Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8454, for Valentine Merewether, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Merewether, Valentine or Merrivether,
W. 8454
B.L.Wt. 26099-160-55-
Priscilla
CONTENTS

35.457. Set March 3/50
April - 2/50
original Warrant cancelled Nov 163
Priscilla Meriwether, widow, Valentine Meriwether, d. P. Meriwether Revolutionary War,
Out of Hay of War Revolution
Now a Prisoner of the U. States,
100.000 D. L. 18. 246 M ch 1600 a. May 16/50 B. D. 18/50
166 Aug: 21,
Priscilla Meriwether, Clat. Louisville Ky.

April 15/57. Son of Ben. R. Pollard of Louisville Ky. refers to bank of his land office. and writes so informed, L. P. B. D.
Oct. 21/57 - Lett. to B. R. Pollard. Louisville, Ky. Carol should be filed. Duplicates not yet prescribed
One copy sent to Library of Congress has various annotations Feb 18/58 see see see notes of A. D. Smith
Nov 16/63 Letter to Com Genl Land Office returning original warrant cancelled & forged assignment to R.H.

Kentucky 29, 654
Valentine Merewether dec.
Priscilla Merewether, Widow of Oldham Co. in the State of Kentucky who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain Catlett of the Ky. V. commanded by Col. Gibson in the Virginia line for 1 year
Died 15. August 1832
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky the rate of 160 Dollars — Cents per annum. commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of Jan. 1835 and sent to Hon. R. M. Johnson H.R.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept. '34. 560.00 Pension allowance ending 4 March 35 80.00 $640.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk.
Book E. 2 - Vol. 7 Page 34
see letter to Stonehouse Dec. 19. 1835
copies made re. P. B., Storer, 1837,
let 1837 to W. J. G. let 19 M ch to Hon A. D.

Letter to J. T. Keely, April 8/51. to Hon. D. Merrewether, Aug. 30/52. " J. P. Sparses, May 28/54. to W. L. Underwood Apr. 28/58
No 146. Kentucky. Isabella Merrewether, widow of Valentine, served in the Revolutionary Lieut:-
Va. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 160 Dollars 00.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of June 1848. and sent to
Hon. Gannett Duncan H of R.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 244 Vol. 3.
Reg. 2. March 55-35 407.

State of Kentucky Jefferson County } Set
On this thirtieth day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me Jacob W. Earick a justice of the peace duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County & State aforesaid Mrs Priscilla Merewether aged between eighty three & eighty four years a resident of Henry County in the State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she is the widow of Valentine Merewether deceased who was a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, that she has been placed upon the Pension Rolls of the United States as will appear by a reference thereto, and that her original certificate thereof bears date the 2 d day of February 1848 and may be found recorded in the pension Office on the Roll of pensions under act February 2 d 1848. at page 244 Volume 3. She further States that she is the identical person who is described in the above described certificate and that she is still a Widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "Act granting additional bounty land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States" approved 3 d of March 1855. and refers to records of the department for greater certainty.
She further declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under any act of Congress, nor has she made any other application therefor than this.
Priscilla Merewether
Sworn to & Subscribed before me the day and year above written; and I hereby certify that I believe the said Priscilla Merewether who signed & executed the above declaration, and is now present.

to be the identical individual described as aforesaid & that she is of the age stated aforesaid and that I have no interest in said claim.
J. W. Earick J.P. J.B
State of Kentucky } Jefferson County } Set
Personally appeared before me this 30 th day of March 1855 Benjamin R Pollard & George W. Meriwether Citizens of said County & State, who being sworn duly, depose & say that they are personally acquainted with Mrs Priscilla Meriwether and that they have been so acquainted (the latter upwards of forty years & the former upwards of Fifty years and that she is the person now present who signed & executed the foregoing declaration & that she is the widow of Valentine Meriwether deceased & is yet a widow.
Ben R. Pollard
See Meriwether
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 30 th day of March 1855. and I certify that the said Ben. R. Pollard & George W. Meriwether are well known to me & are credible & respectable persons.
J. W. Earick J.P. J.C
State of Kentucky } Jefferson County } Set
I Charles M Thurston clerk of Jefferson County aforesaid, do certify that Jacob W. Earick whose genuine signature appears to the two certificates above, was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County & State, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to his Official acts as such.
Given under my and the seal of my said

Office this thirtieth day of March One thousand eight hundred & fifty four.
W. M. Hamilton

State of Kentucky ) 55 County of Henry ) On this 28 th day of Febry. A.K. one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven 1857 Personally appeared before me same Julia a justice of the peace, duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the county and state aforesaid Priscilla Merremether - aged Eighty five (85) years. A resident of Henry County in the state of Kentucky, who being duly sworn accor- =ding to law, declares that she is the widow of Valentine Merremether deceased who was a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war against great Britain declared July 4 th 1776 from the state of Virginia. That her said husband was deceased at _____ on the day of _____ A.D. for the term of _____ months, and continued in said war for the term of _____ at least one month And was Honorably discharged at A.D. She further states that she was married to the said Valentine Merremether on the 24 th day of Decr 1790 in Fair- =fax County in the state of Virginia By one Massie a preacher of the gospel and that her name before her said marriage was Priscilla Pollard. That her said husband died at home in Westport Oldham County Ky on the 15 th day of Augt 1832. And that she is now a widow at the date of executing this her declaration That she is pensioner of the united states at this time at the rate of one hundred

And sixty dollars per annum for life N o 146 dated the 14 th day of June 1848 Signed by M c L. Moray Secy of War She refers to her declaration (in that case) for evidence of her husband's services his death and her marriage now on file at the War Department. If she had any discharge it is on file with her declaration for the pension aforesaid. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 rd 1855. She also declares that she has never received nor applied for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress.
Except on application, this made by one Betsy Pelland of Louisville Ky. But I have never received any bounty land up to this date. You will please to direct the bounty land on the pension to be paid at Louisville Ky. Priscilla Morrill Known to and subscribed before me this day and year above written, and I certify that Priscilla the claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be. And that I am not interested in said claim.
Sam l J. McLean J.P.H.

State of Kentucky 55 County of Henry On this 28 th day of February A.D. 1857 Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid S. J. Moore and W. H. Ireland residents of the County of Henry and State of Kentucky who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they are personally and well acquainted with Mrs. Piusella Moore mother who saw her sign her name (or made her mark) to the foregoing declaration, that they know her to be the identical person represented and that she is now a widow And they swear that they are disin- terested witnesses W. H. Ireland
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 th day of Febry 1857. And I certify that the said S. J. Moore and W. H. Ireland are credible witnesses of the County and State aforesaid Sam. Ireland J.P.M.

State of Kentucky 55 County of Henry J. B. Thomas Clerk of the Henry County Court do certify that James Nelson Coyle who has subscribed his genuine signature to the Northern Declaration and affidavits in two places is one was at the time thereof - a justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid duly commission- ed and sworn in testimony whereof - I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Henry County Court At New Castle this 2 nd day of March 1867
J. B. Thomas
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Poplar

State of Kentucky Henry County 355
On this 17 day of October 1838 personally appeared before all the John Chilton, John Wood, David Adams, Samuel Walker, Samuel Ireland, Thomas M. Gullard, Thomas B. Hancock, William O'Dannan & John Gaylor Judges of the county court of Henry county, Kentucky, now sitting. Priscilla Merewether a resident of Kentucky in the county of Henry aged Sixty seven years and upwards 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 Congress passed July 17 th 1838 - entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Valentine Merewether who this declarant always understood and believed was a Lieutenant in the army of the revolution But this declarant will not undertake to state the particulars of the service of her husband as the said Valentine Merewether made a declar- -ation in his life time and after the death of the said Merewether a certificate was issued to this declarant allowing her for the service of said Valentine Merewether at the rate of one hundred and sixty dollars per annum from the 4 th day of March 1831 until the death of the said Valentine Merewether which was in August 1832. She further declares that she was

married to the said Valentine Merewether on the 27 th day of December in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety, in Fairfax County, State of Virginia as will more fully appear by the proof hereunto annexed - that her husband the aforesaid Valentine Merewether died on the 15 day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty, two that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service - but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety, four Virg at the time above stated
Sworn to and subscribed in open court on the day and month above written
Priscilla Merewether
ss 1
It was further proven in open court and to the satisfaction of the court by the oaths of James Goslee & Edmund P. Thomas that Valentine Merewether who was reputed to have been an officer and soldier of the revolution departed this life about the year 1832 - and that he left a widow Priscilla Merewether who is still living and has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband the said Valentine Merewether ss 2

