Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,248, for Joshua Tatum, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
or Datum, Joshua Datum.
W. 6248
Sarah
CONTENTS

12.416 North Carolina
Joshua Paton
of Sampson in the State of N. Car.:
who was a Pvt in the commandant
by Captain of the Regt commanded
by Bryan in the N.C.
time for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Sept. 1830 and unto Patrick Murphy. Taylors Mills. Bridge Co-
Arrears to the 4th of March 1831 5332
Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept - 1333
$66.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R Rice Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 6 Page 57

1907.
North Carolina
Sarah Tatum
widow of Joshua Tatum
who was a Private
in the N. C. line
for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Sept. 1842. and sent to
Patrick Murphy Taylor's Bridge N. C.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 205

Joshua Fatom
N.C.
N o 24128-
Ramsey as a present to
7 mo. $28.66
Patrick Murphy Esq. Taylor's Bridge Sampson Co N.C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Joshua Tatom
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1778 drafted 7 Pri. Genl. Ashane Bryan 76 years Duplin Co. N.C. Traditionary Witness   " - - "  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same), who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?  { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

William Dickson son of William Peterson & Nancy his wife was born the 12 day of February 1815
Jane H. Peterson son of William Peterson and Nancy his wife was born the 3 of September in the year of our Lord 1818 Elizabeth M. Daughter of William Peterson and Nancy his wife was born the 8 of April in the year of our Lord 1820

Munrow the son of William Peterson and Nancy his wife was bound the 16 of May in the year of our Lord 1821.
Guilliam Peterson son of William Peterson and Nancy his wife was bound March the 13 in the year of our Lord 1823.
Wiley Rufus Peterson son of William Peterson and Nancy his wife was bound the 8 of May in the year of our Lord 1825.

Tracy Nelson Daughter of William Peterson and Nancy his wife was bound the 29 of June in the year of our Lord 1827
Flat B Peterson son of William Peterson and Nancy his wife was born the 13 of April in the year of our Lord 1829
Nancy Jan Peterson daughter of William Peterson and Nancy his wife was born January the 21 - in the year of our Lord 1832

Rebecca H. Peterson

William Peterson of John Peterson and Mary his wife was born April the 4 in the year of our Lord 1783 -
Nancy Tolson daughter of Thomas Tolson and Mary his wife was born June the 1 - 1793 -
Julian the daughter of William Tolson & Nancy his wife was born the 22 day of November 1813
111
11117

State of North Carolina) Sampson County
On this the 3 d day of August A.D. 1841 before me Patrick Murphy Clerk & Master of the Court of Equity for said County personally appeared Captain William Peterson a resident of said County aged fifty two years the 4 th of last April who being first duly sworn accor- ding to law maketh oath that the family Record herewith annexed is in his own hand writing, that his wife is the daughter of Joshua Tatom decd. & his widow Sarah who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838 - that he ascertained his wife's age and the time of her birth from the age of Anna Johnson who was born and raised in the same neighbourhood with this affiant's wife about a mile or something less apart, that it was the reputation of the neighbourhood among the old ladies that this affiant's wife was precisely three months younger than Mrs Anna Johnson whose maiden name was Williamson, that this affiant took or examined a book in which Mrs Johnson's age was recorded and set down his wife's as recorded in the little book herewith attached fixed for the purpose three months later, that he has no doubt and believes that the same is correct - is in his own hand writing, and has been done between fifteen and twenty years ago, that his wife is said to be now he believes is the sixth child of said Sarah Tatom by the marriage with her husband the said Joshua, - that Dickson Tatom was said to be the oldest child and something near ten years older than this

affiant. has been dead about ten years and if alive would be about sixty years of age
Sworn to & subscribed William Peterson the day & year aforesaid before me and I hereby certify that said William Peterson is well known to me, is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full faith and credit. and that the word "dead," was interlined before sworn to & subscribed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office the day & year aforesaid Patrick Murphy M.C.

