Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8511, for John Puckett, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Puckett, John Rhoda
R. 8511
CONTENTS

25603  West Tennessee  John Puckett of White Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the com d commanded by Captain Price of the reg t commanded by _____ in the line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 20 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Feb y 1834 and then J. B. Forest H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep r 30.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 10.00 $ 60.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Sam Boyd Clerk Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 92
Copy of declaration made and sent to George Smith State Sec. as Agt requested to re- -fwd pension 8 Apr 1834. See letter to George Smith, 31 May, 1834. Suspension removed. See letter to J. B. Forest H. R. L.P. Agt Dec. 20. 1834

29 228
John Puckett James H. ...
Joseph Burr
#20
6 or 8 B. positioned. See the R

State of Tennessee } S.S.
White County } On this 16 day of January A.D. 1834, personally appeared in Open Court before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of said County and State now sitting in the town of Sparta John Puckett a resident of White County Tennessee aged Sixty nine years past, 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. In the year 1779 as well as he now recollects he resided in Washington County, in that portion of it which is now Rutherford County, in the Western part of Virginia, which was then a frontier frontier settlement. He entered the service of the United States under the following circumstances. The Indians, about the period above mentioned became remarkably troublesome and dangerous to the inhabitants. The County contained four forts to wit: Richland , Elk Garden , Glade Hollow and Castlewoods . The depredations of the Indians rendered it necessary to guard these forts - into which the inhabitants had fled for safety. There was also a fort called Ricefort , further West than any of the others - This Declarant among others volunteered his services under Captain - Thomas Price - and went to Ricefort , under Charles Hays, who had a temporary command of the troops who went to that fort. Captain Price had the Regular command at Elk Garden fort. At Ricefort this Declarant and the little band to which he belonged, only remained a very short time - He thinks about two weeks - when he returned to Elk Garden fort where he was stationed under Captain Price, and remained guarding the fort in all about seven

years to the best of his recollections. During the whole of this period, it was customary for Captain Price to send out scouting parties every week or nearly so all the soldiers taking that service in turns. There were something like three hundred families in that fort - In the Winter Season, they could return to their homes, the Indians, being generally, at those periods far removed, and no danger being apprehended. In the Summer Season occasionally, some would work in raising crops, while others would guard those at work - They were however required to hold themselves ready for service at a minutes warning - This Declarant can say with entire certainty that during this period, he was in actual and active service, either guarding the frontier or on scouting parties, two years. He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State. He has no documentary evidence, nor does he know of any living witness whose testimony he can procure to prove his service -
Answers to the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department and propounded by the Court - 1 st He declarant was born in Botetourt County Virginia in the year 1764 on the 26 th day of February.
2 nd He has a record of his age -
3 rd He was living in Washington County Virginia when called into service - as above stated - Since the Revolutionary War he has resided in Knox County Kentucky - Pulaski County Kentucky - and White County Tennessee where he now resides and where he has resided for twenty three years past. -
4 th He volunteered when called into service -
5 th He has stated the name of the only officer who was with the troops where he served - He was in no Battle during his service - Nor was

there any thing very remarkable that occurred, except what was usual on the frontier -
6 th He received no written discharge, but was dismissed from service, as were all the remaining troops by Captain Price -
7 th He refers to the following individuals to whom he is known in his present neighborhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution - to wit. Turner Lane Esq. -
William Glenn - James Davis Esq. & Rev. Henry Burton
Sworn to in open Court
16 th January 1834.
John Puckett
J. and H. and clerk of White County Court
We Henry Burton a Clergyman, residing in the County of White and John Gitt residing in the same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Puckett who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing Declaration, that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age, that we believe him to have been a soldier of the Revolution - We have never heard it even disputed or doubted -
Henry Burton
Sworn to in open Court
16 th January 1834
John Gitt
J. and H. and clerk of White County Court
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the questions prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Henry Burton who has signed

the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of White and that James Scott who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to full credit. —
H. Eastland
David Snodgrass
Joseph Cummings
John B. Foster
I have been informed that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Church in the matter of the application of John Puckett for a preachers license by the Conference of the United Brethren of the 7th June A.D. 1832.
$20
in full
John Puckett
29 22 8
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Church at office the 17th day of January A.D. 1834. and of the Independence of the United States the fifty eighth. Jacob H. Lewis Clerk
As the service is inexpressible I will accept six months and relinquish the balance for the present this 7th of Feb 1834 John B. Foster

