Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10,896, for Zachariah Piles, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Piles, Zachariah Susannah
N. 10,896 B.L. Wt. 50,894-160-55
CONTENTS

Ray Nov. 27. 1834 deton. through
22 nd Dec r 1849
me June 16/52
Aug 14/52
Aug 17/52
Aug 18/52
Aug 19/52
Aug 20/52
Mr. Justice Agassiz Died Nov. 1852
Wavy line scribble
Virginia 16 53
Zachariah Piles
of Monongalia in the State of Va who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col. Newman in the War for 8 months
Recd. June 18 1834
Entered on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of August and dated W.P. Rae Morgantown, Va.
Answers to the 4th of March 1832 9/55 Pension allowance ending Sept 1833 13.53 $109.98 $66.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by Cath. Rice - Clerk. Book E Vol. 6 Page 21
See letter to W. G. 11. 1840.
From T. P. Flygarnel
T. P. Fly
" " "
June 2 1855. April 2
P. Fly & Co. S. Clem
Feb 21 March 1835 - John C. [?] Pension [?] (Paid in class No. 1912 of [?])
185745

11.046
Virg'a
Zachariah Piles
11 months

State of Virginia } county of Monongalia } ss.
On this 25 th day of September, in the year, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared before the County court of Monongalia now sitting, Zachariah Piles, a resident of said county, aged seventy five 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 believes it was in the fall of the year 1776, he marched under Capt. Owen Parris to a station on the head of Buffalo creek, and afterwards removed to the West fork river now in Harrison county to guard the inhabitants of this country from the Indians that he was three months in that service as a volunteer.
That in the spring of the year 1778, he marched from his residence on the South Branch of the Potomack river, near to the town of Romney, under Capt. Archabold Wiggins, under in a regiment commanded either by Col. Hite or Vanmetre, (which he cannot recollect) and crossed the mountains on Braddock's trail and crossed the Monongahela river, below the mouth of the Yohogania, and from thence to the mouth of Big Beaver creek on the Ohio - that Genl. McIntosh was there at the time - that he was one of the soldiers, that assisted to build Fort McIntosh, near the mouth of said creek - that he marched one day's march in the direction to Tuscarora, and was taken sick and sent back to Fort McIntosh - that he was discharged by his captain, that he returned home late, in December of the year 1778, after an absence of more than six months.
That about the year 1780 he entered as a volunteer in this county, under Capt. David Scott, as a scout to protect the inhabitants on the frontiers, that he was engaged in this service two or three months.
That on the 16 th of March in the year 1777, he was performing the duty of a scout against the Indians on the waters of Dunkard creek, and was wounded in the heel by a ball, and four of his companions killed and four taken prisoners -
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
Zachariah his X Piles mark
And at the same time personally appeared before the said court Peter Flaught, and

a resident of said county, and made oath. that he has been personally acquainted with Zachariah Piles, who made the foregoing declaration in his presence for upwards of fifty seven years - that he knows that the said Piles served under Capt. Niggins and in McIntosh's campaign as stated in his declaration, and that he was wounded on the waters of Dunkard creek in the year 1777, and he believes that the said Piles did serve as a ranger or spy under the said David Scott, who he was personally acquainted with.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Peter Flaught mark
And the said court, do hereby declare their opinion, that the foregoing named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states, and the court further certifies to the Department of War, that Peter Flaught, is a man of respectable character, and that his statement is entitled to the fullest credit.
I Thomas P. Ray, clerk of the County court of Monongalia aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Zachariah Piles, for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said court, this 27 th day of September in the year 1832, and 57 th year of the Commonwealth.
Thos. P. Ray
On this 23 d day of April in the year 1833, personally appeared in open court, before the County court of Monongalia now sitting Zachariah Piles, the same person named in the foregoing declaration, and on his oath doth make the following additional declaration. That he served the United States a period of not less than six months, in McIntosh's campaign as stated in his former declaration -
That he is confident it was not less than two months, that he served as a volunteer under Scott's company, as heretofore stated - that the company was raised, for to serve the whole season, but as the inhabitants were unable to supply us in provisions we were discharged a short time before harvest and he thinks they commenced their scouting about the first of March - that Scott promised to see us all paid, but we never received a cent -
That he was born in Frederick county Maryland, on the 15 th of July 1758, and when about ten years of age his father removed his family into the county of Monongalia aforesaid, where he has

ever since resided - that he has the original record of his age, being his father's eldest child - that he recollects Col. Broadhead, Col. Gibson, Col. Evans, Col. Hite, Major Vanmetre, and a great many other officers in McIntosh's campaign - that he never received any written discharge - That he has been for many years been personally acquainted with Col. James Scott, Col. Dudley Evans, Capt. John Evans, Capt. John Dent, Col. Ralph Berkshire, and many other old and respectable inhabitants of said county, who he believes can testify as to his character for veracity and general believability in his services - That no clergyman resides in his neighbourhood.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Zachariah his Piles mark
We Dudley Evans and James Scott residing in Monongalia county, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Zachariah Piles, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declarations, that we believe him to be seventy five years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Dudley Evans
James Scott
And the said court, do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Dudley Evans and James Scott, who have signed the preceding certificate, are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Thomas P. Ray, clerk of the County court of Monongalia aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Zachariah Piles for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said court, at Morgantown, the 25 th of April in the year 1833, and 57 th year of the Commonwealth.
Thos. P. Ray

