Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25403, Richard Cheshire, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N b
Cheshire, Richard Prudence
W. 25403
CONTENTS

3809 North Carolina
Richard Cheshire of Bladen Co. in the State of N.C. who was a for  in the company's commanded by Captain Brown & Irwin of the company's commanded by Col d Brown in the North Carolina line for militia for thirteen months from 1778.
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 49 Dollars 16 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Jan y 1832 and sent W. J. Bowen Anabaptist N.C.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 73 74 Pemi=ant. allowance ending March 1833 24 58
Doll. 98.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Henry H. Sylvester Clerk, Book D . Vol. 8 Page 50

4013 North Carolina Fayette Prudence Cheshire widow of Richard NC who served in the Revolutiona-
ry war, as a Private { Infantry Cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 49 Dollars 16
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 10 th day of April 1854 and sent to
J. W. Brien Elizabethton N.C.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 133, Vol. 10
32

State of North Carolina Bladen County
Superior Court of Law Fall Term 1832.
On this the 11 th day of October 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Honourable Robert Strange one of the Judges of the Superior Court of Law & Equity for said State, presiding in the Superior Court of Law for said County, now sitting: Richard Cheshire, a resident of the County of Bladen, and State of North Carolina, aged Seventy three 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 herein stated.
1. Immediately after the defeat of General Ashe, at the Battle of Bear Creek, in the Year 1778. , there was a draft by order of Col Thomas Brown, one of the Commanding Officers of the Bladen militia: He did not stand a draft, but became a Volunteer, for four months at Elizabeth Town, Bladen County, where the drafted men and Volunteers rendezvoused at Elizabeth Town, and were marched to Fayetteville then Cross-creek, under the Command of Capt Ephraim Chefford, and were then placed under the Command of Capt Timothy Bludworth (Capt. Mulford having returned home) in a Regiment, of which the name of the Colonel

is not recollected, but of which one or more were in the army. The Troops stationed at that place, were commanded by General Harrington; they remained there until within about a fortnight of the time of the expiration of their term of service - being employed in keeping down the Tories, who were numerous & active in that part of the Country - From Fayetteville, they were marched to Cheraw, S c Carolina, where they remained about a fortnight, and he with the rest of the Troop, was discharged, having served his full term of service, and received a certificate for the same, but deeming it at length to be of no use to him, he has lost it -
2. Afterwards, at a period, when the County of Bladen, was much infested by Tories, but the time he does not recollect well enough to state the month or year, he was ordered into service in a Company of Volunteered Light Horse, under the Command of Capt. Jared Irwin, whose Head Quarters were at or near Elizabethton, except when he was obliged to retire before superior numbers of the Tories. Capt Irwin was almost constantly under arms - sometimes with a large, & sometimes with a less number of his Company, and at the head of whom Col. Thomas Robeson, the commanding officer of the County, occasionally placed himself. The men were held liable to turn out on duty, whenever called upon - they were almost constantly advancing or retreating - On one occasion, in order to deceive the Tories, they were marched over Neuse River - immediately countermanded,

crossed the Cape Fear River at night - surprised the Force, encamped at Elizabethtown, defeated them, and mortally wounded their Commanding Officer Col. Hingsby. He was in the skirmish, and was engaged in the service above described until the close of the War, and as well as his memory serves him, he does not think he would be wrong in saying, that the portion of time, in which he was actively employed would amount to nearly twelve months, but is content to claim for seven months, being the time for which a Brother Soldier Murgrove Jones claims; and which he thinks is less than they are entitled to. He was verbally discharged by Capt Irwin.
That when he entered both his terms of service he resided in Bladen County aforesaid; that he does not recollect to have served with any continental regiments or companies, and that he has no documentary evidence.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State. Rich d C. Cheshire Mark Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Answers to the questions propounded by the Court to Richard Cheshire the aforesaid, applicant for a pension on account of Revolutionary services
1. I was born in Bladen County N.C., the 27th March 1759. 2. I have, in my Family Bible at home. 3. I was born in Bladen County - resided there during the Revolutionary War, since since 4. A Volunteer. 5. I have no recollection of the names of any Continental Officers with whom I served.

Answers to the questions propounded by the Court to Richard Cheshire the , aforesaid, applicant for a pension on account of Revolutionary service
ans. 1. I was born in Bladen County N.C., the 27th March 1759.
2. I have, in my Family Bible at home.
3. I was born in Bladen County - resided there during the Revolutionary war, never since
4. A Volunteer.
5. I have no recollection of the names of any Continental Officers, in the services in which I was engaged - I have no recollection of any Continental Regiments - or of any Militia Regiments except as set forth in my declaration.
6. I received a discharge from Genl Barrington, but have lost it as stated in my declaration; in my service under Capt Irwin, I received no written discharge.
7. Mr James Bryan, Robert Lyon Esq. Mr David Singletary, Gov. Owen, Mr Thomas Hester, Col. Richd Mclewis: General Wm J. Cowan. & others if it were necessary to name them.

