Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3611, for George Sheffield, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
Sheffield, George Mary
N 3611.
CONTENTS

7348 Kentucky
George Sheffield
of Estill in the State of Kentucky who was a Sgt. 1st in the company commanded by Captain Warlow of the Ky. Inf. commanded by ... in the North Carolina army for 10 months service 3 ...
Inserted on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 88 Dollars 33 Cents per annum commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of April 1833 and David Gann Duck ...
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $100.00 Semizant. allowance ending Sept 1833 $4.16
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by ... Clerk, Book ... Vol. ... Page 27
134

1072, L. Kentucky Mary Sheffield — widow of George Sheffield N.C. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private & serg t .
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 68 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of October 1853. and sent to
John S. Edwards Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848. Page 177. Vol. 10

State of Kentucky } County of Breathitt }
On this 20 day of September 1858 Personally appeared before me Thomas J. Frazier the Presiding Judge of the Court in and for the county of Breathitt and State aforesaid. Mary Sheffield a resident of the county and State aforesaid, aged 53 years, 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 29 th July 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of George Sheffield deceased who is the deceased person whose name was placed on the Kentucky pension agency under Act of Congress passed the 18 th March 1832, while he was a resident of the County of Estill State of Kentucky, at the rate of $ per annum for services rendered by said husband for services. She does not now remember an account of his service in the army of the Revolution was that her said husband's pension certificate has long since been lost, so at present he finds also filed in the pension office of the Kentucky pension agency.
She further declares that she was lawfully married to the said George Sheffield during the county of Washington State of Tennessee, on or about the day of in the year 1811

By a majority of the Gospel who was authorized to settle the rights of matrimony whose names was - William Dugan. a Methodist Preacher And that her name was Mary Little before her said marriage - and that her husband the aforesaid George Sheffield was in the County of Little Falls of New York on the day of the 1835 or 1836 and that she has resided in a widow ever since the death of her said husband. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place at the time above stated. Before the first day of January 1850. That she has no family Bible Records. Now in evidence to her knowledge that will show the date of her marriage to her said husband. nor the age of her children the last of her said husband. The aforesaid George Sheffield deceased, more to be found.
And that she never before made any application for a pension - and to declare her claim as a pensioner. She respectfully refers the Hon. Commissioners of Pensions to the declaration of her said husband - the aforesaid George Sheffield (deceased), and the proofs there filed in the pension office of the United States at Washington City. upon her application for a pension, and to the proofs hereto attached is respectfully submitted.
Thom. W. Frenchie Judge
her Mary Sheffield mark
George Sheffield Jr James Sheffield
William Dugan

State of Kentucky County of Breckinridge
Sworn to and subscribed by making her mark before me on the day and year above written with her own hand. And I certify that Mrs. Mary Sheffield, the widow of George Sheffield deceased, whose genuine signature is signed with her own hand by making her mark to the foregoing declaration, the same was read and explained to her before signed, and she signed the same understandingly. And her signature thereto attached is her genuine signature as aforesaid. And that said Mary Sheffield is known to me to be a reputable Lady, and to be a resident of the County of Breckinridge and State aforesaid. And my oath is intitled to full faith and credit. And that I believe the said Mary Sheffield to be the identical same Mary Sheffield who is the widow of said George Sheffield deceased mentioned in her foregoing declaration. I have stated above made to be true. And that said Mary Sheffield, by reason of old age and bodily infirmity, is not able to attend court, or answer interrogatories, or was made before signed. And I further certify that I have no interest in the result of this proceeding nor proceedings in its prosecution. And I believe the whole of the foregoing to be true.
Thomas J. Aronizer Judge The County Court of the County of Breckinridge and State of Kentucky

State of Kentucky County of Breathitt
I A. B. Patrick clerk of the county court in and for the county of Breathitt and state of - aforesaid - do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration made by Mary Sheffield - the widow of George Sheffield deceased - was on this day exhibited in open court now in session in and for the county of Breathitt and state aforesaid together with the deposition of George Sheffield - James Sheffield and William Newton - and was ap- proved by said court and ordered to be entered as of the (New) Commissioner of Pensions at Washington City - & I further certify that Thomas J. Forster - whose genuine signature is signed to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same the presiding Judge of the county court of Breathitt and state aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts as such is entitled to full faith and credit - and that the county court aforesaid is a court of record having general jurisdiction and that his signature thereto attached is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said county court and subscribed my name this 20 th day of September 1853. A. B. Patrick clerk of the Breathitt County Court Kentucky