no 7960 Sarah Tatom's Decla- ration widow of Joshua Tatom dec'd Act of 1838—

State of North Carolina
Sampson County ss
On this the 7 th day of July A.D. eighteen hundred and forty one - before me Patrick Murphy Clerk and Master of the Court of Equity for said County personally appeared Sarah Tatom a resident of the County of Sampson in the State aforesaid aged eighty 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 July 7 th 1832, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows," That she is the widow of Joshua Tatom deceased who was a private in the War of the Revolution, a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, a resident of said County of Sampson at the time of his death, and for an account of his services begs leave to refer to his declaration and proofs on file in the Pension Office.
She further declares that she was married to the said Joshua Tatom, the last of August and she believes in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine from the fact that William Robinson Esquire a highly respectable and credible Witness deposes that he was at their house after they were married, in May 1780, and this affiant recollects of his being there, shearing sheep, her husband the said Joshua kept stock for the Father of said William Robinson an shares and she knows that

She was married the August previous to that. That she has no record of her marriage nor of her children's ages herself, but understands the age of her sixth child Nancy Peterson wife of William Peterson is recorded in a book which the said Nancy has and which Record she expects to procure and send on with this her declaration. That they were married by the Revd Fleet Cooper a Baptist Clergyman - he might have been a Justice of the Peace at that time and if not a clergyman then, was afterwards; That her husband the said Joshua Paton died on the 29 th day of June in the year eighteen hundred and thirty three; 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 viz at the time above stated - That she has not intermarried since the death of her said husband but continues his widow. Sworn to & subscribed the day _____ her _____ years aforesaid before me and Sarah Paton I do hereby certify that said Sarah Paton mark Paton is aged, and infirm and that it would be attended with great trouble and inconvenience for her to travel to Court and considerable danger and that she resides about fourteen miles from the Court House of her county. & that she is a credible person & her statement is entitled to full faith & credit. Witness my hand & seal of Office the 23 rd day of July 1841 & 66 th year of American Independence Patrick Murphy C.M.C.

State of North Carolina Sampson County
On this the 18th day of March A.D. 1833 personally appeared before me John Wright one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Sampson aforesaid Joshua Paton a resident of Sampson County in the State of North Carolina aged seventy six years who being first 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 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
Under Gen. Ashe, Gen. Brian, Captain Daniel Williams his other officers he, at present forgets, in the first of the fall of the year 1778 or perhaps in the last of the summer of that year and left service at the expiration of six  or thereabout, months, having been drafted or ballotted for that service  nine months as one of the State troops, as he believes; that when he entered the service he resided in Caplin (now Sampson) County N.C. on Coharus; that he was in the battle of Briar Creek in Georgia, in which the Americans under Gen. Ashe took to flight, crossed over Savannah a little above the mouth of Briar Creek; that he embodied under Captain Williams in Elizabeth Town Bladen County and marched on towards Charleston in South Carolina to a place called Ten-mile or Seven-mile swamp, where he remained a few days, thence on for Augusta where he crossed the Savannah, thence on for Briar Creek in pursuit of the enemy, aiming to make an attack upon them before they joined their other troops below; that at Briar Creek the Americans halted, the enemy having burnt the bridge across that Creek; that while he was posted there, believing that the

of Briar Creek; that he embodied under Captain Williams in Elizabeth Town Bladen County and marched on towards Charleston in South Carolina to a place called Ten-mile or Seven-mile swamp, where he remained a few days, thence on for Augusta where he crossed the Savannah, thence on for Briar Creek in pursuit of the enemy, aiming to make an attack upon them before they joined their other troops below; that at Briar Creek the Americans halted, the enemy having burnt the bridge across that Creek; that while he was posted there, believing that the enemy were in advance below us (the Americans) they unexpectedly came upon us in the rear, an engagement ensued, but there was no firing in the quarter where he was, that he fled & crossed the Savannah at the place aforesaid, and afterwards collected under, with others probably a hundred in number, a Col. Williams, the next day after the battle, and marched, thence, under him to Fuglar's Ferry about two or three miles above Savannah Town, where he continued till he was discharged, having been in actual service about seven and a half or eight months. He is confident that he served at least as much as seven months and will claim only for that period, that he was drafted or ballotted for nine months, but while he was at Elizabeth Town in Bladen County he was relieved by his brother Saban Satow with the consent of Captain Williams for

