Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 365, John Higgins, Va.

SERVICE
Va.
Higgins, John Mary
NUMBER
W 365
CONTENTS

Arrears allowed 35 98 -
Tennessee Nash Co
Mary Higgins, widow of John Higgins, who was a S er of Artillery in the Tennessee N. J. Va.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Oct. 1843 and sent to
W. Joakam Murfreesborough Tenn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book S Vol. 1. Page 219.
Reported
Date of death not on a3 -

19.380  West Tennessee  John Higgins A Wilson Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private of Art in the company commanded by Captain Edmunds of the regt commanded by Col Edmunds in the Vols State line for 3 yrs from 1777
Inscribed on the Roll of W. Tennessee at the rate of 100 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of August 1837 and paid to J. S. Sopp Lebanon, Tenn.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $300 — Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep 50 — $ 250 —
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. S. Allison Cl Book 8 Vol. 7 Page 82
66

14, 299
Mrs Higgins
for 1277 prints 3 yrs A.D.
per Roll on state roll not a Roll from 1777 private of artillery 2 yrs $100
J. S. Tapp.
John A
J. S. McClain
Lebanon

14,299
BRIEF in the case of  John Higgens,  of  Wilson Co  in the State of Tenn.  (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? 74  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.     77-10 Aug 9 - to 10 Aug 80 10 17 about 3 10 Artilleryman Gen. Capt Edmunds 12 th Va Regt   Spring or Summer 81 3 Militia  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Camden  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Flagg Co Va  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Right  W. C. Easton Examining Clerk.  18 Feb 1833

No 8294
Th. H. G. [unclear]
Mary Higgins of [unclear] [unclear]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

State of Tennessee } Be it remembered that in Cannon County } this eighteenth day of May in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty two, personally appeared Mary Higgins aged about seventy four years, before the Circuit Court of said Cannon County, held at the court house in Woodbury the Hon Saul Anderson Judge &c presiding, who being first duly sworn makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed on the 7th July 1838, that she is the widow of John Higgins who was a private soldier in the Army of the United States  Revolution And for proof of his services she refers to the records in the war department, - the evidence furnished by said John Higgins in his lifetime to the war department under which he drew a pension of one hundred dollars per annum (perhaps under the act of 1832) - the pension certificate heretofore transmitted by her to the department accompanying a declaration filed by her for a pension under the act of 1836 - to which declaration, and all the proof accompanying the same she also refers for such proof as it may be necessary for her to make in this application -
She, the said Mary Higgins, further declares that she was married to the said John Higgins a few days before Christmas in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty one (Dec r 1781) of which she knows of no record proof. She had been married one year nearly when her oldest child Elizabeth was born. She has been of the impression & still believes that her husband performed a three months tour after the marriage, she has no

proof of this fact, and as the same was not stated by her husband in his declaration, she believes that it was an omission or forgetfulness on the part of her husband. She is certain of the time of the birth of her oldest child and of the fact that that child was born about one year after the marriage. The said Mary & John were married by me in justice of the peace in Fauquier County & State of Virginia. She She further declares that her husband the said John Higgins departed this life in Fauquier County where he & she the the eleventh day of April in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty eight (11 April 1838) - that she has not married since his death, but still continues the widow of the said John Higgins and that they were married previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated. She is willing that the department should be governed by the statements & proof of her husband in relation to the last period of his service, and claims a pension under the act of 1838.
Mary Higgins her X Ed. mother
Subscribed & sworn to in open court this eighteenth day of May 1842
Thomas G. Wood clerk of the circuit court of Fauquier County

State of Tennessee } Samuels
Cannon County } ss
I Thomas G. Wood Clerk of the circuit court for said county of Cannon, do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings in relation to the application of Mary Higgins for a pension, were were had at the time, & in the manner stated in the foregoing said declaration, and that the same was done in open court -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and (having no seal of office) affixed my private seal this eighteenth day of May A.D. eighteen hundred and forty two
Thomas G. Wood clerk of Cannon Circuit Court
State of Tennessee
Samuels - I Samuel Anderson one of the Judges of the Circuit Courts of Tennessee now presiding for Cannon County do certify that Thomas G. Wood, who has made the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of making the same clerk of our said Court for Cannon County, duly elected and qualified, and that said certificate is in due form of law
Given under my hand and seal this eighteenth day of May A.D. 1842.
2 Samuel Anderson Judge of Circuit Tennessee

District of Columbia City of Washington
I certify that I am acquainted with Thomas G Wood Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cannon County Tennessee , and that his signature to the within certificate is in his own hand writing - that he is now or was at the time of signing the same the Clerk of said Court.
This 20 th of May 1842
H. L. Turner

John Wiggins
14,299.

