Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 804, James Best, Va.

SERVICE
Va
Best, James Susan
NUMBER
R. 804
CONTENTS
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6956 Kentucky
James Best of Clarke Co. in the state of Kentucky who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel _____ of the Virginia line, for the term of 1 year 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 23 d of November 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 d of Feby 1819 and sent to Hon. H. Prumble House of Representatives
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 sum \frac{12}{30} = 27.76 Semi-annual payment ending
$ 27.76
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued $27.16
Warrants issued and sent to Hon. D. L. Smith H. R. 23 December 1818.
James Best B. G. of Winchester, Ky.

Ja. Kep. Br. 1788/9 1884/5
Admitted.
Admitted.
Admitted.
Admitted.

THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY,
Gloucester County, Sct.
On this 23 — day of November — 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court, in and for the state aforesaid, personally appeared James Best ————— aged about 57 ————— years ;---who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following statement and declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late law of Congress entitled, "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war ;" that he is a citizen of the state of Kentucky, and resident in the county of Gloucester ————— ; and that he was enlisted for one year and  months  in  at Hampshire County in the state of Virginia ————— on or about the ————— day of
in the year 1778, — by one Capt. J. Beddick and served in the company commanded by captain Hays ————— first and then Capt. Barker of the first Regiment Virginia line in continental establishment
that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, in the continental army, against the common enemy, until about the
day of 1779* when he was honorably taken
ably discharged from service ; that he was in service near  when  was when  the  was in the  battles of Siege of Savannah, and the battle of Charleston where he was taken
and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support ; and that he has lost his discharge, and has no evidence in his power, of his services and discharge, other than that which is here transmitted.
Sworn and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
L. Clarke Circuit Judge
* Preserved by the memory of Charles Brown in South Carolina and kept by him a prisoner about eighteen months when he was exchanged at James Town in Virginia, and afterwards obtained his discharge at Williamburg in Virginia

Joseph Wilherson being first sworn states he was himself a soldier in the war of the Revolution that he was acquainted with the within named James Best when he said Best was in the army that he does not know the time of his enlistment but that he did march with him from Peters Burg in Virginia to the Southern department he knew that said Best was in the Siege of Savan- nah, and that he was taken prisoner at Charleston as he has stated, for he was taken prisoner at the same time and released with him until both were exchanged as he has stated that He is acquainted with the circumstances of said Best, that he is a poor man and in reduced circumstances
Sworn to me here this 23 rd day of November 1816 L o Clark Circuit Judge
I, L o Clark _____ Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do cer- tify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said L o Best did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months and upwards, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceed- ings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Depart- ment of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress; and it further appears to my satisfaction, that said applicant is in such indigent and reduced circumstances, as to require the aid of his country, pursuant to the above recited act.
L o Clark Circuit Judge

State of Kentucky Clarke Circuit — Seal
I Samuel M. Saylor clerk of the Circuit Court for the county of Clarke and State aforesaid do hereby certify that James Clark Esquire whose signature is affixed to the within instrument of writing, is and was at the time the same bears date one of the Circuit Judges for the State aforesaid, and appointed by law to preside in said Circuit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 23 rd day of November 1818 and in the 27 th Year of the Commonwealth
Samuel M. Saylor

