Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,615, Eli Collins, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
NC
Collins Eli
S. 31,615
CONTENTS

403 Arkansas Alabama
Ch Collins
of Limestone in the State of Alabama who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Little of the Regt: commanded by Col Collier in the North Carolina Mtn time for 1 year from 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of Alabama at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 d day of Feby 1833 and sent to Hon. C. C. Clay H of Rep s .
Arrears to 4th of March 1833. $ 80. 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept r 1833. 20. 00
$ 100. 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Book E.
W. L. Williams Vol. 8.
Page 4
Car to Pen Agt. 30 Nov 1837.
To Arkansas for 4 th Sept 1835 29. Dec 1835. - Notification Sent to W. C. Woodruffe Little Rock Arkansas
Letter to Pension Agt 11 April 1838
Letter to 3 d Auditor 11 June 1838.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4. Sept 1835. to the 4 Sept 1837. Agent notified 28 June 1838.
1890 Jun. 12 John H Bell history (thru me) Prou
Date of death not on A. B.

The State of Alabama Limestone County 358
On this 10th day of December 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the judge of the County Court of the County of Limestone State of Alabama now sitting Eli Collins a resident of Athens in the County of Limestone, aged twenty four years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Annuity passed June 7. 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated.
That about the first of June 1776 he Volunteered joined the company of the North Carolina Militia, commanded by Captain Micajah Little in which John Jones was the Lieutenant & Moses Little was Ensign, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Roger. That on the 8th of June he was marched from Martin County in said State of North Carolina the place where he resided when he entered said service, in said Regiment to Wilmington in said State, where he joined the army under the command of General Ashe. That in doing duty at Wilmington & occasionally marching to Brunswick & Fort Johnson, he served out the Time for which he volunteered as aforesaid, which was three months, when he received a written discharge signed by his said Captain Micajah Little. That while on said service he recollects to have seen & known Colonel Stewart, & Irvine & Major Sharpe of the militia & General Moore & Captain Williams of the regular service - all of whom did duty at the same time at Wilmington & that said General Moore was commander in Chief at said station.
That on the first of June 1780 he Volunteered again joined a company of the Militia of said State commanded by Thomas Farmer in which Robert Nelson was Ensign in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Stephen Moore & was immediately marched from Orange County where he resided when he volunteered

as last ordered with the Troops under General Butler to cross creek on Cape Fear where they found the Troops under General Moseley & after a good deal of marching under him he was finally marched to Cheraw Hills in South Carolina & from thence they joined the main army under General Gates shortly before his defeat. That he was in the battle when Gates was defeated - When the troops to which he belonged were dispersed & he returned home - about six days before he had served out the three months for which he had agreed to serve - He recollects to have seen known while on this campaign in addition to the officers already named, Gen'l Gates, & DeKalb, Colonel Dickson, Major Leon Hue & Captain McLittle & officers of the regular troops & Major Long & Williams & Colonel Ramsay of the Militia.
That again in the last of September 1781 1781 whilst he resided in said Orange County he was drafted into the company of said Militia commanded by Captain Wood & Campbell was Lieutenant in the regiment commanded by Colonel Collier & was immediately marched under General Butler to Salisbury where he was stationed until he received a written discharge signed by General Butler for the full term for which he was drafted which was three months - that he was discharged about the time General Greene came on stock the command of the Army -
That about the first day of September 1781 he was again drafted into a company of the Militia of said State, com- manded by Captain James Bell in which Joseph Emily was Lieutenant in the Regiment commanded by Colonel William Collier & Major Davis - was marched immediately under General Butler & Colonel Maybin - against the Tories under Fannin - That he was with the troops who attacked Fannin at Lindley's Mills, shortly after Fannin had captured Governor Burke & others at Hillsboro. That Fannin retreated & he was marched in pursuit to near Wilmington where they had another skirmish with the Tories & British - That he served three months on this drafted by Gen'l Butler with a Brevet & Runk at Lindley Mills on Cape Fear Creek & Fannin's Regiment but escaped with his prisoners (Encl. of N.Y.C.)

