Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9998, for Andrew Pitman, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Vac
Pitman, Andrew Minix, Margaret or Minnix
W 9998
CONTENTS
(Former widow)

Virginia 3378-
Andrew Pitman
of Frederick in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Wilson of the Regt commanded by Col. Calames in the Virginia line for 10 months from 1777-
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 33 - Dollars 33 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of Dec 1832 and sent to L. Benk Winchester, Va
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 49.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mar: 33. 16.67 $66.66
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice - Clerk, Book ⑥ Vol. 7 Page 110

Andrew Pitman
from 1777. private 10 months. $ 33 \frac{33}{100} .

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
Virginia
Frederick County to Wit.
On this day of 1832 Personally appeared in Open Court, before the Court of Frederick County , now sitting Andrew Pitman a resident of the town of Stephensonburg in the County of Frederick and State of Virginia aged Seventy two 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 was drafted, and Entered the Service of the United States, about the latter End of the Month of September 1777, and served three months that he marched from Winchester in Virginia under Capt. Wilson, Capt. Williams Helm was also commanded another company.
Robert White was an Maj t Major in Col. Calames, and Charles McPherson were both Colonels. After marching from Winchester this deponent recollects, that he proceeded to Lancaster in Pennsylvania, passing through Frederick Town in Maryland, Fanny Town, M c Callister Town, in Pennsylvania, & York in Pennsylvania, From Lancaster marched to Reading in Pennsylvania, from Reading marched down to the Schuylkill river within four or five miles of Philadelphia, where this deponent was discharged having served out his term of three months. — That Capt a James Wilson gave and signed this deponent's discharge, but that the same has been lost or destroyed. This deponent further dec- lares that he enlisted under Capt a Reynolds as a Guard Over the British prisoners in Winchester, this to the best of deponent's recollection was some time in the latter part of the year of 1779, or 1780 and continued in that service about three months, and was discharged. The enlist- ment was conditional, if the Guard was furnished with reg- =mental Clothing within three months, we were to serve twelve months, if not and were to be discharged at the End of three months. Our regimental Clothing was not furnished in the time , and we were ac- =ordingly discharged, at the End of three months. To the best of deponent's recollection some time in the Spring of 1781, he this dep- =onant turned out as a Volunteer under Col. Holmes and Col. Fane and marched from Winchester to Albemarle Barracks in Vir- =ginia passing through the Counties of Shenandoah,

and lower End of Roanoke River, crossing the Blue ridge at Swift run Gap, and from thence through the county of Culpeper to the said Albemarle Barracks from thence marched to Fredericksburg in Virginia and was stationed at Falmouth nearly opposite Fredericksburg about Fifteen or Sixteen days - and were dismissed - no written discharges were given for this Expedition the Volunteers, not having served more than about One month, In the same Summer 1781, he this deponent was drafted as a Guard under Capt Adam Steishell to Guard the British prisoners at Winchester Barracks - for two months, but before his time Expired the prisoners were removed from Winchester Barracks to Fort Frederick in Maryland, this deponent marched with the Guard to Fort Frederick, and was discharged, does not recollect whether he obtained a written discharge or not for this service - Early in July 1781, this deponent went Substitute for three months for Ezeheil Carter, and marched under Capt William Frost and joined the regular Army under the Command of Genl La Fayette - Col, Blackwood and Majt Boyd commanded the Infantry, to which this deponent was attached - that the troops to which this deponent was attached marched from Winchester in Virginia and passed through the Counties of Fauquier, Stafford, crossing the Rappahannock river at Falmouth through Fredericksburg in Virginia, from thence through Spotsylvania Caroline Hanover Counties to the City of Richmond, from thence through Henrico and York Counties and joined La Fayette about 20 miles from York, about three or four weeks after joining La Fayette the British under Cornwallis forced us to retreat under Fayette as high up the country as the Rappahannock ford on the Rappahannock river, we were then joined by Genl Wayne at the head of a considerable regular force and, then the British soon commenced a retreat, and were pursued by La Fayette and Wayne, down the country towards York, This deponent marched with the Army down to Williamsburg in Virginia, and after serving out his term of three months was detained about Fifteen days over the time for which he Engaged, and the whole Company was so detained - It was urged by the General Officers that we could not be spared until some Companies of Militia arrived to whom we arms were delivered, my discharge was made out and signed by Lieutenant

Simsey for Capt Frost, this discharge is lost or mislaid, The Siege of York commenced the day after the opponent was discharged as he was informed and Believes,
The Claimant begs leave to refer to the Certificate and Affidavit of Genl John Smith, who was County Lieutenant for the said County of Frederick during the War of the Revolution - bear- -ing date and sworn to before Before J. S. Dawson a Justice of the Peace, the 8 th day of September 1832. Also to the Affidavit of Jacob Sperry taken before John B. Tilden Esq t a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Frederick which papers are herewith Exhibited, and pray d to be taken as part of this declaration (N o 1) and (N o 2)
He hereby relinquishes all claim to a pension or an- -nuity Except the present and declares, that his name is not on the pension Roll, of the agency of any State,
Andrew Pitman
Sworn to in Open Court and signed this 7 th day of Nov r 1832,
J. D. Frobace cc
And the Court do hereby declare their Opinion, after the investiga- -tion of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a revolu- -tionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certi- -fies that it appears to them that John Allman, who has signed the annexed certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Frederick, And that William Phillips, who has also signed the annexed certificate, is a resident in the County aforesaid and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Thomas Allen Sedball, Clerk of the County Court of Frederick in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Andrew Pitman for a pension.

