Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R.1824, John Certain, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N. 6
bertain, John Susanna
R. 1824
CONTENTS

13. 284.
Susanna certain
N. 6.
act 7 July '38.
Declaration & Proofs
John Morrison Esq Clover Garden, Orange Co. N.Y.

Susannah Cutland
Return to be made to John Knowlton Blooms Garden Orange Co. N.Y.

State of North Carolina (Chatham County)
On this 12 th day of May A.D. 1846. personally appeared before the undersigned, one of the acting Justices of the Peace & a member of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in & for said County; Susanah Certain, a resident of said County & State; aged seventyfour years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration; In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, Passed 7 th July, 1838. and extension of said act;
That she is the widow of John Certain De d who lived in Warren County State of N. Carolina in time of the Revolutionary War, and was a Private soldier in said War; that to the best of her understanding and belief her said Husband John Certain was drafted and served the time of twelve months, in the Revolutionary War; that his discharge has been mislaid; that she always understood from him he was a Private in the N. Carolina Continental the Revolution over one year; that she does not at this time know that any of his companions in arms, and contemporary services in the Revolution are yet alive;
That her Husband said John Certain died about the year Eighteen hundred and seven (1807) in Warren co. N.C. and three years after said J. Certain's death she left Warren Co. and settled in Granville, and there lived two years; at the expiration of which time she removed and settled in the Co. of her present residence to wit: (Chatham)

And the said Susannah Certain further saith upon her said Oath, that from much affliction of Body, caused by Rheumatic Pain, and long lapse of time since the death of her said Husband for certain she cannot tell the commencement, termination or Number of tours, her said Husband was in the Revolu- tion, nor his company and Field Office, and if such things are required by the department of War, must amount to an entire Attribution, and consequently she must be deprived of her Just Rights.
And she also saith upon her said Oath that she was married to the said John Certain, in the year of seventeen hundred and ninety, in Warren County North Carolina, (by Wight Harding Esq.) though she was not married to him. Prior to his leaving the service But the marriage took Place Prior to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four (1794) that she does not know of any one now living that was at her marriage, that she has not moved since the death of her said Husband John Certain But still remaining his widow — and that from afflic- tion of Rheumatism she is unable to attend court to make her said Declaration.
Sworn to & subscribed this 12 th day of August 1846..
W B Harris Esq } Susannah Certain
I W B Harris do certify that the mark I believe Susannah Certain who has subscri- bed and sworn to the foregoing declaration before me to be the identical widow of John Certain as stated by her in said declaration that she is a woman of veracity and highly respected in her neighborhood and any statement made by her is entitled to full credit and I further certify that I believe from her age and affliction caused

By Rheumatism she cannot attend court to make her said declaration given under my hand May 12 th 1846
W G Harris Esq
State of North Carolina To all whom these presents shall come, Greeting: We Nathaniel County } Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, May Term 1846 & Nathaniel A Stedman Clerk of said Court (now in session) do certify that the foregoing declaration of Susan A. certain widow of John certain Doe in application for pension and proceedings were examined and approved by said Court and also certify that W G Harris is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Pittsboro 12 th May 1846.
Nathaniel A. C.C.

State of North Carolina, Superior Court of Chatham County } Law 72 September Term 1853
Present the Honorable Romulus M. Saunders It has been proved to the satisfaction of this Honorable Honorable Court. That Susan Certain widow of John Certain Deceased, who was reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution. died on the 5 th day of September 1853. And left the following children, Margaret Groop, wife of Britton Groop, Mary Pendegrup wife of William Pendegrup, John Certain, Polly Certain, & Elizabeth Certain & that the above mentioned children are all the children that she did leave that are now living.
State of North Carolina Chatham County } J. William T. Grinter Clerk of the Superior
Court of Law, in & for the County aforesaid do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the record from my office.
Given under my hand & seal of office at office in Pittsboro the 36 th day of April A.D. 1854
J. W. T. Grinter C.S.C.

State of North Carolina, Superior Court of Chatham County } Law 78 September Term 1853
Present the Honorable Romulus M. Saunders It has been proved to the satisfaction of this Honorable Honorable Court. That Susan Certain widow of John Certain Deceased, who was reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution. died on the 5 th day of September 1853. And left the following children, Margaret Groop, wife of Britton Groop, Mary Pendegrup wife of William Pendegrup, John Certain, Polly Certain, & Elizabeth Certain & that the above mentioned children are all the children that she did leave that are now living.
State of North Carolina Chatham County
{ J. William T. Grinter Clerk of the Superior
Court of Law, in & for the County aforesaid do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the record from my office.
Given under my hand & seal of office at office in Pittsboro the 36 th day of April AD 1854
Jest W. T. Grinter C.S.C.

