Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 29, Jeremiah H Compton, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Compton, Jeremiah H. No. 29 Elizabeth
Born in N.J.
CONTENTS

5547- Tennessee East.
Jeremiah H. Compton
of Seville Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Robertson of the Regt. commanded by Major Campbell in the "Militia" line for
6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Tennessee at the rate of 20. Dollars " Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11. day of Feb. 1833. and sent to Hon. Mr. D. Arnold, H. of R.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832. 30. 00 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mar. 33. 10. 00
$ 40. 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Francis T. Marcioni Clerk, Book (D) Vol. 9 Page 97-

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of July 1849 and sent to
M c W m  Conner Shoepville Ill s
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848. Page 287 Vol. 3

State of Tennessee } ss. On this 25 th Day of July 1832 Sevier County } Personally appeared in open Court before me Edward Scott one of the Judges of law and Equity for the state of Tennessee and for the Superior Judicial Circuit in the Circuit Court for said County now sitting in Jackson & Compton a residence of said Sevier County in the County of Sevier and state aforesaid aged seventy eight 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 the 7 th of March 1818 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
He lived in Washington County Virginia In the fall of 1780 volunteered under Capt Charles Robertson Lieut James Sutherland and Maj Campbell marched to Salisbury North Carolina and to the Cowan's Creek where we were stationed there to keep the British from crossing at the ford they however found their way across killed Genl. Davies and then had to retreat to Salisbury and to the Athins River where we had a skirmage with the British Maj Campbell commanded then we marched to Guilford North Carolina and to Dan River and there was discharged the discharge is test served three months Can prove that town by Mitchell Porter
Again in Washington County Virginia in the fall of 1781 volunteered under Capt David May and Maj James Smith Marched to York was at the siege of York and helped to take Genl Cornwallis he helped to guard his army to Winchester Barracks served three months this town he has honorably discharged

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
This affidavit sworn to in open Court & the interlineation of the same in the declaration.
July 26 th 1832.
John M c Manus
Jeremiah H is Compton Mark

but has lost his discharge he has no documentary evidence he knows of no person knowing by whom he can prove his actual service excepting the said Nikhill Patter who was with him when he received the first order He hereby relinquishes every claim what ever to a pension or annuity with the present and future that is name is Frederick to all the  the  rolls of the army  any state) the present and future that is known to in open court. his 25 th July 1832. J. M. Wren C. Clk.  James M c Cartan mark
We Ashley Wynn a Justice of the Peace in the County of Dover and State of Tennessee and Mitchell Porter residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jeremiah H. Compton who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he now lives resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that we can see in that opinion and the said Mitchell Porter further saith that the said Jeremiah H. Compton was in actual service as stated in his Declaration as it respects his first tour that he marched with them through his whole route & sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Sworn to in Open Court. July 25 th 1832. Callum Clark Clerk Ashley Wynn Mitchel Porter
And the said Court 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 him that Ashley Wynn who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergymen. resident in the said county of Sevier and that Mitchell Porter who has also signed the same is is a resident in the said County of Sevier and is a credible person and these statements is entitled to credit.
Edm Scott one of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity in and for the State of Tennessee aforesaid
State of Tennessee Sevier County 3 I. P. McWhorter Clerk of the circuit Court of said Sevier County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James H. Compton for a pension and that the slip hereunto attached, and in testimony is the declaration , were sworn to in open Court
Seal Cee
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal having no seal of Office, at office in Sevierville 27 th day of July 1832
J. M. Wearn Clerk
Address James Hair Knoxville Tennessee

Sevier County ss Court of Sevier County do certify that D. H. Vorney whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time it bears date, Clerk of the County Court of Sevier County duly elected and commissioned according to law, and due credit should be given to his Official acts as such, and that this is a correct Record.
Given under my hand and seal this 1 st day of August 1844.
Walter Shuffeldt (Seal) Chairman of the County Court of Sevier County
11246
Elizabeth Complin
Widow of Jeremiah 26
Iron
ad 7 July 1838
M. 1784 d 19 June '44
admitted 40 $20.-
6 mos Very Mitchell and Maj Smith & May Campbell - To commence on 19. 44 the day after her bonds due
Richard Lanning Esq
Agent
Sevierville
Tenn
Richard Lanning Esq Sevierville Tenn

