Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30,336, Josiah Collins, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Collins, Josiah
S. 30,336
CONTENTS

19388 Kentucky
1884 Mch 31 - L C Draf - Military
History
1888
Nov 24 - du
du
Prut
Isiah Collins of Bath Co in the State of Kent
who was a pr in the Co command
by Captain Dillard of the reg command
by Col Bowman in the Ky u
line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Kent
at the rate of $ 0 Dollars Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of Sept 1837 and Belward L Peters Owingsville
Arrears to the 4th of March 160.00
Pemi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 40 u
$200
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 6

(12) State of Kentucky County of Bath } ss.
On this 13 th — day of May. 1833 personally appeared in open court before the worshipful Justices of the County Court of Bath County now sitting, Josiah Collins a resident of the County of Bath and State of Kentucky, aged seventy six 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 herein stated (Cont.) + About the last of February or the first of March in the year 1778 on my way to Kentucky from the State of Virginia and County of Halifax, the county and State in which I was raised, and resided until that time. I enlisted in Captain Dillard's Company, the said Captain and company being on their their way to Kentucky as well as myself, I marched thither with them and we arrived at Boonsborough Ky. on the 26 th day of March 1778. We found upon our arrival at that place a party of poor desolate and distressed people, without provisions almost, and with very little clothing, and what added most to their distress was, their exposure to constant alarm from the Indians who were very troublesome; We had our meat to procure from the forest always in great danger of losing our lives — After I had served under Captain Dillard three months (the length of time for which I enlisted) I again enlisted; but under a different officer who was Captain Warrod. Stationed at Warrodsburgh, and was kept in constant service against the Indians either with the scouting parties — or with hunting parties to procure meat, and food for the garrisons. I was thus employed attending to no business but that of a soldier — On the 15 th day of October 1778. Captain Warrod called out his company, and

(22) requested that fifteen of his men should volunteer and march with him at their head to the Salt works on the Mississippi River in the Spanish settlement on said river to procure salt for the use of our own and the other Garrisons. An article very much needed, as we had not had any from the time we arrived in Kentucky until our return with the salt; it was considered by all to be an enterprize as dangerous as laborious. And hence it was that the Captain preferred that those who went should volunteer. I volunteered and we marched to the Falls of the Ohio river, descended said river to its mouth in a boat, and ascended the Mississippi to the salt works on the Spanish side as it was called, where we were detained for a considerable length of time; but finally succeeded in getting a load of salt and returned with it to the garrison at the falls of the Ohio a short time before Christmas, in performing that enterprize we were informed by two Frenchmen, that a party of four hundred Indians lay in ambush at the mouth of the Tennessee river for the purpose of taking us on our return. We only escaped them by taking the opposite shore, and commanding silence of every one.
I remained at the falls until the river was cleared of ice, which was in February 1778. Making about one year or nearly so, which time I was in actual service as a Soldier, in February 1778. Captain Holder came from Boonesborough for the salt with a small party of men. I returned to Boonesborough with them, and assisted in taking the salt in a boat which was designed for that place, and arrived at Boonesborough about the first of March 1778. On my arrival there I immediately went to Harrodsburgh, and remained under the command of Captain Harrod, under whom I had enlisted, until the 15 th of April 1778. On that day I marched under Lieutenant Patterson, who commanded 25 men, to the place where Lexington Ky. now stands, and there built a block-house for our safety - We remained there without any molestation until

(3) after we had planted our Corn, the Indians not having discerned us. we first built the Block-house at the place before named and then planted some Corn, and about the latter part of May 1779. Colonel John Bowman raised a company of two hundred and sixty four men for an expedition against the Shawanese Indians at old Chillicothe, as they were very troublesome, and had annoyed greatly the different garrisons. This expedition was undertaken by men who volunteered for the express purpose. I volunteered for that expedition under Captain Holder, who was Captain under the Command of Colonel Bowman. On a Friday morning we left the Ohio river and on the Sunday morning following about the break of day we entered Chillicothe, whereupon a battle ensued, we fought the Indians until nine or ten o'clock in the morning, and got possession of a part of the town. a negro woman at length came out and informed us or rather our officers, that runners had been dispatched to Piqua for one Simon Girty a white man, who had gone to the Indians, lived with them and assisted them in their wars. to reinforce them with a strong party of Indians - Upon that information Colonel Bowman immediately ordered a retreat, as our situation was very dangerous, the town being on one side and a skirt of woods on the other. We therefore left the town but about 1 o'clock of the same day the Indians overtook us. and attacked us, we formed and a general engagement ensued, which continued about one hour, the general firing then for a time ceased. at intervals however the firing was heard, and continued in this way until a short time before sun down, when we made a violent attack on them, forced their ranks and compelled them to retreat, we could not pursue them and formed to retrace our steps homeward, in this action we lost nine men killed, and four men were wounded - We got two scalps. Upon my return from that expedition, I continued in the