about six or eight days, and afterwards he exchanged places, with a private by the name of Bullard who was a militiaman, in the State of Georgia just before the battle at Briar Creek; that he served with some continental troops at Briar Creek; that the regular officers he knew were Custis Gray & Daniel Williams, which latter had been a regular officer but was not when he served under him as this applicant believes, his company being called nine month men; that he personally knew no regular officers in South Carolina or Georgia, but that Gen Lincoln was chief in command out there; and that he saw him on several occasions passing by him; that he has no documentary evidence but thinks he can prove he was in service by his Brother Saban Tatom; he knows however of no person by whom he can prove all his actual service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
In witness whereof subscribed the day & Year aforesaid Joshua Tatom Test John Wright Junr. Sp.
Answers of Joshua Tatom the aforesaid applicant propounded to him by John Wright Esquire the Justice of the Peace aforesaid Prescribed by the War Department.
To the 1 st I was born about seven or eight miles from the town of Halifax N.C. as near as I can ascertain in the year 1756 or 57. " " 2 nd I have no record of my age: my Father's house was burnt when I was young. " " 3 rd When called into service I was living on Cohasa in Duplin (now Sampson County, N.C. Since the Revolutionary war I've principally lived in Sampson County except about three years when I lived in Bladen County, N.C. I now live in Sampson County N.C. " " 4 th I was drafted or what was called, balloted in. " " 5 th The only regular officer with the troops where I served that I can recollect was Gen. Lincoln; there were some continental troops at Briar Creek, whether there was a regiment or who commanded them I don't know. I don't remember of seeing any militia regiments but those I served with in the expedition to Briar Creek. and the only field officers I recollect of them were Genl. Ashe & Brian; the general circumstances of my service are stated in my declaration. " " 6 th I don't recollect to have ever received a written discharge, if I did, I've lost it. " " 7 th John Wright Senr. John Wright Junr. Esq. George Robinson Esq. Saban Tatom, Archibald Murphy. John Leadwell Asah Patterson, Joseph Herring & others I could name. Test John Wright Esq. Joshua Tatom

State of North Carolina Sampson County
On this the 18th day of March A.D. 1833 personally appeared before me John Wright one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Sampson aforesaid in the State aforesaid Laban Tatom a resident of said County & State aged seventy four years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that Joshua Tatom the aforesaid applicant, stated in the foregoing declaration aged about seventy six years, was in service in the war of the Revolution under Captain Daniel Williams and that Captain Williams's company were called nine months men, that this deponent served in the place of the aforesaid applicant Joshua Tatom at Elizabeth Town Bladen County seven or eight days, and that said applicant was absent from home as this deponent believes as long as eight or nine months, and understood and believes he was at the Battle of Boias Creek. Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid Test John Wright Jp. Laban Tatom mark
We, Laban Tatom, residing in the County of Sampson and Archibald Murphy residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joshua Tatom who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn & subscribed this the 18th day of March A.D. 1833 Test John Wright Jp. Laban Tatom mark Archd. Murphy

I John Wright the Justice of the Peace aforesaid do hereby declare it my opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. I further certify that it appears to me that Laban Saton who has subscribed & sworn to the preceding affidavit and certificate is a resident in the County of Sampson, and that Archibald Murphy who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding certificate is also a resident in the County of Sampson, and that they are both credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I further certify that there is no clergyman in the neighbourhood of the aforesaid applicant, and that the said applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend Court.
John Wright Jp.

Joshua Tolson
24/128
I, Thomas J. Faison Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Sampson County, hereby certify that John Wright Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration, affidavit and certificate were sworn to and subscribed is and was at the time the said declaration, affidavit, and certificate were sworn to and subscribed an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Sampson aforesaid duly & legally empowered to administer oaths, and that his signatures thereto respectively are genuine and in his own proper hand written.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office at Clinton this the 22nd day of March A.D. 1833. and in the 57th Year of American Independence
Thomas J. Faison Clerk

January 2, 1940
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. G.C.Spillers, 1445 E. 19th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
BA-J/CC Joshua Tatum or Tatom W.6248
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Joshua Tatom of North Carolina.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W.6248, based upon service of Joshua Tatum in the Revolutionary War.
Joshua Tatus or Tatom, was born in 1756 or 1757, about seven or eight miles from Halifax, North Carolina. The names of his parents are not shown. The family signed both ways.
While residing "on Cohara" in Duplin(that part which was later Sampson) County, North Carolina, Joshua Tatum enlisted early in the fall of 1778, served as private in Captain Daniel Williams' North Carolina company, was at the battle of Brier Creek and served about seven and one-half months.
After the war, he resided in Sampson County, North Carolina, except for three years spent in Bladen County, that state.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 18, 1833, while residing in Sampson County, North Carolina.
He died in said Sampson County, June 29, 1833.
The soldier married in August, 1779, place not shown, Sarah Simms. They were married by the Reverend Fleet Cooper, a Baptist clergyman. The date and place of birth of Sarah and the names of her parents are not shown.