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows,
State of Tennessee ss.
Sevier County ss.
On the fifteenth day of July Eighteen hundred and forty four, personally appeared before the subscriber an acting justice of the Peace for said County Elizabeth Compton a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged about Eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, entitled an "Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Jeremiah H. Compton, who was a soldier in the Virginia Militia in the war of the Revolution that the aforesaid Jeremiah H. Compton drew a pension under the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832, of twenty Dollars per annum for his services, which was granted him on the 11 th day of February 1833. She further declares that she was married to the said Jeremiah H. Compton in Botetourt County Virginia about the year seventeen hundred and eighty four, and that her husband the aforesaid Jeremiah H. Compton died on the 19 th day of June 1844, and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but that the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, to wit, at the time above stated, and still remains his widow. She further states that at the time he entered the service, he resided in Botetourt

County Virginia, and she recollects often to have heard him say that in all he served six months, as a volunteer in the Revolutionary war under Capt. James Smith. — She further declares that at the time the aforesaid pension Certificate was granted him, he resided in Sevier County Tennessee. — And she further declares that she has no documentary evidence by which to make any further proof, and that she has no family record, but declares that she was married to the said Jeremiah H. Compton by a minister of the Gospel who published the marriage three times in the Church before the the marriage took place, according to the Custom of that Country at that time, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written.
Michael A. Rawlings
Justice of the Peace
Elizabeth her X Compton mark
And I further certify that the said Elizabeth Compton is from bodily infirmity and old age unable to attend Court.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 15 th day of July 1844.
Michael A. Rawlings
Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee
Sevier County } I Daniel Layman, a clergyman, residing in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth Compton whose name appears to the foregoing Declaration, and was also well acquainted with Jeremiah H. Compton her husband, and was present when the marriage took place in Botetourt County Virginia, and believe her to be a respectable person of said County, and

that due credit should be given to any statements made by her in the foregoing Declaration, and I further certify that I believe the aforesaid marriage took place about the time stated in the said Declaration, which was about the year 1784.
I sworn to and subscribed before me this 15 th day of July 1844.
Lemuel Bogart Justice of the Peace
Daniel Layman
State of Tennessee Sevier County
August Term 1844. County Court,
ss. The declaration of Elizabeth Compton certified on the 15 th day of July 1844 by Michael A. Rawlings justice of the Peace for said County, being submitted to the Court, the said Court doth approve his proceedings and acts in said case, and hereby direct the Clerk to endorse the approval on the papers.
D. Mullenborn (Seal)
Curtis Mills (Seal)
F S Emert (Seal)
State of Tennessee Sevier County
ss-
J. P. H. Tarn ex Clerk of the County Court
of Sevier County do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings are the original proceedings had and approved of by the County Court of Sevier County at its August Term 1844 relative to the declaration of Elizabeth Compton to obtain the benefit of Acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions. And I further certify that the aforesaid Michael A. Rawlings and also Lemuel Bogart, are and were at the time the foregoing declaration bears date, justices of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned

and qualified according to law, and that the signatures to be theirs are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Office in Sevierville this 5 th day of August 1844.
P. K. Tootney Clerk
I, Wesley H. Huffer, Chairman of the County Court of Sevier County do certify that P. K. Tootney whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time it bears date, Clerk of the County Court of Sevier County duly elected and commissioned according to law, and due credit should be given to his Official acts as such, and that this is a Court of Record.
Given under my hand and seal this 5 th day of August 1844.
Wesley Huffer (Seal) Chairman of the County Court of Sevier County
11246
Elizabeth Compton
Mother of Elizabeth
Jan
act 17 Aug 1838
M. 1784 Aug 19
Adm. 440 $20.
6 mos. 1000
one Smith & May
Campbell - To son
since on 19 th the
day after her death
Richard Tanning Esq.
Agent
Sevierville
Tenn

3062.
Deseriah H. Compton
Admitted
flourish 6. months
20.8 per Annum
Arnold

BRIEF in the case of Jeremiah H. Compton of Seville in the State of Tennessee (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? ✓
3. How old is he? 78 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 1780. — " 3. " private Capt. Robertson and Major Campbell   1781. — " 3. " " Capt. May and Major Smith  
5. In what battles was he engaged? None stated
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Batavia Co. Va.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? One living witness
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Compt
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Francis J. Mancini
Examining Clerk.

The soldier continued to reside in Botetourt County, Virginia, until 1792, then moved to Washington County, North Carolina, which county was later included in the State of Tennessee, lived there eight years, then moved to Sevier County, Tennessee.
Jeremiah H. Compton was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, at which time he resided in Sevier County, Tennessee.
September 26, 1938
J. A. Sharp 302 Kenyon Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee.
BA-J/ILL Jeremiah H. Compton W. 29 am
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Jesse Nichols, who served from Virginia and moved to Tennessee, and Jeremiah Compton who was a pensioner of Sevier County, Tennessee.
A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of the Jesse Nichols cited by you, under any spelling of that surname. The record of Jeremiah H. Compton, the pensioner cited by you, is furnished herein, from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 29, based upon his service in that war.
Jeremiah H. Compton was born in October 1754, in Brunswick County, New Jersey; the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Botetourt County, Virginia, Jeremiah H. Compton volunteered in the fall of 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain Charles Robertson's company under Major Campbell in the Virginia troops; he volunteered again in the fall of 1781, and served in Captain David May's company under Major James Smith, was at the siege of Yorktown and surrender of Lord Cornwallis, after which he guarded prisoners to Winchester Barracks.
The soldier continued to reside in Botetourt County, Virginia, until 1792, then moved to Washington County, North Carolina, which county was later included in the State of Tennessee, lived there eight years, then moved to Sevier County, Tennessee.
Jeremiah H. Compton was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, at which time he resided in Sevier County, Tennessee. He died June 19, 1844, the place not stated.

Jeremiah H. Compton married sometime in 1784, in Botetourt County, Virginia, Elizabeth; the date and place of her birth are not given. They were married by a Minister of the Gospel "who published the marriage in the Church previous to the marriage".
Elizabeth Compton, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed July 15, 1844, at which time she resided in Sevier County, Tennessee. She was aged then about eighty-one years.
No reference was made to children of the above noted soldier and his wife, Elizabeth.
In 1845, Daniel Layman, a clergyman, resided in Sevier County, Tennessee; he stated then that he was present at the marriage of his own sister, Elizabeth, and Jeremiah H. Compton, in Botetourt County, Virginia, also, that he had an older brother who returned from the war in company with said Jeremiah H. Compton; he did not state the name of said brother. In that same year, Ann Jones, of Sevier County, Tennessee, stated that she was present at the marriage of Elizabeth and Jeremiah Compton, and that she had an older brother who returned from the war with said Jeremiah; she did not give the name of her brother, nor state any relationship to Elizabeth Compton, the above noted widow.
In 1848, John S. Compton was a Justice of the Peace for Sevier County, Tennessee. No relationship between him and the soldier's family was stated.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid and ,possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:
Elizabeth Compton, widow of Jeremiah H. Compton, Certificate #3387 Issued January 23, 1849 Rate $20 per annum, commenced March 4, 1848 Act of February 2, 1848 Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

State of Tennessee 3 d On this 11 th day of December 1832 Sevier County 3 d Personally appeared in open Court before Isaac Hedges John Mullendore & John Branson three of the acting Justices of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions now sitting Jeremiah H. Cumpston a resident of the said County and state in the said County of Sevier and state of Tennessee who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following amendment to his declaration (which was made in the Circuit Court in and for said County and state and bears date the 25 th of July 1832 and was numbered in the War Department No 8062 and sent back for amendment) That he is the same Jeremiah H. Cumpston that made the declaration above mentioned He was born in the state of New Jersey he thinks is Brunswick County in October the day of the month not recollecting in the year 1754 as he was informed by his parents He has no record of his age He lived in Rutland County Virginia at the close of the war and continued to live there till about the year 1792 at which time he removed to Washington County state of North Carolina but now Tennessee lived there about eight years at which time he removed to the said Sevier County and has lived there ever since He never was a substitute He never received a a commission He is known in his present neighborhood had to to Mitchell Partee Robert Shields Richard Shields John Prane John Fraz Johnson Adams and William Smallwood all of whom he believes would testify that he is a man of veracity and that they believe him to have been 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 sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid Jeremiah H. Cumpston mark
Sworn to in Open Court This 11 th December 1832
Geo. H. Coombs Clerk

