Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26, Hardy Coleman, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
16.
Coleman, Hardy or Coleman
No. 26
Born in N.C.
Avery
CONTENTS

7543 West Tennessee
Hardy Coleman of Vumburps in the State of W. Tenn. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Church of the Rifles commanded by Col Ash in the N. C. line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of April 1833 and South A. H. Douglas Gallatin
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $ 40 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 11 Sept 10 00 $30 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Bay Clerk, Book Vol. Page 74

11.048 Tennessee Nashville Frey Coleman widow of Hardy Coleman who served in the Revolutionary Colo Arke N.C. war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of April and sent to 1853 Jos. Ryan Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 287 Vol. 3.

8611
Tenn
FREE
Sept 2
To The Hon the Secretary of War Washington City District of Columbia
JP

State of Tennessee } Personally appeared before Me Gorish Sumner County } Watton an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Sumner and state of Tennessee Hardy Coleman aged seventy four years who being 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 Jan y 7 th 1832 He states that he was born in the county of Edge comb in the state of North Carolina, Where and in what year were you born. I was born in North Carolina Edgecomb County, about the year 1758. Have you any record of your age. I have none, My papers were in my Fathers family Bible and were sold at the sale after his death. Where were you living when Called into service. I was living in Edgecomb County North Caroli- -na. Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War. I lived in Edgecomb County North Carolina untill I moved to Sumner County Tennessee about twenty seven or eight years ago where I have lived ever since. How were you Called into service. I Volunteered, state the Names of some of the officers who were with the troops where you served, Capt — Edward Clinch. Maj Joseph Clinch Col Eaton & Gen Ash. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; I did, by whom was it given, I do not recollect, what has become of it, it has been lost. He was living in the state of North Carolina at the time he entered the service of the United States Under the following named officers and served as herein stated He volunteered under Capt Edward Clinch for the term of six Months he March through South Carolina into the state of Georgia and was at the Battle at Brier Creek under the Command of

Gen Ash, they then rendered wounded at the white house in the state of South Carolina where he remained untill discharged;
He hereby Relinquishes every Claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that his Name is Not on the roll of the agency of any state, Sworn to and subscribed before Me this 23 rd August 1832
test Josiah Walton
Hardy H his Coleman Mark
I Henry Pitt do hereby Certify that I was and are still acquainted with Hardy Coleman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and was a soldier in the same Company and know that the said Coleman performed the services stated in his declaration sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year afore said
test Josiah Walton
Henry Pitt
I James Brizance, hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Hardy Coleman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that I believe him to be seventy four 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 I Concur in that opinion, sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
test Josiah Walton
James Brizance

And I the said Josiah Walton do hereby declare my 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 I do further certify, that it appears to me that Henry Pitt and James Briggance whose signature to the proceeding certificates is resident in the neigh- -borhood of the said Hardy Colimon and is credible persons, and that their statements is entitled to credit, and that the said Hardy Colimon is so infirm that it would be of great difficulty and danger to take him to court given under my hand and seal this 23 rd August 1832
Josiah Walton
State of Tennessee Sumner County of Alfred H Douglas Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Sumner aforesaid do certify that Josiah Walton is given before whom the foregoing declaration of Hardy Colimon & Certificate of Henry Pitt appear to have been sworn to & subscribed and also to the above statement or declaration is and was on the date thereof to wit 23 rd August 1832 an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County of Sumner duly Commissioned and qualified that full faith and credit is due his Official acts as such and I do further certify that I believe his name

annexed is his genuine signature for testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Office this 24th day of August A.D. 1832 in the year of American Independence A. H. Douglass Clerk
FREE J. P. v. Ray of War Livingston City District of Columbia
Beall

