Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1,466, for Douglas Oliver, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Oliver, Douglas Katharine
N. 1466
CONTENTS
✓

W. R. Oliver Aug. 15. 1843
30.647
East Tennessee
Douglas Oliver of Anderson in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Janison of the reg t commanded by Col. Matthews in the Virginia militia time for 7 1/2 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee at the rate of 25 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of May 1836 — and sent to Hon. L. Seu. H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836, $125. — Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 12.5 $137.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. L. H. ... Clerk, Book 62 Vol. 7 Page 70

7923
Tennessee
Pop No 25
Katharine Oliver widow of Douglas Oliver
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 11th Feb 1843 of Anderson in the State of Tennessee who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Lewis of the 1 st Regt commanded by Col. Waller in the King's M il for 7 1/2 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Knoxville at the rate of 25 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of Nov. 1843, and sent to claimant Knoxville, Tennessee
Total amount, $125. 00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos. Campbell, Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1 Page 353.

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
MARRIAGES.
Douglas Oliver & Nelly Gannall his wife was Married the 20th March 1783
Douglas Oliver & Catharine Oliver was Married the 22nd of November 1793 —
Samuel Oliver & Nelly Boyd Married 8th October 1803 Charles J. Oliver and Sophia Kinally his wife married 13th of October 1813 —
Samuel Oliver and Elizabeth Stephens his wife married January 18th 1806 —
Nelly Oliver a daughter of P. D. G. husband was married the 19th day of May 1813
John Oliver & Elizabeth Gollacher his wife married the 4th April 1816 —

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Douglas Oliver Jun r was Born February the 24th 1753
Catharine Oliver was born the 14th of July 1765.
Charles G. Oliver was born the 22nd of December 1783
Burrough Oliver was born June the 28th 1800
Sumnerford Oliver was Born the 24th Jan y . 1782
Darrett Oliver was born the 13th of June 1787.
Milly Oliver was born the 25th of September 1794.
Henry Oliver was born May the 12th 1796
John Oliver was born July the 13th 1798.
BIRTHS.
Richard Oliver was Born June the 26th 1800.
Polly Oliver was Born the 24th of February 1802.
Douglas Oliver Jun r was Born the 5th of May 1804.
Nancy Oliver was Born the 13th of May 1807.
William Oliver was Born the 26th October 1809.
James M. Oliver was Born 10th Jan y . 1812
Frances Oliver was Born 26th Jan y 1814.

Catharine Oliver.
Tenn:
Act. 7. July '38
m. 93 d 43.
Rich d Oliver Esq. Robertsville Anderson Co Tenn:

State of Tennessee } 55 Anderson County } 3
on the 27th day of May 1873. Katherine Oliver a Resident of Anderson County Personally appeared before me John Gamble — a Justice of the peace for Anderson County, aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to claim the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows, that she is the widow of Douglas Oliver who was a Private in the Militia in the army of the United States in the Revolutionary War, and served a period of for Seven Months and several days as she is advised and believes. The precise length of time that he served she cannot say, but asks for Reference to be had to the declaration and Report of the said Douglas Oliver, a Prisoner of the United States, now on file in the pension department, both as evidence of his service and the length of time he served. She further declares that she was married to the said Douglas Oliver on the 22nd November 1793 that her husband the afore said Douglas

Oliver died on the 11 th day of February 1843 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794, in, at the time above stated, she has no documentary evidence except the family Register here to annexed which she offers in support of her claim.
Sworn to and subscribed
on the day and year above
Written before me
she married the said Douglas Oliver in Caroline County Virginia. her maiden name were Hathorne Dawson.
Statham for Oliver Mark
John Gamble Justice of the peace
I certify that owing to bodily infirmity official could attend the Court
John Gamble
Justice of the peace

Seal of Tennessee Anderson County
1843
I William Croft Clerk of the County of County Court of Anderson County afore said do certify that John Gamble Esq whose signature appears to the foregoing declaration is his genuine signature and in his own hand writing and that he was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Anderson afore said
Given under my hand and seal of office in Clinton the 29th day of May 1843
Will. Crofts clk (By his Deputy C. V. Oliver)
Please address me at Robertsonville Anderson County Tennessee Richard Oliver

