Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 665, Jesse Hopkins, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.B.
Hopkins, Jesse Polly
W 665
B.L.Wt. 26905-160-55
CONTENTS

26793 West Tennessee
Jesse Hopkins of White Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Co commanded by Captain Bradford of the regt commanded by Col. Holton in the W. Carolina line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Mississippi at the rate of 10 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of March 1834 and John D. [Signature] Minister H. C.
Arrears to the 4th of March  120.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept  20.00 $140.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Sam Boyd Clerk, Book - E Vol. 7 Page 83

121.309
act March 3/55 May 7. /55
Civ. W.B. Cummings. Jan'y: 25/84,
Polly Hopkins widow of Jesse Hopkins him
No. 26905 jp
Revolutionary War Pensioned Act July 3. 1853
Feb 53-2200
at 1600 hrs, 22/9/57
Dear [unclear],
W B. Cummings Spencer Tennessee
Vol 14. page 61:

Increase Tennessee — Nashville
Polly Hopkins widow of Jesse Hopkins who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private. N.C. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
27 th July 1868 Certificate of Pension issued 9 th day of January 1869 and sent to Matt M c Allen Nashville Tenn
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 258 Vol. 40,
7 July 27, 1868
D. H. Smith

121.309
Claim of Polly Hopkins for Bounty Land
Act March 3 rd 1855.
Revolutionary War
Signed warrant to W. Richmond at Spencer D. Jennings

State of Tennessee ) On this 7 th day of April one thousand Van Buren County ) eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me William Worthington Esq r a justice of the peace duly authorized by Law to administer Oaths for general purposes in and for the County of Van Buren and State of Tennessee Polly Hopkins aged 70 years a Resident of said Van Buren County, State of Tennessee who being duly sworn according to Law Declares that she is the widow of Jesse Hopkins Deceased who was a private in the Revolution- ary War that her said husband before his death filed his Declaration under the act of Congress of upon said Declaration her said husband obtained a pension Certificate for Forty Dollars payable Semiannually on the 4 th September and 4 th March in each year, at Nashville Tennessee and that her said husband received his pension pay up to his death, she refers to her said husbands Declaration for proof of his Service and dates &c. She further declares that she was married to the said Jesse Hopkins in White County State of Tennessee on or about the _____ day of _____ A.D.
by one Joseph Cummings Esq r a Justice of the peace for said White County, She further Declares that she is the Identical Polly Hopkins who filed her Declaration under the act of February 3 rd 1853 and and upon said Declaration she obtained a pension Certificate No 2200 dated September 30 th 1853. Signed by the proper officers of the Department, which is now in her possession, upon said Certificate she is now and has been receiving forty Dollars per annum payable at Nashville Tennessee she refers to her Declaration made under the act of February 3 rd 1853 for the proof of her said Marriage and the death of her said husba- nd and for dates &c that she has not intermarried but continues the widow of the above named Jesse

Hopkins deceased, that he name before her said marriage was Polly Vaughan, that her husband died in White County State of Tennessee on the day of July 1846. She refers to her Declaration for proof &c.
She makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress Approved March 3, 1855. She also Declares that she has never received bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress and that this is her first application.
Polly Hopkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I believe the Claimant who is now present and makes her mark to the above Declaration, to be the Identical person she represents herself to be and I have no interest in said Claim.
William Worthington Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee On this 7 th day of April AD 1855 Wartburg County personally appeared before me William Worthington Esq. a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid William Grissom and John P. Clarke residents of the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to Law Declares that they are personally and well acquainted with Mrs. Polly Hopkins that she is the person now present and makes her mark to the above Declaration, that they know her to be the Identical person then in represented and that she still remain the Widow of the said J. Hopkins deceased and they swear they are disinterested witnesses.