State of Kentucky Clarke County Sit
On this day of 1821 personally appeared before me open Court being the Clarke Circuit Court for the County aforesaid and made a Court of Record by the Statute Law of Kentucky, James Best, a resident of said County in the sixtieth year of his age, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows (cont.) He served as a regular soldier, about three years in the first Virginia Regiment, commanded by Col. Richard Parker, and was one of the Company commanded by Capt. Alexander Parker of the same Regiment - and that the number of his former pension certificate is 6956, and is in the following words of the War Department Revolutionary claim - I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 18th March 1818 James Best, late a private in the army of the Revolution is inscribed on the pension list, Roll of the Kentucky Agency, at the rate of eight dollars - 67 1/2 per month to commence on the last third day of November one thousand eight hundred and eighteen - Given at the War Office of the United States this 12th day of February one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, in a signed by the Secretary of War John C. Calhoun and sealed with the Great Seal of the United States of America and No 6956 the original of which is herewith innumitted on which is endorsed "payable semi annually the first payment on this certificate will be made on or the 4th of March next at Branch Bank U.S. Lexington Kentucky" and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval forces of the United States in the revolutionary War, passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due me except about fifty dollars of debt which I think shall doubtless whether I shall ever be able to collect. Nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Schedule
James Best mark
No land - no negro slaves, no Horses of any sort, two Cows worth (each) twenty dollars - no Sheep, about Sixteen Hogs of different sizes - worth about one dollar a piece $16. Household Kitchen furniture as had and ten Gallon Still worth $3, one die Still pot worth $2, one skillet worth $1, two pair plough gears, worth $3

Two shovel poughs worth (work) $3. and two hoes worth (work) $1. (no other property necessary bedding and farming utensils except the whole lot) $49 That his occupation is that of a Farmer, James Best reason of old age and a rupture in his private parts that he has in his family besides himself eight in number to wit his wife older than himself weakly infirm, and often unable to help herself - Elizabeth one of his children (widow of Mathew Conner) and her six children - the oldest being eleven years of age - all of whom he has to maintain himself, except the little assistance furnished by the mother of these children - which is mostly bestowed on her own children - James Best mark
Sworn to before me
2 d 6/20/21
State of Kentucky, Clarke Circuit Court, Circuit Judges
I Samuel M. Taylor clerk of the court held for the circuit aforesaid do certify, that the foregoing declaration and schedule of James Best was sworn to in open court by said Best on this second day of April 1821. by him, and that the same is truly transcribed from the records of said court, and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in said schedule is forty nine dollars. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this 2 d day of April 1821.
Sam. M. Taylor
James Best
6956
Mar: 19 S. L. E.

7587
Susan Best of James Miponi
year then at 11:00 AM the time as stated. She put the

State of Missouri County of Jackson 555
On this ninth day of December in the year of our Lord 1840, personally appeared Susan Best, a resident of Missouri and in the County of Jackson, aged 84 years, 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 9th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows: That she is the widow of James Best, who was a soldier in the revolutionary war; that he received a pension from the general government for his services, as will more fully appear from the testimony to follow. That said James Best, her husband died in Estelle County Kentucky of fever. She states that she was married to the said James Best in Nansemond County Virginia, on the 24th day of December (1783-) seventeen hundred and eighty three; that she was married to him prior to his quitting the service But the marriage took place prior to the year seventeen hundred and ninety or to the first of January of said year, and that it took place at the time above stated. She further

states that she has no record evidence of the proof of her marriage as above stated. She further states that the records containing the births of her children was consumed by fire; That she has not been married to any one since the death of her said husband, but has remained a widow ever since
Her Best mark
Sworn & subscribed in open court Decr. 9 th 1847 Paul C. Duvall Clerk
Testimony of Zera Aldaham a witness, who being produced sworn & examined according to law makes oath & says, that he has known James Best & Susan his wife for the last thirty years; that said James Best always recognized Susan Best, as being his lawful and wedded wife; that they raised a large family of children in Estel County Kentucky. That said James Best made a claim for services in the revolutionary, in Clarke County Kentucky, which was allowed about the year 1817 or near that time, the exact time not recollected at this time; the said James Best always drawed his pension at Lexington Kentucky, although he moved to Estel County a few years after. The said James

Best died in Estee County Kentucky in the year 1836; that the said Susan Best, his widow has remained single ever since; she moved from Kentucky to Missouri in the year 1837, where she has been ever since and, further this deponent saith not. Subscribed & sworn in open court Decr 9 th 1840 Zee Oldham Sam l H. Owens Clerk
I is testimony of William Howard a witness who after being sworn according to law makes oath & says that he has known James Best & Susan Best for the last thirty years; that the said James Best always recognized Susan Best as being his wife, and this for thought was very reason to believe that they were legally married; that said James Best made application for a pension from Clarke County Kentucky in the year 1817, or about that time; his claim was allowed, and he draw his money yearly, at Lexington Kentucky. He moved to Clarke Estee County Kentucky from Clarke County, where he remained until his death, which took place in the year 1836. His widow, Susan Best removed to Missouri in the year