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832. State of Tennessee  Sd. Wilson County 
On the 25 th day of September 1832, personally appeared before the justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County of Wilson now sitting, John Higgins a resident of Wilson County & State of Tennessee, aged Seventy four years in the month of June last past who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain, the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1777, between the 1 st & 10 th of August of that year - with Elias Edmunds who was then Captain & Samuel Blackwell Lieutenant and served in the 2 nd Regiment, to his best recollection, of the Virginia line, under the following named officers: From the time of his enlistment for perhaps two years the Company to which he belonged was under the Command of Capt. Edmunds and believes that that he was not attached to any Regiment until we marched to the South - he was duly and regularly discharged by Major with whom he was not well acquainted, but he well remembers that he was discharged about the 20 th of August 1780 which was about four days after Genl. Gates defeat - and he recollects that his discharge was signed and given him by an officer of the Regular Army who was stationed at Hillsborough as he understood for that purpose - he enlisted with Capt. Edmunds for the term of three years & his time was out about six days previous to the battle at Camden or Gates defeat; and in consequence of the entreaties of his messmates he was induced to take the place of Danl. Cornwall for about ten days & for which Danl. Cornwall gave him a new pair of leather breeches at the time they left Hillsborough for Camden. He enlisted in Fauquier County, State of Virginia for three years, about six miles from the Court house, marched from thence to Little York, thence to Hampton, thence Norfolk & Portsmouth, then returned again to Little York & to Hillsborough, & from Hillsborough to the Battle near Camden - the services during this time rendered were in guarding & for the purpose of defending the places above mentioned and the Military stores - for he belonged to the artillery and was on duty in the artillery Corps when Gates was defeated - He knew Baron De Kalb & saw him frequently whilst in the service believes he knew Genl. Stevens at least he recollects of hearing of such an officer - he knew Col. Porterfield and saw him immediately after he was wounded in the battle - He knew Genl. Gates well as their Commanding General, and saw him on his Retreat, when he ordered every man to shift for himself - He was not in any other battle except Gates defeat.
After he got his discharge at Hillsborough, having served about three years, & ten days - he returned home and in the Spring or first of the summer in year 1781 he was drafted and served

a tour of 3 months in the Militia. He was mustered in service at Fauquier Court house and marched immediately down below Williamsburg against Lord Cornwallis' forces; and returned home after the expiration of his time of service. and recollects that the Militia who succeeded him were at the siege at Little York when Cornwallis surrendered. —
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
John H. Higgins, Mark
And the said Court do hereby certify declare their Opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
M. Martin Benj. H. Billings E. C. Wilburt
I Josiah S. McClain Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in Wilson County, Tennessee, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of John Higgins for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and the seal of my office, at office in the town of Lebanon. October 3rd 1832
Josiah S. McClain
Amended Declaration of John Higgins
Tennessee
Wilson County.
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a justice of the peace for said County of Wilson, John Higgins, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith; that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he does not remember the names of all his officers, and cannot swear positively upon that point. — But he states again that he commanded the company when he first entered the service; he was then Capt. Edwards was promoted first to the office of Major & then to the office of Col. Commandant of the 2 nd Virginia Regiment, Lieutenant Blackwell took the command of the Company under the rank of Captain, when Capt. Edmunds was promoted to the office of Major in the said Regiment & when Major Edmunds was appointed Colonel Capt. Blackwell was advanced to the rank of Major. Henry Moore was our Ensign, but whether he or some other officer took the command as Captain he cannot say.

