Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12,511, John Clements, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
elements, John
S. 12.511
carded.
CONTENTS
1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880

Virginia 23.415
John Clements
Hanover in the State of VA as a Pr. in the Regt commanded by Flint in the VA 13 1/2 months —
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of $5. Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. day of June 1834 and with  C.W. Dabney Hanover  VA
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1835 112.50 Pensant. allowance ending Mar 31  22.50 $135.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by C. Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 Page 6
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 3. April 1833 from 4 th March to 26. July 1839. the day of his death Agent, notified 1. May 1840

In o Clements
11974

State of Virginia } County of Goochland } S.S.
On this 17 th day of September 1832, personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the peace of the court of Goochland County, now sitting John Clements a resident of Goochland County, and State of Virginia, aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as hereinafter stated.
I was drafted as a militia man in the county of Goochland and marched under Captain Josiah Cooke of Goochland county, under the command of Col. Richardson, below below Richmond, when Major Armistead was arrested between Williamsburg & Richmond; and I also served two tours of duty at the Albemarle Barracks in the County of Albemarle guarding the British prisoners at that place. — I was then drafted and served a tour of duty under Capt. Smith, and marched with him to Shirley Hundred below Richmond, and from there to Cabbins Point. At another time I was drafted for another tour of duty under Capt. William H. Miller of Goochland County, and marched with him below Richmond and was stationed on Gelly's creek, and served there as minute men for a long time, when the enemy appeared in our waters, we were called to arms: when they disappeared we were suffered to go home, and as soon as the enemy appeared again, we were again called out and marched back: then we served a long time. — At another time, I served a tour at Morton Mills, and was on duty when my company fired on a British ship in the River, when my neighbor floor was wounded. — My memory is so defective that I cannot state with any degree of precision the length of either tour, nor can I recollect the names of the field officers at the various places where I served. I have a distinct recollection that at one time Col. Charles Fleming commanded the troops, but at which place I cannot recollect. I have not the least recollection of dates. — I am certain that in all the tours united I was two or more years in actual service. — I was born in the County of Cumberland. I have no record of my age. I have resided in the County of Goochland ever since the revolutionary war & still continue.

to reside in the County of Goodland. I am well known in my present neighborhood, to William A. Ford one of the justices of the peace in Goodland County, to Capt. Josiah Leake, Thomas Herndon, the Reverend James Fife, Major Archibald Perkins and many others who can testify as to my character. I have no documentary evidence, having never received any written discharge that I recollect. I believe that I can procure the testimony of Rachel Carden and Robert Pace who can testify that I was in service. I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
John his Clements mark
We James Wharey a clergyman, residing in the County of Goodland and William A. Ford residing in the same county, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Clements who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy five years of age; that he is respected and beloved, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
James Wharey
W. A. Ford
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 James Wharey who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a clergyman resident in the said County of Certificate, and that William A. Ford who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same County and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I William Miller Clerk of the Court of Goodland County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Clements for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have

hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this first day of October One thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Will Miller, C.B.

State of Virginia, Goochland County } ss
On this 19 th day of November 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Court of the county aforesaid now sitting John Clements a resident of the said County and State aged Twenty five years, and being first duly sworn according to law, cloth on his oath make the following Amended Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832
That in the fall of the first year that the prisoners of War were at the Albemarle Barracks, he was drafted from the Militia of the said County of Goochland, and marched as private in the company from that County under Capt Josiah Leake, to that place - Served to the best of his belief two months in guarding the prisoners and was discharged - That in the following year he was again drafted from the same county and marched as private, under the same officer to the same place - Served two months again, in the same capacity and was discharged on Christmas eve - Col Taylor commanded at the Barracks and he saw Col Fontaine there - There were some regulars and other Militia Companies at the Barracks - And he recollects that the regulars were frequently whipped for stealing and other offences - That his memory is very imperfect in relation to the rest of his services except the last tour, and all the intermediate events seem to him like a dream. That he was always drafted, except when he was under Miller when he thinks he engaged as a Minute man - That he served one tour he thinks under Captain Elisha Leake and not Josiah Leake as formerly stated, from the same county and was a private - it was he thinks in the early part of the year - Marched a great deal backwards and forwards on the York River, and James River - Was at Charles City Court house when marks of slaughter were visible on the walls and floor of the house - was under Col Richardson and Major Armistead, and recollects that Major Armistead was arrested by the Col - There were many Militia but no regulars that he recollects - That he was another time in service from the Militia of the same county as a private under Capt Smith and Col Fleming - Marched about a good deal on James River -
Croped

