Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10464, Benjamin Coplin, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Coplin, Benjamin
S. 10464
carded
CONTENTS

Virginia 16. 692
Benjamin Caplin of Hanover Co in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Lowther of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the Va. m t : line for 2 yrs.
Dead
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Sept r . 1833 and sent to D. Davison Clk. Ct
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 1833. $200.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 31, 40 00
$240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk Book 6 Vol. 6. Page 22
Mr. Davison Agent March 1835 for 2 yrs in the

State of Virginia } to wit Harrison County }
1
on this 18 th day of June 1833 personally appeared in open court before the justices of Harrison County now sitting Benjamin Coplin aged Eighty one 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 was born in the County of Rockingham in the State of Virginia on the 28 th day of March 1752 has no record of his age but so under stands from his parents that he was living at Stutters fort when he Volunteered his services as a soldier during the Revolutionary war in a company under the command of Capt William Lowther was stationed at Stutters Fort and employed in scouting through the country between the Monongalia and Ohio Rivers for the term of six months and was discharged in the fall of 1776. Again in the Spring of 1777 he volunteered and served six months under same officer was stationed at Powers Fort on Simpsons Creek a branch of the Monongalia River was employed in scouting as before. In the Spring following he Volunteered again and served six months under same officer and was stationed at Powers Fort and employed as before.
In the Spring of 1779 he Volunteered under the aforesaid Capt William Lowther served six months was stationed at the aforesaid Fort on Simpsons Creek.
In the Spring following he Volunteered again under same officer was stationed at a Block house on Elk Creek where Clarksburg now stands was employed in scouting as before and discharged at the expiration of six months.
In the Spring of 1781 the aforesaid Capt William Lowther was promoted to a Major at which time deponent Volunteered in a company commanded by Capt George Jackson was stationed at the above mentioned Fort and served six months and was discharged.
In the Spring 1782 he Volunteered his services again

under Capt Christopher Carpenter was stationed at the afore said Fort and discharged at the expiration of six months all the above named officers were duly commissioned and acting under the authority of the state of Virginia and were employed to guard the frontier settlements from the depredation of the Indians. deponent further states that during the above service he was a private soldier that he was engaged in several skirmishes with the Indians in one of which engagements he killed one Indian if no more he further states that he was not engaged in any civil pursuit during the above named tours he was not attached to any Regiment during the above service but was employed to spy and scout as above stated he never received a written discharge
His residence is in the County of Harrison and State of Virginia where he has lived for sixty years last past for his character and so forth he would refer to the Hon. E. S. Duncan Hon. J. J. Allen &c. He has no documentary evidence but relies on the testimony of William Haddox and Christopher Stutter hereunto annexed. he here by relinquishes all claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declaring that his name is not inscribed on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed this 18 th June 1833
Henry Coflin
We Joseph  Abelergyman  McClanahan residing in the County of Harrison and Hezekiah Stout residing in the same here by certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Coflin who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 81 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 to and subscribed the day & year afore said

3 And the B d court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation and after putting the interrogatives prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as she states, and the court certifies that it appears to them that Jesse M Chapman who has signed this proceeding certificate is a Clergyman and resides in the County of Harrison and that Hoveyiah Stout who has also signed the same is a resident in the afore said County and is a credable person and that their statements is entitled to credit

1556 Declaration of her husband
I David Davison Clerk of the Court of Harrison County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Coplein for a pension and also that Edmund Stuart is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his is Genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Affixed my Seal of Office and Subscribed my name this 19 th day of June in the year of our Lord 1833. — D. Davison

No 25867
Benjamin Copley Harrison County Virginia
Adm 2 years
$80.
D. Davison 6th Harrison County Virg a Clarksburg

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjamin Coptin Harrison County Virginia
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol 1776 — 6 — private Capt Lowther 81 years at Pitts Fort Virginia Traditionary evidence & two Witnesses - papers correct   Vol. Sprg. 1777 — 6 — " same officer   Vol. Sprg. 1778 — 6 — " same officer   Vol Sprg. 1779 — 6 — " Capt Lowther,   Vol Sprg 1780 — 6 — " same officer,   Vol Sprg 1781 — 6 — " Capt Jackson,   Vol Sprg 1782 — 6 — " Capt Carpenter  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }  On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
□ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
§ [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration. ?

