Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1178, Michael Buster, Va.

Va
Buster, Michael
S 1178
CONTENTS
banded
[Blank lined area for notes]
[Blank lined area for notes]

Michael Buster of Adair Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the 1st  regt commanded by Captain Thompson of the 1st  regt commanded by Col Campbell in the Virginia line for 5 1/2 months Griffith's Cavalry 18 th — " — " — " Infantry
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of $3 Dollars 87 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Sept 18 th and J. H. Hoy  Somerset
Arrears to the 4th of Sept  208.92 Semi-ann. allowance ending 14 March  41.78 $ 250.70
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 4
Note of Death Not on file

216. 704.
Buster Michael's
Laps
Ketchikan Alaska County Court.
June Term, 1883.
Exhibit A, Swan to V.P.
Plaintiff to be satisfied.

State of Kentucky
Pulaski County Court Set.
On this 18 th day of June 1833. Personally appeared in open court before the County Court for Pulaski County now sitting as a court. Michael Buster a resident of the County of Pulaski State of Kentucky, aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, that he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as here in stated. That while a resident of Frederick County, Virginia Washington County State of Virginia, as well as I now reside. (My then residence is now in Russell, in the month of May 1774. the day of call was made for soldiers by the Government and I cannot now recollect. I volunteered in the company of Captain James Thompson, William Edmonson Lieutenant to serve against the Shawnee Indians. I volunteered for no specified time, but to serve a Summer Campaign as it was then called, or until discharged by our officers. Isaac Shelby was the Major, and William Campbell was Colonel in Command. after I was wounded with the other men. we were marched to the frontier of the State of Virginia, the head quarters was located in Washington County and we were engaged by the orders of our superiors in scouting and ranging on the frontier to protect the White Settlements. until the latter part of the month of November 1774 the exact time he was engaged in this service, he cannot now state, but not less than Six Months, he was then discharged from the service. I received a written discharge signed by Captain Thompson as far as I recollect, which discharge has long since been lost or destroyed, afterwards while a resident of said County of Washington, sometime in the month of March 1776 another call for soldiers was made, and I

volunteered in the Company of Captain John Duncan, to serve against the Cherokee Indians. I volunteered for what was then called a Summer Campaign, and until we were discharged by our officers. Walter Brockell as well as John Newell was Major, and the Company was a part of the Regiment commanded by Col. William Christian, we were rendezvoused as well as I saw Newell about the 12 th of March, at the Glade Hollow Fort, and was from there marched to the frontier, and was constantly employed during the time in scouting and ranging upon the frontier, making the above mentioned Fort, the headquarters, and was continued in active service until the middle of November of 1776, when we were discharged from the service. I received a written discharge signed by Captain Duncan, but which has long since been lost or destroyed. I was engaged in this service, the exact time I cannot now state but not less than Seven months and a half, afterwards while a citizen of Montgomery County, State of Virginia in the month of June 1777, a call was made for soldiers, and I volunteered in the Company of Captain James Montgomery to serve against the Tories and Indians, the Company was organized for six months term, but to serve until discharged. The Company belonged to the Regiment of Col. James Robertson, (Walter Brockell Major, after the Company was assembled, we were marched to and stationed at the Lead Mines in said County, to guard the same from the Tories and was for about two months continued at the Lead Mines and was then marched to the frontier of Virginia, and stationed at Whitten Station, and was there employed by his own officers in scouting and ranging on the frontier to guard the White Settlements from the depredations of the Indians, and was continued in the service, until the latter part of November 1777, and was then discharged. I received a written discharge signed by Captain James Montgomery, but which has long since been lost or destroyed.

