Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5553, for Benjamin Powell, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Powell, Benjamin Elizabeth
N 5553
CONTENTS

12. 689. Virginia
Benj. Powell.
of Madison, in the State of Virginia who was a Sgt. in the Comp. commanded by Captain Knox of the Regt. commanded by Col. Morgan in the Virginia line for two years.
$120.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of $120. Dollars 00. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of May 1833 and sent to Bel- field Cave. C.C. Madison Co. Va.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1833. 240.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 33. 60.00
$300.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. P. Palmer Clerk, Book E. Vol. six Page 21.

Benjamin Powell
20740

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th. June 1832
State of Virginia, County of Madison (S.S.) On this 23 d . day of August in the year 1832 personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Madison Benjamin Powell a resident of the said County of Madison and State of Virginia aged eighty three 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 7 th . 1832; that he enlisted in the year 1776, with Capt. John Thornton and served in the third Regiment of the Continental line under the following officers, Col. Hugh Mercer, Col. George Weedon, Major Leech who fell in the engagement at Harben Heights, near Fort Washington. In 1777 he was transferred to Capt. James Knox's Company in Col. Daniel Morgan's Regiment in that year, and continued in that year Regiment and company until the surrender of Burgoyne when he was discharged, having the whole time — as sergeant in Morgan's Regiment, being a term of two years. He resided in the County of Culpeper at the time he entered the service. He was in the battle of Trenton, the battle of White Plains, at Harben Heights; He was discharged at Valley Forge by Col. Heath who gave him a discharge, but it has long since been lost or mislaid. He marched through Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and to the City of New-York, passing through Jerseys. He believes that all of the field and company officers with whom he served

are either dead or their residence unknown to the declarant, and that he knows of no evidence at this day which he can produce except the statement and affidavit made by Dennis Broer & Henry Fowler, whose affidavits are duly certified and herewith forwarded with his declaration. He served afterwards in the militia two short tours. 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 of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Benjamin Powell.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
"I do hereby certify that Benjamin Powell enlisted in capt. John Thornton's company at the same time I did, and that we were attached to the third Virginia Regiment commanded by col. Hugh Mercer and served under the said Mercer in the campaign of 1776, and early in the year 1777 he joined col. Daniel Morgan's Regiment and was attached to a company commanded by capt. James Knox. And I do further certify that he the said Benjamin Powell was appointed as orderly Sergeant to said Knox's company, and that he continued as

orderly Sergeant in said Knoss's company until the surrender of General Burgoyne, making in the whole a term of two years.
Dennis Brown "
"Madison County to wit."
This day Dennis Brown of this county personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said county and made oath on the Holy Evangelist to the truth of the foregoing certificate. Given under my hand and seal this 29th. day of October 1830.
Ch. P. Gibbs
"I Henry Towles of Madison County, being from infirmities unable to attend court, would respectfully certify, what I know and believe respecting Mr. Benjamin Powell services during the Revolutionary war, being of sufficient age to be on the muster roll at the commencement of the war, I well recollect Mr. Powell enlisted and I believe under Capt John Thornton in the year 1776, and I also well recollect his absence from the country for I believe two years, and I have often heard Major Robert Powell and Mr. John Wail (with whom I was well acquainted) say they were in the service with Mr. Powell and attached to the same company. Given under my hand this 14th. day of August 1822.
Henry Towles"
"Madison County Va. to wit. We William Finks and Wesley Fry Justices of the peace do certify that Henry Towles personally appeared before us in our county aforesaid and made oath to the foregoing certificate."

Given under our hands and seals this 14th day of August 1832. Wm Finkes Seal
State of Virginia, Madison County (S.S.)
On this 22 d . day of November in the year 1832, personally appeared before the Justices of the peace sitting as a Court of record in the County and State aforesaid Benjamin Powell and made with the following supplemental declaration in addition to his declaration made in this Court on the 23 d day of August in the year 1832, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed on the 7 th . June 1832, and for the purpose of answering the objections stated to the said declaration of 22 d . August 1832, and being duly sworn according to law, saith that he enlisted in the month of January 1776, in the third Virginia Regiment and served therein until the close of the campaign in the fall in the year 1777, making a period of two years except one month, which was remitted to him in conse- =quence of being very sick, he having enlisted for two years. In the month of June in the said year 1777, the declarant was transferred to Col o Morgan's Regiment where he was appointed orderly Ser- =geant in the said month of June in the said Morgan's Regiment and continued to act as such until he was discharged as before set forth. He afterwards in the month of July in the year 1781, he was drafted as a militia man and appointed by his Capt o Early Sergeant and acted in that capacity for two months when he was dischar- =ged