campaign & received a written discharge from Captain Hill - That he resided in said County of Orange when he joined the troops last as aforesaid - That besides the four campaigns above named in which he served twelve months, he did militia duty very frequently, in guarding, ammunition, small parties of prisoners at short periods as the country was much infested with the Tories & frequently overrun with the British That he was born the 26th March 1789 in the first County State of Delaware, that he has his age recorded in his bible which was taken from the record of the same in his father's Prayer Book - That after the revolutionary war he resided in said Orange County until 1804 when he removed to Wilkes County State of Georgia & from thence moved in 1818 to Limestone County State of Alabama where he has lived ever since & still resides. That having long since lost his discharges aforesaid he has no docu- -mentary evidence & knows of no person in the Western Country or whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - 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 - Sworn to & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid
Eli Collins
Robert Austin Jr Clerk
me John M Cherry a Clergyman residing in the County of Limestone State of Alabama & Clinton Tucker residing in the County & State aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Eli Collins who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be alive him to be seventy four years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that assertion - John M Cherry Clinton Tucker Robert Austin Jr Clerk

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 John M Cherry who has signed the foregoing Certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Limestone & that Clinton Tucker who has also signed the same is a resident of said County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to Credit
Just Robert Austin for CCR
The State of Alabama Limestone County ss I Robert Austin for Clerk of the County Court for the County of Limestone State aforesaid do hereby certify the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the Gallins for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & seal of office this 10th day of December 1832 & of American Independence the 57th Robert Austin for CCR
State of Alabama, I George W Lane Judge of the Limestone County Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Robert Austin whose name is subscribed to the above Certificate is and was Clerk at the time signing the same and that full faith and credit is given to all his official acts done under my hand seal. this 19th Dec 1832
Geo W Lane Seal
C. C. Clay

Application for a Transfer County of Hempstead ss.
On this 24 th day of May 1837 before me the Subscriber a justice of the peace for the said County of Hempstead personally appeared Eli Collins who on his Oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Micajah Lytle in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel — Dossier in the service of the United States that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Alabama from whence he has lately removed that he now resides in the state of Arkansas where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future The following are his reasons for removing from Alabama to Arkansas telling that his sons with whom he has lived for many years and on whom he looked for protection in a great measure through the remainder of his life removed to this state and urged him to accompany him Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid Russell D. H. Up.
E. L. G. C. Esq.

State of Arkansas } County of Hempstead } ss.
On this 24 th day of May 1837 before me the subscriber a justice of the peace for said County of Hempstead personally appeared Tillman Patterson who on oath declares that he has good and sufficient reasons to believe that Eli Collins who has taken the within oath is the person described in the affidavit
Tillman Patterson
Sworn to before me this 24 th day of May 1837
Robert D. L. H. Esq.
State of Arkansas } County of Hempstead } ss.
I Birket D. L. H. a justice of the peace in and for the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Tillman Patterson who has sworn and subscribed to the above affidavit is a man of undoubted veracity
Given under my hand this 24 th day of May 1837
Robert D. L. H. Esq.

State of Arkansas County of Hempstead } ss.
S. A. M. Oakley
clerk of the circuit court in and for the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Bennett D. Lett whose name is affixed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the peace in the county and state aforesaid, and that as such due faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts. (And I further certify that he was an acting Justice of the peace on the 24 th day of May 1837)
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand as clerk and affixed the seal of my office at Washington this 24 th day of May 1837.
A. M. Oakley clk.

Eli Collins
from 1776 private 11 years. $40.
Hon. b. b. clay A. R.

BRIEF in the case of Eli Collins of the County of Limestone in the State of Alabama.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 74 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1776 June — 3 — Volun d Gen. Col. Dozier, Capt. Little   " 80 June — 3 — ditto Col. Moore, Capt. Farmer   " 81 Sept. — 3 — ditto Col. Collins, Capt. Wood   " 8 — 3 — ditto Same Col. Capt. Bell Cell  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Gates' defeat, & Lindley's Mills  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Martin & Orange Co. N.Y.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? nothing traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
Regular
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Bell Examining Clerk.

April 24, 1931
War Department Office of Quartermaster General Memorial Branch Washington, D. G.
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31615, that Eli Collins was born March 26, 1759 in Sussex County, Delaware.
While residing in Martin County, North Carolina, he enlisted June 1, 1776 and served three months in Captain Micajah Lytle's company, Colonel Dozier's North Carolina regiment.
While residing in Orange County, North Carolina, he enlisted June 1, 1780 and served three months in Captain Thomas Farmer's company, Colonel Stephen Moore's North Carolina regiment, and was in the battle of Gates' Defeat. He served three months in Captain Wood's company, Colonel Collier's North Carolina regiment, and was discharged about the time General Greene took "command of the Army". He enlisted September 1, 1781 and served three months in Captain James Kell's company, Colonel William Collier's North Carolina regiment, and was in the battle of Lindley's Mill. He had other short tours, no details given.
After the Revolution he lived in Orange County, North Carolina until 1804, when he moved to Wilkes County, Georgia, and in 1818 to Limestone County, Alabama.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 10, 1832, at which time he was living in Athens, Limestone County, Alabama.