now remember - for it has been a long time, and he has not thought much upon the subject of late years until since the year 1832. - Genl. Gates was Commander in Chief when he was in the United States. Whilst he was in the Militia service he was under the command of officers with whom he had no personal acquaintance, being from different counties from that of his residence - and his service in the Militia was not of such importance as to fix the recollection of their names upon his memory - he was not in any engagement whilst in the Militia service - When he made his Original Application at Court he was advised that the regular Soldiers do were not required to produce the testimony of a minister of the Gospel or other testimony & he lives about twenty five miles from the seat of Justice & there was no Clergymen then present nor can he now procure the testimony of a a Clergyman for the same reason (his distance from his own residence) - He does not know of any living witness by whom he can prove his services - Nor has he any documentary evidence to establish the same - for he did not take care of his discharge from the Regular Army & did not receive one when his service or tour of duty was terminated in the Militia - He was a private soldier during the whole of his services in the United States services -
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th June 1833 -
John H. Haggins Mark
James C. Wiliford
We James McMinn son James Davidson & John McMinn residing in the County of Wilson & State of Tennessee do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Higgins who has subscribed and sworn to the Original Declaration & the foregoing amendment thereto; that we believe him to be about seventy four years of age; and he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary War; and that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 25th June 1833, and I certify that these witnesses are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit:
James Davidson John McMinn
James C. Wiliford
I, Isabella McLain Clerk of the county court of said county of Wilson in the State of Tennessee do hereby certify that James C. Wiliford is an acting Justice of the peace in Wilson County, and that his signature to the foregoing amended declaration and affidavit in the matter of the application of John Higgins for a pension are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office June 25th 1833. I. McLain

Elizabeth Higgins was born in December 19th 1782 Talley Higgins was born January the 3rd 1784 Webby Higgins was born March the 20th 1786 William Higgins was born March the 19th 1788 Alexander Higgins was born September the 1st 1791 Peggy Higgins was born in November the 8th 1794 Elijah Higgins was born September the 24th 1797 John Higgins was born December the 13th 1799
(13)
1833 1788
45

Elizabeth Higgins was born the year of our Lord 1782 Sally Higgins was born in the year of our Lord 1788
1797 1816 1797 19
217

June 1, 1938
Mrs. George Pease 1303- 45th Street Des Moines, Iowa
John Higgins W. 365 BA-J/AWF aw
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of James and John Higgins of Tennessee.
The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension found based on the service of a James Higgins of Tennessee.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 365, based on the military service of John Higgins in the Revolutionary War.
John Higgins was born in the month of June, 1758, place not stated, nor were the names of his parents given.
While a resident of Fauquier County, Virginia, John Higgins enlisted between the first and tenth of August, 1777, served as a private in Captain Elias Edmunds' company, and when Captain Elias Edmunds was promoted to a higher rank, he served in Captain Samuel Blackwell's company of Artillery; he was in the battle of Camden, and was discharged about August 20, 1780. He enlisted in the spring of 1781, served three months in the Virginia militia, and marched to Williamsburg, against Lord Cornwallis, names of officers for this

tour not stated.
The soldier, John Higgins, was allowed pension on his application executed September 25, 1832, then a resident of Wilson County, Tennessee. He died April 11, 1838 in Cannon County, Tennessee.
John Higgins married December 22, 1781 in Fauquier County, Virginia, Mary. The date and place of her birth, and names of parents were not given.
The widow, Mary Higgins, was allowed pension on her application executed January 17, 1839, at which time she was seventy-two years of age, and a resident of Cannon County, Tennessee. She was still living in Cannon County, in 1843.
It was stated that John Cooper  Higgins and his wife, Mary, had ten or eleven children. The following are the names of children as given in the claim-
Elizabeth born December 19, 1782 Salley " January 3, 1784 Wesley " March 20, 1786 William " March 19, 1788 Alaxander " September 1, 1791 Peggy " November 8, 1794 Elijah " September 27, 1797 8- John " December 13, 1799.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data relative to family.
Higgins 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, Mary Cooper, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and furnish the following data:
Mary Higgins, widow of John Higgins, certificate number 3598, issued December 23, 1843, rate $100.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1843, Act of March 3, 1843, Nashville, Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
This was executed before me July

Arriaz
Reported.
West Tennessee (6672)
Mary Higgins
widow of John Higgins
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 11th April 1838 of Cannon Co in the State of Tennessee who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Edmund H of the Regt commanded by Col Edmunds in the Regt line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 100 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836. and terminating on the 11th April 1838, the day of his death
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of March 1844 and sent to Mr. Leakum, Esq. Musfreesboro, Tennessee
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos. N. S. Kin, Clerk,
Book 4 Vol. 2 Page 207