1837. where she has lived ever since. She has never been married since. And a further this deponent saith not. ss m. h. ... Sworn & subscribed in open court. Decr 9 th 1840 I am the clerk
We the undersigned, Judges of the County Court, within and for the County of Jackson, do hereby certify, that Zeruah Alabam & William B. ... whose signatures appear to the foregoing affidavits are known to us, to be credible men, and their testimony entitled to full faith and credit. Given under our hands this 9 th day of December 1840
John Smith
John Davis
Lawrence Flannery

State of Missouri County of Jackson } ss
I Samuel C. Owens, clerk of the county court within and for the county of Jackson do hereby certify that Susan Best, whose name ap- pears to the foregoing declaration, and Zera Aldeham & Wm Howard whose names are annexed to the foregoing affidavits, were all by me duly sworn, in open court to the matters and things therein contained. and that John Smith, John Davis & Lawrence Fleming, whose names appear to the foregoing certificate, are the judges of the county court within and for the county aforesaid.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Independence this Ninth day of December AD 1840 Sam. C. Owens Clerk
3

Ex'r.
INVALID.
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
Judson Best
P. O. _____
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____
Discharged: _____
Application filed: _____
The printed list of 1852 shows reasons for suspension -
Alleges: _____
pension -
Re-enlisted: "For further proof of marriage."
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
1908 Dec. 22. Hist. to Hon E. S. Candler Jr - C letter in W. file 836 Henry Wyatt. 1930 - Feb. 3 - Hist. to Mrs. D. S. O'Hara awd. 1932 - Oct. 4 - Hist. to Mrs. C. E. Hardesty awd.

October 4, 1932
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/AWF AWF James Best R. 804
Mrs. C. E. Hardesty 425 West 26th Street Pueblo, Colorado
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of James Best of Virginia and Kentucky.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 804, based upon the Revolutionary War service of James Best.
He enlisted in Nansemond County, Virginia in 1778 and served as a private in Captains Hays' and Alexander Parker's companies and in Colonel Richard Parker's First Virginia Regiment, he was in the siege of Savannah and the battle of Charleston, South Carolina, where he was taken prisoner and held about fourteen months, when exchanged in Jamestown, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 23, 1818, then aged fifty-seven years and living in Clark County, Kentucky. The date and place of his birth are not given nor the names of his parents are not shown.
He married December 24, 1783 in Nansemond County, Virginia, Susan. She was born September 14, 1757, place not stated, her maiden name is not shown.
The soldier, James Best, died May 10 or 11, 1836 in Estill County, Kentucky.
His widow, Susan, was living in 1840 in Jackson County, Missouri, where she had moved in 1837.
They reared a large family of children, only name

given being, Elizabeth, who in 1821 was the widow of Matthew Conner, and had six children, the oldest was then ten or eleven years of age, their names not given.
There are no further data in this claim as to family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Susan Best of James Missouri
Suspended
See let: 8 March 1841 to R.G. Smart,
8024
Act 7 July 1838
Susan Best of James Missouri
Suspended
See let 16 Oct 1840 S.C. Whistler out let 12 Nov 40 to R.G. Smart
Act 4 July 1836
Susan Best (Missouri) m. 36. James West (Tenn.) Act 18 March 1838 for what time Plan d P. P. Officer. Oct. 16. 1840
Decree 11 th May 1836 p 2 L. that period H

