Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8275, for Thomas Pitman, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
Nb.
Pitman Thomas Pitmon or
R 8275
Discy
CONTENTS

State of Carolina } ss. County of Buncombe } ss.
On this the 22 nd day of May A.D. One thousand, eight hundred and fifty two, personally appeared before me, an acting Justice of the County Court (a court of records) for the County and State above mentioned: Dicy Pitman, a res- ident of Buncombe County; aged, eighty one years: Who being fir- st 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 the seventh, 1838, entitled, "An act, granting half Pay- and Pen- sions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Thomas Pitman deceased, who was a Private in the Army of the Revolutionary War in the company commanded by Capt. Alexander in the Regiment of Carolina Militia, commanded by Col. Jackson, that he was a citizen of Edgecombe County in the State of Carolina at the time he volunteered: having been born and raised in said County. She further says. that the length of his first term was twelve months, and that he also served two other six months terms, one of which he was as Substitute for his brother, Joseph Pitman, who was a Cooper in the Army. The day of the month she does not recollect on which he volunteered, but she thinks that the said Thomas Pitman spoke of the years 1776 and 1777 as the times in which he served. Declarant further states that she has heard said Thomas Pitman speak of being on several Battle grounds during his service, but she does not recollect any particular one. Declarant also states that she has heard the above mentioned Thomas Pitman

speaking of being in South Carolina during his service but that the greater part of his time was spent near the State Line, but that his service began and ended in Carolina. The Declarant further states that she has heard the aforementioned Thomas Pitman speak of other Officers than those already mentioned but that the names of the above are all that she recollects, except that of Washington, but whether the said Thomas Pitman was under his immediate command, she is not certain. She being old, and her memory much impaired; and that a great many facts once known with relation to the service, have since the death of said Thomas Pitman escaped her memory. That said Thomas Pitman at the date of his death was over sixty years of age and that she, to the best of her knowledge, had never made any effort to obtain a pension. She further states that her husband at his death had several papers relative to his services in the war, one of those papers she thinks was his discharge, but that a man by the name of Sawyer sent to her and got the papers and that she has not heard of them since that time.
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Pitman in the County of Edgecombe, State of Carolina on the 25 th day of August, A. D. one thousand seven hundred and ninety three, and that her name before marriage was Dicy Newton, and that her husband, the above mentioned, Thomas Pitman died on the fifteenth day of March, A. D.

One Thousand eight hundred and fourteen: That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but that the Marriage actually took place before the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, with, at the date above mentioned. She also declares that the Family record which is transmitted is true, and correct.
Died her mark his Pitman his Seal I do hereby certify that I have been sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above mentioned, and I hereby certify that Dicy Pitman is a woman of good character, and I believe that she has stated the truth in the foregoing Declaration. I further certify, that she cannot, from bodily infirmities, attend at Asheville, the place of holding our county Courts, and that she is of the age stated by herself, and that it was the general opinion in the county, that said Thomas Pitman was a Sol- dier in the Revolution, and I concur in the same. In testimony whereof, I have set my hand and
my seal P. S. Beall Clerk of Court
This Pitman and Dicy Newton was Married
in August 26 th 1798, Edgecombe Co. N.C.
By Simon Puffin I said
These pres-
Pitman
deceased, of the county of Burke and State of Carolina have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint and I do hereby my true and lawful attorneys, irrevocably, for one and in my name to receive from the United States, the Pension Cer- tificate and all such sum or sums of money or moneys which may be due me by the United States on any account

One Thousand eight hundred and fourteen: That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but that the Marriage actually took place before the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, W.H. at the date above mentioned. She also declares that the Family record which is transmitted is true, and correct. Drey her mark Pitman Seal
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above mentioned, and I hereby certify that Drey Pitman is a woman of good character, and I believe that she has stated the truth in the foregoing Declaration. I further certify, that she cannot, from bodily infirmities, attend at Asheville, the place of holding our county Courts, and that she is of the age stated by herself, and that it was the general opinion in the county, that said Thomas Pitman was a Sol- dier in the Revolution, and I concur in the same. In testimony whereof, I have set my hand and
G. L. Poulton Seal Justice
Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these pres- ents that I Drey Pitman, widow of Thomas Pitman deceased, of the county of Burke and State of Carolina have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint and S. G. Westlake my true and lawful attorneys, irrevocably, for one and in my name to receive from the United States, the Pension cer- tificate and all such sum or sums of money or moneys which may be due me by the United States on any account.

