Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31149, Absolom Hughes, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Hughes, Absalom or Absolam
S. 31149
CONTENTS

13.659 Kentucky
Absalom Hughes
Barron Co. in the State of Kentucky who was a pr. & serg t in the Company commanded by Captain Gregory of the Reg t commanded by Maj d Hardin in the Virginia Mna. for 18 months from 1775
Enrolled on the Roll of Kentucky the rate of 63. Dollars 33 Cents per annum. Commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of May 1833 and sent to L. Tompkins, Glasgow.
arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $126.66 Pension allowance ending 4 Sep '33 31.66
$158.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. Allison Clerk Book C. Vol. 7 Page 12
Order to pay 5 Oct 1831 Letter to J. Hicklin do
Act of death no 2 in 1831

State of Kentucky
County of Barren Circuit Sec.
On this 20th day of March 1833, I personally appeared in open court before the Judge of the Barren Circuit Court now sitting, Absalom Hughes aged 78 years the 15th day of June 1833, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed June 7th, 1833.
That he has heretofore, to wit on the 17th day of September 1833 appeared before the Judge of the said Court for the purpose of making out his Declaration for a Pension, that the same was made out, sent on to the War Department for consideration & returned with objections, 12, 13, and 17. That for the purpose of obviating these objections he now again makes this Declaration as an amendment to his said original Declaration. That he served as herein stated under the following named officers. In the month of Octr 1775, according to the best of his recollection, he volunteered as a private in the Virginia Militia Virginia, under Captain John Gregory and David Merry Lieutenants, Major Richard Hardeman Commander.
He was born in said Charles City County on the 15th day of June 1755, and lived in said County during the Revolutionary War and during all of his service. Under Captain Gregory, He joined the company at the Court house of said Charles City County for the purpose of meeting Gen. Dunmore, who, it was stated, was endeavouring to destroy the magazines. He received an unwritten discharge by disbandment, in Charles City County, having served to the best of his recollection, four weeks.
In 1776, in the following he again volunteered as a private in the Virginia Militia for one year under Captain Edward Marable. Lieutenant David Merry, in the same County, was marched to Williamsburg where he staid about 3 weeks, when he was marched back to Sandy Point on James River, where he served out the year as a private as aforesaid ; he was then discharged without receiving a written discharge.
In June 1777 he again volunteered in Charlotte County Virginia under Captain Thomas Williams, Lieutenant

Thomas Collier, in which Company he received the appointment of 1st Sergeant, marched by the way of Petersburg, thence to Williamsburg, thence to Hampton, thence to Portsmouth. At the latter place he received a written discharge from Captain Williams, after having served at least two months, in the capacity of first Sergeant to the Company.
In June 1781 he was drafted from Charlotte County where he had gone to see his brother, & directly he got there under Captain Gideon Spencer, 1st Lieutenant Thomas Collier, 2nd Joseph Collier, Sergeant John Eubanks, and was attached to the Command of Major John Overstreet, Sergeant Major Benj n Overstreet, and marched and joined Genl l La Fayette on the Pamunkey River & marched to Rappahannock Ford of Rappahannock River to a place called the Boatswain's Ford, where the troops met Genl l Wayne.
At Dandridge old field in Hanover County he was taken sick and left by the Army and continued there until Cornwallis surrendered. He was out on this tour and say three months more before he got home, making in all six months lacking 2 days. There are other short tours of duty which he did, and can say that he was in the service for at least two years; But is willing, if the department can not allow him a Pension for two years, to take it for the period of service above specified. It is so long, was attached to the Virginia Militia, he does not remember any Continental Regiments or Companies by name or number. In the service he knew by sight Genl l Wayne, Genl l La Fayette, Col l Matthews, others he cannot now remember. He has no documentary evidence nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
In answer to the questions prescribed by the War Department he saith - 1 st He was born on the 15 th day of June 1755 - in Charles City County Virginia. 2 nd He has no record of his age but there is one in Virginia in Charles City County in a Register of the Church. 3 rd When called into the

