Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6693, Bracy Bowen, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Bowen, Bracy
S6693
CONTENTS
carded

North Carolina 12.998
Bracy Bowen
of Rutherford in the State of North Car: who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Vaughn of the Regt. commanded by Col. Burwell in the Virginia line for 6/m months
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 21 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of June '33 and sent T. F. Bicher Rutherfordton C. H. N. C.
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 43.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 10.83
$54.15-
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, book E Vol. 6. Page 34

State of North Carolina On this 23 rd day of Sept Rutherford County 1832 personally appeared in open court before the justices of the court now sitting, Bracy Bowen a resident of the United States in the County of Rutherford and State of North Carolina, Aged about 70 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832
He Entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated
I was living in Rockbridge County in the State of Virginia, and was drafted & placed in Captain Reuben Vaughns Company, for the term, I think, of five months. I served the term out, under him. We first marched to the Village, now called Oxford, V.a. where we joined the Regiment under Col. (Lewis) (Barwell) L. Burrill and General Mason. From this place we marched, by the way of Hillsborough N. Carolina, Salisbury, Charlotte on to Camden S.C. and from there on to Stono where we joined General Lincoln. He remained with him at Stono, till the Battle called the Battle of Stono. I think the Battle ground, where we fought is about 12 miles below where we were stationed. I was in this engage- ment and served my term out here, and was Dismissed by Col. Burrill, who directed us to meet him at Monks Corner to receive our pay. But we did not meet receive it there But had to go on to Camden, before we received it. From here I went home to Virginia. I have no recollection of having rec d any written discharge

from service, not being able to read; if I need any, I took the care of it.
When it came to my turn to serve again (all of us being numbered & called out by regular succession Terms) I was placed in Capt Binns James Company. The Colonel's name I can not rem- ember. We marched from home under Capt James to a place called Rugeley's Mills, within 18 or 20 Miles of Camden S.C. where we joined General Gates and Gen'l DeKalb. The same night that we joined Gen'l Gates, we marched on towards Camden, and were met by the Enemy 8 or 9 Miles above Camden, where the engagement took place in which Gates was Defeated. I was in this Battle called Gates Defeat. We were all dispersed and made our way home the best way we could
I have no recollection, for how long a time this Draft called. Nor can I recollect how long I was in the service in this Town as  or safely say I was in service in this town one month & a half. When it came to me to  to again to serve
When it came to my turn again to serve we were called to march to Winchester Courthouse But owing to inability I was unable to perform this term of service. The exposure that I was in, and the fatigues that I endured at the deft of Gatly, at Camden rendered me utterly helpless for some time, nor have I yet recovered from them. I have never since been a sound man. I have for many years partly dependant on my friends for support & subsistence. From my present condition of Body, I cannot hope for amendment, But remain as I was the small Balance of my life. It is to the above mentioned causes, that I must attribute my condition . I received a furlough from Col Robt. Honegoff and returned at home during that campaign. I was born in Mecklenburg County, in Virginia, in the year 1762. Having no record of my age I know this by comparison with my Brother, age who has a record of his age. I was called into service when living in the State & County above mentioned. I cannot recollect the date, the months or years that I was called into service, nor have I any record of them.

nor the record of any other circumstances to assist my recollection in relation to those facts. I know no person living in this country who was with me in the Revolutionary Service.
I hereby relinquish every claim to a pension or annuity, whatever except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any State whatsoever.
Interrogatories by the Court
1. Where, and in what year were you born? Ans. In Mecklenburg County, Virginia, in the year I think of - 1762
2. Have you any record of your age, if so where is it? Ans. I have none, I judge of my age, by knowing the difference between my age & my Brothers who has a record of his.
3. Where were you living when called into service? Where had you lived since the revolutionary war? And where do you now live?
Ans. In Mecklenburg County State of Virginia where I lived till the year 1822. I then moved to North Carolina Rutherford County where I now live.
4. In what year were you called into service, were you drafted? Did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
Ans. I was first drafted for, all were numbered and served in rotation in regular succession as it came to each of our turns.
5. I could safely say I was, in actual service, in all my toils, 8 or 10 months. If my health had permitted I should have performed three months service more. But I did not recover till the men returned home that were called out with me. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the Troops when you served; such Continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the General circumstances of your service.
Ans. Col. Vaughan, Col. Lewis Burwell, Genl. Mason, Genl. Lincoln, Genl. Gats - I fought under him at Gats Defeat
6. Did you ever receive a written discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it. Ans. I never did to my recollection. If I did I took no care of it - being no scholar.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your neighborhood, & who can testify as to your character for veracity & good behavior, and your services as a soldier of the Revolution - I know no person in this country who knows of services in the Revolution. for my character I see Birchett Esq. & Bracy Mark