Mar - 8, 1841
The proof of the period of marriage is not sufficient.
Certs. of Clk of Court of County where mar - was performed showing record of marriage or license or else testimony of two witnesses who had personal knowledge of the mar - or who knew clnt to have been mar. prior to Jan. 1. 1794.
R. G. Smart.
copy

allowed, will then commence on the date the application was filed.
If, however, claimant desires other disabilities, in addition to age, considered as disabling causes, he should fill in the form below marked No. 2, sign the same, and return this letter to the Bureau, after which a medical examination of claimant will be required, and the date of such examination will fix the date of commencement of increase of pension, should any be allowed.
Very respectfully,

7587 Dec
Mo. July 7. 1838
Dear Sir, With an opinion of Vindicators City of Wash in St
D. Co.
St

Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Sir Enclosed I send you the papers in relation to the claim of Mrs. Susan Best. So soon as they are examined, & her claim disposed of, please add up the unassigned Independence Jackson County Missouri Yours very respectfully R. G. Smart.

Mr Edwards
John C. Calhoun Esq. Secretary of War Washington.

Washington Dec 22 d 1825.
Sir
Please send this man his original certificate, which was improperly transmitted to the Pension Department, or if it is not on file, please send him an exemplification. Direct your reply to Judge Clarke or to myself.
I am Sir
J. H. Brinkler
J. B. Calhoun Esq.
P.S. I want Judge Clarke's letter when you are done with it.

427 Minneapolis, May 22nd 14 Rec. 1 June 18th J. G. Calhoun Secretary at War Washington City D.C.

Winchester Kentucky May the 12 th 1821.
Dear Sir,
Inclosed I send you the pension certificate of James Beest of this county, which you will please attend to and return to me in due form immediately - The old man needs the money, and expects to draw it at Lexington (Ky.) - with sentiments of esteem &c
Richard French H

No 5171
M o July 4 1836 13 . Susan Best.
Hon. J. G. Evans Chairman of Pen. Select Cty of Washington D.C.
[Handwritten signature]

Wed Nov 2 1840 No.
Hon. J. L. Howard.
I am in opinion of Punahou City of Washington D.C.
Other

Independence Mo. October 19 th 1840
Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Dear Sir, Some time since, Mrs Susan Best an elderly lady got me to draw up a declaration for her, with such proof in support of the same as she was able to make. By last mail she received a printed circular from you which brings her but little satisfaction. She, therefore, requests me to write to you and inform you of her conditions, in order if possible to use a speedy determination of her case. I see that in your circular, you mark that part which says "persons frequently send papers to this office without paying from whom they are sent. Hereafter all such will be laid away &c &c. I am not certain whether I signed my name to her declaration and proofs as attorney or not, but at the time I did not think that it was necessary. You may rest assured that there is no imposition in the claim of Mrs Susan Best. She is the wife of an accused old revolutionary soldier, and is now

around with the Silvers clocks of 85- winters. If ever there was one than whom the protecting arm of government should be extended, it is this old lady. The only apology that I have to offer for this troublesome letter, is, the soli- citude that I feel for Mrs Best.
All communications that you may think proper to make in relation to her claim can be directed to the under signed. In attendance No. 206 is authorized to act as her attorney for, and in her behalf. Yours & Robert G. Smart

12 Nov. 1840
OL

Pub. Office, Nov 12. 1840
62
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 19 th ult. in the case of Mrs Susan Best widow of James Best decd. I have to inform you that a letter was addressed to D. C. Wins, Esq. of Independence, Mo. on the 16 th ult., stating the objections to her claim, a copy of which is herewith enclosed.
E
Robert G. Smart Esq. Independence, Mo.
O.C. 5171 at 36

100. Pen: Office, Oct. 16. 1840
Sir, The papers in the case of Mrs. Susan Best widow of James Best, decd. have been examined and filed. It is alleged that she was married on the 24 th December, 1783, which was after the termination of the revolutionary war. She should make a declaration therefor under act of 7 July 1838 and not under act of 4 July 1836. Enclosed is a copy of the regulations under act 7 July 1838 for her guidance. Such proof of her marriage should be produced as the regulations require and the witnesses who must testify in the cause should be certified to be credible by the magistrate before whom their affidavit may be made. If there be family records of the marriage or of the births of the children, it should be exhibited. If there be none the claimant should

state the fact under oath.
J. G. May Oct 16 1840 B.C.
Sam l C. Wins Esq. Clerk Court of Jackson Co. Independence. Missouri
O R 5171 amt 38