State of Tennessee
Anderson County On this 11 th day of Octm one Thousand Eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared before us two of the acting Justices of the peace for the State and county aforesaid Douglas Oliven resident of Anderson County aged 81 years who after being 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 7 th June 1832. to wit. that he was born in the State of Virginia in Caroline County in the year 1753. That he has a record of his age in his family Bible that he entered into the service of the country as a volunteer in a company of Militia, he thinks for the first time, in the year 17 to 75 78. while residing with his father in Caroline county. There were two companies raised, the Captains names were Johnson & Backren the petitioner does not recollect which of these Captains he enrolled himself under, he was only out 4 weeks, they had no sooner arrived at the Potomack River than the British were preparing to leave he returned home to his father and was discharged. he again entered the service as a substitute for his father Richard Oliven under Captain Samisson, he went from Caroline Co. to Williamsburg he was at York River and James River he remembers the names of his Colonel and General on this town. the Generals name was Nelson the Colonels, Matthews. he served about 5 months on his 2 d tour and was discharged at Williamsburg the petitioner thinks he was marched down to Williamsburg by Col Philip Johnson, but Col Matthews took the com- -mand afterward he thinks Col Matthews was a continen- -tal officer - the petitioner was in a few weeks employed as a substitute for William Tinsley a friend and neighbor of his father and again entered the service under Captain Montiel he went again to Williamsburg, a report came that the British were ascending James River they marched to meet them the British were under Gen. Philips and landed about 12 miles below Williamsburg and marched up to the town the Americans after firing a few rounds retreated

up to Richmond he remained 5 or 6 weeks at
Richmond and was discharged went home to Caroline county he found when he got home his father had gone into the service he pursued him and found him in Fluvanna county where he became a substitute for him a second time he forgets the name of his Captain but remembers that Col Matthews took command of them as soon as they arrived at Jamestown they pushed hard to get to Jamestown expecting a Battle they could not get there till after Cornwallis had crossed the River and were not in the Battle he remained on this tour he thinks between three and months when a company of volunteers came from Richmond to relieve them and he was again discharged he does not recollect the name of the captain who commanded the relief they were all strangers to him but one of their officers brought him a few lines from a Mr. Boades of Caroline County that he wished him to assist him in collecting cattle and that if he would do so it would be considered a tour of duty he gave him a commission for that purpose he went out on this business was out three or four weeks and was discharged about the time Cornwallis surrendered The petitioner has omitted to state that in the year 1780. on the 14 th of February he was employed by Lewis Cragg to go to the state of Kentucky to make a crop for him when he arrived there they were much harassed by the neighbouring tribes of Indians and the people were advised by Col Logan who lived the south side of Kentucky River to form themselves into companies for mutual defence the Indians in the mean time had taken Martins and Ridleys stations they formed themselves into companies and were at a loss for a commander Col. Clark was absent and Col Logan consented to take command but Col Clark soon returning took command and sent orders for the companies to meet him at the mouth of Licking River on the Ohio River they went accordingly and met the Indians. took possession of Chillicothe and the Pickaway towns. had a very hard fight at the Pickaway towns destroyed 600 acres of corn

before the town, Col Black was his neighbour and they returned home to Virginia together. Col Black was afterwards promoted to the command of Major General it was after this that several of the tours of duty above mentioned were performed. The petitioner forgot to mention a tour of three months which he performed under Captain Anthony New and Major Magill. They marched to Richmond and about this time Genl Stephens took the command ordered them to stay at a place called Cabin Point on account of the bad health of Norfolk they remained there until they were ordered to Petersburg where they were discharged. The petitioner is very old and infirm his memory is much impaired and he cannot with certainty recollect any occurrence of his life but he states in general terms that he was in the service from the commencement to the close of the war, that he served 9 tours of duty and honorable discharged from them all. The petitioner never took pains to keep a discharge and therefore has none he left the state of Virginia in 1797 and moved to his present place of residence in Anderson county Tenn. he knows of no one living who can testify to his actual service. There is no clergyman residing in his immediate neighbourhood. The petitioner would sooner have applied for a pension but thought it was requisite not only to prove service but the reception of a wound he has no docu- mentary evidence whatever by which to prove his claim he hereby relinquishes all claims to a pension on annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll or agency of any state.
Douglas Line
Sworn to and subscribed before us two of the acting Justices of the peace for Anderson county this 13th day October 1834.
Joseph McWhurst
Justice of the Peace