Crossed the River at Shirley hundred - Again at Sandy point when the troops were carried across in the night - thence to Caber point and was there discharged - He recalls no regular troops nor Militia, in particular. Thinks Muhlenburg was General. And that they some- times brought in some prisoners - That he was again in service as private under Capt Wm H Miller, when he thinks he engaged as a minute man to be ready to march on every occasion when called for. That he was at Richmond when the Marquis arrived there from the North - That he was generally stationed at Gileys Creek, and marched into any part of the country where their services were required - That he was at Turkey island one night with a small party and had just drawn provisions and was cooking when the enemy came upon them and was very near surrounding them - They escaped, marched upon a hill and were ordered to charge their guns and meet the enemy if they advanced. That he was present again on James river when the British fired on and blew up a Magazine ship, in the river - he was on a picket guard and saw the ship blow up. That this service was performed, during and just after Arnold's invasion he supposes. That from old age and conse- quent loss of memory he cannot state with precision the length of this service but that to the best of his recollection he served in those three towns at least six months as private - That in the beginning of Septem- ber in the year of the surrender of York and very soon after the army passed through Goshland he was again drafted and marched as private in the of Militia company from that county under Captain Duke - Joined the Army at Hamburg, marched with the army to York and was attached to the Regi- ment of Col D. Dark - Soon after reaching York Capt Duke resigned and Lieut Bates was made Capt - He worked in the trenches, and was often exposed to the fire of the enemy - Once a fascine which he and another were carrying was cut in two by a ball - That he saw many Continental and Militia troops, and also the French - was present at the Capitulation and having been sent to cut down the entrenchments he saw the whole British army march out of their works - He was then detached to guard the prisoners of war held in Chester - Major Wilist commanded - Marched

quite to Winchester and was discharged. That he reached home just before Christmas and that in this tour he served three and a half months. And these are the only tours he can now specify, altho' -ough, he is certain that he performed others. That he never had a written discharge and has no documentary evidence. That he has already procured the testimony of Rachel Carden and Robert Parr and can now procure the testimony of John Palmer, and that he knows of no other witnesses, and that he refers to the Rev Lewis Chaudoin and Mrs A Ford Esq for his character and the reputation of his neighbourhood as to his being a soldier of the Revolution.
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 or territory.
To Question 1 st he replies, in Cumberland, Virginia, 10 th June 1758.
To Question 2 d I have no record of my age.
To Question 3 rd when called into service I lived in Goochland County where I now live.
To Question 4 th I was always drafted, (except when under Miller) when I think I was a minute man.
To Question 5 th Answered to the satisfaction of the Court.
To Question 6 th I never received a written discharge.
To Question 7 th Rev d Lewis Chaudoin & Melvina A. Ford
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John his Clements mark
We Lewis Chaudoin a Clergyman residing in the said County of Goochland and Mrs A Ford residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Clements, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be sixty five years of age; That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Lewis Chaudoin
M c A Ford

I John Salmon a resident of the said county of Goochland, hereby certify, that I was several times in the service with John Clements who has made the proceeding declaration, that said Clements served two tours of duty with me at the Albemarle barracks, and that he was in service with me several times in the eastern part of the state that I recollect him particularly at Cabin Point, and at the blowing up of the magazine ship and at several other times; that we were often in the same mess, and that I believe he was always a faithful Soldier.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John Salmon
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented 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 Lewis Chapman who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the said county of Goochland; and that William A Ford who has also signed the same, and John Salmon who has made the above affidavit, are residents in the same County and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I William Miller, Clerk of the Court of Goochland County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Salmon for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 20 th day of November 1833.
Will: Miller, C o