4 Service Stationed at the block-house we had built for the defence of the frontiers until about the 1 st of August 1779. I then obtained leave of my officers to visit my father in the State of Virginia. I had then been in the service of my country in the midst of danger and deprivation for the space of seventeen months. I went to Virginia and about the 1 st of April 1780. I again returned to the block-house where Lexington now stands - and again enlisted under the above named Patterson, who had in my absence been promoted to the rank of Captain - during the ensuing winter Captain Patterson was again promoted to the rank of Colonel, and one William McConnel was appointed Captain in his place, during the Spring and Summer of 1780. The Indians committed a great many depredations, and outrages in every part of the country. about the 1 st of August 1780. General Clark commenced an expedition from Kentucky against the Indians at Peoria - I was not in that expedition because, myself and one Thornton Farroo, had been sent on express from Lexington to Colonel Bowman on the south side of the Kentucky River by Colonel Todd. we crossed the river in the morning, went to Colonel Bowman, done our business, and got as far back on our return as the river aforesaid, we were there met by a party of Indians, and pursued by them to McCarie's Station, we were enabled to make our escape, being on horseback, but they lay in ambush around the station though, and killed one man who had gone out of the fort to a spring near it. we were detained there for two days on account of the Indians, and in our absence the officers in the Garrison at Lexington had made a draft, and of course I was not drafted; but was left to guard the garrison procure provisions for the women, children, invalids &c. at the sustaining the only means by which it could be done. at the close of that expedition we had peace for one or two months. that is to say they committed no depredations for that length of time at Lexington but I was sent out to guard more exposed points, and in that way was still kept in

Continual service, and at Bryan's station in September 1780. where I had been sent to guard that fort for two weeks I lay on the ground with scarcely any clothing and no food but roasting ears. Some time in October 1780. Colonel Daniel Boone and his brother Edward Boone, went out to hunt, the Indians killed Edward Boone and gave the Colonel chase, but he made his escape, and arrived at the station safe. he reported what had happened, and a party of men (of whom I was one) were immediately ordered out under Colonel Boone to make search for his brother Edward, and to punish or give the Indians battle, we found Edward Boone dead, we buried him, and followed on after the Indians nearly to the Ohio river without being able to overtake them, we then concluded they had too far the start of us so we returned. I was not engaged in any particular expedition during that winter but I was kept still as a soldier to guard the garrison hunt for the benefit of it, and did not attend to any other business than that of a soldier, and had no other employments. than that of a soldier, On the morning of the 1 st of March 1781. a party of Indians made their appearance and attacked McConnel's fort, which was situated one mile from Lexington, they wounded one man and disappeared. Colonel Todd started Alexander McConnel and myself an express to inform Colonel Boone that the Indians were in the neighbourhood we performed our duty and returned to Lexington that night, on that day the Indians killed a man named John Mymer near the Lexington fort. and Henry McDannold killed the Indian while he was scalping Mymer. Our Country was in a state of continual alarm and danger. and I was kept at all time ready to serve her in any way that she needed my feeble assistance

