Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8545, for Zela Reno, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Reno, Zela Zely or Mary
W 8545
CONTENTS

13.905 Kentucky
Lela Reno , of Harrison Co in the State of Kentucky who was a prd Sergt. in the Company commanded by Captain Hough - of the regt. commanded by Col Ewell in the Va. Na. line for 2 yrs from 1775,
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of $3 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of July 1833 — and sent to H. C. R. Mr Johnson. Great Crossin
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $16 66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep " 41.66
$208.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. Allison Clerk,
Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 25

Fela Puno 5
Declaration
— 11 —
22913.

State of Kentucky } 3 rd Oct Harrison County } 3 rd
On this 13 th day of February 1833 before me Isaac Frazier a justice of the peace & a member of Harrison County Court Kentucky: which is a court of record, appeared Zela Puno a resident of Harrison County Kentucky - aged nearly seventy, Sixty seven, having been born in Prince William County Virginia on the 3 rd day of April 1757 who being first duly sworn according to law and on his oath made the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the law of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as is hereinafter stated. That about the year of the Lord 1775 as well as he recollects he entered the said service as sergeant in the Minute Service & marched from home in Prince William County Va. to Williamsburg to confront Col. Gov t Dunmore, who had taken the Magazine & runaway negroes. This declarant's uniform was a purple hunting shirt, marked in the breast in large letters with the words "Liberty or death" with a Macaroni hat & buck tail. That his Captain's name was Capt. Harrison, George Maddox was Lieut & Lewis Puno Ensign in Col. Fife Ewell & Major James Ewell's Regiment. That he remained in the said service next the following officers recollects, from the above named time until after the capture of Cornwallis. at which capture he remained marched from Little York, with the British prisoners to Fredericksburg, where he remained for some time on the line between Maryland & Virginia. That as near as he recollects the services rendered by him during the revolution were as follows viz: He marched from home in the above specified tour, in Prince William County to Fredericksburg, thence to Williamsburg. And Dunmore having escaped on board a vessel, having been absent in service two months. And again during the same year, in the fall, he marched from home, in said service, under the same officers, except Capt. Harrison, who had died - & Henry Hoe, or Haugh, acting.

as Capt to Newgate in Fairfax County Virginia where he was Stationed three months. Thence to Dumfries where he was Stationed three months - Thence to Little York, where he was Stationed three months. Thence to Williamsburg, where he was Stationed, four months. From this place the British drove the Americans - who retreated to Richmond where this declarant staid, about three weeks. Thence home on parole - When he spent the ballance of this year 1778 in going three little tours of three weeks each to guard the country on the Potomac at Fripetts Landing, & near Dumfries. That during the following year from the beginning of 1779 until the spring of 1780 he spent as a minute man near different places where he was at various and various places - guarding the country - During the time of actual service except short intervals on parole That in the spring of 1781 - He marched from home to Williamsburg where he was stationed two months - Thence to Little York where he staid two months. Thence to Richmond where he staid two months Thence home on parole a short time. Thence to Little York to the siege & capture of Cornwallis - Under Capt Simon Hancock, who had, in all s. tours been his captain for three years preceding at various places - Marks was Lieut Major Saml. Cox, and during the siege, he was in Col. Mathews regt. Under Genl. Weedon, as he thinks. He recollects Capt Frain, Coleman at the siege. That after the siege he assisted in guarding the British prisoners to Fredericksburg. Then to Newgate  Then to Newgate  where he staid  where he staid  three months  three months and verily believes that he served the United States in service from  March 1775 as a minute man until March 1778 with a full twenty six months & a half certain for only exceptions of parole in substance; That he recd a final discharge - but it has been long since lost or destroyed. That he has no record of his age. He was christianed in the Church of England in Prince William County Virginia as he has been informed - and - And he has been informally verbally, of his age, by his parents, and believes what he has stated about it is true.

