Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2651, for Edward D Masters, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Masters, Edward D.
N. 2651
De Masters, Edward
B.L. Mt. 1995-100
Sally
B.L. Mt. 14979-160-55
CONTENTS

120. 4. 03 Adm Mar 3/55
May 7/55
Sally D. Masters 1812-3 Edward Masters 1811
Put 50 Drafms
Sally Masters, also known as El Masters
Edward Master; alias De Master. Orphan of Drogoom
Rev. John H. Nutman, B.A.
Dear Aunt, Lina
No 1160 Allen Gang, 24/56,
via July 48 - B. J. M.
Handwritten signature
Vol M1. page 10, also Vol 2. page 55.
Mr C Whitehead Imparance

184. Rich Mrs J. M. U
Sally Masters alias De M. widow of Edward Master alias De Masters who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Corporal of Drasburg Think Va Line?
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of May, 1849 and sent to
R. H. Gray Lynchburg Virginia
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 273 Vol. 1
29 July, with P.

Edward De Masters
N. 1995
Mr. Thompson

(copy)
Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 2828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 18 Feb. 1829.
Sir:
Your claim, under the abovementioned act, having been examined, you are found to be entitled to the pay of a Corporal of Dragoons in the Continental Line. The amount which may be due, accordingly, will be remitted to you by the Treasurer of the United States.
I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
(signed) Richard Rush
W. Edward De Masters
A true copy. W. De Masters and in the De Masters line. Francis H. H. H. C. H. Treasurer Department 27 Dec. 1833.

Edward Masters, Nelson Co.
David P. Garland, Esq. New Glasgow, Virginia
Rec. d 21. st Oct. 1820
Rejected. See letter to D. P. Garland, 24. Oct 1820
Vote entered, with decision in Register & filed with rejected claims.
7011

Copy
Declaration
Edward Mastors
not entitled on acct. of property

District of Virginia Nelson County Set.
On this 25 th day of September 1820 Edward Masters personally appeared in open Court it being a Court of record held for Nelson County aged about 57 years resident in said County of Nelson and State aforesaid and being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th day of March 1818 and the 1 st May 1820. that the said Edward Masters enlisted for the term of or during the war in the year 1779. on the day of in the State of Virginia in the Company commanded by Captain Jacob Brown in the regiment commanded by Colo. Samuel Hawes, he does not recollect to number of the Regiment in the line of the state of Virginia on the continental establishment that he continued in service in the said Corps, until the end of the war and until he was discharged from said service, in the County of Fluvanna and State aforesaid and in pursuance of the act of May 1820. I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 that I have not since that time, by gift sale or in any manner disposed of any property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the revolutionary war, passed on the 18 th day of March 1818. and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. Three Heads of Horses, Sixteen heads of Cattle, nineteen heads of Hogs, five heads of Sheep, two Corners Tables, Nine split bottom Chairs 3 Desks, twelve plates, four Sets, two Piggins

Six Table Spoons, Twelve tea Spoons, knives and forks thru trunks, two Womens Saddles, One mans Saddle and Bridle amounting in all to three hundred and thirty four Dollars and Twenty five Cents and the said Edward Masters further saith that his occupation is a farmer that he is by no means able to pursue it for a sufficient sup- port, that he has a Wife aged 45 years in tolerable health and strength that he has a daughter named Polly Demasters born September 1797. that he has another daughter named Nancy Demasters born, December 1801. and that he has another daughter named Polly Demasters born Jan y . 1803. that he has a son named John Demasters born March 1805 that he has another son named George Demasters born April 1808. that he has another son named Albert Demasters born November 1809 that he has another son named Cornelius Demasters born December 1811. that he has a daughter named Sarah Ann Demasters born August 1817. that he has another daughter named Eliza Demas- ters born December 1819 all in tolerable health and that he has no other proof now, of his said services than the affidavits hereto annexed "Nelson County to wit: This day: John Masters personally appeared before me William B. Jacobs One of the Commonwealths Justices for the county aforesaid and after being sworn saith that Edward Masters enlisted at an early time and served several years in the Old revo- lutionary war and afterwards enlisted and served during the revolutionary war and further the said John Masters saith not. Given under my hand this 3 rd day of Feb y 1820. Wm B. Jacobs.
Nelson County to wit:
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid, David Gumer, and made Oath that he is well acquainted with Edward Masters