State of Kentucky
Henry County Court Octo Term 1838.
On the 1 st day of October 1838. Came here into open Court Priscilla Manniwether the reputed widow of Valentine Manniwether who died and prayed for a declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. Entitled an act granting half pay & pension to certain widows to which she was sworn in open Court. It was further proved in open Court by the Oaths of James Goble & Edmund D. Thomas that Valentine Manniwether who was reputed to have been an officer and soldier of the Revolution departed this life about the year 1832 and that he left a Widow Priscilla Manniwether who is still living and has remained a Widow ever since the death of her husband as the said Valentine Manniwether.
Given Testimony that the foregoing order is truly copied from the Record in my office I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court this 1 st October 1838 in the 47 th year of the Commonwealth.
John Thomas. Clerk Henry County Court
A No 2.

Know all men by these presents that we Priscilla Meriwether for herself and for her young children (Tho s H. Meriwether W m C. and David Meriwether) and Priscilla, Mildred & Martha Meri- wether all children of s d Priscilla Meriwether and all heirs and legal representatives of Valentine Meriwether deceased of the County of Oldham and State of Kentucky have this day constituted and appointed Caleb White and Robert Greene our true and lawful Attorneys for us and in our name or any other person or persons whom they may appoint to aid or assist them in the recovery of all or any parts thereof of any moneys that may be found due from the Government of the State of Virginia or the Government of the United States under an act of Congress providing for the payment of the officers and soldiers of the revolutionary war and our said Attorneys or those who our said Attorneys may appoint shall full power lawful authority to ask demand & receive from either or both of the said governments as above all pay in money Commutation interests half pay and lands that may be found due to us for the services of the husband of Priscilla Meri- wether and father of the other subscribers as above children and only heirs of Valentine Meriwether deceased In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this day 29 th day of April 1804
Priscilla C Meriwether
Thomas H Meriwether by Priscilla C Meriwether
William C Meriwether by Priscilla C Meriwether
David C Meriwether by
Priscilla C Meriwether
George C Meriwether by
Priscilla C Meriwether
Mildred H Meriwether
Martha D Meriwether

State of Kentucky
Oldham County Court
I Wm. Stone a Justice of the peace in and for Oldham County and State aforesaid hereby certify that on this day personally appeared before me in said County Priscilla Meriwether for and ack d the foregoing power of attorney for her self and for the heirs therein mentioned to be her act and deed and also the same was ack d by Priscilla Meriwether and Mildred Meriwether heirs of Valentine Meriwether dec d to be each of their acts and deed Given under my hand this 29 th day of April 1834.
William Stone

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
8454
Priscilla Merrewether
Wid. of
Oralentine Merrewether
Lieut. Rev. War
Act: _____
Feb. 24/48
Index:—Vol. _____
M
Page _____
42
[Arrangement of 1870.]

See letters to Hon. J. R. Poinsett, Sec. War, April 22 d 1840 — Let to Hon. G. Davis June 23. 1840. Let 23 July 4 th Bond, R., Undeposed — do. to Hon. G. Davis, H. R. Jan. 9. 1843 — do. to Jacob B. White Jan. 17. 1843. do. to Sec. War, Jan. 19. 1843 —
Kentucky — 1.
Priscilla Merewether widow of Valentine Merewether, decd. the widow of whom drew his the pension under the Act of 7 June, 1832 she having and who died in the month of August, 1832 of Henry Co. in the State of Kentucky — who was a Lieut. in the Comp y commanded by Captain Collett — of the Reg t commanded by Col. Gibson in the Virginia line for 1 year — Lieutenant
Prescribed on the Roll of Kentucky — at the rate of 160 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Feb- ruary, 1839 and sent to Wm. Tanner, Esq. P. Office Dept.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept. 1838 $401:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th 39 th 81:00
$482.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot, Clerk, Book A Vol. 2, Page 212

Introduction before the act of 1844 Sent to W. C. Merremether, New Castle Ky., July 24, 44 let to Hon. G. Duncan Feb 10 '48
154
Kentucky
Priscilla Merremether
widow of Valentine Merremether who was a Lieutenant
in the Virginia line for 11. years.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 160 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of May 1843 and sent to
William C. Merremether New Castle Ky.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 171.

Reported to J. J. Steele April 8 th 1857. Hon. Minister Aug 30 th 21 J. J. Steele 25. 1857
146 Kentucky Priscilla Mena widow of Valentine who served in the Revolut. , as a Saint
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of February and sent to Hon. Garnett  Lawrence H of N
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 244 Vol. 3

2
26. 099
160 acres

Official Business.
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C.
P.M. in New

26099 - 160 Priscilla Weston
Public Service
FRED
Commissioner of Pensions
by Washington
D. b.

FREE
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. No 26,099
26 099-160
Valentine's letter to Genl

FREE
Honble S. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Public Service 35.456

- 160
Priscilla Merewather
On official business
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
F

Department of the Interior, Pension Office, Official Business.
Russell, Obermeyer
and
Verelent
by Feb 2/88 146
Reg no 35-17
no 26094-160
Mr Paynton

Department of the Interior,
Pension Office, Official Business.
J. Minot
ADVERTISED
Mrs Priscilla Merewether, Louisville, Kentucky.
35457
Priscilla Merewether via Valentine
REVISIT

Louisville Mar. 31 st 57
To
Hon. Geo. H. Whiting
Cour t of Pensions
Benj. R. Pollard Esq.
Who wrote to you yesterday on the subject of a lost land warrant for 160 acres of land in the name of Mrs Priscilla Merriwether, is a gentleman of standing and character in this city, and entitled to full confidence and credit.
I refer you to the chief of your department Hon. J. Thompson as to myself. Please file Mr. P's letter as a caveat, if not too late
Very Respectfully Geo. A. Caldwell

No of 107
April 24. 1858
Sir
I have the honor to enclose you the appli- -cation of Mrs Priscilla Meredith for an in- -crease of Pension - which I beg leave to com- mend to your favourable & early consideration - the more especially as the venerable lady is in very low health - and the Bounty of her Government if deferred would come too late
I have the honor to M c lelland
Geo B Whiting Esq

639
Long
(7.)
Newcastle Eng, Apr 21/43
Wm. Merivale
Enc. declaration of Mrs Merivale for a pension.
M 120. Recd Apr 28/43
Station Office
Long
Washington
Secretary of War
Ken
Mar 3 rd 1843
Rev. Merivale
Newcastle Eng
55
No 1481

State of Kentucky } ss.
On this 21 st day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Henry and State aforesaid, Priscilla Meriw- =ether a resident of Newcastle Ky. the said County of Henry and State of Kentucky aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war
That she is the widow of Valentine Meriwether who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State line on the continental Establishment and that she received $160.00 per annum under the pension act of July 7 th 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow
Priscilla Meriwether
Sworn to
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Thos. Brown J.P. H.S.
I Thomas Brown justice of the Peace as aforesaid do hereby certify that the declarant Priscilla Meriwether is personally known to me. Witness my hand this 21 st April 1843.
Thos. Brown J.P. H.S.