Monongalia county ss. This day Zachariah Piles a resident of said county, and to me personally known. this day personally appeared before me William Thomas a Justice of the peace in and for said county, and made oath. That he believes it was in the month of October. on the march from Fort McIntosh to Tuscarara. that he was taken sick. that he was immediately taken back to the fort, where he remained, and was enabled to assist in guarding the fort. until he was discharged in the month of December. as stated in his declaration. — I was paid for all the time.
That he cannot state with more precision that he has done his services. that he is so aged and infirm. that he cannot recollect, to make a more perfect statement — Zachariah his Piles
Sworn to and subscribed. on this 22 d of July 1833. Before me a Justice of the peace as aforesaid
W m Thomas
Virginia: I Thomas P. Ray, clerk of the County court of Monongalia, do certify, that William Thomas is a Justice of the peace for said county, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said court, at Morgantown, the 22 d of July A. D. 1833.
Thos. P. Ray
11.046
Virg'a
Zachariah Piles
11 months

Morgan
6.377
West Virginia
Susannah Piles widow of Zachariah Piles
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private.
Va
St. Albans
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars or cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. Ord. paymt.
27 July 1868 Madison
Certificate of Pension issued
21 st day of Nov, 1868
and sent to
John H. Hoffman & Co Morgantown W. Va
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 155 Vol. H
July 27 68
J. M. Smith

State of Virginia
Monongalia County ss
Be it known that on this 23 rd day of February in the year 1857 personally appeared before the County Court of Monongalia and State of Virginia — Susannah Piles — a resident of said County aged 71-years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision, made by acts of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. March 3 rd 1843. July 17 th 1844. February 2 nd 1848. and February 3 rd 1853. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, that she is the widow of Zachariah
Piles who was a soldier in the revolutionary war and was a pensioner of the United States upon the Virginia agency, and resided in said County when he drew a pension for the proof of his services as a soldier she begs leave to refer to his declaration and the certificates of Col. Dudley Evans and James Scott now on the files of the Pension Office.

she further states that H. G. Singleton Esqr. Commissioner appointed to examine the pension cases in Western Virginia done her husband great injustice in his report on his case from which report his name was dropped from the pension roll, and she asks that his name be replaced on said pension roll.
she also declares that she was married to the said Zachariah Piles to the best of her knowledge on the 7 th day of July A D. 1813 that her marriage took place in the County of Greene - in the state of Pennsylvania that her maiden name before marriage was Susannah
Logan - that she has no record of her marriage she further declares that her husband the aforesaid Zachariah Piles died on the 15 th day of November 1840 in the said County of Monongalia and that she has remained his widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed.
Her Susannah + Piles mark
At a County Court held in and for Monongalia County Virginia February Term 1857.
The declaration of Susanna Piles widow of Zachariah Piles decd. a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States made under the provision of the Acts of Congress passed on the 7 th July 1838. March 2 d

1843. July 17th 1844. February 1848 & February 3 d 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the war of the Revolution was produced in open Court, being a Court of Record and the said Declaration being read to said Susanna Piles, she made her mark thereto and made oath to said Declaration. Came into Court also John Fetter aged 84 years and Genl. E. D. Pindall aged 56 years, who being first duly sworn, say that they were personally well acquainted with Col. Dudley Evans now dead, and Capt. James Scott now dead. - that they were residents of this County - that they were highly credible persons - that said Evans was a Colonel in the war of 1812 - that said Scott drew a pension as a Soldier of the Revolution to the time of his death, for a number of years previous thereto - and that they are disinterested witnesses. Came also into Court John Walker aged 52 years & William Price aged 52 years residents of this County, who being first duly sworn, say that they were personally well acquainted with Zachariah Piles and Susanna his wife - the said Walker for 30 years before the death of said Zachariah Piles - the said Price for 15 years before his death - that they lived in the same neighborhood for that length of time before his death, - that they, the said Piles and Wife, raised a family of Children - that they lived together as man and wife, and was so regarded by their neighbors - that they never heard their marriage disputed. - that the said Zachariah always acknowledged the said Susanna as his wife - that the said Zachariah Piles died in this County on the 15 th day of November 1840, leaving the said Susanna

his widow, who still continues his widow, and that they are disinterested witnesses. And the Court doth order that it be certified to the Commissioner of Pensions, that the said Declaration and testimony are approved by the Court. And the Court doth further certify that the above named persons witnesses are credible persons.
At a County Court held in & for Monongalia County Virginia
April Term 1857.
The Declaration of Susanna Piles widow of Zachariah Piles deceased for a pension under the Acts of Congress passed in favor of widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, was again produced in Court, and the affidavits of Hon. Edgar C. Wilson, Hon. William C. Brown, Samuel Minor Esq. and Capt. John Sultz was produced in open Court, and upon examination of said Declaration, affidavits and certificates thereto annexed, are approved of by the Court, and ordered to be certified to the Commissioners of Pensions that said affiants are credible persons.
State of Virginia } ss. County of Monongalia }
I Marshall M. Dent Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a true transcript of two orders made by said Court taken from the Records of said Court, and that I have no interest in said application. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court. this the 1st day of June 1857. Marshall M. Dent Clk.

