Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16912, for William Lancaster, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Lancaster, William
S16912
CONTENTS
This man's widow Sarah was pensioned as the former widow of John Levy Blades, Md., W9502.

Head Letter to J. C. Sec. of War Dec. 1874.
7694 Indiana
William Lancaster
Surgeon in the State of Indiana who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Buckner of the Regt. commanded by Col. Harvey in the Virginia line for 9 months
Entered on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 15th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of May 1833 and due to William Keene Veray 6th
Arrears to the 15th of March 60.00 Semi-annual allowance ending (Sept) 15.00 $75.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Darius Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 119

In the matter of ) An applicant for a pension, under the act of Congress of June 7, A. D. 1832.
Wm Lancaster ) Recorded in book A page 323 E. Patton clerk.
The state of Indiana, Switzerland county, SS.
On this twelfth day of November , A. D. 1832, personally appeared, in open court, before the honorable, the Probate court, of the county aforesaid, being a court of record, William Lancaster , a resident of Switzerland county and Indiana aged Eightyfive years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his said oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress, passed the 7th of June, A. D. 1832—that he, the said William Lancaster , entered the service of the United States, during the AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR , under the following named officers, and served as herein stated—That he, the said William Lancaster was drafted and served in a company of Virginia Militia commanded by capt. William Buckner , of Col. Harvey's regiment. He joined said company about the 20 th of Jan y 1779 and served upwards of two months . He was stationed as a guard at Albemarle barracks over British & Hessian prisoners. In 1780, he was drafted and served in Capt. Benjamin Johnson's company of Virginia Militia , of Orange county, Va. and served ninety days . In 1781, he was drafted, in July or August , and placed under the command of Abner Porter , commissary of the army and served four  four months . Making in the whole nearly ten months .
And, that he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
The Court, then propounded the following interrogatories to the said William Lancaster
1. Where, and in what year were you born? I was born in Hanover co. Virginia, on the 17 th of November 1746. 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? I have no copy I was christened in King William County Virginia when my age is recorded. 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war; and where do you now live? I then lived in Orange Co. Virg a and lived there 15 years after the revolution then removed to Kentucky and lived in that state 27 or 28 years thence to Indiana, and have remained since. 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted—did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom? I was drafted each time. 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 service. A company commanded by Capt. Johnson, was stationed at Albemarle barracks, as a guard, over the British and Hessian prisoners, at the same time that our (Capt. Buckner) company was.
In 1780 our company was marched from

where you served; such Continental and Militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service. A company commanded by Capt. Johnson, was stationed at Albemarle barracks, as a guard, over the British and Hessian prisoners, at the same time that our (Capt. Buckner) company was.
In 1780 our company was marched from Orange Court-house Virginia to Richmond and lay there about ten days, during which time we drew our tents, camp equipage &c. and were then marched to Jamestown and thence crossed the river to Cabin Point, in Surry county - we were then marched to Petersburg where Nathaniel Welch, had a command. I was dismissed at Petersburg.
In 1781, in July or August I was drafted at Orange Court-house Virginia in a company. On the day of rendezvous, before our company was organized, I was selected by and placed under the orders of Abner Porter, commissary of the army and assisted him to drive cattle for the army. We delivered one drove at the place called the Hobbins Hill, some distance below Richmond - a second drove was delivered by us at New Castle on the Rappahannock river where I was dismissed and having served four months. Making in the whole of my service between nine and ten months.
William Proctor, William Ingraham Duncan Campbell George Petty, Ewell Boston, John Samuel Richard Allen Joseph Boston
The above named persons were detailed at the same time and place, and placed under the command of Abner Proctor - there were twelve of us in the first place but I have forgotten the names of the others.

6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
I never received a written discharge
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.
Pratt Harvey, Henry Peters, James N. Taylor, George Craig, Abisha McKey, Joseph Short, James Munn
8. Have you any documentary evidence of your services, and do you know of any person now living whose testimony you can procure to testify to your services?
I have none and know of no person living by whom I can prove the same
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
Edward Patton Clerk
William Lancaster
We John Pavy a clergyman, residing in Switzerland county and state of Indiana and Pratt Harvey residing in Switzerland county, state of Indiana hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Lancaster who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration—that we believe him to be Eighty five years of age—he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the REVOLUTION, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
Edward Patton Clerk
John Pavy, P. H. Harvey
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 William Lancaster was a REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Pavy who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in Switzerland county and state of Indiana and that Col. Pratt Harvey who also signed the same, is a resident in Switzerland county and state of Indiana and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit.
William C. Newby
I, EDWARD PATTON, clerk of the Switzerland Probate Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of William Lancaster for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Vevay, this twelfth day of November one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-two.
Edward Patton

20, 536.
William Lancaster, of Switzerland County, Indiana.
for 1779 prints 9 sheets. $30
1
William C. Hoen, Agent, Switzerland County, Indiana.

BRIEF in the case of  William Lancaster  County of Switzerland, in the State of Indiana.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? A Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 85 years.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Drafted In 1779 Upwards of 2 pr. Gen. Col. Harry;   Drafted 1780 90. " Capt. Wm. Richner;   " 1781 4 4. " Capt. Benjamin Johnson.   Abner Buckner, Commissary.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None.  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Orange County, Va.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct. 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. A. Turner, Examining Clerk.