West Tennessee 6672
Mary Higgins widow of John Higgins
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 11 th April 1838 of Cannon Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a Pr. of Artillery in the company commanded by Captain Edmonds of the regt. commanded by Col. Edmonds in the V a line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 100 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 1 st day of March 1836. 11 th April 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of June 1842 and sent to Hon. M. L. Turney, House of Representatives Arrears to the 1 st of March 1841 $230.61 Pension allowed ending
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book 1, Vol. 2, Page 207
Reported to agent Let to P st June 30. 1842.
Letter to D r Com st March 3 rd 1843. Letter to P st H th Yoakum apl. 4. 1843. do. to H. Yoakum 25 th Aug. '43

Mary Haggins Solomon Suspended
See let. 1. July 1839 N. York let. to do. 3 Feb '42
Act 4 July 1836

To H. J. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. Dear Sir, O. M. Y. R.
I would be pleased if you could tell me if John Higgins was a Pensioner in the Re- War and if so, how long? He was my great grand father. Very Respectfully.
Mrs W. H. Wood 429 W. Chas St. Muncie Indiana
7/9/02

19.4
GCK
Record Division.
3-1865.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. O., July 17, 1908.
Miss Ida Ludlow, Public Library, Blue Island, Ill.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 8" and received the 11" inst., you are advised that the Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford any information in regard to John Higgins described therein.
Very respectfully,
J. H. Harenfort. Acting Commissioner.
The copy of service of John Higgins asked for is "The name was found in printed Doc; - Rept from the Secretary of War in obedience to resolutions of the Senate of the 5th & 30th of June 1834 & 3 March 1835 in relation to the Pension estab. of the U.S. Wash - 1835. 23rd long 1st sess. Senate exec. Doc. no [514] P 113 Pensioners Under Act of 7th of June 1832. Statement of Wilson County Tennessee John Higgins Private of Artillery An allow $100 annu. $300 Va State Troops. Placed on Pension roll Aug 31 - 1833 Com Pension Mar 4 1831 aged 74. Will you see

if you can finish me copy of record.
Very sincerely
Ida Ludlow
address
miss Ida Ludlow
Blue Island Public Library. Illinois

E. JEAN NELSON PENFIELD ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW 280 BROADWAY, NEW YORK TELEPHONE WORTH 4484
November 30, 1927
Pension Department U. S. Gov. Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen: - Please forward copy of  due the pension record of John Higgins, a Revolutionary soldier (Va. State troops) who applied for pension from Wilson Co. Tenn. - was about 76 in 1833, or 1831 when application was made or granted. If your department is not the correct one for such an application, kindly forward this request to the proper department, and oblige,
Yours very truly, (Mrs.) E. Jean Nelson Penfield, An early reply will be appreciated.

MRS. WILLIAM BRECKENRIDGE ARDERY NATIONAL VICE CHAIRMAN HISTORICAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE REGENT: JEMIMA JOHNSON CHAPTER ROCKCLIGGAN PARIS, KENTUCKY
Feb. 11, 1929
Commissioner of Pensions Pension Office Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly examine your records for Revolutionary War pension claims and see what record of service, or of family records, you have on one
JOHN HIGGINS, of VIRGINIA LINE
who filed a claim from Wilson county, Tennessee.
I am trying to locate the service, and any family record, of one John Higgins who came into Kentucky from Lincoln county, Tenn. and who died in Montgomery county, Ky. 1829; and am hoping he was one and the same as the soldier of Wilson county.
The John Higgins of Tenn. and Ky. married Nancy Woodruff and had a daughter, Nancy, who married Joshua Yates born 1772.
I enclose a small check for the searcher who is kind enough to look into this matter for me, and will appreciate hearing if such record is filed in your office
Thanking you,
Sincerely,
Julia S. Ardery (Mrs. Wm B. Ardery)

May 6, 1938
Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I should like very much to have the records that you have on James Higgins, Sen. and John Higgins from Tenn., in the Revolutionary war.
I found the following about them: Higgins, James, Sen. - 1840 census age 89; drew pension in Giles county.
Higgins, John; 1832 list age 76; served in Va. State troops; drew pension in Wilson co.
Thanking you in advance, I am
Respectfully yours
Mrs. George Pease
1303 - 45 th
Des Moines, Iowa
Ans June 26497
1840 1889 1751

