Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1823, William Cecil, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Cecil, William Nancy
R. 1823
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entries]
[Blank lined area for entries]

Virginia 16.243
William Cecil
Tazewell in the State of Virginia who was an In: Spy in the company commanded by Captain Martin of the Regt. commanded by Col: Preston in the Virginia line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of July 33 and sent L. J. Self — with Wythe C. H. V. V.
  Arrears to the 4th of March 33 —  1 60    Pemi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept ,  — 40     $ 2 00  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 6. Page 5

1/2 Celia
Application
Mr. Draper

State of Virginia
Tazewell County to wit
On this 16 th day of October 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the County Court of Tazewell County in the state of Virginia now sitting, William Boice a resident of Tazewell County and State of Virginia, aged about Eighty three  seventy seven 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="text"> That he entered the service of the United States early in the year 1776 in the now County of Tazewell in the state of Virginia under Captains Thomas Mastin, Lieutenant James Maxwell, and Ensign Thomas Whitten Whitten, and that the said company belonged to the Regiment of the Virginia State line, commanded by Col. William Preston, and Major Walter Brooks. That at the time when he first entered the service as aforesaid he resided in the County of Tazewell, then called Montgomery, where he has continued to reside ever since. That the company to which he belonged was never required by the commanding Officers of the Regiment to which it was attached, to perform any other duty in the war of the revolution, except as Indian Spies to defend the western frontier of Virginia. That he continued with his said company to perform that duty fully six months in each year from 1776 till the final termination and close of the revolutionary war. The said William Boice further states, that the company to which he belonged, consisted of men mostly resident upon the border line country, and that during the period aforesaid from 1776 till the close of the war, they were kept in continual readiness, and were more regularly discharged, or called out for any definite period of time, as the militia from the adjacent country, who were drafted to perform regular routine of duty, and that they were permitted every year upon the approach of winter to return to their respective homes, subject to be called out again. The Indians as fresh enemies might require. That he was in no battle of any importance during the time of his service aforesaid, except those little skirmishes common to the savage mode of warfare. That he was an eye witness

to some of the many instances of inhuman butchery and massacre committed by the Indians upon the families of the frontier settlers. That he does not think, the company to which he belonged was drafted to perform tours of duty, but being composed chiefly of the frontier settlers where the Indians were more peculiarly troublesome, and which suffered most from their contiguity to the ruthless savages, with a sparse population, and in a situation comparatively defenceless and unprotected, they were always kept in readiness, and regarded by the officers of the said Regiment as minute men . That the company to which he belonged was chiefly engaged during the period aforesaid, in defending that part of the Western frontier of Virginia lying along the Valley of Clinch river from the head waters of the Blue Stone river to the forks of Clinch river in the now County of Russell. The said William Cecil further states, that none of the continental troops or officers of the regular army of the United States, were ever sent to the relief of that part of the western frontier to which he belonged, that he now remembers, nor was he acquainted with any of the officers of the regular Army. That in the whole he served in the war of the revolution as an Indian spy aforesaid fully six months in each year from 1776 until the close of that war, and that he knows of three persons now living, who can testify to his services as herein stated, viz Thomas Witten, who was his Ensign, Joseph Doy and Nancy Cecil. That being permitted to return to his home every winter, to be recalled the ensuing spring, he never obtained a regular discharge in writing from his commanding officer, so that he cannot now produce that evidence of his services.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state.
Given to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
William Cecil
This day Thomas Witten personally appeared before the County Court of Tazewell County in open court now sitting, and being duly sworn according to law, oath on his oath say that he has been acquainted with William Cecil, the above named Applicant, who has subscribed the foregoing

