Transcription of Federal Pension File for Alexander Wheatley
By
Mary L. Miller
June 22, 2006
SYNOPSIS
Following is a synopsis of the information contained in 53 pages from
Pension File No. 13563 held by the National Archives:
Alexander Wheatley testified in Weakley County, Tennessee, at age 75
on Aug. 28, 1832, that he was born in Martin County, North Carolina, and
while still living with his (unnamed) father, he was drafted in 1775 for
three months by Captain Askew to fight in the Revolutionary War. His father
restrained him and sent a substitute in his place. Later he volunteered
under Captain Abraham Hardy as a Private in a company of horsemen to go
against the Tories. In 1776 he moved to Pitt County, N.C. where he volunteered
under Captain Richard Reeves and went against the British at New Berne.
He next served under Captain Samuel Stafford for almost two years fighting
in many skirmishes, at the same time venturing out with other companies
to fight, but always returning to Capt. Stafford�s command. After the British
overran South Carolina, he went with Captain Austin Spain, as an orderly
Sergeant, to Kingston, where his company joined with many companies under
General Gates. He was in the battle at Camden and his unit was the last
to retreat. He was given a discharge and returned home, but later went
with William Caswill to fight at Quincy�s Mill. During his service he wore
out two horses. He knew that Captain Stafford, William Wheatley and Drury
Rogers, with whom he served, could testify to his service, but he was too
old, sick and poor to go find them. Neighbors Benjamin Lockhart (a clergyman)
and Amos Hill testified that he should be believed.
The War Department denied the pension and objected to lack of
eyewitnesses to support Wheatley�s assertions, the vaguely stated dates
and length of service, and failure of the court to properly seal the attachments.
A revised declaration was sent showing time served as follows:
Private under Capt. Hardy 6 weeks
Private under Capt. Reeves 3 weeks
Private under Capt. Stafford 12 months
Private with other companies 6 months
Sergeant under Capt. Spain 4 months
His pension was issued May 31, 1833 for $97.82 per annum. Alexander
Wheatley died October 31, 1834, so his widow Peggy (Stokes) Wheatley applied
for a widow�s pension with her first court appearance on Oct. 3, 1842 at
age 75, making her birth year 1767. The declaration stated that she was
married to Wheatley in July 1782 in Pitt County, N.C. Later, the year of
marriage was challenged due to discrepancies with other testimonials. By
1846 Robert H. Hawthorn, her attorney, insisted she was innocent of the
error in the date of marriage, as it had been calculated by her previous
attorney Emerson Etheridge, and he complained that the department seemed
to be requiring more proof of Alexander�s service than it did from him
while he was still alive, referencing the incompleteness of the rolls of
North Carolina.
Sarah Wheatley, married to Alexander�s younger brother William
Wheatley and living in Benton County, Tennessee, testified to Peggy�s good
character and date of marriage. Katharine Cherry, also of Benton County,
testified that she lived in Martin County, N.C. near Samuel Wheatley, a
brother to Alexander; that Alexander lived in Edgecombe, N.C. but visited
Samuel, and that was when they became acquainted. Alexander married the
former Peggy Stokes in the summer following her own marriage, which had
occurred in Dec. 1780. Peggy Wheatley at age 80 in September 1846 was required
to give another declaration, but not in open court due to her frail health,
in which she stated that she was married in July 1781 and turned 15 years
of age the following September and that she would be turning 80 in 3 days
on September 5, 1846, thus making her birth year 1766. Sarah Wheatly and
George Davis, neighbors, swore that she was truthful. Silas Bennett, another
neighbor, also swore to her date of marriage and age.
By 1847, Hawthorn wrote to the Commission of Pensions pleading
her case because she would soon �become a charge of the county or upon
the charity of her friends.� She was finally awarded a widow�s pension
of $97.82 per annum on April 8, 1850, almost sixteen years after her husband�s
death.
TRANSCRIPTION
The following transcription is from federal records In Pension File
No. 13563 held by the National Archives, received by me in May 2003. The
file consists of 53 pages, sized 8-1/2� X 14�, made up of cover sheets,
Weakley and Benton County court proceedings and letters submitted to the
court on behalf of the pension claim that was initially filed by Alexander
Wheatley in 1832 for his service in the Revolutionary War, issued to him
in 1833, then re-filed by his widow Peggy (Stokes) Wheatley. Eventually,
after much redundant testimony, Peggy was awarded the widow�s pension in
1850.
Page 1:
Cover to file:
Service NC
Wheatley, Alexander
Peggy Number
W.102
Page 2:
2nd cover:
13.563
West Tennessee
Alexander Wheatley
Weakly Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a Pvt. and Sgt. in the
company commanded by Captain Stafford of the Reg�t. Commanded by Col. (blank)
in the N.C. (----------) for 2 years from 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 97 dollars and
82 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of May 1833, and sent to Hon.