255.748. Act Mar 3/55 Sept 4/56
End P
33326-160
Susanah Pileswood Yach. Pileswood Pitt
Capt. Alfred Wiggins Col. Hite Genl. Mc. Intosh
Ent. 1778. Dis. 1780 or 81.
Private
Rev. War.
Pensioner
va. June 22 - 16453 ad. December 20/56 Dodge
John D. Byrne Morgantown Va.
Vol. P= 95

255.748.
Susannah Piles widow of Zachariah Piles Declaration for bounty bond War of Revolution & Indian Ranger
John P. Byrne Agent Morgantown Monongalia County Virginia

Bounty Land Claim, war of the Revolution & Indian Ranger, widows application.
State of Virginia County of Monongalia
On the 31 st day of July - one thousand eight hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me William Price - a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Susannah Piles aged 70 years a resident of said County, who being duly sworn, according to law, declared that she is the widow of Zechariah Piles, who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Archibald Wiggins Col. Hite or Vanmeter under Genl. McIntosh in the war of the Revolution that her said husband served in 1779 at Fort McIntosh for six months and the the year 1780 or 1781 that her said husband served three months under Captain David Scott as an Indian spy on the waters of the Ohio River and that her said husband husband drew a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832.
She further states that she was married to the said Zechariah Piles in Greene - County and State of Pennsylvania on the 6 th day of July - A.D. 1814. by one David Worsley - a Justice of the peace - and that her name before her said marriage was Susannah Legas and that she has no record of her marriage And that her said husband died in said County of Monongalia on the 15 th day of November A.D. 1840 and that she still continues continues a widow. she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under

the Act granting Bounty Land to certain Officers & soldiers who have been engaged in the Military service of the United States approved the 14 day of May 1836. She also declares that this is the only application that she ever made for bounty land - and that she has never received Bounty Land under any act of Congress.
Susannah for + Piles marks
We Andrew Brown — and Isaac Shriver — residents of Monongalia County, in the State of Virginia: upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Susannah Piles in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and is still a widow. and that said Zachariah Piles died in said County on the 15 th day of November — A.D. 1840 leaving the said Susannah Piles his widow.
Andrew Brown Isaac Shriver
* The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above within written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons. And that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and is still

a widow, and that I have no interest in the claim.
William Price (I.P.)
We Andrew Brown and Isaac Shriver, aged 57 and years, respectively residents of Monongalia County & State of Virginia, upon our oaths declare that we have been personally & well acquainted with Zachariah Piles and Susannah Piles his wife from the year 1814 up to the time of the death of said Zachariah Piles in the year 1840, and we believe that the said Zachariah Piles and Susannah Piles were married in the state of Pennsylvania, and at the time of their marriage there was no record kept of marriages in said state - said Affiants resided about five miles from where said marriage took place - were not present at the marriage, they resided in the same neighbourhood with said Piles & wife only about one mile from them up to the time of his death, and they were always reputed in the neighbourhood to be man & wife, and Affiants believed them to be such - never heard their marriage doubted or disputed by any person, and that said Piles & wife had one child that is still living 39 years old - that the said Susannah still lives in our neighbourhood and is known as the widow of Zachariah Piles - and that we have no interest whatever in said application for county-lease -
State of Virginia } Monongalia County } Solet.
The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me in the County and State aforesaid on the day of August 1856 - and I hereby certify that I know the Affiants to be credible persons. And that the Claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and is still a widow, and that I have no interest in the Claim -
E. B. Bygard J. P. Piles

State of Virginia County of Monongalia to wit, I Marshall M. Dent Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify that William Price and E. B. Tygard, Esqrs. before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavits were made, was at the time thereof Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly autho- rized to administer oaths for general purposes, and that the foregoing are their genuine signatures, and I further certify that I am not connected or interested in said application for bounty and In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Official seal of said Court this 27 day of August 1856 Marshall M. Dent Clerk
255.74h
Susannah J. Lee widow
of Zachariah J. Lee
Declaration for bounty bond
War of Revolution & Indian Ranger
John J. Byrne
Agent
Morgantown Monongalia County
Virginia

No. 6999
Susannah Piles widow of Zachariah Pamunkey Co. Virginia
Admitted, Act Feb 3, 1853, at rate of $36.66 c per annum, commencing at rate of said act
Pay widow
Certificate to Hon. S. Clement House of Reps.

Miss Sherard Kennard.
Iva
(Mr. Parsons)
Miss C. Whiting
Washington City
D.C.
Midder

Enterprise, 22 nd March '58.
My Dear Sir,
I would thank you to put your influence on the facts of Mrs. Folsom's power of attorney to the genuineness of Seyr. Folsom's signature, &c.
Mrs. Folsom has a meritorious claim to a pension under the act of Feb. 1853, and I marvel at the effort to induce the Secy. of the Interior to understand & comprehend her claims.
Very Truly, &c.
J. W. Foster
Hon. S. Clement.
N.B.
Washington City.

Clarkesburg Va 18 th June 1857.
John P. Byrne, Esq. Dear Sir:
Your letter of the 30 th of Ap ril . came to hand, during my absence from home - attending my courts - which accounts for the delay in not forwarding the copies you desire.
I hasten to send you herewith inclosed the copies requested. The copies in Singleton vs. U. States vs. Locks. Piles and Ab m Brown, in debt, is also sent as being one of the cases brought by Mr. Singleton vs. said defts. - The Chancery case - of whose dismissal, I send also a copy of dismissal - was subsequently brought, I think, while Hon.