declaration, and that the said William Cecil, served as is stated in the said declaration in the war of the revolution, as an Indian spy under Captain Thomas Martin, Lieutenants James Maxwell, and himself as Ensign, and that the said company formed a part of the Regiment of the Virginia state line commanded by Col William Preston and Major Walter Brodhead.
Sworn to and subscribed by him in open court the day and year aforesaid. Thomas Witten
This day came Joseph Oney personally before the same court in open court now sitting, and after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say, that he has been acquainted with William Cecil, the above named applicant, who has subscribed the foregoing declaration, for many years, and was with the said Cecil as an Indian spy in the war of the revolution, and that the foregoing declaration subscribed as aforesaid by the said William Cecil, contains a correct and true recital of the services of the said Cecil as aforesaid in the war of the revolution, under Thomas Martin, Lieutenant James Maxwell, and Ensign Thomas Witten, and that the said company formed a part of the Regiment of the Virginia State line, commanded by Col William Preston, and Major Walter Brodhead.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid Joseph Oney
And the said court do hereby certify their opinion after hearing the testimony of Thomas Witten and Joseph Oney who have sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavits, that the above named applicant was an Indian spy in the war of the revolution, and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them from a long personal acquaintance with, that Thomas Witten, and Joseph Oney who have sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavits are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to full credit.

I John Crockett Clerk of the Court of the County of Tazewell do hereby certify that the foregoing contain the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of William Cecil for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the same so seal belonging to my office, this 21st. day of November 1832.
J. C.
John Crockett Clerk of the County Court of Tazewell.
Mr. Crockett
Mr. Cecil Application

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836.
State of Virginia Fauquier County to wit: On this 19 th day of August, 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace Mrs Nancy Cecil a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged 88 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 4 th 1836: That she is the widow of William Cecil who was an Indian spy in the Virginia Militia in the war of the revolution and was placed on the Pension roll at Eighty Dollars per annum under the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1832 for the particulars of his service she would refer to the evidence upon which he drew his Pension aforesaid. She further declared that she was married to the said William Cecil on the 29 th day of March in the year of Seventeen hundred and Seventy four that she knows of no living witness to her marriage, that she lived then either in Fauquier or Augusta County Virginia near two hundred miles from Staunton and does not remember that a license was obtained from the Clerk of Office for her marriage, but was married by a minister of the gospel after the banns were duly published, as was then customary in the Country the minister long since left the Country for parts unknown and left no record behind him of the marriage services he performed as she believes, that her husband the aforesaid William Cecil died on the 11 th day of December eighteen hundred and thirty six; and that she has

remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Witnesses Jas Q. Spotts Samuel Cecil
Nancy hry Cecil mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid and I further certify that the said Mrs Nancy Cecil is from bodily infirmity unable to attend Court. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 19 th day of August Eighteen hundred and forty three.
Sam. Wilson J. P.

William Cicek born 23 rd May 1750
Nancy his Wife born 9 th February 1755
Susanna born 19 th Feb y 1776
John born 17 th March 1778
Rebekah born Oct 28 th 1780
Handwritten initials and marks: R, B, R, B, B

Virginia:
At a County Court held for the County of Tazewell at the Court House on Wednesday the 29 th day of November 1843:
Present Thomas Pery, William Purns, William Thompson and Erastus G. Harman esquires justices:
This day personally appeared in Court Hezekiah Harman, aged 72 years, who being duly sworn, declareth that he has been well acquainted with the late William Cecil, who was a revolutionary pensioner, and with Nancy Cecil his wife for at least 45 years - that during that period they lived together as man & wife, and this declarant always understood and believed that they had been legally married:
Also came Thomas Parrett, aged        years, who being duly sworn, declareth that he was well acquainted with the said William Cecil & Nancy his wife, for at least 45 years, that during a few years of the early part of his life, he was a member of their family, that he always understood from them and fully believed that they were lawfully married:
Also came Thomas Witten aged        years, who being duly sworn, declareth that he is the Son of Thomas Witten deceased, late of this County, whose wife, this declarants' mother, was a sister of the late William Cecil, and that Nancy Cecil deceased, the widow of the said William Cecil, was the sister of this declarants' father; that he hath often heard his father & mother, and the said William Cecil & wife say that they were married at the same time & place and by the same person - that he knew them for many years & be in the habit of meeting at each others' houses on the anniversary of their joint marriage, to commemorate that event, that he was present when the said Nancy Cecil died on the 6 th day of September 1843, and that she left the following, being all her living children at the time of her death, to wit: Susannah Sayas, John Cecil, Rebecca Cecil, Dinny Price, Nancy Harman, Samuel Cecil & Sally Caldwell: all which is ordered to be certified.
On the motion of Samuel Cecil, who made oath and together with William Anderson his security, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of One hundred and fifty dollars, conditioned as the law

