Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1698, for John Medley, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Medley, John
S. 1698
CONTENTS
carded.

19554- West Linn, Ore
John Woodley of White Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Co commanded by Captain Conway of the regt commanded by Col Dabney in the W line for 8 months,
Inscribed on the Roll of W Tennessee at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Sept 1832 and Nelson & Anderson Barton
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 66 66 Pens-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 13 33 $79 99
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 89

State of Tennessee White County
On this 13 th day of July A.D. 1833.
Personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions now sitting John Miley a resident of said County aged Eighty seven 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 7 th 1832. —
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He entered the service in Fauquier County in the State of Virginia under Captain Thomas Conway for the term of three months. The company to which declarant belonged was marched by Captain Conway to the house of William Brant Esq. on the Potomack River where they were stationed and remained some short time when the company under furlough was marched back home and held in readiness at a moment's warning for duty. They however remained at home until this declarant's three months expired. Some short time thereafter he was again drafted for three months - his Captain's name was William Blackwell, he was marched about one mile beyond Fredericktown in the State of Maryland. Where out of six companies, three companies were made up by selecting the youngest men - The balance being were discharged and returned home, among which number declarant was one. After remaining at home some time but how long he is unable to say he was again drafted for three months - Col. Dabney directed that we should meet him at Goochland Court House, we done so and remained there some short time waiting for him but he did not come - The company was then ordered to Richmond where they still expected to meet Col. Dabney, when they arrived there however they were informed that he had gone to Petersburg. This declarant was then placed in the company commanded by Col. John Montjoy. - General Spotts was principal commander according to his present recollection - Col. Montjoy gave declarant and the balance of the company to which he belonged

a furlough for six weeks when they were required to meet at Bellingham - They done so - Shortly after meeting news reached Bellingham of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis - Col. Montjoy discharged his men and this declarant returned home - He states that in the three terms he served Eight months forming the best estimate he can at this time - He is unable by reason of his extreme old age, and the great loss of memory to give more than this imperfect sketch of his services to his country - A few years since he could have given the circumstances of his service, the officers who were with the troops where he served; His memory he finds is and has been failing rapidly for some years past - He cannot for the reasons above swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned above (viz Eight months) - He has no documentary evidence nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He recollects to have seen Joseph Cummings a citizen of White County at Richmond when he was there and of having conver- sed with him in relation to a certain tract of land lying in Fauquier Virginia belonging to a relation of said Cummings but having conversed with him since they met in this County he finds that Cummings does not recollect the circumstance above alluded to - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any State. -
Answers to the questions prescribed by the War Depart- ment and propounded by the Court -
1. He was born in Frederick County in the State of Maryland the 26 th day of February in the year 1746. - 2. He has no record of his age, his father had and he from repeatedly seeing it remembers the period to be as stated - 3. He lived in Fauquier County Virginia each time when called into service - After the Revolutionary war he moved to Patrick County Virginia - from thence he moved to Knox County in this State - He then moved to this County where he now lives & has lived twenty five years past.

 4. He was drafted each time when called into service he thinks so but in this he may be mistaken.-  5. He has stated the names of the officers, who were with the troops where he served together with such general circumstances as he recollects.-  6. He received written discharges for his two last tours - The first tour he did not - Those discharges are worn out or destroyed.-  7. He refers to the following persons in his neighborhood who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution: viz: Joseph Cummings - Turner Lane - Genl. John W. Simpson - Major Lewis Phillips - and Moses Goddard - He states he cannot produce a minister of the gospel - 
Sworn to in open Court 13 July 1833. Jacobus Lane clerk by A. Alsham D.C. (mark) John H. Medley (mark)
We Joseph Cummings and Moses Goddard residing in White County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Medley who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be eighty seven 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 to and subscribed in open Court 13 July 1833 Jacobus Lane clerk by A. Alsham D.C. (mark) Joseph Cummings (mark) Moses Goddard (mark)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states - And the said Court further certifies that it appears to them that Joseph Cummings and Moses Goddard who have signed the and sworn to the preceding certificate are resident citizens of White County and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit -
Baac Beck (Seal) Wm Brunsell (Seal) David Snadgraff (Seal)

State of Tennessee White County July Session A.D. 1833 Jacob et al Sams clerk of the court of pleas and Quarta Sessions in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings had in said court in the matter of the application of John Mearley for a pension
S
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at Offutt the 14 th day of July A.D. 1833 and of the independence of the United States the fifty eighth.
Just Jacob et al Sams clerk of White County Court By A. Alcockham D.C.
John Mearley 24. 658

26.658
John Wedley, Seneca. for winter from - private 8 months. $26.66 100
Messrs. Nelson & Anderson Sparta. to Seneca.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjjoined 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. These 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, showing the Service of John Medley
   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.     1781 7 Pt Col. Coonaway 87 Traditionary   " W m Blackwell 62   " Col. Dalney   serv'd 8 mo. in all  
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) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has 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. 
G. { 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 inquiry 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 _____; 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 fix 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 [i] 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.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
amms 5
May 17, 1924
Faye Medley 3648 Garfield Ave., South Minneapolis, Minn.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 1698 it appears that John Medley was born February 26, 1746 in Frederick County, Maryland.
While a resident of Fauquier County, Virginia he served three tours, the dates of enlistments not stated, eight months in all, under Captains Thomas Conaway, William Blackwell and Colonel John Mountjoy in the Virginia Troops and was discharged after the surrender of Cornwallis.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 13, 1833 while a resident of White County, Tennessee.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Date of death not on AB
Commissioner.

1924-May 17-Hist. to say Medley MMH-4.
Rev. War.
1698. INVALID.
File No. 1698
John Medley Rev. Va. Line
Act: June 7, 1832.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 253
[Arrangement of 1870.]

5648 Garfield Ave. So. Minneapolis, Minn. Apr. 12 - 1924
Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please send me the military record of John Medley who served in the Revolution in Virginia. In the Secy of War's Report for 1835, Pension Rolls for Tenn. page 110 - is mention of his service.
Also send the military record of William Medley mentioned in Saffell's Records of Revolution" page 274.
I am desirous of becoming a member of the D. A. R. As both of the above men enlisted from

Virginia, I have cause to believe that one of them is the father of my great-grandfather, Samuel Medley born June 2, 1793.
Any information that you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Laye Medley
3648 Garfield Ave So. Minneapolis, Minn.