Newcastle Ky April 21 st 1843
The Secretary of War.
Sir, you will please acknowledge the receipt of this and if there be any errors please write wherein it is defective. If any thing farther is to be done by Mrs. Meriwether before she can draw her pension please inform me. If all is correct you will forward the certificate by mail to the undersigned or to Mrs. Meriwether directed to Newcastle Henry County Kentucky.
Yours Respectfully
William L. Meriwether

State of Kentucky
Henry County Court
I Edw P Shimas clerk of the Henry County Court do certify that Thomas Brown whose name is to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Henry and that his signature is genuine -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of said Court this 26 th Day of April 1843.
Edw P Shimas

State of Kentucky } Mason County }
I Thomas Young aged about Eighty three years do hereby certify upon oath that I was well ac- quainted with Voluntee Meriwether who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia line and served in the Illinois Regiment commanded by Col. Montgomery in the year One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty -One And I Verily Believe that he served During the War and was honorably Discharged at the Close of the same And further this Affidavit Bayeth Not. Given under my hand this 13 th day of May 1834 ————— E. M. 1
Thos. Young
Sworn to and Subscribed this 13 th day of May 1834 Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for Mason County and State of Kentucky - J. D. Shackelford Justice of the Peace for said county

State of Kentucky { Mason County } ff.
I George Shepherd aged about Seventy four years do hereby Certify upon Oath that I was acquainted with the name of Valentine Meriwether who was an Officer in the Virginia line and served in the Illinoy Regiment in the year One Thousand Seven hundred and Eightytwo and I truly Believe he served During the war and was honorably Discharged at the Close of the Same And further this Affidavit saith Not Given under my hand this 9 th day of Aprill 1834 (E ir 2. george Shepherd
Sworn to and Subscribed this 9 th day of Aprill 1834 Before Me a Justice of the Peace in and for Mason County and State of Kentucky Peter Sashbrooke J.P.

State of Kentucky Mason County Set
I Marshall Reg Clerk of the Court of Mason County Do certify that James Shackelford Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit of Thomas Young was sworn to, and that Peter Lashbrook Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of George Shepherd was sworn to are magistrates of Mason County duly com- missioned and qualified as such, and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the 15 th day of May 1834
Marshall Reg Clerk of the Court of Mason County

Washington D.C. Decr 30. A.D. 1857.
Don A. H. Stuart } Secy of the Interior } Sir
I appeal to your authority from a decision of the Comr of Pensions in the case of Priscilla Monworth, and have the honor to transmit her with a statement of the evidence in her case, for which I respectfully beg your consideration.
My respectfully
Your obed serv
J. M. Young
Agent for
Priscilla Monworth

Pension Office
November 20. 1850
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit the papers in the case of Priscilla Meriwether (numbering 16) on which R. W. Young appeals, accompanied with the brief of the evidence.
In this case, Priscilla Meriwether, widow of Valentine Meriwether, applied for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832, for services rendered as Lieutenant in the Virginia Continental line during the war. It was ascertained, on a strict examination of the Rolls in this office, that no such name as Valentine Meriwether could be found. These Rolls have ever been regarded as containing the names of every officer who served as long as 18 months. The probability that he might have served a short time was so strong that a pension for one year's service was granted — Not satisfied with the decision granting a pension for one year, she now applies for a full pension for 2 years.

2 years' service. It is proper to remark in this case, that the names of all commissioned officers, who belonged to the Virginia State Line, were returned by boards of officers, who sat at Richmond for that special purpose, and it is reasonable to infer, that if he had served for the period alleged, that his name would have appeared on the Rolls. No sufficient testimony has been produced in the case to contradict the record, and to destroy the presumption, raised by the fact of his name not appearing on the Rolls. that he did not remain in service for the length of time, as claimed by Mrs. Priscilla Meriwether.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart Secretary of the Interior.

New Castle. Dec. 16. 1857
Comt. of Pensions
Mrs. Priscilla Merewether Widow of I think Vol Merewether, who was a Capt. or an Officer in the Rev. War, and whose papers for a Land Warrant, was made out in this County - probably by Ben R. Pollard of Louisville Ky, is very desirous of knowing what has become of her Land Warrant for 160 acres Land - She understands that the Warrant was sent to Louisville to her address, and that some one obtained it fraudulently - She fears that no Caveat has been entered, or that an assignment has been fraudulently made - She Sir is a lady of high birth & education and an old Virginian lady - She is poor, will you look to her case & oblige one
E. P. Thomas
(The Warrant issued since March 1855

General Land Office October 31, 1863.
Hon. Jos. H. Barrett Counr of Pensions -
Sir:
Enclosed here with please find for Cancellation, on account of forgery, in the assign- ment thereof, B. L. W t Act/55 No 26,099. for 160 acres, a duplicate of which was issued, as per your letter to this Office of date Feby 10/58, and is returned to this Office located. After Cancellation you will please return said Warrant at as early a day as possible
Very Respectfully
Your Ob t Serv t
J. M. Eastman Commissioner
W t Act/55 Enclosed.
Eastman

✓ Genl Land Office January 20, 1858
Sir
In reply to an inquiry contained in your letter of December 30 th in reference to Bounty Land Warrant No 26,099, for 160 acres, issued under Act of March 3 rd 1855, in the name of Priscilla, widow of Valentine Merrivether, I have the honor to inform you that there is on file in this Office the affidavit of Priscilla Merrivether of Henry County, State of Kentucky, stating that she has never received the said Warrant.
The affidavit above alluded to has been noted on the Records of this Office, as a bar to the issue of a Patent in the case.
I am, Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Thos A Kendrick, Commissioner
George C Whiting Esq. Commr of Pensions

This letter has been ret. as a dead letter after advertising. Do not know when to address another. Nch. 5/55 B. R. M.

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE,
Madam,
August 21 st 1855.
The claim of Priscilla Merewether , for bounty land under the act of the 3d of March, 1855, No. 35,457 has been examined and suspended.
The revolutionary service of Valentine Merewether , the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office.
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE."
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered.
Very respectfully,
J. MINOT,
Commissioner.
Mrs. Priscilla Merewether,
Louisville,
Ky.

State of Kentucky Henry County, } ss
The affidavit of Miss Fanny Pollard taken in Henry County, Kentucky, on the 21 st day of September 1888. In order to prove the marriage of Miss Priscilla Pollard with Valentine Merewether in Fairfax County, State of Virginia in the year 1790.
This affiant who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose and say, That she is now upwards of Seventy years of age that she is the sister of Mrs Priscilla Merewether widow of Valentine Merewether who was reputed to have been an officer of the revolu- tion - that she formerly lived in Fairfax County State of Virginia - this affiant would further state that she was at the wedding of her sister Priscilla with the said Valentine Merewether in the said County of Fairfax State of Virginia in the month of December in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety that she was present and saw them married and to the best of her knowledge and belief believes they were lawfully married in the month aforesaid in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety by Parson Massey.
Frances Pollard Seal
(A. 1. 3)

State of Kentucky Henry County ss. E. D. [unclear]
The affidavit of Mrs.
Sally Woodfork taken in Henry County Kentucky on the day of August 1838 This affiant who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following statements
That she is upwards of seventy years of age that she is not certain how much over seventy that she is the sister of Miss Fanny Pollard and Mrs. Priscilla Morewether widow of Valentine Morewether who was in his life time reported to have been an officer of the revolution That she formerly lived in Fairfax county State of Virginia. This affiant would further state that she was at the wedding of her sister Mrs. Priscilla Morewether with Valentine Morewether in the county of Fairfax State of Virginia on the month of December in the year seventeen hundred and ninety - that she saw them married and to the best of her know- ledge and belief, believes they were legally married in the month and year aforesaid by Rev. Mason Massey
Sally Woodfork (seal)
1838