Geo. G. Lee was U.S. District Attorney. My fee for these copies, and for certificates and seal to same, is $1. 55 / 100 , which you can send me, as you propose, by Mr. or Mrs. K. Goff, when they shall again visit your place.
I regret that my absence from home, should have occasioned delay in forwar- ding these copies; but trust it will occasion you no serious inconvenience.
Very truly
Your friend,
Thos. L. Moore

Hon. Zachariah E. Chandler
Oct 10 1892
Colo
Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Miss Shenae Ahrens
Commissaire of Pensins
Washington City
D.C.

Zachariah Hiss Va - Oct 1832
post off
Oct. 1833
Dear
Genl. George H. Whiting
Yours sincerely in care
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Washington
Be

233.798
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
[Faint, illegible handwriting]

Hon d George W Whiting Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

57.894
Rev Amp

6377 Virginia. Wheeling Dilsannah Piles, widow of Zachariah Piles
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 22 nd day of April 1858, and sent to
Hon. S. Clemens, W. R.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3 1853 Page 155 Vol. 1
Hon. S. Clemens April 24/58 " " June 8/58. Report of Commissioner See Pensions

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No.
10896
Susannah Piles
Heir of
Yachariable Piles
Print Rev. War
Act:
Febry 3 rd
1853.
Index:—Vol.
M
Page
130
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Morgantown Va July 2 nd 1857 Hon d George C Whiting Commissioner of Pensions Sir
I received your letter of the 16 th of June, in relation to restoring the name of Zachariah Piles, decd, to the Virginia Roll, under the act of June 7 th 1832, from which he was dropped in 1834. from the enclosed papers you will see that his case after a careful Examination by the District Attorney, and also by the Judge they decided in favour of said Piles, he was then dead and his widow did not know, any thing about business, not being able to read or write, George H Lee District Attorney, and at this time one of the Judges of the Court of Appeals of the State, examined the witnesses on behalf said Piles, and gave his opinion &c said witnesses are now dead. please to examine said

application, with the record evidence now offered which I am in hopes is sufficient to restore his name to the Pension Roll. I should have sent the record evidence, with the other evidence, the enclosed letter will explain, why I did not, when examined, let me know the result.
Respectfully yours John P. Byrne

Fairmount Va,
May 6 th 1857.
Geo C Whiting Esqr Com Pensions, My D r Sir:
My friend Mr. Byrne, of Morgantown, Va, encloses with this the papers of Mrs Susan -nah Piles, widow of Zadariah Piles and who was stricken from the list of Revolutionary pensioners, so that by its reinstatement justice may be meted out to her. Among the affidavits of said papers will be found those of Sam l Minor, Esqr, and Capt John Lantz, and those also of the Hon's E. C. Wil- -son and Wm G. Brown. I merely wish to say that Minor was a justice of the peace for 40 years, and Capt Lantz commanded a company in the War of 1812 - are the near neighbors of the family of Piles - and are of the very first respectability and character. Of Messrs Wilson and Brown I need not speak, both having represented this District ably in Congress and among the best men of the State.
This name was stricken from the rolls by Mr. Single- -ton of Winchester, the then attorney in the Federal Court for Western Va and the then commissioner appointed to investigate claims of the kind alleged to have been fraudulently obtained; and the reason given in this case is that Piles was too young to have performed the service for which he claimed his pension. These certificates

I am sure will satisfy you correctly on that head. As Mr. Singleton was interested to the extent of a fee ($20, I believe) many have thought he might be influenced thereby to decide adversely to the claimants. I make no such charge myself, nor know any thing whatever touching the correctness of the allegation, but justice to both parties will justify the officers in scrutinizing such cases that injury shall not be done to either. About that time cases were fraudulently made up, but it may be that the clamor against these resulted to the injury of many persons, and I have no doubt of it, who were justly entitled. Many such have been reinstated, & I ask the considerate attention of the Commission to this application of Mrs. Piles
Very truly J. Kidwell

16 on C. No. 6
Will Mr. Gaddis oblige by calling out the smaller sets. Let me know briefly whether - 1st mean with the can. & 2nd what are its merits
C. H. W.
17 Feb 1938

Please to reexamine this case examine the order of the U. S. Court of the 3 d April 1852. Testimony of Minor, Lantz, Wilson & Brown &c
Letter of Hon d S. Coleman.
you will see that the suit was not dismissed untill 3 April 1852 so that the length of time should not operate against a widow that cannot write, it seems to me, that the examination of the U. S. District Attorney & Court, would disprove the report or conclu- sions of the Hon d W. G. Singleton in his hasty examination.
16 February 1858
Hon d George C Whiting ! John P. Byrne Morgantown Va

Payment to be made at Wheeling, by Geo. S. Thompson Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Virginia,
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 155, Vol. 16.
G. S. Getty
Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853.
Widow of Zachariah Piles, who was a _____ private, _____ in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Thirty Six dollars and Sixty-Six cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, thirty-second, day of April, _____ one thousand eight hundred and fifty- eight.
J. Thompson
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
W. A. H. Lewis
Commissioner of Pensions.

