Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6749, Richard Custer, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Pa
Custer, Richard Jane
W. 6749
Born in Pa
CONTENTS

7142 Virginia
Richard Custen
of Rockingham Co in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Winston of the Regt commanded by Col. Hall in the Virginia Mili- tia for 6 months from '81
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of March 1833 and sent to James Hall Esq. Harrisonburg Va.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $40.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 10.00
$50.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 Page 4
See letter to A.C. Bryan & P. C. P. Dec. 24, 1836 Died 14 February 1837. Order to pay 6 letters to A. C. Bryan. 27. Jan'y 1838.

24995 Virginia R.
Jane Custer widow of Richard Va Custer who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
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 13th day of August 1849. and sent to Anthony Robinson Richmond Va.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 144, Vol. 3,
Rate of death roll on file

13. 731 Richard Busler
Declaration
Colo. State

State of Virginia ss. Rockingham County
On this 21 st Day of August in the Year 1832—
Personally appeared in Open Court before David Henton, Joseph Craven, George Clarke & Augustus Waterman Gentlemen Justices of the County Court of Rockingham now sitting Richard Custer a resident of the County of Rockingham State of Va aged Seventyfive Years who being first duly sworn according to Law made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832.
That he was born in the State of Pennsylvania on the first of June 1757 was removed by his parents at about 5 years of age to Rockingham County Virginia and has continued to now resides in said County State
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. He first entered the service of the United States as Volunteer in early in the Year 1781 under Captain Geo. Huston & Col. Wall served at Richmond, Williamsburg, on James River at Hot Water and was at the skirmish or Battle at the two last mentioned places does not recollect the names of the Captains of any regular Officers (if any were) attached to the Militia of which he composed one, he served three months during this tour was regularly discharged but received no written discharge.
That he entered the service of the United States the second time sometime as a Volunteer under Captain Anthony Rader sometime in the Year 1781 served against the Indians at Warick, Fort & on the head of Greenbrier there were no regular Officers in Company, served three months was regularly discharged but received no written discharge.
That he has no documentary evidence. That he can prove his services by Henry Whetsell & Christian Kapplinger who are now in Court for that purpose.
That 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 or agency of any State.
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Richard Custer his mark

We William Bryan — a Clergyman residing in the County of Rockingham State of Virginia and Christopher Kapplinger residing in the same County & State, Herby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Custer who subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be Seventyfive years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the Neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
William Bryan for Christopher Kapplinger Mark
And the said court, do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and 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 William Bryan who has signed the foregoing Certificate, is a Clergyman, Resident in the County of Rockingham and that Christopher Kapplinger, who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Rockingham, and is in every a Credible person, and that their Statement is entitled to Credit,
In Testimony whereof I Henry J. Gamble Clerk of the court of Rockingham County, do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Richard Custer for a Pension;
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office, this 27 th day of August in the year 1832, and in the 54 th year of the Commonwealth
H. J. Gamble Clerk of Rockingham County Virginia

No. 13731.
Richard Foster Rockingham Co Virginia
from 1781 per note 6 months, $ 20.
James Hall Esq Harrisonburg Virginia

BRIEF in the case of  Richard Custer  County of Rockingham  in the State of  Virginia  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 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. As a Gen.     No 6 In 17 81 — 3 — Private Cap Austin Co's Mill   " " — 3 — — Cap Rader?  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Williamsburg Shot later  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rockingham County Virginia  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living Witnesses Traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. M. Clagett Examining Clerk.

State of Virginia Rockingham County ss.
On this 3 rd day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty one, personally appeared before the Subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, Jane Custis a resident of the County of Rockingham and State of Virginia aged 70 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. 1838 entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of Richard Custis who was a soldier in the revolutionary war and served in the Virginia Militia, and who was a pensioner upon the Virginia agency, for proof of his service as a soldier as aforesaid, she must refer to the testimony filed with her late husband's declaration in the pension office;
She further declares that she was married to the said Richard Custis on the 18 th day of March in the year of 1790 or 1791; to the best of her recollection and belief; she has no records evidencing of her marriage; but must refer to the testimony accompanying her declaration; that her maiden name before marriage was Jane Temple.
That her husband the aforesaid Richard Custis died on the 14 th February 1837; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the 1 st day of January 1794, or at the time above stated.
Jane her Custis mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me I certify that Jane Custis is unable to appear in court in consequence of bodily infirmity
Sam l Cooke J. P.