February 19, 1929.
Mrs. William B. Ardery, Paris, Kentucky.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 365, it appears that John Higgins was born June 1758, place not stated.
While residing in Fauquier County, Virginia he enlisted in August 1777 and served as a private in Captains Elias Edmunds' and Blackwell's Artillery Company with the Virginia Troops, was in the battle of Camden and was discharged August 20, 1780; and in 1781 served three months in the Virginia Militia, no officers given. It is stated that he was wounded in the foot, no details given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 25, 1832 at which time he was living in Wilson County, Tennessee.
He died April 11, 1838 in Cannon County, Tennessee.
The soldier married December 22, 1781 in Fauquier County, Virginia, Mary, her maiden name is not stated.
She was allowed pension on her application executed January 17, 1839 while a resident of Cannon County,

Tennessee, aged seventy-two years.
It is stated that they had ten or eleven children.
The following are the only names given:
Elizabeth born December 19, 1782. Salley " January 3, 1784. Wesley " March 20, 1786. William " March 19, 1788. Alexander " September 1, 1791. Peggy " November 8, 1794. Elijah " September 27, 1797. John " December 13, 1799.
The above noted John Higgins is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
The above data is furnished you without charge, and your remittance of $1.00 will be refunded in due time.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

September 28, 1928.
Mrs. E. Jean Nelson Penfield, 280 Broadway, New York City.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 365, it appears that John Higgins was born in June 1758, place not stated.
While residing in Fauquier County, Virginia, he enlisted in August 1777 and served as a private in Captains Elias Edmunds' and Blackwell's Artillery Company with the Virginia Troops, was in the battle of Camden and was discharged August 20, 1780; and in 1781 served three months in the Virginia Militia, no officers given. It is stated that he was wounded in the foot, no details given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 25, 1832, at which time he was living in Wilson County, Tennessee.
He died April 11, 1838 in Cannon County, Tennessee.
The soldier married December 22, 1781, in Fauquier County, Virginia, Mary, her maiden name is not stated.
She was allowed pension on her application executed Jan-

January 17, 1839, while a resident of Cannon County, Tennessee, aged seventy-two years.
It is stated that they had ten or eleven children. The following are the only names given:
Elizabeth born December 19, 1782. Salley " January 3, 1784. Wesley " March 20, 1786. William " March 19, 1788. Alexander " September 1, 1791. Peggy " November 8, 1794. Elijah " September 27, 1797. John " December 13, 1799.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug. 1777 Aug. 20, 1780 Pvt. Stearns Blackwell Artillery Pa.   Sept. 1781 3 mos. in militia        
Battles engaged in, Camden
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Sauquier Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 25-1835. His at road side.
Residence at date of application, Nelson Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application, He was June 1758, died Apr 11 1837 in Cannon Co. Tenn.
Remarks: Soldier married in Fauquier Co. Va. Dec 22, 1781 Mary. She was allowed pension on an application executed Jan'y 17, 1839 while a resident of Cannon Co. Tenn. aged 72 yrs. There were ten or eleven children: Elizabeth b. Dec. 19, 1782; Sally b. Jan'y 3, 1784; Hester b. Feb. 20, 1785; William b. Feb. 19, 1788; Alexander b. Sept. 1, 1791; Peggy b. Oct. 8, 1794; Abigail b. Sept. 27, 1797; John b. Dec. 13, 1799. none of others not stated.
Very respectfully,

8294 Mary Higgins of John Simonee Nashville agent
Admitted
B. at 2 m 1/100 Capt Edmunds C. O. Edm. Va.
died 11 April 1838
At 7 July 1838 E
Hon. H. L. Turner H. R.

Payments to be made at Nashville by the Pres d A. S. Branch Banks Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of W. Tennessee
4327 Mary Higgins of John Cannep
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book C Vol. 7 Page 87 by Wm Allison Clerk.

(A)
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Higgins of the Agency of West Tennessee who was a Private of Artillery in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive One hundred dollars and cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this 30 th day of August , one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
Lewis Cass Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
Geo. Wm. Crump acting Commissioner of Pensions.

A 327 Feb. 4. 1839
A. Mary Higgins 4 July 1836
Mr Higgins
H. Toakum, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Murfreesboro Tenn
Jan. 17 1839
Hon J. L. Edwards
Herewith I send you the papers of Mary Higgins for a pension under the act of 1836.
I presume the documents on file in your dept. will show more fully his services, after his marriage.
I have not yet heard from several applications I made your dept. some time since for pensions. I have attributed the delay to your engagements during the sitting of Congress.
I have the honor
to be, sir,
Yr. W. H. W.
H. G. G. W.
W. H. W. Jan. 1839

14, 299
Ma. Higgins

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Higgins which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Y
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Y
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? Y
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? Y
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Y
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Y
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Y
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? Y

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for 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'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? 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?
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.

