Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4568, for James Rankin, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
va.
Rankin, James Martha
W 4568
CONTENTS

4533.
Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Martha Rankin widow of James Rankin who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of March 1849 and sent to
J. B. Guthrie Pittsburgh Pa.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 263 Vol. 2
Original Certificate issued March 7. 1848, and sent to Mr. J. Howard, Pension Agent. Pittsburgh, Pa.
State of Pennsylvania

May Rankin her husband Rev. Rankin James Rankin and family Rankin was Married Jan 10. 1792.
Hannah Rankin was Born Jan 4. 1793 John Rankin was Born Jan 27. 1795 Samuel Rankin was Born March 11. 1797 Dolly Rankin was Born July 10. 1799 Rebecca Rankin was Born Jan 21. 1802 Thomas Rankin was Born July 11. 1804 Sarah Rankin was Born Oct 23. 1805 James Rankin was Born May 10. 1809 Martha Rankin was Born April 26. 1812.
Hannah Rankin died August 19. 1795 Reb. Rankin died Sept 17. 1805 Martha Rankin died Oct 1. 1812.
James Rankin Died Jan 2. 1812 May Rankin

16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another; and the LORD hearkened and heard it: and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
CHAP. IV.
A 1 God's judgment on the wicked, 2 and his blessing on the good. 4 He exhorteth to the study of the law, 5 and telleth of Elijah's coming and office.
FOR, behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh
shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Malachi Malachi Malachi Malachi Malachi Malachi Malachi Malachi
Martha Rankin her hand and pen
The End of the OLD TESTAMENT
Martha Rankin the end of the old
Martha Rankin Her
Bible 23 1861
11 Mary Rankin her
Stephen H. Low
him and pen
James
to make
James
James
James
James
James
James

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows."
State of Pennsylvania } Washington County } S.S.
On this seventh day of November in the year eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the undersigned an associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County aforesaid. Martha Rankin, a resident of North Strabane township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, aged sixty seven years, who after being first duly sworn according to law, both on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows." That she is the widow of James Rankin, who was a private soldier in the Virginia line of the army of the Revolution.
She further declares that she was married to the said James Rankin on the tenth day of January in the year seventeen hundred and ninety two; That her husband the aforesaid James Rankin died on the twenty ninth day of December eight hundred and twelve; That she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four; That she has remained his widow since his death.
She further declares that she is unable to fix with accuracy the period of her marriage and her husband's

death by a reference to the family record, which is herewith transmitted to the Pension office. That as evidence of her husband's service in the army of the Revolution, she has now in her possession a patent from the United States for one hundred acres of land, granted as a bounty to her husband, which said patent is now in record in the Land Office and is described as follows. Survey No 4906 of one hundred acres of land in a Military Warrant No. 3694, in the north fork of White Oak Creek, between the waters of the little Miami and Scioto, bearing date Febr. Seven to and subscribed on Jan'y 10 th A. D. 1831 — the day and year first above mentioned before
Martha Rankin H. S. Wheeler
ss The same time personally appeared before the undersigned an associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Washington Lois Stevens, who after being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, that James Rankin and Martha Rankin the person who has made the above declaration were married at her house on the tenth day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety two; that she was present when the aforesaid James Rankin died, and that his death occurred on the twentieth day of December, in the year eighteen hundred and twelve, and that the said Martha Rankin has since continued unmarried and still remains his widow
Sworn to and subscribed at the time first above mentioned before
H. S. Wheeler
Lois Stevens mark

At the same time personally appeared before the undersigned Thomas Rankin, who after being duly sworn, according to law, doth depose and say that the leaf appended to this sketch of paper is taken from the old family bible, which is now in his possession, that it contains the original record of the marriage of his father and mother, James Rankin and Martha Stevens, who has made the foregoing declaration and of the death of James Rankin.
The record of the marriage is in the hand- writing of Ezra Stevens, and that of the death in the handwriting of his mother Martha Rankin.
Thomas Rankin
Sworn to and subscribed in the day and year first above mentioned before
Thos M c Reynolds
At the same time personally appeared before the undersigned Martha Rankin the decla- rant aforesaid, who after being duly sworn ac- cording to law doth depose and say that the erasures in the above record was made by herself. The original entry was made by her brother who neglected to insert her maiden name. She then erased the name Martha Rankin and in its place her maiden name of Mar- tha Stevens. The erasures & in the lineation were made some years since. Martha Rankin
Sworn to and subscribed at the time above mentioned before
Thos M c Reynolds