Reuben
12511 INVALID.
over
File No. 12,511
John Clements Rev Boer War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 70
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Virginia } Goochland County } S.S.
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Robert Pace a resident of Goochland County V a and I believe him to be a credible person on whose evidence full reliance may be placed
Given under my hand this 18 th June 1833
James Fife, Minister of the Gospel Goochland County

State of Virginia } Goochland County } ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Clements, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively 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 two years, I served as private of infantry, and for such service I claim a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17 th day of June 1833 -
W. Ford J.P.
State of Virginia } Goochland County } To All,
Be it known that on this 18 th day of June 1833, before me Wm. A. Ford a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Rachel Gardin a resident of said County and a credible person and being duly sworn deposeth, and saith, that during the revolutionary War 1770 and afterwards for many years she lived in the house with John Clements, that during that time she believes he was more than two years from home and in the Army fighting against the British enemies, that she well remembers his being at the Albemarle barracks, guarding prisoners, that she well remembers his being under Capt. Smith before Richmond stationed at Shirley Hundred and also under Capt. Miller that well remembers hearing that he was with the Patrick Henry in a battle - the likewise remembers his being at the Siege of York, when the British forces yielded to Washington - that during this time she often sent him

clothes and provisions,
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me, Wm B Ford J. P. Rachel her X Gordin Mark
State of Virginia } Giles County } S.S.
Be it known that on this 18 th June 1851 before me Wm B Ford a justice of the peace for Giles County, personally appeared Robert Pace a resident of said County and a credible person and being duly sworn deposeth, that he has been well acquainted with John Helmets all his life, both raised up together in this County. and that he has no doubt and truly believes he was in the Army as stated in his declaration, that from every cir- cumstance he believes he served a term of duty with him, and that he saw with him at the siege of Yorktown when the British forces yielded to Washington in 1781. On the 17 th Oct. I think, Sworn to and subscribed Robert Pace Before me Wm B Ford J. P.

State of Virginia Goochland County
§ ss -
I William Miller Clerk of the County Court of Goochland do hereby certify that William A. Ford, before whom the preceding Affidavits of John Elements, Rachel Bardin and Robert Pace were made, and who hath subscribed his name to the same, is now, and was at the times the same were made before him, an acting Justice of the Peace in the said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths, and that his signatures to the said Affidavits, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my Office this 20 th day of June 1833.
William Miller, C lerk

Hanover Va 21 st Nov r 1833
Sir
Enclosed are the re-america pension papers of John Clements. It is hoped that the repeated disappointments of this poor old man, and the consideration that the Congress will be soon in session, when there will be little chance for him (from the pressure of business induced, by that event), will procure immediate attention to his case. The result may be directed to the subscriber, at Montpelier Hanover Co Va.
Yours respectfully
C. W. Watney

John Clements
Adams a puvale
13 1/2 mo. p 45.
Col. Charles Fleming
Col. Dabney Hancock P.C.
ORDER XVII. March 1862.
Whereas it is the policy of the Confederate States to... It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each soldier is entitled to pay.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Clements which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? No V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No 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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? no
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? —
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? —
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? —
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

John Clements is Pension Papers returned
Received 28 th August 1833. —

Department of War. Pension Office August 22 d 1835.
Sir:
The rules and regulations adopted by the Department for the execution of the law of June 7. 1832. require that all applicants for pensions under said law, shall specify their service. The applicant in the present case, makes a general allegation that he served two years. Before any favorable action can be had on his claim, he will be required to state by way of amendment to his declaration the number of time, and the manner how, he was called out, and the duration of each term; and the place where the service was performed, and the officers under whom he served &c. —
I am respectfully Yours obediently J. L. Edwards
William Miller Esq. Goachland C.H. V.B.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
April 23 d , 1840,
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," The widow of John Clements, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Forty five Dollars and  Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March, to the 26 th July 1839, the day of his death,
Respectfully, yours,
Wm. L. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.