Sarah, widow of Joshua Tatum, was allowed pension on her application executed July 7, 1841, at which time she was aged eighty years and resided in Sampson County, North Carolina. In 1843 her address was given as Lisburn District, Sampson County, North Carolina.
Children were referred to, only names shown  given are Dickson, the eldest child, date of birth not given, who died about 1831, and Nancy, sixth child, born June 1, 1793, married, date not given, William Peterson. In 1841, said William Peterson was living in Sampson County, North Carolina, and was referred to as Captain William Peterson, no explanation for the title given.
Family record of William and Nancy Tatum Peterson:
William Peterson, son of John Peterson and Mary, his wife, born April 4, 1789. Nancy Tatum, daughter of Joshua Tatum and Mary, his wife, born June 1, 1793
Children of William and Nancy Peterson:
   Julian Peterson (daughter)-----  born  November  22, 1813.    William Dickson Peterson (son)-----  "  February  12, 1815.    George(?) Peterson (son) -----  "  September  3, 1818    Elizabeth Peterson (daughter)-----  "  April  8, 1820    Murrow Peterson (son)-----  "  May  16, 1821    Guilluad(?) Peterson (son)-----  "  March  13, 1823    Wiley Rufus Peterson (son)-----  "  May  8, 1825    Treary(?) Peterson (daughter)-----  "  June  29, 1827    Fleet C. Peterson (son)-----  "  April  13, 1829    Nancy Gan Peterson (daughter)-----  "  January  21, 1832   
Copied from record written by Mrs. F. Earl -
Rebecca A. Peterson ----- no data given.
In 1833, Labon Tatum (as he signed) a brother of the soldier, Joshua Tatum, was aged seventy-four years and lived in Sampson County, North Carolina.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of Sarah Tatum, widow of Joshua Tatum, Revolutionary War pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Sarah Tatum, widow of Joshua Tatum Certificate #1907 Issued September 9, 1843 Rate $26.66 per annum Commenced March 4, 1843, continued from March 4, 1836 Act of March 3, 1843 North Carolina Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Wm Robinson's af= fidavit. for Mrs Sarah Tatom

1937-Aug 9. Visit to Mrs. L. G. Pugh. Exh 1940 Jan 2. Visit to Mrs. H. C. Spiller cc
Levy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6248
Sarah Tatum Wid; Joshua Tatum Prv. S.C. line
Act: March 30/43
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 263
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Shreveport, La., July 19, 1937.
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Kindly give me the information contained in the following paper.
JOSHUA TATUM (Tatum), private, a pensioner of North Carolina, Rev. War.
Thanking you very kindly, I am,
Joshua
Yours very truly,
no signature Mrs. L. G. Pugh,
R. 1, Shreveport, La.

1445 E. 19 St., Tulsa, Okla., Dec. 10, 1939.
Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: —
Please send me any information in your files relative to Joshua Tatom, listed as a Revolutionary soldier from North Carolina. Thanks!
Yours truly Mrs. G.C. Spillers.