State of Tennessee      I George M c Conn Clerk of the said Sevier County      Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the said County of Sevier and State of Tennessee - do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the amended declara- tion of Jeremiah H Compton, in the case of his pen- sion application, and that the said Court is a Court of Records, and that the above pro- ceedings were had in open Court In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand, and affixed my seal of Office, at Office in Sevier this fourteenth of December in the year of Our Lord 1832.
Geo M c Conn Clerk

John Combs, Prov. of 8. P.M. Run. N.Y. rule.
For what time was he last paid?
Pen. Office
Apr. 12: '37
(R. B.)
3: S. or
Paid to the 11 th March 1834
J.H.

March 19, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. I.E.Compton Gate City Virginia
BA-J/EKL Jeremiah H. Compton-W.29
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Jere or Jeremiah Compton or Gumpton, either of Virginia or Sevier County, Tennessee.
You are furnished herein the record of Jeremiah H. Compton, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.29, based upon his military service in that war.
Jeremiah H. Compton was born in October, 1754, in Brunswick County, New Jersey. No names of parents, brothers or sisters are shown.
While a resident of Botetourt County, Virginia, Jeremiah H. Compton volunteered in the fall of 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain Charles Robertson's Company under Major Campbell in the Virginia troops; he volunteered again in the fall of 1781, served in Captain David May's Company, under Major James Smith, was at the siege of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis, after which he guarded prisoners to Winchester Barracks.
Could not identify officers
In 1782, he moved to Washington County, North Carolina, which county was later included in the state of Tennessee, lived there eight years, then moved to Sevier County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, while residing in said Sevier County.
He died June 19, 1844, place not shown.
The soldier married sometime in 1786, in Botetourt County, Virginia, Elizabeth. The date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown.

Elizabeth, widow of Jeremiah H. Compton, was allowed pension on her application executed July 15, 1844, at which time she was aged about eighty-one years and resided in Sevier County, Tennessee.
There is no reference to children.
I think this was undoubtedly the widow's sister- In 1845, Daniel Layman, of Sevier County, Tennessee, made affidavit that Elizabeth Compton was his sister and that he was present at her marriage to Jeremiah H. Compton. He stated, also, that he had an older brother who returned from the war in company with said Jeremiah. He did not give the name of his brother. In same year, one Ann Jones made affidavit in Sevier County, Tennessee, that she was present at the marriage of Elizabeth Compton to Jeremiah Compton, and that she had an older brother who returned from the war with said Jeremiah. She did not give the name of her brother nor state any relationship to Elizabeth Compton.
In 1848, John S. Compton was a Justice of the Peace for Sevier County, Tennessee. No relationship to the soldier was shown.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Elizabeth, widow of Jeremiah H. Compton(W.29), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Elizabeth Compton, widow of Jeremiah H. Compton Certificate No. 3287 Issued January 23, 1849 Rate, $20 per annum Commenced March 4, 1848 Act of February 2, 1848 Tennessee( Knoxville) Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Aug. 24, 1938 302 Kenyon Av., Knoxville, Tenn.
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs:
I would like to get the Revolutionary War record of Jesse Nichols . He was a private in Capt. John Gregory's Virginia Company, and the date of his enlistment was Nov. 30, 1778, and was living in Halifax County, Virginia in 1790. I think he later moved to Tennessee. His wife's name was Lucy Mann. I do not know the date of his birth or death.
I would also like to get the Revolutionary War record of Jeremiah Compton . I believe he belonged to a Virginia company. He received a pension while living in Sevier County, Tennessee in 1833. I do not know the date of his birth or death or the name of his wife.
Yours very truly,
J. A. Sharp
send one

GATE CITY, VIRGINIA March 4, 1937
The Veterans Administration Bureau Washington, D.C. My dear Sirs:
Would appreciate you giving me all the information on Jere or Jeremiah Compton or Cumpton either of Virginia or Sevier County, Tennessee of his Revolutionary War Services- I understand that he served during the latter part of the War and possibly was pensioned from Sevier County, Tennessee in about 1832 to 1840.
Very anxious to know the name of his parents, his brothers and sisters, and the name of his children if given as well as in what company or companies did he serve and from what county in Virginia he entered the Continental Army.
Thankyou for the favor,
Sincerely yours,
I.E. Compton I.E. COMPTON

