Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,205, for Matthew Leeper, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
M.C.
Leeper, Matthew
Wt. 26,205
Margaret P B.L. Wt. 34,838-160-55
CONTENTS

5436
John
North Carolina Margaret Seaper widow of the Matthew Seaper who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private ,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 dollars cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 3 d day of September 1853 and sent to A. H. Markland Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 1853, Page 136. Vol. 1A
208607

208. 607. act 3 Mar: { Sept 1 } 55
Margaret P. Leeper widow of Matthew Leeper Revolutionary Soldier
Wm;
Nelson
10/31/83
Revolutionary War.
Revolutionary Pensioner.
No 6 Feb 53-5456
Wm: 160 Aa. p. 22. 1886, Bryant
A. H. Markland Reserch
"
Wal L = 57

33.033. North-Carolina Matthew Leeper dec d
of ~ in the State of N.C. who was a pirate in the ~ commanded by Captain ~ of the ~ commanded by ~ in the Rev y time for 9 Mos
Payable to Margaret Leeper, widow
Inscribed on the Roll of N.C. at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Ending 12 th October 1849
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of June 1852 and sent to G. L. Annel
Arrears to the 4th of Present Semi-ant. allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. C. Robinson Clerk. Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 64

A. H. Markland Attorney Washington D.C.
205. 607
State of South Carolina } County of Gaston } On this the 20 th day of August, A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me Jonas Deek, a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Margaret P. Leeper aged 55 years a resident of Gaston County in the State of North Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Mathew Leeper deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier, and was pension- ed at the rate of $30. dollars per annum, which sum I have drawn since his death. She does not remember under whom he served or, at what time he volunteered. She further states that she was married to the said Mathew Leeper in Gaston County on the 7 th day of September 1837 by one R. M. Alexander a Justice of the peace. And that her name before her said marriage was Margaret P. Manimer that her said husband died in Gaston County on the 12 th day of October A.D. 1849 and that she is now a widow.
She marks
this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the the County land to which she may be entitled under the Act Approved 3 rd March 1855.
W. R. Rankin Abraham Scott
Margaret P. her Leeper mark
We W. R. Rankin and Abraham Scott Residents of Gaston County in the State of North Carolina upon oath, do hereby declare that the foregoing declaration was signed by Margaret P. Leeper on this , and acknowledged in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical * September altered before signing.

Wherein she represents herself to be — W. R. Rankin Abraham Scott
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year last above written; And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person, she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
Jonas Deck J.P.
State of North Carolina
Gaston County
Augt. A.D. 1855
On this 20 th day of August personally appeared before me and acting Justice of the peace within and for the above County and State Charles Armstrong a resident of Gaston County in the State of North Carolina who being duly sworn according to law Certifies that he was present at the Marriage of Mathew Leeper and Margaret P. Mariner who were married on the 27 th day of September A.D. 1837. And he further Certifies that he knows they were lawfully married Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me on the day and year last above written.
Charles Armstrong
J. W. Hanna J.P.
State of North Carolina
Gaston County
On this 21 st day of August 1855 personally appeared before me James M. Hanna and acting Justice of the peace within and for the aforesaid

County and State Dr. James L. Rudinell a resident of Gaston County in the State of North Carolina who being duly sworn accor- -ding to law Certifies that he was present at the Marriage of Mathew Seaper and Margaret P. Mariner as named in the foreg- -oing declaration saw them lawfully married by R. M. Alexander Esq r on the 7 th day of September 1837. And he further Certifies that Margaret P. Seaper as named above is the Widow, of Mathew Seaper as set forth in the foregoing declaration. Sworn to subscri- -ed and acknowledged before me on the day and Year last above written J. L. Rudinell J. M. Hanna J.P.
State of North Carolina } Gaston County } On this 28 th day of Aug t . A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me and acting Justice of the peace within and for the aforesaid County and State Thomas L. Smith a resident of Gaston County and State of North Carolina, who being duly sworn accor- -ding to law Certifies that he was present at the funeral of Mathew Seaper as set forth in the foregoing declaration took up with the corps all night and knew that he died on the 12 th day of October A.D. 1849.
Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me on the day and year last above written. Thos L. Smith J. M. Hanna J.P.
State of North Carolina } Gaston County } On this 28 th day of August A.D. 1855 personally appeared before