Brief in the case of Susannah Piles, widow of Zachariah Piles Monongalia County and State of Virginia act February 3, 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband of Claimant was a pensioner of the United States under act of June 7, 1832 at rate of $36.66 2/3 per annum, and died November 15, 1848, as proved by parcel.
Marriage of the parties in 1813, identity of Claimant as the widow of said pensioner (If for increase.) and her present widowhood, proved
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
by several credible witnesses Allowance accordingly.
Ann Merritt Clements House of Reps Name and residence of Agent
Rheddy Examining Clerk.

Pension Office April 19, 1838
Respectfully referred to the Third Auditor for date of last Payt.
J. P. Gale Forbear
3rd Auditor's Office April 20 th 1838
Sir:- Zachariah Pile seems to have been paid, the Va. Roll act 1832. 4 th year: 1834.
Respy.
Nathl. Morrison
Auditor
C. Whiting, Esq. } m. of Pensions. }

Susanna Piles widow of Zachariah Piles decd. a soldier of the Revolution & pensioner under the act of 7 June 1832
"Additional Evidence"
John P Byrne Agent Morgantown Monongalia County Va

Increase
Brief in the Case of
6377 Susannah Piles. Widow of Zachariah Piles
a private of the Rev War.
Mooresville
Wheeler
Margalia
County and State of
West Virginia
Act 2 d Sec Feb 3. 1853.
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pensioner on roll of Wheeling at $36.60 per annum. She returns certificate with application for increase as provided in act of July 27 1868
Personal identity shown
Admitted Nov 15. 1868 to a pension at $96. per annum to commence July 27. 1868 deducting pay since.
Name and residence of Agent.
John H Hoffman Esq Morgantown W. Virginia.
W. L. Frask Examining Clerk.

Payments to be made at Richmond by the Presd: W. B. Bke. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Virginia Zachariah Files
Sep 1833
lived in mng d 15 y o removed from Fred o M d
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 6 Page 21 by Math: Rice Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Zachariah Piles of the State of Virginia who was a Private in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive Twenty Six dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 21 st day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty-Three
Lewis Cass.
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Geo. Wm. Crampton
Acting - Commissioner of Pensions.

Morgantown 7 a July 30 th 1857 Honble George H Whiting Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir
In your letter objecting the application of Susanna Piles widow of Zachariah Piles decd. to a pension of the U. S. under the act of 1832, and from the report of H. G. Singleton in 1835, his name was proposed from dropped from the Pension Roll, you say in your letter the fact, of his not making any effort to have his name reinstated, for operates against him &c, the facts are these H. G. S. was then U. S. attorney, and brought suit soon after his report, against said Piles & A Brown said Piles defended said suit untill his death, and the case was decided a year or two after his death in his favour, in 1852 his case was and testimony offered on his behalf, were examined by the Attorney for the U. S. George H Lee was one of the Judges of the Court of Appeals in this state, and also examined by Judge Breckenborough, the present Judge, and they decided in favour of said Piles, which I think should set a side, said one sided report of said Singleton, he made himself unpopular in said examination of the Pensioners, he was afterwards nominated by President John Tyler, as Marshal for this district, and the Senate refused to confirm said nomination, from that fact, so I was informed by the Members of Congress from this district, and I consider that H. G. Singleton in his report done great injustice to said Piles, his widow, can not read or write, and I am in hopes that you will, reinstate his name on the Pension Roll,
Respectfully yours John D Byrne

United States
vs. 3 Co. Order of Dismissal.
Lack. Piles ex rs g rs
See 45 th

At a District Court of the United States for the Western District of Virginia, continued and held at Clarksburg, on Saturday the 3d day of April 1852.
United States.
Compt o
vs. S.
In Chancery
John Liles and William Price, Executors of Zachariah Liles, dec d . and Abraham Brown. Defendants.
The District Attorney represented to the Court that, after a careful examination of this cause, both as regards the Law and the facts thereof, he was of opinion that the same ought not to be fur- ther prosecuted by the government, (the same being now at Rules) and submitted the propriety of its dismissal to the Court; and the Court after a like examination, concur- red in the opinion of the District Attorney, and recommended its dismissal, and thereupon, it is ordered that the same be and is hereby dismissed.
United States of America,
Western District of Virginia, S o cit:
I, Thomas L. Moore, Clerk of the District Court of the United States for the Western District of Vir- ginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records and judicial proceedings of the said Court at Clarksburg, in said District, in a certain suit in Chancery, lately depending in the said Court between

the United States of America Complainants and John Piles and William Price, executors of Richard Piles, deceased, and Abraham Brown, defendants.
In Testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and annex the seal of the said Court at Clarkshurg aforesaid, this 18 th day of June, in the year of our Lord One thou- sand Eight hundred and fifty- seven, and in the 81 st year of the Independence of the United States of America.
Thos. L. Moore, Clerk D.C. U.S. W.D. Va.
United States
vs. S th Co. Order of Dismissal
Richard Piles ex r o g o
See 45 th etc

