeed it is a great gratification to me to indulge in the passion of anger against the two gentlemen above-named, because they are receiving large salaries from the government, and yet refuse to do their duty, in consequence of which many of those superannuated widows of officers of the Revolution, are going to their graves without one cent. Dear sir I wish you would forthwith, be so good as to speak to the Pension office, and direct the commissioner of Pensions and the Secretary of War to issue said Pension certificates. If you do not certificates, while the heavens, and the earth shall stand. Your excellency knows, that I am not captious, nor factious nor unpleasant to do business with. Please give my best respects to Mrs

Polk. I am with sentiments of high es- teem your friend His Excellency James K. Polk President of the United States Washington City. D. C. and obedient Servant John Bruce.
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint circular stamp or seal]

June 26, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Francis M. Wright 922-932 Eighth Street Augusta, Georgia
BA-J/EL AW Benjamin Ragsdale- W.1079
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Benjamin Ragsdale, pension claim, W.1079, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.1079, based upon the military service of Benjamin Ragsdale in that war.
Benjamin Ragsdale was born in 1759, on Cape Fear River in Chatham County, North Carolina. The names of his parents are not shown in the papers in the pension claim.
While residing in Chatham County, North Carolina, Benjamin Ragsdale enlisted in June, 1780, and served three months as a private in Captain Dillard's North Carolina Company; sometime afterward, he enlisted and served fifteen days as a private in Captain Hawkins Dye's Company, Colonel Austin's North Carolina "horse troop"; he enlisted in 1781, and served three months as a private in Captain Tarbry's Company, Colonel Davidson's North Carolina Regiment.
After the Revolution, he resided in Moore County, state not given, for ten or twelve years, and about 1801, moved to the state of Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832, while residing in Williamson County, Tennessee.
He died in said Williamson County, March 20, 1842, according to the statement of his widow. However, there is a statement on file in the claim that his death occurred on August 9, 1842, and that his pension was paid up to the time of his death. For further information in regard to the death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Benjamin Ragsdale(W.1079), it is suggested that you apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city.

citing the following data:
Benjamin Ragsdale, Certificate No.19033, issued July 26, 1833, rate $21.66 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, West Tennessee Agency.
The soldier married in September, 1778, in Moore County, North Carolina, Martha or Patsy, maiden name not given.
Soldier's widow, Martha, was allowed pension on her application executed August 8, 1843, at which time she was a resident of Williamson County, Tennessee, and was aged eighty-one years. She was deceased in 1848, exact date of her death not given.
The names of the following children are shown: the dates of their birth are not stated.
Mary Ragsdale, William Ragsdale, Daniel Ragsdale, Dempsey Ragsdale, Lancaster Ragsdale, Kesiah or Kissiah Ragsdale, Dicey Ragsdale, Sarah Ragsdale, John Ragsdale, Roda Ragsdale.
James Ragsdale was a son-in-law of the soldier and his wife; the name of the wife of James Ragsdale is not designated, nor was the degree of their relationship shown.
In August, 1843, James Ragsdale, of Williamson County, Tennessee, made affidavit in support of the widow, Martha Ragsdale's claim for pension and then stated that he was fifty-one years of age, "the 12th day of May last"; no relationship to the family was shown. In 1847, Sarah Ragsdale was a resident of Williamson County, Tennessee, and then stated that she was aged forty-eight years, but did not state any relationship to the family. Lancaster Ragsdale was a resident of Williamson County, Tennessee, in 1832, and the name Richard Ragsdale also appears; no relationship to the family shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

Feb. 15-1901 Miss Susie Gentry Franklin Pa.
1932-Nov. 22-List to Mrs. C. Stephens - Duffey - Bch
1934-June 26-List to Francis M. Hughes Ed.
Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1079
Martha Ragsdale, Widow.
Benjamin Ragsdale Priv. Riv. War.
Act: March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844. Index:—Vol. M. , Page 148.

10396
Tennessee
Reported
Martha Ragsdale
Widow of Benjamin Ragsdale who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 9th August 1842 of Wm Austin in the State of Tennessee who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Dillard of the Regt commanded by Col Austin in the Revolution for 6 mo. 15 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 21. Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the fifth day of March, 1836. under the Joint Resolution
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Jan'y 1841 and sent to John Bruce, Gallatin, Tenn.
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos Dampkin Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 355.

