Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8239, Thomas Coppedge, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Val.
Coppedge, Thomas
S 8239
banded
CONTENTS

Virginia 12.739
Thomas Coppe dge
of Amherst in the State of Virginia who was a pri. in the company commander by Captain Haskins of the Regt commander by Col. Branford in the Virginia line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of May '33 and sent Saml. W. Bar- land New Glasgow Amherst Co. Va.
Arrears to the 4th of March 33 — 16 0 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " — 4 0
$200
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by William Miller Clerk, Book E. Vol. 6. Page 4

State of Virginia, — Amherst County to wit:
On this 15 th day of April 1833. personally appeared in open Court before the worshipful justices of the County Court of Amherst now sitting, Thomas Coppedge, a resident of the County of Amherst and State of Virginia, aged eighty years, who having religious scruples as to taking an oath made solemn being first duly sworn  affirmed according to law, and doth on his affirmation  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 in the Company commanded by Captain Thomas Gaskins in the regiment commanded by Colonel Crawford, in the line of the State of Virginia, — That he entered said service in the year 1776 for two years under one engagement, and was regularly discharged in Williamsburg in the State of Virginia after the completion of his service, — That he resided in the County of Northumberland in the State of Virginia at the time he entered the service, — that on his first entering the service he was stationed at Williamsburg, in Virginia, where he remained for several months; — he was then marched to Burwell's Ferry on James River, and from thence he was marched to Norfolk where he remained a considerable time, and from thence he was marched back to Williams- burg, where he was discharged as herein before stated, — That he was enga- ged in no battle during the service, — that he has no documentary evidence to establish his service, — that he had a certificate of discharge given by Captain Gaskins, but it has been long since lost, — that he has no record of his age except a memorandum kept by himself, from information derived from others, — that he knows no persons besides those whose certificates are hereto attached who know of his service, — that he now resides in a County remote from the one in which he enlisted and equally distant from the theatre of his services, and that nearly all of those who were acquainted with him in those days are either dead or removed to places unknown to your petitioner, — That he was born in the year 1752, in the County of Northumberland in the State of Virginia, — that he now lives in the County of Amherst, and has resided there for many years, — that he has no particular recollection of the names of the officers who were with him

besides those already mentioned and those now here enumerated, — Captains Stubblefield, Ball and Pleasant, — that he served in the fifth regiment which was made up of ten companies, and that he enlisted in said service, — That he has not produced the testimony of any clergyman, because there is none in his neighborhood with whom he is sufficiently acquainted, to enable them to testify in this case, — most of the clergymen of this part of the country being itinerant in their character, and not residing many years in any one place. — 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 the agency of any state. —
Thos. Popplege
Affirmed to, and subscribed the day & year aforesaid. —
And the said Thomas Popplege produced to the Court the following affidavits to wit: — The affidavit of Edward Watson of the County of Amherst and State of Virginia, of lawful age taken before Arthur B. Davies a justice of the peace for said County the 16 th day of August 1832. — The said affiant being duly qualified upon the holy evangelist saith, that he was in the revolutionary war as a private in the militia of Virginia, — That he was in Williamsburg at the time that General Howe went up the bay, and it was believed he intended to come to Williamsburg, — That he verily believes from many circumstances which he has heard Thomas Popplege relate some twenty or more years ago, which came to his said Popplege's knowledge as he frequently stated to him this affiant during the time said Popplege was in the regular service, that he must have been in the revolutionary war. — This affiant has heard said Popplege relate many years ago the circumstance of a man by the name of Goodrich being taken up as a traitor and put in jail at Williamsburg, when said Popplege was in service, — which circumstance this affiant well recollects, also, — which occurred when he was in Williamsburg as a soldier, and this affiant thinks it was in the summer or fall of the year 1776. — This affiant further states that he has known Thos. Popplege many years and he believes said Popplege would not qualify or affirm to a falsehood knowingly, and this affiant believes said Popplege to be about eighty years of age. — Given under my hand this 16 th day of August 1832.
Edward Watson.