That he lived, after the revolution, in Prince William and Loudoun County Virginia until the year 1784 - When he moved when he resided some years & has resided since to Fayette County Ky. & in Bourbon & Harrison counties ever since & now resides in Harrison county Kentucky. That there is no person by whom he can prove his S. Service, living that he knows of. He hereby relinquishes every claim what- ever to a pension or annuity except the present & claim, his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state or territory whatever J. P. H. C.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid? Joel Fraizer J. P. H. C.
State of Kentucky Harrison county set I. Joel Fraizer a Justice of the peace in and for the county & state aforesaid do hereby certify that the above named applicant Zela Reno is in my opinion from bodily infirmity unable to attend the court, being very old & decrepit & living some distance from the seat of justice Given under my hand this 13 th day of February 1833 Joel Fraizer J. P. H. C.
We Thomas Lewis and N. B. Coleman residing in the county of Harrison & state of Kentucky, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Zela Reno who has subscribed and sworn to the above above declaration; that we believe him to be nearly seventy five years of age; that he has been & still is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to be a man of veracity & to have been a soldier of the revolution; and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. Joel Fraizer J. P. H. C. Tho s Lewis N. B. Coleman
I Joel Fraizer an acting justice of the peace in & for the county of Harrison & state of Kentucky, before whom the foregoing

declaration was made, by the applicant in person, do hereby certify & declare, it as my opinion, after the said investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served in the States. And I do further certify that the s d Thomas Lewis & N. B. Coleman who have signed the above certificate, are trustees of Harrison County and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Joel Fraizer J.P.H.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Harrison County ss
I Samuel Endecott Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do certify that Joel Fraizer, whose name appears subscribed to the foregoing writings, is an and acting justice of the peace in and for said County duly appointed commission-ed and qualified; that the said signature is his genuine signature, and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts and deeds. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my seal of office, this 16 th day of February A.D. 1833 and in the 41 st year of the Commonwealth
Samuel Endecott C. No. 6
Zela Pines Declaration
22913

Kentucky 2976
Mary Reno
widow of Zela Reno dec d a pension act 7 June 1832 who died on the 30 January 1837 - of Bourbon (In the State of Ky) who was a prisoner in the CO commanded by Captain Hough of the regt commanded by Col Ewell in the Va Milia line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of $3 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 30th day of Jan y 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of August 1839, sent to W m Glavin and Loesburg Kentucky
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1839 $174.76 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep r 39 41.66 $216.42
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
Recorded by D m Kinney Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 179.
Dead Letter to J. B. Woodyard and 3 Auditor 25 th Nov 1840
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 16 th April 1838 from 30. Jan y 1837 to 17. May 1839 the day of her death. Age not given 19 th Dec r 1840

K 3375 Mary Reno Kentucky
11. v. (9) m. 11. 20

State of Kentucky Bourbon County } fct.
On this the 7 th day of March 1838 personally appeared before George W. Williams a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid, Mary Reno a resident in the said County of Bourbon in the State aforesaid aged eighty four years (to the very best of her recollection) who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836: That she is the widow of Lele Reno who was a soldier in the Militia Service of the Revolutionary war. that her said husband before they were married was engaged in an expedition against Governor Dunmore of Virginia, that after they were married, she & husband lived in Prince William County Virginia, and that shortly after their marriage he entered the service as a soldier in the Company of Captain Burr Harrison, afterward, they, she & her husband moved into Loudoun County Virginia from which County he entered the service again under Captain Simon Hancock she thinks. She states that her memory is frail & does not recollect circumstances in detail but that she is positive in the fact that her husband was in the Revolutionary war as a soldier or minute man "off & on from the time he went to take Governor with the magazines" till Cornwallis was taken, and that her husband was in the service at the taking of Cornwallis at York Town. — She further declares that she was married to the said Lele Reno on the 3 rd day of August of the same year in which her husband went out against Governor Dunmore. she don't remember the year; that her husband the aforesaid Lele Reno died on the 31 st day of January 1837 & that she has remained a widow ever since that period.