of the aforesaid County, that the (said) Masters enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1779. and continued in the service from that time until the end of the war and was regularly furloughed in 1781 the said Masters was enlisted by Capt Jacob Brown then an officer in said United States Service, the terms of his enlistment was for and during the war. His affiant was enlisted in the same Company and continued in Company with the said Masters from the time of his enlistment until furloughed at the end of the war. Given under my hand this 11 th day of May 1820. Ro. J. Kincaid.
Nelson County to wit:
This day William B. Jacobs appeared before me a Justice of the peace for said County and made oath that he believes that John Masters & David Cagner are both credible Witnesses, that he is acquainted with them, and believes so from his acquaintance with them September 25 th 1820.
Jos. Shilton
Sworn to and declared on the 25 th day of September 1820 before the Court of Nelson County sitting
I Spotswood Garland Clerk of Nelson County do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto affixed, are truly copied from the records of said Court, and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Three hundred and thirty four Dollars and 75 Cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 28. day of September 1820.
Spotswood Garland Clerk of the Court for the County of Nelson.

Petition of Sally Dennis for a Pension.
Rev: Pen: Comm. a
July 15, 1846 Referred to the Com. on Revolutionary Pensions.
Mr. Davis
N 893
24 copies as customary and $1.20 per
S. F. Lea
Edward Maslin, aldy Demoghes
Capt. Samuel Borkn Col Samuel Haws
Rev. John H. Miller Baptist

State of Virginia Amherst County } SET
I Samuel M. Garland Clerk of the County Court of Amherst in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears from an examination of the marriage Register for said County of Amherst, that Edward Demasters and Sally Carter have been regularly returned by the Rev. Ezekiel Campbell as having been lawfully married by him in the said County in the year seventeen hundred and ninety four. The Condition of which marriage is in the words and figures following to wit: "Ezekiel Campbell Marriage Returns Edward Demasters & Sally Carter" in the year (1794) Seventeen hundred & ninety four.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of my office this eighteenth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty six.
Samuel Garland Clerk Amherst City Court

To the U. States Senate, and House of Representatives,
Aged 71 years next August -
The undersigned, your memorialist of the County of Nelson and State of Virginia, respectfully represents that she is the widow of Edward Demasters dec d of the County of Amherst of said State, who was a U. States pensioner from said County at the time of his death, as Corporal of Dragoons, under the Act of Congress passed on the 15 th of May 1828 - which allowed pensions to those of the Continental line who served their country faithfully to the end of the Revolutionary War. That your memorialist - whose maiden name was Carter , legally was married to the aforesaid Edward Demasters in the County of Amherst of said State, on the day of August, 1794 - and that they continued to live together as man and wife, until the time of his death - which was on the 21 st day of November 1837 - it being 43 years next Nov r
That during her husband's life time, with the aid of the pension he rec d from the Genl. Govt - tho' poor, she was enabled to live some what in a comfortable way. but now that he is taken from her in her old age, by the hand of Providence, and with his death - this kind munificence of Govt awarded his annual stipend - and their mutual daily support, was taken from her - and because of the fortuitous circumstance that she was not married until the 1 st day of Aug t 1794 - instead of the 31 st of Dec r 1793 - she is deprived of the benefits of the pension system, which is extended to other widows of Revolutionary soldiers - because they were married, only a few days, or months earlier than herself.
Your memorialist would therefore humbly represent to your Hon. body, the hardship of her case - and pray that some relief be given to her in her destitute condition and extreme old age - by extending to her the benefits the acts of Congress, of July 7, 1838, March 3 1843 and 17 th of June 1844 - granting half pension to such widows as were married prior to the 1 st of Jan y 1794.

