A land bounty is a grant of land from a government as a reward to repay citizens for the risks and hardships they endured in the service of their country, usually in a military-related capacity.
By the time of the Revolutionary War, the practice of awarding bounty land as an inducement for enlisting in the military forces had been a long-standing practice in the British Empire in North America. Besides imperial bounty land grants, both colonial and municipal governments had routinely compensated participants in and victims of military conflicts with land. Land was a commodity in generous supply, and governments seized upon its availability for accomplishing their goals.
In their colonial tradition, the Revolutionary governments patterned their struggle for independence from Great Britain on the principle of bounty lands. They generally offered free lands in exchange for military service, but they strategically did so on the presumption that they would be victorious in their struggle. They would not actually award the lands until the war had been concluded and the British defeated. Such a policy not only imposed no financial constraints on the war effort but also insured a degree of support for the Revolutionary cause. The Revolutionary governments were cognizant that to the victor belonged the spoils and that defeat brought no reward. Bounty lands were an effective propaganda technique for enrolling support for the war among the citizenry and preventing them from lapsing into the British fold when the tide of battle ebbed. (Source: Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants by Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck.)
Act of 28 September 1850:
Warrants for land were issued under this act in three groups: 40-acre, 80-acre, and 160-acre warrants. The act of September 28, 1850 authorized the issuing of bounty land warrants to the soldiers who performed military service in the war of 1812. This act made no provision for fees; but, on the contrary, directed the locations to be made "free of expense."
Margaret was granted her Bounty Land Certificate (No. 2591) on 8 March 1852 for 160 acres based on her husband's service in the Civil War, as follows:
CERTIFICATE READS:
The United States of America, Department of the Interior, Office of The Commissioner of Pensions. It is hereby certified that under the Act of September 28th, 1850, entitled "An Act granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in THE MILITARY SERVICE of the United States."
Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, dec'd. Private in Capt. Hightower's Co.,
17th Regiment, United States Infantry, War of 1812
is entitled to locate ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES at any Land Office of the United States in one body and in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public lands, subject to entry at private sale. Given under my hand and the Seal of the Department this 2nd day of April 1851 Signed by J. E. Heath, Commissioner.
You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States land offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your request to that effect and therein, specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it, fill up and sign the following application.
(The Certificate then has a section to be filled out To the Register of the Land Office showing where the land was to be located. This section was not filled out but there were penciled notations at the bottom of the certificate which were cut off when Certificate was copied.)
Margaret Boone appointed Josiah W. McCadden of Johnson County in the State of Iowa to be her true and lawful attorney, to locate Military Land Warrant No. 2591 for 160 acres of land, issued to her under Act of 28 September 1850 as per accompanying warrant, dated 2nd day of April 1851. Josiah McCadden was fully authorized to sign all papers required in the location of said warrant, and to substitute and appoint one or more agents in his stead, and generally to do and perform such acts in the premises as she might or could be required to perform were she personally present and acting for herself.
She said she wished the Patent for the Land to be located with her Warrant and to be sent to her in care of Easton & Kemper, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Signed the 8th day of March 1852 in presence of two witnesses: Samuel Hamer and S. C. Brady.—Margaret (X) Boone (her mark) which she signed before Massie Beasley, Notary Public, Brown Co., Ohio.
160 Acres in Iowa City, Iowa, were Patented 15 April 1853 (Volume 72, p. 181). Registered 25 August 1855.
Act of 14 February 1871
Pensions were granted to the survivors of the War of 1812 who served not less than 60 days and to their widows who were married prior to the Treaty of Peace on 17 February 1815.
Margaret Boone filed for a pension, under the name of Margaret Boon, based on the Act of 14 February 1871, but her claim was suspended 28 November 1876 by reason of failure to prove the soldier's service. The Third Auditor's Office reported that there were no rolls of Capt. Hightower's Company of Ohio Militia on file and that the name of John Boon is not borne on the rolls of Capt. Hightower's 17th Regiment, and an answer to letter asking additional information was not satisfactory.
Margaret's subsequent claim for a widow's pension was rejected on 6 August 1877 because there was "evidence on file in this office that claimant was married to John Boon on the 25th day of January 1816. Since the marriage was subsequent to the Treaty of Peace, the claim is rejected."
Act of 9 March 1878
This Act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to place on the pension rolls the names of all surviving officers, enlisted and drafted men, (including militia and volunteers of the military and naval service of the United States), without regard to color. Those who had served for 14 days in the War with Great Britain in 1812, (or who were in any engagement, were honorably discharged, including the surviving widows), were eligible.
