Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 945, William Blevins, Va.

SERVICE
Va.
Blevins, William
NUMBER
R 945
CONTENTS

33788 William Blevins Jack Illinois

State of Illinois } On this 13 th day of July 1886 Wermelien County } Personally appeared me A free court, the said Court, being a Probate Court in and for said County, now sitting William O'Brien, president in said County, aged thirty Six years, who being duly sworn, according to law with on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1852. That he entered the service of the United States and served as herein stated under the following named Officers, First under Captain Swift, a Volunteer, and a private in Montgomery County Virginia, in the month of March, 1876, was stationed at the Lead mines on New River in said County, where there was a post for the purpose of protecting the frontier settle- ments from the ravages of the Indians and savages there stationed often making excursions up and down New River and its branches for the pur- pose of spying and watching the movements of the Indians and Tories, was wounded while in the aforesaid service. This declarant being in pursuit of the Tories, overtook them at a house on New River afterwards, we rushed into the house and we was so crowded in the house that we had no chance of shooting while this declarant was in the said house of the Tories in attempting to strike this declarant with his gun missed his this declarant head at which he struck, and struck this declarant on the shoulder and broke his collar bone, declarant was commanded by no Colonel that he knows of, there were no regular officers nor troops with this declarant he was rec d as a discharge out not his pay -

after being discharged in the Fall of 1798 the declarant returned to said fort for the purpose of getting his pay. For Capt Swift had promised him that he the Captain would return of the length of time that this declarant had served and have his pay drawn and pay him but when he this declarant came to see his said Capt. he had died and he this declarant never recd his pay.
This declarant served with no regular troops the militia officers that declarant served with was Capt Swift & Capt Orsborn — had no Colonel that he knows of, That he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services.
We hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state.
William his X Blevins mark
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Amos Williams, Judge of Probate S.C. Sec.
Interrogatories propounded by the Court
Ques 1 st Born in Pittsburgh Co Virginia 1760
Ques 2 no Record of his age
Ques 3 in Montgomery Co Virginia
Lived since, in North Carolina in Kentucky Indiana and now resides in Vermilion Co Illinois.
Ques 5 (militia) Capt Swift and Capt Orsborn
Ques 6) recd a discharge but lost
Ques 7) Barlett Herring James Pickensman Calvin Stern Enoch & Oxley
William his X Blevins mark

We Bartlett Herring a clergyman residing in the County of Vermilion and State Illinois, and Enoch Oxley Calvin Stearns and James Ruehman — residing in the same, hereby
Certify that we are well acquainted with William Glavin who has sworn and subscribed to the above declaration, that we believe him to be, seventy six years of age, and that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and thus
We concur in that Opinion Bartlett Herring James Ruehman Calvin Stearns Enoch Oxley Sworn and Subscribed this 13th day of July 1836 before me Amos Williams Judge of Probate V.C. Ill
And the said Court, do hereby declare his Opinion after the investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories presented, by the War Depart- ment that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states In the Court further Certifies, that it appears to him that, Bartlett Herring who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Vermilion County Illinois and that: James Ruehman, Calvin Stearns, and Enoch Oxley, who has also signed the same are present, in said County and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Probate Court of said County this 13th day of July A.D. 1836.
Amos Williams, Judge of Probate V.C. Ill

January 22, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
William Blevins, R.945 Elisha Wallen, R.11075 BA-J/MCS Am
Mrs. A. N. Walling Rebel Hill McMinnville Tennessee
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War records of William Blevins and Elisha Wallen.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 945, based upon the Revolutionary War service of William Blevins, the only soldier of that name found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
He stated that he was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and was sixteen years of age the year that the battle of King's Mountain was fought.
While living in Vermilion County, Illinois, he applied for pension on July 13, 1836, and stated that while a resident of Montgomery or Wythe County, Virginia, on the New River, he enlisted in March of the year of the battle of King's Mountain and served at various times over a period of two years as private in Captain Swift's company under Colonel Crockett of the Virginia militia; he served as Indian spy and was engaged in guarding the frontier of Virginia against the Indians and Tories and during an engagement with the Tories he was struck on the shoulder with a gun, breaking his collar bone.
His claim was not allowed as the service he rendered was not considered to be in a regularly organized Military corps, thereby not coming under the provision of the pension law.
After the Revolution he lived in Wythe County, Virginia, from there he moved to Rutherford County, North Carolina, from there to Lincoln County, Kentucky, from there to Vanderburg County, Indiana, and from there to Vermilion County, Illinois, where he was living in 1838.