State of Kentucky County of Breckinridge
Be it known that on the 28 day of September 1853 Personage appeared before me the undersigned
The Presiding Judge of the County Court in and for the County of Breckinridge and State of Ky
James Sheffield and 63 years a resident of the county and State aforesaid - and known to me to be respectable and of good moral who being first duly sworn according to law. doth on oath subscribe to the following affidavit in support of the application of Mary Sheffield - the widow of George Sheffield widow for a pension - to the pension office of the United States at Washington City from Breckinridge County Kentucky - due her on account of her said husband being a Revolutionary Pensioner at his decease.
Witness now the deponent named George Sheffield deceased for 12 years before and up to the date he died - and declares that said George Sheffield is the identical man who was a United States Revolutionary pen- sioner at his decease - in the county of Estel and State of Kentucky - and that said George Sheffield died in the county of Estel and State of Kentucky the year 1835 or 1836

Witness ever present and knew him as he was at the time of the marriage of his wife and who to witness knowledge has never since been in law ever since that date and as such is now as was at the time the 3 rd February 1853, and that said George Sheffield and Mary Sheffield his wife lived together as man and wife ever since and now at the time of the date he died - raised a family of children together - with whom at the time of their separation - and there marriage was never dissolved - and that his widow said Mary Sheffield is now a resident of the county of Breathitt and State of Kentucky and is the appli- cant for said County for a pension and here and that Witness will know. The said George Sheffield (decd) mentioned in said Mary Sheffield's declaration for a pension which said has collected is the identical man who is the husband of Mary Sheffield above, his widow who is now the applicant for this Pension from Breathitt County and State of Kentucky & that she is a disinterested witness and that Mary H. Child his said widow is a reputable lady of said County.
James Sheffield
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above said (Thomas J. Armstrong Clerk)

The deposition of George Sheffield was 44 years taken at the same time & place in the same case - in the application of Mary Sheffield - for a pension. The widow of said Sheffield (deceased) a United States Pensioner at Cincinnati, and said application is made to the pension office at Washington City. From Robert Scott, a citizen of the District of Columbia, resident in the County of Brattle and State of Kentucky, and known to me to be the person who has first and known as the lawyer directs - acts in his suit - subscribe to the pension application.
That he has known the said George Sheffield ever since his most earliest recollection - & his friends will in Estell County Kentucky up to his decease, that said George Sheffield is the same individual man who was a United States Pensioner at Cincinnati, in the County of Estell and State of Kentucky. Witness, resided with the said family to the day near the date he died, and that said George Sheffield died in the County of Estell & State of Kentucky the year 1835 May 17 th without issue - and at his decease he left Mary Sheffield his wife - a widow - who has remained a widow ever since his decease, to witness our knowledge - and that said Mary Sheffield is now a resident citizen of Estell County Kentucky - and now in application for

Linn County for a pension - that witness has attested her declaration - with her own hand attached - and that said George Sheffield & Ellen Sheffield his wife of said lived together as man and wife ever since witness first recollection to the date of his death raised a large family of children - in company with whom witness now well - and their marriage was never doubted - and that said George Sheffield -ell is the identical man who is the husband of Mary Sheffield his said widow - who is now the applicant for this pension from the County of Brethell - and State of Kentucky - and that said Mary Sheffield is a respectable resident citizen of the County and State aforesaid - and that he is a disinterested witness -
Sworn and Subscribed
before me this day
year aforesaid
Thomas J. Frazier Judge
George Sheffield 1872

"Know all men by these presents that I George Shaffield and George House are held and firmly bound unto William Blount Governor or his successors in Office, five hundred Dollars, Void on Condition That there is no lawful Objection, why George Shaffield and Mary Little may not be joined together as man and wife in Holy Matrimony.
Witness our hands and seals this third day of August 1795.
Leet Jack Sevier
George Shaffield "Seal" Geo. House "Seal"
State of Tennessee Washington County
I W. H. Smith clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby Certify that the above is a true and correct copy of said Marriage bond, taken from the original on file in my Office -
I further certify that I have carefully searched for the Marriage License of George Shaffield to Mary Little, and cannot find them -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at office in Jonesborough this 8th day of June 1853
W. H. Smith clerk County Court W.C. Lewis