(62) and the calls indeed were frequent either to go on scouting parties, or to the assistance of some weak point on the frontier, and in that way I was engaged till the Spring of 1782. When I was called on to go to the falls of the Ohio to assist in repairing the fort there, as a party of Indians and Canadians were expected there, from there I again returned to Lexington, and continued in in the service there. On the 17 th day of August 1782. a party of about 500 Indians commanded by Simon Girty came to Bryan's station, 5 or 6 Indians fired on two white men in the cane, but did no injury, whereupon an express immediately came to Lexington for assistance. We had but very few men at that time in the fort as a greater part of them had been sent out to bury the men who had been killed at Holder's defeat on Fleming creek, Colonel Todd and Captain McLean however, took the men who were left and went to Bryan's station. I was one of the number, and was on foot part of the company being on foot and part on horse back Colo: Todd commanded the fort and Capt. McLean the horse. On our approach to the fort all was silent, the Indians having killed the cattle belonging to the fort, were hid in the cane roasting and eating beef, we approached the horse in front, the Indians rose up out of the cane attacked the horse, and drove part of them back, a part of them succeeded in getting in the fort  were drove back , and with the footmen were compelled to retreat, on that retreat two men were killed and two were wounded; this happened on a Friday. immediately Colo: Levi Todd sent an express to his brother John Todd, then at Colo: Trigg's on the South side of the Kentucky river, on Saturday Colo: Todd & Colo: Trigg arrived with a company of men, and the next morning set out with what force they had in pursuit of the Indians, on Monday morning they came up with the Indians at the lower Blue Licks where a battle ensued, the melancholy

(7) result of which is never to be forgotten. besides many other brave patriots Colo: John Traas and Colo: Trigg lost their lives thus in misfortune terminated that memorable battle. I continued still as a soldier on duty and on the first day of November 1782 I volunteered in Capt: McConnel's Company, who was under Colo: General George Rogers Clark, to march with said Clark's regular troops, and who wanted able stout bodied men volunteers to go with him in a campaign to destroy the Shawanese towns on the Miami river, in that expedition we took eight prisoners, a few scalps, and destroyed five towns Capt: McConnel was wounded, we then retraced our steps homeward, and on our way Capt: McConnel died and we buried him in the honors of war on the North West bank of the Ohio river and on the last day of November 1782. I returned home thus terminated the term of my service as a soldier after during which time I served in no other capacity but that of a common soldier, and the length of time I served was at least four years, and according to my calculation in which I think I am not mistaken, I served four years and one month exactly. of the fact of my service I have no documentary evidence, I have either lost or mislaid my discharge so that I cannot find it, and I have not it in my power therefore to produce any documentary evidence of my service, but I can prove a part of my service, that is from June 1778 till August 1779. by Daniel Traas, whose deposition is herewith forwarded I can prove at least two years service by Moses Nelson who served in the same company with me in the Bowman's campaign in 1779. whose deposition is herewith forwarded, he being very sick and infirm and unable to travel - and I can prove my service as a soldier

of the United States by William John Kersey aged 69 years who performs my services from the 1 st of September 1780 till the last of November 1780. who served in the same company with me from the 1 st of September 1780 till the last of November 1780.
Interrogatories propounded to Tobias Collins & his answers—
1 st . Where and in what year were you born
Answer } I was born in Halifax County state of Virginia on the 1 st day of May in the year 1757.
2 nd } Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Answer } I have a record of my age, which I made myself from my knowledge of my age as my parents told me—
3 rd } Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you live now.
Answer } I was on my way to Kentucky from Halifax County state of Virginia when I was called into service, on Clinch River I enlisted, I have lived in Kentucky ever since the revolutionary war and live at this time in Bath County state of Ky. where I have lived for many years—
4 th } How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom.
Answer } I first enlisted for three months under Capt. Dillard, and was a volunteer always when in service.
5 th } 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.
Answer } I first enlisted under Capt. Dillard, then under Capt. Barron at Warrenton, I knew Benjamin

Logan, Colo: Richard Kealway, Colo: John Todd, Colo: Levi Todd, Colo: Daniel Brown, M c Gary, and many others, Capt Tholder, Colo: Bowman, General George Rogers Clarke etc. The continental Regiments were not known to me, as they were not near me and the militia were such as I have described in my statement above. Some of the most general circumstances are, the battle at Chillicothe in 1778. the battle of the Blue Licks the attack on Bryan's station a few days before the battle of the Blue Licks, the destruction of the Shawanup towns on the Miami River etc. for further circumstances I refer to my statement
6 th Did you receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it
Answer I received one discharge from James Myrie in 1778 who was an officer under Capt Tholder, but I entered the service again soon after that that discharge I have either lost or mislaid so that I can't find it, and I have no recollection of receiving a discharge after I entered the service the second time, if I did I have lost that one also or mislaid it so that I can't get it.
7 th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution —
Answer Colo: James M c Alhenney, William Boyd Thomas Young, John Vice Andrew Lyman etc.