John P Clark William Garrison
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 7th day of April A D 1855, and certify that the said William Garrison and John P Clark are Creditable and respectable Citizens
William Worthington Lee Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee § I, Arthur L Parker Clerk of the County Van Buren County, Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that William Worthington Esqr whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Declaration and Affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn that full faith and credit and that the County Court aforesaid is a court of record having general jurisdiction, Given under my hand and Seal of Office at Spencer this 16 day of April 1855
A S Parker Clerk

Pension claim of Dolly Hopkins
Send Certificate to W. B. Cummings Spencer Co. Jennifer

State of Tennessee  On this Fourth day of July One Van Buren County  Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Three Personally appeared before the County Court of said Van Buren County and state aforesaid Polly Hopkins = s aged about 70 years, A resident of Van Buren County and state of Tennessee, Who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of February A.D. 1853 Granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Jesse Hopkins who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States That her said Husband Jesse Hopkins drew a pension on pension Certificate the number she do not recollect, and that she do not know where or what become of his certificate after his death She states that her said Husband Jesse Hopkins drew a pension of forty Dollars payable Semiannually on the 4 th day of March and 4 th of September in each year payable at the Nashville Tennessee agency for paying pensions, for further information referance to her said Husband Declaration, She declares that she was married to the said Jesse Hopkins on the 21 st day of July A.D. 1833 in the County of White State Tennessee by one Joseph Carmichael Esq. then a justice of the peace for said White County that she has with files a copy of the records of her marriage She states that she was not married to the said Jesse Hopkins prior to the 2 nd day of January A.D. 1800. but at the time above stated she further declares that she has never married since the death of her said Husband but

Still remains the widow of the said Jesse Hopkins deceased she further states that her said husband Jesse Hopkins died on the _____ day of 1844 in the county of White Haven
Tennessee
Sworn to and subscribed in open court on the 4 th day of July 1853.
Sally her Hopkins mark
A. L. Parker
Clerk of Van Buren County Court

State of Tennessee White County
To any Regular Minister of the Gospel having the Care of Souls or Justice of the peace for said County - Greeting, By Virtue of the power and Authority in me by law vested, I hereby authorize and empower you or either of you to Celebrate and perform the rites of Matrimony between Depe Hopkins and Mrs Polly Vaughan widow, and join them together as man and wife in the Holy estate of Matrimony, he having given bond and security agreeably to law. Witness Jacob A Lane clerk of White County Court at office 20 th July A D 1833 Jacob A Lane clerk 1833
Endorsement
I do Certify that I joined the within parties together as man and wife in the presence of William Hopkins and thy and this 21 st day of July 1833 Joseph Cummings Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee White County
I George G. Dillard clerk of White County Court hereby Certify that the above is a true and perfect Copy of the original Marriage License of Depe Hopkins and Polly Vaughan now of file in my office, together with a true Copy of the return thereto for testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at office in Nashville the 3 rd day of May A D 1833 G. G. Dillard clerk of White County Court

State of Tennessee
Be it remembered that at a quarterly Court began and held for the County of Van Buren and State aforesaid at Courthouse in the Town of Spencer on the first Monday being the 4 th day of July A.D 1853, and of the Independence of these United States of America, the 78 year
Present the worshipfull
John Sellentine
G. W. Sparkman
John Paine
James A. Haston
Elijah Hill
Harman York
H. E. Plummer
Wm Johnson
Lewis Carmack
John Fleming
John B. Hill
James Durham
Mayor Parsons
William Thompson
W. B. Crumming
Justices 86
This day Polly Hopkins widow of Jesse Hopkins Deceased to the Court well known personally appeared in Open Court and Made Oath in due form of Law that the matters and things set forth in her declaration for a pension under the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of February 1853, are true which Declaration she signed and sworn to in Open Court

Then upon came also here into Open Court Elijah Hill and Joab Hill to the Court well known to be Creditable Witnesses, and Men of good Reputation and Made Oath in due form of Law that they are personally well acquainted with the said Sally Hopkins and her husband the late Jesse Hopkins that they lived together in good respect as man and wife up to his death that the said Jesse Hopkins died some time in the year 1846, in the County of White State of Tennessee, that they was personally present at his death and saw him when dead and assisted in burying him, and that they know the said Sally Hopkins to be the widow of the said Jesse Hopkins deceased and that she still remains his widow and that she has never married since his death, and that they are not interested in her said Claim, All of which is ordered by the Court to be spread upon the Records of this Court and that the Clerk attesteth the same under the Seal of this Court.
State of Tennessee Van Buren County } J. Arthur L. Parker Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true full and perfect transcript of the Record in my office together with the Caption of our said Court. Testimony whereof I have hereunto signed

My name and affix the seal of our said Court at Office in Spencer. this 6 th day of July AD 1856.
A. L. Parker Clerk of the County Court of Van Buren County.