W. Fitzgerald, Dresden, Ten.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833
$195.64
Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept. 33 $48.91
(Total) $244.65
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Wm. S. Allison Clerk
Book 6, Vol. 7, Page 101
See letter to Hon. L. Boyd, July 5, 1842
� �
� E. Etheridge, July 12, 1843
Page 3:
First page of application:
Alex. Wheatley
Application for a Pension
12.833
Seven pages of the application:
(Note: These seven pages appear to have been handwritten in ink on
the front and back of thin paper, so that the writing on the back side
of the page appears as a ghost on the side being read, thus rendering the
reading nearly impossible. Therefore, the transcription will have gaps,
which will be shown as dashes, e.g. ------------.)
Page 4:
State of Tennessee
Weakly County
On this 28th day of August, A.D. 1832, personally appeared before me
Jesse M. Paschall one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county,
Alexander Wheatley, a citizen of said county, aged seventy-five years,------------
His comments: Who, being first sworn ----- ------ law doth on his
oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an
Act of Congress authorizing pensions to Revolutionary soldiers passed 7th
June 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States during the War
of the Revolution under the following named officers in a -------, as follows:
He was draughted for three months by Captain Askew when he was quite
young and under the government of his father; with whom he resided in the
county of Martin in the State of North Carolina, the place of his nativity.
He did not perform the service in person being restrained by his father
who sent a substitute in his place. This was early in the year 1775.In
this year he went personally first as a volunteer under the command of
Captain Abraham Hardy, who had raised a volunteer company of horsemen,
to go against the Tories that were collected in considerable numbers in
that part of the State. On their march against the enemy they were joined
by Major Cr------- who was said to be a ---ting officer of the C------
L------. He can not recollect the time for which he volunteered under Captain
Hardy but was in actual -------------------------------------
Page 5:
six weeks. About the year 1776 he moved to Pitt County N. Carolina.
His next service was as a volunteer under Captain Richard Reeves who went
against the British ---------- at New Berne. He does not now remember the
time, for which in this instance he volunteered, but was in actual service
about three weeks. His next service was with Captain Samuel Stafford who
was commandant of a company of volunteer horsemen. With Captain Stafford
he was in various skirmishes against the Tories and British. He served
under Stafford, in all, one year. Both before and after his service under
Captain Stafford he had frequently joined other companies; in his and adjoining
counties, to go sudden expeditions, but when each one was performed, he
usually returned, so that he was not long in any one company. When preparations
were making by the American forces to march against the British, who had
overrun South Carolina, he went under Captain Austin Spain from Pitt County,
N. Carolina to Kingston, where his company went under the command of General
Caswill, who took command of several other companies of North Carolina
militia and directed his course south with a vow to join Gen. Gates, by
whom the main army was commanded. Captain Spain�s company was put with
many other companies under Gen. Gates who moved in direction to Camden.
Alx. Wheatley then states that he was orderly Seargeant in Captain Spain�s
company, during the whole of that service.
Page 6:
He was in the battle of Camden, and the militia with whom he fought,
was the last to retreat on that occasion. A Col. Allen commanded where
he (Wheatley) was. He returned home after that action, having been out
in the service of his country four months. He states he got a discharge
after this service, which, after preserving it a great while, he unfortunately
lost. Sometime after his return home he went with a small party under William
Caswill against some of the British at Quincy�s Mill, a place of some celebrity
at that time. Seven of enemy were taken together with a British company.
From advanced age, a broken constitution and in a somewhat impaired by
those and other causes, he cannot state with unswerving certainty dates
and names concerning this matter, but he believes that, including all his
service, he served perhaps ---three years. He says he is not able at this
distance of time and in his feeble state of health to give positive proof
of the fact of his service. In this service he wore out two valuable horses.
He has never earned a pension in reward of his service. He says Capt. Stafford;
Wm. Wheatley and Drury Rogers with whom he served, could be an ample testimony
to the truth of the foregoing testimony but he knows not now, where they
are, and his personal infirmity and indigent circumstances restrain him
from going in search of them.
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
Jesse M. Paschall J. P.
Alexander Wheatley
Page 7:
State of Tennessee
Weakly County
We, Benjamin Lockhart clergyman residing in the vicinity of the above
named applicant and Amos Hill residing in said county of Weakly, do hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with Alexander Wheatley, the said applicant
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe
him to be seventy four or five years of age and that he is respected and
believed in the neighborhood where he is said to have been a soldier of
the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid;
B. Lockhart, M.G.
Amos Hill
Jesse M. Paschall, J. P.