direct, certificate is granted the said Samuel Cecil, for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Nancy Cecil in due form.
And in the same Court on the 30 th day of November 1843 -
Samuel Cecil, administrator of Nancy Cecil deceased, presented in Court the Affidavits of John Cecil & Susannah Sayers, with the Certificate of Samuel Witten a Justice of the peace for this County, and a paper purporting to be a family record thereto appended, as evidence in support of the claim of the said Nancy Cecil to the benefit of the Act of Congress of July 4 th 1836; and this Court doth certify that Samuel Witten, who hath subscribed his name as a Justice of the peace for this County to the said Certificate, is & was at the time of subscribing the same, a Justice of the peace, duly commissioned and qualified, that the said Signature purporting to be his, is genuine, and that this Court on examination of his acts in this behalf, approve the same: all which is ordered to be certified.
George W. G. Browne, Clerk of the County Court of Tazewell County, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and correct transcript from the records of said Court:
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto annex the Seal of said Court and subscribe my name at my Office in Jeffersonville in said County, this 4 th day of December in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Geo. W. G. Browne Clerk of Tazewell C.C.

Commonwealth of Virginia:
Tazewell County to wit:
I Samuel Witten, one of the Justices of the peace for said County do hereby certify, that the leaf which is hereunto annexed, I have this day cut from an old Bible, bearing date 1766, formerly the property of William Cecil, now deceased - that I verily believe the record thereon written, to be in the hand writing of one William Webb, who many years ago acted as a teacher in the neighborhood where said William Cecil resided - that said Webb has been gone from that neighborhood for at least forty years.
I do further certify that John Cecil, aged sixtyfive years, personally appeared this day before me, and being duly sworn, declarath, that he is the oldest son of the above named William Cecil; that as long as he can recollect, he remembers to have seen the book from which the annexed leaf has been taken, in the possession of his father William Cecil. that the said record was always therein, & was considered by himself & the family to be a true record of facts as therein stated - that he has always understood in the family, that his father & mother, and Thomas Witten & his wife (the said Thomas Witten's wife being the sister of said William Cecil, and this affiant's mother being the sister of said Thomas Witten) were married on the same day by the same man, & at the same place - that he has often heard his mother speak of the circumstance, and has no doubt that he has also heard the same from his father, as it was a matter of frequent conversation in both families. that his father always acknowledged his mother as a lawful wife, and provided for their children as his legitimate children - and this affiant declares that he never in his life, so much as heard from any quarter an insinuation of a doubt of the lawful marriage of William & Mary Cecil. This affiant further states that his father could neither read nor write, which he supposed to be the reason why Webb was employed to make the aforesaid record - he has always received said record as the correct date of his own age, being so informed by his parents.
J. Cecil

Also Susannah Sayus, aged sixty seven years, personally appeareth this day before me, and being duly sworn declarath, that she is the oldest child of William & Nancy Cecil - that she will be 68 years of age next Feb. - that she knows her age by information received many years ago from her mother - that in relation to the marriage of her father & mother, her recollection is like that of John Cecil, & she fully concurs with him in his statements in relation thereto - Teste Geo. W. Brown Susannah by Sayus. mark
And I do certify that the foregoing affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me in my said County this 26 th day of November 1843.
Given under my hand and Seal -
Saml Withers J.P.

December 15, 1930
Miss Luella Graham 337 Brown St. Akron, Ohio
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MCS aw
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 1823, that William Cecil was born May 28, 1750, place not stated.
While a resident of Montgomery County( which became Tazewell County) Virginia, he enlisted June 5, 1776, and served until December 1, 1776, as private and Indian spy with the Virginia troops under Ensign Thomas Witten, Captain Thomas Mastin and Colonel William Preston. He continued to served six months each year for seven years in the same regiment under the same officers as above noted.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Tazewell County, Virginia.
The soldier died December 11, 1836.
He married March 29, 1774, Nancy Witten who was born February 9, 1755, and was from Fincastle of Augusta County, Virginia. She was the sister of Thomas Witten who married the soldier's sister, her name not given.
Nancy Cecil died September 6, 1843, and was survived by the following children: Susannah Sayers, born February 19, 1776; John Cecil, born March 17, 1778; Rebecca Cecil, born October 21, 1780; Limny Price; Nancy Harman; Samuel Cecil; Sally Caldwell.
On account of the large number of requests for histories of soldiers of the Revolution and the lack of clerical force available for furnishing the information, this bureau is unable to send the histories of more than two soldiers of this war to each inquirer.
Your letter has been forwarded to the proper division of the bureau for reply in regard to the soldiers of the Civil War.
Very truly yours,
Letter of inquiry referred for reply in regard to soldiers of the Civil War. had d E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Mr. Gail Va. Ind
My Scott
Sep 23 - 52
My Scott

