Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File B.L. Wt. 2,166-100, John Blatchford, Continental (Mass.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Mass.) Blatchford, John
B.L.Wt. 2.166-100
CONTENTS

Apr. 26, 1905 - Rio Miss Anne S. Rowe Rockport Mass See letter
John Blatchford N. 2166.
100 acres - Dec 7, 1835

DEPARTMENT OF WAR.
Regulations for the heirs of Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary Army, who were slain by the enemy, or who have died since the war, and have not received land from the United States.
By an act of Congress of the 16th September, 1776, it is provided that the Officers and Soldiers who engaged for, and continued to serve during the war, or until discharged by Congress, and the heirs of such Officers and Soldiers as shall be slain by the enemy, shall receive land in proportion to their rank.
N. B. Those who engaged for three years, or for any other period than during the war, or who died of sickness, fatigue, or casualty, are not entitled to land from the United States.
The following declaration (and enclosed blank form of heirship) must be filled up and signed by the proper authorities:
State of North Carolina County of Wake
I, John C Blatchford heir at law of John Blatchford deceased do, upon oath, testify and declare, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that the said John Blatchford deceased did enter the service in 1777, for the term of the war and served as a Private in the Regiment No. _____ under the command of Colonel Sheldon , of the Continental line; and that he continued in the service aforesaid until 31 December 1780  The end of the war
I further declare that I have never received a warrant for the bounty land promised to the said John Blatchford on the part of the United States; nor do I believe that he ever received it, or transferred his claim to it in any manner whatsoever: therefore,
Know all men by these presents, That I John C Blatchford aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint William Montgomery to be my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to demand and receive from the Secretary of War of the United States, a warrant for the quantity of land due to me as aforesaid; and my said attorney is hereby fully authorized and empowered to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes or attorneys under him, for the special purposes above expressed.
Attest,
John C. Blatchford (Signature)
Personally appeared the abovenamed John C Blatchford — subscriber to the foregoing declaration, and made oath to the same, and in my presence acknowledged the power of attorney thereto subjoined to be his free act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
Attest,
James Litchford (Signature)
Justice of the Peace.
In testimony that the above written James Litchford was a magistrate, authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgments, &c. in the State of North Carolina at the above date, and that his name there subscribed appears to me to be his usual signature, I have hereunto affixed the county seal, and subscribed my name and quality, at Raleigh this fifteenth day of August 18 36 .
Thos. L. West (Signature) C. Clerk, &c.

...for want of friendship ...but the time, it should ...that he or she is the ...by far the most ...worth knowing than others. ...all be friends, and ...to be the only one at least

STATE OF North Carolina -
At a court held for Wake _____ county, 15 August 1836. satisfactory evidence was adduced in court, to prove that John C Blatchford now a resident in the City of Raleigh is
the only child _____ and only heir at law in fee to John Blatchford deceased late a Private _____ in the Regiment, in Col Sheldons Dragoons of the Continental Army - in which he enlisted during the war at the State of Massachusetts.
I, Alfred Williams _____ Clerk of the county court, do certify, that the above evidence is taken from the records in my office.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my official seal, this fifteenth day of August 1836
A. Williams Clerk of Wake County Court
☞ The above form will answer for the States of Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky. Tennessee, Alabama, and other western States.

Blanchard
Honorable William Montgomery
Washington City
D.C.

Raleigh June 13 th 1836
Dear Sir
Your kind favor is now before hearing date 7 th June I see Sir that you referred my affidavit to the Bounty Land office I see in the letter addressed to you by Mr W m Gordon the principal in the Bounty Land office he states that the evidence that has been adduced is not sufficient to identify my Father him, as the Soldier who served in the Revolution; to make this the proof pointedly such as finding his discharge or proving his old Soldier, I do not know that I can do either as my Father married in a distant part of the country from where he entered there- fore it would be almost a moral impossible. My Father was born in Scotland in 1759- or 60, at the age of 21 years he was brought to the United States by an uncle by the name of James Curtis, who settled in Boston. Some few years after coming to the United States, his uncle died and leaving him destitute, and without any Relations or any person to protect him he bound himself as an Apprentice to a boot & shoemaker in Boston where he served as an apprentice to February 1777, when he then entered in the United States Service and after Peace and the disbanding of the Army, he went to Great Britain to get his property but it being found there that he was a Rebel his property was confiscated to the amount of Three Thousand pounds Sterling, he then being destitute