Amherst County to wit:
The within Edward Watson duly made oath to the affidavit to which his name is subscribed, before me a justice of the peace for said County this 16 th day of August 1832. —
Arthur B. Davies.
I certify that the above named Edward Watson is a person of reputable character and that whatever he might state on oath or otherwise ought to be given implicit reliance. — Given under my hand this 20 th day of August 1832. —
Arthur B. Davies. —
Amherst County to wit:
Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid David G. Gailand a citizen of the said County of lawful age and made oath that he has been acquainted with Thomas Copplege for upwards of thirty years, and that he considers him a man of strict veracity and unimpeachable integrity, and that his statements upon oath are entitled to the fullest credit, and he believes that this is Mr. Coppleges general character. — He also recollects that many years ago Mr. Copplege applied to him to know if he could not be placed on the pension list as an indigent soldier of the revolution; at which time said Copplege stated the nature and kind of evidence that he expected to procure in order to prove his services. — This affiant thinks that he then told Mr. Copplege that he did not think that that evidence would be considered sufficient, — in consequence of which he declined to make the application, — at that time the evidence required at the department of war was much stricter than what it is at this time. — But this affiant never doubted for a moment the truth of Coppleges statement, and that he had rendered the services which he stated. —
David G. Gailand.
Subscribed and sworn to this 22 nd day of August 1832 —
William Dillard
I William Coleman residing in the County of Amherst being now sick and too unwell to go to the Court House do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Thomas Copplege who is about applying for a pension and that I believe him to be eighty years of age, — that he

is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the war of the revolution, and that I concur in that opinion. — Given under my hand this 21 st of August 1832.
William Coleman
Amherst County to wit:
The foregoing certificate was this day, subscribed and sworn to before me a justice of the peace for said County. — Given under my hand this 23 rd of August 1832. —
Ambrose Rucker
Amherst County to wit:
Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the aforementioned County William Amistead a citizen of the said County who is of lawful age, and made oath that he has been acquainted with Thomas Coppage Sen r for twenty five or thirty years, — that he believes the said Coppage to be over seventy years of age, and that during the period he has been acquainted with him, his deportment has been peaceable and orderly, and that from his knowledge of his character he thinks that any statement which he would make on oath is entitled to full credit, and that he considers the said Coppage an honest man. — of his military services this affiant knows nothing personally, — having been born after the war of the revolution broke out. —
William Amistead.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22 nd day of August 1832.
Jonas Pierce. —
This is to certify that in the year 1775. or 1776 that Thomas Coppage and I listed in the minute service, under Thomas Gaskins Captain for two years, and some time after, Thomas Gaskins took a commission in the regular service for two years, and to my certain knowledge, that Thomas Coppage listed under him for two years, and after serving his time out, he came back. — There were ten regiments raised in Virginia and this said Thomas Gaskins were in the fifth regiment. —
Rhodham Angel of the County of Albemarle and State of Virginia. —

No 24 879 Thomas Coppedge Amherst Co Virginia
Alamogordo Mural 881
Sam M. Gailand New Glasgow Amherst Co. Virginia

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 show 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.
Virginia
A Statement, showing the Service of Thomas Coppedge Amhurst Co-
   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.     Enlisted 1776 2 - - Private Capt. Gaskins Col. Crawford 80 years Northampton by land country Virginia 3 Living witnesses & traditional Evidence  
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 enquiry 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 , is 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 [j] 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.
124 John Nathan

December 7, 1932.
Miss Mary E. Coppedge State Teachers College East Radford Virginia.
BA-J/MMHF/ILL Thomas Coppedge S. 8239
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request further information relative to the service of Thomas Coppedge, S. 8239, whose record was furnished you.
In regard to his service as a minute man very early in the Revolutionary War, it may be explained that "minute men" were one of a class of volunteer militiamen during the American Revolution who were supposed to be ready for action at a minute's notice; they stood in readiness for emergencies. It would seem that Captain Thomas Gaskins' Company, of which Thomas Coppedge was a member, was composed of such minute men, until they enlisted in the regular service in 1776, as previously stated.
In regard to the location of that company during their military service, Thomas Coppedge stated that they were stationed at Williamsburg, from there marched to Burwell's Ferry on the James River, thence to Norfolk, thence to Williamsburg where he was discharged.
The data furnished you in regard to Thomas Coppedge were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 8239, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the second paragraph of office report to you on October 11, 1932.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