I do not know of any other persons by whom I can serve my services except the persons I have named.
We the said Josiah Collins 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 the day and Year aforesaid.
Josiah Collins
State of Kentucky County of Bath } ss.
I John Sneyd residing in the County of Nicholas and State of Kentucky aged sixty nine years do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Josiah Collins who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that I have known him the said Josiah Collins ever since I can remember any thing almost, that is to say I knew him when I was a boy. He a man grown, we both lived then in Halifax County State of Virginia. I believe him to be seventy six years of age. I further certify that in the year 1780. I volunteered as a soldier in Capt. Patterson's company , stationed at Lexington Ky. that the said Josiah Collins was then a soldier in said Patterson's company, I remained in the same company, although Patterson was promoted and Mcleod was appointed in his place, yet it was the same company, and I remained in said company together with the said Josiah Collins from the 1 st of September 1780. until the last of November 1780. I know he therefore was in the service of the United States during that time, and that he who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration is

(11)
The very same Esiah Collins, with whom I then lived and knew. I have lived in an adjoining county to the said Collins, and have kept up my acquaintance with him ever since I have lived in the state of Kentucky which is thirty  fifty or upwards years, that . I have lived in an adjoining county to him having resided and still resides in the County of Bath and I in the County of Nicholas, I have resided in the state ever since 1780. and he was here when I came, and I served in different expeditions with him, during the time I have spoken, but too many to be here particularly set forth. I further certify that the said Esiah Collins is a man of good character, and is a credible person sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid his William H Kersey Mark
Bath County Kentucky ss.
Mr Andrew Lyman - a clergyman Residing in the County of Bath and William Boyd residing in the same hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Esiah Collins who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be twenty six 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 Andrew Lyman his William H Boyd Mark
And the said Court does hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and

served as he states, and the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Kersey who has sworn to and subscribed a certificate proving the revolutionary services of the said Susan Collins, resides in the County of Nicholas, is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit, and the Court further certifies that it also appears to them that Andrew Dymam who has signed the certificate next preceding this is a clergyman resident in the County of Bath, and that William Boyd who has signed the same is a resident in the County of Bath and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
Given under our hands and seals as Justices of the Peace for Bath County this 13 th May - 1833
Allan Girdler J.P.B. (Seal) Jacob Goforth J.P.B. (Seal) Spencer Boyd J.P.B. (Seal)
State of Kentucky Bath County 3 d set.
I William M. Sudduth Clerk of the Bath County Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Susan Collins for a pension -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 14 th day of May
1833
W M Sudduth C.B.C. By Lewis E. Sudduth De

No 25675.
Josiah Collins Bath County Kentucky
from 1778 private @ yr $80.
Belvard I. Petus Owingsville Kentucky

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 Josiah Collins Bath County Kentucky
   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.     Enlist Mar. 1778 — 3 — Private Capt Dillard, Col Bowman 76 years Halifax County Virginia Traditional evidence & three Witnesses, certified credible - papers correctly attached and duly authenticated.   Enlist " 1780 1 5 — " Capt Hanes, Col. Todd   Enlist apl. 1780 " Capt Patterson, Col. Clark Col Boon,  
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) _____ 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 enquiry 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 place 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 affix 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.
[k] 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.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

November 2, 1937.
Mrs. P. O. Rogers 6 Vine Street Villa Grove, Illinois.
RA-5/ILL Josiah Collins S. 30336
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information regarding Thomas Biggs, who served in Captain Smith Snead's Virginia Company, 1776-1778, and Josiah Collins who served in Captain James Harrod's company at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in 1778, and was probably in the battle of King's Mountain.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of any Thomas Biggs or Beggs. The record of Josiah Collins is given herein as found in his claim for pension, S. 30336, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Josiah Collins was born May 2, 1757, in Halifax County, Virginia, and resided there until the winter of 1778, when he started for Kentucky; the names of his parents are not shown.
In February or March 1778, while on his way to Kentucky, on the Clinch River, he enlisted in Captain Dillard's company and marched to Boonesborough, this service three months. Between the time he reached Boonesborough and November 20, 1782, he served at different times in each year as a private under Lieutenant Patterson, Captains Harrod, Holder and McConnel, Colonels John Bowman and Daniel Boone; during these years, he went to the Salt Works on the Mississippi River, assisted in erecting a blockhouse on the present site of Lexington, Kentucky, was in the battle at Old Chillicothe, guarded the fort at Bryan's Station against the Indians, was in the battle of Blue Licks, and assisted in destroying the five Indian towns on the Miami River, commanded by General George Rogers Clark. He was one of the party to go in pursuit of the Indians who killed Edward Boone (Colonel Daniel Boone's brother), and assisted in burying him. His entire service amounted to at least two years. He made no