September 18, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS Benjamin Coplin, S.10464
Mrs. Alva Hill Harrisburg Ohio
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information in regard to Benjamin Coplin, a soldier of the Revolutionary War who resided in Harrison County, West Virginia.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 10464, based upon the military service of Benjamin Coplin.
He was born March 28, 1752, in Rockingham County, Virginia, and settled in Harrison County, Virginia, in 1770.
While living at Nutter's Fort, he served for six months each year, commencing in the spring, from 1776 until 1782, as private with the Virginia troops under Captains William Lowther, George Jackson and Christopher Carpenter. He was engaged in guarding the frontier against the Indians and was stationed principally at Nutter's Fort, Powell's Fort and a blockhouse on Elk Creek.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 18, 1833, while living in Harrison County, Virginia.
Benjamin Coplin died in September, 1834.
He had a wife during the Revolutionary War but her name was not given and there are no further data on file relative to the soldier's family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

February 16, 1940
The Quartermaster General Memorial Branch War Department Washington, D. C.
BA-J/AWF Benjamin Coplin S. 10464
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Benjamin Coplin who served from Pennsylvania, and died in 1834, in Bridgeport, Virginia (West Virginia).
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S. 10464, based upon the military service of Benjamin Coplin in the Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Coplin was born March 28, 1752, in Rockingham County, Virginia, and settled in Harrison County, Virginia, in 1770. The names of his parents were not stated.
While living at Nutter's Fort, Benjamin Coplin served six months each year, commencing in the spring, from 1776 until 1782, as a private in the Virginia troops under Captains William Lowther, George Jackson and Christopher Carpenter. He was engaged in guarding the frontier against the Indians and was stationed at Nutter's Fort, Powell's Fort and a blockhouse on Elk Creek.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 18, 1833, then a resident of Harrison County, Virginia (West Virginia).
Reference was made to his wife as living

during the Revolutionary War, her name was not given.
The soldier, Benjamin Coplin, died in the month of September, 1834.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data in regard to family.
The application for headstone for Benjamin Coplin is returned herewith. There was no correspondence enclosed.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rev. & 1812 Wars section.
aw Dec. 18, 1924.
A. H. Davison, 1272 E. Ninth St. Des Moines, Iowa.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the pension claim, S. 10464, it appears that Benjamin Coplin was born March 28, 1752, in Rockingham County, Va. and settled in Harrison County, Va. in 1770.
He served every year from 1776, to 1782, for six months, commencing in the spring, under Captains William Lowther, George Jackson and Christopher Carpenter, on guard duty, principally at Nutter's Fort, Powell's Fort and a blockhouse at Elk Creek, against the Indians.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 18, 1833, while living in Harrison County, Va. He died in September 1834. He referred to his wife, but her name is not stated and there is no further data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Hayes H. Taylor
Acting Commissioner.

THE ALVA HILL GRAIN CO.
METAL CRIBS FENCE POSTS DRAIN TILE CEMENT
SEEDS FLOUR FEED SALT COAL
Harrisburg, Derby , Ohio
Aug 28 - 1934.
Veteran's Administration Washington D. C.
Gentlemen,
I am desirous of information of services rendered by Benjamin Coflin in the Revolution. Also to pension recd by him. May I ask that you mail me any knowledge you have of him? - He resided in Harrison Co West Va.
Sincerely,
Mable C Hill
(Mrs Alva Hill)

A. H. DAVISON
1272 EAST NINTH STREET DES MOINES, IOWA
December 10, 1924.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,
Revo- War Dept, Washington, D.C.
Dear sir;
A Miss. Davisson here desires to use the military record of Benjamin Ceplin of Harrison Co., W.Va. in her application to the D.A.R.
Will you kindly show what the Pension records disclose as to his Revolutionary War record? His name appears in Bulletin No. 4 of the West Va. Sons of the Revolution as a pensioner, possibly his application was not granted.
Thanking you for an early reply, I am,
Yours very truly,