October 11, 1932.
Miss M. E. Coppedge State Teachers College East Radford Virginia.
BA-J/ILL Thomas Coppedge S. 8239 John Coppage S. 39363
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of Thomas and John (Lee) Coppedge, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
The record of Thomas Coppedge, as his signature appears, is obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 8239, based upon his service in that war.
Thomas Coppedge was born in the year 1752 in Northumberland County, Virginia; the exact date and place of birth and names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Northumberland County, Virginia, he was was a minute man early in the war, served from the spring of 1776 as private in Captain Thomas Gaskins' Company, Colonel Crawford's Virginia Regiment and was discharged at the expiration of service of two years.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 15, 1833, at which time he resided in Amherst County, Virginia; he had lived there many years.
The soldier died May 15, 1843. - G.B
There are no data relative to his family.
*****

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190__
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Coppledge a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 2 yrs. Pvt. Thomas Haskins Crawford Va.                                                                 
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Northumberland Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Apr. 15, 1833. Ch. al.
Residence at date of application, Amherst Co., Va.
Age at date of application, 6. Northumberland Co., Va. 1752.
Remarks: d. May 15, 1843.
There is no data on file as to family
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

State Teachers College East Radford, Virginia
MARY EOLIAN COPPEDGE PROFESSOR OF GEOGRAPHY
October 25, 1932
Veterans Bureau Washington, D.C. Dear Sir:
I have your kind favor in regard to the following:
BA-2/11L Thomas Coppedge S. 8239
I am trying to collect the necessary data for membership to the D.A.R., based on my Revolutionary ancestor, Thomas Coppedge of Virginia.
① I note from your letter, said Thomas Coppedge served as a minute man early in the War. At that time, he would probably have been about 24 years of age, a rather short service for one so young, unless physically incapacitated. I should be painfully embarrassed to apply for membership to a patriotic society, and be turned down because my ancestor had not served creditably in so great a cause as our Revolutionary War. In view of which, I shall be under many obligations if you will kindly advise me the nature of his service, whether creditable or otherwise.
② I note also that he was a private in Captain Thomas Gaskins Company, Colonel Crawford's Virginia Regiment, — I shall appreciate if you will kindly advise where this company was located during the time he was in the service, — from which, I may be able to trace out when and where he married.
③ I shall appreciate any data on this soldier,

which may be of great service in helping me to make the connection with later generations.
(4) D.A.R. papers require reference for authority - so I shall appreciate if you will give me name of volume and page of your data.
I thank you for the favor, I am
Yours very truly,
Miss M. E. Coppedge.

State Teachers College East Radford, Virginia
MARY EOLIAN COPPEDGE PROFESSOR OF GEOGRAPHY
September 26, 1932
Director of Pensions Washington, D.C. Dear Sir:
As I am interested in filling out membership papers in the D.A.R., I shall be under many obligations if you will kindly send me an abstract of the said Revolutionary soldiers:
✓ only Thomas Coffedge , Amherst County, Virginia only ✓ John (Lee) Coffedge, Amherst County, Virginia
I thank you for the favor, I am
Yours very truly, M.E. Coffedge.
1 Enclosure

State Teachers College East Radford, Virginia
MARY EOLIAN COPPEDGE PROFESSOR OF GEOGRAPHY
Information on said Revolutionary soldiers Thomas Coppedge , Revolutionary soldier from Amherst County, Virginia
① Type of service ② Names of his parents ③ Name of wife *④ Names of his children — important ⑤ Any other information that would have bearing on this question — tracing my lineage.
Also the same for John (Lee) Coppedge
John Coppedge or Dappedge

28 1/2 Postage stamps & addd. Em. resd. F.N.E. 28 1/2 William Avenue
Red Mountain, Illinois.
Dear Sir:-
Dear Sir:
I am desirous of becoming a member & a member of the D.A.R. and am writing you in regard to information which I would like to receive if possible. I own a granddaughter of John Coppage born in 1811 at Culpeper Court House. I have been given a list of Revolutionary Soldiers and among them are the names of John Coppage

(Saffels' History page 277 War - 4-15-2
Thomas Coppage (Amherst Sec. War 1835-Pensions 2-110.
Not knowing my great- grandfather's given name I thought perhaps you would kindly see if these names and families are given when born - where they lived etc.
Thanking you very kindly in advance and

hoping to receive an early reply I am
Yours sincerely
(Mrs) Emma Cappagr Miller
( " ) William J. Miller

DIVISION JAN 11 1921
PENSION U. S. JAN 10 1921 OFFICE.