State of Kentucky Henry County } ss
I Thos Brown a Justice of the peace in and for Henry county Kentucky, do certify that this day came in person before me Miss Fanny Pollard and Mrs Sally Woodfork who subscribed and was sworn to the foregoing affidavits - and who I further certify are ladies of high standing in society and whose statements are entitled to credit Given under my hand this 21 day of September 1838
A. v. 4
Thos Brown J.P.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of Secretary of State
Frankfort, 8th October 1838.
I James M. Bullock, Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Kentucky do hereby certify that Thomas Brown whose name is signed to the annexed cer- tificate, was at the time of the writing thereof, and now is a justice of the peace, in and for the county of Henry, duly commissioned, qualified and acting as such, and by virtue of his said office, fully authorised to take acknow- ledgments, administer oaths &c and to grant evidence thereof, - That his certificate is in due form of law, and full faith and credit are, and of right, ought to be reposed in all his official acts, as well out of, as in bounds

of justice.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the said com- monwealth to be affixed at Frankfort on the 8th. day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, and in the 47th year of the Commonwealth.
Mr. Breckinridge Secretary of State.
Mr. Tarsney
De Leg - A 160
admiralty
Priscilla Hobson
1841 2766

State of Kentucky
Oldham County Set.
This day July 21 st 1834 personally appeared before Moses Tandy the Center Joint Bury Mr. Force G. Brubom Ellis Agasty Mr. E. Gison Mr. Gatewood
Justices of the Oldham County Court in the State of Kentucky (being a Court of record). Albert M. Baccard who made oath that he wrote a Certificate which was signed by William Horn a Justice of the peace for Oldham County and dated the 29 th day of April 1834. Which Certificate was the oath of of Priscilla Meriwether and Reuben Sale as to the death of Valentine Meriwether, that the word April in said Certificate was written by this depona- nt instead of August and before the signing of said Certificate by the Justice aforesaid, he this dept. discovered the mistake and erased the word April and interlined the word August as that was the true time spoken of and intended to be testified to by the Witness. A. M. Baccard
Also appeared before the said Oldham County Court in the State of Kentucky on the 21 st July 1834. Priscilla Meriwether who states upon oath that she is about 63 years of age, that she was married to Valentine Meriwether in the state of Virginia Fauquier County in the year 1790. that in relation to the services of her deceased husband in the war of the revolution his statements have been very numerous although my recollection is much impaired by reason of age and trouble but will

State those facts only which I firmly recollect to have heard my deceased husband so repeatedly talk about. - My husband Valentine Meriwether entered the Army of the revolutionary war in the spring of 1777. And continued an officer till the close of the war he stated many of his brother officers a few names only I now recollect. vizt " Col Gibson Genl Clarke Majr Thomas Maper Capt. George Collett Capt. Thos. Young Col. Montgomery Col. Crawford Capt. John Ashby Col. Stevenson Col. Thos. Marshall and many others and when general Lafayette visited this western Country and while at Louisville Genl. Lafayette sent a special message to my husband Valentine Meriwether for him to come to Louisville to see him Mr. Meriwether's feelings flowed with sentiments of joy for that distinguished man whom he had so often walked with in the paths danger and led the margin the brother in arms the soldier in battle Mr. Meriwether was then in a weakly state of health and unable to go to visit his old brother as he called him the margin Lafayette, and distinctly recollect it was with my almost persuasions that I kept him from going which did with a view to not let him endanger his remaining few days that some few weeks before he died he began to make out his claim for the allowance of his pension but took his bed and was unable to attend to it he then sent for Mr. Armstrong a very able lawyer But Mr. Meriwether was so far spent that I

would not permit the Gentleman to attend to that business Although Mr Meriwether had made some progress in the papers but those papers were lost and mislaid - (c.s.s.) Priscilla Meriwether
Also Sarah Woolfolk came into Court for Oldham County on the 28 th July 1834. and states upon oath that she is 68 years of age that she very well knows that Valentine Meriwether was married to Priscilla Meriwether in the state of Virginia - Fairfax County on the 27 th day of Dec r 1790. and this deponent was Brides maid for Mrs Meriwether and stood by her side on the marriage floor And further states that this applicant is the same Mrs Meriwether, as I have well known them ever since and those heirs named in her application are her legitimate offspring by Valentine Meriwether And further says not - (c.s.s.)
Sally Woolfolk
Also Frances Pollard came into Court for Oldham County on the day and year and at the place mentioned in the foregoing deposition and states upon oath that she is about 70 years of age that she also knows that Valentine Meriwether was married to Priscilla Meriwether in the state of Virginia Fairfax County on the 27 th day of Dec r 1790. that she was at the marriage - And further states that this applicant is the same Mrs Meriwether, as she has well

know them ever since and those heirs named in her application are her legitimate offspring by Valentine Meriwether - and from the frequent conversation which she has had with said Valentine Meriwether she firmly believes he did serve in the Army. and further saith not &c. Frances O'Neal
Also Doctor C. G. Ballard who makes oaths in Open Court on 21 st July 1836 and states he is and was at the time of the death of Valentine Meriwether dec d his family physician and was with him as such in his last sickness and states he died on the 15 th August 1832 which date is entirely within his recollection as appears from his book as well as from his perfect recollection &c. C. G. Ballard
The depositions of A. M. Ballard Prosceller Meriwether Deborah Woolfolk Francis Poard and C. G. Ballard in the matter of the application of Priscilla Meriwether as the Widow of Valentine Meriwether deceased for a pension was this day sworn to in Open Court by the Deponents and the Court being satisfied with the evidence orders that the same may be certified
Moses Tandy J.P.P.C. Washington Caroline J.P.P.C. John T. Berry J.P.P.C. William Farlow J.P.P.C. Gabriel Barbour J.P. Ellis Oglesby J.P.P.C. Wm P. Gibson J.P.P.C. Wm Gatewood J.P.P.C.

State of Kentucky
Oldham County Court July Term 1834 July 21 st 1834.
I Isaac R. Swathney clerk of the Oldham County Court in the State of Kentucky hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Priscilla Meriwether against Valentine Meriwether dec d for a pension
In Witness whereof I have set my hand and affix the seal of my office this 21 st day of July 1834 and in the 43 rd year of the Commonwealth.
I R. Swathney clk

The Depositions of A.M. Ballard, Priscilla Meriwether, Sarah Woolfolk, Francis Pollard and C.G. Ballard in the matter of the application of Priscilla Meriwether as the widow of Volentine Meriwether deceased for a pension was this day again produced in Open Court for the County of Oldham. And the Court after the investigation of the matter doth declare and hereby certify that they believe from said depositions that said Volentine Meriwether was a revolutionary Soldier and Slaved as is stated in said depositions. And the Court doth further certify that the said deponents are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full faith and credit. Given under our hands as a Court of Record Now Sitting this 20 th day of October 1834.
Hosea Landy M.P.O. Ellis D. Dugly J.P.O. Washington Cartwright M.P.O. John T. Tipton J.P.O. J. M. Spence J.P.O.

State of Kentucky
Oldham County Court
Personally appeared in Open Court. Doctor C. G.
Ballard and made oath that Volentine Meriwether stated to him in a conversation had a few days previous to the death of S d Meriwether, that he was 71 years of age and that he entered the Army of the Revolutionary war during the year that he was 16 years of age in the year 1777. at which time said Meriwether stated to him he was, about the time he was taken sick making out his papers for a pension. Also appeared Priscilla Meriwether and made oath, that she found in an old pocket book of her deceased husband Volentine Meriwether, a piece of writing in the hand writing of her deceased husband showing that he was 71 years of age at the time of his death. that she often heard him speak of his age and that it always corresponded with the writing before referred to. and that the family Record has been torn up and destroyed. Also appeared Thomas S t Meriwether and made oath that he was assisting his father Volentine Meriwether, at short time before he said (Volentine was taken sick) in making out & preparing his papers for a pension. and that from all conversations with said Volentine Meriwether he believes he was 71 years of age at the time of his death. Given under our hands as a Court of Records now sitting for Oldham County this 20 th day of October 1831.
William Fitzgerald John Tipton Washington Clinton

State of Kentucky Oldham County Court I Albert M Ballard clerk of the Oldham County Court in the state aforesaid do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceed- ings of the said Court in the matter of the applica- -tion of Priscilla Meriwether as widow of Valentine Meriwether for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this 26 th day of October 1834 and in the 43 rd year of the Commonwealth.
A. M. Ballard clerk Oldham County Court Ky
Yes
Yes A. M. Ballard

State of Kentucky County of Adair
We Priscilla Meriwether for her self & through her children Wife (Tho? He, David, & M rs C o Meriwether) and Priscilla, Mildred & Martha Meri- wether children of sd Priscilla & all heirs of Valentine Meriwether die?
10 duly sworn on the Evangelists of Almighty God. Say that we have never received nor have any other claiming as heirs to Valentine Meriwether their ancestor deceased to their knowledge any land bounty from the United States or State of Virginia nor any money on account of services rendered in the revolutionary war by the said Valentine Meri- wether nor did the said Valentine Meriwether in his life time to the knowledge of the deponents receive any land bounty or money from the said State or the United States and further say not. Priscilla Meriwether for her self and for Thomas H William & David and George Meriwether
Mary P Meriwether Mildred A Meriwether
Sworn and subscribed this 17 th day of April 1884 before me W m Gore a justice of the peace in and for Adair County State of Kentucky William Gore (P.O.O.)