me James M. Hanna — and acting Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Sarkin Stowe Esq r a Resident of Gaston County in the State of North Carolina who being duly Sworn according to law Certifies that he was present at the funeral of Mathew Seper as named in the foregoing declaration Saw him buried — and is satisfied that he died on the 12 th day of October 1849. He further Certifies that Margaret P Seper, as set forth in the foregoing declaration is the Widow of the Identical Mathew Seper, the Revolutionary Soldier
Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me on the day and year last above mentioned.
J. M. Hanna JP
Sarkin Stowe.
State of North Carolina
Gaston County.
§ J. J. G. He and clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the aforesaid County and State. Certify that Jonas Beck Esq r , J. M. Hanna Esq r and J. G. Stump Esq r are all acting Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Gaston and State of North Carolina duly authorized by law to administer Oaths and the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs is genuine. And I further Certify that I know the affidavits of Charles Armstrong, Thos. J. Smith, Mr. J. C. Rudisill and Sarkin Stowe Esq r to be men of truth and credibility.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office on this the 22 d day of August 1855
J. G. Handble

Declaration In Order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832
State of North Carolina Gaston County
On this 11 th day of February 1852 per- sonally appeared before the Subscriber a acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, Mrs Margaret Leiper aged 87 years, a resident of said County who having been duly sworn, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7 th of June 1832, that she is the widow of Mathew Leiper who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war under the command of Capt. Sam l Martin and Maj. W m Crook at the battle of King's Mountain and Capt. Sam l Martin and Maj. Jos. Pickens in Shermans Creek in Lincoln County, and at other times and places not recollected, making a term of service two years at different times, that she was married to her husband the said Mathew Leiper on the 7 th day of Sept.

1837 in the County of Lincoln by Robert Alexander Esqr. And that he died on 12 th day of October 1849, that his reason for not applying for a pension in his lifetime was that he tho't and believed he had effects sufficient to maintain him as long as he lived, but a short time before his death he did agree for a M rs Carroll to make application but for reasons unknown to her nothing was ever received, that she makes this appli- cation to obtain the arrears of pension due her husband the said Matthew Leiper, which was due at his death, which will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto ap- pended.
Margaret her Leiper mark
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year above written before me
Andrew Love J P D G

37.299
Matthew Leiper NC
act 7 June 1832
Act 7 June 1832

State of North Carolina on this first Lincoln County } day of June 1846 personally appeared before me Whitton Stowe one of the acting Justices of the peace of the Court of Record in and for said County. Matthew Peifer a resident of Lincoln County agedged ninety one years and after first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832 that he the said Matthew Peifer entered the service of the united States under the following named officers and served as here in stated that he was drafted and put under the command of Capt Barker and marched against the Indians to the Cherokee nation and served one tower and after wards he was drafted and served against Mexico the command of Capt Barker and Colonel McClain in North Carolina one tower and was discharged and this deponent further sayeth that after wards he was drafted and under the command of Capt White and Colonel Graham and marched to Wilmington where he was discharged and this deponent further sayeth that he was out several short towers as a volunteer and was at the battle of Kingsmountain

maker in all the time of his service about ten months this deponent further deposeth and sayeth 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 and under the said officers and for such service I claim a pension I hereby relinquish any claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state this deponent further deposeth and sayeth that the reason why he did not apply for a pension sooner is that he was a man in very good circumstances and did not stand in need of a pension but I have become old and almost helpless therefore I petition for a pension for my service sworn to and subscribed before me this day and date above written
Whiten Stowe S.P. Matthew Lueper his Mark
State of North Carolina } I Whiten Stowe the Lincoln County } Magistrate before whom the above declaration was made do Certify that I have been personally acquainted with Matthew Lueper for at least thirty years and I do certify that I believe that

I believe him to be a man of ninety one years of age and I do certify that that he has always been recognized as a soldier of the Revolutionary war and never was disputed and I also certify that he is a man of known respectability whose veracity cannot be disputed and I also certify that he is unable to attend the court by reason of old age and bodily infirmity given under my hand and seal this 1 st day of June 1846
Whiten Stone N.Y.
State of North Carolina } I Robert Williamson clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration of Matthew Leper was this day laid before the Court now in Session for its consideration & after being examined was approved by the same Whereupon the Court ordered that the same be certified to the War Department I further certify that David Exley Whiten Stone is a Magistrate as above one of the Judges of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County & the signature purporting to be his is genuine In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of Office this 2 nd June 1846 R. Williamson, C.C.

