Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1209, John Hamilton, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Ua.
Hamilton, John
S. 1209
carded
CONTENTS

19394 Kentucky
John Hamilton of Ballard Co in the State of Kent who was a p te in the co o commanded by Captain Anderson of the reg t commanded by Col Campbell in the Va. line for 6 Mos & 15 Ds
Inscribed on the Roll of Kent at the rate of 21 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of Apr 1833 and Thomas Haynes Princeton
Arrears to the 4th of March 43.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 10.83 $54.15
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
ended by Dan Kays Clerk E Vol. 7 Page 13

State of Kentucky, Caldwell County SS.
On this 12 th day of June 1833 personally appeared before Samuel M. Asher one of the justices of the County Court in and for said County, John Hamilton resident of said County, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: In the County of Augusta, in the year 1775 I first entered as a private under Capt. Christie and in the regiment commanded by Col. Wm. Christie (who lived on New River). This expedition was ordered against the Cherokee Indians on the frontier - the troops rendezvoused at one Wm. Steele's at the upper end of the county, and we proceeded from thence to the Long Island, of Holston, where we first joined our regiment. From this place we marched into the Indian nation, and destroyed several of their towns, Big Island town, Old Stocka town (or such a name) and Kill-hooie, or Little deer town and several others. After doing this and overrunning their country, and destroying what we could find (for the Indians themselves fled) they sued for peace and proposed to treat; but no treaty was then held as the head men and Chiefs could not be brought in, except one of them, Black head partridge. The treaty was consequently not held for the present. After this we returned, having served three months, the time for which we entered, and were discharged at the Long Island fort. In the year 1776 as well as I now remember, the militia of Virginia were divided into classes or divisions, which were required to serve in turn. I was placed in the first class, but in consequence of having performed a three months tour the winter before, as before mentioned, I was not required for some time to enter the service, nor do I remember that any were called, for a considerable time afterwards. At any rate I was not called out again till the year 1780 when an expedition was ordered against the same Indians. I entered this service as a volunteer private, under Col. Arthur Campbell and Capt. John Anderson. We rendezvoused at the mouth of Big Run on Holston river, where we met the Det. of Colonel Irvine, also ordered on this service. Irvine's regiment proceeded us a short time and reached the Indian country before us; and just beyond French Broad had a skirmish with the Indians, in which seven of them were killed on the ground. Irvine fell back half a mile, and remained until we came up, which we did directly afterwards. Both Regiments were now suffering for want of provisions, and particularly that of Irvine's. After dividing equally what we had, our Regiment marched to the Indian towns on the Tennessee river, and destroyed several of them - some of the same which had been previously destroyed, but rebuilt by them, and another called Tellico town. But few Indians were killed in this expedition - I remember but three, and 7 prisoners. After destroying these towns, Major Gilbert Christie was left to guard the prisoners, the sick, baggage and the balance of the army marched to the Neighwapi which we destroyed, and from this place returned sometime in February 1781 after performing

a tour of three months. Again in the early part of 1782 I volunteered as a private and joined a company of Rangers under Captain Robert King, but after serving two weeks only in this company, I was disabled from further service by having a cane run through my foot, and consequently had to quit the company. After receiving from this wound, and in the same year, I volunteered under the same Col. Christie against the same Indians, but after rendezvousing at the mouth of the same Big Creek, we received orders to return. These two last services are not worth taking into the account, nor do I mention them for that purpose — they may be thrown aside.
I declare that I have no documentary evidence in my possession which would prove my service, having lost my discharge long ago. The only relic of the Revolution which I have is a certificate of my having taken the oath of fidelity to my country, which I send along with this declaration. Nor do I know of any person living by whom I can prove my service. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any state or Territory whatever.
And the said justice propounded to the said applicant the following interrogatories as prescribed by the War Department, to which he made the following answers:
1. Where and in what year were you born? Answer. I was born in Augusta County, state of Virginia on the 27 th day of April 1755. — 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it? Answer. I have — it is the record of my father transcribed into a Bible here in my house. — 3. Where were you living when called into the service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live? Answer. While in service I lived in Augusta County, Virginia. Since the War, I have lived a part of the time on Holston in S. Carolina, and a part of the time in Pendleton District, South Carolina until 1870 when I moved to this County where I have lived ever since. — 4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom? Answer. I entered the service as a volunteer. 4. 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, & the general circumstances of your service. Answer. I served with no regular troops, nor with any militia regiments except my own, and that under Colonel Sever. I was personally acquainted with James B. Lee a regular recruiting officer, but he did not serve with my troops. — 6. Did you ever receive a discharge, and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it? Answer. I received written discharges from the service — the first was given by Colonel Christie and the second by Captain Anderson, both of which are lost.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. Answer. I am known to a good many — Alexander Maxwell, Rev. Jas. W. Mansfield, Mr. Armstrong, B. G. Rice Esq. Many others known to and subscribed the same and read aforesaid
John Hamilton