1782 Rev. Rev. Columbia, Ga Jan. 5, 1921
Division of Pensions Washington D.C.
Will you kindly give me a copy of the papers of John Coppage of Va.? The reference after his name is S. of V. - 1835; Pen. 2,776 had at Sept 22, 1920 - Also of Thomas Coppedge (Anhurst) S of V. 1835; Pen. 2,110.
I am trying to find the father now of Charles Coppage - or Coppedge who was a Rev. soldier. The latter died in Georgia but came from Va.
Very truly (Miss) Martha Lou Houston 1505 - 1st Ave.

MAR 17 1911
copy of letter to 88239 J. Capone by

Rolla, Mo.
March 14, 1911
Pension Department, Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Please send me copies of pensions of John S 39363  Coppage (or Coppedge , Coppage ) Revolutionary soldier from Lee Co. Va. And also Thomas Coppedge , Amherst Co. Va. I am anxious to join the D.A.R. and am informed that most likely one of these men are my ancestors. If their widows draw a pension please send me also a copy of their pensions for same purpose, and oblige,
Very respectfully
(Mrs) Thomas Dennis
(Per) M. S. R.

1911, Mar. 22 - Hist. to Mrs. Thomas Dinnison. 1914 Feb. 9 Hist. to Mrs. J. L. Holifield. V. L. ill. Letter L. F. 3. 5-26 Jessa Westmoreland V. L. ill. 1921 Feb. 8 Hist. to Mrs. Houston 1921, Oct. 12 " " Mrs. Wm. J. Miller 1932 - Oct. 11 - Hist. to Miss M. E. Coffey - S.S. 1932 - Dec. 7 - Miss M. E. Coffey advised further relative to service. M.W.H.F./S.S.
Reuben
8239
INVALID.
File No. 8239
Thomas Coffey Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index: - Vol. 102 , Page 75
[Arrangement of 1870.]

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Bureau Washington

New Glasgow April 27 th 1833.
Sir
The declaration of Thomas Coppedge an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832, accompanies this letter. — This case has once been before the proper Department and was returned with the objections to its then allowance notice in the brief. — The objections were three , — first that the affidavit of a clergyman was not found containing the claim, and in its absence that no reason was assigned for such absence. — Second, — that the character of all the witnesses who had borne testimony in the case, were not established by the proper authorities, and third that, — that the papers were not authenticated by the Clerk in the manner required at the department at Washington. — In regard to the first objection I beg leave to say, that it is now removed; and in addition, I take the liberty very respectfully to remark, that that requirement has been viewed by the most intelligent part of the community here, as very objectionable, — it is looked upon as establishing a dangerous and invidious principle, and one which if extended to other proceedings to which it might be with equal justice applied, would be attended with most injurious consequences. — I do not doubt but that reasons sufficiently cogent were thought to exist to justify this rule of evidence, but the reasons whatever they might be have not been seen, or if seen, not appreciated by the community at large. — As to the other objections, it is believed that they are now removed, and that no obstacles now intervene to the success of this applica-

tion, by which a most deserving old man will be saved from want. — It will be seen that although in one or two or perhaps more cases the magistrates who took the affidavits have failed to certify as to the respectability of the witnesses, yet in those cases, the want from a personal knowledge of their character has given its certificate, which is certainly much more to be relied upon. — And there is not now a single witness whose character is not fully substantiated. — May I be pardoned for earnestly requesting, on account of the wants of the old man, that this case receive an early consideration. —
Very Respectfully Yr Most Ob-S-Vt Samt M. Garland.
P.S.
Direct any communication on this subject to me at New Glasgow, Amherst County, Virginia S. M. Garland.
I take the liberty of mentioning that, I sent in several applications for pensions from citizens of this County several months ago, and have heard nothing from them, while cases that have gone on long since have been acted on, — I am not able to account for this apparent irregularity. S. M. G.