service every time he lived in Charles City County. He was called into service in other counties, but his residence was in Charles City County during the whole of the Revolutionary War. In 1784 he moved into Halifax County, from thence in 1814 he moved into Barren County, Ky., where he has lived ever since. 4 th On his first, 2 nd and 3 rd term of service he volunteered on the 4 th he was drafted. — 5 th — he would state as the Regular officers who served with the troops where he served Genl. La Fayette, Genl. Wayne, & Col. Matthews, Col. Stubblefield. He does not remember now the names or number of any Continental or Militia Regiments. 6 th He received no written Discharge, except on the 10 th of 2 months when he acted as Sergeant, when he received one from his Captain Williams, which is now lost. When he acted as Sergeant he received the appointment from his Captain & was not commissioned. 7 th — he would name Richard Fulcher, Captain William Ellis, William Morrow, James and Mary Campbell, James Campbell, Jr., William McAdams, Henry Lee and Samuel Lee, and could name others if it were necessary.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Abraham Hughes
W th Zachem Ruesenberry — a clergyman residing in the County of Barren Ky, and William Ellis — residing in the same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Hughes who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be 78 years of age the 18 th day of June 1833; 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 day and year aforesaid.
Z. Ruesenberry W. Ellis
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 Zachem Ruesenberry — who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman residing in the County of

Barren, Ky. and that William Ellis who has also signed the same is a resident in the same county, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to Credit.
I Richard Garrett Clerk of the Circuit Court of Barren County, Ky. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Absalom Hughes for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 22 d day of March 1833
Richard Garrett Clerk

Absalom Hughes
Amended Declaration
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

July 5, 1932
BA-J/AWF XXXXXXXXXXXX Absolom Hughes S.31149
Mrs. Aden Depue 830 Murdock Avenue Parkersburg, West Virginia
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Absolom Hughes, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.31149, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Absolom (Absolam) Hughes.
He was born June 15, 1755 in Charles City County, Virginia.
While residing in said Charles City, County, he served with the Virginia troops, as follows:
From sometime in October, 1775, four weeks as private in Captain John Gregory's company under Major Stith Hardeman; from the spring of 1776, one year as private in Captain Edward Marabel's company; from sometime in June 1777, two months as first sergeant in Captain Thomas Williams' company; from sometime in June, 1781, three months in Captain Gideann Spencer's company under Major John Overstreet; he had other short tours, no details given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, at which time he was living in Barren County, Kentucky, having moved there from Hanover County, Virginia in 1814, and having moved to

Hanover County from Charles City County in 1784.
He had a brother, whose name is not given, living in 1781 in Charlotte County, Virginia. There are no further data relative to soldier's family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

31 149 Rev INVALID.
1925: Dec. 7- Hish to Mrs. Rose C. Danner awd. 1928: Nov. 2- Hish to J. G. Hughes awd. 1932- July 5: " " Mrs. Adair Depul awd.
File No. 31,149
Absalom Hughes Sergt Rev War
Act: June 7 th 88 th
Index: —Vol. 2 , Page 197
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Abalom Hughes
Kentucky
from 1775 private Sept 18 mts., Pr. 16 mts., 53.33 Sept 2 do. 10 $ 63.33
C. Tompkins jr Glasgow Ky.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Absalom Hughes which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? _____ IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? 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? two Citizens. XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No 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? No XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? _____ Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? _____ 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? _____ 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? 1. 2. 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 the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the 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 authenticated 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 end 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.

Mr. Evans
Free
L. Edwards Esq. Cambridge of Prof's Washington City

Leicester Ry 27 th Sept 1837
Dear Sir
I will thank you to order the payment of A. Hughes Pension which has been delayed by a defect in the powers of attorney on former payments which were sent to me
Yrs &c
Joseph H. H. H.