Pension Claim act Feb 3 d 1853
Margaret Leeper
wid
Mathews
Mo
Miss
Hon J. Minot
Commission of Pensions

Pension Claim Act Feb 3 d 1853
Margaret Leeper
wid
Mathew
Esq.
Esq.
Hon G. Minot
Chairman of Pensions

5
24, 838
Nov 1888

N 37299 Matthew Seepn NC
son. D. M. Baninger July 9. 1840.
son Matthew Seepn Feb 19. 48
6263
act 7 June 1832

State of North Carolina } On this 16 th day Cleveland County } of June 1846 personally appeared John Harmon aged 83 years before me Joseph Canoll one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County and after being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Matthew Leeper in the day of the Revolution war and that he was drafted and put under the command of Capt Barker and marched against the Cherokee indians and burned one tower and this deponent saith that he lived a near neighbor and saw the said Leeper in the army and afterwards he was drafted and put under the command of the said Capt Barker and Colonel McElain and was at the battle at Kings Mountain. This deponent further saith that he was in the same Regiment at that time. This deponent further saith he knew that the said Leeper was drafted again for he himself was and they were both put under the command of Captain White and under the Colonel Graham and general Rutherford and marched down in this State near to Wilmington and burned out their town of three months and were discharged sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written. Test Joseph Canoll J.P. John Harmon

State of North Carolina } Joseph Carroll the Cleaveland County } Magistrate before whom the with in affidavit was made do certify that I am personally acquainted with John Harmon and do certify that he is a man of known respectability whose veracity cannot be disputed he is now drawing a pension for the services he rendered himself in the Revolutionary war given under my hand this 16 th day of June 1846 Joseph Carroll J.P.
State of North Carolina } Cleaveland County } I Richard Champion Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Clea- veland County do certify that Joseph Carroll is an acting magistrate for said County and that the sign- ature purporting to his is genuine and that full faith and credit is due all his official acts In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office this 18 th day of June A.D. 1846 Richard Champion clerk Pr D r Dean J.P.

State of North Carolina Court of Pleas Gaston County 3 rd quarter Sessions
February Term 1852
The Justices of the Court aforesaid, after due examination of the foregoing proceedings, in the declaration of Margaret Leeper for a pension as the widow of Matthew Leeper, Certify that they are of the opinion that her statement is true and correct in every particular, that she is a person of strict truth and of respectable standing, and they further believe that Matthew Leeper the husband of the said Margaret was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and served, as she has stated, they further approve the declaration of said Margaret Leeper and order the same to be so Certified to the department of the interior, in order that she may obtain the benefit thereof. In testimony whereof I John H. Roberts Clerk, of said Court doth hereunto subscribe my name and affix my seal of Office, in Office in Dallas the 3 rd Monday in February 1852
John H. Roberts Clerk

State of North Carolina Garth County
S. Larkin
Stowe a resident and Farmer of the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that I was acquainted with him living near Meathur Leiper until his death and have always understood that he was a Revolutionary Soldier and never knew or heard of his applying for a pension
Larkin Stowe
Sworn to before me the 17 th of Feby. 1852
Basden B. B.

State of North Carolina Gaston County
I, John H. Roberts Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify That Messrs H. Davis, J. M. Hammett, Andrew Love, J. Hollands and Jas. Quinn whose names appear to the annexed affidavits, are acting Justices of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such as may appear of record now on file in my Office and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine and true and that they are in full credit as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office at Office in Wallas the 17 th day of Feb. 1852
John H. Roberts C. Clerk.