5943
Martha Ragsdale
Ten
Let to John Brice August 30. 47
# Let to John Brice July 30. 47
Let to R. H. Hawthorne Nov 22. 45
Let to Wm M. P. Gentry
March 4th 47 - let to J Brice aprl 22' 47.
# Act 4 July 1836

Set to John Bruce Nov. 6. '47

act 43 no 9412 No 13544 2nd Reso n: 372 372
Martha Ragsdale wid of Benjamin Trn
act 7 July 1838 and Joint Resolution of 23 Jany 1845 admd 6 mo 15 days per $21.66 pr an
pm 4 March 1836
Admd acts 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844 $21.66 pr an
pm 4 March 1843
John Bruce Gallatin

Benjamin Ragsdale, Williamson co Tenn. Act 7 June 1832 p 21 st page
To what time was he last paid?
G.C.A.
Pension Office January 18 th 48
Died 9 th Aug st 1842 Paid to his death.
B.B.
19 th

J. G.
27 Feb 1840 sent Benj. Ragdale Perkinsville
Edwards Com d of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Franklin Feby 15 th 1837
J. S. Edwards Esq r Sir On the 26 th Oct last I wrote to you in regard to the Pension of Benjamin Ragsdale & enclosed you the vouchers upon which as his att o I applied for his pension. - Since then Stephen Cantrall wrote to me in these words "We have Rec d instructions to pay this claim." I applied to him personally for the pension & he asked me where the papers were? I replied that I had none as they were sent to you - he said that he could not pay the claim until I produced the papers - Now My dear Sir, I must be glad for the sake of this poor old Revolutionary Soldier; you would return me the papers, or put me in the way of getting this old mans money; he is old & will not trouble "the Government" long as he has nearly run his race in this world - Your early attention to this will much oblige the friend & att o of old Ben. Ragsdale Yours &c Wm R Campbell

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
September 9 th 1840.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6 th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Benjamin Ragsdale, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Nashville, Ten: Agency, at the rate of Twenty one Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1838, to the 4 th Sept. 1839.
Respectfully yours,
William H. Harrison Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
May 21 st , 1841.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Benjamin Baysdale — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Nashville, Tenn: Agency, at the rate of Twenty one Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March, to the 4 th Sept. 1840.
Respectfully yours,
William H. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Sir Murfreesborough August 7 th 1847.
I have received your letter of the 30 th July last. In which letter you have acknowledged the receipt of my letter of the 3 rd of July last. And in reply you have stated that it does not appear from the books and files of your office, that any communication had been received from me in the case of Martha Ragsdale, since my letter of the 13 th April last, a reply to which you stated bears date the 22 nd of that month. Sir in reply I see from the records in my office, that I wrote to you on the first day of May last, and in my letter I propounded the following interrogatories to you 1 do you find that her husband was properly pensioned 2 and is the marriage sufficiently proven 3 will she be compelled to go into a court of record 4 was her husband's death sufficiently proven. Sir you will please answer the above interrogato-

ries as soon as convenient
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions. Washington City
I am with high esteem your obedient Servant John. Bruce.
August 16 47
Post Care Macha Ragsdale
Honorable J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
FREE

July 17/94 Patty, Rappahannock
FREE
The Honourable J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Warrington July 3 rd 1847. Sir
In case of Patsey Bragsdale who is an applicant for a pension. I sent on the papers to you on the 8 th of February last. But afterwards I came to a conclusion that probably said papers were not arranged accor- ding to the regulations of the de- partment, and consequently, I wrote to you and requested you to trans- mit said papers back to me but you answered, my letter of your answer you stated that it would be contrary to the rules of the department to send said papers back to me, but if I wished instructions with regard to any thing that had to be done in said case for the future, I would please write to you, and you would

forthwith give me said instructions. I then wrote a letter to you in which I requested you to give me instructions as to the matters hereafter named to wit did she prove said marriage to the satisfaction of the department and whether she swore to her declara- tion before a tribunal which was competent and legal and probably I named several other matters in which I wanted instructions from you. I transmitted said last mention- ed letter to you several weeks ago but I never have received any answer whatever from you. You will please make the necessary ex- amination and write me those in- structions immediately.
The Honorable J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.
Your obed- ient serva- nt John Bruce