at this time of John Cartains military services - But from what she has heard from others she has no doubt that he did render the service claimed for - and she believes that during the Revolutionary war every man of age had to serve or find a substitute - I swear to and subscribe before me this day and year first above written I certify that Elizabeth the present plaintiff is a credible witness Elizabeth H. Henson John H. Bullock J.P.  maker
State of North Carolina Warren County 3
I John White clerk of The Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Warren aforesaid, hereby Certify that John H. Bullock whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration is now and was at the time of signing the same one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Warren duly Commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts -
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and Affix my seal of office at Of- fice in Warrenton this 11 th day of August - A.D. 1833 -
J. W. White clerk W. C. Bould

State of North Carolina Warren County On this day George Luther who is now in the seventy third year of his age personally appeared before the subscribers, an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid. who being sworn in due form of Law depaseth and saith. That in the year eighteen hundred and fifty two he first got acquainted with Susanah certain widow of John certain. That she applied to him for Council about her pension claim. She stated that a Mr. Pickard had gone under letter but did before establishing it that a Mr. Thompson next undertook, but soon after he undertook moved away without attending to it - this deponent further states. That he informed Mrs. certain that he was not engaged in the business but would render her any assistance he could seeing her situa- tion. He then enquired of her the nature of her case and what proof she had made in her case and particularly her marriage. She stated that all the proof she was able to make, was her family record which Mr. Pickard had cut out of the family Bible and stated to her must have to send to Wash- ington and told her a family record was good evidence of the marriage. I had a short time previous have had a card from Billy H. Ware offering his services as pension agent and there being no person in Washington that I corresponded with at that at the request of Mrs. certain I wrote to him to know upon what terms he would undertake her claim and at the same time at the request of John certain of his son I wrote to Mr. Ware to send a copy of the family record as they had neglected to keep a copy had no means of ascertaining their ages - Mr. Ware informed me that there was no family record on file in the office and that was the main obstacle in the case I saw Mrs. certain very weak as I had at that time

I informed her that the record was not to be found in the pension office and inquired of her whether she could not recall any person who had been present and saw the marriage. She stated that she could not recall any person - That she was married at the house of James Ellington her brother-in-law - That Colt Pearson was the magistrate - That she was informed that James Ellington his wife (her sister) were both dead that they had both been dead ten years or more and their children had all left Warren County and gone to parts unknown to her I have no acquaintance in Warren County to apply to for information. But knowing that Phil Hawkins of Lousburg who was a very old man I applied to him to inform of the oldest men that were then living in Warren County - he gave me the names of several to whom I adapted letters of enquiry stating Mr. Artus Case of Mt. Southern Hayswood who lived near Hayswood in Warren County being one of the men that Phil Hawkins referred me. had a gentleman by the name Fletcher who was Overseer for Hayswood - who after reading made some enquiry and asserted that Mr. Artus Case as mentioned in my letter supposing her sister Ellington to be dead and the early part of August 1853 as well as I now recollect was to me stating that Mr. Ellington was still living then his (Fletcher's) mother was acquainted with her and stated if her brother Ellington was important it should be attended to soon for she was very old and full of despair that was all the proof required in the case. I got her depositions as soon as I could. This deponent further states that he has no interest in the claim in any way whatever - That what he has done in the case was as a friend and volunteer agent for her.

The deponent further states that Mr. William and Mrs. Ellington lived about one hundred miles apart and had no communication with each other for many years as he understands and believes. She died and was buried before me the 3 rd day of March 1857 Thomas P. Lusk
State of North Carolina, Upson County On this day I, John Tucker of the fifty third year of his age personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid who being sworn in due form of law upon his oath states that some time in the month of July eighteen hundred and fifty three as well as he now recollects Mr. William Haywood who was a ship's man and near neighbor of the deponent received a letter from George Lusk of Shelby County enquiring for information for Susanah certain as to whether there any person could be found that could prove the mar- riage and states that Mr. Lusk could not recollect any person that was present at the marriage but James Ellington and his wife his Mother-in-law and sister that Mr. Lusk had been informed that Ellington and his wife both died and been for a long time Mr. Haywood was an unlearned man and got the deponent to read the letter from Lusk and after reading of it the deponent's mother in form him that Mrs. Ellington was yet alive but very old and feeble - when upon this deponent wrote to Mr. Lusk and informed him that Mrs. Lusk was mistaken in supposing her sister Ellington to be dead that she was still alive and if her husband was important in her case it should be attended to without delay as Mrs.

Ellington was very old and feeble and could not live long that in a short time after leaving the little George I then came to Roanoke for the purpose of getting her disposition and got it as he understood I gave my signature before me this 3 rd March 1857 John D. Sevier John W. P. Buchanan Esq.
State of North Carolina Warren County.
I, John W. White Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of the County of Warren & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Thomas P. Paschall whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certifi- cate, is now, and was at the time when he subscribed the same, one of the acting Justices of the Peace of said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal of office in Warrenton, this fifth day of March A. D. 1857.
J. W. White, C. C. C.