August 9, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL
Joshua Tatum -W.6248
Mrs. L.G.Pugh R.R.# 1, Shreveport, Louisiana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Hoshua Tatum, private and a pensioner of North Carolina, you state.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon the service in the Revolutionary War of a Hoshua Tatum. Assuming that the name spelled by you "Hoshua" may have been a typographical error, the record of Joshua Tatum, a pensioner of North Carolina, is furnished herein., as found in pension claim, W.6248, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Joshua Tatum was born in 1756 or 1757, about seven or eight miles from Halifax, North Carolina. The names of his parents are not shown.
on Cohasset While residing in Duplin(that part which was later Sampson) County, North Carolina, Joshua Tatum enlisted early in the fall of 1778, served as a private in Captain Daniel Williams' North Carolina Company, was at the battle of Brier Creek and served about seven and one-half or eight months.
After the war, he resided in Sampson County, North Carolina, except for three years spent in Bladen County, that state.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 18, 1833, while residing in Sampson County, North Carolina.
He died in said Sampson County, June 29, 1833.
The soldier married in August, 1779, place not shown, Sarah Simms. They were married by the Reverend Fleet Cooper, a Baptist clergyman. The date and place of birth of Sarah and the names of her parents are not shown.
Found a Capt Daniel Williams of NC in Heitman's state troops & militia

Sarah, widow of Joshua Tatum, was allowed pension on her application executed July 7, 1841, at which time she was aged eighty years and resided in Sampson County, North Carolina. She signed by mark Tatum, was borne on the pension rolls as Sarah Tatum.
C 1843 29th h, Lisbon District, N.C.
Children are referred to, only names given are Dickson, the eldest child, date of birth not given, who died about 1831, and Nancy, sixth child, born June 1, 1793, married, date not given, William Peterson. In 1841, said William Peterson was living in Sampson County, North Carolina, and was referred to as Captain William Peterson, no explanation for the title given.
Family record of William and Nancy Tatum Peterson:
William Peterson, son of John Peterson and Mary, his wife, born April 4, 1789.
Nancy Tatum, daughter of Joshua Tatum and Mary, his wife, born June 1, 1793.
Children of William and Nancy Peterson:
Julian Peterson(daughter). . . . born November 22, 1813. William Dickson Peterson(son). . . . " February 12, 1815. Gorg(?)Peterson(son). . . . . " September 3, 1818. Elizabeth Peterson(daughter) . . . " April 8, 1820. Mumrow Peterson(son) . . . . . " May 16, 1821. Guilluad(?)Peterson(son). . . . . " March 13, 1823. Wiley Rufus Peterson(son). . . . . " May 8, 1825. Treary(?)Peterson(daughter). . . . " June 29, 1827. Fleet C. Peterson(son). . . . . " April 13, 1829. Nancy Gan Peterson(daughter). . . . " January 21, 1832.
Mrs F. & J went over this together -
Rebecca A. Peterson. . . . . no data given.
In 1833, Labon Tatum(as he signed) a brother of the soldier, Joshua Tatum or Tatom, was aged seventy-four years and lived in Sampson County, North Carolina.
IN order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of Sarah Tatum, widow of Joshua Tatum(Tatom), Revolutionary War pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General

Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Sarah Tatum, widow of Joshua Tatum Certificate No. 6335 Issued August 27, 1841 Rate $26.66 per annum Commenced March 4, 1836 Act of July 7, 1838 North Carolina Agency.
Kindly make your requests over your personal signature.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

State of North Carolina Sampson County
On this the 1 st day of June 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Sarah Tatom of Sisburn district in the County of Sampson aforesaid aged Eighty two 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 3 rd March 1843, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joshua Tatom who was a private and served in the Revolutionary war as stated in his declaration for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832, and that under the act of July 7 th 1838 she received a pension of Twenty five  66  26.66 dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed her on the day and year above Sarah Tatom written before me and I do mark
Further certify that the above Sarah Tatom is personally known to me, and I am fully satisfied of the truth of the above statements.
Arch d . Murphy J. P.
J. Thomas J. Faison Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Sampson County certify that Arch d . Murphy is as a Magistrate as above & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. Witness my hand & seal of Office June 19 th 1843.
Thomas J. Faison Clk

State of North Carolina Sampson County
Personally appeared before me William L. Robinson one of the acting Jus- tices of the Peace in and for the County of Samp- son aforesaid, on this the 19 th day of March A.D. 1839, William Robinson of said County aged seventy four years the 9 th of last December who being first duly sworn, maketh oath that he is well acquainted with Sarah Tatom the Widow of Joshua Tatom dec'd, who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of July 7 th 1838; that in May 1780 this affiant was at the house of said Joshua and Sarah Ta- tom, they were reputed to be married and living and so continued until his death in 1833 together as man and Wife; and previous to that time it was the common report that said Joshua Tatom and Sarah Simms were married (he believes, some- time the year before as this affiant is of opinion and fully satisfied they had no children when he was at their house in May 1780. - W. Robinson Sworn & subscribed the day & to be Interlined before sworn year aforesaid before me and t. & subscribed in the 15 th I hereby certify that said William & 16 th & 19 th & 22 nd lines Robinson is well known to me and entitled to full faith & credit
William L. Robinson J.P.