We Robert Lyon and David Singletary residing in the County of Bladen, North Carolina, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted, with Richard Cheshire, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy three 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
Robert Lyon
David Singletary
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
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 Robert Lyon and David Singletary, who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents of the County of Bladen, State of North Carolina, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit; and that the applicant could not procure the attendance of a Clergyman without too much inconvenience. The Court further certifies that Robert Johnston and Missgrove Jones, whose names appear to the annexed affidavits, were sworn to and subscribed the same in open Court, and are credible persons.
I Alexander McDowell, Clerk of the Superior Court of Law, for the County of Bladen, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Richard Cheshire for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this the 11 th day of October 1832.
Alex. McDowell clk
North Carolina Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions

for the County of Bladen, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Richard Chesire for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this the 11 th day of October 1832.
Wm. McDowell C.S.
of North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions - Bladen County } Fall Term 1832.
Personally appeared in open Court, this the 11 th day of October 1832. Joseph Russ, who after being duly sworn according to Law - deposes and saith -
That he entered the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War, in a Company of Bladen Militia under Capt Ephraim Mulfur for a term of six months - that Richard Chesire the Declarant was one of the Privates in said Company; that he and said Chesire marched together with said Company to Fayetteville - and that this Deponent after being there about three weeks attached to General Harrington's Command, exchanged with a man in Col Owen's Command, who was going to the back County, & marched off with him - and knows nothing of said Chesire's services afterwards - further he saith not. Sworn to & subscribed { Joseph his Russ Mark in open Court
Wm. McDowell C.S.

Personally appeared in open Court, this 11 th day of October 1832. Robert Johnston, who after being duly sworn according to law - deposeseth and saith that he served during the Revolutionary War in a Company of Volunteer Light Horse under Capt Jared Irwin, with Richard Chesher the Declarant - for the space of two years or more, that they were engaged in frequent expeditions against the Tories together, & that he recollects that Richard Chesher was in the Engagement with the Tories at Elizabethtown, and at Rockfish, in the expedition against the Tories under Hector McNeil - Further this Deponent saith not. Sworn to and subscribed in { open Court
Robert Johnston
Rev. M c Dowell C.S.L.
Personally appeared in open Court, this the 11 th day of October, Musgrove Jones, who after being duly sworn deposeseth and saith:
That he served during the Revolutionary War, with Richard Chesher, the Declarant, in a Company of Volunteer Light Horse under Capt Jared Irwin, for the space of two years, in frequent expeditions against the Tories, & that he was with him in the Expedition against the Tories at Elizabethtown, further this Deponent saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed { in open Court.
Musgrove Jones

State of North Carolina Bladen County.
On this 6 th day of February 1854. personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions February Term. 1854.
Prudence Cheshire a resident of the State of North Carolina and County of Bladen, aged 76 years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of February Eighteen hundred and fifty three. that she is the widow of Richard Cheshire a Revolutionary pensioner, and drew annually Forty nine dollars and sixteen cents; said Richard Cheshire being a resident of Bladen County, and State of North Carolina and received his pension at the agency in Fayetteville North Carolina. She further declares that she was married to the said Richard Cheshire on the in the year eighteen hundred and sixteen that her husband the aforesaid
Richard Cheshire died on the 26 th day of January in the year 1851: and that she was married to him at the time above written, she further declares that she was a widow at the passage of the act, and is still a widow, and that she has never before made application for a pension.
Prudence Cheshire Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. in open Court. R. L. Gillespie Ch. pro tem

State of North Carolina } Bladen County } S.S.
Be it known, that on this 6 th day of February A.D. 1854. personally appeared before me Amos Hough a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Bladen and State aforesaid. Nicholas Cheshire and Stephen Brisson residents of the County of Bladen and State of North Carolina, who being first duly sworn according to law, declared that they were personally, and well acquainted, with Richard Cheshire deceased, a Revolutionary soldier, and Prudence Cheshire his wife, and that they knew them during the life time of said Richard Cheshire, and that Prudence Cheshire was the lawful wife of Richard Cheshire deceased, The said Nicholas Cheshire being present when they were married, and that Prudence Cheshire is the widow of Richard Cheshire deceased.
N. Cheshire
Stephen Brisson
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. And I hereby certify that Nicholas Cheshire and Stephen Brisson are residents of the county & state aforesaid and credible witnesses. Amos Hough J.P.