Reference was made to the father and brothers of William Blevins but their names were not given and there are no further data relative to the soldier's family.
*****
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 11075, based upon the military service of Elisha Wallen, the only soldier of that name that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
He was born in Henry County, Virginia, March 6, 1760, or in March, 1762. The names of his parents were not given. When a boy he moved to Washington County, Virginia, and settled near Rocky Station (which was later in Lee County) Virginia.
While living in Claiborne County, Tennessee, he applied for pension November 8, 1838, and stated that while living in Washington County, Virginia, he served from about the first of April, 1777, at various times until 1781 or 1782 as an Indian spy and ranger with the Virginia militia under Captains James Gibson and William Elliott and Colonels Montgomery and Arthur Campbell and was engaged in protecting the frontier against the Indians.
His claim was not allowed as the service he rendered was not considered to be in a regularly organized military corps, thereby not coming under the provision of the pension law.
After service he moved to Kentucky and lived in Fayette and Madison Counties, from there he moved to Claiborne County, Tennessee, from there to Knox County, Kentucky, then back to Claiborne County, Tennessee, about 1836, and in 1851 he was living in Warren County, Ohio.
He stated that he had no family at the time of his service in the Revolution, and that he had an uncle, Joseph Wallen, who was living in Hawkins County, Tennessee, about 1791. The names of wife and children of Elisha Wallen do not appear in the papers of his pension claim.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

H. B. King
Augt 17. 1838
Ind. O C

War Dept. P. Offic August 14 1838
In The additional testimony affidavits in the case of William Blevins whose claim has been rejected have been examined and filed with his declaration. Those persons who resided on the frontier exposed to the hostile incursions of the Indians associated themselves for their mutual defense protection, but were not called out by authority of the state for a certain term to perform any specified service, and the act of 7 June 1832 provides for none who were not called into service in a regularly organized corp and by authority of the regularly properly constituted authority. The decision of the Dept. is therefore adhered to in the case of Mr Blevins.
J. B. King Esq Baltimore. Ind. Res.

Aug 28.
J. L. Edwards Pensions
Phila - Wm. Blevins Act 1832
Three Commissioners of
Washington City D.C.
Philadelphia Pa 11/14/1838

Baltimore Ind August 19 th 1838
Dr Sir
I herewith find. You the papers in the case of William Thomas of Vermilion County Ill. It appears from a letter of the Hon. Radcliffe Boon that the papers has been sent to him from Wheeling Virginia. The letters containing the information. I herewith transmitted &c.
If the papers that had been lost or missing should the department write me they were affidavits of George Saxon & John Osborn Revolutionary soldiers in relation to Stevens case - and a petition &c.
Very Respectfully J. D. King
J. D. Edwards Esq.
Commission of Pensions

Murphy Post Office July 7-1838
Sir.
The accompany paper was picked up loose from the mail of this morning. The other papers to which it alludes have not been noticed, perhaps were thrown into the Washington Canoe Bag. If noticed they will be forwarded to you
Respectfully,
Your obed Servt Golo Thompson Dffg

July 26. 1836
Ms.
J. A. Paine Esq. Minister of State Washington City D. C.
FREE

Ballmond Warren Co Indiana
July 18 th 1886
Dear Sir,
I herewith transmit you the papers in relation to the case of William Bevens
Very Respectfully
J B King
J. L. Edwards Esq

Dear Radcliffe Brown
House of Representatives
Mr. [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear]
[Faint, mirrored cursive text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]
Yours sincerely, [unclear]

Baltimore Wayne County Indiana June 29 th A.D. 1838
Sir
I herewith transmit to Your Charge in the event that Your body has not adjourned from Your labors; The papers, and vouchers in behalf, William J. Blevens of Vermilion County Illinois a Soldier of the Revolutionary Army. A petition signed by nearly sixty persons requesting a Special act &c. You do a kindness by presenting them in person to Secretary of War. My particular reason for submitting them to Your Charge I believe You to be a sound democrat of long standing, and Mr Blevens being personally acquainted with You please to do all within the limits of Your power for him &c
Respectfully Your friend truly &c
John D. Kings
Hon d Radcliff Purn House of Representatives

O. W. Searg Augt 3, 1886
OC
Indexed
Record Vol 41, Pg 8

War Dept. P. Off. Aug 3, 1836
Sir
The declaration of William Blevins has been recd. He alleges to have volunteered in March 1776, for the purpose of protecting the frontier of the Colo. of Virginia from the Indians and Tories, and that he was employed in spying and watching their movements, and remained in service until the fall of 1778. The alleged service was not of that character provided for by the act of 7 June 1832. The claim has therefore been rejected and the papers filed in this office.
J. B. King Esq. Baltimore, Indiana.