State of Virginia Rockingham County } ss.
Be it known that on this 3 rd day of April 1841 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for the County of said Matilda Custer and made oath in due form of law, that she was well acquainted with Richard Custer the late husband of Jane Custer and she does know that the said Richard Custer died on the 11 th day of February 1837 leaving the said Jane Custer his widow and the said Jane Custer still remains the widow of the above named Richard Custer.
Matilda her Custer mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. I certify that Matilda Custer who has subscribed and sworn to the above deposition are entitled to full confidence. I further certify that Jane Custer who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration is the widow of Richard Custer, who was a pensioner of the United States and that the said Richard Custer has been dead several years.
Sam l P. Teobes J. P.
Know all men by these presents that we Richard Custer and Conrad Stumble of the County of Rockingham are held and firmly bound to Edmund Randolph esq r Governor of Virginia and his successors in the sum of fifty pounds Current Money. To the payment whereof well and truly to be made, we do bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals this fourteenth day of March 1788 and in the 12 th

year of the Commonwealth
The condition of this Obligation is such, that whereas there is a marriage intended to be solemnized between the above bound Richard Custis and Fanny Hunsdale daughter of S r Carson Hunsdale of the County of Rockingham for which he has this day obtained a license
If therefore there shall be no lawful cause to obstruct the said Marriage, then this Obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force
signed and delivered in the presence of . . . . . E. Attest Teste
Richard Custis (s) Carson Hunsdale (s)
H. J. Gamble to N
Virginia to wit
At a Court held for Rockingham County on the 19 th day of April 1841. The declaration of Fanny Custis made under the provisions of an act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. bearing date the 2 nd of April 1841. Together with the Certificate of Samuel Cook a justice of the peace, in and for the said County aforesaid, was produced in open Court, upon examination of said Declaration and Certificate, the Court doth order that it be Entitled to the post department at Washington City, that the said Declaration & Certificate and other proceedings therein are approved by the Court,
Attest Teste
H. J. Gamble Clerk of Rockingham County Virginia
I Henry J. Gamble Clerk of the Court of the said County of Rockingham do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a copy of the said given by Richard Custis, at the time he obtained license to marry Fanny Hunsdale, filed in my Office, and I do further certify that the above is a copy of the same made, with regard to the annexed declaration

of James Burlew, with the Certificate of Samuel Cook Esq. therein; and I do hereby further certify, that said Samuel Cook Esq. is a Magistrate in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his name to said Declaration & Certificate, are genuine;
In Testimony whereof, I have affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name this 20 th day of April 1841. and in the 65 th year of the Commonwealth
J. G. Gannett Clerk of Rockingham County N.H.
No 7778

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
AWF:MLB
October 9, 1930
Mr. Frank C. Cross 228 N. 1 st ST Mooseheart, Illinois Esmeralda
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 6749, that Richard Custer, Sr. was born June 1, 1757, in the State of Pennsylvania, and moved with his parents (whose name are not given) when five years of age to Rockingham County, Virginia.
While residing in Rockingham County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia troops, as follows:
Early in 1781, three months in Captain George Huston's company, Colonel Nall's regiment, and was in skirmishes at Williamsburg and Hot Water Creek; later in 1781, three months in Captain Anthony Rader's company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 21, 1832, at which time he was living in Rockingham County, Virginia.
He died February 14, 1837.
The soldier married Jane Humble, the daughter of Conrad Humble. The marriage bond was dated March 14, 1788.
She was allowed pension on her application executed April 3, 1841, at which time she was living in Rockingham County, Virginia, aged seventy years.
There is no reference to children.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

1908 July 13. Hist. to Milo Custer &. 1930 Oct 9 - " " Frank C. Cross See letter in Isaac Welch - S. 38461 copy
1937 May 5 - liars to Milo Custer
Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No.
6749
Jane Custer Widow Richard Custer Pot. Res. H. C.
Act:
Foley, 2/9/88
Index:—Vol.
A
Page
160
[Arrangement of 1870.]

6159 Virginia
Jane Buster, widow of Richard Buster,
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7 th 1832 and who died on the 14 th February 1837 of Rockingham Co in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Huston of the Regt. commanded by Col: Hall in the Virginia line for 6 Months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 th day of March, 1836. 15 th day of Feby: 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of April 1841 and sent to Thomas Monroe Woodstock, Va:
Arrears to the 1 th of March 1841 $ 80.09 Semi-annual allowance ending
$ 80.09
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Book A.
Vol. 2
M. M. Taylor
Clerk, Page 184.

4708 Virginia R.
Jane Custer widow of Richard Custer who was a Private in the Virginia line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of January 1844 and sent to
Thomas Monroe Woodstock, Va.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 153,
let His Monroe May 21. 45
Paid at Treasury, under act 6 April, 1834, from 4 March 1843 to 4 March, 1844. Agent notified 29 Apr. 1845.
Rep 27
Jan. 1844
Paid as above, from 4th March 1844 to 4 Sept. 1844. Agent notified 14 Apr. 1845.

