Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5997, for James Kitchen, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Hitchen, James Jane
R, 5997
CONTENTS

12490
Declaration
Jam Kitchen Man of Dames
By act 7 July 1838
12490 u u

State of Kentucky - Sub.
On the 9 th Day of September 1844 personally appeared before the County Court of Carter County, and a copy of record Jane Ritchey, a resident of the said County of Carter, aged 80 years last October, 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. 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of James Ritchey, who was a private or soldier in the Militia of Virginia to the best of her knowledge & belief - she cannot state the exact time he entered the service, but she believes it was some time in the year 1776, and he left the service in the fall of 1778 - she remembers that when he returned home, it was about the time of the coming of frost. She was young, but lived in the neighbourhood where he returned. Whether he served under more engagements than one, she cannot say - His service was performed under Capt. Matthew Arbuckle at Point Pleasant in Virginia, generally, the company or a portion of it however may have been absent from that place a part of the time - indeed the said James Ritchey, she understood & believes, served a part of the time as a spy, and as such was perhaps sent out of the Fort for as much as 60 days. She understood & believes that said Ritchey entered the service in the County of Greenbrier & State of Virginia - she believes he was enlisted out of not to remain  volunteer She cannot state more of his service than his engagement to service at Point Pleasant and guarding the frontier. She believes that he served at least sixty days as a spy - She now has no documentary evidence of his service - he has a paper which

was called his 'discharge' but that was burnt with their house on the 14 day of January 1801 in Russell County Virginia.
She further declares that she was married to the said James Kitchen on the 10 th of January 1801 One thousand, Seven hundred Eighty- that her husband, the aforesaid James Kitchen died on the 23 day of March One thousand Eight hundred & thirty two - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred Ninety four, to wit; at the time above stated. Jane her Kitchen mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written, before the Court James R Ward clerk of said Court Court of Carter County, being a Court of records - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal  my personal seal of my said office at office this day and year above stated, to wit the 9 th day of September 1844
J. R. Ward Clerk Carter County Court
I am personally acquainted with Col Joseph R Ward and his handwriting, and know that the above name to the certificate is his genuine signature. He was and still remains as clerk of the County Court of Carter County Ky. and has no seal of office. J. R. Ward

State of Kentucky County of Carter
John Ritchen of said County aged 67 years being sworn does on his oath say that he is one of the children of James Ritchen and Jane Ritchen his wife both of whom are now dead viz the said James died in Carter County Kentucky (then Lawrence) on the about the 23 rd day of March A D eighteen hundred and thirty two (1832) leaving the said Jane his widow who survived him and remained his widow and died in this County on the 20 th day of November A D eighteen hundred and forty nine A D (1849) The said Jane in her lifetime made a declaration setting forth the Revolutionary service of the said James Ritchen and claiming the benefit of the pension laws for widows of Revolutionary soldiers See declaration and papers in file in pension office
He states he has he has often heard his Father say that he served three years and six months in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution in state of Virginia at the Mouth of Kenhawa as an Indian Spy and that he enlisted under one Captain Arbuckle at said Mouth of Kenhawa under whom he served the time above stated that he does not remember of hearing him speak of being in any noted battles but in frequent skirmishes with the Indians that the nature of his service was such as that of spying and watching the end

The movements of the Indians and bearing intelligence from one station to another he remembers of hearing him say that said Capt Arbuckle started to the Interior for to make out his return and arrow bay for his soldiers and was killed by the falling of a limb from a tree, and the documents fell into the hands of his oldest son who would never give them up claiming his Fathers interest by seniority, and that at the expiration of said service at the Mouth of Kenhawa he went to Greenbrier County Virginia, where he was engaged against the Indians as before until peace was made with them he says he does not recollect of hearing him say in what year he rendered the said services nor what his Captain's name was when serving in Greenbrier County but that his Major was by the name of James Hamilton.
He further states he believes that all of his first named services at the mouth of Kenhawa and a part or perhaps all of his service in Greenbrier County was previous to the surrender of Lord Cornwallis that he makes the above statement from hearing his Father say that while serving in Greenbrier that some of the Indians who could talk English when told that Cornwallis was taken said it was a lie, he further states that he has heard his Father speak of one Captain Lewis at the Mouth of Kenhawa in the service, while he was serving there. He further states that he remembers one John Kipper and Wm Richmond where they left in Greenbrier.