State of Tennessee
I, Jesse M. Paschall, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county
of Weakley, do hereby certify and declare that after investigation of the
matter, and after putting to the above named applicant the interrogation
prescribed by the War Department, I have no hesitation, in giving it as
my opinion
Page 8:
That the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served
as he, in his foregoing declaration states. And I as further certify that
Benjamin Lockhart who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman
in good repute, resident in the vicinity of the above named applicant,
and that Amos Hill who has also so given the same, is residing in said
vicinity, and is a credible person. And that their statement is -------to
credit; and I do further certify that the above named applicant is not,
from bodily infirmity, able to attend the court of said county, to ----
in the --------- of the court the aforesaid declaration.
Given under my hand and seal, this 28th day of August A.D. 1832
Jesse M. Paschall, Justice of the Peace of Weakly Cty.
Page 9:
State of Tennessee
I, William H. Johnson, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session
of the County of Weakly, do hereby certify that Jesse M. Paschall whose
name appears to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the time of making
the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in aforesaid county, and that
full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his official acts as
such. In witness whereof I have here to set my hand and my seal of office,
this sixth day of September A.D. 1832
Wm. H. Johnson Clerk of Weakly County Court
Page 10 (last page of original application):
State of Tennessee
I, Perry Vincent, Chairman of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
of the county of Weakly, do hereby certify that William H. Johnson, whose
name appears to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the time of making
the same, Clerk of said county and that full faith and credit are due and
ought to be given his official acts as such. In witness whereof, I have
hereto set my hand and the seal of the court in which I preside, this 6th
day of September A.D. 1832 Perry Vincent Chairman of Weakly County Court
Page 14:
Dresden, May 1st, 1833
Dear Sir
I herewith send you the amended declaration of Alexander Wheatley.
This man is one of my neighbours and old and infirm. There is no doubt
of his service as stated. Please send me his certificate as soon as convenient.
Respectfully,
W. Fitzgerald
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Page 15:
State of Tennessee
Weakly County Amended declaration of Alexander Wheatley
This Declarant states that he served as a private volunteer under Capt.
Hardy as stated in his declaration six weeks, that he served as a private
under Capt. Richard Reeves as also stated in his declaration three weeks,
that he served as a private under Capt. Stafford as also stated in his
declaration twelve months, that he served under Capt. Spain four months
as orderly Sergeant.
He states that in the various campaigns mentioned in his declaration
as having joined other companies and the exact length of each time of service
having been forgotten. He states that he can positively say those services
in all amounted to more than six months.
Alexander Wheatley
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 1st day of May 1833.
E.D. Dickson
One of the Justices of Weakley County
Page 16:
State of Tennessee
Weakley County
I William H. Johnson clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions
for said county do certify that Ephraim D. Dickson whose name appears to
the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of session the same an
acting Justice of the peace for said county, duly commissioned and qualified
and that all faith and credit is due and aught to be given to all of his
official acts and that the signature is his own hand writing. In testimony
where of I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the
1st day of May 1833.
Wm. H. Johnson, Clerk
Page 17:
Cover to four pages consisting of two letters
No. 5711
Peggy Wheatley
Ten.
Act 4 July 36
Page 18:
In the matter of Peggy Wheatley, widow and sole heir of Alexander Wheatley,
who was �a private of Infantry & Cavalry, and Sergeant in the army
of the Revolution for the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 4th July
1834 entitled �An act granting half pay to widows and orphans when their
husband and father have died of wounds received in the military service
of the United States. In certain cases, and for other purposes� and also
of the act approved 3 March 1837 Explanatory of this above specified act
passed 4th July 1836.
State of Tennessee
Weakley County
Dresden Tenn A.D. 1842
On this the 3rd day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand
Eight Hundred and Forty Two, personally appeared in Open Court Peggy Wheatley
a resident of the County of Weakley, State of Tennessee, aged seventy five
years, who first being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make
the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the pension
made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836; and the act explanatory
of said act passed 3 March 1837; That she was married to Alexander Wheatley
in the month of July in the year 1782 in the County of Pitt in the State
of North Carolina, who was �a private of Infantry and Cavalry and Sergeant
in the Army of the revolution� as will more fully appear by reference to
the accompanying document from the war department signed by ��Len------
Cap� which is herewith filed and marked �Exhibit A�. She further states
that her husband the said Alexander Wheatley, died in Weakley County Tennessee,
on the last day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred
and Thirty four. That she was a widow on the 4th of July 1836 and still
remains a widow as will more fully
Page 19:
appear by reference to the proof annexed ----- to this declaration
in Open Court on the 3rd day of October 1842.