Pensions under this Act were to be paid at the rate of $8 per month to the entitled persons during their natural lives. Pensions provided for in this Act were to cease if they were to marry again.
Based upon the above Act, Margaret (Ramsey) Boone filed a waiver on 29 April 1878 to reopen her case based upon her husband's War of 1812 service and filed a Widow's Brief (Claim No. 11.632) and stated that John Boone was a Private in Lt. James Campbell's 17th U. S. Infantry and also stated that she did not know anything of her husband's service except that he served under Capt. Hightower and General Harrison, War of 1812. She was represented by attorney John Shelton of Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio, for a $10 fee.
When this claim was investigated, a report dated 28 March 1851 verified that John Boone was a private of Lieutenant James Campbell's Co. of 17th Infantry, entering service on 6 August 1812 and served until 13 August 1813. Reported sick. Length of service was 372 days.
Proof of Margaret's identify was verified by testimony of H. H. Boone and John W. Cooper, and also by statement in waiver of E. C. Palmer and Zenas Cooper. The claimant (Margaret Boone) signed by mark and alleges that she was married under the name of Margaret Cooper, which is the same in B. L. (Bounty Land) claim. Proof of her marriage to John Boone was shown by certified copy of marriage record. Marriage was also shown in Bounty Land papers.
The death of soldier (John Boone) occurred in December 1842 shown by claimant's affidavit and by Zenas Cooper in Bounty Land Papers. Margaret's widowhood was shown by the testimony of E. C. Palmer and H. Mitchell. Claimant swears that she has not married.
In an incidental matter, the claimant in answer to a communication from this office states that her correct name is Margaret Boone.
The pension of $8 per month was then authorized on 3 August 1878 and was to be paid from 9 March 1878, the date of passage of the Act and was signed by G.W. Vincent, Pension Searcher.
The warrant for Bounty Land, Claim #2591-160-50, to which she was entitled based on John's War of 1812 Service, was issued and signed by O'Briey, Bounty Land Searcher. The Widow's Brief was signed by H. S. Holton, Examiner, and approved 23 September 1878 by F. Wood, Reviewer.
The pension ended at the death of pensioner Margaret (Cooper) Boone on 28 October 1884.
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Margaret' s Affidavit reads as follows:
State of Kentucky, Mason County,
On this 2nd day of November 1850, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Margaret Boone, aged fifty-one years, a resident of Adams County, Ohio, who being duly sworn according to law, swears that she is the widow of John Boone, deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Richard Hightower, Captain, in the Regiment of the 17th Infantry, commander not known to her, in the War with Great Brittain [sic], declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812; that her said husband, enlisted at Maysville, Kentucky, on the 6th day of August 1812, under Stephen Lee, then a recruiting officer, for the term of eighteen months, and continued in active service in said war for the full term of eighteen months, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term, but at which place she does not exactly know, but thinks she has heard him say at Fort Meigs or Sacketts Harbor, as will appear by the muster roles of the army, his certificate of discharge having been lost.
She further states that she was married to the said John Boone, at Aberdeen, Ohio, on the 25th day of January 1816, by William Middleton, a Justice of the Peace, that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Cooper, and that her said husband died at his residence in Adams County, Ohio, in the early part of the month of December 1841, that she is still a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled to under the act passed September 28, 1850.
Margaret (X) Boone (her mark)
Attest: R. H. Stanton
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written.
Thos. A. Ressiss, J.P. (looks like)
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State of Kentucky
Mason County,
This 2nd day of November 1850, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace for said County and State aforesaid, Zenas Cooper, and being first duly sworn according to law, states, that he is in his forty-seventh year, that he was well acquainted with John Boone, deceased, the person named in the foregoing affidavit, from the year 1815 to his death; that he was present at the marriage of said John Boone and Margaret Cooper, the person who has signed the above affidavit, that said marriage took place at Aberdeen, Ohio, before Squire Middleton, on or about the 25th of January 1816; that said John Boone and Margaret his wife, lived together as man and wife from their marriage to the day of his death, which took place in the month of December 1841[sic]; that they recognized each other as man and wife, and were so recognized by the county. He further states that the subjorned record of the marriage of said John Boone and Margaret Cooper is in the handwriting of said John Boone, and has been taken from the family Bible of said Boone. He states that he has frequently seen said John Boone write and knows the said record to be his proper handwriting. He further states that this person calling herself Margaret Boone, who has signed the foregoing affidavit, is the identical Margaret Cooper, now Margaret Boone, who married said John Boone as aforesaid, and that she has never married since the death of said Boone and still remains a widow. The said John Boone was generally understood and believed to have been a soldier in the War of 1812, but this affiant has no personal knowledge of his service. Signed by Zenas Cooper.