House of Reps May 8 th /48
Sir
Please give attention to the enclosed and inform me on the subject
Respe-fully M c Kinstry
Hon J L Edwards Com of Pensions

Ms. A. 9. 2. 22. 247 Parker, Ralph
Wm. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
#

Sturminster Newton April 13. 1847.
Sir
In the case of Patsey Ragou- le, you will please send all the papers, back to me, so that I may arrange the same before a court of Record in its regular session, or in vacation I am your obedient Ser- vant J. S. G. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions John Bruce. Washington City.

Home of Reps March 2 nd 1847
Sir
Please examine the application of Mrs D Ragsdale for a Pension under the Act of 1836 & inform me of its merits - of the sufficiency or insufficiency of proof etc. As inconvenient to reply before I leave the at the close of the present session, please forward a reply to me at Franklin Tennessee & oblige
Respectfully M P Gentry
Thom L L Edwards

Return to me
Oct 4 Sept. 1, advertisement Martha Russell
PAID
The Honourable J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City. D. C.

Marbleborough October 6 th 1847.
Sir
I have transmitted to you the declaration of Martha Ragsdale, with the necessary certificate of the clerk of the county court of Williamson County, which certificate proves to you, that said court approved of all the proceedings in said case before the Justice of the peace. In your letter to me dated 31 st of August last you stated that Benjamin Ragsdale her husband served six months and fifteen days. In her declaration now transmitted to you she has stated, that she served six months and fifteen days, in conformity to the time stated in your letter. Sir If there is any other discrepancy between her first declaration and her second, I hope it will not operate to her injury, for her memory (owing to her great age) is very much impaired. I have endeavoured to arrange her papers, according to your instructions. I hope you will transmit her pension certificate to me in the course of thirteen or fourteen days.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of pensions Washington City. D. C.
I am with sentiments of great respect your obedient servant John Bruce.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Ragsdale 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? NO 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? Has no seal of Office - has affixed his private seal which has no inscription or device - NO

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? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? —
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? Yes
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? —
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?
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  No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
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.

Union Bank of Tennessee Nashville 24 th April 1837
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir
At the request of Mr. Wm. P. Campbell the attorney of Benjamin Ragsdale a Rev. Pensioner of the 7 th June 1832 I herewith forward his pension voucher for your inspection. Sanctions of Payment, Mr. Campbell the attorney forwarded to you last fall the pension voucher of the same Mr. Ragsdale when there was only a year's pay due, and this office was instructed to pay him, but owing to a mistake being made in addressing Mr. Campbell at this place instead of Franklin, he never got your letter until another 6 months was due to the pensioner, and the claim has been made out anew so as to cover the whole of time due to Mr. Ragsdale, please to return the claim to the Office or to Mr. Wm. P. Campbell the attorney at Franklin, Wilson County Tennessee
Yr. obed Servt John M. Bell P.A. By S. Cantrill

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office in open co- urt in the town of Franklin. This 4 day of October. 1847.
Samuel B. McCannick Clerk By W. McCannick V. G.

France Franklin, Oct 26 th 1836
Amos Burch Nashville Oct 26 1836
Mr Edward Egan
Sir
Enclosed are the bonds upon which I applied as a debt for Benjamin Ragsdale's pension - The agent replied that 12 mos pension was due & that the papers must be forwarded to you for your inspection - If they are in proper form to entitle me to draw the pension please return me the papers with such order thereon as may enable me to get said money
I oblige you etc.
Wm P. Campbell
Wm P. Campbell

FREE
J. S. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.
John N. Druce in the case of Mrs. Dugdale
Apr 10. 1848

Murfreeborough March 31 st 1848.
Sir
I wish you would issue the Pension certificates, in Mrs Ragsdale's case forthwith, if you do not, the President of the United States, will be in your office, on next Thursday, and there will kick up a great fuss, about said cause Your obedient Servant J. B. Bruce J. S. G. Edwards Esquire Commissioner Of
Pensions
Washington City.
D. C.
P. S. On the 25 th of January last you directed the Pension agent at Wash- ville to put said case on the Pension Roll.
J. Bruce.