State of Virginia,
On this 6 th day of July 1849. Before me Sam l Woosles a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Rocking- ham, in the said State, personally appeared Jane Coaster, a resident of the said County, aged seventy Nine years, who being first, duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following decla- ration, 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 Richard Coaster, who was a private in the Army of the United States, and that under the act of Congress of the 17 th June, 1844 she received a pension at the rate of Twenty dollars per annum,
She further declares that she is still a Widow,
Jane her Coaster mark
Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year above written before me
Sam l Woosles J.P.
I certify that Jane Coaster the declarant, above named, is personally known to me,
Sam l Woosles J.P.
State of Virginia, Rockingham County to wit, I Erasmus Coffman, Clerk of the County Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Sam l Woosles is a Justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified, that he is legally authorized to act as such, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine,
Given under my hand, and the seal of the said Court, This 16 th day of July 1849 Erasmus Coffman CLK

Stauntonburg Va
Decr. 19 th
7145 170 7142 Dec 21 Voucher Get Wapen.
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City. D.C.
Enclosing powers of S attorney for pension 3.

Stanisburg Rockingham County Va. Dec. 17 1836
Sir, I send you the enclosed powers of attorney, executed by Henry Whetstall & Richard Custis for examination. You will please to return them as soon as practicable.
Very respectfully
Your obedt Servant
Allan C. Bryan

No 7778
Ck R 24. 1871.
Pa
July 7 1838
Jane Castor
2100
J. Edwards Esq. Commisioner of Pensions Washington City
Ms. A. 9. 2. 10

Woodstock April 22 nd 1840
Sir
I have herewith enclosed to you the declaration of Mrs Jane Curter the widow of Rich d Curter dec d together with the testimony proving marriage and the death of her husband and she requests that you will please examine her papers and place her upon the pension roll of the United States
Respectfully your very O be Servt
J. L. Edwards Esq r Comm ee on pensions
Thomas Monroe

5174
The Declaration of Jane Bastu
$20 per an
Thos Monroe, agt: Woodstock pa

State of Virginia Rockingham County ss.
On the 28 th day of November 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Jane Custer a resident of Rockingham County and State of Virginia aged 75 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 3 rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War: That she is the widow of Richard Custer who was a Soldier and served in the Virginia Militia as will appear by reference to her late husband's and her own declarations now on file in the pension office, that the annual amount of pension which she received under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838 was Twenty dollars. She further declares that she is still a widow:
her Jane Custer mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Sam l Cookes J.P.
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jane Custer above, and do know that she was a pensioner under the act of July 7. 1838, that the annual amount of her pension was Twenty dollars, and that she is still a widow
Sam l Cookes J.P.

I Henry J Gamble clerk of the Court of Rockingham hereby certify that Samuel Boales is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name the 3 rd day of January 1844
H J Gamble clerk of the Court of Rockingham

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
December 19 th 1845.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Jane Gustin , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 17 th June 1844, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1844, to the 4 th Sept. 1844.
Respectfully, yours,
William B. Lewis
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Richard Lester 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? Yes IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

 XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 2 clergymen  XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? affid.  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? traditionaly 2 living witnesses  XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes  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? no  XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 2 3 4 5 6 7 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

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

May 21. 45
PAID
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.
Jane Lusk ward 43

Woodstock V a May 19 th 1845
Dear Sir,
An old lady by the name of Jane Gustin who resides in Rockingham County, Rec d a pension Certificate under the act of Congress of 3 March 1843. but in consequence of her living remotely from any Magistrate she has never drawn the pension due her, and as she is now entitled to another years pension under the act of 17 June 1844 and wishes to draw both years together, but cannot make the affidavit, "that she is the same individual who drew a pension under the act of 3 March 1843." she not having drawn it, she therefore asks that you will please furnish her with the proper forms to enable her to draw the pension under the last named act
Most respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
Thomas Monroe
J. L. Edwards Esq.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
January 30 th , 1846.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Jane Gaster , _____ a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Twenty _____ Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 3 d March 1843, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1843, to the 4 th March 1844.
Respectfully, yours,
W. D. Lewis
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.

A. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.

Harrisonburg Rockingham County Virginia Jan'y 22 d 1828.
Sir, I send the accompanying power of attorney of Jane Buster for your examination. If found to be correct, and in proper form you will please to instruct the agent at Richmond to pay the balance due. I send the power of attorney & original certificate to Isaac Thomas Esq. member of the House of Delegates Richmond Virginia immediately. If not in proper form please to return them to me, and state the objection.
Yours very respectfully
Allan C. Bryan

Sane Buster M da of Richard N B Ad July 7 1838 Married 1788 died 14 Feb. 1837
Allow $20 per ann pm Feb. 15 1837
4 years 17 days
Thos Monroe Esq Woodstock Va. Vermont.