State of Missouri } county of Jackson } S.S. On this 21 st  18 th day of August in the year of our Lord 1840 personally appeared before the county court of the county of Jackson, Susan Best a resident of Missouri, in the county of Jackson aged 83 years, on the 14 th day of next September, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of an act of congress passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of James Best a soldier of the revolution. She further declares that James Best was a pensioner under and by the provisions of the act of congress, passed March 18 th 1818 as well as she recollects. He obtained and made proof of his services in the revolutionary war, in Lexington Lafayette county Kentucky. He drew his pension at that place until his death. She further says that since James Best died on the 10 th day of May 1836. His complaint was billious spasmodic . She further states she was married to said James Best in the state of Virginia Tazewell county near the town of Suffolks in the year 1783 on the 24 th day of December in that year. She further says that she has no evidence of a documentary char- acter to prove her marriage: she says that she was married by a baptist minister of the name of Edward

States - She further states that she has remained a widow since the death of her husband, as will more fully appear by the testimony hereunto annexed. Susan her Best sworn and subscribed before me this 28 th day of August 1840 John C. Jones Clerk Oklawaha
Testimony of Zere a witness, who being first duly sworn makes oath, and says, That he has known the within named Susan Best and James Best, for the last twenty five years - My first acquaintance commenced with them in Clarke County Kentucky - He lived there for near twenty years before he removed to Clay Estel County where as this deponent is informed he died. The precise time when he died, this deponent is not able to say - This deponent further saith that the within named James Best always recognized the said Susan Best as his lawful wife, and this depo- nent believes that said Susan Best was the wife of said James Best. The within named Susan Best removed to the state of Missouri in the year 1837, where she had remained ever since. She has always sustained a good character as a worthy virtuous woman -
Signed this 28 th day of August 1840 John C. Jones Clerk Zere Oldham

State of Missouri County of Jackson 3/4 Bank Remembered that at a County Court began and held at the Courthouse in the Town of Independence a County and State apportion on the Third Monday in August in the Year of Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and Forty the same being the 27 th day of said Month and on the 5 th day of said Term personally appeared Susan Best, Fere Oldham, William Collins and William Howard who are personally known to the Court to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the foregoing declara- -tions, and were severally duly sworn to the truth of the statements set forth in said declarations.
The Court acts that the same  order be endorsed on said declarations and certified
I am C Mrs Clark of the County Court Mother and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true & perfect copy of the original now of record in my office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at office at Independence this 24 th day of August. A.D. 1840 Sam C. Munsell
By John R. Lovacinger D.C.

Testimony of William Collins, a resident of Jackson County, who being first duly sworn according to law makes oath and says, That he has been personally acquainted with the within named James Best, and Susan, his wife for the last thirty years past. The said James Best always recognized said Susan as his lawful wife. That she was reputed to be the wife of said James Best by many old and respectable citizens of Kentucky, who knew said Best and wife in Virginia. That said Best obtained a pension in Kentucky - but when, he is not able to state precisely when he obtained his pension he was a resident of Clarke county, but drew his pension at Lexington Kentucky. The said James Best died in the spring of the year 1836. His widow Susan Best staid in Kentucky until the year 1837 when she removed to Jackson County Missouri - where she has remained ever since. The said Susan Best is in no manner rela- ted to this deponent. She has always sustained a good moral character, and conscience and reputed to be a virtuous, and worthy woman. Sworn and subscribed to, this 28 th day of August 1840. Samuel Collins