13. 284
Susanna Bertain, Widow of John N. Carolina,
Morrow March 20, 1847- Same August 19, 1847- T. R. Wise August 10, 1853- Same Sep. 27, 1853- Geo. C. Ames Dec. 23, 1853- Same March 2, 1854- Same Ap. 1854- Same July 1, 1854- Same July 28, 1854- Same May 8, 1857-
1824
Act, July 7, 1838-

Know all men by these presents that I Susana certain widow of John certain who was a soldier of the revolution of the County of Chatham and State of North Carolina, do hereby these presents constitute nominate and appoint Gailly R Rose of Washington City & District of Columbia my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to examine and prosecute my pension claim claim now pending in the pension office of the United States in Washington City & District of Columbia and to do all things necessary and proper to be done in the premises so as to have a final decision in the matter thereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said attorney may lawfully do in the premises in as full and ample a manner as I could or would do were I personally present and and thereby these presents do revoke and nullify all former powers of attorney by me made to any and every other person whatsoever for this purpose In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 21 st day of March 1853 her signed and sealed in Susana R certain mark Sidney certain Geo Luther Sp Elizabeth certain
State of North Carolina } Be it known that Chatham County } on this day Susana certain personally appeared before me George Luther an acting justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed I testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 21 st day of March 1853
Geo Luther Sp

State of North Carolina } I William P. Taylor Clerk of Wake County } of the County of Wake do hereby certify that the within copy is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and of the whole thereof. Given under my hand and the seal of said office this 10th day of March 1883. William P. Taylor Clerk.

Susanna Costain ,
Widow of John De d , a Private in No. C. Militia John Costain died in the year 1807 in Warren Co.
N.C. Marr d in 1790, in Warren Co. N.C.
Does not know of any one now living that was at her marriage.
Elizabeth Ellington aged 90 August 11. 1853
A sister of Susanna Costain, who was married at her home in 1790
John Costain; aged 64. Nov 23. 1856
Susanna died Sept 6. 1853
Geo. Ellington Col. May 17. 1853 Do. in 1792
Moved from this to Warren Co. together as land do. info from his earliest recollection.
William Pendragon Feb. 3. 1854
Marr d the youngest daughter of Susanna Costain in 1830
She was then in her 18 th year. Friend showed that she
was then in 1812.
Incidents 12 Jan
18 - 5 - Halifax District
23 - 1 -
5/46 8/258
11. 5 25 1/2 5. 1/2 27 1/2
40/465 11-25 100

1. No evidence that John Leston lived in Halifax District during the war. —
Only one indent and that for £ 11. 2s 6d by the Auditor of Halifax District. — John Leston not connected with the indent for £ 12.
12. Marriage not proved to have taken place before 1800. — Only one witness speaks of the celebration & he was born in 1792. Could not remember facts that took place before 1784. —
Disagreement in facts. — Maccann says the husband died in 1807
One of the witnesses swears that the youngest child of parents was born in 1812. The widow & marriage entries were satisfactory. — Claimant says she knows of no one living who was present at her marriage.
The sister states she was married at her home. —
[Faint, illegible text at the bottom of the page, possibly bleed-through from the reverse side.]

State of North Carolina Comptroller's Office
I, William I. Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:
John Certain
Book C. No. 17, page 53 £11 5s — specie.
" " 18 " 5 £12 — "
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 12th. day of April 1853—
Wm I Clarke Compt.

State of North Carolina { Comptroller's Office.
I, William S. Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit John Certain
Book G. No. 18 page 5 £12 specie
Indent or Army Certificate No. 2339 issued by the Auditor of Halifax District September 20th. 1781, £11 5s specie
I further certify that Warren County was, in Halifax District and that Warren County joins Halifax County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 1st day of April A.D. 1854.
Wm. S. Clarke, Compt'r.

State of North Carolina Chatham County
On this day George Ellington aged sixty one years old personally appeared before the subscribers an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid who being sworn in due form of law upon his oath saith that he was born in Warren County North Carolina and lived in Warren County until he was fifteen years old that his father removed from Warren to Chatham County in the year eighteen hundred and seven - He further saith that he was well acquainted with John Bertain and Deborah his wife from his earliest recollection to the time he left the County - he further saith that John Bertain's wife Madam Mam was brought before her marriage with Bertain - That they were married long before his recollection that he was well acquainted with the Wright family as well as the Bertain family - And altho he does not know of his own personal knowledge that they were Lawfully married yet he has every reason to believe and does believe that they were Lawfully married - one reason why he believes it is they lived together as man and wife lived together as man and wife had children as man and wife and were respected as man and wife in the community where they lived another reason is that the families and the family connections were highly respectable and from the high moral character of the community amongst whom they lived, they would not have been permitted to live together as man and wife unless it had been known that they were Lawfully married - This deponent further saith that he was intimately and well acquainted with Wm Hawkins Esquire that Hawkins was an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Warren from the time he can first recollect to the time he left the County and how long before his recollection he cannot say - That Wm Hawkins was a highly respectable Magistrate and also lived in the same neighborhood of John Bertain that this deponent altho young was on several occasions employed by Wm