Apr 16
Glasgow Ky March 26
Miss
Hon Secy Camp
Secretary of War U.S.
City of Washington

Rev. AWF/vel
Section
November 2, 1928
J.G. Hughes Hobart, Oklahoma
Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31149, it appears that Absolom (Absolam) Hughes was born June 15, 1755 in Charles City County, Virginia.
While residing in said Charles City County, he served in the Virginia Troops as follows:
From in October 1775, four weeks as a private in Captain John Gregory's Company, under Major Stith Hardeman; from in the spring of 1776, one year as private in Captain Edward Marabel's Company; from in June 1777, two months as first sergeant in Captain Thomas Williams' Company; from in June 1781, on a visit to his home from Charlotte Co. Va. three months in Captain Gideon Spencer's Company, under Major John Overstreet; he served other tours, no details given. In 1784 moved to P. County Va. in 1814
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17 7, 1832, while a resident of Barren County, Kentucky.
1755 1781 1784
alt
X

It is not stated that soldier was married.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.
He had a letter no name rec'd given, when was leaving no Charlotte C. Va in 1881

December 7, 1925.
Mrs. Rose C. Danner Willows Calif
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31149, it appears that Absolom (Absolam) Hughes was born June 15, 1755 in Charles City County, Virginia.
While residing in said Charles City County, he served in the Virginia Troops, as follows-
From in October 1775, four weeks as private in Captain John Gregory's Company, under Major Stith Hardeman.
From in the spring of 1776, one year as private in Captain Edward Marabel's Company.
From in June 1777, two months as 1st Sergeant in Captain Thomas Williams' Company.
From in June 1781, three months in Captain Gideon

Spencer's Company, under Major John Overstreet.
He served other tours, no details given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 7, 1832, while a resident of Barren County, Kentucky.
It is not stated that soldier was married.
Clint { Owing to a lack of clerical force available for the purpose, only two histories are furnished each inquirer.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA
April 4 th 1932
The Pension Bureau Dept, Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please send me all that you have on a Revolutionary Soldier "Absolom Hughes" who served in Va ; but in 1835 was drawing a pension, residing in Barren Co Ky — "wife & children" if this is given — date of service — etc —
Also, a David Hughes of the Wa Militia, who served during  in Revolution — Thanking you
Cincerely Yours
Mrs Idelle Hepley, 830 Meridoch Ave., Parkersburg, W. Va.

I am especially interested in finding the name of his wife. to Barron Scott, Kentucky for the war. He was born near Cold Iron, Kentucky. Virginia and moved during his record and after the war he moved to the name of Scott on his record. I hope to find out I have you on your list of Revolutionary soldiers Washington, D.C. Pension Department
Rev H 1812
John H. Scott
Robert Griffith October 20th, 1880

Hobart, Oklahoma October 23rd. 1928
Pension Department Washington, D. C.
the nameHave you on your list of Revolutionary soldiers the name of Absalom Hughes ? I would very much appreciate having his record and any other information you may have. He was born I am told in Halifax County, Virginia and moved to Barren County, Kentucky after the war. I am especially interested in finding the name of his wife.
Yours very respectfully
J. G. Hughes

Mrs. Rosa Turner Turner
Yours very truly,
I shall certainly consider it a great favor if you will furnish me with the data asked for. Thanking you in advance, I remain,
Now, here is what I would like to learn of each of them: - What war did they serve in? Place of nativity? Date of birth, marriage and death? Wife's name? Date of marriage? Where and when was wife born? Names of the children? And names of the children if possible?
Absalom Hughes was of Barren Co. Ky. He was a private and Sgt. in the Virginia militia and was placed on the pension roll May 30, 1855.
John Hughes lived in lived-in Henderson Co. Ky. He enlisted in Warren Co. N.C. was placed on the pension roll April 23, 1819 for service in the North Carolina line, and is on the Kentucky Pension Roll.
William Hughs lived in Lincoln Co. Kentucky and was placed on the pension roll Jan 22, 1855 for service in the Virginia militia. He enlisted as a private. Was made a Sgt. and later when he left the service he was a Captain.
May I ask you to help me by giving what information you can, from the records of your office in regard to the following persons who were once on the pension roll, viz: - William Hughs, John Hughes, Absalom Hughes.
I am trying to trace up some of my ancestors in order to work out a family tree.
Dear Sirs:
Washington, D.C.
Pension Bureau
Oct. 28, 1925
Willows, Cal.