We Joseph Moore & Theodore Birkett Residents of the County of Rutherford & state of North Carolina do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Bracy Bowen who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration. That we believe him to be seventy years of age. That he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides & has been a Soldier of the Revolutionary War. That we concur in that opinion
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court
Witness Theo: P. Birkett Atty
Joseph Moore
Theo. Birkett Atty
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 & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Joseph Moore
Who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman Resident in the County & State and that Theodore Birkett who has also signed the same is a Resident in the County & State aforesaid and is a credible person. And that their statements are entitled to credit
I Theo. P. Birkett Clerk of the County Court of Rutherford County & State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Bracy Bowen for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 31 st day of October A.D. 1832
(Theo. P. Birkett Atty)
Bracy Bowen 17619
Sworn

State of North Carolina Rutherford County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a qualified officer of the peace of said County Bracy Bowen who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age & 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 period mentioned below & in the following order.
1 st I was drafted & served under Capt Reuben Vaughn - Col Lewis Burwell and Genl Mason & Genl Lincoln I served in this Service not less than five months, as a private. 2 nd My second Service I performed under Capt Ransom Jones - Genl Yates & Genl Seay. Under them I served as a private not less than one month & fifteen days In all my actual service not less than six months & fifteen days. 3 rd My third Service called for three months Service I did not perform on account of sickness. I remained at home under furlough for ten days and from Genl Robert Burton, which were renewed regularly during this three months & brought to me by Capt Drennwright - I drew my wages for this Service just as the soldiers did who were called out with me & who went on to perform the Service. They were in the Battle of Guilford
In answer to the fifth Query. I would further state that I have no precise recollection

In answer to the Seventh Interrogatory as prescribed by the War Department -
I know of no person who can justify my errors in the Revolution in  the But for my character for veracity I refer to the Apostle Bissett Esqr & the Revd Joseph Hooke who have testified, in my first Declaration the this
He  Brady  Brown  from  the  sky  1833  pink Brady & Brown from the sky 1833 pink W. Brown
State of South Carolina Rutherford County
I have been a justice of the peace of said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Bracy Bowers. That he is a man of veracity and is respected & beloved in his neighborhood & have been a soldier in the Revolution
W. Brown Esq.
8 th May 1833
State of North Carolina Rutherford County } I Theo. F. Binford Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Rutherford County, do certify that W. E. Harris Esq. who has certified the above affidavit of Tracy Brown, and who has also certified as to his character is now & on the day of the date of his certificate was an acting justice of the Peace of said County that his certificates as such are entitled to credit: I further certify that the signatures above purporting to be his are as I think & believe genuine. —
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court at Affleck the 14 th day of May A.D. 1833.
W. P. Burchett, Atty

17619
Bracy Bown
North Carolina
Allm d as per m d 6/2 mo $21.11.
4. 5.
Subq. 7.
$328
Th H Burchell CN Rutherford Co NC

BRIEF in the case of Bracy Bowen County of Rutherford in the State of North Carolina (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 70 about  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     drafted In 17 he thinks 5 Private Gen. Lincoln & Mason Col Brant Captain Vaughn, Genl Gates & DeKalb Capt James  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Stono, Camden  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Mecklenburg Co Va  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Tradition  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Chas W. Dinesh Examining Clerk.

Benner
6693 INVALID.
File No. 6693
Bracy Bowen
Pris Roll War
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 38
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Macey Dawes  years in the militia, &c. with-  which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 3. no 1. 15 IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes No V. * Has he mentioned 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? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 7
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 limits the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. A case about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying service is questionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI.  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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.