(Note: a copy of the marriage record of John Boone to Margaret Cooper as written in the Family Bible was included with the affidavit. As said by Zenas Cooper in the above affidavit, the Bible record is in John Boone's handwriting.)
State of Ohio
Cou nty of Adams, S.S.:
On this 10th day of June A.D. 1878 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for said county, Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, deceased whom I certify to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who after being duly sworn according to law, says in her claim to pension of War of 1812, that her said husband John Boone died on the 22nd day of December 1842, and that she has not remarried since the death of her said husband, and that she still remains his widow. Post Office address is Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio.
/s/ Margaret (X) Boone – her mark
Attest: Jesse L. McKinley
Wm. B. Dryden
Also personally appeared E. C. Palmer and House Mitchell, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn say that they are well and personally acquainted with Margaret, widow of John Boone deceased and was with the said John Boone in his lifetime and that the foregoing affidavit is true and correct. Affiants make the foregoing statement from their own personal knowledge and have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim. Post office address of affiants is Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio
/s/ E. C. Palmer
/s/ House Mitchell (Author's Note: House Mitchell's name is pronounced "How ze")
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and first above written and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known to applicant and witnesses before signing and that I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim.
/s/ M. A. Scott, Notary Public
(Notary certification on file in department.)
(Author's Note: It is assumed that Margaret Boone would know positively the date of her husband's death (22 December 1842). Other sections of the Pension Papers state John may have died in early December.)
WRONG DOING PERPETRATED? Letter of Simon B. Ellis – Exhibit "A"
Stephens, Ohio
March 14, 1885
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
Sir,
I take the liberty of addressing Your Honor in regard to the case of Mrs. Margaret Boone, late of Bradyville, P. O. Adams Co., this State. She was a pensioner of 1812 and departed this life on or about the 24th of last October, and her son H. H. Boone of Manchester, P.O., Ohio, took possession of her certificate and voucher for the September drawing, and I am under the impression that there is a wrong being perpetrated as today our Postmaster remails to Gen'l Wikoff – some matter I believe pertaining to her pension.
My authority for furnishing this written information is from Col. Dudley, late Commission of Pensions.
Hoping that you will give this matter your immediate attention,
I remain respectfully,
Simon B. Ellis
VINDICATION
Letter to Hon. John C. Black from W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner:
Hon. John C. Black
Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
Georgetown, Ohio
December 5, 1885
Sir:
I have the honor to return herewith the papers in "O.W." claim of Margaret Boone, dec'd., late a pensioner under Certificate No. 9419. Her P.O. address was Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio.
Pension was paid at the Columbus, Ohio, agency at the rate of eight ($8) dollars per month.
This claim was sent to me for investigation without instructions, or other information relative to the nature of the investigation desired than that contained in the letter of Simon B. Ellis hereto attached as Exhibit "A" of this report.
The pensioner having died, and the investigation having reference to the supposed criminal acts of H. H. Boone, son of pensioner, no notice of examination was served.
The witnesses examined have good reputations for truth and are entitled to credit.
I first proceeded to establish the date of pensioner's death which as appears from the testimony occurred October 25, 1884.
In order to ascertain definitely whether pension had been paid on this claim subsequent to that date I addressed a letter to the Pension Agent at Columbus, O, which with his endorsement thereon is hereto attached as Exhibit "E" to which attention is invited.
From the testimony in this case it appears that no wrong or violation of law has been committed, nor is there any testimony showing that such was attempted.
Very respectfully,
W. L. Marsh
Special Examiner
The following depositions were taken to insure that Joseph A. Stewart, Jesse L. McKinley and E. C. Palmer had no interest in the case of Margaret's pension:
Deposition – Joseph A. Stewart – Exhibit "B"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Bradyville, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Joseph A. Stewart, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 53 years old by occupation, a school teacher and farmer and my P.O. address is Aberdeen, Brown Co., Ohio.
"I knew Mrs. Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, and a pensioner whose husband served in the War of 1812. She died on or about 25 October 1884, the residence of E. C. Palmer, in this vicinity.