December 29, 1936
William La
Lancaster
S. 16912
John Levy Blades
W. 9503
BA-J/AWF AWF
Mrs. W. A. Barber Madison Indiana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Lancaster of Switzerland County, Indiana.
The record of William Lancaster follows as found in pension claim, S. 16912, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War record of John Levy Blades is given herein, also, which may be of interest to you, as William Lancaster married his widow.
William Lancaster was born November 17, 1745 in Hanover County, Virginia; he was christened in King William County, Virginia. The names of his parents were not given.
While residing in Orange County, Virginia, William Lancaster enlisted, January 20, 1779, served two months as private in Captain William Buckner's company, Colonel Harvey's Virginia regiment and guarded the British and Hessian prisoners at Albemarle Barracks. He enlisted in 1780, served ninety days in Captain Benjamin Johnson's company, under Major Nathaniel Welsh. He enlisted sometime in July or August, 1781, served four months under Abner Porter, commissary, and was engaged in collecting cattle for the army.
He moved about fifteen years after the Revolution

from Orange County, Virginia, to Kentucky and lived there about twenty-eight years, then moved to Indiana.
The soldier, William Lancaster, was allowed pension on his application executed, November 12, 1832, at which time he was living in Switzerland County, Indiana. *****
John Levy Blades-W. 9502
The data which follow were obtained from pension claim, W. 9502, based upon the service of John Levy Blades in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth of this soldier are not shown, nor are the names of his parents given. He was named "after his uncle" John Levy.
John Levy Blades of Worcester County, Maryland, enlisted March 10, 1777, served as a private in Captains DeShields' and Vance's companies, and in Colonels Gunby's and John E. Howard's 2nd Maryland regiment; he was in several battles, was taken prisoner by the British, January 28, 1780, and was discharged November 15, 1783. It was not stated how he was released from prison.
John Levy Blades married, January 17, or February 17, 1776 in either Somerset or Worcester County, Maryland, Sarah; her maiden name is not given, nor is it stated when and where she was born.
He died in January or February, 1784 in Worcester County, Maryland.
Their son, Zadock Blades, was born in the month of May, 1777. He, with his widowed mother, Sarah Blades, moved to Kentucky and lived in Mason and

Bracken Counties.
The widow, Sarah Blades, married September 11, 1813 in Bracken County, Kentucky, William Lancaster. He was a soldier in the Revolution and a pensioner, and died November 4, 1843 in Switzerland County, Indiana. The said Sarah was his second wife.
Sarah Lancaster was allowed pension, on account of the service of her husband, John Levy Blades, on her application executed June 26, 1845, then living in Craig Township, Switzerland County, Indiana, aged ninety years.
In 1844, Catharine, the wife of Mallory Lancaster, (son of William Lancaster by his first wife, name of this wife not given) was a resident of Switzerland County, Indiana.
William and Catharine J. Lancaster were of Switzerland County, Indiana in 1845; it is not stated that they were related to each other or to the soldier, William Lancaster.
Very truly yours
A. B. BILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

S. 16912 William Lancaster AWF:NLB
November 3, 1930
Mrs. A. V. Danner Vevay, Indiana
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the Revolutionary War records of this bureau that William Lancaster was born November 17, 1746 in Hanover County, Virginia. He was christened in King William County, Virginia.
While residing in Orange County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as private with the Virginia troops, as follows:
From January 20, 1779, two months in Captain William Buckner's company in Colonel Harvey's regiment and guarded the British and Hessian prisoners at Albemarle Barracks; in 1780, ninety days in Captain Benjamin Johnson's company under Major Nathaniel Welsh; from July or August, 1781, four months under Abner Porter, commissary, and was engaged in collecting cattle for the army.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 12, 1832, at which time he was living in Switzerland County, Indiana.
The soldier married September 11, 1813, in Bracken County, Kentucky, Sarah, widow of John Levy Blades of Worcester County, Maryland. She was the soldier's second wife; the name of his first wife is not given.
The soldier died November 4, 1843, in Switzerland County, Indiana.
see John Levy Blades W9502

His widow, Sarah, was residing in Craig Township, Switzerland County, Indiana, in 1845 and was aged ninety years.
In 1845, Catharine, wife of Mallory Lancaster, the soldier's son by his first wife, testified in the case.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of _____ a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1779 Private William H. ... Benjamin ... Pa.   1780 Private James ... Benjamin ... Pa.   1781 Private James ... Benjamin ... Pa.  
Battles engaged in, _____ Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____ Date of application for pension, _____ Residence at date of application, _____ Age at date of application, _____
Remarks: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

William Lancaster
1832

Madison, Ind.
Dec. 16, 1936
Veterans administration
Will you please send the war record of William Lancaster of Switzerland Co., Indiana to Mrs.
W. A. Barker of the John Paul Chapter D.A.R.

WILLIAM LANCASTER recd pension in Switz. Co. Ind. in 1834 :

History to
Mr. W. G. Lancaster,
1116 Columbia Road,
Washington,
D. C.
Personal request
Apr. 1, 1918.

16 912 INVALID.
1918 Apr. 2 Hist. to Mrs. K. B. Randolph. P. 1920 Nov 3 Hist. to Mrs. A. V. Denver See letter in Thomas Mounta S 17594 c. 12 1936 Dec 29 Hist. to Mrs. W. A. Barber a. 1937
File No. 16 912
William Brewster
Rev. 1901 Nov
Act: June 7" 89
Index: —Vol. 1 , Page 217
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mr. Lancaster
20534
Direct to Wm. C. Kean Printers Retreat Ind.
Examined

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Lancaster which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No. VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
*QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
*QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.