of Money. he agreed to work his passage back to the United States again, but was impressed by and carried on board of British Frigate and there confined for several months, finally he got a chance when they ran in to Water & Ran away from her leaving his clothes papers & every thing that he possessed; he then came to Massachusetts, from there he came to the State of N. Carolina and married my Mother by whom he had two children the only surviving one myself so you see the difficulty I have in tracing & perhaps may obviate that difficulty by going on to the North for proof, but then has been so many years passed by, it is hard to make direct proof, in the other case as to the decease of my father, in 1807 my Father left Taunton county for the purpose of going to Massachusetts in same business and he has never been heard of since only in one instance and that was by a line addressed to a man by the name of Buckblood, to a very short time after his life who he was in the habit of doing business with; as to his being dead years ago no person ever doubted that was acquainted with him, for he was a tender Father and an affectionate husband and my Mother since Twenty Two years after he left, had he of been in the board of the living he certainly would of come back if he could of got back or made it known where he was and as to his having any other wives I think it is out of the question, for it is not very probable that he would finally leave his wife, child & his

property and never Return and never be heard from if he had of Service. I wish you would be so good as to try and as certain that the claim would be worth if in hand and the commutation pay - if satisfactory proof could be obtained and that the whole would be worth for if it is a Triple I would make more at home than I could by attending to that as to the proof of heirship I wish you would enquire what is back of being proof or whether the affidavits are not correct that has been taken and if they are not correct please send me a statement how they ought to be taken if you will be so good as to assist me in this case you can do a very great favour. Yours
Obedient Servant
J. C. Blatchford
Honorable William Montgomery 3 House of Representatives 3
N.B. There is another thing that ought to be on some Wright that is the name of Blatchford I will venture to say is not borne on the Muster Rolls in any other instance but in this case as it regards the Revolution and it is a name that is by no means frequent for I have never seen any Person of the name excepting my family and that is all extinct except myself I. C. B. Hun: W. M.

J.R.W. Exp. No.2166 B.L. Rev.War.
April 27, 1905.
Madam:
In reply to your inquiry as to the service of John Blatchford in the Revolutionary War, you are advised that the records of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts show that one John Blatchford served as private in Col. Sheldon's regiment from February 12, 1777, to December 31, 1780.
On August 15, 1836, one John C. Blatchford of Raleigh, N.C., applied for bounty land as the son of John Blatchford. It is stated that said soldier came to North Carolina in 1795 from Massachusetts, and after a year or two married Rebecca Tuckness and that about the year 1800, John C. Blatchford, the present applicant was born and afterward a daughter was born of said marriage, who died an infant without issue. About 1806 or 1807, said soldier left North Carolina with the intention of going to Ipswich, Mass., where he said he formerly lived, since which time no tidings, except a letter written shortly after he left to a Mr. Coleman, has been received. His widow died about 1829. A land warrant for 100 acres was issued to said John C. Blatchford of Raleigh, N.C., December 9, 1836, on account of the service of John Blatchford, as state above.
No record of any other John Blatchford as a Revolutionary soldier
Very respectfully,
Miss Annie E. Rowe, Beach St. Rockport, Mass.
Commissioner.