"I started to go to the funeral but the friends had just left the house as I arrived then, and therefore did not go.
"I have no interest in this matter. I have known Mrs. Boone for 35 years."
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.
Deposition – Jesse L. McKinley - Exhibit "C"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Stephens, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Jesse L. McKinley who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 46 years old, by occupation a farmer, and my P. O. address is Aberdeen, Brown Co., Ohio. I was acquainted with Margaret Boone deceased and knew her from 1870 until her death which occurred 25 October 1884. I married her granddaughter. She died in the house opposite mine, about 100 yards from mine. I saw her after she died. She was a pensioner at the time of her death. I am informed her husband's name was John Boone, said to have been a soldier in the War of 1812. Her estate was settled by arbitration by consent of heirs.
Q: Was any pension check received after Mrs. Boone's death and, if so, what became of it?
A: I do not know whether one was received or not.
Q: Have you any interest in this claim?
A: No sir.
Q: Have you a record of her death?
A: I have.
Q: Does that record show that she died on 25 October 1884?
A: Yes sir."
/s/ Jesse L. McKinley, Deponent
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.
Deposition – E. C. Palmer - Exhibit "D"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Stephens, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared E. C. Palmer, who, by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during his Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 68 years old, by occupation a farmer and my P.O. address is Stephens, Adams Co., Ohio. I was well acquainted with Margaret Boone, wife of John Boone. I married her daughter. Mrs. Boone died at my house 25 October 1884. I have no record but know this to be the correct date. I saw her after death, and buried her. She was a pensioner at the rate of $8 per month payable at the Columbus, Ohio agency.
"I do not know whether any pension check was received after Mrs. Margaret Boone's death or not. When the administrators were appointed they demanded of me the Pension Certificate and voucher, and I turned them over to them. The Administrators were Henry H. Boone and John Tucker. I do not know what became of the certificate or voucher. The voucher had not been filled out. It was the December voucher. I do not know whether it was ever filled out and the money drawn or not. Mrs. Margaret Boone could not write. The September voucher was filled out and sworn to before John N. Case, J.P. These Administrators resigned and the estate was (word illegible) by arbitration by consent of heirs. E. C. Palmer stated he had no interest in this case."
/s/ E.C. (X) Palmer – his mark
Attest: Joseph A. Stewart
Jesse L. McKinley
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ by W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner
Another affidavit was signed by House Mitchell saying that he was well acquainted with Margaret Boone and that she had not remarried since the death of her husband.
Letter to Pension Agent, Columbus, Ohio – Exhibit "E" (Note: Referred to in December 5, 1885 letter previously written to Hon. John C. Black from W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.)
Dep artment of the Interior
Pension Office,
Georget own, Ohio
November 30, 1885
Sir:
Please inform me by endorsement on the back of this letter whether pension was paid on claim of Margaret Boone, O.W., widow of John Boone, after Sept. 1884, and if so, please state what payments were made and No. of the checks.
Also please state who were the subscribing witnesses to the vouchers, and before whom the same purport to have been acknowledged.
An early reply will be appreciated.
Very respectfully,
W. L. Marsh,
Special Examiner
Letter from the Department of the Interior:
Pension Office
Washingt on, D.C.
August 9, 1878
To John Shelton
Bradyville
Adams Co., Ohio
Sir:
In claim No. 11632 of Margaret, widow of John Boon for service pension under the Act of March 9, 1878, the claimant signs her name on declaration Boon, and on waiver as Boone.
She should furnish over her own signature the correct spelling of her name.
Please return this letter with your reply.
Very respectfully,
O.R.G. Clarke
Acting Commissioner
Margaret Boone's answer (August 14th 1878):
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
In answer to within would say the original way of spelling the name of Boone is Boone as spelt by the old stock and the young stock of Boons [sic] spell the name also Boone. My name is Boone.
Respectfully, Margaret (X) Boone – her mark
Attest:
James Leming
William H. Palmer
By the time of the Revolutionary War, the practice of awarding bounty land as an inducement for enlisting in the military forces had been a long-standing practice in the British Empire in North America. Besides imperial bounty land grants, both colonial and municipal governments had routinely compensated participants in and victims of military conflicts with land. Land was a commodity in generous supply, and governments seized upon its availability for accomplishing their goals.