and asks, that a copy of the papers filed in the pension office, upon which her husband, Edward Demasters, was allowed his pension, be furnished that the Committee may be satisfied, as to the facts, of his services, in the Rebell. war, and upon which he was allowed his pension, also and as to the time of his death. Sally her Demasters marks
Sworn to and subscribed this 16 th day of March 1846 - before me a Justice of the peace in and for said County.
In presence of - No H Gray Washington Campbell
Littlebury H Ligon P.
State of Virginia Nelson County to wit I Littlebury H Ligon a Justice of the peace in and for said County, do hereby certify, that Mrs. Sally Demasters, who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaratory Memorial - is the widow of Edward Demasters, dec d - who was a U.S. pensioner at the time of her death which was at the time, stated in her Memorial - and from my knowledge of the said Sally Demasters and her children are fully satisfied that the statement she has made in the foregoing Memorial, as to her age, and marriage is true. Given under my hand this 16 th day of March 1846 - the day and year last above written.
Littlebury H Ligon J.P.

State of Virginia, Nelson County to wit, on this 16 th day of March 1846, before me Littlebury N. Ligon — a Justice of the peace in and for said county, personally appeared Mrs. Sally Campbell and Daniel Goode, respectable residents of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on their oaths say — That they were well acquainted with Edward Demasters, who was a U. States pensioner, and his present widow Sally Demasters whose maiden name was Carter — and that from their knowledge of the facts — the said Demasters and wife, was married in Amherst County about 51, 52 years ago, and that he died in said county about the month of November 1838 or 37 — for 8 or 9 years ago next November.
Sally his Campbell Daniel his Goode mark
sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written — Before me — Littlebury N. Ligon J.P. In presence of — Washington Campbell
Dan l . Goode is not certain whether it was 1837, or 1838 that said Demasters died — that he knew said Demasters both before and after marriage, but can not say with any certainty, as to the precise time that he was married.
Littlebury N. Ligon J.P.
The committee is referred to the papers in the pension office to prove the fact of the services of Ed. Demasters — and the time of his death which is ascertained certainly to have been in Nov r 1837. The marriage is proven by the certificate of the clerk of Amherst — and aff d enclosed —

120403
Bounty land claim of Sally D. Masturo
Filed
By John L. Whitehead Agent Temperance V.A.

State of Virginia County of Amherst
On this 27 th day of March, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Sally Masters alias DeMasters aged 81 years a resident of the County of Nelson in the State of Virginia who being duly sworn according to Law, declares that she is the identical widow of Edward Masters alias DeMasters deceased who was a corporal of Dragoons in the Revolutionary war That she was married to the said Edward DeMasters in the year A.D. 1793 That her maiden name was Sally Carter That her said husband died in the year 1836 and that she is now a widow
For the proof of these facts she refers to her application for a widows pension under the act of Congress passed 29 Aug or July 1848 granting pensions to the widows of deceased revolutionary soldiers and also to a copy of her commission which is hereby presented
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved the 3 rd day of March 1855 having never received nor applied for bounty land under this or any other Act of Congress except this application
Sally DeMasters (seal) mark
Personally came Robert Mose and Samuel Campbell residents of the County of Nelson in the State aforesaid who upon oath, declare that they are personally well acquainted with Mrs. Sally DeMasters and saw her make her mark to the foregoing declaration that they knew her to be the identical person therein represented and that she is now a widow.
Robert Mose (seal) Samuel Campbell (seal)

7
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of March 1885: and I certify that I believe the claimant to be the identical person who represents herself to be, that the witnesses are credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim. John C. Whitehead J.P.
Department of the interior Widows pensions
I certify that in conformity with the act of 27th July 1848 Sally Masters alias Dickinson of Virginia widow of Edwards Masters alias Dickinson who was a corporal of Dragoons in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of One hundred and twenty dollars per annum commencing on the 4th day of March 1848 and continuing for life unless she should again marry, in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this 28th day of May one Thousand eight hundred and fifty nine
Examined and Countersigned J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
J. Irving Secretary of the Interior
We Robert Moss and Samuel Campbell residents of Nelson County in the State aforesaid upon our oaths declare that the above is a true copy of a communication issued to Sally Dickinson from the department of the Interior on 28th day of May 1849
Robert Moss Samuel Campbell
Nelson County to wit
The above affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of March 1885 and I certify that Robert Moss and Samuel Campbell are credible witnesses
John C. Whitehead J.P.