2
6335
North Carolina Sarah Tatum widow of Joshua Tatum, decd.
Date of death not an AB
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 29 th June 1833 of Champlin Co. in the State of North Carolina who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. Bryan in the North Carolina line for
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Augt 1841 sent to Henry J. B. McKay House of Representatives Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $133.30 semi-annual allowance ending
$133.30
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by N. A. Addis Clerk. Book A Vol. 23 Page 189

Sampson County N.C.
March 23rd 1833.
Sir
Enclosed is transmitted the declaration of Joshua Faxon for a pension under the Act of June 7. 1832.
Please direct an answer to Taylor's Bridge, Sampson County N.C.
Respectfully,
Yr. ob. svt.
Patrick Murphy
Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington City
D.C.

Aug 9. 1841
No 7960
N.C.
July 7. 1838
Sarah Haton
11/8 1841 mrem
11/8 1841
Hon: James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Saylors Bridge N.C. August 3 rd 1841
Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Sarah Tatom, widow of Joshua Tatom dec'd for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838 with proof going to show her marriage before 1 st Jany 1794 - also the affidavit of William Robinson Esq. taken the 19 th of March 1839 when Mrs Tatom first moved in the business sent for the purpose of showing that her application has been contemplated for some time and because she makes an allusion to the proof of Esquire Robinson of the time of the marriage in her declaration though that affidavit is not authenticated as the Clerk of the City Ct does not live convenient, and it was interlined, therefore another taken before myself as Clerk Master embracing the same, besides some others, properly authenticated is enclosed herewith -
I am very respectfully your obt servt - Patrick Murphy
Hon: James S Edwards Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

2312
June 24 1843
N.C. Mar 3 rd 1843
Sarah Talton
$26.00 per an
Patrick Murphy Col's Bridge N.C.
FREE
James L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Payton's Bridge N.C. June 19. 1843.
Hon: James L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is a declaration made by Mrs Sarah Tatom widow of Joshua Tatom dec'd. under the act of March 3 d 1843. Please make return to Payton Bridge P.O. N.C.
I am very respectfully Yr frd mo obt Patrick Murphy

Joshua Tatum d. 29 Jun 1833 Sarah Tatum m. 1780. S. per. ad 1832)

Act of 1838 Affidavit of Capt Wm Peterson for Sarah Tatom.

Sarah Fatum Wid of Joshua N o Coa
Act July 7 1838
Marr d 1780
d. 29 June 1833
Allan $26.66 per ann
N C militia
Hon J. J. Mc Kay H R

W m Robinson's affidavit for Sarah Fatum

State of North Carolina.
Sampson County
On this the 12 th day of July A.D. 1841 before me Patrick Murphy Clerk and Master of the Court of Equity for said County of Sampson personally appeared William Robinson a resident of said County aged seventy six years the 9 th of last December, who being first duly sworn, according to law maketh oath that he is well acquainted with Sarah Satow the widow of Joshua Satow decd. an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of July 7 th 1838. and was at their house in May seventeen hundred and eighty (1780) that they were reputed to have been married and he believes had been legally married previous to that, and that they were then living together as man and wife and he believes they were married the year before, they then had no children; This affiant went there to assist in shearing sheep which said Joshua Satow kept on shares for the father of this affiant. - That they continued to live together as man & wife till the death of said Joshua in 1833 and had several chil- dren, that Dickson Satow now decd. was their eldest and that William Peterson of said County intermarried with one of their daughters. and that said Sarah Satow has not intermarried since the death of her husband but continues his widow. That this affiant at that time lived within two miles of said Satow . Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. W 11 , Robinson before me and I hereby certify that said William Robinson is well known to me is a respectable man & credible witness and that his statement is entitled to full faith & credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this the 13 th day of May A.D. 1841. Patrick Murphy C.M.C.