1937-Mar 19 - Hist to J. E. Compton. 82
1938-Sept. 26 - Hist. to J. A. Shuf. J.L.L.
29
WIDOW, &c. ©
Rev
File No.
29
Elizabeth Compton
Widow of.
Jeremiah H.
Briv. Rev. War
Act:
Feb. 2 nd 18 48
Index:—Vol.
1
Page
141
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Sevier 6 H L Nov 25
on note get No 10
Paid 10
Dec 6 1875
Miss. Campbell
Re Jan 3
J. L. Edwards
Commencement of Pensions Washington City

Severville Ten. 20 th Nov. 1845.
Sir
Enclosed you have Mrs Compton Claim for a pension—
Yours Respectfully Richard Lanning

11266
Elizabeth Compton
Tex
see let: to R? Lanning Oct: 26. 44 " to same June 12. 45
act 7 July 1838

Swanville Ten
8 th April 1843
Dear Sir
You have enclosed Mrs Compton's Claim for a pension renewed under the Act of June 17 th 1844 - which I hope will prove satisfactory - I have written for other proof but find it is not attainable.
I am with respect Your obed. Serv t . Richard Lanning

May 29, 1845-
Oldale to me
Dr. Compton,
Yrs.
J. K. Schwartz Esq. Washington City Pa
D. H.
Received of J. K. Schwartz Esq. the sum of one hundred and twenty five dollars for rent of house No. 1214 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington D.C. May 29, 1845

Sevenville Jan 15 th August 84
Sir -
In the case of Elizabeth Compton, you have enclosed the certificates of two very respectable persons which it is hoped will be satisfactory -
Yours very Respectfully J. Richard Lanning
Elizabeth Compton
Rev. Professor James P. Carr Jan 15 1884

Sevierville Tenn Nov 13 th 1848.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
enclosed I send the declaration of Mrs Elizabeth Coompton to obtain a pension which you will please examine at as early a day as possible
yours respectfully
M. W. McLean

Jeremiah H. Compton
The previous application of Jeremiah H. Compton is amended in each particular in which it was considered deficient by the War Department
James Hair

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jeremiah H. Compton, 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? 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? has no device, private seal.

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?
has the testimony of one witness as to his first tour.
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?
certified to be credible by the court.
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? it does.
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no, †
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
The 1 st , 2 d , 3 d in part, and 7 th not answered;
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.
† 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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ 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 be sent with the papers. —————

Sauersville 6 th August 1844.
Dear Sir —
You have enclosed two pension claims for examination — With due regard I submit them to your consideration —
Yours with respect — Richard Lanning

Tennessee
Letter to R. Lanning. 24. Dec. 1845
Elizabeth Compton, widow of Jeremiah H. Compton, who was a private, in the Virginia line.
Reps 30
Inscribed on the Roll, at the rate of 20 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1844. 19th: June, 1844.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 d day of October, 1845, and sent to Richard Lanning, Sevierville, W. Tennessee.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book D.
Vol. 1 — Page 343 —

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 17 th June 1844, granting pensions to the widows of Certain Revolutionary Soldiers.
State of Tennessee ss.
Sevier County 3 On the third day of April Eighteen hundred and forty five, personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace for said County Elizabeth Compton a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged Eighty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed the 17 th of June 1844, entitled an Act granting pensions to the widows of Certain Revolutionary Soldiers. That she is the widow of Jeremiah H. Compton who was a private soldier of the Virginia Militia in the War of the Revolution, and that he entered the service a volunteer in Botetourt County Virginia, but does not now recollect the services performed in the Army by her husband, the aforesaid Jeremiah H. Compton, but has often heard him say that he served six months in all as a volunteer in Capt. James Smith's Company. And she further states he was placed on the pension Roll, under the Act of Congress of 7 th June 1832, and was allowed twenty Dollars per annum, on his own declaration and accompanying evidence, and that when the above allowance was granted he resided in Sevier County Tennessee. And she further declares that she was married to the said Jeremiah H. Compton in Botetourt County Virginia, about the year 1784, that her husband the aforesaid Jeremiah H. Compton died on the 19 th of June 1844, and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the first of January sixteen hundred and ninety four- Vj at the time above stated - and still remains his widow - And she further declares that she has no documentary evidence, nor family record to establish the marriage, but that she was married by a minister of the Gospel, who published the marriage in the Church previous to the marriage according to the custom of that country at that time, - And she further states she is informed by her attorney, that he received a letter from the Department in reply to her former