State of Pennsylvania Washington County } ss.
I Thomas McKeever an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration & deposition were made and taken at the residence of Mrs. Martha Rankin in North Strabane trans his Washington County on the 7th day of November A.D. 1838 and that the above declarant & deponent are per- sons of credit & liberty. And I do further certify that the said declarant is un- able by reason of bodily infirmity to attend the Court; and that the copy ap- pended to this paper was taken from the family bible in my presence. In tes- timony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this day of November A.D. 1838.
Thos McKeever J.S.
State of Pennsylvania Washington County } ss.
I John Vrie Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County a- foresaid do hereby certify that Thomas McKeever before whom the above deposition appear to have been taken is an associate Judge of said Court duly commissioned & sworn and that the signature annexed to the above certificate is genuine in his proper hand- writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Washington this 9th day of November A.D. 1838 John Vrie Protho
1534 3 H.C. Martha Rankin

V 31,60
Martha Rankin
Widow of James
Pennsylvania
abt July 38
Mr. J. M. T. McKean
HR

State of Pennsylvania Washington County
Personally appeared before the undersigned an Associate Judge of the Court of Com- mon Pleas, in and for the County aforesaid, on this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, Thomas Palmer of North Strabane Township in the County a- foresaid, who after being duly sworn accor- ding to law, doth depose and say that he is now in his ninety fourth year, and has continued to live where he now does for more than sixty four years. James Rankin and Patty a daughter Martha later known as Mrs. Rankin in the immediate neighborhood in the adjoining farm. He has a distinct recollection of their marriage, and the time when it oc- curred it was solemnized on the month of January in the year seven hundred and ninety two. He is unable to fix the time more precisely from his having been absent at the time of from the fact that his own daughter was married about the same time, either one week before or after the marriage of the said James Rankin and Patty Stevens. James Rankin died about twenty or years ago. He was but once married and his wife the aforesaid Martha or Pat.

to Harkness now survives him - she continues to reside in the neighborhood of this residence and is now in her second marriage and she remains the widow of the deceased James Harkness.  His son, Thomas Palmer, was to and distributed in the day and year first above mentioned.  Thos. Harkness
State of Pennsylvania } ss. Washington County }
I Thomas McNamee an associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid, hereby certify that the foregoing deposition was taken at the house of Thomas Palmer on the 30th day of November A.D. 1838. and I do further certify that the said Thomas Palmer, though incapacitated, by reason of bodily infirmity, to leave his own house, yet possesses sound knowledge, intention and accuracy of memory, and is a person of credibility, in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the day and year above mentioned.
Thos. McNamee

State of Pennsylvania Washington County } S.S.
I John Uri Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that Thomas M c Keever before whom the foregoing deposi- tion seems to have been taken is an associate judge of said Court duly commissioned and sworn; and that the signature annexed to the foregoing cer- tificate is genuine and in his proper hand writing. In Testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Washington this first day of December A. D. 1838.
John Uri Proth.

June 17, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
James Rankin-W.4568 BA-J/ATF
Mrs. V. B. Wood 1019 E. 8th Street Pueblo, Colorado
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to James Rankin, soldier in the Virginia State Line, and Richard Rankin of Pennsylvania.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States, based upon service of soldiers in that war. A search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary War service of a Richard Rankin (Rankins) of Pennsylvania.
The Revolutionary War record of James Rankin which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 4568, based upon his service in that war.
The date and place of birth of James Rankin are not found in the claim, nor are the names of his parents given.
He served three years as a private in the Virginia State Line, names of officers not given, nor dates of service shown.
He married January 10, 1792, Martha Stevens, he died December 29, 1812 in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
His widow, Martha Rankin, was allowed pension on her application executed, November 7, 1838, at which time she was sixty-seven years of age and living in North