30. 492
Jesse Hopkins
To 3 Declaration
For a Pension
Hon. J. B. Forrester

State of Tennessee } ss.
White County } On this 15 th day of April 1834, personally appeared Jesse Hopkins in open court, before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County of White said Jesse Hopkins being a resident citizen of said County and aged Seventy five 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.
He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein after stated - In the year 1774 as well as he can remember, he substituted for John Champion for three months, in Granville County North Carolina where he then lived with his father. Richard Bradford was the name of his captain and Ephraim Bradford nephew of his captain was his lieutenant. The troops met at Granville Old Courthouse and from thence were marched to Halifax Court house - thence to Wilmington, thence to Hillsborough where declarant was discharged his three months having expired - Col. Aulston had the command of the Regiment to which he belonged - He had been at home but a few days when he again substituted for John Kettle for the term of six months - Phil Bradford was the name of his captain and relation of Captain Richard Bradford - Ephraim Bradford was again his lieutenant - He marched from Granville Old Court house down to Cross Creek - thence to Halifax Court house - thence to Hillsborough where he was stationed and served out his six months & was discharged and returned home - His Col. was John Dickerson. He had not been at his fathers but a very short time when he was drafted for Nine months - He marched under command of Captain Richard Bradford to a point near Wilmington, he was then transferred

to captain — Wad's company and marched to Halifax Court house. He states that he was several times thus transferred from one company or Captain to another, but whose names he does not recollect. He together with the balance of the troops was moved from place to place and stationed along the dividing line between North & South Carolina as necessity seemed to require — A tory captain by the name of John Hanning and his company were doing much mischief about this time in that section of country and the object was to notice their movements and destroy them if possible — He finally marched to Salisbury and from thence to Hillsborough where he was at the time the battle was fought at Camden. His time expired and he was discharged at Hillsborough and again returned home. Where after remaining a few days he enlisted during the war, under Captain Richard Hopkins who was a recruiting officer, he marched under command of said Hopkins to a point between Harrishburg Old Court house and Roanoke River, where he was placed under the command of Edward Williams as well as he can remember. Having been out four weeks having reached the residence of — Wilson Esq. on the North side of Roanoke River news reached the troops of the surrender of Cornwallis and they were discharged and once more returned home. His father then moved to the Western part of Virginia to what was then called Elk Garden where after having been out of the service of his country about Eighteen months he volunteered for three months — The object of this expedition was to go against the Indians — His Captain was Charles Hay's — Charles Price was his Lieutenant. He march- ed to Robinson's Station — thence down to Black- =amons station on Clinch River — thence to Martin's Station, in Powell's Valley where his three months having expired he was discharged — His Col. was John Cowan — Genl. Andrew Cowan his captain

brother was with the troops - Shortly thereafter he again volunteered for three months under the same officers last mentioned - He marched from Elk Garden to the Block house on the waters of Clinch River - thence to the long Islands of Nolston, he was here stationed and served out his three months and was discharged - He remained at home a few weeks on his return and again volunteered for three months under the same officers again, and again marched to the places mentioned in his last tour and also to Washington Court house now Abingdon where his three months expired and he was discharged. Having served in all two years and four months. During his three tours last mentioned declarant had several encounters with the Indians at Blackamore's Station - at Martin's Station, at the Mouth of Bull Run on Sandy River and at the foot of Black Mountain on Cumberland River. At the latter place the Indians took us by surprise and killed five of declarant's M en as they lay by his side. Declarant and the troops with him killed seventeen of the Indians and took the eighteenth and only one left prisoner. He was in no battle during his four first tours - He respectfully asks such pension as the above and foregoing services may entitle him to - He has no documentary evidence nor does he know of any person, whose testimony he can procure who can testify as to his service - He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. —
Answers to the questions prescribed by the War Department and propounded by the Court. —
1 st He was born in Granville County North Carolina 19 th October 1758. * 2 o He has no record of his age. 3. He was living in Granville County North Carolina when called into service the four first tours - and when he entered the service the three last tours

