Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 3927, Thomas Billups, N.C.

SERVICE
N. K.
Billups, Thomas Sarah
NUMBER
W 3927
CONTENTS

No 11.693.
Rec d Feb 11. 1845
Sarah Billings, M rs of Shuman, NC
act 7 July 1838

State of North Carolina } Edgecombe County } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions - November term 1842 On this the 29 th day of November 1842 Personally appeared in open Court Sarah Billups a resi- dent of the County of Edgecombe and hereby the grants who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay & pension to certain widows -
That she is the widow of Thomas Billups who was a musician in the army of the revolution - That she does not know when he entered the service nor how long he continued therein - That he resided in Bertie Coun- ty North Carolina at the time he entered the service & was a volunteer - That she has often heard her said husband speak of battles which he witnessed and of the country through which he marched but she does not now recollect the names of the places -
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Billups on the 27 th day of December 1793 - That her husband the aforesaid Thomas died on the 22 nd of March 1809 - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous

to the 1st of January 1794 To at the time above stated. And that she has remained a widow ever since the death of the said Logan Thomas Bellamy
Sarah Bellamy
State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Edgecombe County } November Term 1842
I John Norfleet Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that Sarah Bellamy personally appeared in open Court at the time aforesaid and made oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration are true, and subscribed the same
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at Tarboro' this the fourth Monday of November and 28th. Day A.D. 1842
J. Norfleet Clerk

9.6.11.6. y N. Carolina Fayetteville Sarah Billups, dec d widow of Thomas NC Billups who was a Drummer, in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars 00, Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Vending 35 th May 1845.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of March 1836, and sent to
Genl. A. Biggs, W.W. Senate.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book: 4 Vol. 2 Page 264.

Statement of Richard Billings -
That he is the son of Thomas Billings & Sarah Billings & the identical person whose birth is recorded in the little book covered with blue paper herewith annexed on the last page thereof except the marked B in the following words & figures vizt: "Richard Billings was born the 21 day 1804" - That the said book was frequently shown him by his mother the said Sarah before he learned to read & write & he was told by her that it contained the family record or a correct statement of the periods of her marriage & of the births of her children respectively & the death of her husband - That he learned to read & write about the year 1816 being then twelve years of age whereby he was enabled to understand the entries in said book contained in relation to the marriages of his father & mother & the births of his brothers & sister & himself - and the death of his father - That these several events have been always regarded by him as having occurred at the respective times mentioned in said entries & that he never had any the slightest reason to doubt their correctness. In pages marked A. B. & C. - That his mother the said Sarah told him that all of the said entries (except the two last on page C) were made by his father the said Thomas & those who were made by one William Bognan a school master & that he believes & doth

not entertain a doubt that they are in the hand-writings of said persons re- spectively - That he does not know whether the said William Boyman be alive or dead, but he had not heard of him for more than twenty five years. That he does not know nor had he any reason to believe that there are now living any person or persons by whom the said handwriting or either of them can be proved. That his mother his brother William & himself about the year 1826 removed from the County of Pender in the State of North Carolina where they had previously lived to the County of Edgecombe in the State afore- said where they have since lived in the immediate vicinity of each other until the death of his mother which took place in the latter part of May 1845, she the said Sarah having remained single & unmarried after the death of the said Thomas - That the said book was in his mother's possession when he first saw it & continued in her possession till a short time before her death she having placed it in the hand of William Norfleet to be used as testimo- ny in the effort to establish her claim to a pension - That all his brother's except the said William are dead - And that from his earliest recolle- ction his mother the said Sarah informed him that his father the said Thomas served in the War of the Revolution -
Richard Billings

Statement of William Norfleet
That the little book covered with blue paper herewith annexed was put into his possession by Mrs Sarah Billings not long before her death to enable him to obtain a pension for her - that she told him it was the family record. That he has no reason to doubt the correctness of the entries therein contained. But on the contrary he believes them to be authentic - that he was acquainted with Mrs Billings & knows her son Richard. The former sustained a good character & he has never heard any complaints against the latter.
Wm Norfleet.
State of North Carolina
Edgecombe County
Personally appeared before me Ralph E. Marmaduke one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid Richard Billings & William Norfleet who solemnly made oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing statements, signed by them respectively are true to the best of their knowledge & belief - I do further certify that I have annexed the little Book referred to in the said statements & marked the pages mentioned in that of the said Richard with the letters A. B. & C. and that I am well acquainted with the said Richard & William & that they are entitled to the fullest confidence - Given under my hand & seal at Farmville, in said County this the 4 th day of May 1846.
R. E. Marmaduke J.P.