declaration, under the act of July 7 th 1838, stating, that her claim is barred by the act of 30 th April last and that her claim under the act of 3 rd March 1843, is barred also, by the above law, &c. She therefore brings her claim under the act of 17 th June 1844, —
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year above written. M. A. Rawlings Justice of the Peace. Elizabeth H Compton her mark
Justice of the Peace —
And I further certify that Elizabeth Compton is from bodily infirmity and old age unable to attend court —
Given under my hand and seal this 3 rd day of April 1845. M. A. Rawlings Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee Sevier County appeared Personally before me Samuel Bogart a justice of the Peace for said County Daniel Layman and made oath in due form of law that he has been well acquainted with Jeremiah H Compton and Elizabeth Compton (mentioned in the foregoing declaration) and does recollect to have been present when they were married in Rutherford County Virginia and do believe it was about the year 1782 as stated by her in her declaration, first because I remember to have been my elder Brother and the said Jeremiah H Compton returning from the Army about the close of the Revolutionary war, about a year before the marriage took place, and secondly, she being my own Sister and having all lived together in the same family, and do know, that from the circumstances of being married myself in the year 1797, which was about twelve years after her marriage, there being about that much difference in our ages, by which means I am very confident the marriage of the said Jeremiah H Compton and Elizabeth Compton took place at some period previous to the first of January 1794 and that they have lived together ever since until his death, which occurred on the 19 th of June 1844 and still remains his widow —
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4 th day of April 1845. Samuel Bogart Justice of the Peace. Daniel Layman

State of Tennessee Sevier County 3 I Samuel Bogart a justice of the Peace for said county, do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Daniel Layman whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit and believe him to be a respectable citizen of said county and a gentleman of undoubted veracity
Given under my hand and seal this 4 th day of April 1845
Samuel Bogart (seal)
Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee Sevier County 3 April Term 1845 County Court The declaration of Elizabeth Compton certified on the 3 rd and 4 th days of April 1845 by M. A. Rawlings and Samuel Bogart justices of the Peace for said county, being submitted to the court, the said court doth approve their proceedings and acts in said case and hereby direct the Clerk to endorse the approval on the papers.
A. J. Burnett (seal)
J. S. Emert (seal)
Curtis Mills (seal)
State of Tennessee 3 Sevier County 3 I P. N. Tormey Clerk of the County Court of Sevier County do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings are the original proceedings had and approved of by the County Court of Sevier County at its April Term 1845 relative to the declaration of Elizabeth Compton to obtain the benefits of the Acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions. And I further certify, that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid M. A. Rawlings and Samuel Bogart, who are and were acting justices of the Peace at the time the foregoing declaration and certificates bear date, duly commissioned and qualified according to law in and for said county and that due credit should be given to their official acts as such. And that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

and affixed my seal of Office at Office in Sevierville this 7 th day of April 1845
P. M. Denny Clerk D. Co. Tenn.
96 Mid. March April 3 1845
Mr. Denny Sevierville Tenn.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Resolution of Congress of the 23 rd January 1845.
State of Tennessee ss Sevier County } Whereas the Act of the 30 th April 1844, prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner. I now make the following statements under oath to obtain the benefit of the Resolution above mentioned.
I am the widow of Jeremiah H. Compton who was a private in the Virginia Militia in the War of the Revolution. I have drawn a pension at the rate of twenty Dollars per annum, from the 19 th day of June 1844, to the 4 th day of September 1845, and now ask for the amount due me from the 10 th day of March 1836, to the 4 th day of March 1841.
Sworn to and Subscribed before me } Elizabeth Compton. mark
On the 18 th day of November 1845 } M. A. Rawlings Seal Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that the Claimant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing Affidavit. Given under my hand this 18 th day of November 1845
M. A. Rawlings Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee Sevier County } I, P. H. Toomy Clerk of the County Court of Sevier County, do hereby certify that M. A. Rawlings who has signed the foregoing is a Justice of the Peace for and in the County of Sevier and State Tennessee, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Office in Sevierville this 18 th day of November 1845.
P. H. Toomy Clerk of Sevier County