Write Hawkins to transact business for him this deponent further saith - that some time after his father had removed from Warren to Chatham County he heard of the death of John Brittain - which turned out to be true that William Albritton who had married the sister of Susannah Brittain in Warren County and had removed to Chatham County - brought the widow and her children from Warren to Chatham County after the death of her husband and that she has resided in Chatham County ever since He further saith that the military services of the Rev Revolution he can say nothing about as they were performed before he had an existence - But this he can fearlessly say that Susannah Brittain the present applicant for a pension is the identical person she represents herself to be in her Declaration - The widow of John Brittain who lived and died in Warren County took her oath I certify that George Ellington who makes this affidavit is a holy credible G. H. Ellington Witness
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 18 th day of May 1853
Geo. H. Ellington
State of North Carolina } I William R. Layton Chatham County } Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Sumner By name whose name appears as above is and was an acting Justice of the peace at the time of signing the same and the signature purporting to be his is genuine and in his own proper hand writing & full faith & credit is due to all of his official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto sub- scribed my name and affixed the seal of office at office May 29 th 1853
W. R. Layton

Susannah certain, widow of John, Chatham Co N.C.
Service of the past proof shows Service of John certain shown by payment certified by the Comptroller of North Carolina -
Marriage, in 1790, proved by the several witnesses (one of whom was present) the credibility is only certified -
£12 11. 5 23. 5 = 8 mos. 21 days = per annu um 29 per annum
Satisfied as to identity - lived in the District.
The affidavit of Harris the Magistrate who took the the lost sec- and private record of marriages - is awarded -
1600 8/38 4
115 20 27

Washington Feby 20 1837
Hon L. P. Waldo Sir,
Enclosed you will find Addl Evidence in the case of Susan Brittain widow of John of NC Which will I hope meet the objection to the admission of her Claim
Very Respectfully Yours Obedt Servt Grob. Drey

Hon L. P. Waldo Sir
Washington April 3 rd 1837
Enclosed you will find another Certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina, in the case of Susan- -nah Brittain widow of John, of that State,
This Certificate shows that the payments referred to therein were made to John Brittain by the Auditor of Halifax District and that that district was composed in part of Warren County - which will I think be sufficient to identify clearly, that John with Mrs Brittain husband - As this appears to be the only objection in the case to be removed, I ask that a Certificate may be issued at as early a day as possible
Very Respectfully Your Obs Servt Geo L Ames

Letter 8c Unimportant.

Hon L P Waldo Sir
Washington Decm 21. 1853
Enclosed you will find additional evidence in support of the Claim of Susannah Certain widow of John Chatham, of North Carolina act of May 1838.
Rebecca Chatham one of the Witnesses, states facts of which she was in a situation to have a personal knowledge and the other Witnesses derived their information from which their state- ments are corroborated from their facts and from the family record which records assurances was sent to the Pension Office some time since.
Very Respectfully Your obed Servt Geo C. Bates

Washington April 13 th 1857 Geo. L. Whiting Esq Sir
Enclosed you will find an explanatory statement of George Tucker and John D. Tucker in relation to their affidavits filed in the case of Susan Callain widow of John of North Carolina act of July 1828.
These statements will I hope will furnish such an explanation of the evidence now on file as will only to prove the date of their marriage but to identify Mr. husband with the person found upon the record of North Carolina
Very Respectfully Yours obedient Geo. L. Ames

To,
The Commr: of Pensions,
Sir, The letter from your office of the 10 th urging two objections to Susannah Curtin's claim is before me. I enclose you herewith the certificate of the Comptroller of A.C. showing the payments were to John Curtin. But that I suppose is immaterial.
You will receive herewith Mrs Elizabeth Ellington's deposition to prove marriage. This proof was called for by me, and I expected to get it by the time the case came up, but was disappointed. You will see however, that it bears date the day after the date of your letter . This deposition completely proves marriage and more too, it proves that the husband of Susannah was reputed to have been a Revolutionary soldier. I presume there can now be no objection to allowing this claim. For when it is considered that her husband was alive and sufficiently old to have rendered service in the Revolution - and was reputed to have been a soldier in that war. There can be no doubt but what the same name which appears upon the A.C. records is her husband. The name is neither a common one, and the proof that he lived in the time of the Revolution and was sufficiently old to have served ought to satisfy the office that

The records of M.C. refer to Susannah's husband and no one else. But I pre- sumed I should already said too much.
I am very respectfully Yours Affectionately Julia A. Wied.
Aug 1853

Washington 28 th May 1853
To,
The Commissioner of Pensions. Sir.
Accompanying this you will receive the deposition of George Ellington to be used in the case of Susannah Artain widow of John, which has heretofore been suspended under act of 7 July 1838. It seems the identity of the widow as the wife of the soldier who served was the only objection to admitting this case. I presume all objections will be obviated by this, as Mr. Ellington's testimony cannot fail to carry conviction. I ask for the case to be allowed.
I am very respectfully
Your obedt. servt.
Fully R. Wise.