State of Kentucky Oklawaha County Court } S
This day personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace for Oldham County and state against Priscilla Nemetha & Rurkin Sale who made oath that Valentine Nemetha August departed this life about the 15 th day of March April 1832. Given under my hand this 29 th day of April 1834.
William Goree (JP ob)
State of Kentucky Oldham County } S
I Isaac B Swathney clerk of the Oldham County Court in the state against Henry Ertly certify that William Goree whose name is attached to the three foregoing certificates was at the time of signing the same and still is an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County of Oldham and State of Ky & that the said signature is genuine In witness whereof I have set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 29 th day of April 1834 and in the 42 nd year of the Commonwealth Isaac B Swathney clerk

State of Kentucky } set Oklawaha County }
I William Gore a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid do Certify, that the foregoing Disposition of Procelia Merrittes Tho' H William C Davis & George Merrittes Milana Martha and Mary Merrittes was Taken Subscribed to and sworn to before me And I further Certify that Iain Merrittes Procelia Merrittes Tho' H William C Davis & George Merrittes Milana Mary & Martha Merrittes are persons of Respectability and entitled to full faith and credit Given under My Hand this 20 th day of October 1834. - William Gore J.P.
State of Kentucky
Oklawaha County Set.
I Albert M Ballard clerk of the Oklawaha County Court in the State aforesaid hereby Certify that William Gore whose name appears to the two foregoing certificates is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Oklawaha duly Commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing Certificates purporting to be his and genuine. In Witness whereof I have set my hand and Seal of Office this 20 th day of October 1834 and in the 43 rd year of the Commonwealth.
A.M. Ballard clerk of the Court of Oklawaha County

State of Kentucky } Olaham County } ss
(J. S. 11.)
We Priscilla Murnwithes for himself and those of his children the Thos H Murnwithes David and William C Murnwithes Priscilla Milana and Martha Murnwithes children of said Priscilla and all heirs of Volentine Murnwithes deceased duly sworn on Evangelist of the almighty God say that we have never received nor have any others claiming as heirs to Volentine Murnwithes their ancestors deceased to their knowledge any land bounty from the United States or State of Virginia or any money on account of services rendered in the Revolutionary war by the said Volentine Murnwithes nor did the said Volentine Murnwithes in his lifetime to the knowledge of the Deponents receive any land bounties or money from the said State or the United States and further sayeth not Sworn to and subscribed to
Priscilla Murnwithes for herself and for Thos H Murnwithes William C & David Murnwithes George Murnwithes Mary P. Murnwithes and Milana A Murnwithes & Martha Murnwithes
State of Kentucky } Olaham County } ss
I William Force a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid do certify that the foregoing Disposition of Priscilla Murnwithes Thos H Murnwithes William C & David Murnwithes and George Murnwithes Milana A & Mary P. & Martha Murnwithes was taken subscribed and sworn to before me

and I further Certify that Sarah Preceea Tho: H William C. David George Mernwither, Milana & Mary P. & Martha Mernwither are True Persons of Respectability and Entitled To True Faith and Credit given under my hand this 20 th day October 1834
William Fiared S t John

Know all Men By these presents that We Priscilla Meriwether For Herself and for three of her Children viz: Tho: H Meriwether William C and David Meriwether Priscilla Milana and Martha Meriwether all Children of Priscilla Meriwether and all heirs of and legal representatives of Valentine Meriwether Deceased of the County of Oldham and State of Kentucky have this day Constituted and Appointed Calb White of Mason County and State aforesaid our True & Lawfull Attorney for us and in our Name or any other person or persons whom he may Appoint to act or assist him in the Recovery of all or any part thereof of any Money that may be found due from the Government of the United States under an act of Congress providing for the payment of the Officers and Soldiers of the Revolu- tionary War and Our Said attorney or those who Our Said Attorney may appoint has Full Power lawfull Authority to ask Demand and Receive from either of or Both of the Said Governments as above are pay in Money commutations Interest Half Pay and Said that may be found due to us for the Services of the husband of Priscilla Meriwether and father of the other Subscribers as above Children and only Heirs of Valentine Meriwether Deceased In Witness Whereof we have hereunto Set our hands and Seals this 20 th day of October 1834.
Priscilla Meriwether For Tho: H Meriwether and for Priscilla Meriwether and for William C Meriwether David Meriwether By Priscilla Meriwether George Meriwether By Priscilla Meriwether Milana A Meriwether Mary P Meriwether Martha Meriwether

State of Kentucky ss
County of Henry ss
On this 26 th day of OCT r
A D 1837 Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid Prescilla Merrimether - a Resident of Henry County Ky. who being first duly sworn according to Law, declares that she is the widow of Valentine Merrimether - a Revolutionary Soldier. And she further - declares that she has made application for Bounty Land under the act of the 3 rd of March 1835 - That she understands that a land warrant has been issued in her name for 160 acres dated May 17 th 1836 N o 26,099.
That she has never - sold assigned nor voluntarily parted with her right to the warrant in question. That she has never seen the same.
Prescilla Merrimether
Sworn to me and subscribed before me the day and year above written. And I certify that the within named Prescilla Merrimether - is the identical person that she represents herself to be. And that I have no interest in the above claim of the aforesaid Prescilla Merrimether -
Jno. C. (or) J. P. H. C.
State of Kentucky ss
County of Henry ss
On this 26 th day of
October
A D 1837 personally
appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid E. R. Wilson and J. S. Troxel Two Credible witnesses

who being first duly sworn according to law declare that they are well and personally acquainted with Mrs. Prescilla Meroimether - who gave her sign her name to the within declaration that they know her - to be the Identical person that She represents herself to be, and that they are disinterested in the within claim.
" E. R. Wilson
" S. S. Traxell
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written, and hereby Certify that E. R. Wilson - and S. S. Traxell are credible witnesses of the County and State aforesaid given from under my hand
" Jno. C. Montfort J.P.
State of Kentucky ss
County of Henry ss I E. P. Thomas Clerk of the Henry County Court do certify that Jno. C. Montfort who has subscribed his genuine signature to the within affidavits is and was at the date thereof a justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid duly Commissioned and sworn Intestimony whereof - I have
Herunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the County Court at New Castle Ky. this 26 day of Oct. 1854 E. P. Thomas