Strabane Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania; she was still living there in 1850.
The children of James Rankin and his wife, Martha:
Hannah born January 4, 1793, died August 19, 1795 John " January 27, 1795 Samuel " March 11, 1797 Polly " July 10, 1799 Rebekah " January 21, 1802, died September 17, 1805 Thomas " July 11, 1804 Sarah " October 23, 1807 James " May 10, 1809 Martha " April 26, 1812, died October 1, 1812.
Their son, Thomas Rankin, made affidavit in 1838 1838 in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Reference was made to Ezra Stevens, brother of the widow, Martha Rankin. Lois Stevens stated in 1838 that James Rankin and Martha Stevens were married at her house; her relationship to the widow is not shown nor is it stated where her house was located.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Oct. 13-1900
m. W. Rankin
Pittsburgh Pa
1911 mch. 25. Mrs. C. H. Harrison &
192 - mch. 3. List. to Mrs. C. H.
Witt.
um.
1927 Apr. 25. photos. mailed
to Geo. H. Rankin aw.
1928 Feb. 20. John Q. Rankin
advised 600 V
photos - MMV
1928 mch. 6. Photos to
John Q. Rankin - MMV
1935: June 17. list. to Mrs.
V.B. Wood - 3
Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4568
Martha Rankin
Widow
James Rankin
Rev. Rev. War.
Act: Feby. 21 1845
Index: - Vol. III , Page 148
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Let to D. McCork Nov 27 1841. let 5 Jan 1842 to do.
Pennsylvania - 1534 (Pittsburgh Agency)
Martha Rankin widow of James Rankin, decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 29 th Dec r 1812 of Washington in the State of Penn a who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ line for 2 years private -
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1830.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Jan- uary 1839 and sent to H. M. J. H. T. M c Kenon, H.R.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept. 1838 $200:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th 39 - 40:00
$240.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott Clerk. Book . 4 Vol. 2 Page 164.

Rep?
taken copy for Hon. J. J. McDowell Alt Apr 10. 1846.
Set to James Rankin 47
4552
Pittsburgh, Penn a
Martha Rankin
widow of James Rankin who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Jan. 1844 and sent to Thos. M. Howe Pittsburgh, Pa.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 136.

Matthew Rankin Mid Jas Paide 43 No 4552
Cpy
Wm J McDowell 17 02

I want you to procure from the Pension Office a certified copy of the Evidence and Declaration upon which Martha Rankin widow of James Rankin of Washington County Pennsylvania was placed upon the Pension Roll - -
the object of procuring the papers is to enable the heirs of James Rankin to identify their Father in connection with the Warrant issued for his services in the Virginia Continental line -
Send copy to Hon. J. J. McDowell, H. Rep Ohio

S. Taylor Jr. Apl 7. '47.

Sir
Jan 1877 Apr 7th, 87
In reply to your several enquiries I would inform you that James Rankin late a pensioner on the V a agency never served in the V a Line but was in continual service in the N. J. Line from Jan'y 76 to June 83. & that Martha Rankin of Washington (O. Den.) is drawing a pension for the service of the one James Rankin who informed upon  appears to have served in the V a  Line  Line — she did not state his service in detail so as to enable the Dep t to trace it on the rolls but in her original declaration she set forth that he rec d Bounty Land from V a ; & the after production of the proofs from the land office of that State upon which the bounty land due to a three years soldier had been granted, was deemed sufficient to admit her claim — There was no officer named Gillispie in the 13 th V a Regt. & no Capt. of that name in the V a Line after 1779 — James Taylor Jr Newport Ken.

Thomas M c Reave Pud Agt Pittsg. M ch 27 1843
Declaration of Martha Wankri to obtain the benefits of Act of Congress of 3 March 1843 On paper

Pension Agency
Willsburgh November 27 1843
J S Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Sir
With this please receive the declaration of Martha Rankin (widow of James Rankin) to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3rd of March 1843.
I Am very Respectfully Yours &c.
Thos M c Namee Bridget

D. M. Cook
5 Jan. 1842
Glo.

Pub. Office
Jan 5. 1842
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 23 rd ult., I have to inform you that the record, in this office do not show in what reg t & company of the Virginia line James Rankin served. It would appear from the records on file with the papers of his widow - Mrs. Martha Rankin whose name is inscribed on the Pension list of the Pittsburgh agency under act 7 July 1838 that he was entitled to land for three years service and that he received a warrant for the same, which the widows state, is in her possession.
I am unable to say where Al James Miller resides, late of the 21 st Reg t U.S. Inf try ,
Daniel McCook Esq. Carrollton Ohio.
G.C.

State of Pennsylvania Washington County ss.
On this 2 d day of November 1843
Personally appearing before me Matthew McHenry a justice of the Peace in and for said County, Martha Rankin a resident of North Street Vennship in said County age about seventy 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 Act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March 1843. granting Pensions to Widows, of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the Widow of James Rankin who was a Private in the Regular Army (as will fully appear by reference to his papers now on file in the War Office) that she received Eighty Dollars per Annum, under Act of 7 th July 1838 at the Pension Agency, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
She further declares that she has since sworn & subscribed on the day and year first above written, before me.
Matthew McHenry Justice of the Peace
Martha Rankin
In presence of Thomas Rankin James Hamilton