In their colonial tradition, the Revolutionary governments patterned their struggle for independence from Great Britain on the principle of bounty lands. They generally offered free lands in exchange for military service, but they strategically did so on the presumption that they would be victorious in their struggle. They would not actually award the lands until the war had been concluded and the British defeated. Such a policy not only imposed no financial constraints on the war effort but also insured a degree of support for the Revolutionary cause. The Revolutionary governments were cognizant that to the victor belonged the spoils and that defeat brought no reward. Bounty lands were an effective propaganda technique for enrolling support for the war among the citizenry and preventing them from lapsing into the British fold when the tide of battle ebbed. (Source: Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants by Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck.)
Act of 28 September 1850:
Warrants for land were issued under this act in three groups: 40-acre, 80-acre, and 160-acre warrants. The act of September 28, 1850 authorized the issuing of bounty land warrants to the soldiers who performed military service in the war of 1812. This act made no provision for fees; but, on the contrary, directed the locations to be made "free of expense."
Margaret was granted her Bounty Land Certificate (No. 2591) on 8 March 1852 for 160 acres based on her husband's service in the Civil War, as follows:
CERTIFICATE READS:
The United States of America, Department of the Interior, Office of The Commissioner of Pensions. It is hereby certified that under the Act of September 28th, 1850, entitled "An Act granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in THE MILITARY SERVICE of the United States."
Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, dec'd. Private in Capt. Hightower's Co.,
17th Regiment, United States Infantry, War of 1812
is entitled to locate ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES at any Land Office of the United States in one body and in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public lands, subject to entry at private sale. Given under my hand and the Seal of the Department this 2nd day of April 1851 Signed by J. E. Heath, Commissioner.
You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States land offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your request to that effect and therein, specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it, fill up and sign the following application.
(The Certificate then has a section to be filled out To the Register of the Land Office showing where the land was to be located. This section was not filled out but there were penciled notations at the bottom of the certificate which were cut off when Certificate was copied.)
Margaret Boone appointed Josiah W. McCadden of Johnson County in the State of Iowa to be her true and lawful attorney, to locate Military Land Warrant No. 2591 for 160 acres of land, issued to her under Act of 28 September 1850 as per accompanying warrant, dated 2nd day of April 1851. Josiah McCadden was fully authorized to sign all papers required in the location of said warrant, and to substitute and appoint one or more agents in his stead, and generally to do and perform such acts in the premises as she might or could be required to perform were she personally present and acting for herself.
She said she wished the Patent for the Land to be located with her Warrant and to be sent to her in care of Easton & Kemper, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Signed the 8th day of March 1852 in presence of two witnesses: Samuel Hamer and S. C. Brady.—Margaret (X) Boone (her mark) which she signed before Massie Beasley, Notary Public, Brown Co., Ohio.
160 Acres in Iowa City, Iowa, were Patented 15 April 1853 (Volume 72, p. 181). Registered 25 August 1855.
Act of 14 February 1871
Pensions were granted to the survivors of the War of 1812 who served not less than 60 days and to their widows who were married prior to the Treaty of Peace on 17 February 1815.
Margaret Boone filed for a pension, under the name of Margaret Boon, based on the Act of 14 February 1871, but her claim was suspended 28 November 1876 by reason of failure to prove the soldier's service. The Third Auditor's Office reported that there were no rolls of Capt. Hightower's Company of Ohio Militia on file and that the name of John Boon is not borne on the rolls of Capt. Hightower's 17th Regiment, and an answer to letter asking additional information was not satisfactory.
Margaret's subsequent claim for a widow's pension was rejected on 6 August 1877 because there was "evidence on file in this office that claimant was married to John Boon on the 25th day of January 1816. Since the marriage was subsequent to the Treaty of Peace, the claim is rejected."
Act of 9 March 1878
This Act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to place on the pension rolls the names of all surviving officers, enlisted and drafted men, (including militia and volunteers of the military and naval service of the United States), without regard to color. Those who had served for 14 days in the War with Great Britain in 1812, (or who were in any engagement, were honorably discharged, including the surviving widows), were eligible.
Pensions under this Act were to be paid at the rate of $8 per month to the entitled persons during their natural lives. Pensions provided for in this Act were to cease if they were to marry again.
Based upon the above Act, Margaret (Ramsey) Boone filed a waiver on 29 April 1878 to reopen her case based upon her husband's War of 1812 service and filed a Widow's Brief (Claim No. 11.632) and stated that John Boone was a Private in Lt. James Campbell's 17th U. S. Infantry and also stated that she did not know anything of her husband's service except that he served under Capt. Hightower and General Harrison, War of 1812. She was represented by attorney John Shelton of Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio, for a $10 fee.