1916, Jan. 24. History to Harriet Talbot. F.M.
1916, Feb. 21. Hint to Mrs. I. Bonham
1935 Jan. 24 List. to Mrs. Q. U. Walling. See Elisha Wallen. K11075- Mrs
Ex'r.
INVALID.
No. 1245
RECEIVED
William Davis
P. O. Blevins
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18__
Discharged: _____, 18__
List of 1852 gives fol. reason for rejection. "Not under military authority or organization."
Application filed: _____, 18__
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O.

Mr Blevin Illinois
Rejected See letter 3 rd Aug 1836 S. B. King. do 17 th Aug 1838.
did not serve in a regularly organized corps by virtue of complete withdrawals.
945
Atg June 1832

To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Representatives, of the United States in Congress assembled. The undersigned petitioners would represent most respectfully, that influenced by the belief that a debt of acknowledged gratitude is due to those venerable patriots of the Revolution and to smooth the rugged path of declining age liberal compensation should be made them as a reward to all who now survive, who had borne arms in defence of their country. Among whom we believe William Blevins of Normalville Tenn. to be one, who served his Country in his better days. Therefore the undersigned petitioners pray that a special act for the relief of the said William Blevins be passed by your honorable body, and the name of the said Blevins be placed, on the pension roll of the Pension Agency - and your petitioners will every pray &c.
John V. Ramey
William his Blevins, a soldier of mark the revolution For whose benefit the above petition is
Adam Sillavent
Amos Williams James Russell
Wm Cunningham
George Ward Wm P. Blair
John B. Cline
Moses Scott John C. Ashby
James Steven Cyrus Newcomb
Thomas Neal
H. D. Parry
John Black
Robert Morgan
Thos M. Tibbet
John Whitehead
Byrnet H. Glynman
Phil. C. Heacock
A. Ferguson
Hugh Blakeney
W. J. Anderson
R. T. Liverick
Isaac Freeman
Joseph Davis
Peter Boyd
Daniel Boergle

Samuel Partlow G. W. Cope J. W. Walker
Abel Woolverton Lemuel Woodin
Niran Coleman Joseph B. Simon Joseph H. Hayden De Peyster Wm. McCormack Jacob Johnson Amos Griffin Henry Barnes Samuel McCormack Samuel Kelly
George H. Rock
E. L. Gatchell
Milton Lesley
William ...
Stephen Jennings Solomon ... Alexander Bailey James P. ... Jonathan Patterson Hugh Bolton
Luke ... John Hunt Lewis ...
Robert Bailey
Wm. ... John ... J. H. ... William ...

State of Indiana ss. On this 23 day of Warren County ss. June A. D. 1888. personally appeared before me John Taylor a Justice of the in and for said County George Dixon of said County who after being duly sworn deposes and says that he is a soldier of the Revolution and served in Greenbrier County Virginia as an Indian Spy in part and that the declaration of William Blevins of Vermilion County Illinois being read to him He perfectly recollects that Fort Chastell or the lead mines was in Montgomery County Va That while he was on an expedition to Kenhawa for the purpose of carrying an (Express) in the Year 48 He stopped at Fort Chastell, or the lead mines and stayed three weeks and that he frequently seen Major Turk and Colonel Crockett whom Blevins alleges to have served under and heard of Captain Osborn and Captain Swift for arrived our rations of Swift. When this deponent engaged to serve as an Indian Spy. He engaged during the War to turn at any time when called on. He knows that part where Blevins alleges to have served was pointed out to be greatly harass- ed with the Indians and Tories at the time When this deponent served; it being about sixty miles South West of where deponent lived in the time of the Revolutionary War and further South not. George Dixon Sworn and Subscribed the day and Year above stated named before me John Taylor Justice