State of Tennessee ss
Decatur County } On this 16 day of May 1855 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace and justice of the County Court of said County (which is a court of Record) Rhoda Puckett a Resident of Decatur County State of Tennessee age Seventy One Years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 3rd February 1855. 2nd Section
That she is the widow of John Puckett deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum under act of 7th June 1832 and drew her Pension at the Nashville Tennessee Agency. She further declares that she was Married to the said John Puckett on the 25 of December in the year Eighteen hundred and nine in White County in the State of Tennessee by one Isaac Glenn a Justice of the Peace that her name before Marriage was Rhoda Lida. That her Husband the aforesaid John Puckett died on the 30th day of September 1842 that she was Married to him at the time above stated. She further declares that she was a widow at the passage of the Act and is still a widow and that she has never before made application for a Pension under said Act and that she has in her possession no record or other documentary Evidence in support of her claim.
Sworn to and subscribed on the { Rhoda Puckett (her mark) and year above written before me
W. H. McGovern J. P. of Decatur County

I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Rhoda Puckett who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Declaration before me that she is a woman of veracity and good repute and that from bodily infirmity and old age she is unable to attend court for the purpose of making her Declaration in open court I further certify that I was well acquainted with John Puckett and his wife the above named Rhoda Puckett that they lived together as man and wife up to the day of his death and were regarded as such by all the neighbors said John Puckett was a Revolutionary Pensioner and Rhoda Puckett is still a widow I further certify that I am not concerned in the prosecution of her claim nor interested in the result thereof W. H. Haggerty J. P.
Know all men by these presents That I Rhoda Puckett of DeKalb County State of Tennessee widow of John Puckett a deceased Pensioner do hereby constitute and appoint Smith & Jones of Nashville Tennessee my true and lawful Attorneys for me and in my name to present and prosecute my claim to a Pension under act of 3rd February 1853 and to receive my certificate therefore hereby ratifying and confirming all their lawful acts in the premises witness my hand and seal this 16 of May 1855
Rhoda her Puckett mark
Acknowledged before me the 16 day of May 1855
W. H. Haggerty J. P.

State of Tennessee } On this 16 day of May 1853 DeKalb County } Personally appeared before the under signed an acting Justice of the Peace Samuel Morrison & Zachariah Kirkland Residents of DeKalb County men of undoubted veracity and made oath in due form of law that they were well acquainted with John Puckett & his wife Rhoda Puckett in the life time of said John Puckett that they lived together as man and wife up to the death of said John Puckett and that his wife Rhoda still remains his widow Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and Samuel Morrison State above Zachariah Kirkland W H Heggerson J. P. his mark of DeKalb County
State of Tennessee County of DeKalb I Washington I Isbell Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that W H Heggerson Esq whose signature appears to the foregoing Declaration affidavits certificate & Acknowledgment at said was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that the signature thereto purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 8 day of June 1853
W Isbell Clerk of DeKalb County Court By John B Tubb his Deputy Clerk