State of Virginia Amherst County 358
I Samuel M Garland Clerk of Amherst County Court, in the state aforesaid do certify that John C Whitehead whose genuine signature is attached to the foregoing certificate was then and is now an acting Justice of the Peace for the for said county duly commissioned & qualified as such
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this 20 th day of April 1855 & in the 79 year of the commonwealth
Sam M Garland

Mr. Thompson Jr.
Rec d Dec r 21 - 1833

State of Virginia } County of Amherst }
I Edward Demeesters aged seventy one years, do upon oath testify and declare, that during the war of the revolution I entered the service of the United States as a corporal, the day and year not recollected, for the term of during the war in the Virginia continental line, and that I enlisted in the Company commanded by Captain Jacob Brown, - I after wards served in the Company commanded by Captain Samuel Booker, - in the regiment, (the number not recollected) commanded by Colonel Samuel Hawes of the Virginia continental line, and was honorably discharged at the end of the war, - that in evidence of his said services, he is now in the semi annual receipt of a pension from the government of the United States under the act of Congress passed in May 1828, - by virtue of his pay Certificate now in his possession, numbered 705, signed by G. D. Ingham Secretary of the Treasury, and bearing date the 3 rd day of August 1829, - I further declare that I have never received a warrant for the bounty land promised to me on the part of the United States, nor have I ever assigned or transferred my claim in any manner whatsoever, - therefore I do now assert my claim to the land to which I am entitled & ask for the same.
affidavit
Sam D. Demeesters
Edward Demeesters his mark

Before me Dand S. Garland — a justice of the peace in the county of Amherst and State of Virginia, personally appeared the with- named Edward Demastes , subscriber to the within declaration, who made oath to the truth of the same, and also exhibited before me the original pension certificate therein referred to, numbered 705, dated the 3 rd day of August 1829 and signed by J. D. Ingham Secretary of the Treasury. Given under my hand this 2 nd day of November 1833 —
Dand S. Garland
I Robert Tinsley Clerk of the County Court of Amherst County in the State of Virginia do certify that Dand S. Garland esquire who hath given the fore- going Certificate is and was at the date thereof a justice of the peace for the said County of Amherst duly commissioned and qualified.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fifth day of November 1833
Robert Tinsley

October 10, 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Leo W. Kasehagen 1353 Jefferson Street, N.W. Washington, D. C.
BA-J/ady John Demasters or Masters W.3394 Edward Masters or DeMasters W.2651
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of Edward Demasters and John Demasters, Revolutionary War soldiers.
Their records are furnished you herein, as found in the respective claims for pension based upon service in the Revolutionary War.
John Demasters or Masters, W.3394
John Demasters or Masters was born October 14, 1754. No reference is made to his parents.
He enlisted in 1776, served as private in Captain Samuel J. Cabell's Virginia Company and was taken prisoner on Long Island, no details of his escape are given nor length of captivity; length of service two years or more. He enlisted in 1781, went on a southern expedition, went as far as Dan River, was taken sick and returned home; having served forty days, names of officers not stated.
He died in 1830 as stated by his widow, in Nelson County, (formerly part of Amherst County) Virginia. He always lived on Tye River in said county.
Soldier married July 29, 1779 in Augusta County, Martha (Patsy) Moran, who was born July 17, 1760, place not stated. No reference is made to her parents.
She was allowed pension on her application executed July 23, 1842 while a resident of Nelson County, Virginia, where she had lived since she was six years old.