he resided in the Western part of Virginia in Elk Garden - Since the Revolutionary War he has resi- -ded in Stokes, Guilford, & District Burke Counties North Carolina - Spartanburg County South Carolina from the latter place he moved to White County Tennessee where he now resides and has resided for 54 years past. -
4 - He substituted the first and second tours - the third he was drafted - the fourth he enlisted and the three last he volunteered -
5 th He has stated the names of the officers who were with the troops where he served as well as his memory will permit, together with the general circumstances of his service -
6. He received written discharges at the expiration of each of his tours of duty - these discharges together with other with his pocket book containing other valuable papers were stolen from him at the Three Forks of New River.
7. He refers to the following individuals to whom he is known in his present neighborhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution - viz: Samuel Moore, Jesse Davis, Elijah Hill - Thomas Hill, Joel Smith Rev. Arnold Moser & Joseph Cummings Esq. - He states it is out of his power to procure the attendance of a minister of the Gospel. -
Sworn to in open Court this 15 April 1834
his Jesse H. Hopkins (mark)
Jacob Ham clerk By C. Ashmore D.C.

We Joseph Cummings and Samuel Moore both residing in the County of White Do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jesse Hopkins who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be seventy five years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn to in open Court 15 April 1834
Jacob H. Clark
By Ch. Alcockam D.C.
Joseph Cummings
Samuel Moore
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 soldier of the Revolution and served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Joseph Cummings and Samuel Moore who have signed the preceding certificate are resident citizens of the County of White and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit -
David Snodgrass
John Glass
Joseph Herd
State of Tennessee White County
I Jacob H. Clark clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jesse Hopkins for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Sparta the 15 th day of April 1834
Jacob H. Clark M.C.
By Ch. Alcockam D.C.

30.492 Lepe Hopkins Samuel
White Co special letter for 1780 p 1 yr $40.
Hon. J. B. Forrest N. R.

I will take one year and relinquish the balance for the present May 28 th 1864 John B. Foster

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Joseph Hopkins
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     * 1774 3 P. Col R. Bradford Col Alston 75 Traditionary   " 6 " Col P. Bradford   drafted 1780 9 " Col Dickerson Col Wade Col R. Hopkins   enlisted for the war and served till surrender of Cornwallis.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
* probably incorrect as to the year,

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?  { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Brey
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 665  am
Polly Hopkins Widow Jesse Hopkins. Paris. Rev. Ward
Act: Feb. 3. 1853.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 340
[Arrangement of 1870.]

July 21, 1853
No 2708
Appl. of Polly Hopkins, widow of Jesse Hopkins, Van Buren co., Tenn.
26793
Act 3 d Feb. 1853. $40.00 Per An Com Feb. 3 d 1853. Rev.
N. B. Cummings, Spencer, Tenn.
DEPARTMENT OF Pension Office, Official

Pension Office, 28 th Sept. 1853.
Sir,
Please certify the time to which the within named pension was paid, or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
D. Call
For the Commissioner.
Jerse Hopkins, at 32, $40.00 p. an. - Paid to 4 th March 1846, no date of death on our Books.
F. Burk Auditor. "
Francis Burk Esq., Ship Auditor. } Lucas }

my Sally Hopkins widow of Jesse Hopkins who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Pirate
Nashville Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40. dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
4th September 1860
Certificate of Pension issued 20 th day of March 186 7 and sent to W. W. Snodgrass Nashville, Tenn.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 253 Vol. II
J. K. Smith Clerk [Signature]