In 1837 he was living in Hempstead County, Arkansas, with his son whose name is not given. In 1842 he was still living in Hempstead County.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

31615
Rev INVALID.
File No. 31,615
Eli Collins
Rev Rev
Act: June 1 st 1897
Index: —Vol. 2 , Page 83
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1931-Apr. 27- Hrst. La memorial Bn - War Dept. amys.

Pension Agency Office, Little Rock, Ark.
14 March, 1888.
Sir,
I herewith transmit the affidavit of Eli Collins, to whom more than two years' Pension is due. - Please examine it, & if found correct, return same, with an order for the payment of amt. due him. - He has been recently transferred to this Agency, from Alabama, & this is his first application for payt.
Respectfully,
Yr. ob't serv't
M c Brooduff (A. S. H.)
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Comm te of Pensions, Washington City.

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
June 27, 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Eliza Collins — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Arkansas Agency, at the rate of forty Dollars and " — " — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th. June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the fourth of Sept. 1835 to the fourth of September 1837.
Respectfully, yours,
William E. Larris Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Eli Collins
further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

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

Branch of the Bank of the state of Alabama Decatur Dec 14 1837
J. Edward Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir
I have your favor of the 30 ultimo. The last payment made at this agency to Eli Collins on pension made act 7 June 1832 at $40 per annum was made 4 th September 1835
Respectfully Yrs of S er . W. G. Pennycuick per S. C. Nelson Suffa

Pension Agency Office, Little Rock, Ark. 8 Nov. 1884.
Sir,
I herewith enclose you an Application for the transfer of the Pension of Eli Collins, to this office. — If granted, please for d the necessary permission to my care.
Respectfully,
Yr. ob t serv t .
Wm. H. Woodruff A.S.
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Comm r of Pensions. Washington City.

Eli Collins

State of Arkansas } County of Hempstead } ss.
Be it known that before me Wm Warne a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Eli Collins and made Oath in due form of Law, that he is the identical person named in an Original Certificate in his possession of which I certify, the following is a true Copy.
War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7 th June 1832, Eli Collins of the State of Alabama, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, is entitled to receive forty Dollars and — Cents per annum during his natural life, Commencing on the 4 th of March 1834. and payable twice annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year,
Given at the war office of the United States, this 23 rd day of February One thousand Eight hundred and thirty three
Sim Cass Secretary of War,
Examined and Counter-signed J. S. Edwards
That he now resides in Hempstead County and has resided there for the space of Six years past and that previous thereto he resided in Madison County Alabama Known and subscribed this 20 day of Oct 1842 before me Wm Warne A. P. Eli Collins

I Simon T. Sanders Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hempstead County Certify that William M. Varnell is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature pur- porting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have here unto Affixed My Seal of Office and subscribed My Name this 28 th day of October in the year 1842 S. T. Sanders Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hempstead County
State of Arkansas County of Hempstead } S
I Robert L. Phillips a magistrate in the County above named do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory Evidence from the testimony of Daniel C. Miller that the Gilling whom name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit is the identical person named in the foregoing Certifi- cate which he has exhibited before me (numbered and bearing date at the War Office the 23 rd day of February One thousand eight hundred and thirty three, and signed by Lewis Cass as Secretary of War. Given under my hand at the County of Hempstead on this 29 th day of August A. D. 1843.
Robert L. Phillips
I Simon T. Sanders Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hempstead County in the State of Arkansas, certify that Robert L. Phillips is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 29 th day of August in the year 1843. S. T. Sanders Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hempstead County Ark

Received from William E Woodruff agent for paying pensions Twenty Dollars and — Cents being for six months pension due to Eli Collins from the 4 th day of March to the 4 th day of September 1842 for which I have signed duplicate Receipts of 20.00
Eli Collins
This semi-annual Pension has been due over a year, & must, therefore, agreeably to my instructions, be sent to the learn g of Pensions, for his approval & order for me to pay.
M. E. E.
3
Received from William E Woodruff agent for paying pensions Twenty Dollars and — Cents being for six months pension due to Eli Collins from the 4 th day of March to the 4 th day of September 1842 for which I have signed duplicate Receipts of 20.00
Eli Collins