July 23 1878 Rasp's Cullyville of Mary Ragsdale
FREE
831143 Jan The Honorable J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Murfreesboro, Tenn. February 14 th 1943
Sir
The Pension agent at Nashville on the 11 th of this instant informed me that he has allready been directed to put Martha Bragstad's case on the pension roll. And that there will be $110 00 coming and due to her on the 1 st of next month. But yet I never have received the pension certificate. Sir please write me immediately, and let me know, whether you have ever, sent of said pension, certificate, directed to me, or to some other person, and if to any other person, please write me his name.
I am with high esteem J. S. Edwards Esquire your friend and obedi- ent servant John Bruce.
Pensions Washington City D. C.

Mrs. Ragsdale
8311, 43 Ten
FREE
The Honorable J. S. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Waukesha County, Wis. Sir. April 25 th 1848.
In answer to your letter of the 13 March 1848. I have to state to you, that on the 24 th of this instant I found, the pension certificates in the case of Martha Ragsdale, widow of Benjamin Ragsdale, in the hands of Ben Bruce Esq. of Galena, Tenn. forty one miles, from my own residence. At which time said John Bruce Esq informed me that he is not attending to pension claims, and has nothing to do with them. I am truly sorry to be You will for the future make such a mistake in your documents to me, to please direct Rutherford county Tenn. I hope to receive certificates in Nancy McMinn's case in a very short time. You will please comply with the above instructions in every case, unless otherwise directed by me.
Your obedient servant John Bruce. J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.
D. C.
P. S. prudence and wisdom seems to dictate that I had best add a few more letters to my name six months from this time. John Bruce.

50 1892 Jul 17. 1891
to Beliz Guiana Roadside, Aug 4. 1836.
The Honorable J. S. Eden Eden Commissioner of Washington. D.C.

Waukesha County February 4 th 1947.
Sir
I have transmitted to you the papers in the case of Patsy Ragsdale who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. Sir I have not wrote on to North Carolina to get a certified copy of the marriage bond, or licence, for two reasons. The first is because Mrs Ragsdale cannot recollect in what county she was married and secondly because she states in her declaration that the banns were published three times in the church before the rights of matrimony were solemnized between her and her said husband. And consequently we find there is no marriage, bond, or licence in evidence. The second grade of evidence is record proof of the marriage, that she has not. The third grade of evidence we have endeavoured to obtain, and that is the affidavits, of three very respectable persons, of high standing, that they formed an acquaintance with said Patsy Ragsdale, and her said husband, Benjamin. Ragsdale many years previous to the death of the said Benjamin Ragsdale and that when they formed their first acquaintance with them they were living together as man and wife. And that they had a considerable number of children born as they believe in Meadock. Sir it appears to me that the evidence in this case

is as strong or stronger, than the testimony of one person, who would swear, that he was present on the ground & saw them married Sir when you examine the papers of Benjamin Ragsdale, to ascertain whether he was properly pensioned, if you should do so, you will probably find the affidavit of Richard Ragsdale who swears, that he had seen Benjamin Ragsdale's discharge, and read it. But said Richard Ragsdale is now dead. As it relates to the subscribing and swearing to the declaration in this case, it would be a great piece of imprudence to attempt to carry Mrs Ragsdale into a court of records. For she is so infirm & superannu- mated, that she cannot walk, and confined to her bed continually. Since the nearest court of records is twelve, or thirteen miles, from her residence. In the case of Mrs Tankesley, of Davidson county in this state, whose papers were arraigned and fixed by Thomas Clayb- urn of Nashville. In that case, as I have been informed, there was no record proof of the marriage, nor she did not prove by one or more witnesses, that they were pre- sent upon the ground, and saw them ma- rried, But she proved by one or more wit- nesses, that they were acquainted with her, and her husband, about thirty years, or more previous to the death of her husband, and all that time, they were living, together as man and wife. And in that case, the department granted her

a pension. Sir you will please converse with the Honorable M. P. Gentry, who is our repre- sentative in Congress, from this district, and he will assist you in the examination of the papers in this case, and will give you further information as to the stand- ing and character of James Muggable who is one of said witnesses. I have written to Mr Gentry, and consequently he will shortly be at your office. And when you issue a Pension certificate you will please deliver it to him, and he will transmit the same to me.
The Honorable J. S. Edwards Commissioner
Pensions Washington City.
I am respectfully your obedient servant
John Bruce.
Col. J. S. Edwards Pensions Washington City D.C.