Washington County S S
Be it known that I,
a Magistrate in and for said County do hereby certify that Martha Rankin the within named Applicant is personally known to me, and I know her to be the same person who received a pension, as the Widow of James Rankin. In testimony whereof I have unto Set my hand and Seal at Township  Hoback this 2 nd day of November 1843. Matthew McHenry
State of Pennsylvania
Washington County S S S
I E. J. Blaine Deputy  Notary Public  Notary Public
of the County aforesaid do certify that, Matthew McHenry Esq. is a justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signatures to the foregoing Declaration & Certificate are genuine.
Given under my hand and Seal of said Court this 3 rd day of
November 1843.
E. J. Blaine Deputy  Notary Public  Notary Public

CARROLLTON Dec 30 1871 Ohio
Free
Hon, James L Edwards Com, of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Smithson 23 d Decr 1841 Wm James L Edwards
Dear Sir
Yours of the 27 th Nov last in reply to mine of the 18 th was received in my absence, the object of my enquiry was not attained - it appears that I was mistaken as to James Rankin being a pensioner, I was aware that he died in Decem r 1812 - I wish to know if you have any Record to  in your office, which shews that he was attached to the Virginia line, and if so to what Regiment & C o - the name of James Rankin or Rankins does not appear on the Army Register at Richmond Virginia, therefore I am under the necessity of troubling you with this communication - I presume the Declaration of Martha Rankin will shew some light on the subject, the only difficulty to be overcome, is, to prove that James Rankin who died in Washington County Va was the same James Rankin who made the application for the Warrant & C o , this can be done by Circumstantial testimony only - therefore I wish a copy of the Record if any - or a copy of so much of her Declaration as recites the Company & Regiment in which he served, so that I can compare it with the original Discharge on file at Richmond Va, a certified copy of which I have, distinctly setting forth the Company Regiment & C o upon which the Warrant & Patent now in dispute were issued. I hope I am understood.

your early attention to this matter will bring me under renewed obligations to you -
I am very Respectfully Your obed Servant Daniel M c Book
N.B. Can you give me any information of the residence of Col James Miller late of the 2 d Regiment of U.S. Infantry. -
C. M c G

D. M c Cook
Nov 27. 1841.

Pension Office Nov 27. 1841
Sir:
In answer to your letter of the 18 th inst I have to inform you that I am unable to furnish a copy of the declaration of James Rankin dec d as he never applied for a pension. It appears from the papers of his widow Martha Rankin, that he died in the year 1812, which was prior to the passage of any law allowing pension for revolutionary service.
Daniel McCook, Esq. Candlton Ohio.

Nov 27. 1849
John Rankin

Carrollton 18. November 1841 James S Edwards Esquire Dear Sirs
Mr John Rankin of this County, who is the eldest Son of James Rankin, who was a Soldier in the Virginia Continental line, and who was a Pensioner of the United States, he resided in Washington County Penn a where he died, (his Widow is a Pensioner I believe at this time,) she also resides in Washington County aforesaid. Commenced a suit in ejectment, to recover the possession of the land granted to his Father by the State of Virginia, the Ejectment was dismissed on account of the letter "S" being attached to his Fathers name in the Warrant, Patent &c. and upon the ground that he did not conclusively prove that James Rankin who died in Washington County Pa, was the same person named in the Patent.
Mr Rankin is now going to file his Bill in Chancery and to Enable him to do so correctly, he wants a certified Copy of his Fathers Declaration, or so much thereof as relates to his services, giving the number of the Regiment, the name of his Col, &c. to Enable him compare in his Bill the Declaration of his Father, when he applied for a Pension , with the original papers on file in the office of the Auditor of public accounts in Virginia, where he applied for the Warrant thereby introducing strong Circumstantial Testimony that the same James Rankin who was a Pensioner and who

died in Washington County Penn a was the same James Rankin who made the application for the Warrant and to which it was issued &c. and upon which said Warrant the Patent was issued -
I think the information asked for in this case comes within the rule laid down by the Department. as the object of procuring the certified copy of the Declaration, "is not to enable the applicant to substantiate a claim to be presented to the Executive offices at the seat of Government " but for the purposes aforesaid -
Mr Rankin thinks his Father belonged to the 9 th Virginia Regiment - but is not certain -
Your Early attention to this Matter will Enable Mr Rankin to obtain an appearance at the Decem- ber Term next.
Yours Respectfully Caleb St. John For John Rankin