We Jesse Noel and Alexander Galbraith residing in the neighbourhood of the foregoing applicant hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Douglas Oliver who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be Eighty one years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion ASB RAS Sworn to and subscribed the day 3rd of Sept 1831 and year aforesaid
And the said Justices 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 said Justices do further certify that it appears to them that Alexander Galbraith and Jesse Noel are residents of the county aforesaid and live in the immediate neighbourhood of Douglas Oliver, that they are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit and the said Justices do also hereby declare that it appears to them that the above named Douglas Oliver is unable by reason of ill health and infirmity to attend court. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
And the said Justices do hereby declare that the above contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Douglas Oliver for a pension Sworn to and subscribed the day 2nd of Oct 1831 and year aforesaid state of Pennsylvania Anderson County
John Samagin Clerk of the county court of Anderson in the state aforesaid do certify that Nathan Groves and Joseph M Ashhurst whose names are signed to the above certificates were at the time they signed the same acting Justices of the peace for Anderson county and that full faith and credit is to be given to their official acts given under my hand & seal of office in Clinton this 14th October 1831 John Samagin Clerk
Hon J. Standen

State of Tennessee Anderson County
MS. B. 1. 6 v. 3 p. 36
I was born in Caroline County in the State of Virginia the 21 st of February 1753.
I served in the Revolutionary wars in the Virginia Militia (Lower). The first tour from Caroline County, under Captain Johnson or Buckner, marched to the river Potomac, where the British fleet was lying, the fleet left that place very shortly after the arrival of the troops. I was then marched back to Caroline County and discharged at Port Royal. The 2 nd tour was from
14
Caroline County, marched under Captain Simmeron to Williamsburg and down James River. I joined Col. Mathews's Regiment, served one month and discharged at Williamsburg. The 3 rd tour was to Williamsburg and I think to the best of my recollection
to York under Captain Marshall under General Nelson served one month and I believe was discharged at York. The 4 th tour, of a month, marched to Williamsburg and down James River, under Captain Mear, and was discharged at Williamsburg. The 5 th
tour was after Brant's Winterbury in 1780, settled on the North side of the river, had no officers, was directed to form companies by Colo. Logan who resided on the South side of the river, being annoyed by the Indians.
I volunteered in July 1780 and went with Colo. Logan against the Shawnee Indian towns the troops was detained some short time, until Logan received instructions from Colo. Clark, we received marching orders from Colo. Clark and directed to meet him at the mouth of Licking river, and marched under Captain Hogan met Colo. Clark at the time and place appointed, then marched to Chittacothe Town, and took possession
Har & Scott

of the town, burned the Town, and cut down the corn of the Indians, then marched to the Pickaway Town where we had a long and hard battle, succe- ded and took the Indian fort and town, cut down their corn, then marched back to the mouth of Licking River, (where or near where Cincinnati now stands) there we left Clark's main Army and was discharged where we first marched from, in a month or six weeks.
I then returned to the State of Virginia, 6th tour Shortly after I returned home I served a tour one month under Captain Richardson or Tyler, marched to Richmond then down the south side of James River to a place called Cabbins Point not far from Norfolk, under Genl. Stephens, we marched from there to Petersburg and was there discharged. I think I served near Christ- mas and I think served three months, or nearly so, 7th tour I served I marched to Williamsburg Joined Matthews Regiment and marched down James River, at which time the British fleet came up James River and landed Ten or twelve miles below Williamsburg, we retreated and the British marched into Williamsburg, We was informed that night that Arnold was in town stationed in the College Maj. Armstead said that the troops would volunteer and go with him, he could take him, but it turned out to be some British officers and not Arnold, we fired on the College a round or two and was fired on by the British, we then retreated to the main Army and marched to Richmond, as well the British, and below Richmond had a few fires across the river I then was at Richmond discharged served one month
8th tour I substituted in the place of my father Rich- ard Oliver who was in the service in the lower end of Louisa or Hanover County upper end marched down James River to James Town, where the British crossed the river We remained there until the French fleet appeared

Cornwallis retreated to York town, at which time I was discharged at Halls Ford Stafford County. served one month.
I then received instructions from Captain S. Broadbent and from him Authority to collect beef for the use of the Army, in which business I was engaged on for some time, and was promised by Broadbent that I would get a credit for a tour of duty this is the last service performed and of my services in collecting beef cattle for the use of the Army, amounts to a tour it will nine tours I was engaged this service three weeks to the best of my recollection.
I served as a substitute for of the before mentioned tours, one in the place of Richard Tully or Huntly, one in the place of William Tinsley, one in the place of Ephraim Standfield and one the place of Richard Oliver my father,
Charles Y. Oliver
Douglas Oliver
State of Tennessee } This day personally appeared Anderson County } Douglas Oliver whose name is signed to the above amended declaration before me Robert Galbraith an Acting Justice of the Peace of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County of Anderson, and made Oaths that the statements made in the above amended declaration are true to the best of his belief and recollection, sworn to and subscribed before me This 29th of January 1836.
Robert Galbraith Justice of the Peace
Douglas Oliver

State of Tennessee } of Robert Galbraith one of the acting Anderson County } Justices of the peace in and for said County, do certify that I am personally acquainted with Douglas Oliver the applicant for a pension, and know him to be old and much bodily afflicted, and that I believe that he cannot attend a Court of Record without, sustaining serious injury. Given under my hand this 29 th January 1836.
Robert Galbraith Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee } This day personally appeared before Anderson County } me Robert Galbraith an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, Charles W. Oliver and made Oath that he acted as clerk for Douglas Oliver, and that the statements written even by the directions of said Oliver, sworn to and subscribed to before me this 29 th January 1836.
Robert Galbraith Justice of the Peace
Chas. W. Oliver
State of Tennessee } I John Farnagin Clerk of the Anderson County } Court of Pleas & Quarters Sessions in and for the County of Anderson, do certify that Robert Galbraith is and an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County who is duly sworn and commissioned and that due faith and credit ought to be given to his official acts as such and that this signature and seal is his genuine signature.
Given under my hand and seal of office (at office in Clinton) this 9 th day of February 1836
John Farnagin Clerk By his Deputy M c Clure

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Douglas Oliver W.F. 1466
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 1 mo or less Pl. Johnson "Buckner" Pa   1 mo. Jamison Matthews   July 1780 1 or 1 1/2 mo Hogan Colonel Rogers Clarke   1 or 2 mo Richardson or Tyler   1781 1 mo William Marshall   1781 1 mo { near or more Matthews   1781 1 mo Matthews   1781 1 mo no officers named   3 or 4 mo collecting bag for the Army  
Battles engaged in, Chellicothe & Piqua
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Pa
Date of application for pension, Oct 11 1834 Has ch. al
Residence at date of application, Madison Co. Tenn
Age at date of application, born in Carolina Jan 13 Feb 24 1760
Remarks: d. July 11 1843
Soldier was the son of Richard Oliver. His widow Catherine was allowed pension on an application executed May 27 1843 while a resident of Anderson Co. Tenn.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

July 27, 1911.
Miss Theresa Swezey, Vermilion, S. D.
Madam:
In addition to the military history of Douglas Oliver, Wid. File No. 1,466, Rev. War, you are herewith furnished the following data as to his family:
Douglas Oliver married Milly Carnalle, March 20, 1783.
Douglas Oliver married Catharine Durrett November 22, 1793, she was born July 4, 1768.
Charles Y. Oliver born December 22, 1783. married Sophia Munally October 13, 1803. Lunesford Oliver " January 29, 1785, " Milly Boyd October 8, 1803. Durrett Oliver " June 15, 1787, " Elizabeth Stephens, January 18, 1806. Milly Oliver " September 25, 1794. " Noah Pick, May 12, 1813. Henry Oliver " May 12, 1796, John Oliver " July 12, 1798, " Elizabeth Gohlner, April 4, 1816. Richard Oliver " June 26, 1800. Polly Oliver, " February 29, 1802. Douglas Oliver " May 5, 1804. Nancy Oliver " May 3, 1807. William Oliver " October 26, 1809. James M. Oliver " January 19, 1812. Frances Oliver " January 26, 1814.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

Beary
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
1466
Katharine Oliver
Widow
Douglas Oliver
Priv. Va. Spil.
Act:
July 7 th 1838
Index
Vol.
M
Page
99
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Sept. 23 Dr. James A. Campbell 97 St. Louis. Mo. Letter Oct. 9/9 Do. James G. Campbell 1911 July 27 Hist to Theresa Swezey also family record V.P.M.