State of Tennessee on this seventeenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, personally appeared before the Honorable the Circuit Court for said Cannon County County, Mary Higgins, a resident of Cannon County and state of Tennessee, aged seventy two 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 4th. 1836. That she is the widow of John Higgins who was a private of Artillery in the revolutionary war: and the evidence of whose services are on file in the war department - the same having been sent there by the said John Higgins in his life time for the purpose of obtaining a pension under act of 7 June 1832, which said pension certificate is herewith filed marked A. She further declares that her said deceased husband served a term of three months after her marriage with him. She further declares that she was married to the said John Higgins on the twenty second day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty one. as soon as spring corn was planted in the spring after said marriage, her said husband went on his said term of three months; and this declarant had to cultivate the corn with her own hands. said John Higgins did not on account of a wound on his foot, return at the end of three months, but it was full before he reached home; that her husband the aforesaid John Higgins died on the eleventh day of April eighteen hundred and

thirty eight; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by the annexed proof.
Subscribed & sworn to in open court. Hon Paul Andrews, Judge, presiding
Mary her G. Higgins mark
In testimony whereof I, Thomas G. Wood Clerk of the circuit court for Cannon County, Tennessee have hereunto set my hand, and (having no seal of office) affixed my private seal: this seventeenth day of January in the year 1839
Thomas G. Wood Clerk of Cannon Circuit Court
State of Tennessee } To wit:
I Samuel Andrews for one of the judges of the Circuit Court of Tennessee, presiding in and for the fifth Judicial Circuit, do hereby certify certify that Thomas G. Wood who has made the above certificate, is and was at the time of making the same clerk of our said Court for for Cannon County, duly elected and qualified, and that the same is in due form of law.
Given under my hand and seal this 17th day of January A.D. 1839.
Samuel Andrews Judge

State of Tennessee Before me Isaac Finley Cannon County ss an acting justice of the peace in and for said County of Cannon this day personally appeared Robert Henderson who after being first duly sworn according to law deposits and saith that he is about seventy one years old, that twelve or fifteen years ago he heard John Higgins, a Revolutionary soldier, say that he (Higgins) had served three years as a regular soldier; and then married — and that after his marriage he was drafted and served a three months term. This deponent has been acquainted with his widow about twenty five years. They were always esteemed as legally married, and Mary Higgins had by her said husband some ten or eleven children. She has not married since his death, but still remains his widow.
Robert Henderson
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 17th January 1839 —
Isaac Finley (Seal)
Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee, Cannon County, ss Before me Isaac Finley — justice of the peace for said County of Cannon personally appeared William Higgins about fifty one years old, who after being duly sworn says that the accompanying family record, exhibits the ages of the most of the children of John & Mary Higgins, that the same he has been informed & believes is in the hand writing of George Foster; that this

declared deponent has seen the record for the last twenty years, but does not know how old it is. Said record is herewith filed marked (B.) John Higgins died 11th April 1838 and further deponent saith not Subscribed & sworn to before me his Wm. X Higgins mark This seventeenth day of January 1839. And I do certify that William Higgins and Robert Henderson, who have deposed as above, are persons of credit and respectability.
Isaac Finley his mark Justice of the peace.
State of Tennessee No. wit. I, Samuel J. Garrison, clerk of the county court of Cannon County, to Cannon County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Isaac Finley, who has attested the foregoing depositions of Robt. Henderson and William Higgins, is and was, at the time of attesting the same a justice of the peace in and for our said county, duly elected and qualified; and that the signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and (having no seal of office) affixed my private seal this 17th day of January A. D. 1839
Sam J Garrison clerk of the county court
State of Tennessee; Cannon County, I, John C. Martin Chairman of the county court of Cannon County, do certify that Samuel J. Garrison who has made the above certificate is and was at the time of making the same, clerk of our said court, duly elected, and qualified, and that the same is in due form of law.
Given under my hand and seal; this 17 January 1839.
J. C. Martin his mark Chairman of the county court

John Higgins W. Ten: Act of June 1832 to what time paid? (Pen. Office.)
p o F. 4 March 1838
p o 100 June 1838 11 th
July 1. 1839