State of North Carolina Catawba County
S. R. C. Miller
of the County aforesaid do Certify That having understood that a Mr. Par- sol of Cleveland County had undertaken to collect a pension claim for Matthew Leeper in his lifetime, I saw and con- versed with the said Parsol and he said he had made some attempt but failed for the want of evidence. I have heard other persons of respectability say the said Leeper was in good circumstances in regard to his pecuniary effects and would not care to apply for a pension
sworn to & subscribed R. C. Miller before me this 20th day of Feb 1852
G. J. Wilkinson P.D.

State of South Carolina Calhoun County
I George Selzer Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Rev. S. Wilkie whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and he is in good standing as such and his acts are in credibility and the signature purporting to be his is genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto to subscribed my name and af- fixed my seal of office at office in Pelion the 20 th July 1882 Geo. Selzer Clerk

State of North Carolina Court of Pleas Gaston County 3 d quarter Sessions
February Term 1852
The Justices of the Court aforesaid after due examination of the foregoing proceedings in the declaration of Margaret Leiper for a pension as the widow of Matthew Leiper, Certify that they are of the opinion that her statement is true and correct in every particular, that she is a person of strict truth and of respectable standing, and they further believe that Matthew Leiper the husband of the said Margaret was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and served as she has stated, they further approve the declaration of said Margaret Leiper and order the same to be so Certified to the department of the Interior, in order that she may obtain the benefit thereof. In testimony whereof I John H. Roberts Clerk, of said Court doth hereunto subscribe my name and affix my seal of Office, in Office in Padeas the 3 d Monday in February 1852
John H. Roberts Clerk

State of North Carolina Garth County
S. Sarker
Stowe a resident and Farmer of the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that I was acquainted with him living near Matthew Leeper until his death and have always understood that he was a Revolutionary Soldier and never knew or heard of his applying for a pension
Sarkin Stowe
Sworn to before me the 17 th of Feby. 1852 Basden W. [?]

State of North Carolina Catawba County
S. R. C. Miller
of the County aforesaid do Certify That having understood that a Mr. Car- rol of Cleveland County had undertaken to collect a pension claim for Matthew Leeper in his lifetime, I saw and con- versed with the said Carroll and he said he had made some attempt but failed for the want of evidence. I have heard other persons of respectability say the said Leeper was in good circumstances in regard to his pecuniary effects and would not care to apply for a pension Sworn to & subscribed R. C. Miller before me this 20th day of Feb 1852 G. J. Mitchell P.D.

State of North Carolina Caterpillar County
I George Sizer Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Geo. S. Wilkie whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and he is in good standing as such and his acts are in credibility and the signature purporting to be his is genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and af- fixed my seal of office at office in Newton the 20 th July 1852 Geo. Sizer Clerk

Ho Reps March 9 th 1852
Dear Sir
Having very little acquaintance in the county of Gaston in the State of North Carolina I know none of the persons whose names are annexed to the declaration of Mrs Margaret Lee per except Larken Stowe who has been for many years a member of the Senate of the North Carolina Legislature Than whom there is not a more respectable gentleman in the county whose just character to truthfulness and high moral character I have never heard any body doubt
Respectfully, Alfred Dockery M.C.
J. E. Heath Esq, Commissioner of Pensions

Feb. 1 st / 55 Mr. Amer. has plan to Alt. 27 th Jan. / 55. See let.

Washington D.C. Aug 31 1853
Hon J. Minot Commr of Pensions
I enclose herewith the application of Mrs. Margaret P. Seeper wid of Matthew Seeper for the benefits of act Feb 3rd 1853, I believe that Mrs Seeper has heretofore made application under said act and her claim was suspended I ask an examination and a report be made to me.
I Am Sir Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt
A. H. Markland