Eli Collins
Born March 26 1759 in Sussex Co Del. & had resided in Martin & Orange Co N.C. in 1804 removed from the latter County to Wilkes Co Ga & when in 1818 he went to Simonton Madison Co Ga. where he was living in Dec 1832 & on or before May 1837 he removed with accompanied his son, with he has lived many years, to Hampstead Co Ark. Stated in Oct 1842 he was residing in Hempstead Co that lived there for 6 years past & previous thereto in Madison Co Alabama
no cov.
He enlisted in June 1776 in Martin Co N.C. after 3 mos under Col. Micajah Little & Col. Douglas marched to Wilmington N.C. where he joined the army under Genl Ashe. During this service he was on duty at Fort Johnson near Brunswick In June 1780 he Vol. for 3 mos in Orange Co, where then living under Capt Vance Farmer & Col. Stephen Moore & marched under Genl Butler to Cross Creek on Cape Fear river where he joined the troops under Genl Cornwall from thence went to Cheraw Hills S.C. from there joined the main

Under Gen Gates I was in the battle at Camden (Aug 16 1780) when Gates was defeated & the troops dispersed & ret d home about 6 days before his "term" was out Late in Sept 1780 he enlisted in Orange Co for 3 mos under Capt Wood & Col Collier in Gen Butler's Com y . Marched to & was stationed at Salisbury NC during his "term" - Gov Burke & with others captured Sept 13 1780 fight at Lindley Mills on Cox Creek followed in pursuit to recapture the prisoner
Enlist last of Sept 1781 with Capt James Kell & Col W m Collier joined Gen John Butler to intercept Col Fannin (who had Capt Gov Burke & other Whigs to convey to Wilmington then occupied by the British) on his way to Wilmington overtook them at Lindley Mills on Cox Creek where a sharp fight took place & Fannin was wounded but he escaped with his prisoners & another skirmish near Wilmington. He did other duty of short periods in guarding ammunition, small parties of prisoners & patrolling the country which was at times over run with Tories & British.

Request for substance data for Eli Collins
AWF

MEMORANDUM WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
Washington 3-19-37 19
IT IS REQUESTED THE ITEMS CHECKED BELOW BE ANSWERED PROMPTLY AND RETURNED TO THIS OFFICE WITH YOUR REPLY ADDRESSED TO "The Quartermaster General, U.S. Army, War Department, Washington, D.C." NO FURTHER ACTION CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL THIS INFORMATION IS RECEIVED AND APPLICATION RETURNED TO THIS OFFICE.
More definite information is required in order that the military service may be verified from the Department records - such as:
 Approximate dates of enlistment and discharge.  Complete designation of the Organization in which deceased served about June 1, 1776, Ind. Infantry, under Capt. Leslie, Horner's Wood. Scott's Battery, Moore's Battery  Is name of State and number of Organization correct? Supposed to be as it is from his Pension Record  Did the soldier serve under an assumed name? No.  Was the soldier a pensioner; was his family drawing a pension? State number of pension certificate. Yes, Ser. File No. 31,615  * * * * *
Attention is invited to the difference in spelling of name, red ink changes indicate how name appears on the official records. State correct spelling. * * * * *
Complete shipping instructions should be given. * * * * *
Exact date of death - month, day and year should be furnished. * * * * *
Give name and location of cemetery in which deceased is buried. * * * * *
Advise this office whether burial is in section of cemetery which permits the erection of Government headstones. * * * * *
It is requested you obtain a statement from the Superintendent of the cemetery to the effect that the cemetery will permit the erection of Government headstones as information has reached this office that this cemetery does not permit the erection of Government headstones.

***** You were furnished on April 24, 1931, the history of Eli Collins (S. 31615), the Revolutionary War soldier who served as private in Captains M. Little's, T. Horner's and Woods' companies in Colonels Dozier's, Moore's and Collier's North Carolina regiments.

The original application for headstone is returned herewith.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner
addressed to Memorial Branch Office of the Q.M. Es. War Dept - Washington - D.C. See letter in Rev. Ansel Cunningham. J.31636 AWJ