Since for Capt Frost, this discharge is lost or mislaid, The Siege of York commenced the day after this Affiant was discharged as he was informed and believes,
The Claimant begs leave to refer to the Certificate and Affidavit of Genl John Smith, who was County Lieutenant for the said County of Frederick during the war of the Revolution-bearing date and sworn to before before J. S. Dawson a Justice of the Peace, the 8th day of September 1832. Also to the Affidavit of Jacob Sperry taken before John B. Fildes Esq. a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Frederick which papers are herewith Exhibited, and pray. to be taken as part of this declaration (N o 1 and N o 2)
He hereby relinquishes all claim to a pension or annuity Except the present and declares, that his name is not on the pension Roll, of the agency of any State;
Andrew Pitman
Sworn to in Open Court and signed this 7 th day of Nov r 1832,
J. A. Fildes cc
And the 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 John Allman, who has signed the annexed certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Frederick, and that William Phillips, who has also signed the annexed certificate, is a resident in the County aforesaid and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Thomas Allen Fildes, Clerk of the County Court of Frederick in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Andrew Pitman for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 7 th day of November 1832 and in the 57 th Year of the Commonwealth,
J. A. Fildes cc

1 st Question by the Court
Where and what year were you born
Answer I was born in the County of Frederick in Virginia in the year of 1760,
2 o Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it
Answer The record of my age is at home in a German Hymn Book
3 rd Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live
Answer I lived in the County of Frederick before the war of the revolution, and have lived in the town of S. P. Strasburg in said County Ever since the war,
4 th How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute,
Answer The deponent refers the Court to his preceding declaration, wherein he has stated all the particulars of his services to the best of his recollection
5 th State the names of the 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
Answer The deponent again refers the Court to his preceding declaration, for answer to this Question
Sworn to in Open Court the 7 th of November 1832
J. D. Fiebree cc

We John Allamond a Clergyman residing in the County of Frederick in the state of Virginia and William Phillips residing in Winchester in said County, hereby certify that we are acquainted with Andrew Pitman who has subscribed & sworn to the Above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy two years old; that we believe him to be reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have done Service as a Soldier in the Militia in the time of the revolutionary War;—
And that we concur in that opinion
John Allamond Sworn to in Open Court Nov. 7 th 1832
J. D. Folsom co
The declaration of William Phillips.
William Phillips a resident in the town of Winchester in Virginia, aged Seventy seven years in the month of August last, being first duly sworn in Open Court in the said County of Frederick, declares that Andrew Pitman, the present Affiant, for the benefit of the Act of Congress of 7 th of June last, served three months as one of the Militia Guard over the British prisoners in Winchester, to best of deponent's recollection this was in the year of 1781, — in the Spring of the year — Capt. Reynolds commanded the Company to which the deponent & said Pitman belonged.
William Phillips
Sworn to in Open Court the 7 th day of November 1832.
J. D. Folsom co

6792
Virginia Richmond Former Margaret Minnix, for widow of Andrew Pitman,
who served in the Revolutionary Va war, as a private
Date of death not on AB
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 dollars 33 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853 15 th November 1859
Certificate of Pension issued 14 th day of February 1860. and sent to
J. J. Chipley Moorfield,
Hardy County, Va.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 155. Vol. H

Va Mrs. Mayne Minis Margaret Minis and Andrew Pitman
Va June 22- 18378
Triplet

State of Virginia County of Frederick 3 town
On the 25 th day of January 1856, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid Mrs Margaret Minix, aged sixty years a resident of the County & State aforesaid, who being duly sworn re- cording to law, declares that she was formerly the widow of Andrew Pitman deceased, who served during the war of the Revolution as may be seen by reference to his pension papers filed under the act of 1832, to which said papers reference is made for the particulars, date & length of service &c
She states that she was married to the said Andrew Pitman on the 8 th day of September 1809, by the Revd John Allemon, a minister of the Gospel, and that her said husband died on the 22 nd day of September, 1838, that after his death and on the 12 th day of May 1840 she was married to John P. Minix, that he went away & she has not seen him since December 1848, and that she does not know whether he is living or dead -
She makes this declaration now for a double purpose 1 st to obtain the amount of Pension which was due her late husband at the time of his death viz from the 4 th day of September 1838 until the date of his death - 2 nd ly For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act of Congress approved the 3 rd of February 1853 -
MARGARET MINIX
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day & year first aforesaid. And I hereby certify that from the statements, appearance, & my knowledge of the applicant I believe her statements to be true.
N. STOLL J.P.
State of Virginia County of Frederick 3 town
On this the 25 th day of January 1856, per- sonally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, in & for the State & County