Soldier and his wife, Martha, had the following children:
Winifred or Winiford born February 6, 1781. Nancy " April 27, 1783. James " October 18, 1785. Nicholas " February 18, 1788. Jane " October 13, 1791. Jesse " March 19, 1793. John " December 15, 1796. Moris " October 29, 1801. Mary or Polly " December 4, 1804.
In 1845 soldier's daughter, Mary Coffey, made affidavit in Nelson County, Virginia, that she knew that her father died in March 1831 and not 1830 as stated by her mother, from the fact that one of her (Mary's) children was born the day preceeding that on which her father died.
In 1845 one Edmund F. Coffey was a Justice of the Peace for Nelson County, Virginia, no relationship to the family shown.
In 1845 one Edmund S. Coffey, born in March 1773, place not stated, made affidavit in Nelson County, Virginia, no relationship to the family stated.
In 1847 Nicholas DeMasters, a grandson of the widow, Martha, was living in Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia.
Soldier had a brother "Ed." of Nelson. There are no further family data. *****
Edward Masters or DeMasters, W.2651
Edward Masters or DeMasters enlisted in Virginia, place not stated, in 1779, served as private in Captains Jacob Brown's, Samuel Booker's and William Johnston's Companies, Colonel Samuel Hawes' Virginia Regiment, and was discharged at the close of the war at which time he was corporal of Continental Dragoons.
In 1820 he was living in Nelson County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 16, 1828 while a resident of Amherst County, Virginia, and aged about sixty-five years.
He died November 24, 1837 in Amherst County, Virginia.
Soldier married August 23, 1794 in Amherst County, Virginia, Sally Carter, who was born in August 1775, place
date of widow's death not on age.

not stated. At the time of their marriage they were both residents of Amherst County, Virginia, neither had been previously married.
Soldier's widow, Sally, was allowed pension on her application executed October 18, 1848 while a resident of Nelson County, Virginia.
Soldier and his wife, Sally, had the following children:
Betsey born September, 1797. Nancy " December, 1801. Polly " January, 1803. John " March, 1805. George " April, 1808. Watt " November, 1809. Cornelius " December, 1811. Sarah Ann " August, 1817. Elvira " December, 1819.
In 1828 one John Demasters or Masters, aged seventy-four years made affidavit in Amherst County, no relationship stated. There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
Date of widow's death not on aB.

3 Rivoli Street Paris 3 Nov 1848
Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
FREE
12 3/4
Mr. G. B. 481 W. R. M. Goy J. M. Jones, Mr. Dorchester No.

Lovington Va. Octo 28 th 1848
Sir
At the request of Mr R. H. Gray, I send the enclosed pension papers etc. Mr Gray desires you to forward the certificates to him in Lynchburg.
Very respectfully
Your obed. Servt.
D. H. Fleming D.D.

M 184 2 Sally Maestra or DeMasters Sister to R. H. Gray APL No. 49
act 24 July 1848

No. of Original papers 893
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Sept. 4. 1828.
Edward Masters or De Masters , of _____ in the County of Amherst , in the State of Virginia , has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution," approved the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Private , in captain Johnson 's company, in the _____ regiment of the Virginia line; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing .
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary, Atkinson.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
12 th September 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars has been issued to _____ in the _____
It further appears that Edward Demasters is now on the pension list of the _____ agency, and has been so since the 5 th March 1826 at the rate of  dollars per month .
It appears that a man by the name of Edward Demasters, was paid to the end of the war as a Corporal of the Virginia line, but he did not receive a certificate for the gratuity of Eighty Dollars, from which it may be inferred he did not enlist for the war -
John Hagner

General Land Office
February 19 th 1879
It appears from the list of Warrants issued by the Register of the Land Office at Richmond Va that Edward Demasters is stated to have been a Corporal for the War and as such a Warrant for 400 Acres of Land was issued in his name
G.W. Graham Corporal