Peggy Wheatley
Silas Bennett, aged seventy three years, being solemnly sworn in Open
Court, deposed as follows. That he then ----- ------- with Alexander
Wheatley, in the State of North Carolina, prior to his marriage with Peggy
Wheatley, who is now the widow and the heir of the said Alexander Wheatley,
who died in Weakley County, Tennessee in October 1834. That he also -----
with the said Alexander Wheatley subsequent to his marriage with his present
widow Peggy Wheatley, knows them to have been married legally according
to the laws of the State of North Carolina, in force at that time, knows
also that this widow of the said Alexander Wheatley, the said Peggy Wheatley,
has not married since her husbands death in Weakley County in the year
1836. Sworn to and subscribed in open court this the 3rd day of October
1842.
Silas Bennett
United States of America
State of Tennessee Weakley County,
At a court session and ----for the County of Weakley, at the
Court house in the Town of Dresden, Present Worshipful John Henry Moore,
Chairman also Worshipfuls William Kulbone, Stephen Gouldsly, U.B.
Blakemore, Tho. S. Edwards, Robert I. Glen, John H. Beam, and others, all
commissioned by his Excellency James C. Jones, Governor of the State of
Tennessee, as the Justices of the peace, for said County of Weakley, personally
appeared in open Court the above Peggy Wheatley, and Silas Bennett the
above deposients, who solemnly swore that the above facts by them subscribed
and
Page 20:
Sworn to as correct and true In testimony of which I John C.
Dodds clerk of said county have herewith by order of same court, affixed
hereunto my oath of office this the 3rd of October A. D. 1842.
John C. Dodds Clerk
Page 21:
United States of America
State of Tennessee Weakley County
Dresden Tenn.
1842
This day personally appeared in Open Court Emerson Etheridge attorney
for Peggy Wheatley who being duly sworn deposes and says that he has not
received any pledge, mortgage sale, assignment or transfer of any claim
right or interest in any money which the said Peggy Wheatley has ever received
as a pension under any of the laws of Congress, nor any right, claim or
interest to any money which the said Peggy Wheatley may hereafter receive
by virtue of any law of Congress, -----ing pay to any person or pensions
whomsoever. Sworn and subscribed in open court.
Emerson Etheridge
Attorney for Peggy Wheatley
John C. Dodds Clerk
Page 22:
Cover Index to another packet with various short certificates and letters
102
Revy WIDOW, & c.
File No. 102
Peggy Wheatley
Widow
Alexander Wheatley
Sgt. Rev. War
Act. Feb. 2, 1848
Index: (blank) Vol. M: Page 328
(Arrangement of 1870)
Page 23:
No. 5/11
Peggy Wheatley
Ten.
Set to E. Etheridge Jany 12, �43
� � Hon. M. Brown Jany 4, �46
� � R. N. Hawthorn Oct. 12 �46
� � Same Jany 15 �47
� � Hon. L. B. Chase 27 �48
Act 4 July 1836
Page 24:
Set to Emerson Etheridge
Jan. 12. 1843
Hon. Milton Brown Jany 6, 1846
Page 25:
8805 N.
Tennessee
Peggy Wheatley
widow of Alexander
who was a Prv & Sergt
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
Of 97 Dollars 82
Cents per annum, to commence
On the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued
the 8th day of Apr �50
and sent to
Hon. I. G. Harris
House of Reps.
Acts of March 3, 1843, and June
17, 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 199
Page 26:
10885 N.
Tennessee
Peggy Wheatley
Widow of Alexander Wheatley
who was a pensioner under the Act of (blank)
and who died on the 31 October 1834
of Wheatley Co. in the State of Tennessee
who was a Pv & Sergt in the Company
commanded by Captain (blank) of the
(blank) commanded by (blank) in
the (blank) time for (blank)
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville
at the rate of 97 Dollars 82
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of
April 1850 and sent to
Hon I.G. Harris, H.R.
Total amount $ (blank)
(Act July 7, 1838)
Recorded by J.P. Chase Clerk
Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 359
Page 27:
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir,
Will you be so kind as to forward me the information requested in the
letter now written ------- --------.
Most respectfully yours
Milton Brown
Page 28:
Dresden Weakley County Tennessee
November 10th 1842
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find the papers which have been drawn up afore the
County Court to enable Peggy Wheatley to receive a pension under the act
of 1836. The document herewith filed, marked �Exhibit A� I presume will
satisfy you that her husband was a pensioner, and the deposition of Silas
Bennett that she has not been married since the death of Alexander Wheatley,
her said husband. There is no other evidence of a documentary character,
that Alexander Wheatley was a �private of Infantry and Cavalry, and Sergeant
in the army of the Revolution� except her Exhibit herewith filed, and I
presume that it would be impossible to prove the services of the said Alexander,
at this remote period. I presume the proof herewith enclosed and marked
�Exhibit A� will be considered as �proof from the records of the war department.�
The petitioner in this case is beyond a doubt entitled to a pension
and I shall be very happy to be informed of any omission of proof, which
can presumably exclude her from the pension roll.