State of North Carolina
County of Wake
The Deposition of Robert Perry of Wake aforesaid taken at the request of John C Blatchford this 19 th May 1836 The said Robert Perry being duly sworn deposeth and saith: That he is now about 57 years of age - that he was born in Perquimons County North Carolina where he resided until about 1803 when he removed to Pasquotank County in the said State and resided there until about 1807 or 1808. That about the latter date he removed again to Perquimons County aforesaid and resided constantly in the last named County until August 1829. when he removed to Wake County aforesaid & that he hath continually resided in Wake aforesaid since August 1829 to this day being the 19 th May 1836. The said Deponent says further that very soon after he removed to Pasquotank in 1803. he became acquainted with John Blatch-

=ford the elder who then resided in Pasquotank at a place called "Little River Bridge" - afterwards the said John Blatch- =ford removed to Nixonton in said County and some years after this the said John Blatchford went off as Deponent has heard but deponent did not see him go. It was generally reported and understood in the said County that the said John Blatch- =ford the Elder was a Revolutionary Soldier and that he came to North Carolina from Massachusetts. This Depo- =nents remembers distinctly that the said John Blatchford was well acquainted with military tactics and he used to act as fuggleman to a company of Militia of which this Deponent was Captain in said County. He has frequently conversed with this Deponent about the Revolutionary War. spoke of his own services and hardships. and this Deponent never doubted that he was in reality a Soldier who served through the war and such was the universal belief of the neighbor- =hood. This Deponent states further that John B.

Blatchford of the City of Raleigh was the only child of the said John Blatchford the elder since his father - Deponent has heard that he had one other child - a daughter - but she died very young & in the life time of her father - It was generally believed in said County where the said John Blatchford the elder resided as aforesaid that when he left home it was with an intention to go to Massachusetts and not having returned since it is supposed he died - The widow of the said John Blatchford the elder survived him many years but never married another man - This deponent understood & believes that she died in the latter part of the year 1829 - And he says further that John B Blatch ford of the City of Raleigh removed to the said City in or about April (1835) One Thousand Eight Hundred & thirty five from the County of Pasquotank -
Sworn to & subscribed before me Robt. Perry This 19 May 1836 in open Court H. Williams C.C.

State of North Carolina Wake County } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions
At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions begun and held for the aforesaid County of Wake at the Court House in Raleigh on the 3 rd Monday in May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six - Robert Perry personally appeared in open Court and being sworn in due form of law, he saith that the foregoing affidavit and deposition is true. And thereupon it is ordered by the Court to be certified; and the Court doth further direct it to be certified that the said Robert Perry is a respectable Citizen of this County and entitled to full credit as a witness.
In Testimony whereof, I, Stephen Mitchell Clerk of said Court have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of Office, this 19 th day of May A.D. 1836
W. Williams D.C.

State of Carolina Fayette County p 3
The deposition Ann Cole - -man of the County & State aforesaid, taken at the request of John C. Blackford - 27 th April 1835 The said Ann Coleman being duly sworn deposes & saith that she was born in November 1772 & has during her whole life resided in the County & State aforesaid & that she was acquainted with one John Blackford who came to this State in the year 1795 and in one or two years after he came here he mar- -ried Rebecca Lucknup and about the year 1800 John C. Blackford the pres- -ent applicant was born of that marriage & that subsequently a daughter was born of the same marriage, which daughter died an infant & without issue - She further states that she never knew another child of the said Blackford
Ann Coleman John C. Blackford

The Mother of the said John C. Blatchford is dead & the said John Blatchford the elder left this State about the year 1806 or 1807 and said he intended going to Ipswich Massachusetts - The said Blatchford after he left this State once wrote to the husband of this Affiant, which letter was not returned soon after he left the State - Since the date of that letter nothing has been heard from the said Blatchford & no doubt is entertained of the death of the said Blatchford -
This Affiant further states that when the said John Blatchford the elder came to this State he said he was from Ipswich Massachusetts, she has heard him say that he was in the army of the Revolution & she thinks from his statement he was during the greater part or the whole of the war - She has heard him speak of many battles he had been in and

frequently heard him recount the hard - ships of a soldier's life -
Sworn before me 27 th April 1836
Ann X her Coleman mark
Saml Moore at Dep. Clerk.
John Poor & Joshua A. Pool being duly sworn depose & say that they are well acquainted with the character of Mrs Ann Coleman & they say she is a woman of undoubted credibility & that they have no doubt that her statement contained in the above & annexed affidavit is just & true
Sworn before me 28 th April 1836.
John Pool
Joshua A. Pool
Saml Moore at