State of North Carolina Edgemo County }
I John Norfleet Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions of said County do certify that Ralph E. Manning Esq. whose genuine signature is subscribed to the above Certificate is a lawful acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly Commissioned and sworn as such - and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all his official acts -
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of office at Tarboro' this the 24 th day of May A.D. 1846
John Norfleet Clerk

Letter G. D. 1842
Robert  W  West December  10, 1849 10  2  1850
to receive
At London to Paris
Confession of Faith in and  Right
Mr. F. ... to 3.6 ... 11 ... 11 ... eight ... 2

15
you
unconsciously
to Mr. Q
Mr. Q
to Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
Mr. Q
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Mr. Q
Mr. Q

1 113 114
11th Dec 1847 at the residence of the Rev. Dr. [?] at [?]
This image shows a single, vertically oriented page of paper that is severely damaged and aged. The paper is off-white or light gray, but it is covered in numerous dark brown and black stains, particularly concentrated along the left edge and in the upper half. Faint, cursive handwriting is visible through the paper, likely bleed-through from the reverse side. The text is mostly illegible due to the staining and the orientation. Several prominent dark ink blotches are scattered across the surface. The left edge of the page appears to be the gutter or binding of a book, with some darker, textured material visible. The overall appearance is that of an old, neglected document.

15 113 R 1
At the end of the year of 6 At the end of the year of 6 At the end of the year of 6 At the end of the year of 6 At the end of the year of 6
At the end of the year of 6
At the end of the year of 6 At the end of the year of 6 At the end of the year of 6 At the end of the year of 6 At the end of the year of 6

than a Billap rough this alpha th 19 1807, and than.
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, mostly illegible due to orientation and fading.]
Who was B Thomas Bel The Th of the to 8. 1/2 to 8. 1/2 to 8. 1/2 to 8. 1/2 to 8. 1/2 to 8. 1/2

Agreeable than  of  of 15 Dear Sir
to make the ...
to be the 7th of ... the making of one part of fine
to her the 11 th 1845 40 to making of 2 pair of fine shoes 2 dollars one pair small shoes 50 cts
January the 9 1890 Budget at each to work at him 9 shillings in one pair of socks 0-3 to 3 gils of breeching 3-9 to six pieces of meat 6-0 quarters 15-6
I paid the March the 23 1815 Blossie P. ... I paid ... the ... the ...

 September the 19 1815 to 14 1/2 gallons of hay to a load of wood 26 to 14 bushels 
Mr. Strapp to half pints
2 1/6 50 cents to ditto 6 1/2 10 cents to ditto 13 12 cents to ditto 1 1/2 to half pints 13 to ditto 1 1/3 to ditto 10
 February the 19 1815 
 Edward ... 
to half pints 1 1/3 to half pints 2 1/6 to half pints 2 1/6
April the 23 1816
10 cents to ditto 1 1/3 to 3 gil to ditto 1 1/3 10 cents to ditto 1 1/3 10 cents to ditto 1 1/3 10 cents to ditto 1 1/3

Walvedue
Thomas Billings had his sail February the 20th of 17800
Some to the 1/2 1/4 1/8
Alexander go to 1/3 to d. the 1/3
Henry Blake had 3 dollars
5 dollars 1/2 1/4 1/8
South down 2 dollars
April the 17th 1816 Mr
1816 1816 Mr
William Davis to pay to one point of brandy
Captain Miller to pay
Drew me 1/2 1/4 1/8
to half point of brandy
to half point of brandy
to half point of brandy
to half point of brandy
to half point of brandy

Yours Sincerely J. P. Leader to Charles and Sir J. G. Foster
W. L. ... 1/3 to D. H. 1/3
Henry Blake here I owe 5 dollars 75 cts Smith due me 2 dollars I paid the Acy 1816 Mr Henry Blake
At the Duke's Hall
Long Long
_____
11/11/1888
Dear me
1881
69
Handwritten scribble
A solid black image with no visible content.

Smith Nov 3 4
Feb 6 1/2
3 3 eights to ditto 2/6
Super-
2/6
to ditto 1/3 to 13/10
to rum
to glass of tody
6/2
Sam Watson 2 shillings
to ditto March 1816
6/2
to ditto 2/6
toigel of rum
6/2
to ditto 6/2
to glass of tody
6/2
to ditto 2/6
to ditto
2/7 1/2
to ditto
to lent cash
1/3
to ditto 1/3
to glass
6/2
to ditto 1/3
toigel of rum
6/2
to ditto 1/3
to ditto
6/2
to ditto 1/3
to glass of
6/2
to ditto 1/3
to ditto
6/2
to ditto 1/3
to ditto to ditto
6/2
to ditto 1/3

March 17 1820
Then Recd of Thomas Billings. Ten Shillings
10/0 1820 10/0 1820 10/0 1820
January 10 1820
Several lines of scribbled-out text
Several lines of scribbled-out text