68
J. L. Edwards
free
Com d of Pension
War Depar t
Washington

Morgantown 12 th Nov 1834
Col. J. L. Edwards Sir
Mr. Singleton informs me that he has finished the examination of the Pensioners and applicants in this county, and amongst a few others thinks that 16453 Zachariah Piles is not entitled - as well as I recollect his declaration, which was first written by Mr. Haymond. I think Mr. S. is mistaken. I promised Piles to write you for a copy of it, and the evidence, that I may examine into the case more particularly.
So far as I have observed, Mr. S. is indefatigably engaged. indeed he must have been so, for in less than ten days, in this county, he must have travelled above 250 miles. judging from the route he took - he mentioned a few days since, that no examination was to me made in Ohio & Brooke counties - I cannot see the propriety of omitting these counties, as all were indiscriminately suspended, altho' I have never heard any doubts except as to Ohio, and I cannot now recollect from what source - it may have proceeded from the impression that the Lewis company have been there, altho' I do not know that, that is the case.
Mr. S. has decided against one of those, for whom I wrote the declaration, Purnell Houston - 13.139 I still think he is in an error, but that you are to judge, for I suppose Houston will appeal to you thro' Hon. Mr. Wilson. Why will not the Agent at Richmond pay the pension due to John Nelson's 26429 widow which you granted some time ago, she writes to me that it is suspended.
I am very resp d Your H. C. Clay

Letter to Governor Percival Forest Hills
Mr. Whiting will please close this case, at once and oblige
Edward Clancey
April 15. Hof R.

Mr. Morris, Green Co. Penna.
March 15 th 1858.
Sir:
At the instance of Mrs. Sarah Piles, whose letter of attorney, authorizing me to act in the premises, accompanies this, I write you a fuller explanation than you may have received, in relation to her claim for a pension, under the act of Feb. 1853.
Mrs. Piles, I am informed, made her application in Open Court, agreeably to your rules, in Feb. 1857, through J. P. Byrne, Esq., of Morgantown, Va., and Mr. Byrne informs me, if I understood him correctly, that her claim was suspended, because the application was too late . I think there must be misapprehension in this respect. The act of Feb. 3, 1853, certainly, either in express terms, or constructively, imposes no limitation as to the period in which those entitled to its benefits are to prefer their claims.
Zachariah Piles, died in Nov. 1840, aged about 82 years, and was one of the earliest settlers and pioneers in this County, having come from the South Branch when a boy, in 1775, or 1776. For twenty years of his active life - from 1775 to 1795, he participated in contests with the Indians, who, during that period, made frequent inroads on the settlements here. In no part of the country were Indian alarms and atrocities more frequent than in Western Virginia & Pennsylvania, and I find, in an

acquaintance and intercourse of twenty years with the descendants of the first settlers, that, of reliable traditions is fallen, our most authentic history of Border Warfare, is but the meagre outlines of the true history of this interesting region.
Piles carried to Tusc grane , a woman, that ever after death has been received in the leg, in 1782, whilst a comrade who was with him was shot down and scalped by the Indians.
He claimed to have served under between 1778 to 1780 - Captain Scott's Company - and marched by Pittsburgh and Beaver to the Tuscawanas, in what is now the state of Ohio.
I would respectfully refer you to a statement, containing the declarations and statements of Richard Tennant, that I sent some time since with the application of Jacob G. Haught, for arrears claimed in behalf of the heirs of Peter Haught.
The declarations of Tennant were as full in relation to the meritorious service of Zachariah Piles, as of Peter Haught.
The course of the Government towards Piles and Haught was responsive to the moral sense and patriotism of this whole neighborhood; and from what I can learn of the feelings pervading this community, at the time, W. G. Pendleton, U.S. district attorney, at whose instance the small stipend allowed by the Government to Haught & Piles, was suspended, would have stood a fine chance to be "furred

and feathered" for the dastardly course he pursued if he had placed himself within reach of Lynch law.
J. B. Wilson and W. H. Brown, Esquires, who have both represented this district in Congress, and are lawyers of high standing, both attest the entire incompetency of Singleton - and say that of the numerous suits he instituted, he never obtained judgement for the Govt. in a single instance. Acting from no consideration but the fees the Govt. paid him, as the facts abundantly show, it is surprising that the mere opinion of such a man, is taken by your office, as conclusive against the meritorious claims of the soldiers, whom you had previously pensioned upon evidence that must have been satisfactory under your rules - And the Govt. commits the further wrong, through Singleton, that, when if instituted suits continued them for several years, and then withdrew the suits, giving the dependents no opportunity to adduce the facts in their proper form - going to establish the meritorious service of Piles and Hargett.
(You have issued Mrs. Piles a Widow's Warrant for 160 acres under the act of March 3 d 1853, as the widow of Zachariah Piles aforesaid. Hence you must have decided, upon a review of the testimony evidence upon which Piles was pensioned as a revolutionary soldier, that it was conclusive and satisfactory.
In conclusion I write a a a that in this now densely settled neighborhood

where Pales lived and was respected as a man of honesty and truth, amongst the oldest residents who knew him, not one ever entertained a doubt touching his meritorious services in the Revolutionary Army, and in predatory excursions against the Indians as a ranger & spy, and it is equally notorious that several who served a few months in Indian Camps - perhaps in 1790, and who are 15 or 20 years younger than Pales would be, if now living, are in the receipt of Pensions as " Revolutionary Pensions ".
Very Respectfully, Gerrit H. Smith.
Hon. M. C. Whiting, Commr. Pensions. Washington City.
J. G. Coughner
Letter to former Reserve - Mrs. Pales
Mr. Whiting will please close the case at once and oblige
Friend Thomas
Hart R.
April 15.