Dr. L.
Some time since I rec d a communication from your office stating that the proof of service on the application of the widow of Jas. Rankin for a pension was not sufficient and suggesting that the proof might be made out by an application at the office from which the Patent issued - I wrote immediately to Richmond and now enclose a certificate which will I hope prove satisfactory - I would be glad how soon the case can be acted on - I have been absent from the City since - wise the enclosure should have been sent sooner -
J. L. Edwards Esq r
Yours very resp y Th. M. S. McKim
Roughley Dec r 29. 1838

Council Chamber Jan'y 19 th 1785
I do certify that James Rankins is entitled to the Pro- portion of land allowed a Private of the Continental line for three years service.
Thos. Mendenhall
P Henry.
A warrant for 100 acres issued James Rankins Jan'y 28 th 1785.
a true Copy from the Records of the Virginia Land Office. (ms 3694)
True,
10 Secret off
Vug: L off 20 Dec 1638

State of Pennsylvania } County of Washington S.S.S.
On this Twenty third day of November 1848 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the county above mentioned, Martha Rankin a resident of North Shaban Township in said County aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, with 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 James Rankin who was a private soldier of the Revolutionary war the corps he belonged to she has forgot and that she received an annual pension of Eighty Dollars under the act of 17 th June 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to & subscribed before me } Martha Rankin the day & year above written }
Matthew Linn Justice of the Peace }

THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, ss.
I, Samuel Brown Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for said county, do hereby certify, that
Matthew Linn Esqr. before whom the foregoing affidavit appears to have been taken
was at the time, and now a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that the signature attach- ed to the same, purporting to be his, I believe is genuine, and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to all his official acts.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Washington, this 12 th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty Eight
Samuel Brown
Prothonotary.

Pension Agency Pittsburgh Jan'y. 8. 1849
Sir
The annexed application of Mrs Rankin was handed to me by her son with a request to forward it to You.
Very respectfully
Your obed servt J B. Smithwick Penn. Agt.
J. Edwards Esq Comt of Pensions Washington City.

Pension Agency Pittsburgh March 27 th 1850
Sir
at the request of Mrs Martha Rankin I forward to you her application for a new Certificate of Pension —
Her Attorney Mr Robert Black had the misfortune to lose her certificate on his way home after having drawn her stipend on the 3 rd day of July last, & after diligent search has been unable to find it —
You will please forward her another as soon as convenient & oblige
Very Respectfully Your O bt Servt Wm J Howard Pension Agent
Hon J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

March 18. 1877 Rec. of March 13 J. S. Park
11/2
L. Edwards Esq Pension office Washington City
Public

J. L. Edwards Esq
Winchester Ky. March 12 1847
Sir
Yours of the 6 th inst is received It appears there were two James Rankins in the Revolution It is necessary to identify which is the person entitled—
1 st Do your papers show that James Rankin of Washington Co Pennsylvania  Virginia enlisted as a private in the Va Continental line— the testimony is that that part of Pennsylvania was then under the Jurisdiction of Virginia—
2 The testimony goes on to show that he enlisted in the 13 th Virginia Regiment & under an officer by the name of Gillespie— And he died in Washington Co in the year 1812— I presume was on the pension Roll at that time— If you find such a person by that name & Rank— was he the soldier who served for Warrant N o 3694 for 100 acres which issued to him for his services in the V a on Line?
3 rd In the Virginia Pension Roll printed Vol 13 page 44 is James Rankin Corporal New Jersey Line— was he ever a soldier in the V a on Line— it is claimed that he was— I suppose his papers on file will show he may have been in both lines— he was living in 1835 but is dead— I presume died in Bolivar Co— or Brooke or Franklin— but in 1835 he was on list in Bolivar Co— You will see I am a far on me of others by looking into Mrs Smith's book a long since— I am inclined to the opinion that the James

Rankin of Washington Co Penn. is the right one but if the other has ever in the Va line I may be mistaken—
You can see whether in the 13 th Regiment of Va Troops (or Line) there was a man by the name of Jas s Rankin & an officer by the name of Gillespie— Capt. a Lieut.—
If the Corporal in Bath County Co Va who is put down as in the Hugeney Line was, not in the Va line as a Pirate also there he is not the man— his papers of discharge he will no doubt show whether he was in both lines— Your early answer is solicited
Yours all &c James Taylor