January 1818 Michael Lynch to Thomas Billings for 1000 bushels of wheat at 1/6 per bushel for 1000 10 0 for 1000 bushels of wheat at 1/6 per bushel for0 10 0 for 1000 bushels of wheat at 1/6 per bushel for0 10 0 for 1000 bushels of wheat at 1/6 per bushel for0 10 0
A
Thomas Billings & Sarah John was married December the 27 in the year of our Lord 1793

Thomas Belliss v the Mohun Baggott to work to barrow barge & man are half at the end of the year Feb 18 85 87 91
November 28th 1884 Thomas Belliss to work to barrow barge & man are half at the end of the year Feb 18 85 87 91
Thomas Belliss to work to barrow barge & man are half at the end of the year Feb 18 85 87 91

Winifred Billings the Daughter of Thomas Billings and Sarah Billings his wife was born November the 23 rd day in the year 1796
Elizabeth Moore Billings the daughter of Thomas Billings and Sarah Billings his wife his wife was born May the 17 day 1798
B Richard Billings was born June the 21 day 1804
13 1810 1798 1798 Thomas Billings 12662
1804 1804 1804 1804

William N. White Ransom C
Ransom Billings the son of Thomas Billings and Sarah his wife was born November the 29th 1802
William N. Billings his son was born the 17th Day of March 1808
Thomas Billings Departed this life the 22nd of March 1809 God Rest his Soul.

July R. Mial
Sarah Billings N 6 — To examine Papers,

State of North Carolina } County of Edgecombe } ss.
Be it known that before the Subscribed Justice of the peace in & for said County, personally appeared Deceased William Billings of said County, who being duly confirmed and then sworn in due form of law, states, that he is the administrator of the late Sarah Billings of said County, who departed this life in the month of May 1843; that letters of administration were duly granted to him on February 1846, of Edgecombe County Court; that the said Sarah was the widow of one Thomas Billings who died about forty three (43) years ago, in the County of Bertie and State of North Carolina, when he then resided; that the said Sarah Billings was about seventy five (75) years of age at the time of her death; that the said Thomas Billings was reputed and known to have been a soldier in the war of the Revolution; that the said William Billings and Richard Billings are the only children and heirs at law of the said Thomas & Sarah Billings - that he the said William is now forty four years old, and the said Richard Billings fifty years old - that he believes that he is entitled as administrator aforesaid to a pension from the General Government, on account of the Revolutionary services of the said Thomas, his intestate the said Sarah being entitled at the time of her death, for the use & benefit of himself and the said Richard as her only children and heirs at law aforesaid - and for the purpose of investigating and establishing his claim as aforesaid (either as administrator or as one of the children of the said Sarah) he hereby appoints Tully R. Ward Esq. of Washington D.C. his true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable power

to examine all papers on file in the Pension office and to do whatever he might do need be personally present to establish his claim.
In Witness Whereof the said William Billings has on this the 8th day of October 1852 hereunto signed his name, and affixed his seal
Witness Robt R Bridgers
Witness R Norfleet
William Billings (Seal)
Signed, Sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me, and I further Certify, that the said William Billings is a man worthy of trust, and has always by the community, been known as one of the children of the late Sarah Billings of this County.
Dated on this Eighth day of October 1852
Wm. S. Dancy Secy
State of N. Carolina } County of Edgecombe }
I, John Norfleet Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of said County, Certify that John S. Dancy Esq. before whom the foregoing power of attorney was made and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature above written is genuine. — I further certify that William
Billings, the individual person who signed the foregoing paper writing is the Administrator & legal representative of Sarah Billings decd. late of said County, duly appointed and sworn as such, at Filmore Sessions

1846 of said County, with good & sufficient security as appears by his bond filed in my office, and as appears by the record in my office
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, at office the the 8 th day of October A.D. 1852
John Mansfield

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3927  am
Sarah Billings
Wid.
John Billings
Henry Billings
Act: Mar. 30/73, p. 17/73
Index: — Vol. a , Page 62
[Arrangement of 1870.]

North Carolina. H. Sarah Phillips, dec d , widow of Thomas, who died on the of _____ in the State of who was a drummer in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution une for 2. years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville at the rate of 88. Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of March 1836 and sent to Mrs. A. Biggs, Arrears to the 4th of _____ Semi-annual allowance ending _____
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by _____ Clerk. Book _____ Vol. _____ Page 293.