2 Piles
11. 046.
~
Wao Ret
Admit as a pupil
8 months $24.66
73.32 18.33 91.65
for 11 mo.
36.66-
Thos. P. Ray Morgantown Va

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 subjunct notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  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 enquiry 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
State how long he served before he was taken sick

Susannah Piles widow of Zachariah Piles dec d a soldier of the Revolution, application for a pension and that his name be replaced on the pension roll.
John P. Byrne Agent Morgantown Monongalia County Virginia

State of Virginia Monongalia County
We, Samuel Minor aged 80 years, and John Launty aged 84 years, Residents of Monongalia County and State of Virginia, upon our oaths declare that we the said Affiants were personally acquainted with Zachariah Piles now deceased, who drew a pension as a Revolutionary Soldier for some one or two years in his lifetime — That the affiants acquaintance with said Piles commenced about the year 1798, and continued until his death which took place in said County in the year 1840 — That they the said, affiants lived in the same neighborhood and County with said Piles and that he was reputed, and believed to have been a soldier, and in the service in the Revolutionary War — And the said Affiants sincerely believe him the said Piles to have been old enough to have done service as a soldier in said War, judging from his appearance when they first became acquainted with him, as his age indicated at that time as if he might have been 18 or 20 years in 1778 — And that the said Affiants have frequently heard the said Piles speak of his service in the time of said War — And that the said Piles was considered by all of his acquaintances to be a man of truth in every respect — and that we have no interest in this claim for a pension for Susannah Piles the widow of Zachariah Piles now deceased
Samuel Minor John Launty
The foregoing Affidavit, was sworn to and subscribed before me this 27 th day of March in the year 1857, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim.
E. B. Tygard

Morrongalia County State of Virginia (Q)
Edgar C. Wilson personally appeared before me the Presiding Justice for the county aforesaid, and made oath, That some years since he was counsel for Zachariah Diles, and Peter Haught, formerly Revolutionary Pensioners, and whose names were stricken from the Pension Roll, through the report of Washington G. Singleton late district Attorney - That this affiant from his examination of the subject at the time and since, believed, and still believes that said Singleton was mistaken in his Report, and that he acted without proper information, and oppressively, toward said Pensioners, as well as others of like character. April 27 th 1857 - This affiant has no interest in this application - Edgar C. Wilson
The foregoing affidavit was sworn to before me this 27 th day of April 1857 and I certify that I know the affiant Hon d Edgar C. Wilson to be a credible person and that I have no interest in the claim. John D. B. Lough V.P.
Presiding Justice for Mont g & Va.

State of Virginia
Montgomery County to wit
This day William J. Brown of full age personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid and made oath that some time about 1834 or 35 Mr Singleton then U.S. attorney for the western district of Virginia came to the county of Preston and examined the claims of several persons in that county who were drawing pensions under the act of Congress of June 1832 and reported against the claims of two persons which the deponent now recollects to wit John Hartman and Andrew Johnson both of which were subsequently reinstated and appear to have had no doubt at the time nor has he any doubt now that Mr Singleton was imposed upon by persons inimical to said pensioners and appear further states that from his knowledge of the manner of said Singleton's investigations he is inclined to believe that he would be likely to report adversely to the claims of deserving soldiers of the revolution owing to the general and imperfect character of the evidence offered in support of their claims and the hasty and imperfect ena

animat d he necessarily made in his excursions through the country, and this affiant has no interest in this application.
Wm G Brown
The foregoing affidavit, was sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 day of April in the year 1857, and I certify that I know the affiant Hon d William G Brown to be a credible person, and that I have no interest in this application.
John B. Lough J. P.
State of Virginia } ss. Monongalia County }
I Marshall M. Dent Clerk of the County Court of the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John B. Lough is Presiding Justice of the County Court aforesaid, and Justice of the Peace for said County and that E. B. Lygard is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County - that they, the said Lough & Lygard are duly commissioned and qualified as such, and were at the time of taking the foregoing affidavits, and that their signatures thereto written are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this the 1st day of June 1857.
Marshall M. Dent CLERK

Gachancapols - Pan, Munozgalin city -
Frans -
East speaks Russian. Loud & fits security. give for the money with Salazar -

Yachiacal Pile of No. 640
I the undersigned Yachiacal Pile at the requisition of the Secretary of War, give the following particulars of my age and Residences and Services hereon. I shall be 77 years old the 15 th of July next - in the year in which the war commenced. or in the next succeeding year. (I can't tell which year can I tell in what year the war did commence) I when there in West- Virginia (then) in Mineral county, under Capt. Burn Dary, we went about 30 men, to the head of Payalun creek (Mtn. City) and built huts. remained there several weeks, and we then went to the junction of the West Fork of Gauley and Gauley, and built huts there also. at the latter place the term expired - after the going there there was a fort built on Duncan's creek called "Stradlers Fort" this fort was built in the year in which the war commenced. my father lived near the fort on the opposite side of the creek. I went to live with my father. - he, after the war broke out, pretty soon. moved east to the Allegheny Mountains, and left my mother & myself at the fort. to take care of place and property. and to raise a crop on his place, my mother and myself remained at the fort my father's place for some three years. when we first settled there, the people of the fort and settlement. "put Shann. as captain" who never had any commission. Shann continued as captain about two years. upon his quitting, the people of the settlement. "put in Simon Foye as captain" he had no commission. - there were sent from a distance to guard the fort settlement. "Neither the settlers nor myself at that time were enrolled as part of the guard" the settlers, including my mother & myself were engaged in clearing land and raising crops. when on the Indians came in the settlement (which was frequent) the settlers would turn out with the guard to pursue the Indians sometimes seven or eight days at a time. I never went out my self but two trips. and