When this claim was investigated, a report dated 28 March 1851 verified that John Boone was a private of Lieutenant James Campbell's Co. of 17th Infantry, entering service on 6 August 1812 and served until 13 August 1813. Reported sick. Length of service was 372 days.
Proof of Margaret's identify was verified by testimony of H. H. Boone and John W. Cooper, and also by statement in waiver of E. C. Palmer and Zenas Cooper. The claimant (Margaret Boone) signed by mark and alleges that she was married under the name of Margaret Cooper, which is the same in B. L. (Bounty Land) claim. Proof of her marriage to John Boone was shown by certified copy of marriage record. Marriage was also shown in Bounty Land papers.
The death of soldier (John Boone) occurred in December 1842 shown by claimant's affidavit and by Zenas Cooper in Bounty Land Papers. Margaret's widowhood was shown by the testimony of E. C. Palmer and H. Mitchell. Claimant swears that she has not married.
In an incidental matter, the claimant in answer to a communication from this office states that her correct name is Margaret Boone.
The pension of $8 per month was then authorized on 3 August 1878 and was to be paid from 9 March 1878, the date of passage of the Act and was signed by G.W. Vincent, Pension Searcher.
The warrant for Bounty Land, Claim #2591-160-50, to which she was entitled based on John's War of 1812 Service, was issued and signed by O'Briey, Bounty Land Searcher. The Widow's Brief was signed by H. S. Holton, Examiner, and approved 23 September 1878 by F. Wood, Reviewer.
The pension ended at the death of pensioner Margaret (Cooper) Boone on 28 October 1884.
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Margaret' s Affidavit reads as follows:
State of Kentucky, Mason County,
On this 2nd day of November 1850, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Margaret Boone, aged fifty-one years, a resident of Adams County, Ohio, who being duly sworn according to law, swears that she is the widow of John Boone, deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Richard Hightower, Captain, in the Regiment of the 17th Infantry, commander not known to her, in the War with Great Brittain [sic], declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812; that her said husband, enlisted at Maysville, Kentucky, on the 6th day of August 1812, under Stephen Lee, then a recruiting officer, for the term of eighteen months, and continued in active service in said war for the full term of eighteen months, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term, but at which place she does not exactly know, but thinks she has heard him say at Fort Meigs or Sacketts Harbor, as will appear by the muster roles of the army, his certificate of discharge having been lost.
She further states that she was married to the said John Boone, at Aberdeen, Ohio, on the 25th day of January 1816, by William Middleton, a Justice of the Peace, that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Cooper, and that her said husband died at his residence in Adams County, Ohio, in the early part of the month of December 1841, that she is still a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled to under the act passed September 28, 1850.
Margaret (X) Boone (her mark)
Attest: R. H. Stanton
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written.
Thos. A. Ressiss, J.P. (looks like)
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State of Kentucky
Mason County,
This 2nd day of November 1850, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace for said County and State aforesaid, Zenas Cooper, and being first duly sworn according to law, states, that he is in his forty-seventh year, that he was well acquainted with John Boone, deceased, the person named in the foregoing affidavit, from the year 1815 to his death; that he was present at the marriage of said John Boone and Margaret Cooper, the person who has signed the above affidavit, that said marriage took place at Aberdeen, Ohio, before Squire Middleton, on or about the 25th of January 1816; that said John Boone and Margaret his wife, lived together as man and wife from their marriage to the day of his death, which took place in the month of December 1841[sic]; that they recognized each other as man and wife, and were so recognized by the county. He further states that the subjorned record of the marriage of said John Boone and Margaret Cooper is in the handwriting of said John Boone, and has been taken from the family Bible of said Boone. He states that he has frequently seen said John Boone write and knows the said record to be his proper handwriting. He further states that this person calling herself Margaret Boone, who has signed the foregoing affidavit, is the identical Margaret Cooper, now Margaret Boone, who married said John Boone as aforesaid, and that she has never married since the death of said Boone and still remains a widow. The said John Boone was generally understood and believed to have been a soldier in the War of 1812, but this affiant has no personal knowledge of his service. Signed by Zenas Cooper.
(Note: a copy of the marriage record of John Boone to Margaret Cooper as written in the Family Bible was included with the affidavit. As said by Zenas Cooper in the above affidavit, the Bible record is in John Boone's handwriting.)