Palmyra N.C. Compt Office
W illiam H obbs Collins, Compt of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of John Certain appears of record in this office as having had issued a Certificate for Military Service for Eleven Pounds Five Shillings (£11.5) See Book G No 18 page 5 Also another Certificate appears to have been issued in favor of Certain for Twelve Pounds (£12) See same Book page 53. given under my hand and Seal this 21 st day July A.D. 1847.
W illiam H obbs Collins Compt

State of North Carolina Chatham County
I William P Taylor Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Special Letters of Administration has this day been granted to John Bertain on the Rights & credits of Sasanah Bertain widow of John Bertain who was a soldier of the Resolution late of the County of Chatham and that he was duly qualified and enter- ed into bond and security as the Law directs
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office this 24 th day of June A.D. 1854
W.P. Taylor C.C.C.

Susannah Certin died 6 Sep 1853
Margaret Grop, 1 Clara Bender Grop, 2 John Certin 3 Polly Certin 4 Elizabeth Certin 5
Shypton, Wm Mark. Elizabeth Ellington, Geo Luther & Mrs Harris, Geo Ellington, Rebecca Grop.
John Certin admr

V 13. 284.
Susanna Leetown
N. 6
Set. to J. Morris, Mar. 1853
Set. to same August 19 1853
7 R. Wise Aug 10 1853
Same Sept. 27 1853
No. 6 same Dec. 23/53
Same March 2/54
Same April 7/54
Same July 1/54
Same July 28 1854
Act. 27 July 35

6-
John Certain
Essex
County
CHB

State of North Carolina } Warren County } I John W. White clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County of Warren aforesaid, do hereby certify that I have examined my Office and cannot find any license Bond given by John certain —
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Office in War- renton The 15 th day of Jany. A.D. 1847 —
J. W. White clerk of W. C. County

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1863.
REJECTED
1824
No.
Susanna Bertain
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Wages: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
_____. _____
_____ Recognized.
_____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis.
Searched for _____
, 18

Susan Catlin N.C. Aug 7th 1835
add envelope
Mr. Giddings has ex- amined the case hereupon.
Evidence of Heinrich admitted 8 th E.
Col
W. H. Giddings
46 lines Present

State of North Carolina Chatham County
On this day William Marks aged fortyseven years old personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid - who being duly sworn according to Law states that he was well acquainted with Susannah Weston and her family from the time they came from Warren County to the time of her death - he further states that he helped to dig the grave and bury Susannah Weston that he cannot positively state the day of the month she died but from the best of his recollection and from the best information now before him he has no doubt that she died on or about the sixth day of September eighteen hundred and fifty three that he has no doubt that the day and date set forth in the Clerk of the Superior Court certificate is the correct date as that was made in so short a time after her death took place he further states that he can positively say that Margrate Grop, Mary Pendzrap, John, Rachel, Rachel and Elizabeth Weston are all the children and the only children that she left living at the time of her death that he has no interest either directly or indirectly whatever in any way whatever - that altho he helped to dig her grave and helped to bury her he cannot positively give the precise day as he never expected to be called upon But can say it took place in the early part of the month of September eighteen hundred and fifty three sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of July 1854
Wm Marks
I certify that William Marks the above affiant is as respectable a gentleman and as admirable a workman as any man in the County
Norman Melton (S)

State of North Carolina Chatham County
On this day Abner Gunter Esquire aged seventy six years old a native
Resident of Chatham County all his life and who has held the office of County Register for the County of Chatham for the Last thirty years personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid - who being duly sworn according to law upon his oath states that he has been well acquainted with Susannah Cartain and her children from the time they came from Warren County to the time of her death that she lived in his immediate neighborhood for many years until some three or four years ago she removed some eight or ten miles off when she died that she was the deponent's wife's aunt that this deponent now owns and has owned and resided on the plantation that wellnigh marks the Brothers place of Susannah Cartain's had and that the family Burying ground or Grave yard for the family is on his plantation that some time in the early part of September 1854 he was informed that Susannah Cartain was dead and they came to his place and dug her grave in the family Grave yard and she was buried that he cannot positively state the day of the month that she died but can have no doubt but what the day and date set forth in the Certificate of the is correct as the proof was made in thirteen or fourteen days after her death - too short a time for any mistake to have been made - he further states that William S Gunter the Clerk of the Superior Court is his son - and that he is convinced that the Honorable Romulus M. Saunders is too well acquainted with the rules of evidence to order any matter of fact to be entered on the records of the Court until it was sufficiently and clearly proven - he further states that he is as well acquainted with Susannah Cartain's children as with any family in the County and that Margrave Goss, Mary Pendegrove, John Cartain, Polly Cartain and Elizabeth Cartain are all the living children that Susannah Cartain left at her death - he further saith that he has no interest either directly or indirectly or in any manner whatever sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of July 1854. A Gunter Regn Norman Melton Esq