Cannot now state exactly how long he was engaged in this last mentioned service, but not less than Six months. afterwards still a resident of Montgomery County Virginia, in the month of March 1778. a call was made for soldiers, and I volunteered in the company of Captain John Stevens, to serve against the Indians. the company belonged to the Regiment of Col. Walter Brockett. Joseph Gloyne was the Major. after we were rendezvoused we were marched to the frontier, and was stationed at a Garrison erected by ourselves on the plantation of James Maxwell, on the head of Clinch River, and was there continued in service, by our officers scouting and ranging until about the middle of November 1778. when we were discharged by our officers. I received a written discharge signed by Captain Stevens, but which has long since been lost or destroyed. I cannot say exactly how long I was engaged in this last mentioned service. Snow fell as we were marching out, and I was not discharged until about the middle of November. I was engaged not less than Seven months. afterwards still a resident of Montgomery County, State of Virginia in the month of May 1779. a call was made for soldiers to guard the lead mines, and forays against the Indians and Tories. I volunteered in the company of Captain William Campbell, the same who was afterwards a Colonel. John Stevens was the Major. Walter Brockett was the Colonel Commanding after we were rendezvoused we were marched to the lead mines in said County, to guard the same, and was employed in scouting and ranging to defend the Tories in said County, and that part of North Carolina that adjoins Virginia. we were continued at the lead mines and in the neighborhood, about Six weeks, and was then marched to and stationed at Harnady Station, on the frontier in said County, and was there engaged in ranging.

and scouting on the frontier to deter area dispersion. The Indians until sometime in the month of November 1779 when we were discharged. I received a written discharge signed by Captain Campbell, but which has long since been lost or destroyed. The exact time I was engaged in this last mentioned service I cannot state, but not less than five months afterwards still a resident of Montgomery County of Virginia as it was then called in the month of March 1780, a call was made for soldiers to serve against the Indians and Tories, and I volunteered in the company of Captain Enoch Osborne, we were under the command of Col. William Preston, Joseph Shelby, Major, after we were assembled we were marched to Whittens Station, and the Regiment was divided, and the men dispatched to different stations, and that division that I belonged to, was sent to Harmons Station, and was there employed scouting and ranging against the Indians, until sometime in the month of November following, when we were discharged. I received a written discharge, signed by Captain Osborne but which has long since been lost or destroyed. I cannot state exactly how long I was engaged in this service, but not less than seven months, afterwards still a resident of Montgomery County Virginia, in the month of April 1781, when I joined a company of Light Horse commanded by Captain Isaac Campbell, Michael Glaze, Lieutenant, John Raney ensign, in the month of May I think, the company of ours was assembled, and we were marched together with another company of Light Horse into the state of North Carolina, and was engaged in ranging on the Adkin & Catawba Rivers and on the borders of South Carolina, and while on this service, I was in the battle fought between the Americans and the British Tories, at the Shallow Ford of the Adkin River, the Tories under the

Command of Col? Wright. and the two Horse Companies of the Americans under the Command of Captain Campbell and Allen. and the Footmen engaged in the Battle were under the Command of Major Gloyne - in which Battle the Tories were defeated with considerable loss. and prevented the from from joining the British forces. Lying then on the border of South Carolina. this Battle was fought the Saturday Succeeding the Battle of Kings Mountain, and we would have been in the Battle of Kings Mountain But a portion of our forces were dispatched to disperse the Tories that had entred themselves under Captain Martin. which prevented our forces being in said Battle of Kings Mountain. and upon which service I was dispatched and upon which service. we dispersed Martin and his Tories altheo upwards of three to our one. I was engaged in the service in the Company of Light horse. in the country afarside. until the latter part of October 1780. when we were directed to return home. and after our return I was engaged sometimes with others. in ranging against the Tories. and some times in the winter following I received a Written discharge. signed by Captain Campbell for Nine Months service as well as I recollect. I was engaged from the time I entered the service. until I returned home the last of October not less than five Months. and a half. and underwent afterwards other service. but cannot state how long. but was directed to keep myself allways in readiness to march when called by our Officers. and when I was discharged. Received a discharge for Nine Months as above stated. which discharge has long since been lost or destroyed. I was afterwards with others engaged. in dispersing the famous Captain Green. and his men who were engaged