aforsaid John W Grove and George B McLeod, to me well known as respectable & credible witnesses, who being duly sworn according to law declare they knew well during his life-time Andrew Pitman who was a Revolutionary soldier & who drew a pension & also knew Margaret Minix formerly his widow; that she always lived with him as his wife: that they never heard any intimation that they were not legally married: that she lived with him up to the date of his death and they have not the slightest doubt, but that they were legally married: that Andrew Pitman died at the time stated in the declaration book: the 28 th day of September 1838: that his widow after his death married John P Minix, but that he left their town about December 1848 & they do not know whether he is living or dead: that they have no interest in this claim and that the Margaret Minix who made the foregoing declaration is the identical lady who was formerly the widow of Andrew Pitman deceased
N. Steele J.P.
Know all men by these presents that I Margaret Minix formerly widow of Andrew Pitman, a resident of the County of Frederick, State of Virginia who was a Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute Thomas A. J. Kiely, Winchester Virginia my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to receive from the Agent for paying Pensions in the balance of my late husband's pension from the 24 th day of September 1838, to the 28 th day of September 1838, being the day of his death -
Witness my hand and seal this 25 th day of January 1856
Attest John W Grove George B McLeod
Margaret Minix
Sealed & delivered in the presence of
N. Steele J.P.
The Commissioners of Pensions will please send my certificate of Pension to Thos A J Kiely & Corian L White Winchester & direct all correspondence to them -
Attest John W Grove George B McLeod
Margaret Minix

Virginia Set.
I, Thomas Allen Tidball, Clerk of the County Court of Frederick in the State aforesaid, do certify that Major Steel, whose genuine signature is to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the time of his signing the same a justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid. In Witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the seal of the said Court this 26 th day of January 1886 and in the 80 th year of the Commonwealth.
T. A. Tidball

State of Virginia County of Frederick } S.S. In open court January Term 1860, Present Major Steel, W m Hottle & W m Rosenberger Justices On this 2 nd day of January 1860, before the County Court held within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Margaret Pitman, aged 64 years, a resident of N. J. Stephensburg, in the county of Frederick and State of Virginia; who being 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 on the 3 rd February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Andrew Pitman, deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by captain in the regiment commanded by in the war of the Revolution. To the best of her information and belief, her husband entered the service at _____ about the day of _____ A.D. 17____; for the term of and continued in actual service in said war, for the term of _____ and was honorably discharged at _____ on the _____ day of _____ A.D. 17____, that her said husband was a pensioner of the United States under act of June 7 th 1832, at the rate of $____ per annum, which was paid to him at the agency in _____ in the State of _____. She here states that she is unable to ascertain the number of his company and regiment, and their commanders; also the time and place that he entered the service; the length of time that he continued in service and the time and place of his discharge; for which information she refers the commis- sioner of Pensions to the evidence filed with the application of her husband, Andrew Pitman, pursuant to which he obtained and drew a pension to the date of his death. She herewith

herewith files as paper "Exhibit A", page 6 which was part of the evidence in the application of her husband and which she asks to be received as evidence with this her application.
She further states that she was married to the said Andrew Pitman in N. T. Stephensburg, Frederick County, Virginia on the 8 th day of September 1839; by one John Illimong a Methodist Minister; and that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Leferre; that her husband died at N. T. Stephensburg, Frederick County, Va., on the 15 th day of September 1839. That she was not married to him prior to the second of January 1800, but at the time above stated, and she further states that there is no public record of her marriage - and that there is no private record of her marriage. That she cannot file herewith his certificate of discharge for the reason that it is lost. And she further declares that she is now a widow.
She further states, that about the 12 th day of May 1848 she was married to one John P. Morris of Frederick County Va., but from whom she has been divorced vinculo matrimonii by the Circuit Court of Frederick County, Va., a court of competent jurisdiction, by a decree bearing date November 15 th 1859; which decree, she is advised, restores her to all her former rights and interests, as if she had not married a second time. Said decree marked "Exhibit B." page 7 is asked to be taken as part of this application.
She hereby appoints John J. Shipley her true and lawful Attorney, with power of substitution, to prosecute this her claim for a pension, to receive the certificate when issued, and to do all other acts necessary and proper in the premises.
MARGARET PITMAN
Witness. J. P. Richy
Sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year first above mentioned, and I hereby certify that I believe her to be as