3954
Prof. Hoffmann
Hy 2 - 3
2

State of Kentucky Essex County ss.
On this 20 day of August 1832 per- sonally appeared in Open Court before Samuel Kelly, Hiram W. Lewis & Saml. Tipton Justices of the County Court for the County aforesaid, now sitting George Sheffield a resident of said County of State aged 73 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers & serv d as hereinafter stated, That in 1776 in Wilkes County N. Carolina he was what was then called a  minute man . That in that year he he was called out first to Salisbury to learn the military exercise & continued there 25 days - That he was in a company commanded by Capt. Walton Capt. Benjamin Cleveland Lieut. H. Hill. Col. Eustis - That in same year

He went under various officers to Cross Creek to build the Scotch  Forces or the Scots as they were called - He also went under Genl. under Genl. Benj. Cleveland as Capt. Wm. Gray Lieut. & John Sparks Ensign on a successful campaign against the Cherokee Indians under the command of Genl. Rutherford - was out during the year about 6 months or nine months. ————— That afterwards in the year he came out as volunteer in a company commanded by Richd. Allen Wm. R. Cooney - Majs. Smith and Maj. Bicknell Ensign, Genl. Kinington Cooman. ————— Marched to Charleston & was engaged in fighting it and served a term of 3 months, and at the end of that time before his return home he volunteered for another term of 3 months, in Capt. Geo. Lawrence company, L. Bradley Lieut. & H. Under Ensign and was attached to Genl. Scott's com- mand. Archd. Lytle was Col. & H. Under Lieut. & Wm. R. was Major

That during this time he was taken prisoner by the British Charles Town & was paroled & went home & continued on parole about twelve months - That after he was exchanged he went in 1781 he again volunteered, was wounded at Halifax N. S. in Capt. - So Rely's Company - That out of the Militia there assembled two companies were detached & the command taken by Continental officers - That he was in one of said Compa- nies commanded by Capt. Coleman, M o Paster Lieut. & Thomas Gibson Ensign - That he was marched from Halifax under Colonel to New River or its Waters - & toward Wilmington & continued on three weeks. That most of the time he acted as orderly Sergeant - That he has no documentary evidence in his possession to prove his services & knows of no person, whom testimony he can procure to establish them - He has resided in Fitch 23 years -

He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity & declares his name is not the Pension Roll of the agency of any State Second & He certifies the day & year aforesaid George Sheffield
Mr Thomas White a clergyman & Lewis Moore High Sheriff. residents of Estill County aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted & have been for many years with George Sheffield, who has been visited & second to the forgoing Declaration - That we believe him to be 73 years - we further certify that in the neighborhood where he resides he is regarded & believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion - & that said Sheffield is a man of good character Second & He certifies the day & year aforesaid Lewis Moore Thomas White
And the said Court hereby declares that if, upon after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the Court & returning that the before named affidavit was a Res- olutionary Soldier & lived in the State - The Court further certifies that it appears to them.
That Thomas White who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman & residing in Estill County aforesaid & that Lewis Moore who has also signed the same is a resident of said County & is a credible person of good char- acter & that their statement is entitled to full credit - Frank Kelly
Hiram B. Ely Samuel H. Morton
J Rott Clerk Clerk of the Court of Estill County do hereby

Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George Sheffield for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20 th day of August 1832
Robert Clarke

Yrs Sheffield "

State of Kentucky Estill County 325
On this 21 st day of January 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Justice of the Estill County Court, Aaron Kirtley, George Hughes or witness of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath recite the following Declaration, Supplementary to his Declaration made in this Court on the 20 th August 1832 in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
He states that he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of time he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than nineteen months, besides which service he was twice another a prisoner one year & c. He feels confident he served not less than twelve months as a volunteer in the militia as orderly Sergeant & seven months as a private in the militia in the service of the United States for which services he claims a pension - And also for the time