STATE OF COUNTY OF
Virginia Fazearrell } ss:
Be it known, that on this fourteenth day of May , A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty two, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Samuel Cecil , a resident of the in said County and made oath according to law, that he is the administrator and also the lawful heir of Nancy Cecil decd who was the widow of William Cecil a revolutionary soldier who died December 11 th 1836 the said Nancy having survived until Sept 6 th 1843
that he is directly interested, as aforesaid, as a claimant, and makes this affidavit for the purpose of obtaining such claim of Pension as may be due under any of the Laws, Regulations, or decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted. The said Affiant further declares that he hereby constitutes and appoints Wm B Scott to be Attorney and Agent to prosecute said claim, with power of substitution, to examine all papers and documents in relation to it, and to do all things necessary and lawful in the premises; except drawing the money, which will be hereafter provided for.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me, William Cox J. Peace.
Samuel Cecil
I, William Cox Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Samuel Cecil , above named, is a respectable resident of this County, and is, as I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth, and acknowledges the above Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
William Cox J. Peace.
In testimony that the above-named William Cox was a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, at the date of the same, I hereby subscribe my name and affix the County Seal.
Geo. W. G. Brown County Clerk.

1890 Jan. 18 th Rept to John Cecil Asst. PM. Mt. Vernon, Mo.
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
1823
Apl. 3-1900 - Hist to Mrs. Frances N. Hens, N.Y. C.G.
July - 20 - 1900 Hist to Mrs. Alma P. Kenberry Chicago Ill.
Jan Feby 9-1923 772 v. Frances N. Hens, N.Y. C.G. Note place of soldier's birth not stated
1910 Nov. 21 - Hist. to Mrs. F. H. Hens p.
1911 Sept. 13. Hist. to Mrs. Lula Kennedy
1921, Jan. 4 Hist. to Ralph O. McLean - En-
1921, Feb. 18 Hist to W. H. Cecil
1920, Dec. 15. Hist. to Miss Lucilla Graham Letter of inquiry sent to Rec. Div. Mr. C. for reply in regard to soldier's of Civil War.
P. O.
Wm Cecil
Service: widow of William
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Appeal: _____
Rejected: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

V Virginia - Act 4. July 1836 Set to Rev. G. W. Hopkins. Apr 12/44.
Set to Rev. G. W. Hopkins. May 17. 1844.
to same Feb. 27/46 to the same Sept 23/52
1823
4 July 1826.

Virginia, Fauquier County to Wit:
This day John Thompson senr. of said County and State aged 80 years personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid and made oath that he was well acquainted with the late William Cecil a revolutionary pensioner from about the year 1776 to his death that he also knew his wife now the widow Nancy Cecil, that from his earliest acquaintance with them say from about the year 1777 they were ever known and considered and lived together as man & wife, that they raised a large family of children some of whom must now be between 60 & 70 years of age and that he believes they were considered by every body to be lawfully united as man and wife, and he never heard a suspicion to the contrary.
John Thompson senr.
W. Truett J. P. Spotts J. R. Dault
Sworn to and subscribed on the 29 th day of August 1843 before me.
Thos S. Barnahan J. P.