as is above stated and that she is of the age above stated, and further, that I am not interested in this her claim as attorney or otherwise.
Witness my hand and the seal of said court affixed by order of said court now in session.
J. L. Riely C per J. R. Riely D. C.
State of Virginia County of Frederick S.S.
On this 8 th day of December 1859, personally appeared before the subscriber, a justice of the peace, in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized to administer oaths, James W. Strake a resident of said county, to me well known as a credible witness, and who, being by me first duly sworn, doth on his oath state that he is acquainted with Mrs Pitman, the above named applicant for a pension that he has known her for twenty years last past; that he has examined her family record - that he believes the same to be genuine - that it is contained in a book purporting to be the "Holy Bible" and printed about  the the year 1820; and that the said record, as far as relates to the marriage death of the soldier above named is as follows, and is an exact and true copy of all the entries in the said record: "Andrew Pitman died 15 th September 1838"
and that
the said deponent is not interested in the claim. Subscribed and sworn to, the day and year first above written, before me, and I certify that I am in no manner interested
J. S. STRLE J.P.

State of Virginia County of Frederick } S.S.
On this 8 day of December 1859, personally appeared before the subscriber, a justice of the peace, in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized to administer oaths, John Allmann a resident of said county and minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, to me well known as a credible witness, and who, being by me first duly sworn, doth on his oath state that he married Andrew Pitman and Margaret LeFove, on the 8 th day of September 1839 in the town of St. J. Stephensburg, Frederick county, Va. and that they are the same in the foregoing application for a pension. Given under my hand the day and year first above written.
R. STETT P.P. J.P.
State of Virginia County of Frederick } S.S.
On this 9 day of January 1860, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a justice of the peace, in and for said county, Thos. S. Langston James H. Dinkland Meager Steel who are to me well known, and who are credible witnesses, and who being by me duly sworn, depose and say that they are each well acquainted with Mrs. Margaret Pitman, the above applicant for a pension. That they have known her for twenty years past. That they were acquainted with Andrew Pitman, her late husband, having known him for five years previous to his death; that they, the said Andrew Pitman and Margaret Pitman lived together as husband and wife and were reputed so to be; that deponents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned. That the said Andrew Pitman died on the 15 th day of September 1839. That the said Margaret Pitman did not marry until the

12th day of May 1840, when she married one John P. Minnis, from whom she is now divorced; and that she is now the widow of the said Andrew Pitman, that her said husband was the identical man mentioned as a petitioner in her declaration above; and further, that they were present and saw the said Margaret Pitman execute the foregoing affidavit by swearing to the foregoing declaration, and making oath thereto in due form of law, and that they, deponents, do reside in the county aforesaid. Witness J. H. Drake  Thomas S. Sanger  M. Steel Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 9th day of January A. D. 1860. Benj. Brinker S.P.
State of Virginia. County of Frederick S.S.
I hereby certify that Benjamin Brinker before whom the foregoing affidavits were made and acknowledged, and who has thereto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a justice of the peace, in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn and that his signatures thereto are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, for the county aforesaid, this 9th day of Jany 1860.
J C Rieley C.C.
Virginia County of Frederick set
I J C Rieley clerk of the county court for the county & state aforesaid do certify that M Steel whose genuine signature is affixed to the foregoing certificates was at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace duly authorized to take such acknowledgments & that full faith & credit are due to all his official acts as such
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of my said court this 28th day of January 1860 & the 84th year of the Commonwealth
J C Rieley C.C.

July 11, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
RA-J/EEL am
Andrew Pitman-W.9998
Mrs. Estelle C. Pike 730 Hill Street, S.E. Atlanta, Georgia
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John Pittman, of South Carolina, and his sons, Buckner; John, Junior; Philip and Timothy Pittman; the record of Henry Pittman, of Georgia; and the records of Fortunatus, Andrew, George, Joseph and Thomas Pittman, of Virginia.
A careful search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no record found of claims for pension or bounty land having been made to the United States based upon the military service in that war of a John Pittman, who served in the South Carolina Troops, or who was pensioned while residing in that state or of Joseph or Thomas Pittman, of Virginia, nor of Buckner, Philip, Timothy, Fortunatus, Henry or George Pitman; all spellings of the surname were used in the search. The record of Andrew Pitman, of Virginia, has been found and is furnished you herein.
Andrew Pitman W.9998
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.9998, based upon the military service of Andrew Pitman in that war.
Andrew Pitman was born in 1760, in Frederick County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Frederick County, Virginia, Andrew Pitman enlisted and served with the Virginia Troops, as follows: from the latter part of September, 1777, in Captain James Wilson's Company under Major Robert White; he stated that at this time Charles M. Thruston and Marquis Calmes were colonels but did not state that he served under either; after the termination of this service, he served as a guard to the British prisoners at Winchester under
Could not identify any officers ex. Dept. Colo Thruston Calmes
I left out date because he said 1779 or 1780 but memo said 1781