5943
Martha Ragdale
Tex.
Act of July 31
Reported under
1836 & Adm. under
1838
5943

5443
July 4. 1836 3 Sept. 4/43
Free See March 3/43 Sam
Henry Maynard
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington city. C.D.
Chalkland Station August 23rd. 1843 -3
1002 18

Whattilund Tennessee August 23rd 1843
Sir
I send You enclosed the papers in support of the claims of Mrs Nancy Adams and Mrs Martha Ragsdale. Mrs Nancy Adams has drew a five Years Pension for I made out her declaration and Mr Wyly was made her attorney and drew her money and paid it over to Mrs Adams therefore I know her to be the identical Mrs Nancy Adams that drew a five Years pension , I have had no form from You but have taken the form as published in the Nashville Union a news paper printed in the city of Nashville Tenn with Your name to it Mrs Ragsdale is a woman of high credibility and very intelligent considering her age she is also very poor and is not able to ride or walk but little (They wish their claims to be paid at Nashville attorneys ) The Marriage could be proved by hearsay testimony by many witnesses and I pledge my self there is not a doubt in my mind but they were legally Married one of her sisters are dead (totally unknown where they were married and an other one is living some distance from her if living at all) I.E. she was a lady at least three years ago. If the proof is not sufficient please write I remain Yours Obedient Servant J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions Robert H. Hawthorn

FREE
The Honourable J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
Mr. Atticus Mr. Ames
North Magazine Somerville

Mansfieldborough August 24 th 1847
Sir
Mrs Patsey Ragsdale has become very impatient. And indeed well she may be impatient for I see from my record, that I sent on her Declaration and other papers, to the department on the 3 rd of February last. Six more than six months, has rolled around since, said papers left my office, and yet notwithstanding all this I have not received any pension certificate, from the Department, nor any reason, whatever, why a certificate has not been transmitted to me. It is true I have received two letters from you since I sent on the declaration, and other documents, but in neither of said letters did you complain of any error, or informality, in the original papers in said case. From information I have reasons to believe, that in some cases, papers have been sent on from a point, but a little more than thirty miles from this place, and a pension certificate has arrived at that point, in less, than twenty days, after the original papers were transmitted to the Department, and yet in Mrs Ragsdale's case, one hundred and ninety-seven days have

elapsen since I sent on the origin- al papers, and I have not received a pension certificate for any any reason whatever, why a certificate has not been granted. Sir do you not think I have great cause to complain. Sir you know I have. In examining said declaration you will find that her husband Benjamin Rags- dale drew $21.60 per annum. The cause is entirely plain, and I hope you will immediately send me a pension certificate. I am your obe- dient servant J. S. Edwards Coynine Commissioner of John. Bruce. Pensions
Washington City.

Decem 11 47
Mancha Ragasch Application Fruit & Provisions 23 Jan 1848
FREE
Honorable J. J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Sir Murfreesborough December 6 th 1847.
According to your instruction, I have wrote the declaration of Martha Ray Male, and transmitted the same to you enclosed in this letter. You will see that said declaration is in conformity with the resolution of Congress, passed on the 23 rd of Janua- ry 1845.
I am your obed-
ient servant John Bruce The Honourable J. Edwards Commissioner Of
Pensions Washington City D. G.