State of Ohio
Cou nty of Adams, S.S.:
On this 10th day of June A.D. 1878 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for said county, Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, deceased whom I certify to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who after being duly sworn according to law, says in her claim to pension of War of 1812, that her said husband John Boone died on the 22nd day of December 1842, and that she has not remarried since the death of her said husband, and that she still remains his widow. Post Office address is Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio.
/s/ Margaret (X) Boone – her mark
Attest: Jesse L. McKinley
Wm. B. Dryden
Also personally appeared E. C. Palmer and House Mitchell, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn say that they are well and personally acquainted with Margaret, widow of John Boone deceased and was with the said John Boone in his lifetime and that the foregoing affidavit is true and correct. Affiants make the foregoing statement from their own personal knowledge and have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim. Post office address of affiants is Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio
/s/ E. C. Palmer
/s/ House Mitchell (Author's Note: House Mitchell's name is pronounced "How ze")
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and first above written and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known to applicant and witnesses before signing and that I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim.
/s/ M. A. Scott, Notary Public
(Notary certification on file in department.)
(Author's Note: It is assumed that Margaret Boone would know positively the date of her husband's death (22 December 1842). Other sections of the Pension Papers state John may have died in early December.)
WRONG DOING PERPETRATED? Letter of Simon B. Ellis – Exhibit "A"
Stephens, Ohio
March 14, 1885
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
Sir,
I take the liberty of addressing Your Honor in regard to the case of Mrs. Margaret Boone, late of Bradyville, P. O. Adams Co., this State. She was a pensioner of 1812 and departed this life on or about the 24th of last October, and her son H. H. Boone of Manchester, P.O., Ohio, took possession of her certificate and voucher for the September drawing, and I am under the impression that there is a wrong being perpetrated as today our Postmaster remails to Gen'l Wikoff – some matter I believe pertaining to her pension.
My authority for furnishing this written information is from Col. Dudley, late Commission of Pensions.
Hoping that you will give this matter your immediate attention,
I remain respectfully,
Simon B. Ellis
VINDICATION
Letter to Hon. John C. Black from W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner:
Hon. John C. Black
Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
Georgetown, Ohio
December 5, 1885
Sir:
I have the honor to return herewith the papers in "O.W." claim of Margaret Boone, dec'd., late a pensioner under Certificate No. 9419. Her P.O. address was Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio.
Pension was paid at the Columbus, Ohio, agency at the rate of eight ($8) dollars per month.
This claim was sent to me for investigation without instructions, or other information relative to the nature of the investigation desired than that contained in the letter of Simon B. Ellis hereto attached as Exhibit "A" of this report.
The pensioner having died, and the investigation having reference to the supposed criminal acts of H. H. Boone, son of pensioner, no notice of examination was served.
The witnesses examined have good reputations for truth and are entitled to credit.
I first proceeded to establish the date of pensioner's death which as appears from the testimony occurred October 25, 1884.
In order to ascertain definitely whether pension had been paid on this claim subsequent to that date I addressed a letter to the Pension Agent at Columbus, O, which with his endorsement thereon is hereto attached as Exhibit "E" to which attention is invited.
From the testimony in this case it appears that no wrong or violation of law has been committed, nor is there any testimony showing that such was attempted.
Very respectfully,
W. L. Marsh
Special Examiner
The following depositions were taken to insure that Joseph A. Stewart, Jesse L. McKinley and E. C. Palmer had no interest in the case of Margaret's pension:
Deposition – Joseph A. Stewart – Exhibit "B"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Bradyville, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Joseph A. Stewart, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 53 years old by occupation, a school teacher and farmer and my P.O. address is Aberdeen, Brown Co., Ohio.
"I knew Mrs. Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, and a pensioner whose husband served in the War of 1812. She died on or about 25 October 1884, the residence of E. C. Palmer, in this vicinity.
"I started to go to the funeral but the friends had just left the house as I arrived then, and therefore did not go.
"I have no interest in this matter. I have known Mrs. Boone for 35 years."
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.
Deposition – Jesse L. McKinley - Exhibit "C"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Stephens, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Jesse L. McKinley who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 46 years old, by occupation a farmer, and my P. O. address is Aberdeen, Brown Co., Ohio. I was acquainted with Margaret Boone deceased and knew her from 1870 until her death which occurred 25 October 1884. I married her granddaughter. She died in the house opposite mine, about 100 yards from mine. I saw her after she died. She was a pensioner at the time of her death. I am informed her husband's name was John Boone, said to have been a soldier in the War of 1812. Her estate was settled by arbitration by consent of heirs.