1 Priscilla Moore weather personally appearance before the Judges of the County Court of Henry Co. Kentucky and being Sworn made the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit made by the provision of the act of Congress July 7 th 1838 entitled an "act granting Half pay & pensions to certain widows" - Says that she is only seven years and upwards old, - that she is the widow of Valentine Mervinette who at the always under stood and believed was a Lieutenant in the army of the United States, but that she will not undertake to state the particulars of the service of her husband as he had made a declaration in his life time and after his death a certificate was issued to declarant allowing her for services of her said husband Valentine Mervinette at the rate of $160 per annum from 1 st day of March 1831 until the death of said Valentine which was in August 1832. She further declared that she was married to the said Valentine Mervinette on the 27 th of December 1790. in Fairfax County State of Virginia as will appear by the proof hereto annexed - that her husband died on the 15 th day of August 1832. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service - but the marriage took place previous to the 1 st of January 1794 (At No 1)
It was further proven in open court and to the satisfaction of the court by the oaths of James Goslee and Edm d P Thomas that Valentine Mervinette who was reputed to have been an officer and Soldier of the Revolution departed this life about the year 1832 and left a widow Priscilla Mervinette who is still living and has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband (At No 2)
Fanny Pollard being Sworn, says that she is now upwards of 70 years of age - that she is the sister of Priscilla Mervinette widow of Valentine Mervinette who was reputed to have been an officer of the Revolution - that she formerly lived in Fairfax County State of Virginia, and that she was at the wedding of her sister Priscilla

with Valentine Meriwether in Fairfax County aforesaid, in the month of December 1790. That she was present & saw them married and to the best of her knowledge believes they were lawfully married in the month and year aforesaid A No 3
Sally Woolfolk sworn - says, that she is upwards of 70 years of age that she is Sister of Fanny Pollard and Miss Priscilla Meriwether who was reputed an officer of the Revolution, that she formerly lived in Fairfax County - that she was at the wedding of her Sister now Priscilla Meriwether with Valentine Meriwether in the said County of Fairfax in the month of December of the year 1790. that she saw them married and to the best of her knowledge believes they were legally married the month and year aforesaid
Subpoena duces tecum of the Decease that she was acquainted with the Deponents Fanny Pollard and Sally Woolfolk - that they are ladies of high standing in Society whose statements are entitled to credit (A No 4,
Priscilla Meriwether Declarant, personally appeared before the Justices of the court of Oldham County State of Kentucky (a court of Record) who states on oath that she is about 63 years old, that she was married to Valentine Meriwether in the State of Virginia Fairfax County in the year 1790 - that in relation to the services of her deceased husband, in the war of the Revolution, his services have been very numerous altho' her recollection is much impaired by reason of age and trouble, but will state from fact only what she firmly recollects to have heard her deceased husband so repeatedly talk about - her husband entered the army of the Revolution in the spring of 1777. and continued an officer till the close of the war - he stated many of his Brother officers a few names now she only recollects viz, Col. Gibson Genl. Clarke, Major Thomas Massey, Capt. Geo. Catlett Capt. Thomas Young Col. Montgomery Col. Wm. Crawford, Capt. John Ashby Col. Stephenson Col. Thomas Marshall and many others and when General Lafayette visited the country and while at Louisville, he sent a special messenger to her

to come to Louisville to see him, her husband was then in a weakly state of health and was unable to go to visit his brother in arms - it was with the utmost persuasion that she kept him from going - that some weeks before her husband died he began to make out his claim for the allowance of his pension but took his bed and was unable to attend to it - he then sent for a Mr Armstrong an able lawyer - but he was so far spent she would not permit Mr Armstrong to attend to the business altho her husband had made some progress in the papers, these papers were lost and mislaid. (C No 1)
Yarah Woolfolk sworn in open court says that she is 68 years of age, that she very well knows that Valentine Mervinether was married to Prescilla Mervinether in Fairfax Co. State of Virginia on the 27th of Decr. 1790 - that deponent was Prescilla's maid and stood by the side of Prescilla on the marriage floor and further states that this applicant is the same Mrs Mervinether as she has well known her ever since and the ones named in her application are her legitimate offspring by Valentine Mervinether (C No 2).
Frances Pollard sworn in open court, says that she is about 70 years of age that she also knows that Valentine Mervinether was married to Prescilla Mervinether in Fairfax Co. State of Virginia on the 27th day of Decr. 1790 - that she was at the marriage and further states that the applicant is the same Mrs Mervinether, as she has well known her ever since and those being named in her application are her legitimate offspring by Valentine Mervinether - she very believes he did serve in the army. (C No 3)
Dr Ballard sworn in open court, says that he is and was at the time of the death of Valentine Mervinether decd. his family physician and was with him as such in his last sickness and that he died on the 15th of August 1832. which date is entirely within the recollection as appears from his book as well as from his perfect recollection. (C No 4).

Depe Abies being sworn says that he was well acquainted with Lieutenant Valentine Mervinwether in the year 1777 in the state of Virginia and knows well that he entered the army of the Revolution in the year 1777. in the Virginia State & continental line and well knows he remained in the army up to the latter part of the year 1780 or part of 1781. at which time he was marched to the west - He only believes he entered the army for during the war. and served to the close of the same and was Honorably discharged. He also knew him in the State of Kentucky for many years and had various conversations of their troubles & sufferings while in the army. was well acquainted with his wife whose name is Priscilla - lived his neighbor in Virginia and also in this State. (D. 1)
Thomas Young Swan says that he was well acquainted with Valentine Mervinwether who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia Line and served in the Illinois regiment under Col. Montgomery in the year 1781. and he very believes he served during the war and was Honorably discharged. (E. 1)
George Theppard, Swan, says he is about 74 years old - That he was acquainted with the name of Valentine Mervinwether who was an officer in the Virginia Line and served in the Illinois regiment in the year 1782. and only believes he served during the war and was Honorably discharged at the close of the same. (F. 1)
Prescilla Mervinwether declarant on the 21 st of April 1843, being sworn makes the following declaration to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress 3 rd of March 1843 - That she is the widow of Valentine Mervinwether who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State line on the Continental establishment and that she received $160 per annum under the pension act of July 7 th 1838 - She further declares she is still a widow. (F. 1)
Prescilla Mervinwether declarant on the 9 th of July 1844, makes the same declaration in the same words. (G. 1)

Priscilla Meriwether same declarant, on the 2 nd of May 1848 on oath makes the same declaration in the same words. (J6)
Priscilla Meriwether for her self, and those of her children viz Thos H Meriwether, David & William C Meriwether, Priscilla Milard & Martha Meriwether all heirs of Valentine Meriwether Deft being sworn, say that they have never received nor have any other claiming as heirs to Valentine Meriwether their ancestor to their knowledge, any Land Bounty from the U States or State of Virginia or any money on account of the services rendered in the Revolutionary war by the said Valentine Meriwether nor did he in his lifetime to the knowledge of Deponents receive any Land Bounties or money from the said State or U States. (J No 1.)

State of Kentucky Henry County Set 3
Priscilla Merewether states on Oath that she is the widow of Valentine Merewether deceased who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia line in the war of the Revolution. That in conformity with the several acts of Congress she was enrolled on the Pension Rolls of the United States as the widow of said Valentine Merewether at the rate of One hundred & Sixty Dollars per annum from the day of 183 as may be seen by reference to her Original certificate No. dated the day of 183 and that in virtue thereof she has drawn said Pension semiannually to this date at the rate of $160 per annum, which sum is not quite equal to the half pay of a third Lieutenant. That she is enrolled on the pension Rolls as the widow of Valentine Merewether "a Lieutenant" &c which according to common parlance cannot mean a third, or a second Lieutenant. That under the act of Congress approved the 24 th of April 1816 it will be seen that the half pay of a Lieutenant was fixed at $17 per month, a second $15 per month & a third Lieutenant 14 3 either of which is above the sum which has been allowed & paid to her. That she considers herself entitled to Forty Four dollars per annum since the date of her original Certificate with interest thereon, which she claims & requests that it be paid to Mr Ben R Pollard of Louisville Ky who is my friend & Brother and he is hereby authorised & empowered to receive and to receipt for the same, and she further requests that she be enrolled on the Pension Rolls of the United States at the rate of $204 per annum from this time to the date of her death instead of $160. She states that she is now about eighty six years of age, that she resides

in Henry County Kentucky and has resided in said County for twenty three years last past, and for several years previous thereto she resided in the adjoining County of Oldham. She states that she is the identical person named in said original certificate referred to & that she is still a widow. She begs leave to refer to the opinion of the Hon. the Attorney General of the U.S. of Sept. 6 th 1848. in which he employs the following language, "But in common parlance "the Lieutenant" "without further designation whether of Marines or "of Infantry would universally be understood" to mean the Senior Lieutenant and not the second", and this familiar & reasonable rule of construction she thinks & insists ought to be applied in her case. She states that her certificate of enlistment which was removed under the act of Congress, approved 2 nd July 1848 is dated June 14 th 1848 & numbered 146.
Priscilla Allen mother
State of Kentucky Henry County } Sct
Personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace in & for the County & State aforesaid Mrs Priscilla Meriwether personally known to me and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, so far as it contains circumstances & facts coming within her own knowledge & of her belief as to other facts, and subscribed her name to the same in my presence. She is the identical person named in the original certificate of enlistment on the pension Rolls No 146 dated on the 14 th day of June 1848 which she now has in her possession & which I have this day examined. Given under my hand this 23 rd day of March 1858
Jno C. Clifton J.P. H.C