North Carolina } Bladen County }
I James I McRae Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid do certify that Richard S. Gillespie Esq. and Amos Hight Esq. whose genuine signatures appear to the foregoing declaration and affidavits were at the date thereof acting Justices of the Pleas in and for the County aforesaid duly Commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due to their official acts, and that the said R S Gillespie Esquire was acting Chairman pro tem, at the time the declaration was made, and that the said Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions is a Court of Record.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of Bladen County at office in Elizabeth Town on this third day of March A.D. 1854
J. I. McRae Clerk
Parvin Schuchin Application
Recd March 18/54

16836 Richard Cheshire
Bladen Co
NC
Since 13 mos from
1778—
6 mos per. Sept. 20.00
7. "Scarcely" 29.16
$49.16
per ann —
Feb 22nd 1811

BRIEF in the case of  Richard Cheyney  of  Bladen Co  in the State of N.C.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 73  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.      W.C. In 1778 def. afterwar - served in various expeditions, not less than 7 mo  6 As a priv  Gen. Col Tho Brown  Gen. Genl McIntosh  Gen. Genl Green   
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Bladen County, N.C.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? none 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Examining Clerk.

Richard Cheshire

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Richard Chester which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? no V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

 XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? yes  XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?  XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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 is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

State of North Carolina Bladen County } ss.
On this 3 day of April 1854. personally appeared before me Joseph Lyon — a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and state aforesaid. Prudence Cheshire widow of Richard Cheshire deceased. of the County and state aforesaid. who being first duly sworn according to law. declares that she has no record of her marriage with the said Richard Cheshire deceased. on account of whose service in the Revolutionary war. she claims a pension, and to the best of her knowledge and belief there is no such record.
Prudence Cheshire
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. And I hereby certify that Prudence Cheshire is a resident of the County of Bladen & state aforesaid. and that she is the widow of Richard Cheshire deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner.
Jos. Lyon J.P. (Seal)

North Carolina } Bladen County }
I James I. McRee Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Bladen County do certify that Joseph Lyon Esqr whose genuine signature appears to the within affidavit was at the time thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly Commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit is due to his official acts and that said Court is a Court of Record In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Elizabeth Town on this 3 rd day of April A.D. 1854.
J. I. McRee CLK

Brief in the case of Prudence Cheshire widow of Richard Bladen County and State of North Carolina act of February 3-1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7. 1832 at $49 16 / 100 per annum
Allowed $49 16 / 100 per annum To Com. Feb 3 1853, (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by credible witnesses
Death of husband proved by Auditor's report.
Identity & widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
D. N. Brev, Elizabethtown N. C.
Examining Clerk.
H. Gray

Ap. 4 th 1854
Sir,
Enclosed I send you the affidavit of Pendarne Cheshire, in relation to her application for a pen- sion. your early attention to this matter will much oblige your friend and obedient servant
(D. N. Bane)
Commissioner of pensions Washington City D. P.

9 March Pension Office March 3, 1854 $49.16 26.57
Sir Jany Please report
time of last payment to or death of within named pensioner
Yours etc. etc.
J. Burt Esqr. S. Cole 3 and Present for Commr.
Richard Chesire, act 32 died 26 Jany 1851. paid. $49.16 per annum.
J. Burt Auditor

March 1 st 1854.
Sir,
In accordance with the suggestions indicated in your circular marked, No. 3. of the 22 d of August last, in relation to the suspended claim of Britton Hobbs deceased for bounty land, No 110.210, I herewith inclose you the declaration of Mrs. Lucretia Hobbs widow of Britton Hobbs deceased, for bounty land, also the declarations of Mrs. Ruth Pavis and Prudence Cheshire for pensions, please acknowledge the receipt of the same.
I am very respectfully &c
Commissioner of pensions Washington City C.C.
D. N. Bine
PS
also the declaration of S. P. Singletary for Pension
Case of Hobbs taken out
Adams
Mar 8/54

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25403
Prudence Cheshire wid of Richard Cheshire Pr. New Mar.
Act: Feb 3d 58
Index:—Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Junior Office
Hyattsville before 24 7838
James L. Conway Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
Enclosed are sundry vouchers
for payments made to persons or officers since the 31 st March 1838 - to wit.
 James Anderson -  George Rasmussen  William Marsh  Joseph Nuttall. 
Charles Melton - which you will please sanction.
Respectfully G. M. Austin P. M. Austin
Edm

No 4883
Prudence Cheslin of Richard
Let to D. W. Brien March 11/54
Allowed $49 \frac{16}{100} per m. to Com Feb 3. 1853
Act. /53