Family Record

We William McGuire a clergyman residing in the said County of Fayetteville, and H. Kirk Harrison residing in the same County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Cook who has subscribed the declaration hereto annexed; that we believe him to be about Eighty three years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Given and subscribed the 22 nd day of February  April 1833
William McGuire H. Kirk Harrison
And the said Court do hereby declare its opinion after the investigation of the matter, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears, that William McGuire who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman residing in the said County of Fayetteville, and that H. Kirk Harrison who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County is a credible person, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I John Crockett Clerk of the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for Fayetteville County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Cook.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal this 23 rd April 1833 John Crockett Clerk

Joseph Draper late a Representative in the Congress of the United States from the district in Virginia of which Tazewell County is a part, do certify, that the signatures of John Crockett to the two foregoing certificates are genuine, that he is clerk of the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for Tazewell County, that he is also clerk of the County Court of Tazewell, and that he has no seal of office.
May 25 th 1833.
J Draper
Virginia
In the County Court of Tazewell, on this 19 th day of June 1833 personally appeared in open court William Cecil a resident of said County aged between 83 and 84 years, who on his oath having been duly sworn in open court doth make the following additional declaration to obtain a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832. That he never did obtain a discharge, that he did enter the service as stated in his previous declaration on the 19 th day of June 1776. that he continued in the service from that time until the first of December of that year, 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 he does know that he did serve more than six months in each year for seven years commencing in June 1776. that during the whole time he served as a private and under the command of the same officers, in the same regiment, and at the places mentioned in his original declaration, that the company was raised by the Col. of the regiment - and that for these services he claims a pension. sworn to and subscribed in open court the 19 th of June 1833.
William Cecil Declaration of Service of the month in form to be of Application Very Respectfully
William Cecil mark John Crockett Draper
In Witness whereof John Crockett clerk of the County Court of Tazewell having hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 19 th day of June 1833.
The foregoing certificate of John Crockett clerk of the Tazewell County Court is genuine.
June 19. 1833

11082 — June 20 1844
Mr. Nancy Wood, as 4 July 1836
April 32
Yrs J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Richmond Jan. 17. 1844
Dear Sir.
I enclose you the application of Mrs. Cull for a pension. — You will perceive that a few days after her declaration had been made she died. — I have taken the necessary steps required in such cases. — I enclosed you some months since the application of Mrs. Brooks of Fauquier County will you be good enough to let me hear from you in relation to both of these claims and greatly
Obey Your etc.
Isaac Spotts

I wish to see the papers of Nancy Cecil, widow of Cecil, who was a pensioner. Mrs Cecil's claim is suspended act 38 from Virginia.
J. Godwin
By order of the room
June 15 th 1852

May 16 '44
26
Lucie.
• Col J. L. Edwards ! Court of Pension
Hon. S. W. Hopkins M

Washington City May 15th 1824.
Col. J. S. Edwards.
Sir
I inclose here with a letter from Francis P. Spotts Esq. of Fauquier county Va, referring to your letter to me upon the subject of the application of Nancy Beall of that county for a pension on the estate of William Beall deceased, and asking me to let him know who the person was that gave the information to the Pension office in her case, that she was not entitled to a pension.
I will be very much obliged to you, to give me the information asked, if any is to be had, whilst I confess that the impression left upon my own mind from a hasty reading of your letter to me, was that her husband's own narrative, in his original declaration, was the information upon which your decision in her case was founded. I am the more anxious to obtain the information which Mr. Spotts desires, and that your reply shall be as definite as possible , because, being here, I might be suspected of having said or done something to defeat her application, with which you know I have had nothing to do, except at the instance of Mr. Spotts Esq. of Richmond, to call your attention to her case, and to invite for your early attention to it.
I am Sir
Very respectfully your Geo. W. Hopkins

Sir
Jan 18 Apr 12th
294 44
I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Nancy Cecil has been examined & disallowed. Upon an examination of her husband's papers with the better information acquired since the adjustment of his claim and with more time for investigation, it is not apparent that he was at any time in service in any corps organized by the laws of Va & called out & quartered, subsisted & paid as soldiers in actual service by the competent authority. He represents that he was engaged in "spying" Cos in each year from 76 to the close of the war & that the Com- pany was regarded as minute men to protect the frontier settlements. The statement in no respects corresponds with the service required of the Militia by law. Nor with the service of any corps organized by law for the prosecution of the Revolutionary war. No one who did not serve at least 6 months in the Land or Naval service of the Revolution is entitled to a pension. You will be better satisfied with this decision

if you would call & examine the papers upon which her husband was improperly allowed a pension
M r . Spotts was informed on 20 th of the decision in the case of Nancy Brooks
Rev. E. C. Welching April 19 th 1849
Yours Rev. G. W. Hopkins J. R.