he was a prisoner if entitled to any pension are that occurred - He further states that he was born in what is now called Warren County, North Carolina on the 12 th day of April 1759. That he now has a record of his age in his bible at home which specifies the same as above - That when he was called into service he resided in Wilkes County, North Carolina, that since the Revolutionary War he has resided a part of the time in Georgia a part in Tennessee and for the last 23 years in Tipton County, Kentucky - That he received a discharge from Lieutenant Thomas Perkins, and one from Captain Michael Allen for 3 months time each, which were all that he ever received - That they have long since been lost or mislaid so that they cannot be found - He further states that Thomas White a clergyman and Lewis Horne High Sheriff of Tipton County have long known him and can and have testified concerning his character and the value of his services - Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid
George Sheffield
And the said Comtee declare that they concur in the opinion of this Comtee concerning the original pension attached to the said application Calculation of the said application
Sampson Walter
Nicholas Merrill
Patterson, B. Clarke

Hardy County Estate of Henry 555.
I Robert Clark Clerk of the Court of the County of Hardy aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing exhibits are the original & true copies of the originals of the said Court in the matter of the application of George Sheffield for an injunction. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal of Office this 21 st day of January 1833 - Robert Clark
Jamesson, W. A. Clegg Nicholas, W. A. Clegg Patterson, B. A. Clegg

Recy  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 364
Mary Sheffield Widow George Sheffield Rev. Rev. War
Act: July 27 1848
Index:—Vol. 91 , Page 204
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 1298 Mary Sheffield widow of George Ky.
Admitted
11. 11. 1865

Rev Purvis Mary Sheffield wid of George act 29 July 1848. papers in case Kentucky file roll
1872

NATIONAL TELEGRAPH FROM THE OFFICE OF THE WESTERN LINE, PITTSBURGH, CINCINNATI & LOUISVILLE, THE UNITED NEW ORLEANS & OHIO & PEOPLE'S SCOUTS, INDIANA & LAKE ERIE TELEGRAPH LINES.
PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE 3 DOORS ABOVE BROWN'S HOTEL, OVER GILMAN'S DRUGSTORE.
WASHINGTON CITY, D.C.
Dated at Loungville 23 rd Nov 3
Received Washington 24 th
Commence of Pensions
The name of Mary Sheffield, not yet enrolled though she has her certificate, your letter ordering the enrollment was probably in mail that was burnt on the Ohio, please order the enrollment
Isaac Calamell Pen Agt

Mary Sheffield widow of George Sheffield deed Power of atty for Brattleboro Ky

State of Kentucky } County of Breathitt }
Know all men by these presents that I Mary Sheffield of the County of Breathitt and State aforesaid and the widow of George Sheffield (deceased) a Revolutionary Pensioner at his decease, and who has made application for a Pension and under act of Congress passed 29 th July 1848. Said application is made from the County of Breathitt and State aforesaid in the year 1855. As being constitutional and appointed John S. Edwards of Washington City DC. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prepare and prosecute my claim for a Revolutionary pension by reason of the services of my deceased husband who was a with State Revolutionary pension of Estill County Ky. at his decease. And I hereby empower my said attorney to ascertain all records and documents in reference to said claim on file in the department at Washington City to file additional evidence and argument and to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises with full power of substitution except to draw money on said claim. Hereby certifying and countermanding all former powers of attorney that my husband gave to me for the above purpose.
Witness my hand and seal this 10 th day of March 1855.

the 20 th day of September 1853 and when my pension certificate is issued on said claim. the said certificate of pension will be forwarded to Alfred Smith of Nottingham Rockcastle Ky as small as the State of Kentucky } County of Breathitt } Mary Sheffield
On the 20 day of September 1853 personally appeared before me Mary Sheffield of the county is is now for the county of Breathitt and State aforesaid and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and and for the purpose therein contained. Subscribed to was made before me the above what was made before signed
Thomas J. Frazier Judge Breathitt County Court Ky

State of Kentucky County of Breathitt 3. 20. 53
I A B Patrick clerk of the Court in and for the County of of Breathitt & State aforesaid do certify that Thomas J. Graham whose signature is signed to the foregoing Certificate affidavit is and was at the date of signing the same the Presiding Judge of the County Court of Breathitt & State aforesaid duly Commissioned & sworn according to Law & that all of his official acts as such is entitled to full faith & credit & that the County Court aforesaid is a court of Record having General Jurisdiction and his signature thereto attached is genuine in Testimony Whereof I have affixed the seal of said County Court & subscribed my name as Clerk of said Court this 20 th day in September 1853-
A. B. Patrick clerk of the Breathitt County Court Kentucky