as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herein annexed - Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year first within written before the said Geo: W. Williams Justice of the peace as aforesaid.
Signed Geo: W. Williams Mary her Reno mark
I do certify that the aforesaid Mary Reno is a very aged lady and that by reason of bodily infirmity she cannot attend the Court which is held in the Town of Paris eight miles from her residence - and I certify further that I am personally acquainted with her & was with her husband Lele Reno before his death & that she is his widow as stated in her application as aforesaid. Geo: W. Williams J.P.
Bourbon County State of Kentucky
John Chinn aged 71 years personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for said County & being first duly sworn states that he is the brother of the aforesaid Mary Reno, that he knows that the said Mary Reno & Lele Reno were lawfully married, that he was at the wedding which took place in the County of Fauquier at the house of his Father Charles Chinn & that he was then about nine or ten years old, that he knows of his own knowledge that the said Lele Reno was in the Revolutionary Service, & after he was married to his sister the said Mary Reno, that he was a minute man & was at siege of York when Cornwallis was taken prisoner. I further that he knows the said Lele Reno was a pensioner under the act of Congress of 1832 that he saw his pension Certificate & saw money paid him as a pensioner & that the said Mary Reno is the who has made the foregoing declaration.

-lation is the widow of the identical Lele Reno who was in the Revolutionary war as afor d ? I who was a pensioner as afor d ? I who he knows died in January 1837 I that the said Mary Reno has remained a widow since his death. Sworn to & subscribed by the said John Chinn this 7 th day of March 1838.
Attest
Geo: W. Williams (P)
John Chinn
Gaden Jones being first duly sworn state that he is personally acquainted with the afor d ? Mary Reno & was also acquainted with the said Lele Reno and that he knows that the said Mary Reno is the widow of the said Lele Reno, who died in January 1837. that the said Lele Reno was a pensioner, that he has seen him receive his pension money & that he has always understood that the said Lele Reno was a soldier of the Revolution. Sworn to & subscribed this 7 th day of March 1838.
Attest
Geo: W. Williams (P)
Gaden Jones
I do certify that the afor d ? John Chinn and Gaden Jones whose depositions are before written were sworn by me as Justice of the peace afor d ? that their said depositions were subscribed by them in my presence that they are persons of respectability and are men of the highest credibility. Given under my hand this 7 th day of March 1838.
Geo: W. Williams (P)

State of Kentucky and County of Bourbon Set I Thomas P Smith Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that George W. Williams is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set th my hand and affixed my seal of office this 9 th day of March 1838 and 46 th year of the Com th
Tho: P. Smith by W. O. Smith de
3375 Henry Kentucky

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
December 11 th 1840.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Administrator of Mary Beno, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Kentucky Agency, at the rate of Eighty Three Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 30 th of January 1837, to the 17 th May 1839, the day of her death.
Respectfully yours,
William B. Harris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

22913
Bela Reno
K
from 1775 private Sept 2 yr.
  Pa. 22 m.  $73.33    Sept 2 m.  10 —         $83.33  
No R. m. Johnson Great Grapic's  H. S. Coleman Cynthia ann K.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
April 15 183
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 subjjoined 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. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Ezra Reus  Starron Co NY.
   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.     March '75 2 Sergt Capt Harrison Col Cnele Battle VA 76 Pleasants VA Tradg.   1777 to 81 13 3 pr Capt Stewart "   1781 not stated " " "   1787 6 " " "   " 3 " Capt Hancock Col Matthews Yorktown " "  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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 _____; 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.
W. L. Williams Ex. Clk

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section REL/ILL Can
July 17, 1930.
Mr. Bailey Nicklin 516 Poplar Street Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Dear Sir:
You are advised from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 8545, it appears that Zela Reno (the name also appears Zely Reno) was born April 3, 1757, in Prince William County, Virginia.
While residing in Prince William County, Virginia, he enlisted the service in March, 1775, as a sergeant in the minute service and marched to Williamsburg uniformed in "a purple hunting shirt marked in the breast in large letters 'Liberty or Death' with Mccaroni hat and bucktail" under Captain Cuthbert Harrison and Colonel Jesse Ewell against Governor Dunmore and served two months.
He enlisted in the fall of the same year in Captain Henry Hoe, or Hough's, Company, Colonel Jesse Ewell's Regiment and served in various tours amounting in all to about sixteen months.
He enlisted in the spring of 1781, served in Captain Simon Hancock's Company, Colonel Mathews' Virginia Regiment, was at the siege of Yorktown, assisted in guarding British prisoners to Fredericksburg and served nine months.
thence in Maryland's ferry,
After the Revolution, he lived in Prince William and Loudoun Counties, Virginia, until 1784, when he moved to Fayette County, Kentucky, where he resided for some years, then lived in Bourbon and Harrison Counties, Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 12, 1833, while a resident of Harrison County, Kentucky.
He died January 30 or 31, 1837.
The soldier married August 3, 1775, at her father's