in these two trips I was gun "Seven days" one one occasion some letters were driven into the Fort by the Indians - In men including my self went after their plunder, we were attacked by the Indians. some were killed. some taken prisoners - myself & the other man escaped. in this expedition I was gun two days & received a wound from a bullet on my knee , after receiving this wound. I went to Hamilton County, where my father then was. whilst there I was drafted and marched under Capt. Wiggins to the mouth of Big Bear, and aided in building Fort McIntosh. Genl. McIntosh with the greater part of the army marched from Fort McIntosh. to Tuscarahoa, he left some men behind to guard Fort McIntosh. I was mustered left -
I got here from the Service about Christmas - went out after hours - I am pretty satisfied I was gun four months. - about two years after the last mentioned Service. Capt Salt of a Pennsylvania Cavalry company of Riflemen. I joined them - (about 25 men) we ranged around the settlement, and guarded it against invasion from the Indians - the settlement agreed to permit Capt Salt's Comp any with the necessary provisions. - they failed to furnish supplies - the company came in and dispersed - we were out two months and a half, no pay was promised. we had no success. either from the government or the settlement the injury comprises all my services. John Brockman wrote my declaration - by contract I agreed to give him one third of the amount drawn. In default of all which I here subscribe my name. Nov. 9. 1834 - I acquired the settlement or I made an agreement of 400 acres of land Walter Isaac Cooper Yachanial X Piles Mark
Note. the certificate is restored & bond the security given for. Henry & McIntosh.
W. G. Gyleton Nov 20. 1834

N.
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION.
Under section 13, act of July 27, 1868.
Susannah Piles widow of Zackariah Piles  deed Private in Revolutionary War
FILED BY
John N. Hoffman  v. co. Morgantown W. Va.
Printed and sold by W. H. Moore, 484 11th st., Washington, D. C.

DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION.
(Under section 13, Act July 27, 1868.)
State of West Virginia } ss.
County of Monongalia }
On this thirty first day of October, A. D. 1868, personally appeared before me, a Justice within and for the county and State aforesaid, Susannah Piles, aged 82 years, a resident of Monongalia Co W Va in the State of West Virginia, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Susannah Piles to whom was granted Pension certificate No. 6377, payable at Wheeling W Va at the rate of 36 66/100 dollars per month, issued under the act of Feby 3rd 1853; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the thirteenth section of the act of July 27, 1868.
My Post Office address is as follows: Mooresville, Monongalia Co W Va
And she hereby constitutes and appoints John K Hoffman esq. of Morgan town West Va her Attorney, to present and prosecute this claim, and authorizes them to receive and receipt for any certificate that may be issued for the same, and to do any other act or thing necessary or that she might do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose.
Signature of Claimant: Susannah her Piles mark
Also personally appeared Uriah Piles and Elmira Jane Piles, residents of Monongalia Co W Va, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Susannah Piles sign name (make her mark) to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Signatures of Witnesses. Uriah Piles
Elmira Jane Piles
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 31st day of October, A. D. 1868; and I
hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. I further certify that the Declaration was read to the applicant before signing and she assented to the same. And I further certify that the said Susannah Piles

is very old & feeble and is totally blind so that she is not able to go to the County Seat a distance of 15 miles to execute her her declaration before the Clerk of the Court.
Wm. N. Sine justice
State of West Virginia County of Monongalia } to wit:
I Augustus Hayward Clerk of the Circuit Court, do hereby certify that Wm N Sine Esq., before whom the above declaration and affidavit was executed, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned  Elected and sworn, and his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 20 th day of November , A. D. 1868.
A. Hayward , Clerk.

Las. Pelis room city. —

Know all men by these presents, That I, Susannah Piles, widow of Zachariah Piles, decd. a Revolutionary soldier, late of Monongalia County, Virginia, who was a pensioner under the act of June, 1833, which was unjustly or illegally withheld in the year 1835, and whereas I have made application for and have received a bounty land warrant under the act of March 3 1855, for 160 acres, the number of which I do not now know, for the Revolutionary services of my husband aforesaid, and also made application for a pension under the 2 d section of the act of February 3 1853, through John R. Dymond Esq. of Morgantown, Virginia, which had not been allowed;
I, therefore, in consideration of the premises hereby appoint & constitute J. V. Doyne, my attorney to prosecute my claim for a pension under the act of Congress aforesaid and do all things necessary & proper in the premises. Witness my hand and seal this 12 th day of March 1858.
Virginia, Monongalia Co. ss. Susannah Piles her mark
Be it known, That on the 12 th day of March 1858, came before me, E. B. Sygard, a justice of the peace in and for said County, Susannah Piles to me well known and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to J. V. Doyne, to her act and deed.
E. B. Sygard

Rev. Peterboro N.H.
House of Representatives
March April 14 1838
I certify that I am well acquainted with E. B. Fugard Esq., before whom the foregoing acknowledgement was made and declare him to be at this time an acting Justice of the Peace, and that the signature attached to said acknow- -ledgement purporting to be his, is I believe, his genuine signature.
Shura & Chace.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Pilgnitt, Henry GRADE Private LINE New York (Pilgest)
Pencil notation only
WARRANT NUMBER 7605 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Sept. 15, 1790
to John S. Hobart et al, assignees
*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.