Murfreeborough Rutherford County Tennessee
May 23. 1944. Gentlemen
A letter from the department dated 29 of April last is at this time before me. I found said letter at Galitian Tenn. forty miles from my own residence. Said letter in the face of the same is directed to John Bruce Esq. Murfreeborough Tenn. But on the back of the same it is directed to John Bruce Esq. Galitian Tenn. Said letter perverts the intent of the United States to be the case of Martha Pagosdale. In reply is to said letter I have to state that I received Martha Pagosdale's pension certificates at Galitian, drew her money from the Galitian, drew her money from the paid it over to her and since the reception of said money she died. Gentlemen from the fact of my letter to the president you discovered that I was displeased with the Honorable Secretary of War and with J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Yes gentlemen if you will think correctly you will soon discover that I was not displeased without a cause. For all of every document that

I have received, from the department since the 9 th of December last, I have received at Galt. When I go to Galt I have to ride forty miles there and forty miles back, and cross a river of considerable magnitude. I am now on the decline of life, and have a local affection, which causes, me to experience considerable pain, whenever, I ride from home. I hope, thirty, or forty miles for the future you will direct all your documents, to me, direct all through Rutherford County to Marpleboro unless otherwise I am your obedient servant requested by me
Yours John Bruce. The Honourable W. L. Marcy Secretary of War.
J. S. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions. And
J. S. Evans.
G. W. Crump Esquire Acting Commissioner of Pensions.
P.S. I am truly sorry to hear of the afflictions of J. S. Edwards Esquire and of Doctor Crump. I transmitted the papers in Vaney McWilliams case on 9 th of March last. I wish to hear from our case as soon as possible. J. Bruce.

Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Third Section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836
State of Tennessee } S.S. Williamson County }
On this 22 nd day of September 1847, personally appeared before me Ditta Sparksman one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for Williamson county in the State of Tennessee and one of the members of the coun- ty board of Williamson county in the State aforesaid Martha Rags- dale a resident of Williamson cou- nty in the state aforesaid aged years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congre- ss passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of Benjamin Ragsdale. who was a soldier of the Revolution. That in the year her husban- d the said Benjamin Ragsdale while he resided in the state of North Carolina enlisted as a soldier in the Regular service as a priv- ate soldier in a foot company in the North Carolina Line. That Geor- ge Washington was his General but she does not at the

recollect any of his other officers names That he she went out and served in the Revolutionary war against the British and Tories, but owing to the great lapse of time and the consequent loss of memory she does not recollect the names of the par- ticular sections of country through which she marched, that she serv- ed one tour, and that was six months & fifteen days. That at the expiration of said tour she received a written discharge from her proper officer, but she has lost, or mislaid the same. She states that in the year in Moore County in the State of North Car- olina. She married the said Benja- min Pagsdale, that owing to the long lapse of time, and her great loss of memory she does not recollect the date of her marriage, but she recollects that said marriage took place, previous to his performing the service above mentioned. She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Pag- sdale, her husband in the year and that her husband the said Benjamin Pagsdale died on the 25 th day of March 1842. in Wil- son County in the State of Tennessee. She that she has rema- ined a widow ever since that period; as will more fully appear by reference to the proof which has been

taken in this cause, and transmitted to the Department. She states that several years previous to the death of the said Benjamin Pugsdale her husband she applied for and obtained a pension from the Government of the United States of twenty one dollars & sixty cents per annum which he drew as more fully appears the records in the Department she states she has no record evidence of her age nor do I positively know her age but believe she is of the age of 80 years old and subscribed and your above writer.
SSRAWWK Justice of the Peace Martha L Pugsdale for Williamson mark.
State of Tennessee Williamson County }
I Seth Sparkman one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for Williamson County in the state of Tennessee and one of the members of the county court of Williamson County in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that owing to the great age and bodily infirmity of

Martha Ragsdale (the person who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration) that she is wholly unable to appear in a court of record & subscribe and swear to the same In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand. This 22 day of Sep- tember 1947. Seth Sparkman Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee, I know R. M. McCormick Williamson County, break of the peace at the county of Williamson county holden - for the court of Williamson at the courthouse in the town of Franklin in and for said county on this 4 day of October 1947. As hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said court, now in session (ex- Martha Ragsdale is the widow of Benjamin Ragsdale, who was a pensioner of Ben- jamin Ragsdale, who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of twenty-one dol- lars and sixty cents per annum. And that he died on the 20th day of March 1942. in the county of Williamson. in the state of Tennessee. And that said Martha Ragsdale resides in the county of Williamson in the state of Tennessee. And said Martha Ragsdale, from age and bodily infirmity is unable to attend this court And that Seth Sparkman the person before whom the above declaration was subscribed and sworn to, and who has attested the same is a Justice of the peace duly elected qual- ified, and commissioned, and that the signa- tures appearing to be his are genuine And this court fully approves of the proceed- ings in this case before Seth Sparkman to require