State of Tennessee Sevier County } 58
On this 10 th day of November 1848 personally appeared before me John S. Compton a justice of the peace for said county of Sevier in the State of Tennessee, Elizabeth Compton a resident of said county of Sevier aged about eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2 nd February 1848. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Jeremiah H Compton who was a private in the army of the Revolution that she does not recollect to what Regiment he belonged, and that she received a pension of Twenty Dollars per annum under the acts of Congress of 3 rd March 1843 and 17 th June 1844
She further declares that she is still a widow Sworn & Subscribed to before me on the day and year above written John S. Compton (Seal) Justice of the peace her Elizabeth X Compton marks
I John S Compton a justice of the peace for Sevier County do hereby certify that Elizabeth Compton who made the above declarations is personally known to me and has been for many years
Given under my hand and seal this 10 th day of November 1848
John S. Compton (Seal) Justice of the peace for Sevier County.

State of Tennessee Sevier County } I, W. S. J. Ford Clerk of the County Court of Said County of Sevier do hereby certify that John H. Compton whose name appears to the foregoing declaration and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace for Said County duly commissioned and sworn that his signature is in his own proper handwriting and that due faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such
Given under my hand and seal of office at office in Sevierville this 13 th day of November. 1848.
W. S. J. Ford Clerk By M. W. McCorom Clerk

State of Tennessee
Sevier County } Personally appeared before me M A Rawlings a justice of the Peace for said County Daniel Layman, and made Oath in due form of law That he has been personally acquainted with Elizabeth Compton widow of Jeremiah H. Compton, does recollect well to have seen them married, in Bathurst County Virginia, and does believe that the marriage took place some time in the year 1784, for this reason, that I recollect well to have seen my elder Brother and Jeremiah H. Compton returning from the Army of the Revolutionary War soon after its close, and as well as I now recollect, they were married in the next year after the close of the said War and that they have lived together ever since as husband and wife until the death of the said Jeremiah H. Compton, which took place the 19 th June 1844, and that she still remains a widow.
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 8 th day of August 1845 M A Rawlings Justice of the peace Daniel Layman
State of Tennessee
I M A Rawlings a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Sevier, do hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Daniel Layman for several years and believe him to be a respectable citizen of said County and a gentleman of undoubted veracity.
Given under my hand and seal this 8 th day of August 1845
M. A. Rawlings (seal) Justice of the peace.

State of Tennessee
Sevier County } Personally appeared before me William M Bryan a justice of the Peace in and for said County Ann Jones and made oath in due form of law that she has been personally acquainted with Elizabeth Compton widow of Jeremiah H. Compton and does recollect well to have seen them married in Botetourt County Virginia, and does believe the marriage took place in the year 1784 first, because it was soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, and secondly because she remembers well to have seen one of her brothers returning from the said war in company with the said Jeremiah H. Compton, which she believes according to her best re- collection was only a few months before they were married, and she further deposes that they have lived together as husband and wife ever since until the death of the said Jeremiah H. Compton and that she still remains a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 13 th day of August 1845. }
W m M Bryan
Justice of the peace for said county
Ann Jones
State of Tennessee
I William M Bryan a justice of the Peace in and for the county of Sevier and the aforesaid, do certify that I am personally acquainted with Ann Jones whose signature appears to the above affidavit and believe her to be a respectable person and a lady, whose veracity is not doubted.
Given under my hand and seal this 13 th day of August 1845.
W m M Bryan Deaf Justice of the peace for said county

State of Tennessee Sevier County } S.S.
I P. M. Toomey, Clerk of the county court of said county, do hereby certify that M. A. Rawlings and Wm. M. Bryan, whose signatures are affixed to the foregoing certificates are and were at the times of signing said certificates justices of the Peace in and for the county of Sevier, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, that their signatures are genuine, and that due faith and credit are due all their official acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, at office in Sevierville, the 16 th day of August 1845.
P. M. Toomey, Clerk of Sevier county court.