Very Respectfully your obdt. Servant
Emerson Etheridge
Atto. For Peggy Wheatley
James L. Edwards
Com. Of Pensions
Page 29:
N.
Peggy Wheatley
Widow of Alexander
Tennessee
Wheatly Co.
h. d. 31 Oct. 1834
admitted
P & ------------$97.82
--- --- --- --- March
1836 to 41 ----3 to 48
from 48 for life.
Act of July 1838
Hon. I G. Harris
N.R.
Page 30:
H. of Repr.
Feby 13, 1850
Sir
I herewith send you the letter of Mr. Hawthorn. His object you will
learn from his letter. If attainable please attend to it and advise me
as to the progress you may make in it.
Very Respectfully,
I.G. Harris
Page 31:
Alex Wheatley
Tennessee
From 1776 Pr. Cavalry
& Inf. & Sergt. 2 yrs.
Pr. Cavalry 1 yr 1 mo. 12 days 55.82
Pr. Inf
6 mo. 18 � 22
Sergt
4 mo
20
$97.82
Hon. W. Fitzgerald
Dresden Ten
Page 32:
House of Representative January 13/48
Sir
A gentleman residing in Benton County Tennessee addressed to me his
enclosed letter, which I submit to you for your consideration.
I will be under obligation to you for information ---------- to the
cases he mentions in his letter at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully your obt. Servant
S. B. Chase
Col. J. L.. Edwards
Page 33:
Camden Feb. 6th 1847
Dear Sir-
I this day received your kind favor dated Jan 15 ------ which insists
upon the proof required by your letter dated October the 12th 1846 before
Mrs. Wheatley�s claim can be allowed. In compliance with that letter I
have addressed a letter in the name of Mrs. Peggy Wheatley to the Secretary
and Comptroller of North Carolina at Raleigh which is complied with will
be forwarded to you as early as practible though I should have done so
but I fully believed that the proof that I last forwarded to you would
be satisfactory and should the Comptroller or Secretary fail to comply
I shall insist upon the present proof to refer the case to the Attorney
general. Not that I doubt your sincerity to do ample justice but that it
appears that the present proof clearly establishes her claim as the law
is and the construction of that law by the decision of the Attorney general.
Yet I may be wrong, from the facts so well known to me that I could prove
the reputed services by many, and at the same time I know that he is spoken
of as high minded and honorable man therefore I firmly believed that he
would not have set forth any thing fake in his declaration.
Your obt. Servt.
Robert H. Hawthorn
J.L. Edwards, Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 34:
I.B.
Mrs. Wheatley is poor that she is unable to pay any person to go to
Raleigh for her. Therefore if her claim is never admitted she must become
a charge to the county or upon the charity of her friends which last I
believe for her friends well know her to be a woman of good character which
I hope is satisfactorily proved to you.
R. H. Hawthorn
J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Page 35:
Cover to a three page letter
Jan. 5, 1847
---------case
Peggy Wheatley
Camden Tenn
J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City C. D.
Page 36:
Camden Tennessee Nov. 5th 1846
Sir
I received your communication dated Oct 12th 1846
Which communication censures Mrs. Peggy Wheatley for filing a second
declaration and showing a discrepancy in that act in order to come under
the Act of 1836. In answer to the charge I know that Mrs. Wheatley is entirely
innocent because she can not read writing and did not have your letter.
I drew up her last declaration in ----- and carefully examined her on every
date and action that she had set forth in her first declaration and after
carefully deducting and adding her several calculations. I was thoroughly
convinced of her right to a pension under the Act of 1836 that I believe
beyond a doubt she was married in 1781. After I made out her declaration
I saw a letter from you of which you mention in your communication to me.
It also stated that she had not inserted the last term of her husband�s
service which in formal declaration would not be allowed, I then could
have found her marriage by two others. Al----- (I.E.) just as the enclosed
testimony of two highly respectable ladies residents of Benton County.
Now I will paint out the error that I can see plainly that Mr. Etheridge,
who drew Mrs. Wheatley�s declaration made the miscalculation of the
date of her marriage with Alexander Wheatley. The department must be well
acquainted with the inability of any person to paint out dates with precision
especially one of so advanced an age as Mrs. Peggy Wheatley and a liberal
Page 37:
construction ought to be put on such claims I have written the above
for the consideration of Mrs. Wheatley. As I have made special inquiry
of the general character of Mrs. Wheatley in the days of her youth of which
herewith enclosed as evidence in her behalf. I am well informed that her
character stands high and untarnished. I pledge myself I would not have
farther troubled the department if I had learned aught against her but
on the contrary I am more convinced of her just claim upon the government.