Rev War
WIDOW, &c.
1934 Oct. 10. Hist. to Mrs. Leo W. Kaschagen. See her letter in John DeMasters, W. 3394 clm. Rev. War. a.p.g.
File No. 2651
Polly Masters, or DeMasters Widow
Edward Masters or DeMasters Corp. Rev. War.
Act: July 29, 1848
Index: —Vol. M , Page 7 .
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Reissues.
File # 46,008
Rey war
Edward De Masters, or
Name: Edward Masters
Rank: Private  Capt Johnson
Reg't: Va Line Res't
Virginia
} Agency
RATE PER MONTH, AND DATE OF COMMENCEMENT.
1st Issue. { Comm'g
2d Issue. { Comm'g
3d Issue. { Comm'g
DATE OF CERTIFICATE, AND TO WHOM SENT.
1st Issue. { Sent to
2d Issue. { Sent to
3d Issue. { Sent to
Act 14th July, 1862. Bk. G. Vol. , Page
Registering Clerk:
Disability. { Rejected Claim Endo.

3
Sh. 979
5
Two arms

7411
P. O. 6 Odawa Master
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

April 30/49
Sally Demaster
" Treasr
To. as
sent to the Declaration
for S. Edwards
ban. of pension
89 Washington City 29 D.C.

Synchil apl. 25, 1849.
Sir,
Yours of the 20 th inst. is before me, requiring, that before a certificate of pension can be issued to Sally Demasters - she must make a declaration before a court of record. This rule, we have to consider as entirely abandoned on your part, since the expiration of the act of July 7, 1838 - for, under all subsequent acts, it has not been insisted on - nor should it be, owing to the unnecessary fatigue, and expense, consequent on it in Virginia, where widows from 70, to 90 years old would have to go to Court, over a mountainous country, endangering, both health and life - nor can I see the propriety of this revised , extreme caution, on the part of the new department - as tho' a Justice would sanction a or fraudulent  fiction , by qualifying an imaginary claimant and the court of which he would therefore be part to back, in it. If the court would do it one way they would in the other.
you have issued certificates under the act of Feb. 2, 1848 without enforcing this rule, and the widows (what few there are) claiming under the act of July 29, 1848 - are are so  old , and inform as those of Feb. 18. . of the 3 cases I have sent you under the act of July 29 - Mr. McCrae of P. Edward is dead, and would have to be taken from the grave to come to court - Mr. Demasters is about 75. and Mrs. Years about 86 - so from the ages of the 2 last, that

certificates of Infirmary &c c could be obtained with the necessary time, and trouble attending. Mr s Dennis - this is a very poor, feeble woman, and would have to ride on horse back over a mountainous country 15 or 20 miles to Gaunt, at a risk of health and life. But should you still require it, I will have to claim the benefit of the 2 nd section of the Act, which says that the same rules are to be observed in this, as governed by preceding acts - all of which recognized the right of the benefit a certificate of Infirmary from the Justices - and, as I said above should you still adhere to the demands in your letter, I should like the declarations of Mr s Sally Dennis, and Mr s Sarah Yeas - both of Ekton - act July 29 th - to be returned to me, that I may get the Justices to certify on it as to their Infirmary &c c or should they not do it to draw another declaration by it - The 1 st being there of no consequence to you. Please answer this letter as soon as practicable, that I may proceed accordingly - yours respectfully
Rob t H Gray

No 184 Sally, Massachusetts Drmstrs wid of Edward
VA
act 29 May 1848
Marnid 1794 husband died 24 Nov 37
A Dnd 2 years Coupon of Drapoms $120 00 Wam put March 1848 Dec 1853
act 15 May 1828
R. H. Gray Syracuse Va

Augt 4/49
Asbury information Sally Martin alias De Charles 184-43
184
J. J. Edwards
Rich 5
Communion of Services Washington D.C.

Vermont July 27. 1849.
Dear Sir
A revolutionary widow who is entitled to, and has actually drawn a pension under the act of the 29. July 1848 desires to be informed of the mode of procedure by which she may draw again after the 4 th September next. I have tried in vain to get such information from Samyus. I believe it is proposed only by the pension agents who charge so exorbitantly for their services that this old lady appeals to you for the kind of protection against their rapacity.
The certificate which she holds is in these words:
Department of the Interior Widow's Pension
I certify that in conformity with the act of 29. July 1848, Sally Master alias De Masters, of Luzerne widow of Edward Master alias De Masters who was a corporal of Dragoons, in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of One hundred and twenty dollars per annum commencing on the 4 th of March 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage
Given at the Department of the Interior this 25 th day of May One thousand eight hundred and forty nine
(Signed)
J. Ewing
Secretary of the Interior
Examined & correct
J. H. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