Washington March 10 1852
James E Heath Esq Sir
Enclosed you will find the Application of the Heirs of Matthew Seaper and for the benefit of the act of 7 June 1832. together with the evidence furnished by them in support of their claim.
I will ascertain whether or not there is any evidence of Seaper's Service to be obtained from the Records of North Carolina, and if any found it to you as soon as received.
Very Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t Geo. B. Drey

very
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26 205
Margaret Leeper wid. of Matthew Leeper Pike Co. Ind.
Act Feb. 3rd 1863.
Index: Vol A , Page 431
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of North Carolina Comptroller's Office
I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller of public accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit: Matthew Leeper
Book No. 1 page 24 £6 16s - specie
Indent or Army Certificate No. 3653 issued by Auditor of Washington & Sullivan £9 - specie.
Ditto No. 4856 issued by Auditor of Morgan District to Matthew Leeper £9 - specie, who was of Lincoln County -
There also appear the following payments
Vol. A. 5625 Capt. Samuel Martin for services of self and Company £240 specie -
Same book No. 7047 Captain Joseph Dickson for services of self and company £637 12s - specie
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office this 12th. day of April A.D. 1852
Wm J. Clarke Compt.

Margaret Seep Widow of Matthew Gaston Co. Va.
Adm d 3 rd Feb y 1853
Pension $30 00
per annum from the passage of the Act
Cert o W th Markland Esq Present
Rev d
Pension Office Sept 1 1853-

Brief in the case of Mathew Leeper, dec d , County and State of N. C. act 7 June 1832
Claim, ("original," or " for increase. ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
G. C. Ames
Kirby Examining Clerk.

Brief in the case of Margaret Seper widow of Matthew Gaston County and State of N.C. act 3 Feby 1833
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
A pension was allowed (before the passage of the act of 3 Feby 1833) to her for her husband's services under June 7/1832 at $30 a year
(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Her marriage, Identity proved by eye- witnesses of the ceremony - Identity, death widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent A. M. Mclandly Present
Thomas R. [unintelligible] Examining Clerk

James E Keach Esq Sir
Washington April 18 1882
Enclosed you will find, the Certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina in relation to the services of Matthew Leiper also a Certificate from the Court of Gaston Co. showing the time of his death &c.
The Certificate of the Comptroller shows payments to Leiper amount of $24.16. and to the officers and their Companies under whom he served, sufficient to cover 7 mo. Service, Agreeably to the estimate from that office filed in the case of Susan Bradford. Making together with the payment to himself 15 months Service Gaston County in which Leiper resided was a part formerly of Lincoln which identifies him with the record in reference to in the Comptrollers Certificate
Very Respectfully Yours obed Servt Geo. L. Davis

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
6563
P. O. Matthew Lepper
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: The printed list of 1852 shows reasons for suspension -
Re-enlisted: "Period, length and grade of service, and names of company and field officers and stations"
Attorney: _____
P. O. required " _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18
1881 Jan'y 12. C. L. Hunter with military history for historical purposes

State of North Carolina Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Gaston County
February Term 1852
I, John H. Roberts Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that Satisfactory evidence was adduced at February Term of said Court that Mathew Leiper a reputed Soldier of the revolutionary War, died on 12 th day of October 1849 leaving surviving him a widow whose name is Margaret Leiper and who is now applying for the arrear of pension due her said husband Mathew Leiper
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Office at Dallas on the 21 st March AD 1852 John H. Roberts Clk. & He

Wahigh 1 th Decr. 1833
Sir I herewith enclose the declaration of Mrs Margaret Seeper under the act of 3 rd February 1833 - she has been allowed a pension under act of 7 th June 1832, at the rate of $30, and the proof her marriage is filed with that application, as she alleges -
I am very respectfully G. M. H. Clark
Geo. Little
Hon S. P. Waldo Commissioner Pensions

Mathew Leeper dec d . N. C.
Act 7 June 1832.
adm d
9 mo pri - $30.
per An. to 12 Oct 1849 when he died.
Payable to Margaret Leeper his widow.
G. C. Arnes Present.