If Mr. Etheridge had understood the ------ he would have inserted the last
term of Mrs. Wheatley�s husbands service but if her claim is again refused
the blame must fall on the ------------- of the first drawer of her declaration
and not to any design on the part of Mrs. Wheatley or anybody else. The
incomplete Rolls of North Carolina may deprive Mrs. Wheatley of her claim
if the department imposes stronger evidence upon the services of Alexander
Wheatley than was required of Mr. Wheatley himself in his lifetime. I have
not written to the Comptroller or Secretary of North Carolina but I presume
the department knows that the Rolls of the Southern states are all incomplete
therefore if ----- testimony is inadmissible the southern claimants may
in a great measure cease to lay their claims before the department. Now
I wish the department to carefully calculate the statements of Mrs. Cherry
which I hope will fairly show that Mrs. Wheatley�s marriage takes place
in 1781 as by her last stated. I could obtain a great number of highly
respectable witnesses who would testify to the undeniable veracity of Mrs.
Peggy Wheatley but believing that this evidence is additional proof in
her favor that her claim will be allowed. I wish the department to understand
that I do not charge errors upon
Page 38:
It upon the contrary I am happy to know that the vigilance of
the department is a great safeguard to the treasury. I have no interest
by any means in Mrs. Wheatley�s claim or any body else but she has a large
and highly respectable connection that would be ---- to see or hear
of censure on that old ladies character and therefore I have taken some
pains to remove the (innocent) discrepancy in the two declarations by introducing
the enclosed testimony.
Your obt. Servant
Robert H. Hawthorn
J. L. Edwards Esqr.
In consequence of bad health I have delayed mailing the evidence until
this day.
Page 39:
Cover for two page letter
Camden Tenn
Jan the 31st
Hon. G. Harris
Tnee
Washington City, C.D.
(Note: The following two pages appear to have been handwritten in ink
on the front and back of thin paper, so that the writing on the back side
of the page appears as a ghost on the side being read, thus rendering the
reading nearly impossible. Therefore, the transcription will have gaps
that will be shown as dashes, e.g. -------)
Page 40:
Camden Tenn Jan. 2nd 1847
Sir
I am compelled to call on your for a favor that is to attend to the
case of Mrs. Peggy Wheatley, widow of Alexander Wheatley. I must -----
---- ---- ---- the Act of 1836 because Mrs. Wheatley�s declaration of the
service of Mr. Wheatley services in Capt. Spain�s company was perfectly
remembered
(Note: These documents are so badly damaged that I can only read a few
short phrases, which seem to revolve around the discrepancy of Mrs. Wheatley�s
marriage date to Alexander Wheatley that shows up on different declarations,
as well as other dates pertaining to Alexander�s terms of service, and
that these are due to her advanced age, and that she is entitled to her
pension.)
Page 41:
(Ditto above note)
Sert.,
Robert H. Hawthorn
Hon G. Harris, H.C.
Page 42:
Camden Tennessee Sept 14th 1846
Sir
Enclosed I send you the supplemental declaration of Mrs. Peggy Wheatley.
You may perhaps find some difference in the last and the first declaration
with regard to the date of the marriage which Idea I informed the applicant
for a pension. She then stated that she never was sworn to the date of
her marriage, only to her age and also her age the time of her marriage
because she was not a scholar. I asked if she informed the court of her
husbands last term of service. She answered that the court never asked
her any thing about her husband�s service. I inform you of these facts
knowing that many persons are very careless in calculating the date therefore
I chose to insert the facts in her own language. Also to insert the language
of the witness in his own language, so that you may be able to come to
a proper conclusion with regard to the facts. Though I do not know that
it was necessary to give this explanation only I know the carelessness
of many write when they are hurried. I am well acquainted with the general
character of the applicant and the witness and their characters are unspotted.
Therefore I have no doubt of a favorable consideration of the claim. You
will see that it would be impractible to take a second declaration in Court
because it is so far that the she cannot get to court. Your early attention
to this will give relief to the needy.