State of Tennessee Sumner County
On this 25 th day of April 1851 personally appeared before me Joseph Smith one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid and a Justice of the county court being a court of record. Avery Coleman a resident of the county and State aforesaid aged eighty one years of age who being duly sworn makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 3 d of March 1843 June 17 th 1844 July 2 d 1848 and the act of 29 th July 1848 granting Pensions to the widows of the officers and soldiers who served in the war of the Revolution. That she is the widow of Hardy Coleman who was a Pensioner of the United States and drew his pension in Nashville State of Tennessee. She further declares that she was married to the said Hardy Coleman on the 1 st day of January 18 th Seventeen hundred and ninety one thereby and that her husband the said Hardy Coleman died on the 1 st day of October 1837 and that she the said Avery Coleman has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She was married in Edgecomb County North Carolina by Simon Muffin a Justice of the peace by turn from the county court. He was sick six months during his service besides what he was qualified to and besides his actual services which he never drew a pension for but her husband always said he ought to have pay for that too. Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year first above written.
Widgit"> W. Smith (S.P.)
Avery Coleman Mark
Justice of the Peace of

State of Tennessee
Sumner County
I Joseph Smith one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid That I am well acquainted with Avey Coleman widow of Hardy Coleman who was a Pensioner of the United States That owing to old age and bodily infirmity she cannot appear in open court to make this Declaration in open court without endangering her health and that I believe she is of the age she states I have known them since eighteen years ago and knew them as Man and wife previous to his death and have no doubt they were lawfully Married
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 25 th day of April 1851
Jos. Smith (J. P.)
Justice of the Peace of Sumner County
State of Tennessee
Sumner County
On this day personally appeared Elizabeth Minor a resident of the county aforesaid aged Seventy Nine years before me Richard Pond one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that she was well acquainted with Avey Coleman widow of Hardy Coleman her maiden name was Avey Thomas She and Avey Thomas were raised in Edgecombe County North Carolina close Neighbours and were playmates together She was a few years older than affiant She has a personal knowledge of her marriage with Hardy Coleman They were married by one Simon Ruffin a Justice of the peace for the

county of Edgecombe North Carolina who was a long time a Justice of the peace that county They lived about Twenty Miles from Tarboro the county Seat They were Married about the 1st day of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety one. She was present and Saw them Marry She has been acquainted with them ever since They Moved to Tennessee several years before affiant and her husband and then when affiant moved to Tennessee She settled in the same county and renewed their old acquaintance they were very clever people
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 12 day of
September 1857 Richard Pond Justice of the peace
Elizabeth her Minor mark
State of Tennessee
Sumner County B D Richard Pond one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth Minor who has made the foregoing declaration or affidavit in support of the claim of Avery Coleman That she is a woman of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit are due her statements
In witness whereof I have hereunto set My hand and Seal this 12th day of September 1857
Richard Pond Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee
Sumner County B On this day personally appeared William Bailey a resident of Sumner County aged Sixty nine years before me Richard Pond one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law that he was well acquainted with Avery Coleman in North Carolina affiant was too young to be at the wedding he recalls the time they were Married affiant was a boy about nine years of age lived close by them They lived in Edgecombe County

State of Tennessee Sumner County ss John D Rugg Clerk of the County Court of said Sumner County hereby Certify that Joseph Smith & Richard Pond Esqrs whose names appear to the foregoing Declaration Affidavits and Certificates were at the time their several attestations persons to bear date and now and acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Sumner aforesaid duly Commissioned and qualified to act as such and that full faith & credit are due and ought to be given to their Official acts and that their signatures are genuine. In Testimony whereof I.
have unto set my hand and affix the seal of Office at Office in Gallatin this 13 th September AD 1857. John D. Rugg Clerk