in plundering and murder. and we dispersed the Company we killed Green and threw off his Company we were under no Regular command. He has now no Documentary evidence whatever of his services. and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services. He can prove by William Owens late  a a Resident of Pulaski County Kentucky by William Owens that he was engaged in ranging and was in the Service, but how long or how often he does not know. not having served with him in the same Company. He is known to Matthew Owens a Clergyman Resident in his present neighborhood and Robert Cowan Resident of his present neighborhood also, who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
I was born in Caswell County North Carolina on the 6 th of August 1757. and was 76 years of age the 6 th of August 1833. and was not quite 17 years of age when I served my first Campaign against the Indians my Father with his Family moved from Caswell County North Carolina in 1772. to the State of Virginia, then Fincastle County afterwards Washington and Russell I have a Record of my age in my possession in an old Bill given me by my Father. much worn and defaced was living when called into the Service in the Counties mentioned in my Declaration. after the Revolutionary war. I continued to live in the State of Virginia in Wythe County after it was taken off from Montgomery County until the year 1812. when I removed to Pulaski County Kentucky. and settled on the Farm where I now live and upon which I have lived since my removal to Kentucky when I was called into the Service. I always (volunteered)

and when I found the Light horse Company. I voluntarily joined the Company. to serve any where that I might be ordered to serve.
I received written discharges for the different Services upon which I was engaged. when called into the Service by proper & competent authority. but the same has have since been lost or destroyed as stated in my Declaration, not being considered by me, as of any value. The discharges were signed by the Captains mentioned in my Declaration.
He hereby Relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present. and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or Territory.
Sworn to and Subscribed, the day and year aforesaid Michael Brister
I William Owens Sen r A prudent citizen of Pulaski County Kentucky aged eighty three years. being first duly Sworn according to law. doth on my oath Declare. that sometime during the year 1781 before Lord Cornwallis surrendered. I met with Michael Brister who has subscribed and sworn to the above at Harmans Station. the same mentioned in his Declaration. Declaration. that he was then engaged in ranging and guarding the frontiers of Virginia. that before I saw him. I understand he had been engaged in the Service of the United States. I have allways understood that he was engaged in the Service of the United States during the Revolutionary War but how long I cannot state. I did not serve on any tour with him. but was in a different Company. I only met with him while he was

engaged in the service, and frequently heard of him, and I have lived a Neighbour to him the said Michael Butler since his removal to Kentucky - and have frequently heard him relate scenes that occurred while he was in the service, and I know that in his neighbourhood he has allways been regarded as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Sworn to & subscribed this day and year aforesaid William Owens
We Martin Owens a Clergyman, residing in the County of Pulaski, State of Kentucky, and Robert Cowan residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Michael Butler who has subscribed and sworn to the above and foregoing Declaration that we believe him to be Seventy five years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion we have known him, the said Michael Butler since his removal to Pulaski County, and have frequently heard him relate our scenes that occurred during his services in the Revolutionary war, long before, the passage of the act of June 7 th 1832.
Sworn to and subscribed this day & year aforesaid,
Martin Owens Robert Cowan
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 Michael Buster the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and the Court further certifies that it appears to them, that Martin Owens, who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman Resident in the County of Pulaski, and that Robert Cowan, who has signed the same Certificate, is also a Resident of the same County, and is a creditor pension, and his statement is entitled to credit. And the Court further certifies that William Owens Junr. whose affidavit and certificate, is upon the deposition of said Buster, is a Resident of said County, that he is a creditor pension, and that his statement is entitled to credit. The Court further certifies that the said William Owens Junr. Subscribed said Certificate and made oath to the same as required by law in open Court.
EWB undisp Members of the for Peter. W. Pulaski County D. Court Barnes Goffin
I, William Fox, Clerk of the County Court held for Pulaski County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Michael Buster for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my private seal (no seal of office yet provided) at my office in the Town of Somerset, this 7 th day of August A.D. 1833 and the 2 nd year of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
W. B. Fox, Clerk.