The information above requested will be most thankfully received at Rose Mills post Office, Amherst County Virginia by
Your Most Obt. Svt. Cyrus J. Bourn

Certificate of Infirmary to be filed in the case of Sally Demassee.
At July 29, 1808

State of Virginia Nelson County ss.
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Sally Demasters of Nelson County Virginia, and know her to be a woman of very uniform health and far advanced in years. She has recently been very ill, and is still in feeble health. She lives 18 or 20 Miles from the court house - in the midst of rugged and almost inaccessible mountains - all these circumstances combined - renders her going to the court House a matter of such insuperable difficulty - that it amounts to almost an impossibility. Given under my hand and seal this the 22 nd day of May 1849
Littlebury N Ligon J.P.
The above Sally Demasters is the widow of Edward Demasters Dec d . a Pensioner.
Littlebury N Ligon J.P.
From what I have heard of the situation of Mrs. Demasters above referred to, I think it would be almost impossible for her to attend court.
Floyd L. Whitehead J.P.
State of Virginia Nelson County. ss.
I Spotswood Garland Clerk of the County Court of Nelson County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify, that Littlebury N. Ligon and Floyd L. Whitehead whose names are signed to the above certificates are and were at the time of signing the same acting justices of the peace in and for the said county, duly commissioned and qualified, and the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of office this 23 rd day of May 1849. Spotswood Garland, Clerk of Nelson County court.

State of Virginia, Nelson County To wit
On this 18 th day of October 1848, before me James S. Penn a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared Mrs. Sally Demasters a resident of said County, 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, and approved on the 29 th of July 1848 - granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war and was married between the 1 st day of Jan y 1794 - and the 1 st day of Jan y 1800.
That she was 73 years old last August - And, that she is the widow of Edward Demasters dec d of said County, who was a United States pensioner, at the rate of $120 pr. Annum, under the act of the day of May 1828, and died on the 24 th day of Nov r 1837.
That she was married to the aforesaid Edward Demasters in the (then) County of Amherst on the 23 rd day of August 1794, by the Rev d Ezekiel Campbell Baptist Church, and that her husband, the aforesaid Edward Demasters, died on the 24 th day of Nov r 1837 as aforesaid and that her maiden name was Bates. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the 1 st day of Jan y 1800 as will more fully appear by reference to the proof annexed.
Sally her X Demasters Seal
The words "war", "was" "placed" interlined upon mark sworn to J. S. Penn J.P. Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written
Before me
James S. Penn J.P.
In presence of - John H. Hight Not Public

State of Virginia, Nelson County to wit:
At a Court held in and for said County on Monday the 23 d day of October 1848. The Declaration of Mrs. Sally Demasters widow of Edward Demasters decd, was read in Court claiming the benefits of the act of Congress of the 29 th of July 1848 - granting pensions to widows of Revolutionary officers and soldiers, who was married prior to the 1 st day of Jan y 1800 - and subsequent to Jan y 1 st 1794 - together with the certificate of James A Penn Esq, and the marriage bond of said Edward Demasters from the Amistad Clerks office, bearing date the 20 th of August 1794; and the Court having examined the same do certify to the War Department, that the said Sally Demasters - maiden name Carter - is the widow of Edward Demasters decd, of said County, who was a U. States pensioner, at the rate of $120 per annum - and died on the 24 th day of Nov r 1837, leaving said widow, and who is still unmarried - and who was no doubt married on the 23 d day of August 1794 as stated in her declaration and corroborated by said marriage bond.
That the said James A Penn is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County, duly sw d , and qualified as such, and the signatures, purporting to be his, affixed to his several certificates in this case are genuine. Attest
In testimony whereof - I Spotswood Ireland Clerk of the said Court have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of office this 28 th day of October 1848 and in the 73 d year of the Commonwealth.
Spotswood Ireland Clerk of Nelson County Court