State of North Carolina Chatham County
On this day William Marks aged fortyseven years old personage appeared before the Subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid - who being duly sworn according to Law states that he was well acquainted with Susannah Lertain and her family from the time they came from Warren County to the time of her death - he further states that he helped to dig the grave and bury Susannah Lertain that he cannot positively state the day of the month she died but from the time of his recollection and from the best information now before him he has no doubt that she died on or about the sixth day of September eighteen hundred and fifty three that he has no doubt that the day and date set forth in the Clerk of the Superior Court's certificate is the correct date as that was made in so short a time after her death took place he further states that he can positively say that Margarett Grop Clark Pendergast John Lertain Polly Lertain and Elizabeth Lertain are all the children and the only children that she left living at the time of her death that he has no interest either directly or indirectly whatever in any way whatever - that altho he helped to dig her grave and helped to bury her he cannot positively give the precise day as he never expected to be called upon But can say it took place in the early part of the month of September eighteen hundred and fifty three sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of July 1854
Wm Marks
I certify that William Marks the above affiant is as respectable a gentleman and as creditable a workman as any man in the County
Norman Milton (S)

State of North Carolina } I William P County of Chatham } Taylor Clerk of
The Court of Pleas
and quarter sessions in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Norman Milton whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was an acting Justice of the peace for said County at the time of signing the same and the signatures purporting to be his names to be genuine and in his own proper hand writing and full faith & credit is due all of his official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at Pittsboro County and State aforesaid July 18 th A.D
1854
W. Taylor C.C.C.
Susan Cartwright
not E
on 7 July 1835
add evidence
Mr. Cartwright has not answered the Court's subpoena
Evidence of Marriage B.C.
C.E.
h. b. Davis Present

State of North Carolina Chatham County - on this day John Arthur aged about forty four years old personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County - who being first duly sworn according to law states that he is the son of John and Susanna Arthur - that his father kept a family record that it contained his own age the day and date of his marriage and the day and date of the birth of his children - and that is all it did contain - that the record was kept or written on a leaf in the family Bible left blank for that purpose - that that record was kept by his mother Susannah Arthur in her possession from the day of his father's death till the day she made her declaration for a pension - that Mr. Pickard who undertook to establish his claim cut it out of the family Bible on that day and took it with him to send to Washington with the declaration stating that it was important in the case - he further states that Pickard died before he established the claim that he neglected to retain a copy of it him it was lost he does not know - that the day and date of the marriage set forth in the declaration was copied from the family record, and that is the only true part of the record now in existence that he has any knowledge of, he further states that some time in the year 1862 he applied to George Luther & Luther of the peace to write to Washington and get him a copy of the record which Luther did write for but was informed there was no such record there that was the first of his knowing that the record was lost - he further states that Susanna Arthur his mother died on the 6th day of September 1853 Susanna to

and Subscribed before me this 23 d day of June 1854
John Certain
Barzell Russell Esq
State of North Carolina Chatham County
On this day George Luther aged sixty nine years old personally appeared before the subscribers an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County who being sworn according to law states that his first acquaintance with Sarah Certain was in 1852 that he visited her as a sick neighbor - while there she informed that she had employed a Mr Pickard to get her pension that he did soon after he undertook it - and he claim had been delayed for several years - that a Mr Thompson had just undertaken it in the cause of our Constitution on the subject she stated that Pickard had expressed the opinion that he would have no difficulty in establishing her claim that she had a good family record that would establish her marriage - that he cut the family record out of her Bible at the time she made her Declaration and took it with him and said it must go to Washington with the papers - and that she might like to keep a copy of it which she very much regretted - she further states that soon thereafter she was at the house of John Certain and was informed by him that at the time Mr Pickard drew her mother's Declaration for a pension he cut his father's family record out of the Bible to send to

Sent to Washington and that he neglected to keep a copy and it left him and all the family in an awkward situation and state that he would write to Washington for a copy of the document to write for him - the informant further states that he promised to do so and that he understood at that time that Tully P. House Esq had charge of the claim he wrote to him for a copy some time in the year 1852 but was informed there was no such record to be found amongst the papers sworn to and subscribed before me this 23 d June 1852
B. Russell & Morris J. W. G. Luther
State of North Carolina Chatham County on this day William Harris Esq aged forty six years old personally appeared before the subscriber an acting justice of the peace in and for said County who being sworn in due form of law - states that some years ago he was called upon by John Cartmell to go to his mother - and qualify her to her Declara- -tion for a pension - that he was then preparing to go to Court that it was only a short distance out of his way to Court to go by - he said that he was very satisfied when he got there that she was not able to travel to Court to make her declaration that he found Mr. Dickson there with the papers ready written and

he had nothing to do but qualify her to her Qualification that he examined no record that he made but a Very short stay being in a hurry to get to Council sworn to and subscribed before me this 23 rd Dec 1834 W.G. Harris
Barzilla Bellairs J.P.
State of North Carolina } William P Chatham County } Taylor Clerk of The Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions in and for The County of Chath- am do hereby certify that Barzilla Bellairs whose name appears as above is and was an acting Justice of the peace for the County afo- said at the time of signing the same and the signatures purporting to be his are genuine and in his own proper handwriting and full faith and credit is due all his official acts as such
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed The seal of office at Pittsborough County & State aforesaid, June 21 st A.D. 1834
J. Taylor C. C. C.