State of Indiana } before me John Taylor a Justice Warren County } of the peace of said County. Personally appeared John Osborn a Revolutionary Pensioner who deposes and saith that William Plevens of Vermilion County Illinois. Came to his the deponent's house and in a conversation with said Plevens he the deponent was informed that said Plevens had served in the War of the Revolution in Montgomery County Virginia. Where the said deponent served. deponent was raised about ten miles from where said Plevens says he was raised on New River in said State deponent was acquainted with Plevens father and Brothers. But recollects of seeing him the said William Plevens. We both entering the United States service when Young Woodcock put under different Captains deponent was under Captain Enoch Osborn and said Plevens under Captain Swift. We were stationed in different forts in the same Country under the Command of Col Brook. deponent were with Captain Swift who was stationed at the lead mines, Captain Swift's Company was always bound to be ready and the two Companies was kept there to guard the frontier. They being in the Country where the Indians and were continually harassing the frontier during the War we were bound always to be ready when not in service, at a moment's warning and when in service to be continually on the Scout or in the Garrison. deponent well recollects of the Battle that Plevens informs him that he was wounded in the shoulder Plevens showed deponent the wound he received in said Battle. It appeared that his shoulder had been broken and greatly injured.
and further deponent saith not John Osborn
Sworn and subscribed this 23 rd day of June A D 1838 before me.
John Taylor Justice

I certify that George Dixon and John Osborn are credible persons, whose statements are duly entitled to full faith and credit Spencer
State of Indiana Warren County Set 3.
I E. P. Lucas Clerk of the Warren Circuit Court in and for said County do hereby certify that John Taylor, before whom the foregoing Affidavits appears to have been made there at the time and is still an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified as such and that the signa- tures purporting to be his are his genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Williamsport the 28 day of June A. D. 1838 E. P. Lucas, Clerk

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
Veteran's Administration, Washington, D. C.

Veteran's Adm. Washington
Wm. Blevins only Dec. 27 th 34.
Dear Sirs. You asked for additional data of Wm Blevins Rev. Soldier before giving me your record. Wm Blevins was "Long Hunter" in 1760 with Elisha Walling my ancestor. Elisha Walling married his daughter. I do not have her first name nor know Wm place of residence. Elisha lived in Henry Co. Va. Wm had a son Wm . It may be Rev. service belonged to son, but wish data in either case as they are my ancestors — Thanking You. Very Truly Mrs. A. H. Walling Rebel Hill, Wm. Blevins

Fairbury Nebr. Feb-26-16. Rev. Sec. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington D.C.
Dear Sir.
Will you kindly furnish me a copy of the Pension paper of W m Blevins Jr. from me

Pittsylvania (Formed from Halifax Co) is Va. Lived for some time in Montgomery Co Va. Military services. Enlisted in March 1776 as a Private under Captain Britt was engaged in protecting the frontiers of Virginia against the Indians and Tories. Served until the Fall of 1778.

These facts were copied from the Pension Records.
Kindly send this to 1103-6 St.
Mrs Lucy Burns Bonham
Fairbury Nebr.

THE FIRST National Bank
Fairbury, Ill. Feb. 12- 1916
Department of the Interior. Wash. D. C.
Would you send me the Pension Paper of a Revolutionary Soldier. Wm Blevins.
Enlisted in March 1776 as a private. Under Captain Swift - Engaged in protecting the Frontiers of Virginia against Indians and Tories. Served until Fall of 1778.
And Oblige.
Mrs. L. Borcham
1103 - 6 th St.
✓

Rev. Soc 25 Highland St., South, Nashville, Tenn. Jan. 16 = 1916.
Mr. G. M. Saltzgaber;
Dear Sir:—
Please give me the Rev. pension records of William Blevins, and Daniel Blevins of Va. They lived either in Henry County, or Pittsylvania County, Va., and I suppose they enlisted in one of those counties. It is thought that William might have been named Charles William. I should like to have all the family data the applications may contain.
Oblige by prompt attention. Respectfully, Miss Harriet Talbot.

J.W.
Rev. War Section.
History of Dan Blevins to Mrs. J. B. Blevins Feb. 21, 1916.
January 24, 1916.
Miss Harriet Talbot, 25 Highland Street, South, Nashville, Tenn.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 16 th instant, you are advised that in the claim of William Blevins, R. File No. 945, Rev. War, he alleged that he was born in 1760, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and that while a resident of Montgomery County, Virginia, he volunteered in March 1776, as a Private under Captain Swift; was engaged in protecting the frontiers of Virginia against the Indians and Tories; served at various times until fall of 1778.
On July 13, 1836, while a resident of Vermilion County, Illinois, he made an application for pension which was rejected on the ground that the service alleged was not under military authority or organization, as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied.
There is no data relative to wife or children.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Daniel Blevins of

Henry County or Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
Very respectfully,
G. M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner.