New Glasgow Virginia Aug 29 1828
The Honble Peter B. Porter Esq m
Dear Sir
Permit me to hand you under Cover of this, the Declaration of Edward Masles Alias Demastes, an old Soldier of the Revolution who resides near me, in doing this I have no interest except what arises from a wish to promote the claim of an old Soldier, with whom I have been acquainted the last forty years and believe that his Declaration contains, nothing but the truth -
I hope that his Declaration will be found to be in form and substance, what the law requires.
Upon inspecting the paper be so good as to advise me as to your decision.
With Very high respect.
I am
Yr m. Obed t
David S. Garland

For the purpose of obtaining the benefit of an Act for the relief of Certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution approved May the 15 th 1828.
I Edward Master Alias Demaster in the County of Amherst in the State of Virginia, do hereby declare that I enlisted on the Continental line in the Army of the Revolution for and during the war and continued in its service until its termination, at which period I was regularly discharged, which discharge is lost or mislaid. I was first mustered in the Company commanded by Captain Samuel Booker, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel Hawes, and attached to the Brigade commanded by General Peter Muhlenberg and was afterwards transferred to the command of William Johnson in whose Company I remained until the close of the war. And also declare that I afterwards received a Certificate for the Reward of Eighty dollars to which I was entitled, under a Resolution of Congress passed the 15 th day of May 1778. And I do further now declare that I was not on the 15 th day of March 1827. on the Pension list of the United States. Given under my hand this 16 th day of August 1828. his
Edward + Master Alias Demaster mark

Amherst County to wit
Personally appeared before me David S. Garland a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid William Thurmond aged Six Three years old and made Oath, that he enlisted in the Army of the Revolution in the Company Commanded by Captain Samuel Booker, that he was well acquainted with the within named Edward Martin alias Demaster who has made the within declaration, and that he has a full and perfect knowledge of all the facts contained in the within Declaration and knows them to be true and that he is the same identical person who performed the services as mentioned in the within declaration.
Wm. Thurmond,
Subscribed and sworn too before me a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, this 16 th day of August 1828.
David S. Garland

Amherst — County Court
Before me David S. Garlands a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex and personally appeared John Masters alias Demasters aged seventy four, and Bartlett and severally made Oath that they are well acquainted with the within Edward Masters alias Demasters who has subscribed to the within Declaration, and that it is generally reported and believed, and known to your affiant. that he was an enlisted soldier for and during the war in the Army of the Revolution, and that he continued therein to the end of the war and was then regularly discharged. Given under my Hand this Twentyfirst day of August — 1828.
David S. Garlands

State of Virginia - Amherst County to wit:
I Robert Tinsley Deputy Clerk of the County Court of Amherst in the state aforesaid do hereby Certify that David S. Grahams whose certificate is annexed to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the date of the said Certificate a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Amherst aforesaid in the state aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified to the said Office according to the Constitution and Laws of the said State -
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 29th day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and twenty Eight & in the fifty third year of the Commonwealth.
Robert Tinsley D.C.

Witnesseth that we Edward Demasters and William Clarkson are held & firmly bound unto Henry S. Esg. Governor of this Commonwealth and his successors in office for the sum of one hundred fifty dollars to be paid to the said Secy. or to his successors in office to which payment will and truly be made we bind ourselves each of us our heirs & jointly by these presents as witnesses our hands & seals this 26th day of August 1848.
The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be had & solemnized between the said Edward Demasters Bachelor of Arts County & Parish of Singleton & Mary Carter Spinster of Arthurs County & Virginia if therefore there is no lawful to obstruct the said marriage then the above obligation to be void else remain in full force and virtue.
for Greenway
Edward Demasters (Seal) William Clarkson (Seal)
I Samuel M. Garland Clerk of the County Court of Arthurs in the State of Virginia do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of an original bond now on file in my office.
In testimony whereof I have here to set my hand and affixed my Seal of office the 21st day of October in the year 1848. Samuel Garland Atty Arthurs City Ct