To Sarah Bellup N o
Letter to Hon A. H. Arrington 26 Febry 1845. to Wm. Green Nov. 16. '46 same Nov. 23. '46.
act 7 July 1838

J B Wise Heh Apr 11 1853 G.C. Ames. 22? Dec? 1853.
No 11.673 Sarah Billings Ac
Set to Hon A. N. Armstrong 26 July 1845
Set to T. Green Nov. 11 th 46
" " Same Nov 23. 46
Set to Nathan Leake Jan 4 '48.
Set to Wm J. R. J. Deyne, June 15/50
(OVER) act 7 July 1858

11,673
Sarah Billings N, Carolina
Hon A.H. Arrington 26th Feby 1845 - T. Green Nov 16 1846 - Same Nov 23 1846 - Nathan Leake Jan 1848 - Hon J.R. Daniel June 15 1850 - T.R.W. Ap. 1 1853 - G.C. An Dec 7 1853 - Hon A Feby 4 1856 - Same.
July 7 1859

Asa Briggs U.S.
Cole
Hon. J. Minot
Commr of Pensions Washington
D.C.

North Carolina Hayesville
Sarah Billups decd Widow of Thomas
Bertie Co N.C.
adm d July 7/1838 v s
2 yrs Drummer $88
a year from 4 March 1836 to 25 May 1845 when
she died except 2 yrs, — Pay to W m
Billups' adm d for Nimrod & Richard Billups & or either of them or any other child who may be alive,
B Hen to triplett
Cert to Hon Asa Biggs U S Senate

Novm 23 47 Add to Sarah Billings
Hon J. L. Estlin Form of Pensions Present

Washington Nov 23 d 1847
Sir
I herewith enclose some additional evidence in the case of Sarah Billings and, widow of Thos Billings, decd. of N.C. the office was addressed in this case on the 9 th inst. by Mr Green of Richmond & I hope this additional testimony may be filed & examined in connexion with his letter on the subject at your early convenience.
Very Respectfully
Your obedt Servant
Nathan L. Lake
Hon J L Edwards Comr. of Pensions

Brief in the case of Sarah Billings, deceased widow of Thomas Porte County and State of North Carolina act 5 July 7 1838 V C
Claim, ("original," or "for interest." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record evidence of service with which her husband is identified by a universal neighborhood reputation of service, by the testimony of those who have heard him speak of his service. But particularly by the fact that he obtained land for his service and the Secretary of State of North Carolina shows that Thomas Billings of Bertie County N.C. transferred that land to Dr Barry and it has been shown
(It for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? that no other man of that County ever had the reputation of having served in the Bangor Battalion. Marriage issued by an original Gasing Record, Death, kinship, administration & identity of children issued agreeably to an Reputation.
Name and residence of Agent
Hon. Asa Buggs U. S. Senator
Examining Clerk.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I, WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from the muster-rolls of the Continental line of this State, in the Revolutionary War, that Thomas Billings, a Musician , in Capt. McLaughan's Company of the 7 th Regiment, entered the service on the 11 th day of March 1777 for the term of Three years , and that a warrant for land bounty was issued for his said services as a Drummer for three years , drawn by Doct. R. D. Barry on the 25 th Nov. 1796 at No. 4041.
Given under my hand this 7 th day of September 1846.
W. Hill Secy of State
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I, WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from the muster-rolls of the Continental line of this State, in the Revolutionary War, that Thomas Billings a musician in Capt. Raiford's Company of the 10 th Regiment, entered the service on the 15 th day of April 1781 for the term of twelve months , left the service 15 th April 1782 , and is no doubt the same person, mentioned in Capt. McLaughan's Company of the 7 th Regiment, who drew land as a Drummer for 3 years .
Given under my hand this 7 th day of September 1846.
W. Hill Secy of State

William Norfleet Esq. Tarborough N.Y.

State of North Carolina.
Secretary of States Office.
I. William Hill Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from the Muster Rolls, of the Continental line, of this State in the Revolutionary War, that Thomas Billops, a musician, in Captain W m Glaughans Company, of the 7 th Regiment, was mustered on the 11 th of March 1777. for the term of three years; and that it also appears, that Thomas Billops a musician in Captain Raiford's Company of the 10 th Regiment, of said line, was mustered on the 15 th of April, 1781. for the term of twelve months, and left the service, on the 15 th of April 1782 -
Given under my hand this 2 nd day of December 1842 -
W m Hill

Sir
Raleigh 2 nd Dec. 1842.
Affliction has caused delay in your business. Therewith send you a certificate, which I hope will reach you in time, and answer the purpose for which it is wanted. My fees amount to 20 Cents.
Yours respectfully
W. V. Bill
William Norfleet Esqr.