Willows, Cal.
Oct. 28, 1925
Pension Bureau Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
I am trying to trace up some of my ancestors in order to work out a family tree.
May I ask you to help me by giving what information you can, from the records of your office in regard to the following persons who were once on the pension roll, viz:- William Hughs, John Hughes, Absalom Hughes.
William Hughs lived in Lincoln Co. Kentucky and was placed on the pension roll Jan 22, 1833 for service in the Virginia militia. He enlisted as a private. Was made a Sergt. and later when he left the service he was a Captain.
John Hughes lived in lived-in Henderson Co. Ky. He enlisted in Warren Co. N.C. Was placed on the pension roll April 23, 1819 for service in the North Carolina line, and is on the Kentucky Pension Roll.
Absalom Hughes was of Barren Co. Ky. He was a private and Sergt. in the Virginia militia and was placed on the pension roll May 30, 1833.
Now, here is what I would like to learn of each of them:- What war did they serve in? Place of nativity? Date of birth, marriage and death? Wife's name? Date of marriage? Where and when was wife born? Names-of-the-children? And names of the children if possible?
I shall certainly consider it a great favor if you will furnish me with the data asked for. Thanking you in advance, I remain,
Yours very truly,
Mrs. Rose Sawyer Danner

Abraham Hughes Declaration.

Declaration of Absalom Hughes
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832
State of Kentucky County of Barren On this 17th day of August September personally appeared in open court before the judges of the said Court before a court of Record Now sitting Absalom Hughes a resident of Kentucky in the County of Barren Aged 77 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oth make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832
In 75 some time in the month of October I volunteered in Charles City County State of Virginia under Capt John Gregory and David Merry Lt Major Little Hardiman commanded; our service was required for the purpose of driving Governor Dunmore off as it was stated he was destroying the magazine I recd my discharge in Charles City County In 76 I volunteered as a minuteman for one year under Edward Morabel David Merry Lt John Dancy was marched to Williamsburg and staid there something like 2 weeks and returned again to Charles City County where we continued the balance of the year at a place called Sandy Point on James River
In June 77 I volunteered in Charlotte County Virginia under Capt Thomas Williams Thomas Callier Lt and in which Company I recd the ap- pointment of Sargent went by the way of Peters- burg thence to Williamsburg thence to Hampton thence to Portsmouth After being on service

something like 2 Month was discharged at the latter place
In 81 In June I entered the service entered the service in the Matilda from Charlotte County in Virginia under Cptn Gideon Spiner Marched to Prince Edward Court House where we were attached to the Command of Major John Overstreet from Prince Edward we marched and joined General La Fayette on the Pamunkey River Thence on a forced March to the Rappahannan River at a place called the Raccoon Ford where we met General Wayne and in Hanover County County at Cedarburg old field I was taken sick and left by the army and continued there till Cony Wallace was taken at Little York in all he believes he was about two years in actual service hereby Relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present And Further declares that my Name is not on the Pension Roll of the army of any State sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid I never had but one such grant which I have lost. Absalom Hughes
We James Babb Richard Fulcher adjoining and are resident in the County of Barrin the said Babb now residing in an adjoining County formerly lived in Barrin County and State of Kentucky hereby certify that we are acquainted with Absalom Hughes who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration That we believe him to be 77 years of age That he is reputed and believed in his neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that the contents in that affirmation sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Richard Fulcher James Babb

And the said Court certify as their opinion from the declaration and affidavits aforesaid that said Abraham Hughes  Abraham Hughes as in his declaration stated, and that the said Hughes  Hughes & Bibles the witnesses are men entitled to credit on oath all of which is certified to the department of war of the United States.
Richard Gannett clerk of the circuit court for the County of Barron do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the of the application of Abraham Hughes for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 17 th day of September 1832
Richard Gannett