Mary Sheffield widow of George No 2
Oct 19 1848
Prv Legt - $68.33 per annum from March 4 1848 In during widowhood
Payable to Claimant
John S. Edwards Present

State of Kentucky
County of Breathitt
Be it known that on the 20 day of September 1883 personally appeared before me the undersigned
Judge of the Court in and for the County of Breathitt and state aforesaid William Newton age 49 years a resident of the county and state aforesaid & known to me to be a respectable who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath subscribe to the following affidavit upon a petition of Mary Shipfield for a pension to the pension office of the united states at Washington City from the county of Breathitt & state aforesaid which is the widow of George Phillips (decd) a veteran of services in the war
of the rebellion - he has known the above named George Shipfield (decd) well and his family ever since the year 1872 and to his knowledge, understands that said George Shipfield (decd) is the identical man who was a United States Penitentiary prisoner at his decease, in the county of Estill & state aforesaid - and that said George Shipfield died many years since in the county of Estill and state of Kentucky - leaving at his decease Mary Shipfield his wife a widow - who has to the best of his knowledge remained a widow ever since the decease of her said husband

The present date - And that said Mary Sheffield is now alive and a resident of the County of Breathitt V State aforesaid - And that said George Sheffield (deceased) and said Mary Sheffield his widow. lived together as man and wife ever since witness first acquaintance with the said parties. It used a large family of children together - with whom witness is still acquainted And that there marriage was never annulled - and that the said George Sheffield mentioned is the identical same George Sheffield who is the husband of said Mary Sheffield his widow who is now the Applicant for this pension - which is her Declarative attached - from the County of Breathitt V State aforesaid - to the pension office aforesaid And that he is a disinterested witness - Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the 19 th and 20 th day of August 1890
William Newton
State of Kentucky County of Breathitt
Sworn to and subscribed before me - the undersigned - on the day and year last above written. And I certify that William Newton whose foregoing signature is signed with his own hand to the foregoing deposition is known to me to be the person described in and who is en- titled to full faith and credit and that he is a resident of the County of Breathitt V State aforesaid And that his signature thereto attests

as opposed to his Tenure. Disputes - and I believe has to be of the age States. And his States to be true. And I have no interest in the result of this pension nor concerned in its prosecuti- on as an Antislavery &c was made before signed
Thomas J. Fitzgerald Judge Breathe Court and by
State of Kentucky } County of Breathitt } A. B. Patrick Clerk in and for the County Court of Breathitt and State above mentioned do certify that Thomas J. Fitzgerald whose signature is signed to the foregoing Certifi- cate affidavit is and was at the date of signing the same the presiding Judge of the County Court of the County of Breathitt and State aforesaid. duly commissioned and sworn according to law - and that his official acts as such is entitled to full faith and credit. And that the County Court aforesaid is a court of Record having General Jurisdiction In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said County Court and subscribed my name Clerk of said Court the 20 th day of September 1853 A. B. Patrick Clerk of Breathitt County Court Kentucky

Brief in the case of Mary Sheffield, widow of George Beathell County and State of Kentucky act July 29. 1845
Claim. ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
George Sheffield, pensioner at $68.33 per annum died May 17. 1835 as shown by parole proof and Auditor's report. Marriage in 1795 proven by record of Marriage bond. Identity full. Pension allowed from March 4. 1845, during widowhood. — Payable to claimant
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
John S. Edwards Present
A. A. Evans Examining Clerk. " )

Pension Office October 15/53
Sir
George Sheffield - Kentucky Rolls - Pensioned at $68.33 per annum Please state to what time paid.
Very Respectfully L. M.aldo Commissioner
F. Burt Esq. 3rd Auditor
George Sheffield, act 7 th June 1832, $68.33. p. annum. - Due 17 th May 1835, paid to his death.
F. Burt Auditor.

Go Shop up
from 1776 private Sergeant 19 mths. 16 wks. Pmt. — 53.33 3 m. left — 15 — $68.33
L. Brock Richmond Va
W. H. H. H.