Mar. 4. 1896
Adams car
Sarah Billings
Look to Reg
J. S. Edwards
Home of Vernon
Washington City
D.C.
20

Col J. L. Edwards Washington
Recd. 29 Oct. 1846
Sir, I enclose you the the affidavits of Mrs. Bellups mother, to show that Mrs. Sarah Bellups of N. Ca. (her died) leaving two sons — I send also the family Record — showing the marriage was in 1793 —
I am informed there is record evidence that Thomas Bellups served 4 years in the Revolution. I am yr ob t serv t Thomas Green

Nov 16. 1846
Adams case Dear Billings
Not cover Love Look as Reg. Guaranteed Comm ce of Penons Washington City D.C.

Col. J. L. Edwards Washington
Recd. 12 Nov. '46
Sir:
On the 29 th ult. I sent you the application of Mrs. Billings, son of Sarah Billings, widow of Thos. Billings of N. C. under act 7 July 1838.
Since then, I have recd. the enclosed certificates from Sec: of State of N. C. showing 4 years service — Please to file these with the papers sent on the 29 th ult.
I am Yr. Obt. servt. Th: Green

Col. J. L. Edwards
Washington

Richmond 9 Nov 1847
Col. J. L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions
Sir.
Sarah Bellups, widow of Thomas Bellups of N.C. under act 7 July 1838 was entitled to a pension - but died leaving two sons Richd. & Wm (the latter an Adm.) whose application was denied rejected 16 Nov. 1846.
The second evidence showed a Musician of that name, served in the N.C. line, but the identity was not proved -
I now send, the Certificate of the death of the widow 25 May 1845 & the names of her two children - also the affidavit of Hardy Brown Bower 81 yrs old that he was well acquainted with Thos. Bellups, formerly of Edgecombe County, "who was always reported to have been a drummer in the Rev. War, that he married Sarah Adams lived as man & wife till her death - &" - also the affidavit of Theodore Hester (84 yrs old) knew he was always regarded as a Rev. Soldier &c -
The Clerk of Bertie Co. certifies he can find no proof of marriage on record -
This, unless proven, stops the difficulty in the case; unless the witness Hardy Bower (certified to be respectable) misrepresents the general reputation that Thos. Bellups was a drummer - there can be no doubt of his identity with the Musician , mentioned on the record.
There being no other record of the date of the marriage - the family bible or prayer book, will be received - And altho' the entries may not have been 33 years old - Yet if evidently made, before it could have been contemplated to practice a fraud in order to get a pension, the reason of the Rule , as fully verifies this family record & the truth of its contents, as if it were older.
I cannot suppose, even a doubt is entertained about the entries being as far back as 1830.
I am Sir very Respectfully
Thomas Green

State of N. Carolina Edgecombe County
At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions begun and held for said County, at the Court House in Tarboro, on the fourth Monday of November A. D. 1846, the following proceedings were had in said Court, as appears of record, on the Minutes of said Court at the said time—
Satisfactory proof being adduced to the Court, it is ordered to be Certified by the Clerk that Sarah Billings, who was the widow of Thomas Billings deceased, died on the 25 th day of May 1845, leaving two children only viz— Richard Billings and William Billings, and that the said William has qualified as her Administrator—
I, John Norfleet, Clerk of said Court, Certify that the above is a true Copy of what it purports to be taken from the Minutes of said Court, at November Term 1846— In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal of Office at Tarboro this the 22 nd day of June A. D. 1847
J. Norfleet Clerk

State of North Carolina Pitt County
Personally appeared before me James R. Rayner one of the jus- tices of the Peace for said County-Heav- dy Borow, who maketh oath that he is now eighty one years old that he was well acquainted with Thom- as Billups formerly of said County to whom was always reputed to have been a drummer in the Revolution- ary war. That the said Thomas Bil- lups & Sarah or Sally Billups (whose maiden name was Johnson) lived to- gether as man & wife until his death and that it was always understood thereby doubted that they had been lawfully married -
From his Subscribers. Hardy & Borow The 6 th February - 1843
J. R. Rayner J.P.
Id. Truly Yours. The Certify that the deponent Hardy Borow is a man of good character same mind & that he is entitled to be- liev.
J. R. Rayner J.P.

State of North Carolina } Bertie County }
Personally appeared before me James R. Rayner one of the jus- tices of the Peace for said County. The- diah Kite, who makes oath that she is now eighty four years old, that she was acquainted with one Thomas Bil- lups of said County who was reputed to have served in the War of the re- volution - That the said Thomas Billups married a woman named Sally Nelson & they lived together as man & wife for several years - & that she removed from their neighborhood & does not remem- ber to have heard of them afterwards.
Sworn to & subscribed before me This 6 th February 1847
J. R. Rayner J.P. for The diah Kite mark
I James R. Rayner do hereby further certify that The diah Kite who has sworn to & subscribed the foregoing af- fidavit is a woman of good character that she is in the possession of all her men- tal faculties & entitled to belief. J. R. Rayner J.P.