State of North Carolina } On this day Rebecca Chatham County } Grop aged sixty four years old or upward - personally appeared before the Subscriber an acting Master of the peace in and for said County - who being sworn in due form of Law upon her oath makes the following affidavit - that she was born and raised in Warren County North Carolina - that she was well acquainted with John Certain the husband of Susannah Certain the present applicant for a pension - That John Certain, lived with his mother who was a widow and attended to his Business - that they did not live in the same house but in the same plantation - that John Certain's mother took this deponent when quite small to raise her and and she lived with her to the time of the old Lady's death - she further saith that old Mrs Certain was possessed of considerable wealth - and was much esteemed for her piety and kindness and was kind to a fault that she had lost her husband - when her children were small and had learned them to read herself and that was all the education they had - that John Certain was taken sick and died very suddenly and died on Thursday - that his mother was taken ill the same day and died the next day and were both buried together in the same grave - That this deponent was then in her fifteenth year or fifteen years old that from the earliest of her recollection to the time of the death of John Certain and his mother the incidents of the Revolutionary war was the subject of conversation In almost every collection of persons and in every family that she has heard of Mrs Certain many hundreds of times suffering and trouble she suffered while her son John was was gone in the service in the war that she has also heard John Certain relate his suffering in the service often times - she further states that Mrs Certain's house was for a considerable her life time the place of public worship on the Sabbath the community was principally of the Baptist persuasion and they met at Mrs Certain's where the old Lady or

her son John wanted read a sermon and a prayer that being the mode of worship in those times - that some of the neighbours would most commonly remain and spend the afternoon - when the subject of the war generally was talked of and most of the company then were familiar acquainted with all the circumstances would laugh at the old Lady for having on one occasion when her son John was in the service and stationed some fifty or sixty miles from home and she heard he was sick sent a servant with her back to nurse him while sick - she further states that John Cartwright had four Daughters as well as the now mentioned born before he had a son born that he almost made an idol of the child and that she has seen him kiss the child on his knees and heard him tell his friends that were present - that as much as he loved his son if he knew that if he grew up to manhood and had suffered the hardships and privations and dangers that he had undergone in the service - that he could freely If it was God's will see him well of in his infancy to go to the grave - she further saith that she remembers that a pious old Baptist man made John Cartwright a present of a Bible and a Sermon and prayer Book the Sermon and prayer Book in one Book that John Cartwright could read print but could not write - that while Cartwright was doing all his writing that he go with him to tell the ages of himself and his wife and several of his first children in his new Bible and after the death of Cartwright - he got James Ellington to tell the ages of his last children in the same Book - she further saith that from what she heard from John Cartwright and from his mother and all the neighbours during his life that she has no more doubt of his having performed all the rites required for them if she had seen it performed herself - she went to and subscribed before me this 17 th day of

December 1853
Certify that Rebecca Grop who makes this affidavit is as credible a witness as any lady in Chatham County
Rebecca her Grop mark
Rev Luther Sp
State of North Carolina Chatham County ss on this day John Cartain aged  years old personally appeared before the Subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid - who being sworn in due form of Law deposeth and saith that he is the son of John and Susanah Cartain - the present applicant for a pension. That he has no knowledge of his father's sur- but what he has heard from other people - he further saith that A. M. Pickard some years ago undertook to establish his mother's claim to a pension there was a family Bible in his mother's possession which contained a family record of the ages of the children his father left and which he always understood to have been his father's family Bible and that the record was left by his father that his father John Cartain died while this deponent was very young that he has no recollection of him that that this deponent can neither read or write - he further states that when Mr. Pickard attended to get the Declaration of his mother this deponent went for William G. Harris the magistrate who qualified his mother to the Declaration - That Mr. Pickard took the family Record out of the Bible and said it must go to Washington with the Declaration and that he has not seen it since - he further saith that they neglected to keep a copy of it and are unable to ascertain their own ages since that he requested Luther to write to his agent Mr. Carr for a copy of it for the family - As he cannot read or write he cannot say when the family Record contained the date of his