North Carolina Hardy Coleman and Amy Thomas were Married about the winter of Seventeen hundred and Ninety or Ninety one they lived in the same neigh- borhood and both coming to Tennessee settled in Sumner County and has known them ever since they were Married as Man and wife he did not see them Married but is as well satis- fied of the legality of their Marriage as if he was present and saw them joined together in the usual ceremony and knows and fully believes that had they not been legally Married this affiant and their acquaintance would have known or heard about it but such a question was never mentioned and this affiant has known them until now or until the death of Hardy Coleman and knows that Amy is now his lawful widow Sworn to and subscribed Before me this 12 th day of September 1857
Amy Coleman Deceased
his William B. Riley Mark
Richard P. off Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee Sumner County I Richard Pond one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Riley who has made the foregoing affidavit before me That he is a man of veracity and truth and that full faith and credit are due his statements and I hereby certify the same In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12 th day of September 1857 Richard Pond off Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee Sumner County
On this 15 th day of March 1852
Personally appeared before me Richard Ponds one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County William Pitt a resident of the county of Sumner and State of Tennessee aged Sixty one years the 4 th day of last October as appears of record and who being duly sworn deposeth and says I am Sixty one years of age as above stated I have kept the record of my age in my family Bible transmitted from my fathers family bible about twenty years ago and I know he kept the ages of his family correctly and I hereby annex the same as part of my testimony. My Mother was the Sister of Hardy Coleman who was the husband of Amy Coleman now his widow and the applicant for a Pension in right of her marriage with said Hardy Coleman who was a Pensioner of the United States before his death. I was born in Edgecombe county North Carolina the 4 th day of October 1791 My father moved to this country about the year 1795 or 96 about the time McKee's Creek the Indian town on Tennessee river was burnt and peace made by the Indians. I well remember my Uncle Hardy Coleman and my Aunt Amy Coleman before I left North Carolina They were married before my revolution. They lived on town creek in Edgecombe County about four miles from my father's I recollect going to their house with my Mother I recollect the horse we rode my Mother carried me behind her and a younger Sister in her lap I remember my Uncle coming to visit my father Their conversations about my Aunt Amy his wife I recollect they were then living as man and wife. I know they were legally married from the information I then received from my Uncle and father I know and believe they were

married about the time I was born from information I received before my father moved from North Carolina. My father moved to Tennessee in June 1795 or 1796 and Uncle Hardy Coleman came to Tennessee in the year following. I know these facts for I have known them ever since I was three years old and I recollect the period of their moving to this country.
I know Betsy Minor or Elizabeth Minor who has given her testimony in my Aunt Amy Coleman's application for a Pension. I knew her in Edgecombe County North Carolina before my father moved to Tennessee. She was then a grown woman and lived in the same neighborhood on Town Creek North Carolina Edgecombe County. I have known Betsy Minor ever since and would give her full credit on oath in any statement she has made in regard to the validity of the marriage of Hardy and Amy Coleman my my Uncle and Aunt. I have also an older brother who perhaps knows more about the marriage of Uncle Hardy and Amy than I do, and refer further to him. I hereby cut out of my bible and annex my age as part of my testimony.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year first above written Richard Pond William Pitt
State of Tennessee Sumner County
I Richard Pond one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Pitt who has made oath to the foregoing affidavit that he is a man of good character respectability and truth and full faith and credit are due his statements and that the annexed bible record of his age was cut out of his family bible on this day in my presence.
The testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my signature this 15 th March 1852 Richard Pond

State of Tennessee Sumner County } On this day personally appeared before me Richard Pond one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county and State aforesaid Robert Pitt a resident of the county and State aforesaid aged Sixty three years the 12 th day of April last who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says I am an older Brother to William Pitt who has made the foregoing statement I have a good recollection of My Uncle Hardy Coleman and his wife Avery Coleman in Edgecomb County North Carolina as early as the year 1792 I know My Brother William was an infant at the time say not a year old when My Uncle and Aunt Hardy and Avery Coleman visited My father as relations and neighbours they lived on Town creek in Edgecomb County at the period above mentioned. From my information at that time and even since I know and believe they were married about the time My brother was born say in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety one. I recollect My uncle and father about that time having a dispute about My Aunt Avery. I recollect My father telling rather in joking way "your wife is not as fair skin as some ladies," which greatly displeased My uncle Hardy saying his wife Avery was as fair skin as anybody The dispute got so warm that My uncle threatened My father saying if so say against my wife I will shoot you This however was only amusement to My father and they soon dropped the matter but this is a circumstance that I well recollect and can refer to and fixes the period of the marriage of Hardy and Avery Coleman to be in 1791 as before stated. I well remember My father living in Edgecomb County North Carolina and his moving to Tennessee in 1796 about the time peace