home in Fauquier County, Virginia, Mary, the daughter of Charles Chinn.
She was allowed pension on her application executed March 7, 1838, at which time she was aged eighty-four years and was a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky.
She died May 17, 1839.
There is no reference to children.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

Yale Reno. Ken; act of June 1832 to what time paid? Pen. Office.
July 20,
Since 30 th Jan. 1837 p't of that period Att.

Mary Reno Kentucky
Suspended
See let. 20 th July 1838 G. W. Williams let. 10 th Sep. 1838, to H. - R. M. Johnson I Wm Chinn let 24 Dec 38 H - R. M. Johnson,
4 July '36

Rev W
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D C
Dear Sir:
Please send me the pension record of James Eden (Eden) of the Hatt- uga Settlement, Tennessee.
Mrs Claude Smith
#8 Miss. Ave.
N. Chattanooga Tenn.

Jela Reno also spelled Reneau, and Runo. I do not know just where he served but I think possibly Virginia, or North Carolina. I know he was a soldier and drew a pension, for I find the after his name, Jela Reno (D.V.A.) Secy. Nov 1835 Penn Vol 3 Ky. 102 Mrs Claude Smith #8 Miss Ave. N. Chattanooga Tenn.

Simon Harris of Vir- ginia? who was at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown!
Thanking you in ad- vance for this informa- tion.
I am respectfully
Mrs Claude Smith
#8 Mississippi Ave
N. Chattanooga Tenn

Revolutionary Virginia
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8545
Mary Reno Wid. of Zela Reno Sergt. Va. Line
Act: July 4 th 36, Sec. 3 rd Act R.
Index: — Vol. 86 , Page 154
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1923 July 27 - Heir to Mrs. Claude Smith and 1927- Mar. 15 " " Mrs. R. H. Stickley and 1930- Mar 5 - Heir to Mrs. E. T. O'Gorman and 1930- July 17 - Heir to Bailey McRae - Heir

Revolutionary Virginia
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8545
Mary Rena Wid. of Gela Rena Sergt. Penn. Line
Act: July 27/26, Sec. 2, 1818
Index: Vol. 16 , Page 154
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1923 July 27 - Hist to Mrs. Claude Smith awd. 1927- Nov. 15 - " " Mrs. R. H. Stickley awd. 1930-Mar 5 - Hist. to Mrs. E. F. O'Gorman TAN F 1930-July 17 - Hist. to Bailey Hicklin - Ech

J L Edwards Esq.
Commission of Pensions Washington City

Cynthiana Ky May 9 th 1833
Dr Sir
Accept of my thankful recognition of your politeness to me - after which we will proceed to business. In Mr. Rens Case, which is in closed and has heretofore been recommended by Col. Johnson. I concluded that I would not begin - De-Novo - I therefore got the justice of the peace to go with me to Mr. Rens, who is not able to attend, from home, and in their presence with their consent the Case was so fixed, as to come within the purview of your directions - I advised Mr. Rens to omit all of his services from 1777 to 1781, as it was not susceptible, from the failure of his memory, of being so fully developed, as to authorize compensation - Please examine the declaration you will find the responses to the interrogatories embodied in it - As to the witnesses to prove service there is none known to be alive & this fact is stated The credibility of the two certify witnesses - who were likewise present - as above - is certified by the

Justice of the peace - And his official character by the proper officer under his seal of office
Respectfully yours W B Colman
Hon. J. L. Edwards