State of Kentucky Henry County S Set.
B. R. Pollard and Stephen S. Powell States on oath that they are personally acquainted with Mrs. Priscilla Morewether and that they have been for many years, that she is the same identical person she represents herself to be in her preceding declaration for arrearages of pension, that she is of the age she represents herself to be as they believe and that she is yet a widow, and that she has in her possession the original  engrossed certificate No 146 which they have this day examined - Given under our hands this 23 d day of March 1858.
B. R. Pollard
Subscribed & sworn to before me by B. R. Pollard & Stephen S. Powell a justice of the peace for said County & State This 23 d day of March 1858 Jno. Allen Forf. P. & C.
State of Kentucky Henry County Set B
I Edmund P. Thomas Clerk of County Court of Henry County aforesaid do certify that John Kenfort is & was a justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified as such and that faith & credit are due to his Official acts, and that his signatures to the foregoing certificates I believe are genuine. I also certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Priscilla Morewether and that she is the identical person she represents herself to be: I also know B. R. Pollard and S. S. Powell and that they are respectable & entitled to credit on oath.
In testimony whereof I have subscribed my name hereunto & affixed the seal of my Office this 24 th of Mar 1858
Edm. P. Thomas

Newcastle Ky July 9. 1844.
Wm Meriwether
Exc. decl n of M rs D r Meriwether.
M 462. Sept 17/44 Union Office
J. G.
Washington
Secretary of War
Kent June 17 1844
Prisc. Meriwether
Off ce
John Quincy Adams July 11 1843
151

State of Kentucky Henry County } ss.
On this 19 th day of July, 1844- personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace. Priscilla Merriweather a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged about seventy three 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 Congress passed on the 17. June 1844, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war - That she is the widow of Valentine Merriweather, who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Line on the Continental Establishment - and that she received, under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838, an annual pension of One hundred & sixty dollars - She further declares that she is still a widow. Priscilla Merriweather
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before P. White Jr.
I hereby certify that the declarant is person- ally known to me - P. White Jr.
This 9. July. 1844.

State of Kentucky
Henry County Set.
I Edward P. Thomas clerk of the County Court for said County certify that Richard White who has certified as within, is a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Henry: and that his Signature is genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court this 9 th day July 1844
Edward P. Thomas

To the Secretary of the War Department }
Sir,
As the Agent of Mrs. Merriweather, whose Declaration is annexed. I have pursued the form and directions as given by the Pension Agent to be observed by those who were entitled to pensions under the Act of 3 d March 1843 - and under which she obtained by a similar declaration the amount to which she was entitled by the provisions of that act.
This declaration is forwarded at this time with a view to obtain a cer- tificate from the Department in time to make the first semi-annual draft as soon as it shall become payable under the late act of Congress extend- ing the benefits of the former act.
Should there be any defect in the annexed form - or error in its authentication, you will confer a favor by making the same known to me & suggesting the proper corrections as soon as it can be conveniently done.
Your Obedt Servt
Wm C. Merriweather
Newcastle Henry Co. Ky. July 9. 1844. }

Mrs H Marshall Care of Priscilla Merrimack
See letter July 19 1843
To Mrs J. C. Spencer See note

Newcastle Jany 27 th 1857
Hon A Marshall
Dear Sir.
Enclosed I send you a letter addressed me by a Mr Young of Washington which will explain to you the object of my present communication. That gentleman I suppose is satisfied that the amount I have been receiving from Government as a pension can be materially increased. He proposes as you will see by his circular to undertake the investigation of the matter for fifty per cent on what is made. If in fact there is any thing due me I am unwilling to give that portion of the amount for its recovery and therefore ask it as a favor of you to examine the papers on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions and ascertain the amount to which I may be entitled. I am as you know poor, have a large family to support some of whom are afflicted and helpless and if there is any pittance behind to which I am entitled in the name of charity I ask you to obtain it for me -
Your Obedt Servt Priscilla Merriweather
An early answer is desired.
PS. The Hon J R Underwood is a relative of mine who in more prosperous days doubtless would have rendered me any assistance in his power. and even now perhaps would do so. Please confer with him. My son David of Ia has also written to the Hon Mr McCloskey please confer with him also

Valentine de B. Maximilien Kentucky
Allows one year JLE
Lieutenant, suspended under order of Genl. Har under decision of Dist. Court U.S. in Kentucky,
Collected Compensation for services
Washington City
Hon. R.M. Johnson N. R.

Mayville Oct. 24 th 1834.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
I Re d the Communication of James E Heath Auditor at Richmond in Reply to several bases of Appeal - as he states in three words as to Valentine Murnwither's Claim (The Name of Valentine Murnwither is not found on the files of this Office) Very Respectfully Yours James E Heath
Respected Sir you will find I have been so much troubled & exposed in the Amendment of the Official Character of the papers in this case having to journey over an extent of country to the place where the Witness Resides Although I hope you will find these Documents so complete with the evidence of Capt. Thos. Young, Sepus Alvis & George Shepherd together with his age as will insure to his Helpless Widow a Compe- =tent Reward With Sentiments of Great Respect I am Your Most Obt. & Very Humb le Serv t Calvin White
J. L. Edwards Esq. — } Commissioner of Pensions }

May 10/70
Wm. K. A. Menncher
(He)
adm d
154 kg
Admitted
Garnett Duncan
Hon. Garnett Duncan H. Re.

Commonwealth of } ft. Henry County Kentucky }
On this 2 d day of May, 1848, personally appeared before the undersigned - a justice of the Peace in & for the County of Henry & Commonwealth aforesaid.
Priscilla Merriweather, a resident of Newcastle, in said County, aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declar- ation, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Con- gress, passed on the 2 d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Valentine Merriweather, who was a Lieutenant in the army of the revolutionary war. & served in the regiment of Col. Cullis. & that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of 19 th June 1844, was $160. -
She further declares that she is still a widow - Priscilla Merriweather
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written, before me - a justice of the peace as aforesaid. who hereby certify that the declarant is personally known to me - & that she is the same person who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit -
Thos B Posey J.P.H.C

Commonwealth of Kentucky Henry County 3 rd Feb.
Clerk of the J. Edmund P. Thomas Clerk of the County Court of the County & State aforesaid do certify That Thomas B. Casey is a justice of the Peace in & for said County. duly Commissioned & sworn - That his com- mission was dated on the 10 th day of March 1846 & continues during life or good behaviour & that his signature on the preceding page is genuine - Given under my hand & the seal of the said court this 2 nd day of May 1848 and in the 56 year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight
R. S. Thomas For E. P. Thomas C. D. G.