32.309
Douglas Oliver
Resign
Surrender
Suspended
dis 29 April 1835
C. Putnam
do 21 May 1835
No L. Lea

80 Katharine Oliver Tennessee Act July 7 th 38 ~
Admitted Jan. 15 th priv ~ $25. per an. ~
Claimant Knoxville Tennessee

Hall House Ref. May 19 th 1836.
Colo. James L. Edwards,
Sir,
Herewith you will receive a letter which I have received from Douglass Oliver Esq. together with some additional evidence in his pension case. I have to ask the favour of you to give his case a re-examination — I have known Mr. Oliver for near forty years, and have no hesitation in saying that I believe him incapable of knowingly making an incorrect statement in any case — He is now old and does not hear well — and may have be misunderstood by the person who made out his papers —
Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt.
Luke Lea

The Hon. S. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Knoxville April 21, 1838
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir I have herewith enclosed
the Declaration of Douglas Oliver, of Anderson (Cy) amended. in this amendment I have given the old gentleman's own words it seems I misunderstood him respecting term of 5 months he states a second time, that he was frequently absent from home 5 months, but never entered for a longer term than one month. I have the printed paper of the Department before me, and have read it attentively. I have thought proper to give Mr. Oliver's own words believing that the most honest course to pursue and leave the Department to compare and judge — The Hon Mr. Luke Lea of Congress has promised Mr. Oliver to write you on this subject.
I have the honor to be Hon. J. L. Edwards. Sir your obedient servant J. Paton

State of Tennessee } April 13 th 1835 Anderson County } Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the peace for the state and county aforesaid, Douglas Oliver, 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 sworn to and subscribed before me an acting Justice of the peace for Anderson county
Here follows the declarants own words
I was born in Caroline county, state of Virginia on the 24 th of February 1753. The first town I served in the revolutionary war, being the first time from the county, was called a months town, and under Capt. Johnson or Buckner, I cannot tell which, we went on the river Potomack to where the British fleet were lying, which fleet left there shortly after and the troops were marched back to Caroline coun- ty and discharged at Port Royal. The 2 d town was from Caroline county. Marched to Williamsburg, and down James River, under Capt. Garrison - joined Col. Matthews Regiment, I served one month and was discharged at Williamsburg. My 3 d town was to Williamsburg and I think to York under William Marshall, and under General Nelson, and think I was dis- charged at York - The 4 th town I think was in 1779. - Marched to Williamsburg and down James River, served a month I believe and under Capt. Ware and was discharged at Williamsburg. - The 5 th town I went to Kentucky in 1780 and settled on the north side of the Ohio River. we had no officer, but was directed by Col. Logan residing on the south side of the River to form ourselves into Companies, being annoyed by the Indians, in June 1780. I volunteered in July 1780, to go with Col. Logan against the Shawnee Indian Towns, which was postponed until he could get instructions from Col. Clark, we received marching orders from Clark to meet him at the mouth of Licking River, we marched under

Captain Hlogon met Col. Clark at the place and time appointed, then marched to Chillicothe Town took possession of the same, burned the town and cut down the corn of the Indians; then we marched to the Piquaway Town where we had a long hard Battle, and succeeded in taking the Indian Fort and Town and cut down their corn. we then marched back to the mouth of Licking River opposite to where Cincinnati now stands, there we left Clark's main Army and was discharged where we first marched from, I then returned back to the state of Virginia. — 6 th & shortly after I returned home I served a tour, Marched from Caroline County Virginia to Richmond, then down the south side of James River to a place called Cabin Pt not far from Norfolk, I cannot recollect the Captain's name under whom I served, but remember that Captain Anthony New was with the troops Commanded by Gen. Stephens. we marched from there to Petersburg, and was discharged I think in December near Christmas in this trip I think I served two months or nearly so
7 th We marched to Williamsburg, joined Matthews Regiment and marched down James River; at which time the British fleet came up James River and landed ten or twelve miles below Williamsburg, we then retreated and the British marched into Williamsburg. we were informed that night that night that Arnold was in Town stationed in the College and Major Armstead said that if the troops would volunteer, and go with him he could take him but it turned out to be some other British officer, and not Arnold we fired on the College a cannon or two and was fired upon by the British, we then retreated to the main Army, and marched to Richmond, as also did the British, and below Richmond we fired a few rounds across the River, I think I was then discharged at Richmond, served one month — 8 th I then took the place of my father who was then in the lower end of Louisa on upper end

of Gloucester county and Marched down James River to Jamestown where the British cooped the River, we remained there until the French fleet appeared. Cornwallis retreated to Yorktown at which time a relief was sent from Caroline coun- ty for the troops from that county, I then received instructions from Capt. J. Broadus, and from him received authority to collect cattle for the use of the army in which business I engaged for some time and was told by Capt. Broadus that I would get credit for a town of duty. This is the last town, and if my services in collecting Beef will be considered a town it will make 9 in all that I have served, the applicant states that he did not in his original Declaration mean to say that he served 5 months or any one town of duty
Douglas Hixson
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13 th day of April 1835 as witness my hand and Seal
John Miles Seal
John Sarnagin Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the county of Anderson do hereby certify that John Childs whose name is signed above is an acting Justice of the peace for the county of Anderson and that his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit Given under my hand & Seal of office at office in Clinton this 13 th day of April 1835 John Sarnagin Clerk