County Virginia often talking to while with his Father about their Revolutionary services while they lived there before moving to this state so from which he understood that his Father and Richmond were fellow soldiers at the mouth of Kenhawa and that said Rippers was engaged in fighting the British after the expiration of his Fathers time at the Mouth of Kenhawa and that he has understood that the said Rippers was on the pension roll in the State of Virginia and is now dead also said Richmond died a pensioner in Greenbrier County  Greenbrier County  State of Virginia  State of Virginia and is also dead that he does not know of any person now living by whom he can prove the facts set forth above neither does he know of any record or documentary evidence of the same that since the death of his Mother they have done nothing in the case for they did not know whether it were worthile that he makes this declaration in behalf of himself and the following named persons his Mother surviving and only surviving children at her death viz, Andrew Kitchen William Kitchen Mary intermarried with William Watson and Elizabeth intermarried with Jesse Reese Given under my hand and seal on the 25th day of September A D 1858
attest James Barkley
John his Kitchen mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for said County on the day and year above written and I do certify that I
am

am fully satisfied in regard to the truth of his declaration and believe him to be of the age he represents himself to be and that the enter lining and enacting this statement he and the  which this  statement Harroes county state of Missouri and is also was a mistake in giving effect to the writer and this was done before signing and qualifying
Flaming R. Nicholson J.Pec
State of Kentucky Clarke County Set.
I E B Elliott clerk of court for county aforesaid do hereby certify that Flaming R. Nicholson is and was at the date of the above certificate an acting justice of the peace in and for for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such and that the signatures to the above certificate is genuine
Given under my hand this 29 th September 1852 and I hereby affix the seal of office
E B Elliott C.C.C.

Hon. L. P. Waldo Lower Pines

Major
Addl. evi: in case Jane Kitchen wid. of James.
S. M. Knight
Present
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE, ST. LOUIS, MO.

5994
O.
James Kitchen
Service:
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Leges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Dec 21/52 Supplemental declara- tion of Sarah Kitchen, dec? wid of James.
Hy
Lt. F F C Mkhatt 20 May 1853
H. H. C. Triplett, Present.

State of Kentucky County of Carter.
Know all men by these presents that I John Kitchen of said County and State one of the children of James Kitchen and Jane Kitchen deceased as set forth in my declaration do hereby con- stitute George H. Montgomery of Louisville Kentucky my true and lawfull Attorney for me and in my name to prosecute against the government of the United States before any Department thereof any claim or claims we have or are due of to pay or pension money under any act or acts Resolution or Resolutions of the Congress of the United States
Said Attorney is moreover authorized in our name to demand at any Department of the said government a reconsideration of any decision hitherto or hereafter to be given touching our interest and to obtain from any Department or the Archives thereof any and all information or evidence of any character whatever relating to or in any wise bearing on the claim or claims we hereby seek the investigation of
Said Attorney is moreover in our names auth- orised to do any and all things necessary to carry out the foregoing purposes and to receive the cer- tificate of pension or other character of drafts or evidence of the amount due us and to appoint one or more Sub-Attorneys and to confer on him or them

all the powers herein conferred on George H Housarnat hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may do by virtue of these presents
Witness my hand and seal in Carter County Kentucky on this 25 th day of September
A.D 1852
Attest James Barker
John his X Ketchers mark
State of Kentucky } set County of Carter }
Be it known that on the day and year above written personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for said County and State John Ketchen. The subscriber to the foregoing power of Attorney and acknowledged the signing sealing and delivering the same to be his own voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein set forth and certify that the entertainment thereof and acknowledgment was made before the signing qualifying and certifying
In testimony of which I do hereunto subscribe my name this
day of
A.D 1852
J. Fleming R. Ketchen J. Rec

State of Kentucky
Carroll County } ss I E B Elliott, clerk Carroll County Court do hereby certify that Fleming R Nichols is and was at the date of the foregoing certificate and acting justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his Official acts as such and that the signa- ture to the foregoing certificate is genuine
Given under my hand this 2 nd October 1852. and I hereby affix the seal of Office
E B Elliott clerk By T. W. Garrison S. C.