State of Pennsylvania County of Washington Sss
On this Twenty second day of January in the year 1850 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county of Washington personally appeared Martha Rankin, who in her oath declares that she is the widow of James Rankin a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and the same person whose name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Pennsylvania under the act of Congress of February 2 nd 1848 at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum, that she received a certificate of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War, which certificate on or about the third day of July 1849 near the city of Pittsburgh was lost by Robert Black her attorney who had taken it to Pittsburgh with due authority from her to receive from the Pension Agent there her pension from March 4 th 1848 to March 4 th 1849, and on his return home accidentally lost said certificate as above stated.
Sworn to & Subscribed before me The day & year above written
Martha Rankin
Matthew Lin Justice of the Peace

State of Pennsylvania County of Washington SSS
On this twenty second day of January in the year 1850, before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county above mentioned, personally appre- sed David H. Bascom, who, I certify, is a person entitled to credit, and made oath in due form of law, that he is personally and well acquainted with Martha Rankin who made and signed the foregoing affidavit and knows her to be the identical Martha Rankin who is a pensioner of the United States on account of the Revolutionary services of her husband the late James Rankin deceased.
Sworn to Subscribed before me The day & year above written
D. H. Bascom
Matthew Sim Justice of the Peace
State of Pennsylvania County of Washington SSS
On this twenty second day of January in the year 1850, before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county above mentioned, personally appeared Robert Black, who, I certify, is a person entitled to credit, and made oath in due form of law, that he went to Pittsburgh on the third day of July last past, and took with him the Pension Certificate

and Power of Attorney of Martha Stanton, above named, in order to draw her pension from March 4 1848 to March 4 1849, that he received the same from the Pension Agent in Pittsburgh, and on his way home, a short distance from that city, and, as he believes, at a stopping by the road side where he stopped he lost the said Pension Certificate. Having missed it before he succeeded for in his way, he returned to the place where he supposed he dropped it, but could not find it, and he has since made diligent enquiring for it in the neighborhood without being able to hear any thing of it. The road where lost it is a very public thoroughfare, people continually passing and repassing along it. Sworn to & subscribed before me The day & year above written } Robert Black
Matthew Linn Justice of the Peace
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Washington County Is.
I, Jas. Brown, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify, that Matthew Linn Esq. before whom the above & foregoing proceeding were had, was at the time & now is, an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & sworn & that full faith & credit are and ought to be given to all his official acts - and further, I believe the signatures thereto attached purporting to be his, are genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, & affixed the Seal of the said Court, at Washington, this 25 th day of February, A.D. 1850.
James Brown, Pro.

Washington Dec. 1 st .
My dear Father
I send you enclosed the declaration and deposition in the application of Mrs. Rankin under the pension law. I think the deposition of old Mr. Palmer must remove any doubt which the suspicious appearance of the record might create. The Christian name erased was Patty, the familiar name by which Mrs. Rankin was known in her young days. That name can very easily be made out by an examination of the record.
We received your letter this morning and are glad to learn that your firing was made with so much safety and so little discomfort.
We are well -
Affectionately yours, M. W. Sherman

-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
..... Apr. 14 1927
Chief Rev War Section Division.
I have this day received from George H. Rankin ..... each ..... No..... for $ 4 25 ..... , requesting
photostat copy post office addresses } as per letter herewith.
1927 Apr 25 photos mailed Finance Div. not air
O. J. RANDALL
Chief Finance Division.
766 L C 19 2.23

Form 10-2333 C-2333
15822
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Feb. 24 1928
Chief, Pensions Division.
I have this day received from J. Q. Rankin check in the amount of $ 17.25, requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.
O. J. RANDALL Chief, Finance Division. cc L.
Copies made Finance Division 1/27/28

March 20, 1911.
Please give me information about the following persons. James Rankin served as a private in Captain Silas Ganes company 13 th Va. regiment commanded by Col. Wm Russell Revolutionary War. 1777 and was transferred to Col. Gibbon's company 1780. I understand John Poage is on the 'Roll of Honor' as a Revolutionary ancestor because he became high sheriff of Augusta Co., Va., in 1778, and in qualifying for that office made himself liable to

prosecution for treason if the Revolution had failed. William Poage was a member of the County Court of Greenbrier Co., Va. in 1780. I don't know whether either of these two were soldiers. I am interested in the D.A.R. and I want to find out about them.
Please let me hear as early as convenient.
Respectfully,
Mrs. C. H. Harrison, Harrisville, W. Va.