State of North Carolina Pamquank County 3
I Donald C. Moon Clerk of the Superior Court of Law for the County aforesaid hereby Certify that John Pool and Joshua A. Pool who have Certified to the foregoing Certificate are entitled to credit and that their signatures are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at Elizabeth City the 30 th April 1836.
Donald Moon Clerk

Raleigh May 31 st 1836
Dear Sir
I address a few lines to you although I have not the honor to be acquainted with you. My reason for writing to you is, that I am making an effort to establish my claim on Government for the services of my Father during the Revolutionary War it appears that he entered the United States Service on 12 th February 1777 and has credit for Forty Seven Months and nineteen days Service up to 31 st Dec r 1780 as you will see by the certificate from the Secretary of War. Unfortunately he also says that the rolls are not found in that office after 1780, as to my Father's serving to the end of the War there is no doubt but he did and I do think that in the latter part of the War that he held same office in the army but I suppose it will be shown in the War department I have employed Mr William H. Haywood to take one of the affidavits that I send on to you Mr W. H. Haywood told me this morning that he should start for Washington City tomorrow morning; please see him & confer with him and send me what Service you can conveniently without interfering with your other concerns and you will confer a
Very great favour on
Honorable William Montgomery
Your obedient Servant
John C. Hatchford

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, April 2 d 1836.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Blackford, as a private is borne on the Continental Army Books, as having enlisted for during the War, and is allowed for services in Col. Sheldon's Dragoons from February 12 th 1777 to December 31 st 1779, thirty five months and nineteen days. —
mo. dy 35. 19
The name of John Blackford, as a private is borne in the Continental Army Books, as having enlisted for during the War, and is allowed in Col. Sheldon's Regiment for services from January 1 st to December 31 st 1780, twelve months 12. ..
37. 19
The rolls for the Continental service are not found in this office, after the 31 st December 1780.
In testimony whereof, I have caused the Seal of the Commonwealth, in my custody and possession, to be hereunto affixed on the day of the date above mentioned.
John P. Bigelow { Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
John Blackford enlisted 12 th Feb y 1777, for the War

John C. Blatchford, Esq.
Sir,
Yours of the 26 th of March, has been addressed to my predecessor, has been received. I have prepared a new certificate here, in pursuance of your request, caused the seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed. Allow me to remark that although several thousand certificates have been issued from this office without the seal, no objection has ever been made to them until now , either by the Department at Washington, or elsewhere.
Respectfully your obedt servt
John P. Bigelow,
Secy of the Com'tte.
Boston, April. 2. 1886.

H. B. 16 June 36
Sir
Enclosed is a letter containing some Inquiries, the paper shows sent to you a few days since, and an answer returned, and sent to Blatchford and this is his answer, please return the enclosed, without you may send of him, To retain it in your office Blatchford is a man in good standing and May be relied on, I have learned in our State Legislature with him and know him well, yours.
With great respect.
W. Montgomery

H. M. June 8th 36
Sir
Inclosed is the papers of L t Blatchford of Malahide St. please file them in your office, to avail further proof.
With
Great respect
yours.
Military Bounty Land office
W. Montgomery

N
2166-100 Rev
Rockport, Mass., March 21st 1905.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
I would like information in regard to the service of John Blatchford, during the Revolutionary War. he died about 1794. his home at the time of the Rev. in Gloucester , Sandy Bay, as he died before Pensions were granted, did his widow Anna or Nancy who married Edward Higgins, receive a Pension, her husband Edward Higgins died previous to her death, which was March 1841. If she received a Pension, she was probably living in some part of Gloucester Mass. I have been told that she did receive a Pension for her husband, John Blatchford's service, and I am very anxious to verify it. So if you have any records will you not kindly send them to me.
Respectfully yours,
(Miss) Annie E. Rowe,
Beach St. Rockport, Mass.
After Feb. 1840 the name of Gloucester , Sandy Bay was changed to Rockport.