whatsoever, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, and an attorney or attorneys under him for the purpose aforesaid. To make and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do, or cause to be done, in and about these premises.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and seal, this the 22 nd day of May 1852.
Dicy her Pitman mark
State of Carolina } ss. County of Brunswick }
On this the 22 nd day of May A.D. 1852, personally appeared before me the undersigned, an acting Justice of the county court; Dicy Pitman who being duly sworn according to law, declares on her oath that the foregoing power of attorney is her own free act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned and that she will not revoke this, or give any other power of attorney to any one until the above attorney shall signify that he is forever done.
Witness my hand and seal, this the 22 nd of May A.D. 1852.
Dicy her Pitman mark
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me on the day and year above mentioned.
Witness my hand and seal G. L. Ponder Justice of the Peace

No 14.714
Dicy Pitman, widow of Thomas
N. C.
Aug 7. 1838,
G. C. Ames,
Present

State of Carolina } Buncombe County } S.S.
On this the 21 st day of May A.D. one Thousand eight hundred and fifty two; personally appeared before me, an acting justice of our said Court of Record, in and for said county and state
Samuel W. Davidson & George C. Alexander —
are credible and disinterested witnesses, who being first duly sworn according to Law, declare on their oaths, that they were personally acquainted with Thomas Pitman deceased husband of Dicy Pitman; and that he was reputed and believed to have been in the Revolutionary War: that, that report was general and uncontradicted, so far as they know and that they concur therein; and that he and his widow, were and are credible persons. They further state that said Dicy Pitman is reputed and believed to be the widow of the afore-mentioned Thomas Pitman; and that he, the said Thomas Pitman died on the fifteenth day of March A.D. one Thousand eight hundred and fourteen; and that they are in this matter entirely disinterested.
Sam l W. Davidson Geo. C. Alexander
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above mentioned; and I hereby certify that above named Samuel W Davidson & George C Alexander
are credible and disinterested
witnesses in this matter whereof I have set my hand
hand and A. Burgin

The further declares State of North Carolina ss. I Robert P. Wance, Clerk of the Court of Buncombe County, I herewith certify that the signatures of J. L. Penland & A. B. Bargin Esqrs, whose genuine signatures appear to the foregoing, were at time of signing Justices of the Peace in said County, duly commis- ioned according to law
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our said Court, done at office in Asheville 3rd June A D 1852. R. P. Wance clk.
Nov 14. 74
Dicy T. Thomas
Mother of Thomas
M. G.
Aug 7. 1838.
G. L. Jones,
Print

Lucy Patman

State of North Carolina Puncombe County } 3
Know all men by these presents that I Dicy Pitman of Puncombe County do hereby Constitute & appoint Isaac B. Sawyer of Asheville N.C. My true and lawfull attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim for a Pension due me in Right of my Husband Thomas Pitman a Revolutionary soldier for all sums of money due me as The widow of the said Thomas Pitman and generally to do all lawfull acts and things touching said claim to appoint one or more attorneys under him and at his pleasure to revoke this power & I hereby revoke all former powers of attorney by me made to any one & I hereby make & Constitute the said I B Sawyer my only true & lawfull attorney Ratifying & confirming all that my said attorney shall lawfully do in the premises - Witness my hand and seal this 5th Nov. 1853
Given under my hand this 5th day of Nov. 1853 Dicy Pitman
Isaac B. Sawyer
he justly executed and to take into his possession

State of North Carolina Buncombe County Came before me Fletcher Fortune, an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, Mary Pitman Widow of Thomas Pitman decd, & Mohetha aolk that she is still the widow of the said Thomas Pitman decd, and she further acknowledg- -ed the due execution of the foregoing Power of attorney before me this 8 th day of November 1853 Fletcher Fortune (P)
State of North Carolina } Robert B Vance, clerk of the court Buncombe County } of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, in for said county, & State, certify that Fletcher Fortune Esqr, whose genuine signature appears above, is and was at the time of signing an acting Justice of the peace in for said County, & State, duly commissioned & sworn Given under my hand & seal of office at office in Asheville the 8 th Nov A D 1853. R B Vance clk
on file for J. C. ...