MAR 21 1911

Pittsburgh, Pa. Oct 9 th
b 1900
Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir
I would like to get a record of James Rankin who was a Revolutionary Soldier (belonging to the Continental Army) in the Eighth Virginia Volunteers . His Widow Martha Rankin drew a pension until her death which occurred in 1863 at the age of 93 years. I had the record but a fire occurred at my dwelling and it was lost. I wrote to the Chief of Record and pension office and he referred me to your office on account of the Widow of James Rankin having been a pensioner he thought your office would more readily trace the record.
Very Truly Yours
W. M. Rankin

Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: - The War department referred me to you as one being able to give me information regarding James Rankin, of Augusta Co. Va., private, in Captain Silas Hanes Co, 13th Va Reg. designated 9th was Reg. about Sept. 1778 - commended by Col. William Russell as a Col John Gibson - He enlisted

Jan 21, 1777, for 3 yrs. was transferred in 1778 to Col for Gibbons Co, same reg. his name last appeared on so muster roll for Months of Oct, Nov, & Dec. 1779 dated Ft Pitt, Feb 13, 1780, on the muster roll for Oct. 1777 he was reported wounded, date not stated. Does his name appear on pension roll and if so to whom was the pension pd, what name - and are there any other Rankins on Pension roll for Revolution

any service and if so to whom was pension made if not to self. I am try- ing to establish my Revo- lutionary ancestor and any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you kindly I beg to remain
Respectfully - Mrs E N Witt, 523 N Pine St. P.O. Little Rock, Ark.

1019 E. 8 th St., Pueblo, Colo. June, 1, 1935.
Veterans' Administration
only Va. rev
Can you furnish any data on the Revolutionary War soldier, James Rankin, who served 3 years in the Virginia State Line. He had a military warrant # 3694 for (2) 100 acres in Kentucky - date of warrant 1/20/1785.
I would like to know the date & place of the birth of James Rankin. Name of wife & date of marriage. Name of children or any other available data.
Note - the name of James Rankin's wife may have been Miss. Montgomery.
Can you furnish any data on Richard Rankin of Pa. who furnished supplies for the Cont. forces during the Revolution. At the close of the Rev. he moved to Augusta Co. Va. His wife's name was Mary Douglas.
I would like the date of his birth etc & data which is available.
Yours truly, Mrs. V. B. Wood.

1019 C. 8 th St., Pueblo, Colo., June 29, 1935.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Can you furnish data pertaining to the Revolutionary War Soldier James Rankin . He served 3 yrs. in the Virginia State Line and was given a land grant in Kentucky dated 1785.
Believe this James Rankin was married to a Miss. Montgomery.
Yours truly,
Mrs. V. B. Wood.

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All in s regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
14448
3- for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
April 19, 1927
192
Bureau ordering Pension
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of thirty pages from the Rev. War pension claim, W. 4568, James Rankin.
No. of copies 1 of each page Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see A. E. Wilson Room No. 5013 Phone No. 541
Approved:
A. L. Lamb
Chief Clerk of Bureau
A. E. Wilson Chief of Branch
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated?
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size
Proof list
Labels (submit sample)
Fill in letters
Cards, size
Pay rolls
Corrections
Tabulation sheets
Photostat X Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $ 4.50 Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $
Remarks
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief of bureaus.
..... 19..... (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
} On list.....
as follows:
Now reads
 1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
Should read
 1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192 .
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

April 14, 1927
Commissioner of Pensions.
Please furnish certified photostat copies of thirty pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4568 James Rankin.
recd payment
$. 4.75
W. Wilson
Chief Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
Photostat copies of records of James Rankin to be sent to George H. Rankin 919 Strick Building Pittsburgh, Pa.
4/14/27

21432
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
February 28, 1928
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSION
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 30 pages from Rev. War pension claim of James Rankin, W. 4568, widow Martha. Va. Troops.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see M. M. H. Finch 5033 541 Room No. Phone No.
Approved: [Signature] Chief Clerk of Bureau
[Signature] Chief of Branch or Division
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated?
Table with 2 columns: Addressograph from lists, Envelopes, size, Proof list, Labels (submit sample), Fill in letters | Cards, size, Pay rolls, Corrections, Tabulation sheets
Photostat x Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $ 4.50 Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $
Remarks
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without for reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
5055-5
192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate  Destroy present addressograph plate 
On list.....
as follows:
Now reads        1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read    1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by ..... Date .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