EXPLANATORY LETTER
November, 1924.
During the last eight years of our work upon the compilation of the Davison-Davidson history and genealogy, while we have given the principal part of our time to the work, it has been found convenient and helpful to have a statement of the work, and of its progress, upon our stationery.
As we now approach the end of the work we shall omit many of the particulars heretofore carried on our letters.
Forms for reports are sent to all applicants and to all persons from whom requests for information are made.
The work includes all lines of the name, except the Scandinavian and Hebrew lines, with whom the name has no historical significance.
The Davisons are of Scotch origin—Lowlanders, Anglo Saxons. The Davidsons and Davissons in America generally are of Davison ancestry, and in almost every line the change in name has been made in America. This is generally unknown to the present generation.
If there are any Davidsons of true Highland origin in America, they are few and all came since the Revolutionary War. If there are any such Davidsons , they would be of Celtic origin. There has been a world wide propaganda; "that the Scotch name is Davidson," which may be the cause of the many changes in spelling. As to Americans that is a delusion—in plain English an untruth.
In early times there were no Davidsons in Ulster. In the Hearth Tax lists of 1666 and 1669 but one name was so spelled, and that at Moneymore, the town from which William Davidson who came to Mass. Bay, 1728, is said to have come.
Nearly all the Scotch-Irish lines in America have assumed the Davidson spelling. All are recorded as they spell the name now.
Those who have come from England are generally still Davisons , and in England seem to have come from Scotland in earlier times.
The lines from Scotland direct, which have continued to the present are Daniel Davison , 1630-1693, of Ipswich, Mass., an exile for participating in the Covenanter War of 1650. His family is probably the most numerous of any of the name of his age. His grandson Josiah Davison , 1692-1759, invented, and went about advertising, the Davisson spelling. He made a success of the change, only a few of his descendants have resumed their true name.
William Davison , ..... to 1723, came from Scotland in 1685 with the Campbell, Kerr, Johnston refugees, not exactly exiles, as they had a choice to remain in Scotland and die or go—they went to New Jersey, of today. He resided about one and one-half miles southeast of Tennant Church, Monmouth County, N. J. He has many living descendants, but they are largely in the Eastern states. John Davison Rockefeller descends from his son Robert , a very ardent member of Tennant Church. Some lines of the descendants are not fully recorded in this family.
Alexander Davison who received a patent to land in Charles City, County Virginia, 1683, probably came direct from Scotland. Serious difficulties have been met in finding records of his family in the second American generation. Alexander who died, 1800, in what is now Appomattox County , was probably his grandson. The records of that region are so completely lost, that many of the descending lines may never be located, as such. The family of Alexander Davidson , who settled in Hunterdam County, N. J. , about 1708, are not fully recorded but well toward completion.
Other Scotch individuals who came do not seem to have left descendants.
Nicholas Davison , 1611-1664, who was at Charlestown, Mass. Bay, before 1640, was a son of Nicholas Davison , of Norfolk, England. His family has never been numerous, but has living representatives and is recorded ready for the printer.
The possible records of the Scotch-Irish are nearing completion, but the available data is in many instances very limited. Their settlements, with few exceptions, were made from Pennsylvania south, where few early Vital records exist, and under circumstances that did not favor the keeping of records in the family, and the few kept are often long since lost. What we are getting may aid future family historians to more complete work.
One of these lines, Robert Davison , who settled in Warren County, N. J. , about 1730, has been completed in very satisfactory condition. Others are complete in some branches, or in some generations. With continued co-operation these investigations will be worth while. Alone no one can uncover the buried past in a half dozen generations, it must be a work of united effort.