Case of Priscilla Morrow et al.
The facts in this case are briefly as follows.
Priscilla Morrow et al. - the widow of John Morrow is now on the Kentucky Roll at $160. per annum, under the act of 7th July 1838, and upon the following evidence, on file in the Pension office, she claims a full pension.
1 st The affidavit of John Alvis, who was in service with Lieut. Morrow and well acquainted with him, shows that he (M.) was in service in the latter part of the year 1780 or first of 81 that he then marched to the West & served to the end of the war. 2 nd The affidavit of Capt. Thos. Young of the Pa. State Line, who was also well acquainted with Lieut. M. shows that he was in service with the Illinois regt. in 1781, and that he served to the close of the war. 3 rd The affidavit of George Stephenson, who was also well acquainted with Lieut. M. shows he was in service with the Illinois Regt. in 1782 and that he served to the end of the war.
J. W. Young Agent for Priscilla Morrow et al.

State of Kentucky Shelby County ss. Set.
I Jesse Alvis aged about Seventy five years do hereby certify on oath that I was well acquainted with Lieutenant Valentine Mennetha in the year 1777. in the state of Virginia and do well know Lieutenant Mennetha entered the Army of the Revolutionary war in the year 1777 as a Lieutenant in the Virginia State and Continental line and I do well know he remained in the Army up to the latter part of the year 1780 or the first of 1781 at which time he was marched to the West. I verily believe he entered the Army for during the war and served to the close of the same and was honorably discharged - I also know Lieutenant Mennetha in this state for many years and have had various lengthy conversations of our Troubles and Sufferings while in the Army and Contending for our Liberty. I was well acquainted with Lieutenant Mennetha's wife whose name is Priscilla and lived his Neighbour in Virginia and also in this state and further saith not.
his Jesse Alvis mark
Sworn to and Subscribed this 22 nd day of July 1834. before me a Justice of the peace in and for Shelby County & State of Kentucky Robert T. ROSS, J.P.S.C. State of Kentucky Shelby County ss. I James P. Whitaker Clerk of the

County Court for said County do Certify that Robert S. Ross Esquire before Whom the foregoing Depo- sition of Sips alibi was taken And who hath Subscribed his name to the Certificate thereof Know is and was at the time of doing the same one of the Commonwealths Justices of the Peace for said County Commissioned And qualified According to Law. And that full faith And Credit is & Ought to be known all his Official Acts as such In
Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court this 22 nd day of July 1834
J. I. Whitcher Clerk Shelby County Court.

War Department Madams pension I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2 nd 1848 Priscilla Merremether - widow of Valentine Merremether - who was a Lieutenant in the Revolution- ary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of One Hundred and Sixty Dollars per annum com- mencing on the 4 th day of March 1848. And continue- -ing for life unless she should again marry in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. Given at the war office of The united States this fourteen day of June one thous- -and Eight Hundred and Forty Eight. M c Morey Secretary of War.  J. S. Edmonds Commissioner of Pensions
Orionton Ky n May 14 th 1857 Geo. C. Whiting Sir  The above is a true copy of the pension Certificate in the possession of Mrs Priscilla Mer- -remether. She was Married the 27 th day of Dec r 1790 Her husband died on the 15 th day of Augt 1832. The above certificate is Recorded in the Pension office on the Rolls of Prop Pensioners under the act Feb y 2 nd 1848. page 244 No 3 Geo or Lee Jenkins. Mrs P. Merremether thinks that there is something due to her under some of the former acts of Congress (that she has never got) I promised to write to the department for her you will please to examine the case and if there is any thing due to her under any acts of Congress, or any other Law from the State of Virginia (Her being of the line) you will please to inform me, your obedient Servant Mary  Respectfully J. P. Shanks for Priscilla Merremether

CAUTION.—Land Warrant No. 26,099, for 160 acres, issued to Priscilla Merewether, under act March 3, 1855, dated 17th May, 1857, was stolen or lost from the mail or post-office, it being sent from Washington, D. C., to Louisville, Ky. Parties are cautioned against purchasing the same, as a caveat has been filed and a duplicate will be applied for. PRISCILLA MEREWETHER. Louisville, Ky. 20th May, 1857.—dow
State of Kentucky 355
County of Jefferson 3 On this 3 rd day of November.
A D 1857 The undersigned Printer, Publishers and proprietors of the Louisville Journal Hereby certify that the annexed Notice of lost Land Warrants, was inserted in said news paper six weeks, by successive daily insertion, commencing on the 20 th day of May 1857. Prudence Henderson V Osburn By John D Osbourne. And he declares that he is disinterested in the above claim.
J. D. Osborne
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. And I further certify that John D. Osborne is a credible person. And that I have no interest in the above claim. S. M. Stephens J.P.J.C
State of Kentucky 355
County of Jefferson 3 On this 3 rd day of November.
A D 1857 Personally appeared before me a
justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid Benj R. Pallord a Resident of the County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law, declares that he as the friend of Mrs. Priscilla Merewether widow Valentine Merewether forwarded to the Pension office at Washington her original application for bounty land under act of Congress of 3 rd March 1855, and after waiting, & writing to the department several times, a letter was finally received from the Department in the Spring of 1857 directed to Mrs. Priscilla Merewether informing her that a warrant for 160 acres of land No 26099 had been issued of date 17 th May 1857, and forwarded to her at Louisville Ky, which warrant was never received by him or the applicant, and from admissions made to this affiant and letter by one Harry T Smith

Said letter containings. Land warrant & directed as aforesaid to Mrs. Priscilla Meriwether Louisville Ky. fell into the hands of the said Smith, that he said Smith admitted that he did not remail said letter or warrant, & that he could not then recollect what he did with said land warrant or what has become of it. So it is, Deponent as the friend & agent of Mrs. Meriwether has never received said warrant and he believes that Mrs. Meriwether has never received it.
Given under my hand This 5 th day of November 1857
Benj. R. Pollard
Sworn to & Subscribed before me by Benj. R. Pollard who is a man of respect- ability, and that I have no interest in the above claim. Given under my hand as Justice of the peace for the County & State aforesaid This the date above.
J. M. Stephens, J.P.C.
State of Kentucky ss
County of Jefferson ss Charles M. Thurston Clerk of the County Court of Jefferson County do hereby certify that John M. Stephens who has subscribed his genuine Signature in two places to the within affidavits is and was at the date thereof a justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid duly Commissioned and sworn. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the seal of the Jefferson County Court This third day of November A.D. 1857 C. M. Thurston

The Comm te of Pensions
Louisville Ky 25. Sept 1857
Dear Sir
In May last I informed your department of the mis carriage or loss of land Warrant issued to Mrs Priscilla Meriwether for 160 acres of land No 26099.
Since then I have been endeavoring to trace it up & to find out the thief.
I learned that that one Henry J Smith had been with a letter directed to Mrs P. Meriwether from your Office. I immediately called on him in company with Col o Atchison his late partner, and when asked about the letter he said it had been brought to his Office, he supposed through mistake that his William Meriwether's letters were put in the same box in the post Office & he supposed that Mrs Meriwether's letter had been put into their box through mistake.
In reply to questions asked him, he said he did not know where the letter or warrant was, that he did not return the letter to the P. O. but wrote a note & addressed it to Mrs M which he lodged in the Post Office. He admitted that Col o Atchison had requested him to return the letter from your department to the P. Off. but that he did not so return it.
Shortly afterwards I saw W. W. Meriwether who stated to me that he had a box in the P. Off here, in which Smith's letters were placed & that his letters were generally taken to Smith's Office from the P. Off. & that he saw the letter directed to Mrs P. M. & enquired of Smith who she was, that Smith said he did not know, but he expected it was misdirected, that he expected it was intended for one of his clients, and he would open it & see, that he thought there was a land warrant in it. Meriwether says he advised Smith not to open it, but he did so & found a land warrant in it to Priscilla M.

that he then advised Smith to reenclose it & lodge it in the Post Office.
I have been thus explicit that you might see the nature of the proof that could be adduced agt Smith & if you think he should be or can be successfully prose- cuted, that you can order such prosecution. I am truly sorry I have not been able to find out more. Yours Respectfully B. R. Pollard