We John Barnett, a clergyman, residing in the County of Caldwell State of Kentucky, and Alexander Maxwell, and Thomas J. Brasher, residing in the same County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Hamilton the above named applicant; that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood in which he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution; and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
John Barnett, Alexander Maxwell Thos J Brasher
And I the said Samuel M. Asker, justice as aforesaid do hereby declare my 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 I further certify that it appears to me, that John Barnett who has sworn to and subscribed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in said County of Caldwell, and that Alex r Maxwell and Thomas J. Brasher who have also signed the same, are residents of the same county, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I further certify that the said Hamilton is known to me to be a person of respectability of good character. And I further certify that from bodily infirmity the said Hamilton to attend personally in court, and that he lives about twelve miles from the courthouse.
Saml, M Asker Justice C. C. C
State of Kentucky, Caldwell County set.
I Nathan S. Dallam, Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do certify that Samuel M. Asker Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration appears to have been made, and whose signature to the preceding certificate, is now and was at the time of signing the same, a justice of the said Court, duly commissioned & qualified. His faith is due to all his official acts, and that his said signature is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, and affix the seal of said Court, the 24 th day of June 1833 42 nd year of the Commonwealth.
N. S. Dallam Clk

We hereby certify, that John Hamelton hath taken and subscribed the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and fidelity, as directed by An act of General Assembly intitled An act to oblige the free male inhabitants of this State above a certain age to give assurance of Allegiance to the same, and for other purposes: Witness my hand And Seal this 30 Day of August 1777 Hugh McLinahan Seal

[POWER OF ATTORNEY.]
Know all men by these presents, That I William Hamilton a resident, of the County of Adair , and State of Kentucky , for and in consideration of Confidence
_____ do hereby make, constitute, and appoint, L. BLANCHARD TRUE, of Washington City, D. C., my _____ true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name, to examine all papers filed in any Department or Office of Government, upon which a Pension was granted to John Hamilton on account of the _____ services of and to obtain, by all lawful means, any and all additional amounts that may be due from the United States to said _____, by virtue of said services, as in the Company of Capt. in the Regiment of _____ and in the _____ line of the forces of
And that the said John Hamilton departed this life in the year 1841 leaving no widow
And for good and sufficient reasons I do hereby REVOKE and CANCEL any and all other Powers of Attorney and authority which I may at any former time have given to any person or persons for the above specified purposes; and I do hereby vest the same irrevocably in said Attorney herein appointed, said L. Blanchard True.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of November , in the year A. D. 185 3 .
In presence of
Nat Gaither for William Hamilton J. H. Grazer
***** * SEAL. * ***** * SEAL. * *****
STATE OF Kentucky } ss. COUNTY OF Adair }
On this Eighth day of November in the year A. D. 185 3 . personally appeared before me William Hamilton  Hugh G. Atkins — duly authorized by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgments in and for the county aforesaid William Hamilton the
_____ subscriber to the above, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his free act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned; and made oath, in due form of law, that he is personally interested as Heir at Law  and in said claim. And I further certify that William Hamilton personally known to me to be the identical individual represented.
Hugh G. Atkins J. P.
***** * SEAL. * *****

John Hamilton Kentucky
Power of Attorney
from Hamilton
to Stephen
in this case
State of Kentucky } set County of Adair } H. B. Price Agent in this case
I Sinclair Wheat Clerk of the County Court of Adair County do hereby certify that Hugh G. Atkins is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned & sworn, that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit in and for the county of Adair County and State of Kentucky.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this Novr 9 th 1853; 76 th Year of the Commonwealth Sinclair Wheat C.C.C.

December 19, 1911.
Hon. Charles A. Kennedy, House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Kennedy:
In reply to your letter dated the 18 th and received the 19 th instant, I have the honor to advise you that in the claim of John Hamilton, Sur. File No. 1,209, Rev. War, it appears that soldier was born in Augusta County, Virginia, April 27, 1755, and while a resident of said County, enlisted in 1775, and served three months as a Private under Captain Christie in Colonel William Christie's Virginia regiment. In 1780 he volunteered as a Private and served three months under Captain John Anderson and Colonel Arthur Campbell; he was in several skirmishes with Indians and helped destroy their towns.
In the early part of 1782, he volunteered as a Private and joined a company of Rangers under Captain Robert King, but after two weeks only, he was disabled by having a cane run through his foot, and left the company.
In the same year he volunteered under the same Colonel Christie but received orders to return home very soon afterwards.

Sur. File No. 1,209--2
He was allowed pension under an application executed June 12, 1833, while a resident of Caldwell County, Kentucky.
In 1851, William Hamilton of Adair County, Kentucky, stated that he was the heir-at-law (relationship not stated) of said John Hamilton who died in 1841, (day and month not given) leaving no widow.
There is no further data as to his family.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

John Hamilton Virginia
Suspended
Lib- 6 February 1835
Hon: R.M. Johnson
H 16

Returned Cash July 8 th 1823
FREE
Engr. Union (Consecr) in Bureau Washington City