Your obt. Servt
Robert H. Hawthorn
J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 43:
State of Tennessee
Benton County
Personally appeared Sarah Wheatley aged about eighty years before me
David W. Benton an Acting justice of the peace in and for said County and
made oath in due form of law that she is acquainted with Peggy Wheatley
the widow of Alexander Wheatley. That she Peggy Wheatley is a woman of
good character for truth and undoubted veracity. That she was married to
William Wheatley a younger brother of Alexander Wheatley. That she was
married to William Wheatley not long after the end of the Revolutionary
War. That in some short time after that time, she was visited by Alexander
Wheatley and Peggy Wheatley his wife. As to the precise date she didn�t
remember neither did she see her marriage with Alexander Wheatley. Also
that she heard Alexander Wheatley say that he had served about two years
or more in the Revolutionary War. Also she heard her husband and her husband�s
mother say that Alexander Wheatley served in the Revolutionary War. That
she believes the hearsay to be true because she never heard any contradictory
reports about his services. Sworn to and submitted to before me this 4th
day of November 1846
Sarah Wheatley (her X mark)
I, D. W. Benton An Acting justice of the peace, ------ that Sarah Wheatley
was duly sworn and did subscribe as is above stated this 4th day of November
1846
David W. Benton Justice of the peace for Benton County
Page 44:
State of Tennessee
Benton County
Personally appeared Katharine Cherry before me David W. Benton An Acting
justice of the peace in and for said county and made oath in due form of
law that she is acquainted with Peggy Wheatley the widow of Alexander Wheatley.
That she did not see the marriage between Alexander Wheatley and Peggy
Wheatley because she did not reside in the same neighborhood where she
believes it took place. She states that she does not precisely know her
age because by some chance it has been lost. She knows that she was acquainted
with Alexander Wheatley before his marriage because she resided in Martin
County in the State of North Carolina in about three miles of Samuel Wheatley,
a brother of Alexander Wheatley. That Alexander Wheatley she believes resided
in Edgecombe N.C. That in visiting his brother Samuel Wheatley she became
acquainted with him the said Alexander Wheatley. She believes her own marriage
to have been solemnized in 1780 in the month of December from the following
reasons. That she well remembers that her youngest son Henry Cherry will
be forty seven years of age the 26th day of the month November that her
daughter Milia was four years or older because their ages have been kept.
She also knows that her oldest son ----- Cherry was thirteen years of age
when her daughter Milia was born. That she knows that she was married near
two years before her first child was born. That she was informed by her
parents that she would be eighteen years of age the March after she was
married. That she heard of the marriage the summer following after her
own marriage. That is the marriage of Alexander Wheatley with Peggy Wheatley
formerly Peggy Stokes. That her information she believes to be true because
she has been acquainted with Alexander Wheatley and
Page 45:
his wife Peggy Wheatley ever since. That is to near the end of his
lifetime and never heard a contradictory report. That as to Alexander Wheatley�s
services in the Revolutionary War she only knows from information that
she always heard that he served in the Revolutionary War a considerable
time. That she never heard it disputed. That she knows that Alexander Wheatley
and his wife were of good character for truth and veracity. That she has
good cause from a long acquaintance with them that either of them ought
to be believed. Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 3rd day of November
1846.
Katharine Cherry (her X mark)
I, David W. Benton An Acting justice of the peace do certify that Katharine
Cherry was duly sworn and did subscribe to the above disposition this 3rd
day of November 1846
David W. Benton JP for Benton County
State of Tennessee
Benton County
I, David W. Benton an Acting justice of the peace in and for the county
of Benton and State aforesaid do certify that I am personally acquainted
with Sarah Wheatley and Katharine Cherry the subscribers to the two foregoing
depositions that they are ladies of good character and considering their
advanced age have good minds and especially Katharine Cherry is very remarkable
for precision of memory and an unimpaired mind that both the subscribing
deposants are ladies of undoubted truth. Given under my hand and seal this
3rd day of November 1846
David W. Benton J.P. for Benton County
Page 46:
State of Tennessee
Benton County
I, Wm. P. Morris Clerk of the court of the County aforesaid do certify
that David W. Benton is an acting justice of the peace and was such at
the date of the foregoing certificates purporting to ---------- that
the signatures purporting to be his are genuine given under my hand at
office this the 26th of December 1846.
Wm. P. Morris Clerk
SS (in a box) no public seal provided
Wm. P. Morris MK
State of Tennessee
Benton County
I, Ephraim Perkins Chairman and presiding magistrate do certify that
William P. Morris is the clerk of the County Court of said County. That
his certification is in due and legal form. That the signatures purporting
to be his are genuine given under my hand this 26th day of December 1846.
Ephraim Perkins
Chairman of the County Court of Benton County
Page 47:
United States of America
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the Act of Congress
of the 4th of July 1836 and the joint resolution of July 7 1838
State of Tennessee
Weakly County
SS
On the 2nd day of September eighteen hundred and forty six Personally
appeared before me C. Underwood a justice of the peace in and for said
county Peggy Wheatley a resident of the State of Tennessee in the County
of Weakly aged eighty years on the 5th day of September 1846 who being
first duly sworn according to law, dothe on her oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the
Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836, and the joint resolution of July
7th 1838: That she is the widow of Alexander Wheatley who was a private
in the Revolutionary War and who drew a pension of eighty dollars per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said Alexander Wheatley
on the (blank) day of July seventeen hundred and eighty one. That her husband
the aforesaid Alexander Wheatley died on the 31st day of October 1834.