On account of the general service in the Revolutionary War by the Scotch-Irish, and the patriotic impulses of this people, there is a general effort to complete their lines in order to gain membership in the D. A. R. and the S. A. R. ; incidentally this has been a considerable help in our work—they find us, and we find them more easily; the results have been very helpful and will continue no doubt. Every new lineage recorded adds to the material for the future historian to use. Those desiring our assistance are welcomed to call for it.
Complaints
We have always encountered the difficulties in securing reports of which many genealogists complain, but we have never intended to complain. Those refusing and their descendants will be the sufferers. Repeated applications have been made for family data to very many persons, who have received our requests, with stamped directed return envelope enclosed, and yet have made no reply. In our printed work all these will bear a mark indicating the fact of repeated request, that all readers, and descendants may know who is responsible for the failure to print. These defective records, thus marked will be interpreted in different ways. Many may unjustly say the record is withheld to avoid disclosing a family skeleton, which may not be so in any case, as we ask only for such facts as the descendant will desire to know, all other to be omitted. Other persons may attribute the failure to selfish indifference and laziness; possibly this is often the true explanation.
A few think the compilation is a money making proposition and they do not propose to contribute. Such ignorance of facts is lamentable. The genealogist who realizes ten cents on the dollar of investment is fortunate.
Recently, noticing that a Davisson who held a commission in the Revolutionary war had no male descendants, but several females who were members of the D. A. R. , as a special recognition to the memory of the worthy ancestor, a request was made for outlines of female descent. A postal card request for remuneration was the reply! Holy Moses! Only one person has reported objection on account of belief in the transmigration of souls at death, and hence ancestry a fake. That fellow has inherited the soul of a lobster, no doubt.
A recent letter from one devoted to gathering data of ancestors of the present generation in his county, says, "It would have been far better had some people been born as cattle, hogs or sheep, then if they had any good blood in them at all, they would have been registered, not so with God's people."
If you have no interest in ancestry your educated descendant will have, and when he discovers you were too indifferent, selfish or ignorant to report your line, will have reason for sadness.
When we began these compilations, now nearing completion, few Davisons or Davidsons in America knew four generations of ancestors. Now there are hundreds who have been given their lines into Scotland, England and Ulster. The descendants of Hannah (Tracy) Davison to the early English and French kings. Many to most honorable ancestors, and all to worthy ancestry.
There are a few fools who imagine they are descendants of unworthy ancestors—afraid they will find a hanging! We have yet to find the object of their fears. There has been dense ignorance and illiteracy, but education and training show the blood is virile. If I could promise to connect you up with John Davisson Rockefeller , I could not take care of the reports; his ancestry is good and his money is safe, so far as we can aid.
The forms we mail to all applicants and with each request for data are self-explanatory. The fact that you can furnish but little of what is desired should not cause you to withhold that little, but tell us where we can get further facts, if you know. Seldom do we fail to find what is needed when we have co-operation. While we cannot give a large part of our time to answering questions, yet very many get all they ask and some more; none are ignored.
Pictures
It is desirable that we print the pictures of many of the early members of the family who are ancestors of many and worthy descendants. On request we have received a goodly number of pictures from which we shall make photo-engravings at our expense. If you have such a picture and are willing to pay for the plate, it will be inserted. Those which do not come within this description, in order to get insertion, it will be necessary to pay all expense growing out of the same, including printing, tipping in, and binding. All plates must be suitable for use on highly finished enameled paper.
It is hoped that the receipt of worth-while material may continue as rapidly as we can turn it into copy for several months yet, but when the supply fails, the typing and indexing will be completed for the printer.
Sincerely yours,
A. H. DAVISON, 1272 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, Iowa.