Harold W Hopkins
May 17, 1944
Dear Mr. [unclear], I have been thinking about you and your [unclear] and how much things have changed since we were children. It seems like a lifetime ago. I hope you are doing well and that you have found some peace in your life. I am still [unclear] and I am trying to [unclear] but it is not easy. I wish you were here for just one day, to see how much we have all grown and how much things have changed. But time moves on, and we must move with it. I hope you can write back soon, and let me know all the news. With best wishes to you and yours, I remain, as ever, your friend, [unclear].
Yours sincerely, Harold W Hopkins

Si
345
Sen H
May 17 44
I have the honor to return you the letter of Mr. Spotts in the case of Nancy Gail and to inform you that no information respecting the case has been rec d except the papers filed by him in her case & those filed by her husband - My letter to you of 12 inst. shows all the ground upon which her claim is resisted & that ground is the inconsistency of her husband's narrative of his services with that of any military corps authorized by the laws of the
Gen J. M. Hopkins HR

Wm G. W. Hopkins
Feb 27: 46

Sir
Pen of Feby. 29 46
In answer to your enquiry respecting the case of Nancy Becil I have the honor to inform you that no papers have been received since my letter to you of 12 ap l '44 rejecting her claim and assigning the reasons therefor.
Hon. G.W. Hopkins H.R.

1082
Nancy Cecil - V.O.
act 4 July 36 m 74236 -

Virginia:
In Fauquier County Court. Aug. 30 th 1843
This day Mrs. Nancy Cecil widow of William Cecil deceased late of this County by her attorney pronounced in Court her declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836, and also interpleads Thomas Mitten a witness of lawful age, who being sworn, declareth that the said William Cecil died on the 11 th day of December 1836 and that the said Nancy Cecil is still his widow and unmarried; and the Court doth further certify that Samuel Mitten, Thomas S. Barnahan & William Bains who have subscribed their names as Justices of the peace for this County to the said declaration and the affidavits of John Thompson & Henry Bower accompanying it, are and were at the time of subscribing the same, acting Justices of the peace for this County duly commissioned & qualified, that the said signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine and that this Court on examination of their acts in this behalf approve the same - all which is ordered to be certified.
I George W. S. Brown Clerk of the County Court of Fauquier County, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the records of said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at my office in Fauquierville in said County this 6 day of September 1843
Geo. W. S. Brown C

Virginia, Fauquier County To Wit:
This day personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County Henry Bowen aged aged 78 years and made oath that he was well acquainted with the late William Cecil a revolutionary Pensioner from about the year 1780 to his death and that he also knew his wife now the widow Nancy Cecil from her earliest acquaintance with them they were considered by the community and lived together as man and wife, that there was born unto them a large family of children who inherited their property some of whom this affiant hath known for 50 years that the said Nancy Cecil hath remained a widow since the death of her husband and he further certifies that it was not unusual in the country where they resided at the day of their marriage for persons to marry by a publication of the banns it being so convenient to obtain license which custom was sanctioned by the laws of the state and the rules of society.
Witness J. P. Spots
H. B. Barm
Sworn to and subscribed before the undersigned this 29th day of August 1843
H. B. Barm J. P.

In reply to your request of Nov. 14 , received Nov. 15 1910 , for a statement of the military history of William Cecil 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.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 5, 1776 to Dec. 1, 1776 Indian Spg Det. Thomas Mastin Eno Thomas Witten William Preston Va.   Continued to serve 6 mos.   every year for 7 years in the same regiment, under same officers, above noted.   only claim of 700  
Battles engaged in, no regular battle. (several skirmishes E.W.) Residence of soldier at enlistment, Montgomery Co. Va., wh. became Tazewell Co., Va. Date of application for pension, Oct. 16, 1832. His claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Tazewell Co., Va. Age at date of application, born May 28, 1750, — place not stated. E.W.
Remarks: Soldier m. May 29, 1774 Nancy Witten to Feb. 9, 1755, of Fincastle or Augusta Co., Va., the sister of Thomas Witten who married soldier's sister, name not stated. Soldier d. Dec. 11, 1836, and his widow Nancy died Sept. 6, 1843, leaving the following children only: Susannah Sayers to Feb. 19, 1776, John Cecil to Mch. 17, 1778, Rebecca Cecil to Oct. 21, 1780, Kinnyphice, Nancy Harman, Samuel Cecil & Sally Caldwell.
Feb 19 1912 Word claim by Bureau of Pensions - 18. allowance - By G.W. Grys not questionable