Declaration of William Plevis
State of Illinois Vermilion County } ss.
On this 4 th day of June A. D. 1838, personally appeared in Open Court the Common Pleas Court of said County, the same being a Court of Record, William Plevis, 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 7 th 1838. To wit: he declares that he can not recollect his Age - but he perfectly recollects, that at the period of time when the battle of Kings Mountain was fought, he the declarant was sixteen Years Old and subject to perform Militia duty. And that he entered the services of the United States, as follows To wit: He volunteered or engaged in the said services, during the War of the Revolution, as an Indian Spy, to guard the frontiers of Virginia, against the incursions of the Indians and Tories, by whom the frontiers were then greatly harassed, at the house of Captain Swift on New River in the County of Montgomery or Wythe, in the Company commanded by Captain Swift. Lieutenants Ewing, Easley, McCoy, in the Month of March in the Year that the celebrated battle of Kings Mountain was fought and the Militia of the State of Virginia was generally called out, marched from said Captain Swifts to the block houses at the lead mines under the Command of officers on New River aforesaid there stationed except when employed in Ranging and Spying against the Indians and Tories, for the space of two Years, except when on furlow for the purpose of going home to get Clothing &c, employed in Ranging and Spying as aforesaid on the Waters of New River the Dan, Gauley, Elk and Adkins in Virginia and North Carolina against the Indians and Tories as aforesaid.

While engaged in the said Two Years of service during the War of the Revolution served occasion- ally when chance or concert brought us together with the troops commanded by Colonel Campbell Colonel Shelby Colonel Crockett, Colonel Mc Gowan Major Dicks and Captain Osborn. On expedition against the said Indians and Tories near Roaring River Gap in North Carolina in a skirmish with the Loyal said declarant had his shoulder broken by a stroke with a gun while engaged in said skirmish. That said declarant was engaged as aforesaid during the space of Two Years except upon furlough aforesaid from the month of March in the Year the battle of Kings mountain aforesaid was fought were discharged by Captain Swift verbally with a promise that he should have my pay which were due and that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service and that he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present. Sworn and Subscribed the day and Year aforesaid. William Blevins mark.
We undersigned  Hiram Fuller a clergyman and Deacon Alexander Adam Gillavant and residing in said County. hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Blevins who has Subscribed and sworn to the above declara- tion that we believe him to be Years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbor- hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution
Sworn and Subscribed the day and Year aforesaid Hiram Fuller Amos Williams Adam Gillavant Clerk

And the said Court: do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after the interrogatories presented by the War Department that the above named Applicant was a Soldier of the Revolution and served as he states. And the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that Hiram Fuller who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Blacksmith , resident in Vermilion County. And that Adam Salerant who had also signed the same, is resident in the said County of Vermilion and is a credible person: and that their statements are entitled to credit. I Amos Williams Clerk of said Court do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of William Revers for a pension. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Danville this fourth day of June A. D. 1838. Amos Williams, Clerk of the Court of Commissioners P. H. Lee
Question 1 st . Born in Pittsylvania County Virginia where sixteen Years of Age the Year after the battle of Kings Mountain were fought in the War of the Revolution;
Question 2 nd ) I have record of my age.
(3) A living on New River in the State of Virginia in Montgomery or Wythe County. I have lived since in Wythe County State of Virginia moved from thence to Rutherford County North Carolina, from thence to Lincoln County Kentucky, from thence to Vanderburg County Indiana, from thence to Vermilion County Illinois where I now reside. 4 th I volunteered or engaged as an Indian Spy. Sworn and subscribed the date above.

1 st I know of no Regular officers, The Militia officers were Colonel Campbell Colonel Mc Gowan Colonel Shelby, Major Turk Colonel Kerckhoff under whom I served in part Captain Orsbom, and Captain Swift.
2 nd I never rec d a discharge except a verbal one Our Captains discharged us with a promise that we should have our pay &c.
State the names of persons in your present neighborhood who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. Adam Miller Edward Miller.
William his Blevins mark
Sworn and Subscribed the mark of said in open Court
William Blevins Edward Miller Adam Miller John ... ...