Pearson Department, Washington D. C. Will you give the Pearson record of Major Daniel Davisson, of Harrison Co. Va. Also of Benjamin. Coplin, of Harrison Co. Va., Soldier of the Revolution, 1776, Was Tra. C. Post. Lost Creek. R. H. D. No 2. Box 54, West Virginia, Grand of Mr. Daniel Davisson. Chittenden & N. R.

1911 Aug. 17 Hist. to Mrs. Ira L. Post. V.L.M. 1922, Dec. 12 Hist. to Mrs. J. E. Law, letter in S. 7505 Donna Shinn — En. 1924 Dec. 18. Hist. to A. H. Davison aw. 1934, Sept. 18. Hist. to Mrs. Alva Hill, M.C.S. 1940-Sept 16 Hist. to memo. Bi. copy
Rev. 1924
10464
INVALID.
File No. 10,464
Benjamin Coxplun Priv. Rev. was
Act: June 1832.
Index: — Vol. a , Page 76
[Arrangement of 1870.]

16692
Brug amica bopelan - Pa Harrison city
Indian
Scar or
not color the right

papers Copied & sent to Har. I J Allen H R January 30. 1834

Col. Benjamin Goshen draws $80-
On the 18 th of July 1824. Col. Goshen gave his age and Revolutionary services. in manner following - is in his 83 rd year of age, settled in Harrison County in 1770.
In the year 1776. he was stationed at Pigeon Fort. Harrison Co. Capt. William Smith had the principal command of that Fort. News having reached the Fort that a parcel of Indians were at Middle Island. (western part of Harrison Co.) he among others (about 20 in number) went in pursuit of them - was gone four days. - he remained at Pigeon Fort from 1776. to 1779. there was a settlement in the vicinity of this Fort - the people in the settlement and the Fort. - worked, and, guarded, and fought against the Indians alternately. they took it by turns. whilst some were engaged in clearing land and cultivating same. others were guarding and fighting against the Indians. - in the summer - spring. and fall - whilst the Indians depredations were frequent and repeated. - in such cases. they would be hat off and pursued by the settlers. for one too short for a day at a time. Col. Goshen was frequently out in such pursuits - whilst at Pigeon Fort a council of the settlers was called to determine into consideration the situation of the settlement, and to determine what should be done in the premises - their funds and lead was nearly exhausted. their force greatly diminished. by removal east of the Allegheny. and deaths of the Indians - at the Council it was determined. to send a deputation to Fayette County for aid. Thomas Mather and himself volunteered for that service, found their own horse, paid their own expenses - they went over the Allegheny to safety. and represented their situation to Col. Abraham Shultz. they supplied with ammunition and promised aid - Shortly after their return with the ammunition - a Capt. M c Clay came over from Fayette with a company of men, who were distributed among the different stations. from 8. to 10 of them were left at Pigeon Fort. from which crowded with him Goshen this day -
In the year 1780. he went to where Clarksville now stands - a parcel of the settlers including himself and

to little there. and build cabins - he remained at this place (Clarksville) to the end of the war, and whilst there, the settlers were in a continual state of war from the Indians. they were pretty much in numbers and aided each other - whilst some were working others were guarding and scouting. they all saw the fort of Serra G. Lundy , for which he had frequent tents after the Indians & would be gone for some days at a time - had a lot in the town of the river, and an out lot of some acres, and had the settlement night - Col. Smith was principal man in the settlement. Capt. Jackson was also a sort of principal, - he often calculated his lots but always kept himself in readiness to go against the enemy. and did go when called on.
In 1782. he volunteered to Fort. less men than came from Randolph to Clarksville to adjust their land titles. before their trips over their settling at Clarksville for that purpose - on their way over they were attacked by the Indians and killed - 2 came on and on returned - on the return of the rest. he among others volunteered as before stated to guard them to the Valley from Fort Henry only. was in this service two days . - whilst at the Valley town he saw traces of the Indians that had killed the 2 men above mentioned - reports what he had seen - some men went out in pursuit, overhauled and killed them. but he Espelan was not along.
Later when in the prison of Nathan Goff read in his hearing and acknowledged to be true.
Abby. W. Goff Nov. 21. 1834
This man died in September 1834

State of Virginia Harrison County } To wit.
This day personally appeared before me the under signed justice of the peace in and for said County and State a true William Leasdon age 75 years and made oath that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Copelin the present applicant for a pension that he is well known that the said Benjamin Copelin was a soldier in Powers fort in 1777 and served six months under Capt. William Lowther and in the year of 1778 he was a soldier at Powers Fort and served six months under the said Capt. William Lowther. Attestation Capt. Lowther, sworn to this 15 day of June 1833 William Lowther I do further certify that William Leasdon is a creditable person and his statements is entitled to credit Edward Stewart J.P.
State of Virginia } To wit. Harrison County }
This day personally appeared before me the un- dersigned a justice of the peace in and for said County and State aforesaid Christopher Nutter aged 73 years and made oath that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Copelin the present applicant for a pension. That he was acquainted with him during the war of the revolution that said Copelin was a soldier under Capt. Lowther in the year 1776 and that he served six months as stated in his Declaration that in 1777 he served in Powers Fort under same officer. That in 1778 he served one other tour of six months under same officer That in 1779 one other of six months same fort in 1780 one other tour at a fort on Elk Breck now Clarkburg. In the year 1781 he served one other tour of six months at same place under the command of Capt. George Jackson In the year 1782 he served one other tour at same place under Capt. Christopher Carpenter Deponent further states that he has resided in this country and near the town of Clarkburg since the year 1782, and that he well recollects that the above services was performed under my hand this 17 th June 1833 Christopher Nutter
Edward Stewart J.P. & B

I do certify that Christopher Little is a credible person and his statements is intitled to credit Edward Stewart J.P.