reference to the battle of King's Mountain.
Josiah Collins continued to reside in the vicinity of Bath County, Kentucky, after the Revolutionary War.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 13, 1833, at which time he resided in Bath County, Kentucky. The soldier made no reference to wife or children.
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 write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following:
Josiah Collins Certificate #19388 Issued September 3, 1833 Rate $80 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832. Kentucky Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

State of Kentucky Bath County set.
Personally appeared before me William O'Bylie one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace in and for said County of Bath. Daniel Trabue a resident of the town Columbia, Adair County and State of Kentucky aged seventy three years and made oath that he was acquainted with Esaias Collins as early as June 1778. and that he knew the said Esaias Collins then as a soldier, doing duty as such, that he marched to the falls of the Ohio river under the command of Colonel George Rogers Clark, that he the said Daniel Trabue knew the said Esaias Collins in the service as a soldier from June 1778. till August 1779. that he the said Daniel Trabue was Esaias' Commissary and recollects to have issued provisions to said Esaias Collins as a soldier. and that he recollects to have seen the said Esaias Collins at different times and places in the service till August 1779. that he knows the said Esaias Collins, that he is now present with him and that he is the same Esaias Collins he knew many years ago in the service, and of whom he has just above spoken, and that he knows that the said Esaias Collins now resides in the County of Bath and State of Kentucky. April 29 th 1838. April the 29 th 1838.
Daniel Trabue

State of Kentucky Bath County set.
I William O'Nyle one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Bath aforesaid as hereby certify that on the above date Daniel Trabue personally appeared before me and made oath that the statement contained in the foregoing affidavit is correct and that the said Daniel Trabue subscribed his name to the same in my presence, and I hereby further state that the forementioned Daniel Trabue is a man of good character and a credible witness so far as I know or believe - Given under my hand this 29th of April 1833. William O. Nyle a Justice of the Peace for Bath County
State of Kentucky } set Bath County }
I William M. Ludan the Clerk of the Court for Bath County do certify that William O. Nyle whose signature appears to the above Certificate is and was at the time of doing the same one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Bath and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such, and that the same is his genuine signature &c
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Owingsville this 14 th day of May 1833 & in the 41 st year of the Commonwealth. W. M. Ludan the Clerk By Lewis E. Dura an att.

State of Kentucky Bath County set.
Personally appeared before me James Morgan one of the Justices of the Peace for said County, Moses Nelson, residents in the County and State aforesaid, aged seventy five years, and made oath that he became acquainted with Josiah Collins who, (as he is informed is about to apply for a Pension) at the place where Lexington in Kentucky now stands, in the year 1779. that the said Josiah Collins was then a soldier in Captain Hobson's Company, and that he knew him to be in the service of the United States a soldier and went with him in the same company under Captain Hobson, and served with him on Bowman's Campaign in the year 1779. and that the said Josiah Collins continued in the service of the United States as a soldier for at least the space of two years to his the said Nelson's own knowledge and that the said Josiah Collins had no other employment during that time, but that of a soldier or of hunting for the support and benefit of the different Garrisons in the country, which was also a part of the duties of a soldier. that he has known the said Josiah Collins ever since the year 1779. that he has resided in the same County with the said Josiah Collins for many years past and knows him to be the same man he has spoken of in his statement above, and that he is now present with him, and is the same Josiah Collins he knew in 1779. and that he now resides in the County of Bath and State of Kentucky. May the 3 rd 1833. Moses Nelson his mark
State of Kentucky Bath County set
I James Morgan one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Bath do hereby certify that on the 3 rd day of May 1833