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of George Sheffield which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? yes IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? c
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? —
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
1 st 2 nd 3 rd in part, 6 th & 7 th
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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 the 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.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who attests the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

State of Kentucky County of Breckitt
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this day and year aforesaid. & I certify that
George Sheffield and James Sheffield whose names are signed with their own hand, attested to the deposition of Mary Sheffield in said County for a reissue to the Union State of the United States at Washington City - in my presence States are the same George Sheffield and James Sheffield. are the same persons who gave their deposition for as hereto attached - after being duly sworn & in accordance to law to the foregoing deposition each they signed the same with their own hand. and that said George Sheffield and said James Sheffield whose genuine signature is signed with their own hand to the foregoing depositions is known to me to be both respectable resident citizens of the County of Breckitt & State aforesaid - and that both are both entitled to full faith and credit - and I believe their statements to be true and to be after the stated occasion. It was made before signed & I have no interest in the result of this proceeding nor concerned in its prosecution and their signature thereto signed is genuine.
Thomas J. Hargis Breckitt County Court Ky

State of Kentucky County of Breathitt 3 set
I A B Patrick Clerk of the Court in and for the County of Breathitt & State aforesaid do certify that Thomas J. Prozier whose genuine signature is signed to the foregoing Certificate affidavit is and was at the date of signing the same the presiding Judge of the County Court of Breathitt & State aforesaid duly Commissioned & sworn according to Law & that all of his official acts as such is entitled to full faith & Credit & that the County Court aforesaid is a Court of Records having General Jurisdiction & his signature thereto attached is genuine in testimony whereof I have affixed the Seal of said County Court & Subscribed my name as Clerk of said Court this 20 th day in September 1853—
A. B. Patrick OK pro Clerk of Breathitt County Court Kentucky

Nov. 3, 1853. App l of Mary Sheffield, widow of George, Brentford Co., Ky.
Nov 29 th July, 1848.
Geo. J. Edwards, Present.
Mary Sheffield - widow - George Sheffield dec d . Application - R. Purvis. Brentford County Kentucky. Oct 29 th July 1848. Married 1795 - George Sheffield died in 1835.
J. J. Edwards atty at Washington D.C.
adap g  Cole Alfred Smith. Mt Vernon Radican. - the County Kentucky Alfred Smith filed by John S. Edwards Oct 3, 1853

State of Kentucky
Breathitt County, Set
September Term 1853
It is hereby ordered to be certified to the Honorable Commission of Pension at Washington City Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court now in session on this day herein in and for the County & State aforesaid by the Oaths of Reputable Testimony int- -roduced together with the order of County Court of Estill & State aforesaid which is hereto attached that George Sheffield mentioned in the Declaration of Mary Sheffield his widow hereto attached was a United States Revolutionary Pensioner in the County of Estill & State aforesaid at his decease & that said George Sheffield died in the County of Estill & State of Kentucky on the 17 th day of May 1835 leaving at his decease Mary Sheffield his wife a widow who has remained a widow up to the present date & that said Mary Sheffield his widow is now alive and a tenant citizen of the County of Breathitt & State aforesaid & that said George Sheffield is the same George Sheffield who is the husband of the widow said Mary Sheffield his wife who is now the applicant for this Pension for the County of Breathitt & State aforesaid
Copy True
A. Patrick Clerk Breck

At a court held for the County of Pike at the Court house in Irvine on the 15 th day of February 1856
Present
Worshipful
Samuel Kelly
Berg Stranahan
Samuel Sipton
Sampson Walters
Waird Snowden
Satisfactory proof was this day made in open Court by the oath of Burgess Elliott and Robert Clark that George Sheffield late a pensioner of the United States departed this life on the 17 th day of May 1855 and that the said George Sheffield was the identical person named in an original Certificate now here shown to the Court bearing date 12 th day of April 1853 and signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of war granting to the said George Sheffield a pension of sixty eight dollars and thirty three cents per annum and numbered 7348. And it was further proven to the satisfaction of the Court that Mary Sheffield is the widow of said George Sheffield and that she is now living in Pike County
Kentucky Pike County set
I Thomas H. Moarsen Clerk of the county Court for the County aforesaid Certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the records of said Court Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Irvine this 24 th day of April 1853 T H Moarsen Clerk