77 76 Indian Present

State of Kentucky } set County of Clark }
William H Rice of said County aged 43 years being sworn says on his oath that he was well acquainted with James Kitchen who died on or about the 2 nd day of March eighteen hundred and thirty two (1832) and Jane Kitchen his wife who survived him and remained his widow and died on or about the 20 th day of November A.D. eighteen hundred and forty nine (1849). The said James Kitchen in his lifetime had the reputation in the neighbourhood of having been a Revolutionary Soldier in the service of the United States and his statements to that effect were always regarded as true for he was a man of truth and veracity. The said Jane his widow left at her death the following named surviving and only sur- viving children viz. Andrew Kitchen William Kitchen Mary intermarried with William Watson and Elizabeth intermarried with Jesse Kiser also  and John Kitchen. He further states that he is well acquainted with the latter John Kitchen who has made a declaration in behalf of the above named heirs and that he is a man of truth and veracity, and that he is disinterested given under my hand and seal this 28 th day of Sept. A.D. 1852
William H Rice

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for said County and State the year and day before written and I do certify that he is a man of truth and veracity whose evidence would be taken in any Court of justice and that I believe him to be disinterested and of the age he represents himself to be and that the errand this William was done before signing and qualifying also the entitling and errand this also  and Flaming R. Kitchen J.P.C.
State of Kentucky Carroll County get
I E B Elliott clerk of Court for County aforesaid hereby certify that Fleming R. Kitchen is and was at the date of the above Certificate an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts in such and that the signature to the above errand  statement is genuine
Given under my hand this 29 th September 1852. and I hereby affirm the seal of office E. B. Elliott clk

Write to Mr. Watson to Grayson Carlin C.

John Riphew personally appeared before me Joseph Alderson a justice of the peace in and for the County of Greenbrier and State of Virginia and made oath that he formerly was well acquainted with James Riphew now of the State of Kentucky that the said John Riphew knows of his own knowledge that the said James Riphew was enlisted and station- ed at Point Pleasant at the mouth of the Great Kanawha under the Command of Capt. Matthew Schenck for the term of three years part of the time the said Riphew was employed as a Th. and he the said Riphew believes it was in the years 1774 and 76 or 1776 and 1777 and he served out his time and received a regular discharge given under my hand this 6 day of December 1821
Joseph Alderson

1777 and he served out his time and received a regular discharge given under my hand this 6 day of December 1828
Joseph Atkinson
Greenbrier County Court Clerks office I certify John Matthews Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Joseph Atkinson Gen t was Com- missioned a Justice of the Peace in & for said County on the 26 th day of April 1815. And that he was qualified in Open Court at the May Term 1815. and that the said Joseph Atkinson has acted as such ever since & is still an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County and that all his Official acts & charges as such are to be taken as Just & true & that full faith & credit is due to the same Given under my hand at the Office aforesaid the 26 th day of December 1866 and in the 69 th year of the Commonwealth.
Teste John Matthews C. S.

S. M. Knight, July 25/53

Pension Office
July 25. 1853
Sir
Referring to my letter of 20 th May last to F. F. C. Triplett, Esq., I have to inform you that no additional proof of the date of marriage has been offered in the case of Jane Hitchen, deceased, of Ky. The certificate of the Auditor of Va. is filed.
S. M. Knight Esq. Present.

State of Kentucky } County of Carter } set
Nelson T. Rice of said County aged 41 years being sworn says on his oath that he was well acquainted with James Kitchen who died on or about the 25 th of March A D eighteen hundred and thirty two (1832) and Jane Kitchen his wife who survived him and remained his widow and died on or about the 20 th day of November A D eighteen hundred and forty nine (1849). The said James Kitchen in his lifetime had the reputation in the neighbourhood of a man of truth and veracity. That he does not recollect of knowing the said James Kitchen speaking of his having been a Revolutionary Soldier in his lifetime but that since his death he has very often heard it spoken of and never heard any doubts on the subject. That the said widow left at her death the following named surviving and only surviving children viz. Andrew Kitchen, John Kitchen, William Kitchen, Mary intermarried with William Watson and Elizabeth intermarried with Jesse Rice.
He further states that he is well acquainted with John Kitchen who has made a declaration in behalf of the above named heirs and that he is a man of truth and veracity, he further states he is disinterested given under my hand and seal this 28 th day of September A D 1852
C Nelson T. Rice

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the under- signed, a justice of the peace in and for said County and State the day and year before written and I do certify he is a man of truth and veracity whose evidence would be taken in any Court of Justice and that I believe him to be Disinterested and of the age he represents himself to be That the enterlining that hearing was made before signing and qualifying.
Flaming R. Kitcher, JPcc
State of Kentucky Carter County 3 d Set
I E B Elliott clerk of Court for County aforesaid hereby certify that Flaming R. Kitcher is and was at the date of the above certificate an acting justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such and that the signature to the above certificate is genuine.
Given under my hand this 29 th September 1862, and I hereby affix the seal of office E B Elliott C. L. R.