Moses Nelson appeared before me, and made oath that the statement contained in the foregoing affidavit is correct and true, and that the said Moses Nelson subscribed to the same in my presence, and that the forementioned Moses Nelson is a man of good character and is a credible Witness - Given under my hand as a Justice of the Peace for said County this 3rd day of May 1833.
James Morgan
A justice of the peace for Bath County
State of Kentucky Bath County } ss I James Morgan one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace for the County of Bath in addition to my preceding certificate I do hereby certify that the forementioned Moses Nelson who also has signed and swore to the foregoing deposition is very old and infirm and is unable to appear in open court and is at this time and was on the day he swore to and subscribed the foregoing deposition confined to his bed from disease and old age.
James Morgan
A Justice of the peace for Bath County

State of Kentucky } Set Bath County }
I William M. Sudduth Clerk of the Bath County Court do Certify that James Morgan whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of doing the same one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that full faith, credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such as held in Courts of record as elsewhere in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Owingsville this 14 th day of May 1833 in the 41 st year of the Commonwealth
At W. M. Sudduth B.C. By Lewis E. Sudduth B.C.

Jonah Collins
25075

30 336 Recy INVALID.
File No. 30 336
Josiah Collins Rev War
Act: June 1 st 82 nd
Index: —Vol. 2 , Page 82
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1901 Oct. 11. Merck to Mrs. J. S. Simmons. aw 1924 Feb. 21. " " Edgar R. Harlan awf. 1924 Sept. 13. " " Refa Edwards awf. 1924 Sept. 26. " " Mrs. G. W. Bennett awf. 1925 Apr. 10. " " Julia Hardie awf. 1937 - Nov. 2 - Nuit. P.O. Foggerson - J.L.H.

Wm Lewis Cope Secretary of Mr. Washington City.

Owingsville May the 14 th 1838.
Hon d Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Dear Sir,
Then with inclosed you will find Eniah Collins's declaration and proof in order to obtain a Pension. I have taken every pains to have them correctly prepared, and prepared so that you might have as little trouble as possible, although the declaration was compelled necessarily to be lengthy. I had it as short as I could be as to have it correctly prepared if they are so I have endeavoured to comply with the requisitions of the War Department strictly, if I have not done so, it was because I was unable to discover the point in which I have not complied with them , or it was because the case did not admit it. If the claim is correctly prepared and is successful I hope you will inclose the certificate to me at this place, if you find they are not rightly prepared be so good as to inform me in what particular they are defective —
Your obliged friend
Belward S. Peters

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
February 21, 1924.
Edger R. Harlan, Curator, Historical Dep't. of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa.
Sir;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 30336, it appears that Josiah Collins was born May 2, 1757, and that in February or March 1778, while on his way to Kentucky, from Halifax County, Virginia, where he was born and raised, he enlisted in Captain Dillard's Company, also on its way to Kentucky, and served therein for three months. He then enlisted and served under Captain Harrod until February 1779, when he joined Captain Holder's Company, and served until April 15, 1779. He then entered a command under Lieutenant Patterson and aided in building a blockhouse, where Lexington now stands, where he remained until May 1779, when he volunteered under Colonel John Bowman for an expedition against the Indians, with whom they had a battle at Chillicothe, after returning from this

expedition he continued on duty at the blockhouse until August 1, 1779. On April 1, 1780, he returned to said blockhouse and was on duty there until September 1780, when he went to guard the fort at Bryan's Station. In October 1780, he went out under Colonel Daniel Boone against the Indians. He was in a battle at Bryan's Station in August 1782. On November 1, 1782, he volunteered in Captain McConnel's Company, under General George Rogers Clarke and aided in destroying five Indian Towns on the Miami River. On November 30, 1782, he left the service.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 13, 1833, while living in Bath County, Kentucky.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Rev. War Section. Record Division. aw
Oct. 11, 1921.
Mrs. J. S. Simmons, News Building, Hutchison, Kans.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 14 th ultimo, you are advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to John Simmons (under any spelling of that name) of Virginia, or his wife Hannah. You are requested to furnish any data in your possession, relative to his alleged pension.
From the papers in the pension claim, S. 30,336, it appears that Josiah Collins was born May 2, 1757, and that in February or March 1778, while on his way to Kentucky, from Halifax County, Virginia, where he was born and raised, he enlisted in Captain Dillard's Company, also on its way to Kentucky, and served therein for three months. He then enlisted and served under Captain Harrod until February 1779, when he joined Captain Holder's Company, and served until April 15, 1779. He then entered a command under Lieutenant Patterson and aided in building a blockhouse where Lexington now stands, where