father and mother's marriage or not nor does he know of his own knowledge in whose hand writing the Record was drawn to and subscribed before me this 12 th day December 1853 I certify that John Artain who makes this affidavit is a Respectable Citizen and a Credible witness
Barzillai S. Morris L.P.
John his Artain mark
State of North Carolina Chatham County - On this day Elizabeth Artain aged years old personally appeared before the subscriber on being duly of the peace in and for said County who being sworn in due form of law deposes and says that she is the daughter of John & Susanah Artain the present affiant for a pension. That she has resided with her mother all her life that she can neither read or write that there is a family Bible in the family that her mother has had since her recollection which contained a family record of all the children ages her father left his death - That a cler- Record who undertook to establish her mother's claim took that Record and of the family Bible on the day that her mother made her Declaration before William G. Harris Esq and said it must be sent to Washington with the paper that they neglected to keep a copy of the record - she cannot say in whose hand writing the record was nor whether it contained the date of her father and mother's marriage or not she further states that the Bible and a part of a Sermon & Prayer Book which belonged to her father is still in the possession of the family and her mother's possession
Subscribed before me this 12 th day of December 1853.
I certify that Elizabeth Artain who makes this affidavit is a Credible witness Barzillai S. Morris L.P.
Elizabeth her Artain mark

Remains to our new of December 1853.
I certify that Elizabeth Artman who makes this affidavit is a credible witness Bazilla's Mass d p
In Elizabeth Artman mark
State of North Carolina Chatham County }
I William P Taylor Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter sessions in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that George Settle and Bazilla Mirams whose names appear as above are and were acting Justices of the peace for said County at the time of signing the same and the signatures purporting to be their own genuine and in their own proper hand writing to full faith and credit is due to all of their official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at Pittsboro County & State aforesaid December 14th AD 1853
W P Taylor Clerk

I hereby certify that William Pendergast who makes the within affidavit is a credible person and highly respectable. Gulliver 8th February 1832
State of North Carolina } Chatham County } Godfrey
one this day John C. Cullen aged forty four years old personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid - who being sworn in due form of Law - upon his oath states that when his deposition was taken in the present case it was drawn up wrong and he he so states at the time and only qualified to that part that was false - it was stated at the time that the omission or error in the depo- -sition could work no injury or prejudice to the government - and it was written on a paper that did not amount to an amend- -ment or alteration He further states that the former deposition states that he did not recall set whether the family record kept by his father contains the record of John Cullen and Edenah Cullen his father and mother's marriage - that fact he states at the time he states to the magistrate was stated wrong for he distinctly recollects that the family record contained the marriage and date of the marriage He further states that it was stated in his former deposition that he could not read and write this was also a mistake that he can read and write though not fluently - he further states that he does not recall the date of his father and mother's marriage but that he does recall that the date of the marriage stated in the Declaration is the correct date of the marriage sworn to and and subscribed before me this 9th day of February 1854
1854 Bonzilla Williams 18 John Estlin

State of North Carolina Chatham County This day William Pendergraff aged forty three years old personally appeared before the Subscribers an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county who being duly sworn according to Law upon his oath states that he married the youngest Daughter and youngest Child of Susanahustin and widow of John certain the present appeared for a person That he married her on the 16 th day of January eighteen hundred and thirty - That his said wife was in her eighteenth year when he married her - he further states that he had recourse to the family Record in Susanahustin proportion to ascertain his wife's age and that her oldest sister was something the size of twenty years older than his wife - That his wife was the youngest of seven children and that there was nearly three years difference in their ages that the family Record showed that his wife was born in May 1812 and her oldest sister in January 1809 as well as he now recollects - he further saith that he is confident that the family records contained the the date of the marriage of John & Susanah certain - he further saith that there is no person that has been acquainted with Susanah certain's strict moral and pious character who could be made to believe that she could be induced for any sum to make a false statement That what she stated in her Declaration may be relied upon as the truth and nothing but the truth drawn to and subscribed before me this 8 th day of February 1854
Wm Pendergraff
William Pendergraff

State of North Carolina Chatham County I William P Taylor Clerk of the court of pleas & quarter sessions do hereby certify that George Luther and Bazilla Allinson whose names appear to the foregoing affidavit are and were acting Justices of the peace for the County aforesaid at the time of signing the same and the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine and in their own proper hand writing and full faith and credit are due all of their acts as such
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at Pittsburgh County of State aforesaid Feb 15 th AD 1834
W P Taylor C. C. C.

State of North Carolina Chatham County on this day Brazillia B. Mims Esquire aged forty eight years old personally appeared before the Subscribers an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid who being sworn according to Law states that John Lertain whos deposition is herewith attached - had his deposition taken before the Subscribers on a former occasion in the case of his mother's pension claim - this deponent further saith that the former deposition was written in the absence of John Lertain that it was written from statements made by some of the family anticipating that it would be the same as his Sisters Elizabeth, that it was written on paper that did not admit of amendment or correction - that it was stated at the time that the omission or mistake could work no injury or prejudice to the Government and must pass as it stood and he qualified with the exception stated that the statement made in the present affidavit is substantially correct - He further states that John Lertain is a Respectable Gentleman and a Respectable citizen sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of February 1854
Geo Luther J.P.
Brazillia B. Mims J.P.