A. F. C. Ingleton, May 20/83

Pension Office
20 May 1853
Sir
The supplemental declaration and additional testimony in the case of Jane Kitchen dec d widow of James have been examined & filed.
On the 16 th of February 1846 a letter was addressed to the Hon A Trumbo setting forth the objections to the claim & stating what proof would be required before it before could be allowed. The requirements contained in that letter have not been complied with, nor indeed does the additional evidence now furnished, place the claim in a more favorable position than it before occupied. There is no satisfactory proof of the service alleged to have been performed nor of the marriage of the applicant.
A copy of the letter to the Hon A Trumbo is herewith enclosed.
J J C Trumbull Esq r Present

Pension Office
February 16 1846
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the papers, in the case of Jane Ketchum widow of James Ketchum under the act of 7 May 1838 have been examined and filed.
The service is not set forth with sufficient precision to enable the department to make any estimate of its duration. The only evidence furnished showing that Respondent's husband was in service during the revolution is the testimony of John Nipher, taken in 1821. This witness states that Ketchum was  in  service  was more than 2 years at Point Pleasant in  between 1775 & 1776 or 1777 - under Capt. Arbuckle - this officer belonged to the Continental Line and any service rendered under him should be established by the records in the Auditor's Office at Richmond. The testimony of respectable and intelligent neighbors showing that Ketchum was recognized by his acquaintances generally as a Continental soldier also should be produced. The alleged date of the marriage should be established by a certified copy of the marriage

bond or license, from the Clerk's office in the County where it takes place or by some other record or docu- mentary evidence public or private, or it must be shown that no such proof can be obtained before the testimony of individuals can be received. The proof now filed is not at all satisfactory.
Rev. A. Church.
Feb 16. '46
Hon. A. Trumbull House of Reps.

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That it appears from a list in this office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line as settled their accounts and received certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an act of assembly, passed the November session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777 to 31st December 1781, (see Hening's Statutes at Largo, vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 30 th day of March 1786 — in the name of James Kitchen — as Col n of Infy — and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for £ 35. 8. 8 — delivered to W m Breake — but as the original settlements or copies thereof are not to be found in this office, the term of service embraced therein cannot be stated.
Given under my hand at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 2 nd day of May — 1853.
[No Seal of Office.]
G. M. Chittenden Actg. Audr.

Washington
May 3. 1833.
Hon. L. T. Waldo Counsel of Pensions (Sir.)
I have the honor to enclose herewith the certificate of the Auditor of Virginia of the service of James Kitchen, which I desire to file as additional evidence in support of the claim of Jane Kitchen for a Revolutionary Pension, under act of 1838.
Very Respectfully Your obedt Servt
L. M. Pringle

Nancy Pinchbeck
Widow of Thomas.
We have a letter from the Pension Office addressed to you in this case — but no remarks or comment from you — Would be pleased to know your views about the case — good or not good . If good . What course shall we pursue now, please send us your instructions with form etc. Perhaps an amended declaration from Sally Victor would strengthen the claim!
Heirs of Jane Pitche
Widow of James.
Same remarks will apply to this claim as to Nancy Pinchbeck above.

Revolutionary.
Act 7. July 1838.
Jane Kitchen, wid. James.
Ky. - Suspended.
Power of Attorney to examine papers.
Ch. B. Tucker, Att'y
8. Aug. 54.
Present

State of Kentucky } Carroll County } ss.
On this 19 th day of July 1854 before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Andrew Kitchen a Resident of said County and made oath according to law that he is the identical Andrew Kitchen who executed the foregoing power of attorney and that he is directly interested in said Claim and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my said attorney may use in prosecuting my said Claim.
Andrew Kitchen
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written
Samuel Overman JP66
State of Kentucky } County of Carroll } ss.
I Ephraim B Elliott Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Samuel Overman Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgement were made and who has thereunto signed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly Commissioned and Sworn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and Credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal
This 19 th day of July 1854
Ephraim B Elliott Clerk
Carroll County Court

Know all men by these presents that I Andrew Kitchin of the County of Carter and State of Kentucky do hereby constitute an appoint John C. Tucker of Washington City to be my true and lawful agent and attorney to prosecute the claim of Jane Kitchin for any amount of Revolutionary pension or increase of pension that may be due under the act of 1820 or any other act or Resolution of Congress and do hereby authorize my said agent & attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City or else where to file additional evidence or arguments and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said claim and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed and do all things that I might or could do were I personally present hereby ratifying and confirming all my said attorney may lawfully do in the premises witness my hand this 12 th day of July 1854 Andrew Kitchin
In presence of J. R. Batts } 355 B. Barker }
State of Kentucky Carter County 55 On this 12 th day of July 1854 before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State above named personally appeared Andrew Kitchin and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned Samuel Overman J.P.C.C.