No 13544
Martha Ragsdale wid of Benjamin Trn
Act 7 July 1838 and Joint resolution of 23 Jan'y 1845
Married before 1794 husband died 9 th Aug 42

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23rd January 1845.
Whereas the act of the 30th of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband Benjamin Ragsdale was a pensioner, I now make the following statement under oath, to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned. I am the widow of Benjamin Ragsdale who was a private soldier in the War of the revolution. That he drew in his lifetime twenty-one dollars and sixty cents per annum. That he died on the 20 th day of March 1842. And I hereby relinquish all my claim, that I have to a pension under the act of the 4 th of July 1836. And claim and petition for a pension under the act of Congress passed July the 7. 1838. And likewise claim and petition for the benefit of the Joint resolution of Congress passed the 23 rd of January 1845. her Martha Ragsdale mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 20 th day of November in the year 1847. at the residence of the said Martha Ragsdale in Williamson County in the state of Tennessee.
Lith Spackman Justice of the peace for Williamson County

I certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit. This 20 day of November 1847.
Seth Sparhawk Justice of the peace for Williamson county
I Lemuel B. McCormick Clerk of the County Court of Williamson County do hereby certify that Seth Sparhawk who has signed the foregoing is a justice of the peace for the County of Williamson in the State of Tennessee and that the above is his signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 4 th day of December at Franklin in the State of Tennessee
Lemuel B. McCormick By M c Lafayette McCormick N.Y.

The amended declaration of Benjamin Ragsdale for a pension under the act of Congress of 7 th June 1832 State of Tennessee } On this 20 th day of May A D 1833 Williamson County } personally appeared before me
the undersigned a Justice of the peace for the County Williamson State of Tennessee Benjamin Ragsdale a resident of said County who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and 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 that is to say
In the first tour mentioned in my declaration
(1) For three months I served as a private --- 3 M.
In the second tour mentioned in my declaration
(2) For fifteen days I served as a private --- 15 D
In the third tour mentioned in my declaration
(3) For three months I served as a private --- 3 M.
Making in all six months and fifteen days service and for such service I claim a pension
Sworn to subscribed before me on the day and date above written
Benjamin Ragsdale his mark
W. Ellam Jr

State of Tennessee
I Thomas Hardeman clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for Williamson county and state aforesaid do hereby certify
that William Maney Esqr before whom the within affidavit was taken is & was at the time of taking the same an acting justice of the peace in and for said county and state duly commissioned & sworn that the foregoing signature attached to said affidavit is in his proper hand writing and that full faith and credit
are due his official acts in such In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 30th day of May A.D. 1833
W. B. Saunders
State of Tennessee
I Thomas Hardeman clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the of Williamson county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that William Maney Esqr, whose signature appears to the within affidavit is and was at the time and before whom the same was taken is and was at the making thereof an acting justice of the peace for said county of Williamson duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due his official acts as such and that said signature is in his proper hand writing In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this day of May A.D. 1833

407 E. Jackson St., Maitland, Fla., Nov. 9, 1932.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I am exceedingly anxious for D. A. R. purposes to secure data of official record with regard to Benjamin Ragsdale of Tenn., who, with his seven sons, fought through War of Revolution. One of his sons was John Brown Ragsdale. Another was Lancaster. Is there a record of these?
I wish to ask also if you can give me information of — Randolph, who was in battle of New Orleans. Also, several Ragsdales, who were in that battle. War of 1812. Unfortunately, I do not know their given names, but would recognize the family names, in either case.
I would be most grateful for any, or all of above information.
Thank you. I am,
Very truly yours, Mrs. A. Stephens — Daffin