State of North Carolina
Bertie County I Jonathan S Layton Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Bertie do hereby cer- tify that James R Raynor Esq who signed the within affidavits of Hardy Brown and Theodick Keeter is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bertie, and I certify that his official acts as such are entitled to full credit
Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Windsor this 10 th day of Feby 1827
Jonathan Layton Clerk

State of North Carolina Bertie County
I Jonathan S. Taylor Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Bertie do hereby certify, that I have searched the records of this Court for a Marriage Bond & License to Solemnize the rites of Matrimony between Thomas Billings and Sally Mhoon, but can find no such record. I further certify that no record of Licenses to Solemnize Marriages, was ever kept in this Court - except occasionally, when the parties for whom a license issues are very young -
Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Windsor this 3 rd Decr 1826
For J. Taylor Clerk

June 3/50
Wellesley
Sarah Phillips
Edwards Pension of Con. 38 for

Pension Office June 13. 1858
Col J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions
Sir I have been re- quested by Mr. W. F. Lewis of Edge- combe County N. C. to enquire whether anything has ever been al- lowed & if so what amt. for the revolutionary services of Thomas Billings late of Bertie County N. C. His widow it is said administered on his estate and the claim was made by her in her lifetime and sent to Thomas Green Esq of Richmond some years ago from whom it is alleged they have been unable to obtain any informa- tion in relation to the matter. As Mr. Lewis writes in behalf of the children heirs of Mr. Billings you will confer a favor by giving me the desired information at your earliest conve- nience. very respectfully your obedt. servt J. R. Daniel

Washington D.C. 16 th Oct. 52
Hon. Jas. E. Heath, Comm t of Pensions,
Sir,
Will you have the case of W fe Sarah Billings, widow, of Thomas, a suspended case under act of July 1838, re-examined. I have filed a power of attorney among the papers and examined them. I find there is ample proof of facts that entitles her to a pension, and as her right does not lapse in consequence of the rule presented and acted upon by your office, action being had within five years, I hope you will allow her, her pen- sion. This is a N. Carolina Case.
I am very respectfully
Your Obd. Serv t Tully R. Wise

In the case of Sarah Billings
additional testimony
J. P. M.

State of North Carolina } County of Edgecombe }
Be it known that on this the 13 th day of November A.D. 1852, before me Thomas Norfleet, a Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid, personally came Mrs. Martha Albrooks of said County, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, deposed as follows —
I am sixty-five years old — My home is in this County (Edgecombe) and I have lived here all my life — In the year 1824 I became acquainted with one Sarah Billings of this County who was then known and reported to be the Widow of Thomas Billings — I never saw the said Thomas but I remember very well to have heard about the time I forming the acquaintance of his Widow that her husband, the said Thomas, was a Soldier of the Revolution, and I have never heard anything to the contrary — In the year 1825 the said Mrs. Sarah Billings left at my house — a small unbound book containing a few leaves only and nothing but Manuscript therein — The book remained at my house nearly the whole of that year, during which time I examined it frequently, and remember that a portion thereof purported to be a family record and I remember very distinctly that the Marriage of Thomas Billings and his wife the said Sarah was recorded therein — I have heard Mrs. Billings frequently speak of that book as containing a record of her Marriage, before the year 1826 — In the early part of the year 1825, Mrs. Billings removed quite home-keeping and used to live in the family of Mrs. Hunter near Tarboro, in this County and left with me the book of a person for her

her furniture and such other articles as she had no use for at Miss Hunter's - the house afterwards was left with me among other things - The said Sarah Bellup died in this County a few years ago -
I have no interest whatever in making this affidavit - I can read and write -
I know to be true before me } Martha Absbrooks the day of my de above } Deponent Thomas Norfleet D.P.
At the same time personally appeared before me Thomas Norfleet - a Justice of the peace and Dist. William S. Baker, the being duly sworn, deposed as follows -
I am well acquainted with Mrs. Martha Absbrooks who made the above affidavit and have been for the last eight or ten years - she is a very respectable lady and worthy of belief - I have no interest in the matter -
Wm. S. Baker
I know to be true before me by the said William S. Baker - and I further certify that the said William S. Baker is worthy of belief being personally acquainted with him - On the 13th day of Nov. A.D. 1852
Thomas Norfleet D.P.
State of North Carolina } County of Edgecombe }
I, John Norfleet Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of said County, hereby

Certify that Thomas Norfleet Esq. before whom the Affidavits of Martha Alston and Dr. William S. Barker were made, and whose genuine signatures are subscribed to the Certificates of annexed thereto, is a lawful acting Justice of the peace in Hereford County, duly commissioned and sworn A.M.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, it being my seal of office, this the 13th day of November A.D. 1832
Thos Norfleet Clerk

Thomas Billips died 1809
Sarah Billips died May 25 1815
married 1793
Richard Billips & William Billips adm. only children

State of North Carolina Edgecombe County } ss.
But it known that before me
John F. Spruill Justice of the Inferior Court of said County personally appeared William Bellups of said County and State and made oath in due form of law that he is the son and administrator of Sarah Bellups widow of Thomas Bellups deceased - That he has been informed the said Thomas Bellups served in the North Carolina Continental line in the army of the revolution - That the said Thomas Bellups was married to the said Sarah Bellups on the 27 th day of December 1793 and died on the 22 nd day of March 1809 leaving her as his widow - and she died on the 25 th day of May 1845 leaving two children then living (viz) William Bellups and Richard Bellups, and the affiant has qualified as administrator - and has since her death been informed that at least one years service can now be proved - He accordingly makes this statement in order to obtain the pension so due his mother aforesaid, for the services of her husband the said Thomas Bellups as a soldier in the North Carolina Continental line
William Cris  X Bellups mark
Sworn to and subscribed, before me a Justice of the Inferior Court for said County. this 26 th day of February, 1846
John F. Spruill J.I.C.

State of North Carolina Edgcombe County } I Louis D Wilson Chairman
of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that William Billings came into said Court at its February-Sessions 1846, was duly appoin- ted administrator of Sarah Billings deceased That he is fully authorized & empowered to act as such & that he is now acting as administrator of the said Sarah Witness my hand & seal this The 27 th day of February 1846
Louis D Wilson of Chincoteague
State of North Carolina Edgcombe County }
I John Norfleet Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Edgcombe (the same being a Court of record) do hereby certify that Louis D Wilson whose genuine signature is subscribed to the above Certificate, is the Chairman of said Court duly appointed and sworn, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all of his official acts - That John H. Spright whose genuine signature is subscribed to the foregoing annexed affidavit of William Billings, is a lawful acting Justice of the Peace

is made for said County of Edgecumbe, duly appointed and sworn, and that full faith and credit are due to all of his official acts - and that the Certificate of Louis C. Wilson aforesaid was made and submitted in open Court at February Session 1844
In Witness whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this the 27 th day of February A.D. 1844
J. M. Norfleet

Hon L P Waldo Sir
Washington, Decr 11. 53
You will find herewith the affidavit of Theodora Keating, in support of the Claim of Sarah Billings, widow of Thomas, of N.C. act 7 July 1838.
From your report to July R. Wise of the 1st of April last, it appears that the Marriage has been established and the only remaining question to be determined is the identity of Mrs Billings, husband with the soldier to whom the pension payments, as appears by the Consular Certificate now on file, were made. This witness although a lady was in a situation to know the facts which she has testified to, namely, not only, that Mrs Billings' husband enjoyed the general reputation of having served in the Revolutionary War, but that he was a Drummer and continued to serve as such to the Militia long after the close of that War. This should be sufficient I should suppose to identify claimants husband with the musician referred to in the Consular Certificate

I have the honor to be My Respectfully, Yours Obedient Servant G. B. Cummings

State of N. Carolina } Berne County } S.S.
Be it known, that on this day the 28 day of Sept. A.D. 1853, personally
appeared before me J. J. Rhodes one of the lawful acting Justices of the peace in & for the County of Berne & State of N.C. Mrs. Judith Hester, a resident of said County, (Who being duly sworn by me, deposed as follows - That she is now about ninety years old; that she was well acquainted with one Thomas Billings and Sarah Billings his wife who resided in said County many years ago; that the said Thomas died in said County many years ago, perhaps forty or fifty years, the precise time she does not remember, leaving the said Sarah his widow, him surviving, and that she the said Sarah not very long thereafter removed to the County of Edgecombe in said State, where she the said Sarah Continued to reside as she appears is informed and believes until her death which she has been informed occurred a few years since - That the said Thomas Billings was reputed to have been a Soldier and a Minister in the War of the Revolution, and that she has never heard a contrary opinion expressed by anyone - That the said Thomas would now be a very old Man if living - That she remembers very well after the Revolution was over, to have seen the said Thomas Billings acting as Drummer in one of the Militia Companies

in said County - The further to say that the never knew or heard of any other person by the name (James Billings) who was a soldier or servant in the Revolutionary War. -
That she has not the slightest interest in the application of Sarah Billings' heirs, for pension, nor will the result affect her in the slightest manner -
Witness, J. D. Rhoades. P.
Further deponant say it not Media by Peter mark
I was here & subscribed before me on the day of your deposition, by Mrs. Media Peter, with whom I am personally acquainted, and who is worthy of trust; and I certify that I have no interest whatever in the said application for pension, nor will the result affect her in the slightest manner possible.
J. D. Rhoades P.
State of North Carolina Pitt County ss.
I Wm P. Gurney Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said  the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Jas. J. Bloody Esqr before whom the foregoing deposition was taken, was at the time thereof an acting justice of the Peace for Pitt County, duly authorized to take deposition, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of my office at the Court House in Windsor this the 4 th October 1853
Wm P Gurney Clerk

Senate Chamber.
March 27. 1856
Sir
Yours of 10 th instant enquiring if Sarah Billups of N.C. left any child at her death who is now alive, has been mislaid and my attention to it was not called until to day.
My recollection is that Mrs Billups left two children, who are alive, one of them is her personal representative and I think you will find in file the evidence proving who are her children,
Respectfully Yours
Asa Biggs
Hon. J. Murch
Comms of Pensions
Washington
DC

John Norfleet Esq. Parbro. N. of a

Raleigh 28 th Feby 1856. John Norfleet Esq r
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 8 th instant was taken up in turn yesterday, and after much searching, I find the conveyances from Thomas Billups, a Drummer in the Revolutionary war, to R. D. Barry, were made in Bertie County. There is also filed with the Warrant, an order on the Secretary for the Warrant to be delivered to Barry, which order is proven and certified in Bertie County. There was a warrant issued to another Thos s Billups, a private, but it has not been returned to this Office, so I cannot tell any thing of his place of residence. I send you a copy of the conveyance, which I suppose sufficient to identify the residence of Thos s Billups the Drummer. You can have a copy of the order for the Warrant should it be considered necessary. Please send me $2. for this service
Yours Respectfully
W. Hill

Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Billups of the County of Bertie & State of North Carolina have & by these presents do fully convey both for Myself and My Heirs forever into Red- mond Dillon Bany and his Heirs forever all my right title & interest in any land Debt or gra- tuity that is or may be due Me for My servi- ces as a Soldier in the Continental Army & line of the State afores d for a good & valua- ble consideration together with forty Shil- lings in hand the rest whereof I hereby ac- knowledge in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 18 th day of Nov. 1796. in presence of
John Rowan
Thomas Billups
Seal
State of North Carolina.
Office of Secretary of State.
I William Hill, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that the above is a true copy of the conveyance filed with the Warrant in this Office.
Given under my hand this 28 th day of Feb y 1856.
W. Hill Secretary of State

Greenville N. C.
March 5. 1856
Sir
Not long since at your office I left a note requesting a reexamination of the case of Sarah Billups widow of Thomas Billups of N.C who had made an application for a Pension, A reexamination was had and you wrote me that without further proof of the identity the claim could not be allowed and accompanying your letter was the enclosed copy of a letter of 1 April 1853 from the Department to T. R. Wise Esq r an agent who formerly prosecuted the claim. In this letter as you will see it is admitted that there was a man of the name of Thomas Billups a musician, and that land was given him for his services drawn by D. R. D. Barry and it is suggested that probably it could be shown that D. Barry was a resident of Bertie Co. N.C &c.

It is inferred from this that if satisfactory proof could be made that D. Barry was a resident of Bertie Co N.C. could be  then the identity would be satisfactorily proved. This has induced an enquiry as to that point, I am now on a visit to North Carolina and have just been furnished with the enclosed testimony which establishes that Thomas Billings was of Bertie County N.C. (the husband of Sarah Billings as proved by the testimony on file) who sold his land claim to D. Barry and I suppose this will be more satisfactory proof of the identity than to prove that D. Barry was a resident of Bertie County. I send with the copy of the deed the letter of Mr. Hill the Secretary of State that all the facts obtained may appear. It is submitted therefore in behalf of the claimant that the enclosed furnishes all the evidence necessary to make out the case; and you will please inform me at the earliest day

practicable the decision of the Department directed to me at Washington as I expect to return next week.
Very respectfully Yr obt servt
Asa Pigg
Hon. J. Mich
Comm d of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Senate Chamber
Feb: 1. 1856
Sir
I have examined the papers of Sarah Billups of NC for a Revolutionary Pension at the request of the claimant.
The only difficulty seems to be a want of sufficient evidence to identify Thomas Billups the husband.
It does seem to me that a review of the testimony identifying Thomas Billups the husband of the claimant as a Revolutionary soldier is as full and satisfactory as it is possible to make it at this remote period of time. From the nature of the case we are compelled to rely upon tradition and reputation and in this case full evidence of that character is furnished by reputable, disinterested witnesses.
I would be much obliged if it is not inconsistent with the rules of your office that the case may be

reexamined, If the testimony in this case is not sufficient to identify what kind of evidence will be sufficient?
Very respectfully
In all haste
Asa Biggs
Hon. J. Minton
Commit. of Pensions
Washington
D C