That she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully
Page 48:
Appear by reference to the proof hereunto -------. She further declares
that as to the date and day of her marriage by reason of old age and loss
of memory she does not positively remember but she positively remembers
that she was married in July and was fifteen years of age the September
following. That she will be eighty years of age the 5th day of present
month from the best information of her parents. That she positively and
distinctly remembers that her husband the aforenamed Alexander Wheatley
served two terms of service after her marriage with her husband. That he
left her in three weeks after her marriage to enter the first term of service.
She has forgotten whether he volunteered or was drafted. She further declares
that the last term of service was under Capt. Austin Spain which was his
last term of service. Also that this is the second declaration that she
is informed that the former declaration her marriage would have been in
1782 Which she did not make any other statement agreeably to her understanding
only that which is contained and set forth in this.
Sworn to and subscribed to before me this day and year above written
Peggy Wheatley (X for her mark)
Chapman Underwood J.P.
Page 49:
State of Tennessee
Weakly County
I Chapman Underwood one of the acting justices of the peace in and
for said County do certify that the subscriber to the foregoing declaration
Peggy Wheatley was duly sworn and did subscribe her own hand to the same.
Also that she is a woman of fair character and is to be relied on for truth
and veracity. Also by reason of old age and bodily infirmity she is unable
to appear in open court. That she is of good mind considering her advanced
age. Given under my hand and seal this 2nd day of September A.D. 1846.
JP Seal
Chapman Underwood
Justice of the Peace for Weakly County
State of Tennessee
Weakly County
Personally appeared Sabrina Wheatly aged about forty five years
and George Davis before me Chapman Underwood a justice of the peace in
and for said county who first being duly sworn according to law do on their
oaths say that they are acquainted with Peggy Wheatley the subscriber to
the foregoing declaration and have been acquainted with her for the term
of twenty years last past. That she is a woman of good character for undoubted
truth and veracity. That her husband Alexander Wheatley died on the 31st
day of October 1834. That she is a woman of excellent mind considering
advanced age and that she has remained a widow ever since that period and
is now a widow. Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 2nd day of September
1846.
Sabrina Wheatly (X for her mark)
George Davis
Chapman Underwood
Justice of the peace for Weakly County
Page 50:
State of Tennessee
Weakly County
Personally appeared Silas Bennett before me Chapman Underwood an acting
justice of the peace in and for said county who is about seventy seven
years of age who first being duly sworn according to law says that he is
personally acquainted with Peggy Wheatley the subscriber to the foregoing
declaration and was personally acquainted with her husband Alexander Wheatley
who drew a pension of eighty dollars per annum. That she the aforesaid
Peggy was married to Alexander Wheatley in the summer and in the year 1781
the precise day by reason of the long lapse of time he cannot recollect
and the reason why he recollects is from his own age and the age of said
Peggy Wheatley there being three years difference in their age which would
make the age of said Peggy about eighty years of age. That he states that
he was about twelve years of age when she was married. That from information
the said Alexander Wheatley served a term or two of three months after
her marriage though he does not know it of his own knowledge because he
was too young to serve in the Army. Therefore it was hearsay in the neighborhood
that he was in the service after their marriage but he believes that he
did serve as reported and always understood it as above stated. Sworn to
and subscribed to before me this 3rd day of September 1846.
Silas Bennett
Chapman Underwood Justice of the peace for Weakly County
Page 51:
(Cover for a letter)
Peggy Wheatley
Widow of Alex.
Tennessee
Weakly Co.
Act 7th July 1838
Page 52:
State of Tennessee
Weakly County
I Tom H. Etheridge clerk of the county court for said county do certify
that Chapman Underwood is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said
county and was at the time of the date of his signature to the foregoing
declaration and the declarants� signatures purporting to be his as Genuing
Given under my hand and have affixed my seal of office this the 4th September
�46
Tom H. Etheridge clerk
By Andrew Maloan DCU
State of Tennessee
Weakly County
I, W. B. Blakemore chairman and presiding magistrate of the County
court of said county do certify that Tom H. Etheridge is clerk of the County
court of said county and his certificate is in due and legal form. Given
under my hand and seal this 4th day of September 1846
W. B. Blakemore J. P.
Chairman and presiding justice of said county
Page 53:
(Printed certificate with handwritten entries)
Tennessee
Peggy Wheatley
widow of Alexander Wheatley
Capt. Stafford N.C.
who served in the Revolutionary
War as a Private & Sergt.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
97 Dollars and 82
Cents per annum, to commence on
The 4th day of March, 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the
8th day of April 1850
and sent to
Hon. I G. Harris
House of Reps
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 315 Vol. 3
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