FREE
J. L. Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.

Richmond, 24. day of July 1849.
Sir,
I send you herein the Declaration of M rs Jane Custer, who was a Pensioner under the Act of the 17. th June 1844, made to obtain the benefits of the provision of the Act of the 2 d February - 1848. Be pleased to enclose me a Certificate of Pension for her under the last mentioned Act.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Ant y Robinson
J. S p . Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington

1110 Low Street, Bloomington, Illinois, February 8, 1937;
The Pension Commissioner, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir;-, I am desirous of obtaining a photostat , photograph, or tracing reproduction of the personal signature of my ancestor, Richard Custer , a Revolutionary Soldier, who was pensioned as per his application dated August 21, 1832, according to a letter to me from the (then) U. S. Pension Commissioner, J. C. Davenport, July 13, 1908.
I desire this reproduction solely for genealogical purposes and as a means of identification in a case where certain traditional information in my possession may refer to this ancestor of mine or might refer to another man of the same name and I have no other known means of determining the matter.
If your bureau has means for making any such photostatic, photographic, reproductions or tracing of signatures, please to so inform me and also advise me as to the cost of such work. If your bureau has no such means, then if you can suggest the name and address of any other reliable person or firm outside your bureau who could do this for me, the favor would be fully appreciated.
In connection with the matter I might mention that the personal signature of my ancestor should be found not only on his pension application but would also appear on several paid vouchers of later date as he lived until February 14, 1837, there having been pension payments made to him for nearly five years.
Trusting to receive a reply in due course, I am
Very Respectfully,
Milo Custer

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Richard Custer Sr. a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
W. File 6749
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     ✓ Early 1781 3 mos. Pvt George Huston Nall Va   1781 3 mos. Anthony Rader ✓   against Ind at Warricks Ft on Scenbier  
Battles engaged in, skirm at Williamsburg + Hot Water Creek.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, ✓ Rockingham Co Va.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 21, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Rockingham Co, Va since abt 1762
Age at date of application, to June 1, 1757 in Pennsylvania, moved with his - 5 yrs
Remarks: Sol. mar. -  mar. bond dated Mar 14, 1788  March 18, 1788  1788  stumble  old
dau. Conrad Stumble  he died Feb 14, 1837  vs in de 14 - 1788
Wid. appl - Apr 3, 1841 at 70 yrs Rockingham Co, Va

May 5, 1937
Richard Custer W. 6749 BA-J/AWF Am
Mr. Milo Custer 1110 Low Street Bloomington, Illinois
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request a copy of the signature of your ancestor, Richard Custer, who applied for pension August 21, 1832, and whose record was furnished you in 1908.
All papers in the claims for pension of Richard and Jane Custer have been reexamined and a new report prepared for you which contains data found in those claims on file under W. 6749.
That soldier's personal signature is not found in said papers, however, a tracing has been made of his signature as shown by mark, which is attached to the report herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

May 5, 1937
Richard Custer W. 6749 BA-J/AWF
Mr. Milo Custer 1110 Low Street Bloomington, Illinois
Dear Sir:
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 6749, based upon the service of Richard Custer in the War of the Revolution.
Richard Custer was born June 1, 1757 in the State of Pennsylvania, and when about five years of age moved with his parents to Rockingham County, Virginia. The names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Rockingham County, Virginia, Richard Custer volunteered in 1781, and served three months as a private in Captain George Huston's company, Colonel Nalle's Virginia regiment, and was in a skirmish at Williamsburg, and in the battle of Hot Water. He served, again, in 1781, three months in Captain Anthony Rader's company, against the Indians at "Warricks Fort on the head of Greenbrier".
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 21, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Rockingham County, Virginia. He died February 14, 1837.
Richard Custer married in Rockingham County, Virginia, Jane Humble, the daughter of Conrad Humble

of said Rockingham County. Their marriage license was dated March 14, 1788; her father, Conrad Humble, was then living in Rockingham County, name of her mother was not given.
The widow, Jane Custer, was allowed pension on her application executed April 3, 1841, at which time she was aged about seventy years and living in Rockingham County, Virginia, where she was still living in 1849.
It was not stated whether they had children.
Matilda Custer of Rockingham County, Virginia in 1841, stated that she was well acquainted with the soldier, Richard Custer, but there was no relationship shown.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Jane Custer, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and give the following data-
Jane Custer, widow of Richard Custer Certificate # 4895 Issued August 13, 1849 Rate $20.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1848 Act of February 2, 1848 Virginia Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator