Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32447, for Elijah Piles, Virginia

SERVICE
Pills, Elixir
NUMBER _____
S. 32447
CONTENTS

23434
Indiana
Elijah Piles
of Decatur in the State of Indiana who was a private in the Co. commanded by Captain Freeman of the regt commanded by Col Gibson in the Virginia line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 50 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of July 1834 and James Harding Versailles
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 200 00 Semi-ann. allowance ending March 40 00 $240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Bayd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 124
See letters May 23. 1838 to act Sec. War & Laurencelung P. Atty.

Declaration -  Elijah Piles  of - for a Pension. -
annexed
State of Indiana } Noctine County } ss. On this 29th day of October in the year of our Lord 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. the Judges of the Noctine Circuit Court now sitting Elijah Piles a resident of the said County of Noctine and State of Indiana aged Eighty Seven years the 13th day of March next who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832. - That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. In the Month of May A.D. 1775 he volunteered in the service of United States and served for one year as an Indian Spy under Col. Gibson and Captain Thomas Sherman in the Monongahela Country in Penn. Virginia in what is now called Monongahela County. He left the service in the month of May or June in the year 1777 after serving for one year at least in the capacity of an Indian Spy. He then immediately in the month of June same year that he quit the service as an Indian Spy volunteered a second time and served for five months under Col. Gibson and Captain Thomas Sherman at Brandy Station. He left the service this time in the month of October after serving faithfully for five months, he was then discharged by Capt. Thomas Sherman and he returned to his residence, and continued there until the May following (strictly) 1778, where he volunteered a third time to serve at New Station. In this time served under the same officers as before (strictly) Col. Gibson and Capt. Thomas Sherman he left the service in the beginning of October same year after being first duly discharged by Capt. Sherman when he returned home. He then in the month of May 1779, volunteered a fourth time and served at New Station under the same officers as before, and left the service the last of September or the first of October same year, after serving faithfully for five months more, this fourth term added to his other terms makes Two years and three months . He then in the month of April he thinks 1780, volunteered a fifth time, and served for one month at Logstown Station 12 Miles below Fort Pitt on the Ohio River for the purpose of guarding the Magazine which contained the ammunition of the United States which was deposited here at that time. He left the service this 5th time he thinks the last of May or the 1st of June same year after being first discharged by his officers. This term

Makes two years and four months. He then immediately joined in the month of June 1781. He then volunteered to go to the Fort on the Water of the Muskin- gham 65 miles back from the Ohio River where 118 Regulars were sta- tioned under Lieut. Gaines and who were in danger of being entirely cut off by the Indians. He crossed the Ohio at Big Beaver under the command of Capt. Freeman and by forced marches reached the Fort (the name he has now forgotten) in time to give relief to the besieged Fort. However 18 of the men in the Fort had been killed by the Indians from there he was marched back with the Regulars to the settlements along the Ohio where he was discharged. The precise length of this tour he cannot state but it was not less than a month. At all events he returned home some time in July same year. This tour added to the other five tours wants make Two years and Five months . The Regulars just before being under Lieut. Gaines (or Irvine) were set out on to the waters of Muskinham for the purpose of constructing a line of Forts to extend to the Indian village on the Scioto Water high up. but were under the nece- -sity of abandoning the plan. He then in the month of April he joined 1781. volunteered a 7th time and served under Captain Thomas Green- -wood at Henry's Station about 7 miles from where Morgan town now stands. He thinks that probably Col. Irvine at that time commanded at that station but as to this he is not positive it was either Col. Irvine or Col. Gibson. He left the service this 7th and last tour in the month of July 1781. after serving for three months which added to his other six tours makes Two years and Eight months for which he claims a pension. At the time that he ended the service he resided in the region of country which at this time comprises Monongahela Co. Pa. and continued to reside there until the war was over. He was in no engagement which can properly be called Battles, during his series as an Indian Spy he marched from near where Morgan town -n now stands to what was called old Fort where Brownsville now stands, from thence to Fort Pitt, from thence to the water of Shenibards creek, from thence to Fishing creek, from thence to Wheeling - from thence to Buffalo creek, from thence to Paeupam creek from thence to the Big Meadows, from thence to Indian creek and so on alternately from one place to the other through the re- -gion round about the places and waters aforesaid. During his 7th -3 and 4th tours he served principally in Henry's Station except some

Times occasionally he was out as a scout not far distant however from the Post. During his 5 th term he served in the Station at Logstown, Penn- -sylv. During his 6 th term he marched from near Morgan Town to the Ohio River there he crossed at Big Beaver and marched out 65 miles back on the trail of the Muskingham to a Fort (the name of which he has forgotten) where the 118 Pennsylvanians before mentioned were stati- -oned, from thence he marched back to the Ohio River, crossed the same, and returned to the frontier settlement where he was discharged. During his 7 th and last term he served principally in Pennsylv. Station -on except occasionally he was out as the alert for the Indians - so that the inhabitants could plant and have their crops all of this time he was commanded by Capt. Thomas Greene who was subject to the orders of Col. Gibson, and some part of the time he thinks to the orders of a Col. Paine (or Paine). He was acquaint- -ed with Genl. Ver. Col. Paine (or Paine) Capt. David Scott, & Lieut. Paine (or Paine) He does not remember that he served with any continental or militia companies or Regiments except the Fort - Town with Lieut. Paine. He has no documentary or written evidence and he knows of no person living who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes any claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pen- -sion Roll of the agency of any state. Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid.
Elijah Piles mark
Henry H. Calbott. Ch. S.C.
Mr John Ford — a clergyman residing in the County of Sci- -atus and state of Indiana, and John Paine residing in the same County and state do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Eli- -jah Piles who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that he believes him to be Eighty seven 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, and the said John Paine further states that he has constantly been acqu- -ainted with the said Elijah Piles for more than 45 years and in the course of country where the said alleged services were re- -ndered, and from his earliest remembrance he has always had it said that the said Piles served as he has stated in his declaration. Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid. (over) Henry H. Calbott. Ch. S.C.

John Lord John Evans
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories, presented by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as the State. And the said further certify that it appears to them that John Lord, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a gentleman resident in the county of Spiceland and State of Indiana, and that John Evans who has also signed the same is a resident of the same county and State, and is a person of credit and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Mr. C. C. G. G. G. (Postmaster) James Elder (Postmaster) John Barron (Postmaster)
Answers to the 7 Questions presented by the War Department.
Ans. 1st I was born in Spencer County Ind. the 13th of March 1746. Ans. 2nd I have no record of my age but it was set down in the Big Bible which belonged to my father and that is in old Ind. I well remember however that that is my age - 3rd I was residing in what is now called Monroe County Ind. when I entered the service, and I continued to reside there until about twenty years since when I removed to Spencer County in Ind. where I now reside in Spiceland. Ind. - 4th Answer I was a volunteer - 5th Answer, I recollect Genl. Tecumseh, Genl. Harrison, Genl. Scott and Genl. Evans - I do not remember any companies or regiments, why were with the troops when I served except the U.S. Regulars under Genl. Evans, the several circumstances of my service are stated in this. Answer 6th I never had any military discharge, but it was told by my officers that I was dismissed for the present. Answer 7th Enquire of Doctor John Lord, Col. Brantingham, Judge Atkinson and all who know me -  Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Henry H. Talbott. Clk. & etc.
I, Henry H. Talbott clerk of the Spiceland Circuit Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Elijah Piles for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of my office this 29th day of October Anno Domini 1833 -  Henry H. Talbott Clerk.
28,530
Elijah Piles. S. S. Harding - agent New Albany, Ind.

28.530
Elijah Piles Decatur Co Indiana
2 3 3 1/2 from 1776 private 2 yr 880
S. S. Harding Versailles Indiana

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
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 Elijah Piles
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 1 Spy Col Gibson Capt Freeman 87 Va Testimonial   1777 5 " do do   1778 4 "   1779 5 "   80 1 "   1 "   3 "  
The applicant's claim cannot be allowed. When acting as a spy he was only occasionally out. It is only for the actual service that an allowance can be made.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES 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 days 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 the 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 inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
J. B. in kind words
3

32447 Ray INVALID.
File No. 32,447
Elijah Piles
# Pi Rev Mr
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 489
[Arrangement of 1870.]

The Amendments to the Declaration of Elijah Piles for a Pension . State of Indiana DeKalb County 3 rd On this 20 th day of December 1833 person- ally appears before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid County of DeKalb Elijah Piles the aforesaid ap- plicant for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832 who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Amendments to his former Declaration for a pen- sion (see declaration herewith sent) (to wit) In the month of May 1776 he volunteered in the service of the United States and served on the Frontiers in what was then called the Moun- tains Country against the Indians, under Col. Gibson & Capt. Freeman &c &c as he has stated within (see declaration) At the time of the month of May in the year 1777 after servi- ng faithfully for one year according to the practice of the times which the applicant possessed the Indian character he was ap- pointed by Col. Gibson and Capt. Freeman to serve as an "Indian spy" when it was thought expedient to send out scouts to watch the movements of the Enemy and for some considera- ble portion of his time for the first year (to wit) from the month of May 1776 to the month of May 1777 he was engaged as an "Indian spy" according to the orders of his officers and if he had not been out as such spy, would have been severely reprimanded by his officers for disobedience. When this applicant was not out as such "spy" he was doing military duty at Stearns Station , and had his regular tours of service, such as "country" "squad" &c &c to perform; applicant does not now remember of losing one single day either during his first tour of one year or during any of his other tours of duty mentioned within (see declaration) Applicant served also, the six other tours as he has stated in his former Declaration and to which the Department is referred for particulars. (see declaration) And further Deponent saith not.
Elijah Piles
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Ezra Bathrop
Notary Public State of Indiana

State of Indiana S c
McCabe County S c Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County of McCabe and State aforesaid Elijah Piles the applicant afore-aid for a pension under the Act of June 7 th 1832 who being first duly sworn according to law 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 to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grades (to wit) For Two Years and Eight Months at least I served as a private soldier in the Army of the Revolution, in the service of the United States and for such service I claim a pension.
Elijah Piles
Sworn to and subscribed this 20 th December 1832
Cyrus Dattolof Jus Peace
State of Indiana S c
McCabe County S c I Henry M. Talbot Clerk of McCabe County Circuit Court do hereby certify that Ezra Lathrop before whom the foregoing Amendment & the declaration of Elijah Piles for a pension was made, and before whom also the above affidavit of the said Elijah Piles was taken, was at that time and now is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of McCabe aforesaid, duly commissioned, and sworn into office as such, that full faith and credit are due and should be given to all of his official acts, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are seen
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said Court at Greensburg this 20 th day of December Anno Domini 1832 Henry M. Talbot Clk