Witness all men by these presents that we John Puckett and Caleb Grubbs all of the County of White and State of Tennessee our heirs &c are jointly and severally held and firmly bound unto his excellency William Blount Esq Governor and Commander in chief in and over the State of Tennessee aforesaid in the penal sum of Twelve hundred and fifty dollars, Void in condition there be no lawful objection why John Puckett and Rhody Lydy should not be joined together as Man and wife in the holy estate of Matrimony, Witness our hands and seals this 4 day of December 1809
affixed
John M'Garrick
John Puckett (Seal) Caleb Grubbs (Seal) mark
State of Tennessee
White County I George G. Dittell clerk of White County Court hereby
Certify that the above is a true and perfect Copy of the original Marriage Bond of John Puckett and Caleb Grubbs as appears upon file now in my office, I also certify I have made diligent search for the License but cannot find them, At that date there was no Register of Marriages kept, in this state, And the License may have been misplaced in the office, In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office at office in Sparta the 23 rd day of April A.D. 1853
G. G. Dittell clerk of White County Court

March 6, 1931
Hon. Cordell Hull
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
House of Representatives
My dear Mr. Hull:
Reference is made to your letter of February 28, in which you request the military record of John Puckett.
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 8511, that John Puckett was born February 26, 1764, in Botetourt County, Virginia.
While residing in Washington (that part which was later Russell) County, in the western part of Virginia, he served at various times with the Virginia troops, in forts on the frontier doing guard duty and in scouting parties under Captains Charles Hays and Thomas Price. The service amounted in all to six months but there were no dates of service given.
After the Revolution he lived in Knox County, Kentucky and in White County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed January 16, 1834, at which time he was living in White County, Tennessee, having lived there about twenty-three years.
The soldier married December 25, 1809, in White County, Tennessee, Rhoda Lida or Lidy. In 1855 she was living in De Kalb County, Tennessee and was aged seventy-one years. At this time she stated that her husband, John Puckett, died September 30, 1844. From other records in the bureau it appears that his pension was paid to September 4, 1845.
There are no data as to children.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
8511
P. O.
Rhoda Puckett
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .
1931 - mch. 6 - 17200 E. 14th. Cordeill Hull accy 1931 - Mar. 9 - J. M. Puckett Hull atty. His sub. MMN

No 5811 Rhoda Puckett Widow of John Tenn
8511
(See over)
3 Feb 1883
See over Rhoda Puckett She was introduced in each case The same witnesses testify in this case as in the case of Mary Puckett of Tenn abt 1853 having some suspicion of that case I mentioned to her then the whole story of the case in which it is probable Mary Puckett may be involved
212060

Sparks Tennessee
19. May 1834.
Sir,
I am requested by the Attorney Genl. back you to inform me what kind of evidence and what kind of proceedings and proof are necessary to stop the agent from paying the pension of said John Puckett. I have received the certificate of his pension declaration from you in due time and shall proceed
Yours Respectfully his George H. Smith Mark
Atkins

John Luchett paid to 4 Sept 1843
W. J. F. M. M.
Quator
June 20/55

June 20/55
Dear Sir
Very respectfully
John Puckett from to 4 Sept 1843
Pension Office, June 20/55
Sir
Please inform me when John Puckett of Tenn Act 32, at $20, was last paid.
R A Atkinson Esq
3rd and 1st
h 245
Niplett
Henry Smith
142
Very Respectful
L P M...

State of Tennessee White County, ss
On this 27th day of November 1834, George Smith personally appeared before me the undersigned justice of the peace for White County and made oath on due form of law that he is well acquainted with John Pickett, who now resides in the County of White and who appears to be placed on the pension roll of the United States. He states he has known John Pickett since a boy was raised in the same neighborhood in the State of Virginia, and from that knowledge can say with the almost confidence that he never was a soldier of the revolutionary war. This acquaintance and conversation since said war confirms this opinion.
George Smith
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of November 1834 John Pett Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee & Lee White County
I do hereby certify that George Smith personally appeared before me the undersigned justice of the peace and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing affidavit is just and true. Given under my hand and seal this 27 th day of November 1834
John Pitts Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee & Lee White County
I Jacob A. Lane Clerk of the County court for the County of White do hereby certify that John Pitt whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is an acting justice of the peace for said County of White, and member of the County Court of said County the same being a court of record and that his signature is genuine given under my hand and seal the seal of my office at office this 27 th day of November 1834 Jacob A. Lane Clerk By J. M. L. Cannon Dep. Clk