2200.
Tennessee Nashville
Nelly Hopkins, widow of Jesse
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Sept r , 1853 and sent to
W. B. Cummings Spencer
Paul 6 Sept 9
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 182. Vol. II
1832
For letters see case Samuel Moore #2687
Let. W. Lumpkin Mch. 21, 1834

26.905
5
Ver Anz

Power of Atty. to W. Lempkin from Mrs. Polly Hopkins of Tennessee. At Greene Feb 1853
file with her papers.
22 00
W. Lempkin Present

State of Tennessee } I Dally Hopkins of the County Van Buren County } and State aforesaid do hereby constitute and appoint Thomas Lumpkin of Washington City my true and lawfull Attorney for me and in my name to receive my Arrearage pension Certificate from 1848 up to 1853. or receive the money that I may be entitled, and to do and transact all my business in said case that I could do if I was personally present myself. Receive the same from the
Witness my hand and seal this 25 th February 1857
Witness
Dally his Hopkins mark
Edward Gilbertson W. Bloomer

Increase Brief in the Case of
2200
Polly Hopkins. Widow of Jesse of wife
Nashville
Van Buren
County and State of
Tennessee
Act 2 d Sec Feb. 3. 1853
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pension roll of Nashville at $40. per ann to be returned.
Claim increase as provided by Act of July 27. 1868.
Personal identity & Widowhood shown
Admitted July 6. 1869 to a pension at $96. Mr. Annuns to commence July 27 1868 deducting pay since.
Name and residence of Agent.
Matt W. Allen Nashville Tenn
W. E. Trask Examining Clerk.

Brief in the case of Polly Hopkins, widow of Jesse, Van Buren County and State of Tennessee, act 3 d Feby. 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "increased" )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7 th June 1832.
Record evidence of marriage,
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
W. B. Cummings Esq., Spencer,
Name and residence of Agent
Tenn.
J. H. Boynton, Examining Clerk.

Cut
March 16.

Restoration 2200  Nashville Brief in the Case of Polly Hopkins Widow of Isaac Hopkins Spencer Van Buren County and State of Tennessee 2 o Sec Act Feb 3. 1853.
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
On the Rolls of Tennessee at $40. 00 per Annum & paid to Sep 4. 1860 Certificate surrendered & claimant (Restoration) having made proof of loyalty - continuance of widowhood
Restored March 14, 1867 to a pension at $40. per Annum commencing Sep 4. 1860 & to continue during widowhood
W. H. Ingersoll Name and residence of Agent. Nashville Tennessee
W. E. Watts Examining Clerk.

Payment to be made at Nashville J. W. Harvey Esq. by
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Tennessee
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 253 Vol. H
J. N. Smith Clerk.

Restoration
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
J. P. Otto
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Sally Hopkins widow of Jesse Hopkins who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Forty dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 14th  September 1860 2d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this Twentieuth day of March one thousand eight hundred and Sixty-Seven
J. P. Otto Acting Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
Ralph W. Barnett Commissioner of Pensions.

Original Application of Polly Hopkins for Restoration to the Pension Rolls of Nashville Spence Tennessee
W. W. Ingersoll Attorney & c Nashville Tenn
P.O. address of appl t to Polly Hopkins Spencer Van Rurenco Tenn

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Polly Hopkins, Sesse Hopkins,
widow of _____ who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this thirtieth day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
W. L. Marcy
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
L. M. Steele Commissioner of Pensions.