State of North Carolina, Buncombe County:
Copy of Thomas Pitman's Will
"March the 8th day 1816. In the name of God, amen! I Thomas Pitman of the County of Buncombe and State of North Carolina, Cooper, being very sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God, therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body, and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament. And first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God, that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent christian burial, at the direction of my executor. And touching such worldly estate, wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner. I, in the first place, leave the whole of my estate in the hands of my beloved wife Dicy, to strengthen her and assist her in raising the family. I, in the next place, appoint Robert Rea, Samuel Davidson and James Wilson to value my estate, and then leave it in the hands of my executor still for the use and support of the family; then a record made of the valuation of the property in my will that each heir may have an equal share when they come of age. I, in the next place, appoint my beloved wife, Dicy, sole executrix of my estate, hoping and desiring she will do impartial justice in giving each heir an equal part. I, in the next place, appoint Joseph Rice to see that the contents of this will be justly executed and to take into his possession till lawfully called for. I do ratify and confirm this to be my last will and testament, in witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & Seal, the day and year above written.
Signed, Sealed, and declared by the said Thomas Pitman, as his last will and testament (Signed)
his Thomas Pitman (S.S.) mark
in presence of us the subscribers
James Alexander
Robert Rea (seal)

Certificate of probate, endorsed on the will - (copy.) "State of North Carolina } April Session 4 1816 Buncombe County } ss. The within Will of Thomas Pitman deed, was proven in open Court by the oath of Robert Rea, one of the subscribing witnesses thereto, executrix sworn. Certified John Miller clk By Rob t Hamilton D Clk
State of North Carolina } I. Robert B. Vance, clerk of Buncombe County } the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions, (a Court of record), in and for said County & State, certify the foregoing to be an exact copy of the Will of Thomas Pitman 5 deed, according to the original on file, and that his wife, Alicey Pitman executrix named in the will was sworn in as such at April Session 1816 as appears of record; and that said will was duly recognized by Court as the last Will and Testament of Thomas Pitman deed.
Given under my hand and seal of office at office in Asheville the 18 th October A. D 1853. R. B. Vance CLK;

Thomas Gilmore's Will.

Asheville N.C. 8th Nov. 1853.
Hon. S. P. Waldo
Dear Sir
In regard to the Claims of Mrs. Lytle, to a Pension I would respectfully refer you to the act of the 7 th July 1838, (Shall not be withheld from any widow whose husband died after the passage of the act of 7 th June 1832 and before the act of 7 th July 1838, If otherwise entitled to the same.)
Thomas Lytle was a live on the 7 th June 1832, and died in 1835, which you will I think see is embraced in this act, as well as others, I do not know when she was married but suppose it must have been before the limitation of the act as
I herewith send you a power of attorney from Alice Pitman authorizing me to examine her papers. You will also find the copy of Thomas Pitmans will by which you will see that she was regarded as his wife by him self and the courts

I upon this will answer to satisfy you that she was the lawful wife of Thomas Pitman. There is on file in his case the lawful certificates showing dates to a considerable length of time. The Book offered by a former agent is evidence I consider as nothing it was shown to Mr. Lixins. It was given to the agent (Westcott) and that had no marks of forgery thereon - he is a man I would have no confidence in but I hope you will not let any act of his prejudice the claim of a miserable old woman who lives on the charity of her poor children.
I am Sir Yours sincerely,
J. B. Sawyer
Hon. S. P. Hales

Asheville N.C. 7 th February 1887
Sir
I desire to call attention to the following Claims for Pensions (to wit) The Claim of The Heirs of John Hays. The Claim of Nancy Pitman & The Claim of The widows of John Holloway These Claims have been long before the Department & Court, where what disposition have been made of them,
I must beg of you the favour to inform me what is yet wanting I think they ought to have been allowed long since But you are the judge and wife I doubt not give a correct Decision
Will you Reply at your convenience, I am Sir
Yours afft Servant,
J. P. Sawyer

Washington June 17. 1852 James E Beach Esq Sir
I enclose herewith the declaration of Dicy Pitman widow of Joseph Pitman who claims a Pension under the act of 7 July 1838.
The Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, shows that Joseph Pitman served nearly two years in the Militia of that State, and a portion of the family record, which bears every appearance of having been along time made shows that they were married prior to 1794.
I hope the evidence will be deemed sufficient to authorize the allowance of this Claim
Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt G. L. Ames

Washington Feby 21. 1853
James E Heath Esq Sir
Enclosed you will find the Affidavit of Samuel W Davidson an old and respectable Citizen of Buncombe County N.C in support of the Claim of Dicy Pitman formerly Widow of Joseph an ap- =plicant for a Pension under the act of May 1838. This Affidavit in absence of Higher grade of evidence, which cannot be obtained, shews to be received as proof of Marriage prior to 1794
Very Respectfully Your Ob st Servt G. Brodner