1806
M. Higgins
$100 per an
H. Yoakum Murfreesborough Tennessee

State of Tennessee } Before me Silas A. Robinson Cannon County } a justice of the peace in and for the county of Cannon aforesaid, this 16th day of May 1843 personally appeared Mary Higgins a resident of the county aforesaid, aged about seventy seven 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 3rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; That she is the widow of John Higgins, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, in the Virginia line, in which he served three years, and also three months in the militia. Under the act of July 7. 1838 she drew a pension of one hundred dollars per annum from the date of her said husband's death, (which was five years since on the 11th April last) to the 4th March 1841
Subscribed & sworn Mary Higgins her before me the day & in the year above written Silas A. Robinson } Witness } J. Thompson Justice of the peace } Alexander W. Knight

State of Tennessee ~ Rev. Fowler Cannon County Clerk of the county Court of said Cannon County do certify that Silas A. Robinson who has attested the foregoing declaration of Mary Higgins is and was at the time of attesting the same a justice of the Peace in and for our said county duly elected and qualified, & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and affixed my private seal (having no seal of office) this 16 th day of May 1843 R. Fowler Clerk of Cannon County Tenn.
I Certify that R. Fowler whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same Clerk of the county Court of Cannon County Tennessee, and that the same is in his own hand writing this the 23 rd of May 1843 H. L. Toney

State of Tennessee
Cannon County } Garrick
I Lewis Setton Chairman of the County Court of said Cannon County do hereby Certify that Rorer Howler, who has made the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of making the same Clerk of our said Court duly elected & qualified, that said Certificate is in due form of Law. Given under my hand & seal this 16 May 1862
Lewis Setton
Chairman of Cannon County Court
State of Tennessee
Williamson County } I Silas A. Robinson justice of the peace in and for said county of common do certify that Mary Higgins who made the foregoing declaration before me on the 16 May 1862 is and was personally known to me, and that she is the person she purports to be. Given under my hand this 18th day of September 1863
Silas A. Robinson
Justice of the peace for Cannon County

Pension Office
Nashville Tenn:
June 20 th 1842
Sir
Agruable to your instructions of the 3 rd instants, I herewith transmit the voucher of Mary Higgins, a pensioner per act 7 July, 1838, for examination.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
J. M c Smith
Pen: agent
J d Edwards Esq r .
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

No payment is to be made on certificates issued to Pensioners under the act of 7 July 1838, where the said Certificate issued previous to the 2 nd June 1842 without first submitting the voucher to the Pension Department at Washington City. See J. L. Edwards letter of 3 June 1842 on file.
J. W. Smith Fin: asst.

Woodbury Minn.
May 20. 1862
Dear H. L. Turney,
I send you some papers for Mary Higgins. You will please certify to the clerk's hand writing, & assist her claim through the enforcement.
You have the thanks of Mrs Loraine, for your attention to her case
Yours sincerely
H. L. Turney

AMERICAN MAGAZINE Feb 4. 1842
FREE
Rev James L. Edwards Commr of Pensions Washington City

Murfreeborough Tenn Jan y 25. 1842
Hon Com d of Pensions Sir
Sometime since, I forwarded to your department, two applications for Barkley pensions, one for Mary Higgins, the other for 4644 Sarah Barkley, both widows of Revolutionary age 38 soldiers. I have recd. no information in reply thereto. I would be glad to know what action you have had thereon.
Very Resp t
W. H. H. H. Graham
Hon J. L. Edwards Washington

July 15 1902
Mrs. M. H. Ward Maurice died
1908 July 28 Hist. to Lds Ludlow. D.S.M.
1928. Sept. 28 Hist. to Mrs.
E. Jean N. Penfield avf.
1929 Feb. 19. Hist. to Mrs. Wm B Ardery. A.D.Y. $1.00 refunded.
1938. June 1. Hist. to Mrs. George Peffer
365
Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No.
365
Mary Higgins
Widow
John Higgins
Priv. Art. Riv. War.
Act: March 3, 1843.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 333

War Department, Pension Office July 1. 1839.
Sir,
The papers in the case of Mrs Mary Higgins widow of John Higgins deceased, have been examined and filed with suspended cases. She alleges to have been married in December 1781 and the second exhibited shows the first child to have been born in December 1782. The only tour of militia service stated by her husband to have been performed by him was in the Spring of 1781 and stated expressly to have been before the surrender of the army under Cornwallis which was in October 1781. If the claimant had made a mistake in the year of her marriage and can produce second proof from the Office of the Court of the county where she was married showing that the period to have been before her husband's tour as a militia man, the claim may be allowed under Act July 4. 1836 under which she claims.