he remained until May 1779, when he volunteered under Colonel John Bowman for an expedition against the Indians, with whom they had a battle at Chillicothe, after returning from this expedition he continued on duty at the blockhouse until August 1, 1779. On April 1, 1780, he returned to said blockhouse and was on duty there until September 1780, when he went to guard the fort at Bryan's Station. In October 1780, he went out under Colonel Daniel Boone against the Indians. He was in a battle at Bryan's Station in August 1782. On November 1, 1782 he volunteered in Captain McConnel's Company, under General George Rogers Clarke and aided in destroying five Indian Towns on the Miami River. On November 30, 1782, he left the service.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 13, 1833, while living in Bath County, Kentucky.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Very respectfully,
A handwritten signature in cursive script, reading "Washington Gardner".
Commissioner.

October 19, 1937 Villa Grove, Ill
Veterans Administration Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I would like whatever information you have on a Thomas Biggs or Beggs served in Revolutionary War as corporal in Captain Smith Snead's Co, 9th Virginia Regiment (1776-1778). Commanded by Col. George Mathews.
Also any information available on Josiah Collins , fought in the Revolutionary war in Captain James Hanrod's Co at or about Hanodsbough, Kentucky, in 1778 later a member of Captain John Holder's Co in Madison county, Kentucky probably in both King's Mt's battles.
Very truly yours
Mrs P.O. Fogleson 6 Vine St Villa Grove Ill

Zion Home Zion Illinois February 20, 25
Bureau of Pensions Dept of the Interior Washington
Please send me at your earliest convenience a copy of the Revolutionary War record of service of Josiah Collins of Virginia who enlisted on his way to Kentucky. Yours truly, Mrs. Julia Hardie

CEDAR FALLS TRUST COMPANY
CAPITAL $ 100,000. ASSOCIATED INSTITUTION CEDAR FALLS NATIONAL BANK
CEDAR FALLS, IOWA,
F. B. MILLER, President. ROGER LEAVITT, Vice-Pres. F. O. JACKSON, Vice-Pres. C. H. RODENBACH, Vice-Pres. JOHN W. LEAVITT Secy. & Treas.
August 26. 1924.
Department of the Interior. Bureau of Pensions. Washington D.C.
Gentlemen :-
I am writing to ask that a copy of the War Record of the service of one Josiah Collins of Virginia in War of the American Revolution, be sent to me at your earliest convenience.
Yours most gratefully. Winifred Brammer Leavitt
Address
Mrs. John W. Leavitt 1022 Washington St. Cedar Falls. Iowa.

Purnelle, Maury, T.N.
May 5, 1924.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions Washington, D. C. Gentlemen,
I am writing to find if you have a Revolutionary War Record of Josiah Collins.
Thanking you, I am,
Yours very truly,
Reba Edwards

Ex. 6 Div. Rec. 1812
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 19, 1924
The attached letter is respectfully returned with the information that the data furnished is not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this Bureau.
1st name of widow No. of claim, Name of soldier Josiah Collins
P. O. address of claimant,  soldier at enlistment & after service Company Livingstonville Regiment Bath Co Ky. State where enlisted Kentucky Date of enlistment  birth  1757 May 2 Date of discharge  death  1847
If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers. Colonel Daniel Boone Genl. Geo. Rogers Clark
Return attached letter with reply. Washington Gardner Commissioner.

Aug. 18 1924
Washington Gardner Commissioner
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:
Since I wrote you from Punahene Maui F. H. May 5-1924 I have returned to my home in Ames Iowa and my address is 215 Lynn Ave. Ames Iowa. I am returning questionnaire partly answered.
Sincerely
Miss Reba Edwards.