was made by the Indians. We left Hardy Coleman in North Carolina and he moved to Guyana in the year following and I have known them ever since. I have no hesitation in saying but they were lawfully married although I was not old enough to be present or recollect the time. They were man and wife in my first recollection and had been for some time previous and the time I first recollect them was in 1792 when my Brother William was an infant as before stated. I know my father kept the ages of his family correctly and I know my age from his bible record. I also know Elizabeth Minor. She was a grown young woman in my early recollection in Edgecombe County North Carolina and I have no doubt she has a perfect knowledge of the marriage of Hardy and Amy Coleman. I know her general character and would believe her and William B Riley the other witness on oath in a court of justice. I know Hardy Coleman was a Quaker before his death. That Amy Coleman is his lawful widow and that she is still living a widow of my Uncle the said Hardy Coleman.  Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15 th day of March 1852
Richard Pond
Robert Pitt
State of Tennessee Sumner County,
I Richard Pond one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Robert Pitt who has sworn to the above affidavit that he is a man of good character respectability and truth and full faith and credit are due his statements.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed seal this 15 th day of March 1852 Richard Pond

FAMILY
BIRTHS.
William Pitt was Born the 4 th day of February 1791

B. 611 Nancy Coleman Sumner Co Tennessee
West
From - private 16 months #20
Blitch
Ark
W.C.
A. H. Douglass Gallatine

BRIEF in the case of Henry Coleman  County of Sumner in the State of Tennessee  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Judge  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? yes  3. How old is he? 74 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. As a Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. Gen.     In 17 6 Colt Clinch Genl Ash  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Bir Creek  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Easecomb Co N Carolina  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By a living witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
N. W. Hendon Examining Clerk.

9.366
Tennessee, Nashville
Mary Coleman widow of Hardy who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Apr 1853 and sent to
Jos Ryan Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book W. Vol. 2, Page 190.

11,484
Tennessee Nashville Avery Coleman widow of Hardy, Sept 1835 who died on the of Summer Cap the State of Tennessee who was a Pirate in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Revolution for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 15th day of March 1836. October 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of April 1853 and sent to Jas Bryan Arrears to the 4th of Present Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by J. H. Wrightman Clerk. Book Vol. 1. Page 343

26
Rev WIDOW, &c.
Rev
File No. 26
Avery Coleman, Widow
Hardy Coleman Priv. Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 2. 1848.
Index:—Vol. 91 , Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Tennessee Sumner County } On this day personally appeared Joseph Smith and Josiah Walton two Respectable Citizens of the County of Sumner of lawful age before me John L Swaney one of the acting justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law Make oath that they were well acquainted with Hardy Coleman a Resident of Sumner County and a Pensioner of the United States who was the husband of Avery Coleman who has since made application for a Pension in right of her said husband's services that they have lived Neighbours to him for many years previ- ous to his death, and the said Joseph Smith states that he was at his burial and assisted in paying the last Respects to his remains, that the said Hardy Coleman died between the 2 nd and 15 th days of October 1838. that I am Satisfied that this was about the time of his death from several Circumstances, that the said Hardy Coleman had a Grand Son born on the second day of October 1838. that I Registered the Name and Birth in the Family Bible and the said Hardy Coleman died in a few days after the birth of his Grandson, said Hardy Coleman left the said Avery Coleman his widow who has not since Married and is a Resident of Sumner County, Josiah Walton further states that all the time Hardy Coleman drew a pension from the United States that he either acted as a justice of the peace or Attorney to the power of Attorney to draw his pension in Nashville, I have No Recollection of the date that Hardy Coleman died but Very well Recollect that he died in a short time after receiving a draw of his pension, it was so soon afterwards that I did not think worth while to have an Administrator appointed as the amount that would be drawn as a part of his pension would not pay the Clerk's fee for taking out letters of Administration and the old Man had No other property, and I find on examining My Account Book I had dealings with the said Hardy Coleman