3375
Previously ent.
ill.
From R. M. Johnson (Reno case).
W. O. Jones

WAR DEPARTMENT.
PENSION OFFICE, July 19, 1838.
The joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 7th of July, 1838, extends the provisions of the third section of the act of the 4th July, 1836, to the widows of those persons whose husbands have died since the act passed, or who may hereafter die. Such widows will, in substantiating their claims, produce such proof as the regulations of July 9, 1836, direct. The only amendment to the rules will be found in the declaration, which will be made according to the following form:
DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4th July, 1836, and the joint resolution of July 7, 1838.
STATE (TERRITORY OR DISTRICT) } ss. OF Kentucky Bourbon Co  November 1838 On this twentieth day of November 1838 personally appeared before the undersigned justice of the Peace Mary Reno , A. B., a resident of Kentucky , in the county of Bourbon , and State (Territory or District) of as , aged 70 years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836, and the joint resolution of July 7, 1838: That she is the widow of Zela Reno , who was a [Here insert the rank the husband held in the army, navy, or militia, as the case may be, and specify the service per- formed, as directed in rule number four of the regulations of July, 9, 1836.]
She further declares that she was married to the said Zela Reno , on the day stated in the former certificate day of March , in the year seventeen hundred and 86 ; that her husband, the aforesaid Zela Reno , died on the  about the time day of stated in the other certificate and that she has remained a widow ever ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Mary Reno.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before Cannon Hearn J.P.B.C.
A RESOLUTION
For the benefit of the widows of certain revolutionary officers and soldiers.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the benefits of the third section of an act entitled "An act granting half pay to widows or orphans where their husbands and fathers have died of wounds received in the military service of the United States in certain cases, and for other purposes," approved the fourth day of July, eighteen hundred and thirty six, shall not be withheld from any widow whose husband has died since the passage of the said act, or who shall hereafter die, if said widow shall otherwise be entitled to the same.
APPROVED July 7, 1838.

Commonwealth of Kentucky County of Bourbon I Thomas Pickett Clerk of the Court of said County do certify that Cannon Hearn Esq. whose certificate is annexed was at the time & still is a magistrate as by him stated that his signature is genuine.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal of Office This 3 rd day of December 1828. Thos Pickett.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section EEL
March 5, 1930
Mrs. E.F.O'Gorman 226 E. Street, N.E. Washington, D.C.
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.8545, it appears that Zela Reno (the name also appears as Zely Reno) was born April 3, 1757, in Prince William County, Virginia.
While residing in Prince William County, Virginia, he entered the service in March, 1775, as sergeant in the minute service and marched to Williamsburg uniformed in "a purple hunting shirt marked in the breast in large letters 'Liberty or death' with maccaroni hat and bucktail" under Captain Cuthbert Harrison and Colonel Jesse Ewell against Governor Dunmore and served two months.
He enlisted in the fall of the same year in Captain Henry Hoe or Hough's Company, Colonel Jesse Ewell's Regiment and served in various tours amounting in all to about sixteen months.
He enlisted in the spring of 1781, served in Captain Simon Hancock's Company, Colonel Mathews' Virginia Regiment, was at the siege of Yorktown, assisted in guarding British prisoners to Fredericksburg and served nine months.
After the Revolution, he lived in Prince William and Loudoun Counties, Virginia, until 1784, when he moved to Fayette County, Kentucky, where he resided for some years, then lived in Bourbon and Harrison Counties, Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 13, 1833, while a resident of Harrison County, Kentucky.