Matthew Leaper Feb. 19. 48

168 Pension Office Fby 19 1848
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 27 th ulto. I have to inform you that a Claim in your name was presented in 1846 to this office, and a Report thereon bearing date of July of that year was made to Hon. D. M. Barringer, a copy of which is herewith enclosed.
No additional evidence in support of your Claim has been received since the date of that Report.
Mr. Matthew Leaper M rs Leaper Lincoln Co NC

Hon. D. M. Baining July 9. 1866,

16 Prussian Office July 19 th 1846
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the Application of Matthew Seepre for a pension upon the act of 7 June 1832 has been examined and filed.
The Service for which this Claim is made is not specified with sufficient exactness to enable the Department to make an estimate of its duration. The regulations require that the time of his entering, and the period of his leaving the same of each term of service with the names of the Company and field Officers under whom it was performed shall be clearly set forth and sustained by the best attainable proof.
Mr. Seepre should make a supplemental declaration in conformity with these regulations, and produce the Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina showing how far the record in his possession confirms or contradicts Claimant's statement.
Hon. S. M. Barringer State of Reps

July 7/48 Wash, Sep 1st and 2nd August 5 in Woodlawn Rd Aug 28 th
Dear Mr. Edwards Washington City Benson office

North Carolina      Gaston County Mr Wm H Edward Sir I write you a few lines to know whether there has ever been any claims same to you for my pension for my services in the revolution ary war Mr Joseph Carroll of Cleveland County under took to apply for it and I want you to write to me whether he ever got it or not for I have never saw him since he took my deposition & that will be about two years this April Direct your lines to over lawn Post Office will write as soon you can Jan the 27 1848 Matthew Seper

Dr. F. Stearns. June 27, 1846.
Sir,
I enclose you the application of Matthew Luper of Lincoln Co. N.C.
Your early attention is desired.
Yours. S.
D. W. Langer
Col. J. L. Edwards.
Com. Pension.

State of North Carolina } on this 1 st day of June Lincoln County } 1846 personally appeared before me J. G. Hand one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County William Ranken a resident of said County aged 85 years who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he was acquainted with Matthew Leeper in the days of the Revolutionary war who is now applying for a pension upon the account of the services that he rendered in the war this deponent further states that he cannot recollect that he ever seen said Leeper in the army but that he understood that he was a soldier in the war and he was always recognised as such and I also state that I never heard it disputed and I this deponent further saith that the said Leeper is a man of known Respectability whose veracity cannot be disputed and I further state I believe him to be a man of about ninety or ninety one years old sworn to and subscribed this day and date first above written
J. G. Hand J.P.
W. Ranken
State of North Carolina } I, J. G. Hand the Magistrate Lincoln County } before whom the above affidavit was made do certify that I am personally acquainted with William Ranken who made the above affidavit and do certify that he is a man of known Respectability whose veracity cannot be disputed and I further certify that he is now drawing a pension for his own services in Revolutionary war given under my hand and seal this 1 st day of June 1846
J. G. Hand J.P.

North Carolina } Personally appeared before me the under signed the under signed one of the acting Justices of the Peace for said County Larkin Stowe and after being first duly sworn according to Law deposeth & saith that he has been well acquainted with Matthew Luper of this County for at least thirty years and always liked him to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that he has always been recognized in the neighborhood as such was a man of the highest integrity He further declares that the said Matthew Luper is a man of known respectability whose integrity & candor can not be disputed
Sworn to & Subscribed this 2 day of June 1846 before me
J. S. Alexander. J. P.
Larkin Stowe
North Carolina } I J. S. Alexander the Magistrate herein County } before whom the above affidavit was read the hereby certify that Larkin Stowe the person that made the above affidavit is a man of known respectability whose integrity & candor cannot be disputed
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 2 day of June 1846
J. S. Alexander. J. P.

North Carolina      I Robert Williamson Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Sessions do hereby Certify that J. G. Hane and J. T. Alexander are Magistrates as above the Sig- natures purporting to be theirs are genuine and that all due faith & credit are and ought to be given to all their attestations as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & affixed the Seal of Office at Inverness this 2 nd June 1846      R. Williamson, Clerk.