Folly Hopkins
Payment to be made at Nashville by Joel W. Smith
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Tennessee
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 182 Vol. A.
G. T. Getty Clerk.
Resided in Van Buren County Tenn 2 years previous resided in White County Tenn. Sept 7-1860

State of Tennessee } Van Buren County }
On this 26 th day of January A D one thousand eight hundred and sixty five personally appeared before me Lucius Smith clerk of Van Buren County - Tenn. which is a court of record in & for said county & state Polly Hopkins aged about Ninety (90) years, a resident of Van Buren County - Tennessee, who being by me duly sworn according to law declares, that she is the identical Polly Hopkins who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at Nashville Tenn. and whose pension certificate is herewith returned that she has resided since the first day of January 1841 at Van Buren County - Tennessee; that during this period her means of subsistence have been wholly derived from the contributions made to her by the citizens of Van Buren County - that she has no property of any name or nature, and that she has not in any way manifested a sympathy with the cause of the rebels or in any manner encouraged them, and that she was last paid her pension on the 4 th day of September A D 1860.
This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension rolls, and of obtaining a New Pension Certificate such as she may be entitled to under

existing laws, reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substantiate her original claim
And she hereby appoints William W. Ingersoll of Nashville Tenn her attorney with power of substitution to prosecute her said claim before the Pension office and to receive the certificate issued on the same.
Witnessed by
Polly her Hopkins mark
William Shockley G. M. Cummings
Also personally appeared William Cummings and G. M. Cummings residents of the Burien County persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being by me only sworn say that they were present and saw Polly Hopkins sign her name to the foregoing Declaration by making her mark thereto. And they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the applicant, and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. And they further swear that they have no interest either direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim
William Cummings G. M. Cummings
2 Not sign
Sworn to and subscribed before me

this 26 th day of January A.D. 1866- and I hereby certify that the above declaration and affidavits were carefully read over to and fully understood by the declarants & affiants before signing their names or making marks thereto. and that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim direct or indirect
Seal Witness My signature, private Seal of having noted of Court the day & year above written Levi Smith Clerk
I Polly Hopkins do solemnly swear then in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Union of States there under, that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of Slaves; So help me God.
Witnessed by Wit William Shockley William Blumming
Polly my Hopkins Mark
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 26 th day of January A.D. 1866
Seal Witness My signature, private Seal of having noted of Court the day & year above written Levi Smith Clerk

Spencer Lempriere July 4
5
To the Commissioner of Pensions
1853
Washington City D.C.
22/7/53
6

Polly Hopkins
Ma.
Rev

State of Tennessee } Van Buren County }
On this 21 st day of July 1866. before me personally appeared George W. Sparkman and James Hunter residents of Van Buren County in said State, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit & who being by me duly sworn say. That they are well acquainted with Polly Hopkins who has made an application for Restoration of her name to the Pension Roll, as the widow of Jesse Hopkins deceased and deponents say that said Polly Hopkins has continued the widow of said Jesse Hopkins since the 4 th day of September 1860, and is now the widow, having never married since the death of her said husband Jesse Hopkins, aforesaid. Deponents further say they have no interest in the prosecu- tion of this claim & the foregoing facts are from their own knowledge.
Sworn to and subscribed } James Hunter before me this 21 st day
of July 1866 and I certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim Witness my hand & private seal, having no seal of office this day and year above written
Levi Smith
Clerk Van Buren Co Court

Declaration for Increase of Pension under Section 13. Act of July 27. 1868
State of Tennessee } Van Buren County } ss
On this 29 th day of December 1868 personally appeared =d, before me Cecil Smith Clerk of the county court within and for the County and State a foresaid Polly Hopkins aged about 80 years a resident of Van Buren County in the State of Tennessee, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the Identical Polly Hopkins to whom was Granted Pension Certificate No 2292 payable at Nashville State of Tennessee at the rate of of Forty Dollars per year issued under the Act of February 3 1853, that she makes this Declaration in order to secure the increase of her Pension, to which she is entitled under the Thirteenth Section of the Act of July 27. 1868, her post office address Spencer Van Buren County State of Tennessee and she hereby constitutes and appoints M att . W. Allen my true and lawfull attorney to present and prosecute this Claim and to receive and receipt for any Certificate that may issue for the same and to do any other act or thing necessary or that she might do if personally present with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby

Countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose here Sally Hopkins Mark
Witness
M c M c Bride John Hughes
Also personally appeared William B Gumming and William J. Saunders Residents of Van Buren County State of Tennessee persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn say that they were present and saw Sally Hopkins aged about 80 years make her mark to the foregoing Declaration and they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the Applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this Claim
William B. Gumming W m J. Saunders
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29 th day of December 1868 and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this Claim, and that the contents of the above were made known and explained to Applicant witness before signing. Gruender

my hand and Seal of Office the day and date above
Lecil Smith Clerk of the County Court of Van Buren County

Nashville Jan 1 st 1869.
Hon. Chas. C. Cox.
Com r Pensions etc
Washington. D.C.
Dear Sir. Please find Enclosed Declaration & Pension Certificate of Polly Hopkins, (no 2200), an applicant for increase of pension under 13 th sec. act 27 th July 68 th . Vanburen County is in the mountainous portions of the State, a considerable distance from Nashville, and mail facilities are exceedingly unreliable. Consequently in this case as well as many others, it is almost impossible to obtain the execution of the papers, by the parties free of irregularities & informality, notwithstanding the most particular instructions, even after months of delay & vexation, until despairing of anything better, I send the papers to Washington, trusting to the charity of the Commission- -ers, for the ignorance & unskillfulness of those, who served, their country in battle, or the destitute widows & families of those who thus laid down their lives.
Respectfully
M att . W. Allen

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR JUN 13 1861 PENSION OFFICE

State of Tennessee } Van Buren County } ss
On this 25 th day of May 1866. before me Cecil Smith Clerk of the County Court of Van Buren County in the State of Tennessee James Hunter and Harrison Leadwell Citizens of said Van Buren County, Tennessee, persons whom I Certify to be respectable and entitled to Credit and who being by me duly sworn, say, that they reside in said Van Buren County Tennessee and are well acquainted with Polly Hopkins whose Application for restoration to the pension Roll is on file in the pension Office And deponants say that she the said Polly Hopkins has not in any manner encouraged the Rebels nor manifested a sympathy with their cause but has all ways been loyal to the United States, Deponants further say that the said Polly Hopkins is possessed of no property whatever and has been supported during the rebellion in the following manner to wit at the commencement of the rebellion she would go from neighbors house to neighbors house and stay a short time at each house untill about two years passed she stayed at W Blummaige who taken care of her untill about eight months past she was declared a pauper and ever since that time she has been supported by the County as a pauper
Deponants further say that all the foregoing facts are derived from their own personal

Knowledge and that they have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this Claim Witnessed by Sam. Smith. [Signature] James mark Hunt [Signature] Harrison mark Leadwell [Signature]
Sworn to and Subscribed by signing their names before me this 25 th day of May 1866. And I certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of this Claim And that the foregoing was Carefully Read over to and fully understood by them before signing their names thereto.
Witness my hand and Seal this 25 day of May 1866. having no Seal of Court
(Seal)
Lecil Smith Clerk of the County Court of Van Buren County
State of Tennessee } Van Buren County } I Simon P. Dodson a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State Aforesaid duly Commissioned and qualified As such and Chairman of the County Court of said Van Buren County, Tennessee Do hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with Cecil Smith whose genuine Signature Appears to the foregoing Certificate and before whom the foregoing Affidavits were made was at the time of signing the same and is now Clerk of the County Court of Van Buren County And that full faith and Credit are due all of his Official Acts And I further Certify that he has  no seal he has no Seal of Court, Given under my hand

And Seal having no seal of office This 7 th day of June 1866
Simon P. Dodson Seal Chairman of the County Court of Van Buren County
I, ANDREW J. FLETCHER , Secretary of State for the State of Tennessee, do hereby certify that Simon P. Dodson , whose official signature is subscribed to the above Certificate , and whose seal of office as Chairman &c. is affixed thereto , was at the time the same were so subscribed and affixed, a legally elected, qualified, and com- missioned Justice of the Peace for the County of Van Buren in said State of Tennessee & chairman of the County Court of said County of Van Buren
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my official signature, and, by order of His Excellency the Governor, affixed the Great Seal of the State of Tennessee, at the Executive Department, in Nashville, on the 12 day of June, 1866.
A. J. Fletcher
SECRETARY OF STATE.