Forreston Ky. 26 June 1833
Sir: Again I send you the claim of John Hamilton of this county. From the "Brief" returned with this claim I find but one objection: it was not stated in what capacity or grade he served. This is now remedied, and 'tis hoped all is right. Owing to his continued inability, he could not be brought into Cont., and his case was again prepared in the country.
I confess myself much obliged to you for your promptitude in attending to cases heretofore transmitted. The only remaining cases are those who claim as officers. These are not prepared, as the evidence in support of them is scattered all over the U.S. The most of them however can be satisfactorily proved. I am not informed what proof will be required - if 'tis not improper, I would be glad to know the nature and extent of proof necessary to establish them to the satisfaction of the Rep. This perhaps, is a special favor to which I am not entitled - but I would be thankful for it.
Respy. Yr. att. servant. H. Maynes.
5252 82 -526 44 995

Whitton Dudley, a V A. J. H. Dudley

John Hamilton Ken from 1775 print 6 1/2 months. $21. \frac{66}{100}
Thos. H. Haines. Princeton, Ken

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 Hamilton which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? _____ IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? The Justice had IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

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

John Hamilton Ken from 1775 print 6 1/2 months. $21.66 100
Thos. Haines. Princeton. Ken

Reply to your request of statement of the military history a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.  Rev. File 1209
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 3 years Priv. Christie Wm. Christie Va.   1780 3 " " John Anderson Arthur Campbell "   1782 2 years " Robert King - "   1782 - " - Wm. Christie "  
Battles engaged in, none stated - In many Indian skirmishes. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Augusta Co. Va. Date of application for pension, June 12 1833. His claim allowed. Residence at date of application, Caldwell Co. Ky. Age at date of application, born in Augusta Co. Va. Apr. 27 1755
Remarks: In 1853 William Hamilton of Adair Co. Ky. stated that he was the heir at law (relationship not stated) of John Hamilton who died in 1841 (day & month not given) leaving no widow. There is no further data on file in regard to family.
Very respectfully,

MORDECAI GIST CHAPTER
3910 Cottage Ave.,
Baltimore Md Mch 19th 1918
Commissioner of Pensions;
Dear Sir; - Can you furnish data relating to the Revolutionary service of John Hamilton
Augusta Co.
Pa.
so please forward same to
Mrs. L. F. Wilson.
3910 Cottage Ave.,
Baltimore
Md.

To the Commissioner of Pensions - Office of Auditor of Public Accounts. Washington
Dear Sir - Kindly send me proofs of a Pension granted John Hamill there for Revolutionary war services - V. & P.
Respectfully -
Mrs C. A. Dwyer -
Windsor. Missouri.
November 11th - 1914 -

W. SAM'L GOODWYN ATTORNEY AT LAW EMPORIA, VA.
Oct. 31, 1914.
Dear Sir, -
I am very anxious to obtain the service of JOHN HAMILTON, of Virginia who served in the VIRGINIA MILITIA during the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783 and who, while living in Caldwell County, Kentucky , received a Pension for his Rev. services.
I got the above information from McAllister's Virginia Militia, p. 274.
I shall appreciate hearing from you.
Respectfully yours,
Wm. W. Sam'l Goodwyn
Emporia, Virginia.

CHAS A KENNEDY, IOWA, CHAIRMAN FREDERICK LUNDIN, ILL. ALFRED B. GARNER, PA. MATTHEW R. DENVER, OHIO. JAMES W. COLLIER, MISS.
R. H. RANKIN, CLERK.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S.
COMMITTEE ON MILEAGE.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
December 18, 1911.
Commissioner Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Replying further to your letter of the 12th inst., will say that I desire the record of John Hamilton, Sur. File No. 1, 209, who was born April 27, 1755, enlisted in Augusta Co., Virginia. In 1833 he resided in Kentucky, and died in 1841.
Kindly furnish me with this soldiers record and a list of his heirs if same are on file at the pension office.
Yours truly,
C. A. Kennedy

JOHN E. HUNT MASTER IN CHANCERY SUPERIOR COURT
1201 MERCHANTS LOAN & TRUST BUILDING 135 ADAMS STREET
Ear
CHICAGO, 4/28 '08
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C., Dear Sir:
Please send me military records of soldiers who received pensions the following:
John Hamilton of South Co Va served in vol 1819, died July 21 1814, Pensions Va Line, Wid File 27425
John Hamilton of Caldwell Co Ky, served Va Line, Sur File 1209
Yours Truly
John E. Hunt

1908 May 9. Hist. to John E. Hunt. 1911 Dec. 19. Hist. to Hon. Chas. A. Kennedy V. E. M. 1914 May 12 Hist. to Chas. J. Houston Letter in P. G. 3108 Thomas Graham. 1914 Nov. 5 Hist. to Mrs. W. Saml Gordyga V. L. M. 1914 Nov 17 Hist. to Mrs. C. A. Dyer. 1918 Mar. 2 Hist. to Mrs. L. P. Wilson. 1922 Apr. 19. Hist. to Col. Benj. LaBree, 201 Starks Bldg. Louis- ville Ky. and also advised of cost of copies (see all corres- pondence in Wm. Brown - Va. 935788) aw.
INVALID. New War
File No.
1209
John Hamilton Rev. Va. Line.
Act:
June 7, 1882.
Index:—Vol.
a, Page 156
[Arrangement of 1870.]