✓ No 12490 Jane Kitchen
By Letter Hon. A. Hamblin 16 July 1846 " 77 C. T. Platt 20 May 1853 S. M. Wright July 25. "
act 7 July 1838

12,490 Jane Kitchen Ky
Hon A Grumbo 16 Feb 1846 J.F.C. Triplett 20 May 1853 S.M. Knight July 25/53
5997
July 7 1838

Wayne County Court Clerks Office January 24 th 1846 I Hudson M. Dickinson on clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Seth House is a Justice of the peace in said County & was at the date of the foregoing affidavit, and all his acts in such an entitled to credit In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office this day above written D. M. Dickinson clerk

Affidavits C. Rice Wm Watson

State of Kentucky Carroll County
12 Campbell Rice Esq, now high Sheriff of the said County, states that he was well acquainted with old man, James Kitchen, and saw him the same day he died and was present at his interment the day after his death. That he died on the 23 of March one thousand Eight hundred & thirty two. That he frequently heard the said James Kitchen speak of his services at Point Pleasant in Virginia and that he received his discharge which was burnt up when his house was consumed in Russell County, Virginia. That said James Kitchen was reported to have been served as stated, he was a man of good character and his word not doubted. That when this affiant became acquainted with said James Kitchen & his wife Jane, which was between twenty & thirty years ago, they lived together as husband & wife, were so recognized & reputed and he has no doubt they were such at least no one was doubted it so far as ever he heard. Both of them were orderly members of the Baptist church when affiant first became acquainted with them & the widow, Jane Kitchen is still a member of the same Church. Affiant presumes that no one doubts the correctness of Mr Kitchen's statement of his marriage. They have raised a family of children, one of whom represents this County in the State Legislature the Session before last. This affiant has lived a neighbor to said James & said Jane since about the year 1820 or 1821.
Sworn to & subscribed before the undersigned, a Justice of the peace for said County this 23 rd day of September 1844 J. B. Wallace

State of Kentucky } County of Carlisle } ss.
William Watson states that he has been acquainted with Mrs Jane Kitchen Kitchen the widow of James Kitchen deceased for more than forty years. When affiant was a small boy he knew James Kitchen & his wife, now his widow, Jane Kitchen and they have always been recognized as husband & wife - indeed it was never doubted or called in question. This affiant saw said James the day he died & was present at his interment - and the date is correctly set forth in the affidavit of Campbell Rice Esq, he believes - Affiant lived about one mile off where said James died & Mrs Jane Kitchen lives at the same place yet and as the widow of said James has the property which falls to widows on the death of their husbands - Old man Kitchen was reported to have served in the revolution as stated and he often spoke of it and also that his discharge was burnt when his house was consumed more than 40 years ago - Mrs Jane Kitchen, he has no doubt is of the age which she represents herself to be.
William Watson
Sworn & subscribed this 23 rd day of September
1844 before the undersigned a justice of the peace for Carlisle County, Nathaniel Dawson
State of Kentucky - Carlisle County Feb. 1, 1845. (R) Ward, clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Nathaniel Dawson whose name is subscribed as a justice of the peace for said County was at said date , a justice of the peace for said County & that his signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal.

being no seal of said Court at my office This 23 rd day of September 1824 J. R. Ward (Clerk) of Carter County Court
Seal
I am well acquainted with Campbell Rice & Mr. Nelson They are regarded as men of good character and their statement would be relied on without doubt. Joseph R. Ward was at the rate of his affidavit the only acting qualified clerk of Carter County Ky. & Nathaniel Damron Esq. was an acting Justice of the peace for said county. This I know from my own knowledge.
Thomas R. Lee

Pension Office, June 4. 1844.
Sir,
I herewith return the letter of Mr. Andrews and the deposition of John Hissers relative to the enlistment of James Kitchen, and respectfully state, that it would be a violation of the rules of this office to enter upon an examination of our Rolls in advance of the filing of a declaration. If James Kitchen's widow will make a declaration according to one of the accompanying printed forms (and the date of her marriage will indicate the act under which she should claim) when her declaration is taken up for examination she shall receive the full benefit of any testimony on the books of this office which may tend to establish her claim.
I have the honor to be,
Hon. Richard French,
Very respectfully, Your Hon. M.
House of Representatives.
J. L. Edwards

I will send you a printed form in a day or two - to guide you in working out the claim. Q. French