He died January 30 or 31, 1837.
The soldier married August 3, 1775, at her father's home in Fauquier County, Virginia, Mary, the daughter of Charles Chinn.
She was allowed pension on her application executed March 7, 1838, at which time she was aged eighty-four years and was a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky.
She died May 17, 1839.
There is no reference to children.
Very truly yours
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

Rev. and 1813 Wars Section.
November 15, 1937
Mrs. R. H. Stickley 1435 Madison Ave Memphis, Tenn.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 8545, it appears that Zela Reno was born April 3, 1757 in Prince William County, Virginia.
While residing in said Prince William County, he served from in March 1775 at various times as Minute-Man and Sergeant under Captains Cuthbert Harrison, Henry Hoe or Hough, Simon Hancock, and Colonels Jease Ewell, and Matthew in the Virginia Troops, he was in the Siege of Yorktown, and served to in 1783, amounting in all to twenty-six and one half months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 13, 1833, while a resident of Harrison County, Kentucky. He died January 30 or 31, 1837.
Soldier married August 3, 1775 in Fauquier

County, Virginia, Mary, daughter of Charles Chinn.
She was allowed pension on her application executed March 7, 1838, while a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky, aged eighty-four years. She died May 17, 1839.
There is no reference to children.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Ans. 76.85-45-
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Zela Reno a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mar 1775- Several various times to 1782. in all 26 1/2 mos Private Cuthbert Harrison Henry Hoe or Hough Simon Hancock Jesse Ewell Matthew Va.  
Battles engaged in, Siege of Yorktown Residence of soldier at enlistment, Prince William Co. Va. Date of application for pension, Feb. 13-1833. His cl was al. Residence at date of application, Harrison Co. Ky. Age at date of application, Born Apr. 3-1757 in Prince Wm. Co. Va.
Remarks: He died Jan. 30 or 31-1837. Soldier married in Fauquier Co. Va. Aug. 3-1775 Mary, daughter of Charles Chinn, she was allowed pension on her application executed Mch. 7-1838 while living in Bourbon Co. Ky. aged 84 yrs. She died May 17, 1839.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
John Chinn Br. of widow

516 Poplar Street, Chattanooga, Tenn. June 9th, 1930.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you please send me a copy of the Pension records of Zela Reno of Kentucky, a soldier in the Revolutionary War (from Virginia). This man received a pension so there ought to be some family data of him on file, it would seem.
Very truly yours,
Bailey Nicklin.

226 E. Street, N. E. Washington, D. C. January 12, 1930.
Commissioner of Pensions, Bureau of the Census, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please send me Pension record of Zely or Zealy (or similar spelling) Reno? Virginia. Probably Prince William county or neighboring county.
Truly yours, (Mrs.) E. F. O'Gorman. E. F. O'Gorman

1435 Madison Ave.
Memphis Tenn.
June 14-1927
Concurrence of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: -
Will you kindly send me the military record of the following Revolutionary War soldiers. Any family names or dates given I should under appreciate - as the material is to be used in some historical work.
Zely (or Ziky) Reno. Pensioner of Harrison Co. Ky. James Butler. of Elbert Co. Ga - but a soldier in Virginia in Revolutionary -

Thanking you for your very kind assurance in this matter.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. R. H. Stickley 1435 Madison Ave Memphis Tenn.

Mr. Hanes
Hon: Colo: R. M. Johnson
Chastan Academy
Scott County
Ky

Dr Colos
Cynth Ky June 30 th 1855
I rec d Fela's or case in April with objections - and refused it sent it back on the 9 th of May - I tho't that I had written to you for your recommendation, for this case - but on looking over my business, I find that I neglected to inform you as usual as Mr. Reno is an old man, Extensively connected & a good & a Baptist & I think his statements are true - Please act as heretofore, for this applicant. Fela Reno.
The Cholera is raging here, violently, several of our valuable friends have gone hence.
May God preserve you life many years Respectfully your ob d serv t !
M. B. Coleman

Sept 10.
Private Ken.
Free Rhine Johnson loc G. L. Edwards City of Washington

1 st Sept 1894
Dear Sir,
I have your letter before me on the Pension case of Mrs Mary Reno widow of John Reno who drew a Pension who died upwards of a year ago - John Chinn, a justice of the Peace proved the marriage & was present at the wedding is a man of high character & standing & a man of veracity & he is entitled credit & belief & ought to be as suffi- cient as a thousand witnesses of that fact - I see your letter still regards the old Law & requirements, the marriage to be proven before the service of the husband ended - I understand that other proof is among the papers stating that the parties lived together as man & wife up to his death - It appears to me that there can not be a denial about your granting the Pension under the Laws as they now are, & I hope the decision may be favourable Sincerely yours,
Col J. L. Edwards P.R. N. Johnson