on the eighteenth day of August One thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, the said Hardy Coleman left the said Lucy Coleman his widow who has not since intermarried and is a Resident of Sumner County.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of October 1852
John L Swaney (Seal)
Justice of the peace
Jos. Smith (Seal) Josiah Walton (Seal)
State of Tennessee
Sumner County, I John L Swaney One of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said the County aforesaid Certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Smith and Josiah Walton who has made the foregoing affidavit that they are Citizens of the County of Sumner and Men of Respectability and truth and that full faith and Credit are due and of right ought to be given to their statements.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official signature. This 18th day of October 1852
John L Swaney (Seal)
Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee
Sumner County, I John L Bugg Clerk of the County Court of said Sumner County do certify that John L Swaney is a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly Commissioned and sworn that his Commission was dated on the 8th day of March - 1848 and will expire on the 8 day of March 1857 and that full faith and Credit are due his official acts as such and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set My Seal of office this 18th day of October 1852.
John L Bugg Clerk

State of N. Carolina } Edgcomb County
I, John Nangle, Clerk of the Court of pleas, and quarter sessions of said County hereby certify that I have carefully examined examined the records in my office for record evidence of the Marriage of Hardy Coleman and Avery Coleman, and do not find any such record - not even the Marriage bond -
I further certify that Lemuel Ruffin Esq. was a lawful acting justice of the peace in & for the County of Edgcomb, during the whole of the year 1791 duly commissioned and sworn, as appears of record in my office - and was such from 1781 to the year 1820
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at Tarboro, this the 20 th day of June A.D. 1857
J. Nangle Clerk

Carthage Tennessee 25 th October 1852
Sir
Inclosed herewith is the proof require in the case of Avery Coleman fixing the date of his death. The Pension was allowed in July last but owing to a mistake in the date of his death the Pension certificate could not be issued. This proof is conclusive and agrees with the last payment made to him in the Auditor's office which was on the 4 th September 1838 and he died on the 2 nd October after that period as the proof shows. Then Joseph Bryan will file this proof and is hereby fully authorized by me to attend to the claim.
Respectfully W. H. Bergusson
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Henry Coleman and Sumner G. Tinslee  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? yes 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? no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
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? yes
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 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 is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
☞ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Pension Office
24 July 52.
Hardy Coleman, West Tenn. act 7 June 32. $20 per an. To what time paid?
F. F. K.
Del to 1 st Sept 1838.
(Signature)
4 th gr. 1838
Voucher Hardy Coleman, Nashville, csty June 1832

Capt. Triplett Be pleased to have the copies in the cases of Mrs. 4th July 1836 Mayne and Mary Coleman 7th July 1836 brought in for the purpose of Examination both from Tenner Seymour Suspended

Brief in the case of Avery Coleman, wd of Hardy. County and State of Tenn acts 7 July 38 & Supplementals.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner.
Parole evidence of marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Josh Bryan (of alu) Esq Present
Name and residence of Agent
A. Ferguson Present,
Thornton Kiplett Healy
Examining Clerk.

No 14.472
As-y Coleman, mid of Hardy Tenn
Set 7 July 1838
A. Ferguson —

Carthage Mo 20 th September 1867
Sir
Inclosed you will please find the Claim of Mary Coleman widow of Hardy Coleman for a Pension. The certificate of the clerk of Edgarcomb County is hereby filed showing that the Marriage Record is not to be found at Garbrough the County Seat of Edgarcomb.
You will find however that the witnesses prove her Marriage beyond any doubt and as this is the next best proof you propose to accept under your Rules I hope I have followed them to your satisfaction and that you will without any hesitation allow her Pension and forward her certificate at as early a day as possible.
Respectfully A. Bergquist
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