State of North Carolina } on the 30 th day Calawha County } of May 1846 personally appeared before me one of the acting Justices of the peace for said County Abraham Forney aged 87 years old a resident of said County and after being first duly sworn according to law deposeth on oath and saith that he was well acquainted with Matthew Peeples in the days of the Revolution who is now making application for a pension upon the account of the services he rendered in said war That he the said Matthew Peeples was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution in the North Carolina Militia this deponent further saith that he knew that he the said Matthew Peeples served two Three Months tower under Capt Barker and he further states three Months tower under Capt White in the same Regiment That he served himself in the year 1780 and 1781 under Colonel Graham and he further states that he has always been recognized as a revolutionary soldier ever since sworn to and subscribed before me this day and date above written witnesses J. Alderman D. G. Graham his A. Forney mark

State of North Carolina } I Jacob Helderman Catawba County } the Magistrate before whom the within affidavit was made do certify that I am personally acquainted with Abraham Hornoy and I do certify that he is a man of known respectability whose veracity cannot be disputed given under my hand and seal this 30 th day of May 1846
J. Helderman
North Carolina } Geo. Teyler Clerk Catawba County } of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County do certify that J. H. Helderman is one of the acting Justices in and for said County and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine and that he is entitled to all due faith and credit in all his official acts
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of office at Newton June the 2 nd 1846
Geo. Teyler C.C. Clerk

State of North Carolina Gaston County
33
J. John
Armstrong a resident of said County do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Matthew Leeper from our boyhood up to the time of his death and during the Revolutionary War and that I have seen him at times different times return home when he had been out on duty as a soldier in the service of his country. I have also heard him talk of the battle and his services in the King's Mountain battle and other expeditions at different times during the war from the commencement to the end of it. and do not hesitate in saying from what I know of his service that he served at least two years during the war
John Armstrong
Sworn to before me the 18 th of Feb. 1882
J. M. Hanna (JP)

State of North Carolina Gaston County
S. Thomas
McLane farmer and resident of said County do hereby certify that I knew Matthew Sepler from our boy- hood up to the time of his death and have frequently heard him say that he was in the battle at King's Mountain under Capt. Saml. Martin and Maj. Wm. Cronicle and also heard my brother Alex. McLane say that he had seen him in service at the same time and place. I never saw him in service myself but have heard of his serving at differ- ent times and places from the commence- ment to the end of the war and have every reason to believe he did serve. I fur- ther certify that I have heard him give as his reason for not applying for a pen- sion in his lifetime that he did not want that he had enough to live on and did not care to draw it
H. McLean
Sworn to before me
Feby. 14 th 1852
Moses McWane J. Rain

State of North Carolina Gaston County
J. Williams
Rankin a resident of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Matthew Leeper during the Revolutionary War and was in service with him under Capt. Sam l Martin and Maj. Col. Dickson, on one occasion at Rutherford's Creek in Lincoln County where we attacked, and killed a small party of Tories, and have no hesitation in saying he served at different times during the war from the commencement to the end of it, and have always believed him to be a soldier of the Revolu- tionary War, I have always understood that he would not receive any pension for the reason that he had enough to live on and did not need it.
Sworn to before me W. H. C. [unintelligible] the 14 th July, 1852
J. Holland

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of 2 nd Section of act of Congress passed 3 rd July 1853
State of North Carolina Gaston County
On this 12 th day of Nov. 1853 before the subscribing acting Justices of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Margaret Leekins who having been duly sworn oaths upon her oaths make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of act of Congress passed 3 rd July 1853. That she is the widow of Matthew Leekins, that she has been allowed the arrear of pension due her husband the s d Matthew Leekins for his services as a Revolu- tionary Soldier, that he died as heretofore proven by her papers now on file. That she was married to the said Matthew Leekins on the 7 th day of Sept. 1853 and that she is still a widow
Margaret her Leekins Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year above written
M. Hanna J.P.

State of North Carolina Gaston County
3
We A. M.
Hanna Amzi Ford and W m M c Holland Acting Justices of the peace in and for the county of Gaston and State of North Carolina. After examining the foregoing declaration made by Margaret Lester of said county, and being sat- isfied of the truth of the same, and have no hesitation in so recommending it Nov. 12 th 1853
J. M. Hanna Amzi Ford W m M c Holland

State of North Carolina Gaston County
I Jonathan G. Hand Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Gaston State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that De. Mr. Hanna Amey, Esq. and Mrs. M c Holland whose names appear to the foregoing Certificate of declaration, are said when at the time of signing the same acting Justices of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified as may appear by record and these acts are in full credit as such.
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix my seal of office at Office in Dallas the 12 th day of Nov. 1853
J. G. Hand Clerk