Historical Department of Iowa
[FOUNDED BY CHARLES ALDRICH]
EDGAR R. HARLAN, CURATOR
Des Moines, Feb. 15, 1924
TRUSTEES GOVERNOR N. E. KENDALL CHIEF JUSTICE THOMAS ARTHUR JUDGE WILLIAM D. EVANS JUDGE BYRON W. PRESTON JUDGE TRUMAN S. STEVENS JUDGE FREDERICK F. FAVILLE JUDGE LAWRENCE DEGRAFF JUDGE CHARLES W. VERMILLION HON. W. C. RAMSAY SECRETARY OF STATE HON. MAY E. FRANCIS SUPT PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly send us a copy of the pension record of Josiah Collins of Kentucky. He is listed in the 1840 pension and was living at that time in Bath County, Kentucky.
Sincerely yours,
Curator
U. S. Pension Department Washington, D. C.

LEADS REVO
J. S. SIMMONS STUART SIMMONS
ALVA L. FENN COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT
SIMMONS & SIMMONS ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW NEWS BUILDING HUTCHINSON, KANSAS
Sept 14 - 1921
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am seeking information regarding John Simmons ? A Revolutionary Soldier, whose wife's name was Hannah , He served from Virginia and drew a pension.
What information can you furnish.
Also, I seek information regarding Josiah Collins a Revolutionary soldier who was one of the first lot holders in Lexington Ky. in 1781. He died prior to 1840. Can you furnish information.
If you cannot furnish this information can you tell me how and where to get it.
I thank you for all kindness.
Sincerely Yrs. J. S. Simmons Hutchinson Kans.

ADDRESS, { L.C. DRAPER, Corr. Secy. or D.S. DURRIE, Librarian.
Relay
ROOMS OF STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN
Madison Aug. 30 th 1888.
Hon. W.F. Vilas —
My Dear Sir:
For historical purposes I wd. feel thankful for copies of the pension applications of the following Revolutionary soldiers — under the act of 1831-32:
James McCulloch, Montgomery Co Ky Wm Gooding — Jefferson Co Ky Micajah Mayfield — Ky. Elijah Denny, Pulaski Co Ky.
and of Jesse P. Green, Ky an invalid pensioner of the war of 1812.
I presume yr. endorsement of me to the Com te of Pensions will secure these transcripts —

If Mrs. Drane has not sent you one two vols. of Hist. Soc. Collections, I will see that they are sent you.
I send you a pamphlet - prepared from a Manuscript of our friend B. J. Stevens, who wd. not permit the use of his name as furnishing it.
Very truly Yours, Silvanus C. Draper.
Lt John Holder was also capt
Sam Ray Henry Wilson

ROOMS OF STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 205 OF MADISON
Address:
L.C. DRAPER, Cor. Sec'y or D.S. DURRIE, Librarian.
Madison, W h . 24 th 1884.
Hon. W. H. Dudley -
Com n of Pensions -
You were last year so kind as to furnish copies of applications of several Revolutionary pensioners - which proved of much historic value to me in my researches - & for which I am very thankful.
I find that I need two other pensioner's statements -
Josiah Collins , Bath Co. Ky. & John Yates , Wilkes Co - N.C.
I shall feel under renewed obligations for these also. - Very Truly Yours, Hiram C. Draper

Yates 30226 mg Jemima 20.142 Josiah Collins 16730 m d " " 30336 VA

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
April 10, 1925.
Julia Hardie Zion Home, Zion, Ill.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 30336, it appears that Josiah Collins was born May 2, 1757 in Halifax County, Virginia.
While on his way to Kentucky, from said county, he enlisted in February or March 1778 in Captain Dillard's Company, also on its way to Kentucky, and served therein for three months.
He then enlisted and served under Captain Harrod until February 1779, when he joined Captain Holder's Company, and served until April 15, 1779.
He then entered a command under Lieutenant Patterson and aided in building a blockhouse, where Lexington now stands, where he remained until May 1779. when he volunteered under Colonel John Bowman for an expedition against the Indians, with whom they had a

battle at Chillicothe, after returning from this expedition, he continued on duty at the blockhouse until August 1, 1779.
On April 1, 1780, he returned to said blockhouse and was on duty there until September 1780, when he went to guard the fort at Bryan's Station.
In October 1780, he went out under Colonel Daniel Boone against the Indians. He was in a battle at Bryan's Station in August 1782.
On November 1, 1782, he volunteered in Captain McConnel's Company, under General George Rogers Clark and aided in destroying five Indian towns on the Miami River. He left the service November 30, 1782.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 13, 1833, while a resident of Bath County, Kentucky.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.