1765016
Testimony of William Howard a witness, who being first duly sworn according to law, makes oath and says, that he has known the witness named James Best, and Susan his wife for the last thirty years past. That said James Best always recog- nized said Susan as his lawful wife. That he has heard of a citizen of Kentucky who knew said James Best and his wife his wife, state that they were reported to be man and wife in Virginia - That said James Best obtained a pension in Kentucky in Clarke county but drew his pension at Lexington Kentucky - That said James Best died in Estill county Kentucky in the year 1836 - That said Susan Best remained in Kentucky until the year 1837 when she removed to Mississippi He further says that said Susan Best has always been turned a good moral character, and was considered a worthy and virtuous woman - Sworn and subscribed to this 28th day of August 1846
Samuel M. [unclear]
Wm Howard

State of Kentucky B. 2 County of Clarke
On this 5 th day of December 1821 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the peace for the said County of Clarke and State of Ky., personally appeared James Beot who on his oath, declared that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Capt. Alexander Parker, in the regiment commanded by Col. Richard Parker in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Kentucky, that he received a certificate of that fact, under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War; which certificate, on or about the day of
1821 at the Town of Winchester in the county of Ky. he placed the said certificate No. 6956 in note the hands of a man by the name of Richard French for the purpose of preparing and presenting to a schedule of his property to the Hon. Judge of the Clarke Circuit Court in open court for the purpose of being continued upon the pension list. That the said schedule was prepared and sworn to and certified; and that the said Richard French never returned to him the said certificate, but upon application the said French states that he has either lost the said certificate, or transmitted it with the schedule of his property by mail to the War department, and that after the most diligent search

he is unable to find it.
James Best
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, the day and aforesaid
Thos G Jones J. W. C.
I James Black one of the Circuit Judges for the State of Kentucky; do certify that James Best whose name is subscribed to the foregoing application for a new pension certificate, is the same James Best to whom an ori- ginal certificate was granted as stated by him. He made his original decla- ration before me, as one of the Judges for the State of Ky which declaration I transmitted to the department of war, and received the certificate of his being placed upon the pension roll of the State of Kentucky: which certificate I handed to the said Best a considerable time previous to the time he states, he placed the same in the hands of Richard French. I furthermore certify that the certificate was produced and examined in open court at the time he gave a schedule of his property as stated by him. Certified Certificate under my hand this 5 th day of December 1821
Ja. Black Circuit Judge

State of Kentucky } County of Clarke } Set
On this 5 th day of December 1821. before me the Subscribed a Justice of the peace for the said County of Clarke State of said personally ap- peared Richard French, who on his oath declar- ed - that James Best of said County State , whose affidavit is on the first page of this Sheet - put into the hands of the affiant a paper called a Revolutionary Pension Certificate, the number of which the affiant believes was 6596. some months past, for the purpose of preparing and presenting a Schedule of his (said Best's) property, to the honorable Judge of the Clarke Circuit. in open Court, for the purpose of being continued upon the pension list - that said Sched- ule of property was prepared - and the affiant believes sworn to and certified - and with that Schedule so sworn to and certified - the affiant thinks he sent said Revolutionary pension Certificate - of the number of said to the Department of War - because he recollects, referring to said Best that he would so send it, for the purpose of showing the fairness of his claim to a pension as far as it would do so - and because the affiant has also made diligent search for said Revolutionary pension Certificate - whereas ever he thought the same might be found amongst his papers - but has not found it - and that he states the number of said Certificate by reference to the first Schedule which is now in his hands upon which the said

When he was in the city of Washington and he was informed that the schedule was not at the house where he thought he was at the time - when he was in the city of Washington and he was informed that the schedule was not at the house where he thought he was at the time - when he was in the city of Washington and he was informed that the schedule was not at the house where he thought he was at the time
Richard French
Sworn and subscribed to before me the subscriber on the day & date above
Thos G Lowe M.C.B.
State of Kentucky Clarke County
I James Bulloch clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid Do hereby Certify that Thos G. Lowe Esq. who has subscribed to the above and met me as affidavit is and was at the time of doing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Clarke Legally Commissioned and qualified as such to all and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as well in courts of Justice as thereout
In Testimony whereof I the clerk aforesaid have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County of Clarke this 5 th day of Dec r . 1891.
James Bulloch