Dear Sir
Please to answer this immediately and airat it to me, William Chinn Leesburg Har- -rison Cty. Ky.
William Chinn

Free Rhine Johnson Col J. L. Edwards City of Washington

Please send the answer to me I oblige
Ph. H. Johnson

3375 Mary Reno of Zela Kentucky
admitted Probate Nov 1833.33
died 30 Janus 1837.
act 4 July 1836 + joint tenants,
W. Chinn Seesbury Kentucky.

State of Kentucky Harrison County
On the first day of April 1839 person ally appeared before me John Fraizer a justice of the peace for the county of Harrison and State aforesaid Mary Reno of said county of Harrison (at the present time) aged eighty Eighty five on the third of this month who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following Amended Declaration in Order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the laws made by Congress passed the 11 th July 1836 and the 7 th July 1838 - in addition to her former Declaration she States that she is the Widow of Yela Reno who was a Soldier in the American Revolution And a pensioner on the Roll of the Kentucky Agency. She further declares that she was Married to the said Yela Reno in the county of Fauquier State of Virginia on the third day of August 1775 - and that her husband Yela Reno died on the 31 st day of January 1837 that she was Married to the said Yela Reno Prior to his entering the service and previous to the year of 1783 - she farther States that there is no Record Evidence of her Marriage with the said Yela Reno. that at the early settling of Kentucky she with her husband removed to said State of Ky Her house was burnt with the family Records; supposed to have been burnt by the Indians - whilst she and her husband was from home; and she farther States that there is now no living witness by whom she can prove her marriage with the said Yela Reno. She farther States that she was married by a clergyman by the name of Thompson - who was a copalean - she farther States that she

has gotten a friend to write to the clerk of Fraziers to see if there is any Record of her Marriage in said Office - but after waiting some considerable time, she has received no Answer. She fur- -ther states that she has been informed that the said clerks Office has been burnt - but of the truth of that statement she cannot vouch. She further states that she is still the her wife of the said her Zelma Reno - (Mary her Reno mark)
State of Kentucky Harrison County 3. S. J. H.
The declaration was this day sworn to and subscribed by the above named Mary Reno before me Joel Frazier a justice of the peace for the county of Harrison and State aforesaid and I do certify that I have been many years ac- -quainted with the said Mary Reno and know her to be a woman of respectability and of undoubted veracity and good moral charac- -ter having been for many years a respectable member of the Baptist Church Given under my hand this this 1st day of April 1889 Joel Frazier J.P.H.
Also the affidavit of William Chinn who states that he is about forty eight years of age that has known the above named Mary Re- -no ever since he knew any person. And he states that she is a woman of good character of much moral worth - of undoubted veracity and has been a worthy and respectable member of the Baptist Church as long as he can remember and he has no hesitation in stating that he is satisfied that all of her state

ments made by her may be relied on With the utmost Confidence her further States that she is still the Widow of the said Zela Ross having never again Married William Chinn
Harrison County To wit
The above named William Chinn this day personally appeared before me the un- dersigned an acting justice of the peace for said county and made that the statements contained in the foregoing affidavit are true I do also state that I am acquainted With the aforesaid William Chinn and know him to be a man whose statements can be relied on
Given under my hand this 1st day of April 1839
Joel Fraizer J.P.
State of Kentucky and county of Harrison Set I Thomas Woodyard Clerk of the county court of said County do certify that Joel Fraizer is an acting justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified And that full faith and Credit are due to all his official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand And affixed my seal of office this 1st day of April 1839 and the 17th year of the commonwealth
Th B Woodyard Clerk

Any Communication back will be sent to William Chinn Seaburg Harrison County Kentucky
3375
Mary Anne Helen Kentucky
advised
Probate 1883.33
died 30 Jan 1837.
sent 4 July 1836 & printed
M. Chinn Seaburg Kentucky.