Captain Reynolds: from the spring of 1781, about sixteen days under Colonels Holmes and Zane and was stationed at Falmouth, Virginia; in the summer of 1781, under Captain Adam Heiskell, as a guard to the British prisoners at Winchester, and when they were removed to Frederick, Maryland, marched as a member of the guard to that place; length of this service not shown: from July, 1781, three months and fifteen days in Captain William Frost's Company, under Colonel Blackwood, and was in the campaign under Generals Lafayette and Wayne.
Andrew Pitman was allowed pension on his application executed November 7, 1832, while residing in Stephensburg, Frederick County, Virginia.
The soldier married September 8, 1829, in Stephensburg, Virginia, Margaret Lefevre. He died September 15 or 22, 1838 or September 15, 1839(all of these dates are shown) and his widow, Margaret, married May 12, 1840 or 1841, John P. Minix or Minnix, of Frederick County, Virginia, from whom she was divorced on November 15, 1859.
Margaret Minix(as she signed-pensioned Minnix) was allowed pension on account of the services of her former husband, Andrew Pitman, on her application executed January 2, 1860, at which time she was aged sixty-four years and resided in Stephensburg, Virginia.
There is no reference to children.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Margaret Minnix, former widow of Andrew Pitman(W.9998), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Margaret Minnix, former widow of Andrew Pitman, Certificate No. 6792, issued February 14, 1860, rate $33.33 per annum, commenced November 15, 1859, Act of February 3, 1853, Virginia(Richmond)Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

6217
Margaret Minnix formerly Widow of Andrew Pitman Virginia
Thos. A. T. Reiley Feby 1 1856. Same Feby 23 1856 - same March 12 1856 - Sec'y of the Interior July 29 1856 - T. A. T Reiley July 31 1856 -
233805
Feby 3 1853

Margaret Minnix. formerly widow of Andrew Pitman, Frederick Co. Virginia
Admitted Act Feb'y 3/53 at rate of $ 33. 33 c per Annum, commencing on the 15 th of November 1859 - the date of her divorce from her second husband, Wm P. Minnix.
Certificate to
J. J. Chipley Moorfield, Hardy County, Virginia.

Rev y
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 9998 Margaret Kenning Former Widow of Andrew Peterson Prisoner War.
Act: Feb 3d 58
Index:—Vol. B , Page 50
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1936 July 11 - List to Mrs. Carle L. Pike

A. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office Washington City.

Winchester Decr. 10. 1832
Sir, I return you the papers of James Riely with the affidavits of two witnesses, which I hope will answer. Upon these papers his case must depend.
I send also the papers in the case of Andrew Pitman who is an applicant for a pension. I hope his papers will answer. You will readily see that the papers were not prepared by me. You will please to communicate to me whatever may be done in these cases.
Very respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
L. M. Brent
J. L. Edwards esq.

State of Virginia Frederick County Set
November Term 1832
Andrew Pitman a soldier of the revolution came into court and made a declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress entitled "an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution passed the 7 th of June 1832," and the court do hereby declare their opinion after investigating the matter and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that John Allmong who has signed the certificate is a clergyman resident in this county and that William Phillips who has also signed the same is a resident of the said county and is a creditable person and that their statement is entitled to credit
A copy
Teste
J C Risly cc
I J C Riely clerk of the county court for the county and state aforesaid do certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the records of my said office
In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of my said court this 18 th day of November 1859 and in the 84 th year of the commonwealth
J C Risly cc

Moorfield, Hardy County, Va.
January 15 th 1860
To the Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
I in- close for your consideration the ap- plication of Margaret Pitman, one of the few surviving widows of those who took up arms for the defence of our country during the revolution. She married Mr. Pitman in 1829, when she was well to do in life and he needy, now her circumstances have changed, pecuniarily, for the worst; she has become old and decrepit and needs all that is pro- vided for widows of revolutionary soldiers.
She has been kept out of her yearly allowance hitherto on account

of a subsequent marriage, which has been annulled as the papers with her application show, and which restores her to all her rights as if she had not married subsequently. In that case she will be entitled to back pay, from the passage of the act entitling her, provided the act is subsequent to the death of Pitman.
She is unable to furnish the department with evidence as to his service, but refers to papers of her application, under which he drew pension till his death.
If anything further from her is required she will endeavor to furnish it.
Please correspond with me at Monroefield, Hardy, County, Va.
Your oft set
John J. Whiptley

Commissioners of Pensions Washington D. C.