Mr Packer & Co 30 Sep 1844
Rhoda Packer
Nov 1809
Mr Meggerson, Jr Slave Mindock Zechariah Kirkland

Nashville June 14 th 1853 Hon. L. D. Nueda Comr. of Pensions Washington
Sir We Enclose you the Declaration of Rhoda Puckett Wido of John Puckett, for Pension under Act of 3 rd February 1853, please forward Certificate to me
Respectfully Smith & Jones By M. B. Gamm
John Puckett & Co 30 N. 1844 Rhoda Puckett Bnd 1809 Mt. Gessner, Jps Slave Mrs. D. G. Zechariah & K. P. Puckett

Pension Agency. West Tennessee Office Bank No. State Nashville 20 th April 1834
Sir
Your list of new Pensioners under the act of June 1832, under date of the 9 th inst. came to hand to day. — Your instruction of the 8 th inst. to suspend the payment of the Pension in the name of John Puckett came to hand yesterday — fortunately he has not yet applied for the Pension — therefore there will be nothing lost by his fraud — if fraud he has committed —
I am. Most respectfully, Yours ob d Serv t , Thos. H. Fletcher P.D. & P.A. by R. Screvenville Clk.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.

Dec 8 Caveat in this case of Jn. Pickett Tenn. n. dec.
Yours,
J. L. Edwards
Washington City
Al. 6
not for PICKETT

Sparta Nov. 27 th 1834
Hon. J. S. Coleman
Sir
In relation to the claim of Pickett I now enclose you two affidavits They are very confident on the subject. As to credit, I would say I have known Smith for several years, I do not recollect that I ever heard his creditability called in question - As to Pickett, I have an acquaintance, I think he is known by Col. Forster (our member) I am told another affidavit could be procured in Kentucky. As to the whole case I suppose its fraudulent character could be placed beyond all doubt more testimony could not be gotten without considerable trouble and expense
With sentiments of the highest respect
Your obed Servt J. B. McCarroll

M o Packett Jan 20 th Gt. Britain 25603

In the case of John W Puckett Pensylvania John Pett is one of the witnesses who establishes his claim George Smith & Jeremiah Picket impeach it I would believe John Pett statement in preference to two thousand of the others as to anything he may state Dec 13 th 1834
John B r Forster M c Loughlin

Hon. J. B. Forrester, Dec. 20 th 1806.
G. C.
Bu oru Vol 25 \frac{1}{2} page 8.

War Dept.
Pension Office
Sept. 20, 1834
Sir,
The suspension of the case of John Puckett has been removed; and he will be paid his pension as formerly.
I have the honor —
Hon. J. B. Forster House of Reps —

March 9, 1931
Hon. Cordell Hull House of Representatives
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MMIF:MLB
My dear Mr. Hull:
Reference is made to your letter of February 28, 1931, addressed to the Adjutant General, with one, returned herewith, from Mrs. Rutledge Smith, of Nashville, Tennessee, who desires the records of John Puckett and Richard Anderson.
You are advised that on March 6 you were furnished the history of John Puckett (R. 8511) in compliance with your request of February 28, 1931, the same date upon which you addressed the Adjutant General. It is presumed that you have received the same already.
This bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolutionary War unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of his services.
A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the services of Richard Anderson as described by Mrs. Smith.
Very truly yours
my file E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS MAR 7 - 1931 CHIEF'S ROOM

A. G. 201 Puckett, John (2-28-31) ORD
1st Ind.
PD:AO
War Department, A. G. O., March 5, 1931. - To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Transmitted as it is thought possible that the Pension Bureau may be able to furnish some record of John Puckett, and possible some additional information regarding Richard Anderson.
Of this transmittal Honorable Cordell Hull has been informed in a letter a copy of which is inclosed.
2 Inclosures Letters
C H Bridges Major General, The Adjutant General. By BR