To Claimants and others having business to transact with the General Government.
The undersigned having associated themselves together, will attend to the Prosecution of Claims before the Executive Departments and Congress, the settlement of accounts, and the transaction of business generally with the Government. The first has long been known as a successful agent of this description; and the latter has for nearly eighteen years been connected with the War and Indian Departments as a clerk in various grades, and during a considerable portion of the time as the chief clerk of the one or the other. They claim to understand thoroughly the proper and best modes of attending to all such business; and they will give prompt and faithful attention to all business that may be entrusted to them.
JOSEPH BRYAN, of Ala. JOHN T. COCHRANE.
WASHINGTON CITY, May, 1850.
Washington City Nov 8 th 1852
Sir.
I enclose herewith a letter from Adam Seymour Esq. and additional proof in the claim of Mrs. Mary Solomon of Tennessee an applicant for a Pension as the widow of a Revolutionary Pensioner.
With great respect Your obedt Servt Joseph Bryan
J. E. Heath Esq Com. of Pensions

Ship in the case of Avery Coleman

Washington July 17 th 1852
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir in the case of Amy Coleman widow of Hardy Coleman herewith Submitted for examination I understand a letter was written on the 30 th June last which I did not get and the case is not allowed. In your letter of the 10 th December 1851 you require the witnesses to state what circumstances contemporaneous with the date of Marriage which was calculated to make a deep impression on their minds. This requisition was fully made out by two witnesses other than those who had previously testified which is deemed better proof proof and resorted to as more satisfactory also they swear that they would believe the first witnesses more on oath in a court of Justice. I therefore insist that due weight to the testimony has not been given and that the Marriage is Satisfactorily proved and the claim should be allowed
Respectfully
A. Hergussouf

Weymouth widow of Hardy adm. Tenn ads July 7 1838. Compr $20 per annum from 18 Octo 1838 when he dies . Except 2 years
Call to J. B. Bryan Esq Present

Canthage 20 th March 1852
Sir
In conformity with the requisitions contained in your letter of the 10 th December last in the case of Mary Coleman widow of Hardy Coleman requesting the witnesses to state "what circumstances took place at the date of the marriage and was contemporaneous which was calculated to make a deep impression on their mind," I herewith send and include to you the testimony of William Pitt and Robert Pitt whose high character and standing cannot be disputed and who from their own age and knowledge of circumstances contemporaneous with the date of the marriage clearly establish the period of marriage to be in 1791 William Pitt was born in that year and annexes his age out of out of his family bible as part of his testimony and his Brother Robert three years older recollects when his brother was an infant and Hardy Coleman and his wife Mary coming to visit his father at that time. They relate many other circumstances which shows they have a perfect knowledge of the period they speak of. The witness also fully sustain the character of Elizabeth Minor and William Buley the other witnesses in the case. My experience in regard to the weight of testimony induced me to believe new witnesses or additional witnesses would be more acceptable

acceptable and satisfactory Your own good Judg- -ment and experience in these matters will agree with me I have no doubt The period of marriage is now fully established beyond doubt and as that was all you required I feel assured you will no longer delay issuing the Pension certificate in her favor
M rs Coleman requests me to say to you that she is now reduced to great necessity and want and hopes that you have that kind regard for pensioners that she is told the Government had in passing the laws allowing Pensions
As her agent or attorney I hope and believe you will have no hesitation in acting on this case immediately as the claim is now too plain to admit of a doubt
In conclusion I have to ask a decision at as early a day as you possibly can
Respectfully
A. Hergutson
James E Heath Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

✓ No 14.472
Avery Coleman widow of Hardy
Tenro
Act 7th July 1838
A. Ferguson Dec r 10-1838 same June 30 1838

State of Tennessee Sumner County
I John L Brugg clerk of the County Court of said Sumner County do hereby certify that Richard Pond whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits of William Pitt and Robert Pitt and the accompanying certificates was at the time his several attestations purport to bear date one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified according to law to act as such and administer oaths. That his commission bears date on the 8 th day of March 1850 and will expire on the 8 th day of March 1856 and that his signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said court at office in Gallatin this 16 th day of March 1852.
John L. Brugg Clerk