State of Tennessee Anderson County } I do hereby certify that the particular disability of Catharine Oliver to appear at Court is owing to her Great bodily infirmity occasioned by Parturition stroke in September
Witness my hand and seal this 4th day of September 1843 John Gamble Esq. Justice of the peace for Anderson County
State of Tennessee!! Anderson County } On the 4th day of September 1843 personally appeared before the County Court of Anderson County afore said William Peak & John Frazier and made oath in due form of law that they were acquainted with Catharine Oliver in the lifetime of her Husband Douglas Oliver that the said Douglas Oliver departed this life in the month of February 1843 leaving said Catharine who is still the Reputed Widow of the said Douglas Oliver known to me in open Court Wm Peak John Frazier
William Crops clerk
State of Tennessee Anderson County } I do certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings of the Court in the case of Catharine Oliver applicant for a Pension. Also the Court do approve the proceedings of John Gamble Esq a Justice of the peace for Anderson County. Attested in the fore- going cause, Witness William Crops

Clerk of our said Court at office in Clinton the 4 th day of September 1843
William Croop Clerk

Donogh Oliver
France
Don't Luke Lea Representative in Congress Washington City
116 89 27

Clinton 9 th February 1836.
Dear Sir,
I now take the liberty of sending enclosed to you an amended declaration to an Original declaration for a pension as a militia soldier in the Revolutionary war. I have given a general history of my service and such other circumstances, in relation to the same, as well as I could, but owing to the long lapse of time and the frailty of man, it is altogether probable that I have not given such a correct statement of facts that may be required by the department, the error committed in the Original, written by W. Putnam, which stated that I had served five months in any one tour, was entirely misunderstood by me, my understanding from Putnam was, whether I had served five tours, and not that I had served five months in any one tour, whether my declaration should be satisfactory or not. I feel very certain that I am as much intitled to a pension as some that is drawing and I think justly so,
I will further ask your attention to this matter in laying it before the department for examination, and explain any matter that comes within your knowledge, if necessary and please at some convenient moment give me some information in relation to the same, please give my compliments to Col. Standerfer, and receive to your self the same
I am very Respectfully Your Obedt Servant Oliver

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 subjoined 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. Those 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, shewing the Service of

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.]

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.  6. { 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 _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 affix 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.
¶ 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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] 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.

Vermilion National Bank, Capital $50,000.
J. F. Swezey, Pres. C. H. Barrett, Cashier.
Vermilion, I. D. July 19 1911
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: -
I am desirous of obtaining proof of the fact that Daniel Swezey, served as a soldier or sailor during the Revolutionary War.
Also proof of the fact that Douglas Oliver served in the Virginia Troops during the same war.
If your records show anything in regard to this will you kindly make a statement naming authority, and mail to me.
Yours respectfully (Miss) Theresa Swezey.

DR. JAS. A. CAMPBELL, 1729 WASHINGTON AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO.
Sept 10 1897
Hon. H. Clay Evans Com-Pension Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
My Great-Grand-father - Douglas Oliver , was a soldier of the Revolution, and was a pensioner in 1840, while a resident of Anderson Co. Tenn.
Will you kindly send me his revolutionary history, contained in his application, rank and military services etc, as found on record in your office, and oblige,
Yours Truly
Adams { Dr. James A. Campbell 1729 Washington Ave St Louis, Mo.

DR. JAS. A. CAMPBELL, 1729 WASHINGTON AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO.
Sept. 27 (19)7
Department of the Interior Bureau Pensions Washington D.C.
O.W.+N Div Revolutionary — L.W.B. 6 W. 1466
Sir:
Yours Sept. 23 with Revolutionary history of Douglas Oliver is recd — for which accept my thanks — "Pension allowed for seven months service as private in Virginia Troops, Revolutionary War; part of time served under Capt. Jamison and Col. Matthews", is the substance of your reply. It will serve my purpose more, if you will kindly give me a more complete copy of items contained in his application for pension Jan. 29. 1836 Indiana Co. Penn. I would like to know what Company and Regt. he served in; also on what ground he got pension . He was shot in knee and carried home there until day of his death, is that stated in application? It would very much oblige me to know more about it Very truly Yours James A. Campbell