Memoranda Margaret Pitman
Moorefield, Sept. 18 th 1860
To Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
A few months since Mrs Margaret Pitman, a widow, obtained an annual Pension for services performed by her husband, now dead, during the revolutionary war. After the death of the old soldier she married a Mr Minix from whom she was divorced during the month of Nov. last, by a decree of the circuit Court of Frederick County, Va. The Pension was allowed her from the date of the aforementioned decree. What I wish to know is this. Is she not entitled to back pay from the date of the law, entitling widows who were married since 1800, up to the time she was divorced? I think so; because, as the papers will show, she was divorced vinculo a matrimonio . The effect under the common law of such a divorce

is to throw the parties into the same situation they occupied before marriage; reinstating them as to all privileges, immunities &c. &c. Now if there is no statutory regulation I think she stands in the shoes of a widow who did not remarry but neglected to apply for her pension for some years after she became entitled thereto.
Please inform me as to this matter.
Respectfully
John J. Whipple Morefield, Hardy County, Va.

Brief in the case of Margaret Minnix, formerly widow of Andrew Pitman. Frederick — 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.
The former husband of claimant was a pensioner of the United States, under act of June 7, 1832, at rate of $33 33 c per annum and died in 1839, as proved by parole. She married John P. Minnix in 1841, who deserted her in 1848. Upon applying for pension in 1856 her claim was rejected by the Department upon appeal on the ground, (If for increase.) that the death of the second husband was not established,
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
and that it could not be inferred from his continued absence as he did not leave with any intention of returning. A duly certified copy of a decree of the Proper Court, annulling her marriage with Minnix, is now produced, together with satisfactory proof of her marriage with Pitman  Andrew in 1829, his identity as the pensioner, and death, as aforesaid.
allowance accordingly — to commence on the day of the date of the divorce, viz. November 15, 1859.
J. J. Chipley Esq. Name and residence of Agent Moorfield, Hardy County Virginia.
R. Giddings Examining Clerk.

Winchester Virginia
February 16 th 1856
Rev. Isaiah Minick
Sir
I have received and considered your letter of Feb y 1 st suspending the claim of Mrs. Margaret Minick for a pension under the act of 1853, and beg to submit the following grounds why the claim should be re-examined and allowed -
The first ground of objection to the claim is that altho' her last husband John P. Minick left her in December 1848, there is no proof of his death - In answer to this objection I would say that it is well established law that desertion for seven years is not only such a presumption of death, as will permit, and be a sufficient ground for divorce, but allows her to contract another marriage - This principle cannot be controverted, and it is one upon which our Courts have always acted - it has also been acted upon before by the Department - The old lady whose claim I present affirms that she has not seen him since the day he left her & does not know whether he is dead or not - I hope upon a reconsideration of the ground of objection it will be withdrawn -
The second ground of objection is that the declaration was not made in Court of Record - Now the old lady is feeble, & the place of her residence is about 8 or 9 miles from the County seat, and whilst it might be possible to get her here, it could not be done without serious danger of her health or especially in such weather as we have had during the winter - and if it were to be put off for milder weather, she might never live to enjoy the benefit of the benefit of the Genl. Government - But there is an opinion of the Hon. Wm. Waring made July 13 th 1849 to be found in Hays & Moulton's Digest of Pension Laws on Page 511 which it appears to

me, determines this whole question - I read this: viz:
"A declaration for pension, before a Justice of the Peace in Virginia, is in compliance with regulations. A Justice of the Peace in Virginia is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record."
The third and last ground of objection is, that we present no proof of marriage, certainly I could not be required to produce a greater amount of evidence than is required in civil actions in a Court of Justice to prove the marriage of parties - Thus the general rule is "that in all civil personal actions, except that for criminal conversation, general reputation & cohabitation are sufficient evidence of marriage" 2 Starkie on Evidence part IV Page 939 and the authorities there cited - 4th Darrow 2057; 4 Johnson N.Y. Rep 52, 3 Foster vs Read - But this question has also been settled by previous decisions of the Department Mayo & Martin Page 512 - There it was decided that one witness alone was sufficient - Should refer you also to the case of Rhoda Davis, Mayo & Martin Page 522.
I hope therefore in consideration of these suggestions, freshly expressed (for I only today got out of my bed, where I have been prostrated for a week, in serious indisposition), that you will re-consider the claim of the Margaret Kinney and allow her a certificate of pension as prayed for in her declaration. It was the intention of Congress that the laws of this character should be construed liberally as is evidenced by the fact that they are enlarged yearly and I hope that this claim may be considered with that spirit, which has always heretofore distinguished your department in carrying out the laws of our federal legislature.
I am
with great respect
M. A. J. Kelly -

Winchester Virginia
February 16 th 1856
Hon. Isaac Minot
Sir
I have received and considered your letter of Feb y 1 st suspending the claim of the Margaret Minot for a pension under the act of 1853, and beg to submit the following grounds why the claim should be re-examined and allowed -
The first ground of objection to the claim is that altho' her last husband John P Minot left her in December 1848, there is no proof of his death - In answer to this objection I would say that it is well established law that desertion for seven years is not only such a presumption of death, as will permit, and be a sufficient ground for divorce, but allows her to contract another marriage - this principle cannot be controverted, and it is one upon which our Courts have always acted - it has also been acted upon before by the Department - The old lady whose claim I present informs me that she has not seen him since the day he left her & does not know whether he is dead or not - I hope upon a reconsideration of the ground of objection it will be withdrawn -
The second ground of objection is that the declaration was not made in a Court of Record - Now the old lady is feeble, & the place of her residence is about 8 or 9 miles from the County Seat, and whilst it might be possible to get her here, it could not be done without serious danger of her health & especially in such weather as we have had during the winter - and if it should be put off for milder weather, she might never live to enjoy the benefit of the bounty of the Genl Government - But there is an opinion of the Hon. Thos. Waring made July 13 th 1854, & to be found in May's & Meigs' Digest of Pension Laws p. 511 which it appears to

We, determine the whole question - it reads thus: viz:
"A declaration for pension, before a Justice of the Peace in Virginia, is in compliance with regulations. A Justice of the Peace in Virginia is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record."
The third and last ground of objection is, that we present no need evidence of marriage, certainly I could not be required to produce a greater amount of evidence than is required in civil actions in a Court of Justice to prove the marriage of parties - Thus the general rule is "that in all civil personal actions, except that for criminal conversation, general reputation & cohabitation are sufficient evidence of marriage" 2 Starkie on Evidence part IV Page 939 and the authorities there cited - 4th Dawson 2057; 4 Johnson's N.Y. Rep 82, 83 - Foster vs Reid - But this question has also been settled by previous decisions of the Department Mayo & Martin Page 512 - there it was decided that one witness alone was sufficient - Should refer you also to the case of Rhoda Davis, Mayo & Martin Page 522.
I hope therefore in consideration of these suggestions, freshly expressed (for I only to day got out of my bed, where I have been prostrated for a week, in severe indisposition), that you will re-consider the claim of the Margaret Kinney and allow her a certificate of pension as prayed for in her declaration. It was the intention of Congress that the laws of the Character should be construed liberally as is evidenced by the fact that they are enlarged yearly and I hope that this claim may be considered with that spirit, which has always heretofore distinguished your department in carrying out the laws of our federal legislature.
I am
with great respect
M. A. J. Kelly -

Winchester Virginia
March 6 th 1856
Hon Josiah Minot
Dear Sir
Some days ago I received a letter in reply to one I had written to the Department in regard to the claim of Mrs Margaret Minnie for a pension under the act of July 3 rd 1853 -
It seems in your reply that all the grounds of objection to the claim have been removed except the one about the desertion of her husband - in regard to that I would say further - That Congress has passed a law, which it meant should be construed liberally, else why have the from year to year been enlarging the law & making its provisions more general & liberal - if this then be the case I submit in all candor whether the law is carried out with that liberality, which it was the intention of Congress should be done, when the Department establish rules & of evidence, more stringent than those at common law, in fine require more to prove a fact than would be required by a Court of Justice. That mere gross absence is sufficient proof. I would again refer you to the following decisions at common law.
Since writing the above I have found a decision of Secretary Living, under May 7 th 1850 Mayo & Moulton P 526 no 90 which I hope will save me the trouble of hunting up the decisions of our Court and will prove satisfactory. I trust therefore the certificate will issue.
I am
with great respect Thos J. Riley

Secretary of the Interior affirms the decision of the Pension Office in the case of Mar- garet Minnis of Virginia

Copy
Department of the Interior Washington July 30 1856
Sir
Your decision in the case of Margaret Minnix, claimant for a pension as the widow of Andrew Pitman, a Revolutionary Pensioner, deceased, has been affirmed; and the papers accompanying your report thereon, are herewith returned to your office.
I am, very respectfully
Your obedt Servt
Signed - R M c lellan Secretary
The Hon
J Minix, Administrator of Resumes.

730 Hill St., S.E., Atlanta, Ga. June 25, 1935.
Department of the Interior, Record Division of Revolutionary War, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
I know I have not sent this properly addressed, but am sure it will reach the proper persons, in spite of my ignorance.
I am secretary of the Pittman Family Society, whose aim is to gather facts concerning the family. In searching Georgia records I find that many Pittmans were given grants of lands for services in the Revolutionary War. Namely:
John Pittman, matross in the 4th Artillery Regt., S.C. and his sons Buckner Pittman, a son, John Pittman, Jr., " James Pittman " Philip Pittman " Timothy Pittman " Patty Pittman a daughter.
(I have the record of the son James, as he was my direct ancestor)
I want the complete record of these persons services, as recorded in Washington.
In addition I want the records of one Henry Pittman, given land in Taliaferro County, Ga.
That of Fortunatus Pittman, Andrew Pittman, George Pittman, Joseph Pittman and Thomas Pittman as listed as from Virginia in that War.
Thanking you I am
Sincerely,
Mrs. Estelle C. Pike — Mrs. Estelle C. Pike, secretary Pittman Family Society.

Forst. Jacob Sherry came before me this 19 th Sept. 1832 and made oath that he has been living in this county all his life time, that he is well acquainted with Andrew Pitman, and that he served two tours with said Andrew Pitman, one while the British were in Phil a under Capt. Willson; the other while Cornwallis was occupying Virg a under Capt. Frost and in the Spring of 1781; and that he well remembers Andrew Pitman in both the above tours which he believes exceeded thirty months each
Test. W. M. Dyer
Jacob Sherry is a man of truth and a respectable farmer
W. M. Dyer

Sperry's
Deposition
for A Pitman
No 2

I Thomas Allen Tidball Clerk of the Court of Frederick County certify that John B. Tilden Esq. is a magistrate as within and that the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 10 th day of December in the year 1832:
T. A. Tidball
Clerk of the Court of Frederick County.
Thomas

Minnie " } Decree Minnie

(Page 7) Margaret Minix } vs } In Chancery John P. Minix }
This cause came on to be heard on this 15 th day of November 1859 and it appearing to the Court that the order of publication in this cause has been posted and published according to law and the Defendant still failing to appear though more than one month has elapsed since the completion of the publication, the cause is set for hearing on Bill & depositions and was argued by Counsel. On consideration whereof it appearing from the evidence that the Deft wilfully deserted his wife (the Plaintiff) and that said desertion has continued for more than five years. Is adjudged ordered and decreed that said Plaintiff be and she is hereby divorced from the bonds of Matrimony with the said defendant, and it is further adjudged, ordered, and decreed that the Deft recover of the Deft the costs & her about her suit in this behalf expended.
Alfred Test
W. G. Singleton
State of Virginia
Frederick County set.
J. W. G. Singleton
Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County & State aforesaid
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from my said Office
In witness whereof I have hereto at my hand affixed the seal of my said Court this 15 th day of January 1860 and in the 84 th year of the Commonwealth
W. G. Singleton

Fincastle County, Virginia, September 8 th 1832
I have been requested by Andrew Patman to state my recollections of his revolutionary services as a militia man. He has made a statement of his services as performed under different officers; although I cannot from my own recollection vouch for the individual services of Andrew Patman, excepting the expedition for covering the retreat of the Saratoga prisoners, still I recollect the services performed by the different officers which he has named & have no manner of doubt of the truth of what he has stated of himself. My official papers were given up to the executive of Virginia (and they were very ample) to settle the State acc t with the general government. This was patched up, as I was informed, & the documents destroyed. I had the safe keeping of the first prisoners taken in Virginia during the revolutionary war, even before Lord Dunmore left the State, and so continued until late in the war, when a commiss y of prisoners was appointed, and after that had to furnish a large portion of the guard for their safe keeping. The prisoners were exchanged soon & replaced by others & it was a very short time that we were without them - Capt s Reynolds, Hunkill, and Selkirk, each commanded at different times, but I have no date to say the exact time of service. That Patman performed the service of covering the retreat of the Saratoga prisoners I well know from the circumstance of having lent him a horse for the expedition. When Virginia was invaded in 1781 - Col. James Wood rec d orders to remove the prisoners from Winchester to Fort Fincastle in Maryland & demanded of me forty horses and four hundred men to do it. I referred him to the Governor for

orders - In the mean time the Vag a Assembly was put to flight, one of them informed me that he was chased by Garetton into Culpepper, & the County Lt. of Loudon made it his business to inform me that Garetton would be in Winchester with two hundred men before the next morning - I did not hesitate, but paraded the prisoners & marched them off for Fort Indioch, with one company of Militia, sending on in advance for the Militia to fall in & the next day had the prisoners so well as I recollect, the other side of the Potomac certain it is that a pay roll made out for the service was rejected as the company was but fifteen days on duty & the Vag a Law requiring twenty to demand pay Col. Wood returned in a few days, with his orders for biers & troops, when he found the thing done as stated and that to his great mortification. John Smith County Lt. during the revolutionary war.
Virginia
Fred tk City set;
This day personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid - the above named John Smith, and made oath that the matters & things stated in the foregoing certificate, signed by him, are true to the best of his knowledge & belief. Given under my hand this 8th day of September 1832
F. S. DOUGHTY
J.P.

2nd. copy
This day personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid. The above named John Smith, and made oath that the matters & things stated in the foregoing certificate, signed by him, are true to the best of his knowledge & belief. Sworn under my hand this 8th day of September 1832
J. S. DAVIDSON
J.P.
N o . 1.
I Thomas Allen Tidball Clerk of the Court of Fredericks County, certify that John Smith Davison Esq. is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 10th day of December in the year 1832.
T. A. Tidball
Clerk of the Court of Fredericks County.
Frederick County, Virginia, September 8th 1832
70