State of North Carolina } Gaston County, . . . . } On this the 20 th day of August A.D. 1855, personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Gaston and state of North Carolina Margaret P. Leeper, a resident of the aforesaid County and State, aged 55, years. Who, being duly sworn accor- -ding to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the "Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of February A.D. 1853," That she is the widow of Mathew Leeper, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and fought, at the battle of Kings Mountain, and that I have heretofore drawn a pension of thirty Dollars per annum for his services
She further declares that she was Married to the said Mathew Leeper on the 7 th day of September A.D. 1837 and that her said husband died on the 12 th day of October A.D. 1849, and that her name before her said Marriage was Margaret P Mariner
She further swears that she is now a widow and that she has heretofore made applica- -tion to obtain the benefits of the "Act of Feb y 3 rd 1853." but the claim never passed, and she further swears that she has never received any benefits therefrom. (the application was made about two years ago)
Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged in open Court, on this 20 th day of Aug t 1855
J. Holland Chairman
Margaret P. her Leeper mark

State of North Carolina
Gaston County
On this 21 st day of Augt. A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me James M. Hanna, an acting justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Charles Armstrong, a resident of Gaston County and State of North Carolina. Who being first duly sworn Certifies that he was present at the Marriage of Mathew Seepers and Margaret P. Seepers which took place on the 7 th day of September, A.D. 1837. And he further certifies that he knows they were lawfully married.
Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me - on the day and year above written
Charles Armstrong
J. M. Hanna J.P.
State of North Carolina
Gaston County
On this 21 st day of August 1855. personally appeared before me James M. Hanna - and acting justice of the peace within and for the County of Gaston and State aforesaid Mr. James C. Rudisill a resident of the aforesaid County & State and made oath in due form of law, and certifies that he was present at the Marriage of Mathew Seepers and Margaret P. Seepers as named in the foregoing declaration and that they were lawfully married by R. A. Alexander on the 7 th day of Sept 1837. And he further certifies that Margaret P. Seepers is the widow of Mathew Seepers as set forth above. Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me on the day and year last above written.
J. M. Hanna J.P.
J. C. Rudisill

State of North Carolina Gaston County
} On this 28 th day of Aug t AD 1855 personally appeared before me James M. Hanna and acting Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Thomas T. Smith a resident of Gaston County in the State of North Carolina who being duly sworn according to law Certifies that he was present at the funeral of Matthew Seaper as set forth in the foregoing declaration set up with the corp s , and knows that he died on the 12 th day of Oct r AD 1849
Sworn to subscribed on the day and year last above written
Thos. T. Smith
J. M. Hanna (J.P.)
State of North Carolina
Gaston County
} On this the 28 th day of Aug t AD 1855 personally appeared before me James M. Hanna and acting Justice of the peace within and for the aforesaid County & State Larkin Stone Esq r a resident of Gaston County in the State of North Carolina and made Oath in due form of law and Certifies that he was present at the funeral of Matthew Seaper as named in the foregoing declaration saw him buried and is satisfied that he died on the 12 th day of October AD 1849. He would further certify that Margaret P. Seaper

as named in the foregoing declaration is the widow of the said Mathew Leeper as set forth in the foregoing declaration
Sworn To subscribed & acknowledged before me on the day and year last above written
J. M. Hanna J.P.
Sarkin Strow
State of North Carolina Gaston County, } I, J. G. Hand Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions do certify that Isaac Holland Esq r is Chairman of our said Court, for Gaston County, and that the foregoing declaration made by Margaret P Leeper, was sworn to subscribed and acknowle- -dged, in Open Court, And I further certify that James M. Hanna whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit, is and acting justice of the peace within and for the aforesaid County and State duly authorized by law to administer oaths and the foregoing signatures purporting to be his is genuine And I further certify that I know the affiants, Charles Armstrong, Dr J. C. Rudisill Thos. T. Smith and Sarkin Strow Esq r to be men of truth and credibility.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office on this the 22 d of Aug t 1855.
J. G. Hand C. Cle