=ged in the month of September. The declarant served a substitute a tour to the South but it is presumed nothing will be allowed for that tour. From age and infirmity and loss of memory the declarant cannot state precisely the particular days on which he marched, nor can he now recollect all the particular incidents attending his service further than heretofore set forth in his declaration on the 22 d . August 1832.
Benjamin Powell
It is further ordered by the court that it be certified to the Secretary War that Dennis Brown whose affidavit was taken before Charles P. Gibbs a magistrate of this county, and heretofore forwarded to the 2 d Secretary in support of the application of Benjamin Powell for a pension, is a credible witness; and also the evidence of Henry Towles taken before William Finkes and Wesley Fry two magistrates of this county on the 14 th . day of August 1832, in support of the said applicant is a credible and respectable witness; and that full credit should be given to the affidavits of said Brown and xxv Towles.
State of Virginia. At a court held for Madison county the 22 d . day of November 1832.
I Bellfield Bane Clerk of the county court of said county, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a copy of the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Powell for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20. day of December 1832.
Bellfield Bane C.C.

5365 Virginia Richmond Elizabeth Powell widow of Benjamin Powell
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Sergeant Va Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of July 1837 and sent to
R. A. Banks Madison C. H. Virginia
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 175 Vol. 3 o

Date of Marriage 1786 June 16
Parties names Benjamin Powell & Elizabeth Green.
name of minister Isham Tatum
virginia Gilesburg County to wit:
I Fayette Mancy clerk of the county court of said county do hereby certify that the a- bove is a true extract from the book of record of marriages kept in my office, whereby it appears that on the sixteenth day of June one thousand seven hundred and eighty six Ben- jamin Powell and Elizabeth Green were united in matri- mony by Isham Tatum a duly authorized minister of the Gospel. — In testimony whereof I have here to set my hand this 24th day of November 1840
F. Mancy. cc

No 7523
Hand Bank H 2

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows -
State of Virginia } Madison County } S.S.
On this Twenty Eighth day of Novem- =ber 1840 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said County Elizabeth Powell a resident of said county
aged Seventy nine years 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 July 7 th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of Benjamin Powell who was a Sergeant in the war of the Revolution in the service of the United States and who was allowed a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832 and whose declaration, filed as she is informed about 23 rd day of August ————— 1832 will shew his service upon which she relies for support of this claim.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Powell on the

Sixteenth day of June in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty Six
that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Powell died on the 12 th day of February in the year Eighteen Hundred and thirtyfour — That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the marriage took place on the said Sixteenth day of June in the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty six
I William Finks the justice before whom the above declaration was made, do certify that Elizabeth Powell the Declarant, at the time of making the declaration, was by reason of age and bodily infirmity, unable to go to the Courthouse to make said declaration & further that she is of good character and entitled to full credit in what she has said in her said declaration
Wm Finks J.P.

Virginia to Wit. At a court held for Madison County Court the 24th. day of December 1840
The above paper purporting to be the Declaration of Elizabeth Powell, widow of Benjamin Powell, for a pension under the act of Congress of 7th. July 1838. was presented to the court, whereupon it was ordered to be certified that the following facts were satisfactorily proved to the court, That Benjamin Powell was a Revolutionary soldier as set forth in said declaration, that the said Elizabeth Powell is his widow and has not married again, that they were married on the 16th. day of June 1786, and the said Benjamin Powell died on the 12th. day of February 1834, and that the said Elizabeth Powell is entitled to full credit in what she says in her said declaration.
I Belfield Cave Clerk of said county court of Madison certify that the above order is truly copied from the records of said court. and I further certify that Wm. Finke who hath given the foregoing certificate to the declaration of Elizabeth Powell, was at the time of giving said certificate, and still is, an acting Justice of the peace for said county, and that his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name, and affixed my seal of office this 24th. day of December 1840
Belfield Cave Clerk

20746 12,689. Benj. Powell Va.
look in Wa Role an role Adm for 2 years as serjeant. —
Belfield Cave Madison C.H. 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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjamin Powell Madison Co Va.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Jan'y '76 3 Regt Continental Virginia Line Transferred '77 { - 4 1/2 for Capt Thornton Col Mercer " Weedon Trenton White Plains N. J. & Pa. N. Y. 83 App. Va Tradly's Contemp. who Swear to his Service.   serg. 2 17 1/2 Sgt Capt Stout Col Morgan Harborkeights N. J. -   181 for 4 1/2 Sergt Capt Early   1 22   2  
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) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, 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 day 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 he 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.