126

SEVENTY-FIRST CONGRESS
WILLIS C. HAWLEY, OREG., CHAIRMAN
ALLEN T. TREADWAY, MASS. JOHN N. GARNER, TEX. ISAAC BACHARACH, N. J. JAMES W. COLLIER, MISS. LINDLEY H. HADLEY, WASH. CHARLES R. CRISP, GA. CHARLES B. TIMBERLAKE, COLO. HENRY T. RAINEY, ILL. HENRY W. WATSON, PA. CORDELL HULL, TENN. JAMES C. McLAUGHLIN, MICH. ROBERT L. DOUGHTON, N. C. CHARLES C. KEARNS, OHIO HEARTSILL RAGON, ARK. CARL R. CHINDBLOM, ILL. SAMUEL B. HILL, WASH. FRANK CROWTHER, N. Y. HARRY C. CANFIELD, IND. RICHARD S. ALDRICH, R. I. THOMAS H. CULLEN, N. Y. HARRY A. ESTEP, PA. C. WILLIAM RAMSEYER, IOWA FREDERICK M. DAVENPORT, N. Y. JAMES A. FREAR, WIS.
CLAYTON F. MOORE, CLERK
COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Feb. 28, 1931.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
I am advised that John Puckett was put on the pension list on June 1, 1940, in DeKalb county, Tennessee. I shall thank you to advise me what your records show as to his military service; also the date of his death, and to whom his pension was paid thereafter, or rather if he left a widow who was pensioned.
The fullest possible report on this soldier will be very much appreciated.
Very sincerely,
Godfrey Hull

Puckett case

Pension Office
Mr. Allen
Minister to Athens - Greece
April 7 th 1834
Capt. ... ... of ... Washington City
Alleged fraud of ... A. George Smith ... copy of the certificate to ... a suit ?

Pension Office
Mr. Allison
Heath I.D. 28 th March
Immigration - low
April 7 th 1834
Hon. Lewis Cass.
Secretary of War U.S.
Washington City
Wedged, Frank
Pensioner
A. George Smithland, copy of the certificate to enter a suit ? ? ? ? ?

Sparta Tennessee 27 March 1834
To the Hon. S. Cass.
Secretary of War Sir,
I am informed that a Mr. John Pickett of White County Tennessee has made application to the Department of War for a Pension and that he has obtained a certificate for a pension. I am correctly informed and know it of my own knowledge that he is not entitled to any pension of the government and for the purpose of getting at him by suit to shew that he has obtained this pension by fraud, I want you to send me a certified copy of his declaration so as to get him by the first Monday in May next so as to be in time for White Circuit Court. I have not a doubt but that he has made a change in order to obtain a small pittance and if so it ought to be declared and exposed. Very Respectfully yours
George H. Smith (Mark)
W. D. Humphreys St. Abraham
Please direct to George Smith, White County Tennessee Sparta post office.

State of Indiana Franklin County I Jonathan Pickett Clerk of The Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify that John D. Williams before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, now is and was at the time said affidavit was made, and of the actual justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, duly sworn prepared and qualified according to Law
The foregoing witness I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Carthage this 7th day of November 1834. and 59th year of our Independence
J. Pickett Clerk

State of Tennessee Smith County
Set
This day Edward Pickett personally appeared before me an acting justice of the peace for the County of Smith aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that he is intimately acquainted with John Pickett who now resides in the Northwestern part of White County in the State of Tennessee - That he knew him in the County of Washington in the State of Virginia during the revolutionary war, and that he can speak with great confidence and say that he was not a soldier of the revolution. In this he does not believe he can be mistaken.
Sworn to and subscribed before
Jeremiah Pickett B.P. mark
on this 5 th October 1834
John P. Williams B.P.
justice of the peace

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Puckett, Josiah GRADE Private "in the Dragoons" LINE Virginia
WARRANT NUMBER 12457 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED May 5, 1790 to Wm. J. Wredenburgh, assignee J.
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.