AUGUSTA BEDDING COMPANY
MANUFACTURERS
922-932 EIGHTH STREET
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
P. O. BOX 249
June 15th, 1934.
MATTRESSES SPRING BEDS PILLOWS BOX SPRINGS CHAIRS OIL STOVES BOSS OVENS
METAL COTS IRON BEDS CRIB BEDS FELT BASE RUGS AND ROLL GOODS
Veterans Administration Office, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
I will appreciate it very much if you will send me the War Record of Benjamin Ragsdale , from papers on file in Revolutionary War Pension Claim W 1079.
I wish this record for D.A.R., purposes.
Very truly yours,
Francis M. Wright

November 22, 1932
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/HEL Benjamin Ragsdale-W.1079
Mrs.E.Stephens- Daffen 407 E. Jackson Street Marianna, Florida
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in regard to the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Ragsdale and of his sons, John Brown and Lancaster, also the records of soldiers with surnames Randolph and Ragsdale, who were in the battle of New Orleans, War of 1812.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon military service of soldiers in that war.
A careful search of the Revolutionary War records has been made in your behalf and no record found of such claims having been made on account of the services of John Brown Ragsdale or Lancaster Ragsdale in that war. It is not possible to identify the records of soldiers of the War of 1812 without their first names and other identifying data. The history of Benjamin Ragsdale follows.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.1079, based upon the military service of Benjamin Ragsdale, the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Benjamin Ragsdale was born in 1759, on Cape Fear River, in Chatham County, North Carolina.
While residing in Chatham County, North Carolina, he enlisted in June, 1780, and served three months as a private in Captain Dillard's North Carolina Company; sometime afterward, he enlisted and served fifteen days as a private in Captain Hawkins Dye's Company, Colonel Aulstin's North Carolina "horse troop"; he enlisted in 1781 and served three months as a private in Captain Yarbry's Company, Colonel Davidson's North Carolina Regiment.
Could not identify Capt. Dillard of Hawkins Dye's Co. Col. "Aulstin" Capt. Yarbry probably meant for Yarborough, found a Col. Davidson of N.C.

He resided in Moore County, state not given, for ten or twelve years and about 1801, moved to the state of Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832, while residing in Williamson County, Tennessee.
He died in said Williamson County, March 20, 1842, according to the statement of his widow. However, there is a statement on file in the claim that his death occurred on August 9, 1842, and that his pension was paid up to the time of his death. For further information in regard to the death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Benjamin Ragsdale, W.1079, it is suggested that you apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing all of the following data:
Benjamin Ragsdale, Certificate No. 19033, issued July 26, 1833, rate $21.66 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, West Tennessee Agency.
The soldier married in September, 1778, in Moore County, North Carolina, Martha or Patsey, maiden name not given.
Soldier's widow, Martha, was allowed pension on her application executed August 8, 1843, at which time she was a resident of Williamson County, Tennessee, and was aged eighty-one years. She was deceased in 1848, exact date of her death not given.
Benjamin and Martha Ragsdale had the following children. The dates of their birth are not given.
Mary Ragsdale William Ragsdale Daniel Ragsdale Dempsey Ragsdale Lancaster Ragsdale Kessiah or Kissiah Ragsdale Dicey Ragsdale Sarah Ragsdale John Ragsdale Roda Ragsdale.
James Ragsdale was a son-in-law of the soldier and his wife; the name of James' wife is not designated, nor is the degree of relationship to his wife shown.
Dates of death of sol. and his mid. not in AB

In August, 1843, one James Ragsdale, of Williamson County, Tennessee, made affidavit in support of the widow, Martha Ragsdale's claim for pension and then stated that he was fifty-one years of age "the 12th day of May last"; no relationship to the soldier and his wife was shown. In 1847, Sarah Ragsdale, was a resident of Williamson County, Tennessee, and then stated that she was aged forty-eight years, but did not state any relationship to the family. Lancaster Ragsdale was a resident of Williamson County, Tennessee, in 1832, and the name Richard Ragsdale also appears: no relationship of said Lancaster or Richard Ragsdale to the soldier shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.