Reported to 3 rd and June 27, 1849
5285
Virginia Richmond
Elizabeth Powell widow of Day n Powell who was a Sergeant in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of April, 1844 and sent to R. A. Banks Madison Co. Va.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book e d Vol. 1. Page 157.

Virginia 5973
Elizabeth Powell widow of Benjamin Powell, decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 12th February 1834, of Madisonville in the State of Virginia who was a Sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain Knox of the regt commanded by Col Morgan in the Virginia line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 120 Dollars — Cents-per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Jan'y 1841, sent to Hon. L. B. Banks, House of Reps.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1841 $600.00 Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. M. Gandy, Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 181.

Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5553
Eliz a Powell Widow Benj n Powell deceased Rev. Wm
Act: Febry. 29/48
Index:—Vol. MS , Page 135
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Madison C.H. Decr 5
J. H. Bates Madison C.H. Va
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Recd 3/1/65 Ely B. Hull Act 2. Feb 4/65

Madison Co. N. Virginia Dec. the 4 th 1837
Dear Sir
I enclose herein the Declaration of Mrs Elizabeth Powell widow of Benjamin Powell asking for a Pension under the Act of 2nd February 1848 ~
Very Respectfully Your ob t serv t &c
Robert A Banks //
To James E. Heath Esqr Comm r of Pensions }

5486 Mar 7 1843
va Mar 3 1843 Eliz Powell
2 1/2
L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
R. A. Parks Washington C.H. va
6. Powell $120 per a

Madison C. H. Virginia March 4 th 1844
J. L. Edwards Esq r
Sir
I Enclose herein Mrs. Elizabeth Powells Declaration for her Pension under the Act of 3 rd March 1843 —
Please forward the Pension Certificate to me directed as above
Very Respectfully Dr
Robert A. Banks

7523 Elizabeth Powell Wid of Benj a
Ves Ad July 7 1838
Marned 1786 died 1834
Allow $120 per ann.
Hon Linn Banks HR

Henry Powell a 1834 Eliz th — m 1786 S as Jan. 1832

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 rd of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 1838 -
State of Virginia
Madison County S.S.
On this 2 nd day of March 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in & for said County Elizabeth Powell a resident of — in the county of Madison aged about Eighty two — 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 the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd of March 1843 granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the Widow of Benjamin Powell who was a sergeant in the army of the revolution that she received under the act of July 7. 1838 a pension at the rates of One Hundred and twenty Dollars per annum — that she does not know of her own knowledge in what company or regiment her said husband served, but refers to the proof taken by him, when his application was made for a pension, some years ago & which she supposes is on file at the War Department.

She further declares that she is still a widow
Elizabeth her  X Powell mark
Sworn & subscribed on the day and year above written before
Robert A. Banks
State of Virginia, Madison County to wit:
I Belfield Bane Clerk of the County Court of Madison County, certify that Robert A. Banks is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing certificate purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have herunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 4th day of March 1844.
Belfield Bane Clerk of said County.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 nd February 1848 entitled "An act making further provision for surviving Widows of the Soldiers of the Revolution".
State of Virginia } County of Madison } 58
On this 20 th day of November 1850 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in & for said county Elizabeth Powell a resident of me in the county of Madison in the state of Virginia aged about Ninety 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 the act of Congress, passed on the 2 nd February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of Benjamin Powell who was a Sergeant in the war of the Revolution. That she does not now remember, if she ever knew the company or regiment in which her husband served, but refers to the evidence filed with his application for a Pension under the Act of 7 th June 1832 (which was granted to him) for evidence in support of this her application. That the annual amount of Pension which she received under the act

of the 17 th June 1844 was One Hundred and Twenty Dollars. She further declares that she is still a widow
Elizabeth her X Powell mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me & I certify that the said Elizabeth Powell is personally known to me.
Robert A. Banks Jr.
State of Virginia, Madison County to wit:
I Belfield Cave Clerk of the County Court of said county, certify that Robert A. Banks is a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and was such Justice on the 27 th November last, and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my name and affix my seal of office the 3rd. day of December in the year 1850
Belfield Cave Clk