Nevada Mo
Jan 17, 1921
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Per W H
Sir: Will you
Kindly send me a statement showing the pension record of my Great- Grandfather, William Cecil, of Lazear county, Virginia, a Patriot soldier of the Revolutionary War. If there is any charge let me know and I will remit in advance
Yours Resp W. Cecil Nevada, Mo

Rev. K 787 East Madison Street, Springfield, Missouri. November 27, 1920.
Pension Office, Washington, D.C.
Dear sirs:
Please favor me by a copy of the war record of the Revolutionary soldier, William Cecil, of Tazewell, Virginia, who was born in 1745, served in the War for Independence and was granted a pension about 1832.
I would like also to learn the date of his death, and any data which you may have regarding his wife, Nancy Witten Cecil.
If you will give reference, by volume and page, to the documents from which this information may be obtained, I will appreciate it as essential to the purposes for which I am endeavoring to obtain it.
Respectfully yours,
Ralph A. McBanse

496 West 133 rd St. New York City Nov. 14 th , 1910.
Bureau of Pensions O. W. & R. Division Dept. of the Interior, Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:—
Kindly furnish me certificate  information of the pension granted, Oct. 16, 1632, to W m Cecil, who served (4) four years as Indian Spy. He states I believe, he is 83 yrs. of age at the time of application. Will you look at application and see if it states where he was born. He is my ancestor and I am trying to trace his history.
Thanking you in advance for the courtesy and favor asked, I am, Yrs. Resp. (Mrs) F. H. Hass
let. Nov. 19. 1910 P

527 Monroe St- Springfield Missouri Sept- 11
Hon Vespasian Warner Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
My Dear Mr. Warner:-
Will you kindly give me the records of the following soldiers of the
Revolutionary War
R. 1823 William Cecil of Virginia.
William Edmiston, either Virginia, Kentucky, or Tennessee
Richard Price who served as sergeant in Capt. Spencer's Company 7th Virginia Regiment commanded by Col. McLeanachan.
W 2+35 Richard Price. Private. Capt. Harrison's Company,
2 nd Virginia Regt. Commanded by Col. Spotswood
I can get no trace of William Edmiston who was my great grandfather. & killed at King's Mountain North Carolina. If you have no record of him
Could you tell me how I may proceed further. If I can find his record then I can have the distinction of having had three Grandfathers in the Revolutionary War.
Respectfully
Mrs Lula Kennedy

47 West 27th St New York City 28 th Jany. 1903.
Bureau of Pensions, O. & N. Division Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
To the Commissioner; - Dear Sir, -
On April 3, 1900, you forward- -ed me (as per my request) a record of the Revolutionary Service of William Cecil, (Indian Spy).
Among the questions printed on this record are those in reference to " Residence, & Age at date of Application ". These are properly filled.
Now what I wish to ask is as follows:
Does the original application made by said William Cecil , give the informa- -tion of his birth place ,
I need this in the history I am writing (over)

OWTU ✓ 133, East 17 th St., New York City, 14 March, 1900.
Chief of the Pension Bureau, Washington City, D.C.
Dear Sir: -
Will you kindly have forwarded to me the records of William Cecil Cecil, Va. Militia. (I found in the Census & Pension rolls page 203 [4/14]) that said William Cecil was placed on pension Roll, 19 July, 1833.) As he was an ancestor of mine, I would like all the information he furnished to the Govt. at the time of enlistment, and at the time of application for pension. Thanking you in advance I am Yours Respectfully (Mrs.) Frances Hardin Hres.