State of Kentucky Set I, Nathan Gaither, late a member of Congress from the State afore= said, do hereby certify that Mr. (alias) William Fox, whose signature is affixed to the above and foregoing certificate on the Declaration of Pro= =ceedings in the matter of the application of Michael Buser for a pension, was, on the day of the date of said certificate acting Clerk of the Pulaski County Court, Kentucky, Duly appointed and qualified; and that the Signature of the said William Fox is hereby to be Genuine. Given under my hand this 7 th day of Sept A.D. 1833.
Nathan Gaither

26.704
Michael Buster
Kentucky
from 1776 private of Cavalry & Infantry.
Pa. Can 5 1/2 mo $22.98
Pa. Ins 18 1/2 mo 61.66
$82.64
$83.57
J. T. Fox.
Somerset.
Tenn.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Michael Ruster
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1774 6 Pn. Cap Thompson Col Campbell 75 Pa   1776 7 15 Pn. Col Christian Cap Wilson   1777 5 Pn. Cap Montgomery Col Robertson   1778 7 Pn. Cap Stevens Col Crockett   1779 5 " Cap Campbell Col Crockett   1780 7 " Cap Calhoun Col Preston   1781 5 15 " Cap J. Campbell  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman. residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , in too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

July 23, 1931
Mrs. R. W. Brown 1365-47th Street Sacramento, California
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section EEL Quinn
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.1178, that Michael Buster was born August 6, 1757, in Gaswell County, North Carolina , and in 1772, moved with his father and family to Fincastle (later Washington and then Russell) County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not given.
While residing in Fincastle County, Virginia, he volunteered in May, 1774, served as a private in Captain James Thompson's Company, Colonel William Campbell's Virginia Regiment, went on an expedition against the Shawnee Indians and was discharged the latter part of November, 1774.
He later enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia Troops as follows: from about March 12, 1776, until the middle of November, 1776, in Captain John Duncan's Company, Colonel William Christian's Regiment; from June, 1777, until the latter part of November, 1777, in Captain James Montgomery's Company, Colonel James Richardson's Regiment; from March, 1778, until the middle of November, 1778, in Captain John Stevens' Company, Colonel Walter Crockett's Regiment; from March, 1779, until November, 1779, in Captain William Campbell's Company, Colonel Walter Crockett's Regiment; from March, 1780, until November, 1780, in Captain Enoch Osborne's Company, Colonel William Preston's Regiment; from April, 1781, until the latter part of October, 1781, in Captain Isaac Campbell's Company of Horse, and was in an engagement at the shallow ford of the Yadkin River. After the termination of the last named service he returned home but continued to serve against the Tories until sometime in the following winter. He volunteered on all of the above tours and acted as a scout and a ranger, protecting the inhabitants on the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians.

After the Revolution, he lived in Montgomery and Wythe Counties Virginia, until 1812, then moved to Pulaski County, Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 18, 1833, while residing in Pulaski County, Kentucky.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
Date of death not on AB

Ky
Aug 13
Db. 70 3/4
Free
Hon. J. P. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Dear Sir,
Concord N.Y. August 6 th 1833
As the agent and Attorney of Michael Barker. I herewith enclose to you. his papers upon his application in a petition under the act of June 1832. the preparation of which I hope will be found regular and in conformity to the requisitions of your Department. and which I hope will be favorably considered by your Honor.
Respectfully yr Servt.
How. T. Fox
  12.50  60    9 33  1.65    2 08     23.91   

INVALID.
Rev. Wm
File No.
1178
Michael Buster, Pw. Va. Line.
Act:
June 7, 1892.
Index:—Vol.
a, Page 49
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1931- July 23 - Hist. To Mrs R. H. Brown EEL

Sacramento, California July 1, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs;
Will you kindly inform me if, or not, the pension records furnish information relative to Michael Buster , born in Wythe Co., Virginia, emigrated to Pulaski Co., Ky., and later to Macon Co., Mo., where he died at an advanced age. It is a family tradition that he gave Revolutionary service, and it is thought that his wife was named Rachel.
Respectfully yours,
A handwritten signature in cursive that reads "Mrs. R. W. Brown".
Mrs. R. W. Brown, 1365 47th Street.