The balance of the Cashbill of North Carolina referred to in the correspondence, not with the papers in the case. N. O. L.
Morn 25, 1854,

Suspended
Deaf Pitman
Issue of
Thomas Pitman
North Carolina
Met 1838 (d 1836)
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
P. M. Hensley
Resigned

State of North Carolina Brunswick County
I know all men by these presents That I William Pitman do hereby constitute and appoint P. M. Henry of Washington City my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim to a pension in right of my deceased Father Thomas Pitman my Mother being now dead. Authorizing my said agent and attorney to examine all the papers or file which was filed by my deceased Mother Dicy Pitman widow of the said Thomas Pitman to file this & all other papers he may need in prosecuting said claim, hereby revoking all former powers by me made.
Witness my hand and seal This 21 August 1857
acknowledged before me J. B. Sawyer JP
Wm Pitman

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1878.
own
8275-
P. O.
Dicey Pitman
Service:
Thomas
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contra
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

J B Sawyer Dec 23/54
✓ No 14, 7/14
Nicey Titman mag Thomas
N.C.
Let G. L. Ames, Sept. 6/52
Same
June 13/53
J. B. Sawyer 22 nd Nov. 1853.
H. L. Kingman 25 th Mar. 1854.
July 7, 1838

Nov. 15, 1853.
Power of atty. Col. in case of Wicy Pitman, widow of Thomas, and representing case of Thomas Little, M.C.O.
Asheburg N.C.
Isaac B. Sawyer,
Asheville,
for N.C.

14.714
Dicey Pitman Widow of Thomas, N. Carolina
G.C. Ames Sep t 6, 1852-
Same June 13, 1853-
J.B. Sawyer 22 d Nov 1853-
H.L. Clingman 25 th Mch 1854-
J.B. Sawyer Dec 23, 1854-
Same March 3, 1857-
Hon ble B. Vance Apr 11/60
8275
July 7 1838

Class 2
Y Branch No Rep.
Deputy Steward mid. of March 21 - 22 - 1856.

Mr Whiting will oblige me by examining the case of Mrs Dill Pitman widow of Thos Pitman a soldier of Rev. War, who applied through J.B. Sawyer Asheville N.C. and report the state of the case to me -
April 9 th /60.
J.B. Vance As Rep.
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

S. W. Davidson, aff.

State of North Carolina
County of Buncombe
On this the 7 th of February AD 1853.
Come before me A. Burgin a justice of the peace for said County Samuel W. Danderson and after being sworn according to Law, say that Thomas Pitman & his wife come to reside in the County of Buncombe in the year 1806 or 1807. They had at that time four children to wit Elizabeth Thomas Polly & Lot. They lived near him (Danderson) from that time till the death of the said Thomas Pitman and his widow Alice Pitman has lived in his neighbourhood up to the present time and is now residing near him and is still unmarried, & the widow of the said Thomas Pitman the community have always regarded them as man and wife and never had any doubt on that point as they lived together in harmony and good will. That they were married about the year 1793. he has no doubt three two first children died Elizabeth the oldest now living is about 56 years of age, he knew Thomas Pitman long & well and have frequently heard him Pitman speak of and talk of being in the Revolutionary War and from his correctness about the War I have no doubt but that he Pitman was in the service a considerable length of time and from the fact that I never knew any other Thomas Pitman but himself & some I am satisfied that he is the Thomas Pitman

who recd the Certificate of pay found on the Comptroller's Books of St. Croix, and now filed for the use of his widow The said Olney Pitman That he is pretty well acquainted in St. Croix and never heard or knew of any other family of the name of Pitman but the one above alluded to.
The Deceased is now 74 years of age and is in way related to the claimant Olney Pitman and in no way interested in her claims sworn to before me the day & year above,
Saml Davidson
Attest: A. Burgin - D.D. 3

State of North Carolina } I Robert S. Vance, Clerk of the Court Rutherford County } of Pleas and quarter Sessions, in Rutherford County, certify that A Burgh Esgt, whose genuine signature appears to the above is an acting Justice of the Peace in Rutherford County, duly commissioned & sworn.
Given under my hand & Seal of office, at office in Asheville the 10th February A D 1853.
R. S. Vance Clk.