IN REPLY REFER TO
3-2562
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
AWF/HMM
November 26, 1929.
Mrs. D. S. O'Hara..... 624 Fairmont Street..... Latrobe, Pennsylvania....
Dear Madam:
I advise you that the data furnished by you are not sufficient to enable this bureau to make intelligent reply to the queries contained in your letter.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below, as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this bureau.
First name of widow Catherine Crusen Full name of soldier James Bast  one Residence of soldier at enlistment Virginia or Maryland Residence of soldier after service I do not know Name of state from which he enlisted Virginia or Maryland 9 (but not sure) Approximate date of birth ..... 1817 Approximate date of death .....
Kindly return attached letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
Earl D. Church
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

624 Fairmont Street, Latrobe, Pa. Jan. 30th, 1929
Dear Sir:-
Have filled out and am returning paper to you with all information I can give you, together with letter I received from "The Adjutant General's Office" to help you.
Trusting this will help you,
I remain
Mrs. D. S. O'Hara, Jr.

425 First 26 th St., Pueblo, Colo.
Sept. 16, 1932.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.,
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly give me all data you can pertaining to my great grandfather, James Best , a Revolutionary soldier from Virginia. He was a pensioner, living in Estill County, Kentucky, and probably died about the year 1818.
To whom was the last payment paid? Very truly yours,
(Mrs. C. E.) Cecilia Kardesty.

WAR DEPARTMENT
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE
IN REPLY REFER TO JAW-ORD
WASHINGTON
October 5, 1929.
Respectfully returned to
Mrs. D. S. O Hara, Jr., 624 Fairmont St., Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
This office is unable to identify the record of a soldier from the surname only and it cannot undertake to furnish the military record of all the soldiers of a particular surname.
The full name of the person whose record is desired and the state from which he entered service or of which he was a resident at the time of his entry into service must invariably be stated in all cases in which service during the Revolutionary War is claimed. His rank and the designation of the organization in which he served, if known, should also be stated.
The records of this office show that one James Best served in the Revolutionary War as a soldier of Virginia Infantry, rank and organization not further indicated. His name appears on a record under the heading: "A List of Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment who have received Certificates for the balance of their full pay Agreeable to an Act of Assembly passed November Session 1781," which shows that on June 30, 1783, the sum of L34 S14 D3 was received by one Kitchin Goodwin.
The records also show that one James Best served in that war as a private in Lieutenant Horatio Claggett's Company, 3rd Maryland Regiment, commanded at various times by Colonel Ramsay and Colonel Mordecai Gist. He enlisted for the war, date not shown. His name first appears on the company muster roll to the 1st February, 1778, dated February 3, 1778, and last appears on a pay roll to October 1, 1778, which shows that
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on November 19, year not stated, he received L5.
The collection of Revolutionary War records in this office is far from complete, and it is suggested as a possibility that additional information may be obtained from the Adjutant General of Maryland, Annapolis; from the Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore; from the Librarian, Virginia State Library, Richmond, or from the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
C. H. Bridges Major General, The Adjutant General. By jaw.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section. AWF
February 3, 1930
Mrs. D. S. O'Hara 624 Fairmont Street Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 804, it appears that James Best enlisted in Nansemond County, Virginia, in 1778 and served as a private in Captains Hays' and Alexander Parker's Companies in Colonel Richard Parker's First Virginia Regiment, he was in the siege of Savannah and the battle of Charleston, where he was taken prisoner and held fourteen months, when exchanged in Jamestown, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 23, 1818, at which time he was living in Clark County, Kentucky, aged fifty-seven years.
He died May 10 or 11, 1836 in Estill County, Kentucky.
The soldier married December 24, 1783 in Nansemond County, Virginia, Susan, who was born September 14, 1757. Her maiden name is not stated.
In 1840 she was living in Jackson County, Missouri, having emigrated there in 1837.
It is stated that they raised a large family of children, only name given being, Elizabeth, who in 1821 was the widow of Matthew Conner, and had six children, the oldest being about ten years of age, their names are not given.
The above noted James Best is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.