But if such record proof cannot be produced she should make a declaration under Act July 7. 1838.
I am very respectfully Your Obedt. Ser. Signed J. S. Edwards
H. Yoakum Esq. Murfreesboro' Tenn.

Decem 13 1843
Arrears Lem 15 Mary Loggins, 7 July 1838
Rev James J. Caldwell Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
FREE

Magnusboro' Tennessee
Dec 6. 1843.
Hon James L. Edwards Com'r of Pensions
Sir- In pursuance of the form recd from the Pensions office, I send enclosed the declaration of Mary Higgins to obtain the pension due her from the 4 March 1836 to the date of her husband's death - and hope the same is correctly drawn & executed Very Resp ly
W. B. L. S. S. L.
H. Goukerum

Mary Higgins
Tex.
Out 7. July 38 arrest.
$100. from 4 march '36 to 11 ap. '38.
4 Yoakum & 85 Murphyboro Tex.

State of Tennessee } To wit Cannon County }
On this fourth day of December 1843, personally appeared before John H. McBroon a justice of the peace for said Cannon County, Mary Higgins a resident of said County aged about seventy seven years (with whom I certify I am personally acquainted) who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the fourth of March eighteen hundred and thirty six to the eleventh day of April eighteen hundred and thirty eight from which period she has already been paid under the act of the 7th July 1838. And the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of John Higgins who was a private, as she believes, during the revolutionary war; that her pension was allowed at the rate of one hundred dollars per annum, and was paid to her at the agency in Nashville in the State of Tennessee. and further she saith not.
Sworn to & subscribed this day and year first above written before me: And I certify that by reason of age and bodily infirmity declarant is unable to appear in a court of record
John H. McBroon
Justice of the peace
Her Mary Higgins mark
Witnesses to the above signature
Wm. H. Brown H. G. Gann

State of Tennessee } ss Carroll County } I Revin Fowler clerk of the county Court of said Carroll County do certify that John H. McMorris, who has attested the foregoing declaration declaration of Mary Higgins is and was at the time of attesting the same, a justice of the peace for our said County duly elected and qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at office in Woodbury this 5th day of December 1843 R Fowler clerk of Carroll County Court
State of Tennessee, Carroll County — I Lewis Setton Chairman of the County Court of said Carroll County do hereby certify that Revin Fowler who has made the above certificate is and was at the time of making the same clerk of our said Court duly elected and qualified and that said certificate is in due form of Law. Given under my hand & seal this fifth day of Dec r 1843 Lewis Setton Chairman of Carroll County Court

Murfreesboro' Tennessee
March 20. 1843
Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir, Upon the enclosed pension certificate a power of attorney was given by Mary Higgins to James A. Harrison of this place to draw the money from Sac d M c Smith Esqr. You will see Mr Smith's note enclosed. The power of attorney was sent to your dept t as I am informed. Has any law, resolution or decision altered the rules of the Dept t so as to admit the payment of this claim? If so please remit the power of attorney & the certificate.
I have some applications to obtain pensions for five years' pensioners under the act of 3rd inst. allowing additional five years pay to all such from the 4th inst. I will therefore thank you for a copy of rules established by your department for carrying out the act of the 3rd inst. Very Resp t .
Your ob t . Serv t , H. Joakum

1846 June 5 1843
Jenn Mar 3 rd 1843 Martha Higgin.
FREE
Hon James L. Edwards Com r of Pensions Washington City

Murfraysboro' Tenn
Hon S. L. Edwards
Sir
I send you the declaration of Mary Higgins, for a pension under Act of March 1843. There being no county seal in Cannon County I procured the certificate of Hon Hopkins L. Turney, M. C. from that District. Hoping it may be all right & satisfactory I have the honor To be Yr obedt Servt H. Younkins

Newbern Tenn Sept 18. 1843,
Hon James L. Edwards, Sir
Enclosed I send you the pension papers of Esther Lawrence, Rhoda Whilfield and Mary Higgins. In each case the justice of the claim has made a certificate, according to instructions, & I hope you can allow them.
With great respect
J. H. Smith
H. Lockum