May 7 th
Nov.
24879
FREE
The Hon ble Lewis Cap
Secretary at War Washington City
application for Pension under the Act of June 7 th 1832

mg
Thomas Coppledge
Application for a pension
24879

Albemarle County, State of Virginia to wit:
This day Rhodham Angel a citizen of the County of Albemarle in the State of Virginia of respectable character, and whose statement is entitled to credit, personally appeared before me a justice Ch. Locke a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid, and made oath to the truth of the above certificate. Given under my hand and seal this fifteenth day of October in the year of our Lord 1830.
Ch. Locke J.P.
State of Virginia
Albemarle County Court Clerk's office to wit:
I Ira Garrett Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Charles Locke whose name is annexed to the within certificate is now and was at the time of making the same an acting justice of the peace for said County, duly commissioned and qualified as the law directs, and that due faith and credit is and should be paid to his official acts, and that his signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County Court, this 8 th day of August 1832. in the 57 th year of the Commonwealth.
Ira Garrett C. C. C.
Orange County to wit:
This day William Parrott a citizen of the County of Orange in the State of Virginia, of great respectability, and whose statements are entitled to the utmost credit, personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid, and made oath, that he has been for many years acquainted with Thomas Coppledge, at this time a resident of the County of Amherst in the State aforesaid, — that he has always regarded said Coppledge as a man of good character and unimpeached and unimpeachable integrity, — he knows that said Coppledge was a soldier in the war of the revolution, for he well recollects that he was present when said Coppledge marched as an enlisted soldier in the minute service under the command of Captain Thomas Gaskins from the County of Northumberland where said Coppledge then resided. — That it was some time in the year 1776 when said Coppledge entered the service, and as this affiant understands and believes for the term of two years, and this

affiant verily believes that said Coppedge faithfully performed the two years service in the defence of his country. — Given under my hand this 9 th day of April 1833. —
Thos Loville
In addition to the within, by the request of Thomas Coppedge (unnecessary) will say in truth, I have been acquainted with William Parratt Esq. upward of thirty years and know him to be a perfect gentleman, and whatever he says is truth. — Given under my hand this 9 th April 1833.
Thos. Loville
This is to certify that I was present when Thomas Coppedge now a resident of the County of Amherst in the State of Virginia, marched as an enlisted soldier in the spring of 1776 in the minute service under Captain Thomas Gaskins in the County of Northumberland; — This affiant understands that said Coppedge enlisted for two years and served out that time complete. — She well recollects a verse sung by said Coppedge the moment orders were given to march, which are the following, viz:
"Awake, rouse your courage, Americans brave "For freedom to fight, and we will never be slaves, "Tho' Great Britain's subjects we are willing to be "Yet Britons must know we love to be free"
And further this affiant saith not. — Given under my hand this 9 th day of April 1833.
Judith Parratt
Orange County to wit.
This day Judith Parratt a person of respectable character, and whose statements are entitled to great credit, this day appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid, and subscribed and swore to the above certificate. — Given under my hand this 9 th day of April 1833. —
Thos Loville
State of Virginia to wit.
I Reynolds Chapman Clerk of the County Court of Orange do hereby certify that Thomas Loville, gentleman whose name is subscribed to the above certificate, and to the one on

the other side of this paper, was on the day of the date of the said certificate an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such, - and I further certify that I am perfectly satisfied that the said signatures are genuine. - In testimony whereof I hereunto put my hand and affix the seal of the said Court, this 10 th day of April 1833. in the 57 th year of the Commonwealth
Reynolds Chapman
In addition to the within, by the request of Mr. Thomas Coppedge, which I think unnecessary, will state in truth that I have been acquainted with Mrs. Judith Parrott upward of thirty years, and every statement made by her can be relied on, she is a character of the best. - Given under my hand this 9 th April 1833
Thos. Gorrille
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, and after examining the affidavits filed in this cause and especially the affidavits of Edward Watson, David S. Gane and Col. William Coleman and Col. William Amstead who are citizens of this County of great respectability, and whose statements are entitled to great weight, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. -
I Robert Tinsley Clerk of the Court of Amherst County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Coppedge for a pension. I further certify that Arthur B. Davis, William Dellard, Ambrose Rucker and Jonas Penn whose certificates appear to the foregoing affidavits, were at the respective dates of said certificates Justices of the peace for the County of Amherst in the State of Virginia, and that their signatures therein appear to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty fourth day of April One thousand eight hundred and thirty three and the fifty seventh year of the Commonwealth
Robert Tinsley