Telephone New Rochelle 798
JOHN Q. RANKIN, INC. ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS 78 NORTH AVENUE NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y.
Jan. 28, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
✓ I have been informed that one of my ancestors, James Rankin, was a private in the Revolutionary Army and that his widow, Martha (Stevens) Rankin received a pension under the Act of Feb. 2, 1848 of $ 80.00 per annum commencing Mar. 4, 1848 payable in Pittsburgh, Mar. 4th and Sept. 4th. Also that this is recorded in the Roll of Pensioners under the Act of Feb. 2, 1848, page 263, vol. 2. Original certificate issued Mar. 24, 1849 and duplicate Mar. 7, 1850. Can I obtain a certified copy of his (or his widow's) application and the pension certificate?
Advised as to this one I am also informed that another ancestor, Samuel Stevens, the father of Martha (Stevens) Rankin mentioned above was in the Revolutionary Army, probably from one of the New England Colonies for I understand he emigrated from New Canaan, Conn. in 1789 to the vicinity of Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa.
○ I am further informed that Andrew Giffin, another ancestor was in the service, probably Pennsylvania, for his homestead was in Cumberland County, Pa. until the 1790s when he sold his farm and emigrated to a farm in western Pennsylvania on Chartiers Creek on the present Allegheny-Washington County line.
I am desirous of obtaining certified copies of whatever detailed records you have of these men, and if you will advise what fees there are for obtaining the information I will forward the check to cover same.
Yours truly
John Q. Rankin

New Rochelle 998
check - $ 7.25
JOHN Q. RANKIN, INC. ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS 78 NORTH AVENUE NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y.
Feb. 23, 1928.
Dept. of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-            Re- Rev.& 1812 Wars Section.
Replying to your letter of the 20th, relative to copies (photostatic) of original papers in the Revolutionary War covering claim #W.4568 for pension by Martha Rankin, widow of James Rankin, and claim #W.22332 of Samuel Stevens (or Stephens).
I will appreciate receiving a set of copies together with your official certification of each of these claims and enclose my check for $ 7.25 for same.
Yours truly
J. Q. Rankin
J. Q. Rankin

Rev.&1812 Wars Section. mmh
February 20, 1928.
John Q. Rankin, 78 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York.
Sir:
I advise you that photostatic copies of original papers in the Revolutionary War claim for pension of Martha Rankin, widow of James Rankin, Virginia Troops, (W. 4568) will be furnished you under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that be desired.
The number of pages to be copied is thirty.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Andrew Giffin, or to a Samuel Stevens of New England, who later lived in Pennsylvania.

However, said records show that one Samuel Stevens (or Stephens) W. 22332, was born in 1758 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was living in Washington County, Pennsylvania during Revolution and later lived in Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. His widow's name was Mary.
If you desire photostatic copies of papers on file in their claims for pension the same will be furnished at the rate above named and the number of pages to be copied in said claim, W. 22332, is fifteen.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

March 3, 1924.
Mrs. E. M. Witt, 523 N. Pine St., Little Rock, Ark.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.4568, it appears that James Rankin served three years as a private in the Virginia Line on the Continental Establishment, no officers, dates nor incidents of service given. He married January 10, 1792, Martha Stevens; he died December 29, 1812, and she was allowed pension on her application executed November 7, 1838, at which time she was a resident of North Strabane Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, aged 67 years. Their children were:
Hannah born January 4, 1793, died August 19, 1795. John " January 27, 1795. Samuel " March 11, 1797. Polly " July 10, 1799. Rebekah " January 21, 1802, died September 17, 1805. Thomas " July 11, 1804. Sarah " October 23, 180-. James " May 10, 1809. Martha " April 26, 1812, died October 1, 1812.
The above noted is the only James Rankin of Virginia found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.

In order to make a proper search of the records, the soldier's full name is essential.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

March 25, 1911.
Mrs. C. H. Harrison, Harrisville, W. Va.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 20" and received the 21" instant, you are advised that from the papers in claim Wid. File # 4,568, it appears that James Rankin served three years as a Private in the Virginia Line on the Continental Establishment- no officers, dated, nor incidents of service given. He married January 10, 1792, Martha Stevens; he died December 29, 1812, and she was allowed pension on her application executed November 7, 1838, at which time she was a resident of North Strabane Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and sixty-seven years of age.
Family data on file.
James Rankin and Martha Stevens were married January 10, 1792.
Hannah Rankin was born January 4, 1793, died August 19, 1795. John Rankin " " January 27, 1795. Samuel Rankin " " March 11, 1797. Polly Rankin " " July 10, 1799. Rebekah Rankin " " January 21, 1802, died September 17, 1805. Thomas Rankin " " July 11, 1804. Sarah Rankin " " October 23, 180- James Rankin " " May 10, 1809. Martha Rankin " " April 26, 1812, died October 1, 1812.
"James Rankin, our father, died December 29, 1812."
A careful search of the Revolutionary War pension records fails to afford any information relative to John Poage described by you.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.