Q: Was any pension check received after Mrs. Boone's death and, if so, what became of it?
A: I do not know whether one was received or not.
Q: Have you any interest in this claim?
A: No sir.
Q: Have you a record of her death?
A: I have.
Q: Does that record show that she died on 25 October 1884?
A: Yes sir."
/s/ Jesse L. McKinley, Deponent
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.
Deposition – E. C. Palmer - Exhibit "D"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Stephens, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared E. C. Palmer, who, by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during his Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 68 years old, by occupation a farmer and my P.O. address is Stephens, Adams Co., Ohio. I was well acquainted with Margaret Boone, wife of John Boone. I married her daughter. Mrs. Boone died at my house 25 October 1884. I have no record but know this to be the correct date. I saw her after death, and buried her. She was a pensioner at the rate of $8 per month payable at the Columbus, Ohio agency.
"I do not know whether any pension check was received after Mrs. Margaret Boone's death or not. When the administrators were appointed they demanded of me the Pension Certificate and voucher, and I turned them over to them. The Administrators were Henry H. Boone and John Tucker. I do not know what became of the certificate or voucher. The voucher had not been filled out. It was the December voucher. I do not know whether it was ever filled out and the money drawn or not. Mrs. Margaret Boone could not write. The September voucher was filled out and sworn to before John N. Case, J.P. These Administrators resigned and the estate was (word illegible) by arbitration by consent of heirs. E. C. Palmer stated he had no interest in this case."
/s/ E.C. (X) Palmer – his mark
Attest: Joseph A. Stewart
Jesse L. McKinley
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ by W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner
Another affidavit was signed by House Mitchell saying that he was well acquainted with Margaret Boone and that she had not remarried since the death of her husband.
Letter to Pension Agent, Columbus, Ohio – Exhibit "E" (Note: Referred to in December 5, 1885 letter previously written to Hon. John C. Black from W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.)
Dep artment of the Interior
Pension Office,
Georget own, Ohio
November 30, 1885
Sir:
Please inform me by endorsement on the back of this letter whether pension was paid on claim of Margaret Boone, O.W., widow of John Boone, after Sept. 1884, and if so, please state what payments were made and No. of the checks.
Also please state who were the subscribing witnesses to the vouchers, and before whom the same purport to have been acknowledged.
An early reply will be appreciated.
Very respectfully,
W. L. Marsh,
Special Examiner
Letter from the Department of the Interior:
Pension Office
Washingt on, D.C.
August 9, 1878
To John Shelton
Bradyville
Adams Co., Ohio
Sir:
In claim No. 11632 of Margaret, widow of John Boon for service pension under the Act of March 9, 1878, the claimant signs her name on declaration Boon, and on waiver as Boone.
She should furnish over her own signature the correct spelling of her name.
Please return this letter with your reply.
Very respectfully,
O.R.G. Clarke
Acting Commissioner
Margaret Boone's answer (August 14th 1878):
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
In answer to within would say the original way of spelling the name of Boone is Boone as spelt by the old stock and the young stock of Boons [sic] spell the name also Boone. My name is Boone.
Respectfully, Margaret (X) Boone – her mark
Attest:
James Leming
William H. Palmer
A land bounty is a grant of land from a government as a reward to repay citizens for the risks and hardships they endured in the service of their country, usually in a military-related capacity.
By the time of the Revolutionary War, the practice of awarding bounty land as an inducement for enlisting in the military forces had been a long-standing practice in the British Empire in North America. Besides imperial bounty land grants, both colonial and municipal governments had routinely compensated participants in and victims of military conflicts with land. Land was a commodity in generous supply, and governments seized upon its availability for accomplishing their goals.
In their colonial tradition, the Revolutionary governments patterned their struggle for independence from Great Britain on the principle of bounty lands. They generally offered free lands in exchange for military service, but they strategically did so on the presumption that they would be victorious in their struggle. They would not actually award the lands until the war had been concluded and the British defeated. Such a policy not only imposed no financial constraints on the war effort but also insured a degree of support for the Revolutionary cause. The Revolutionary governments were cognizant that to the victor belonged the spoils and that defeat brought no reward. Bounty lands were an effective propaganda technique for enrolling support for the war among the citizenry and preventing them from lapsing into the British fold when the tide of battle ebbed. (Source: Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants by Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck.)
Act of 28 September 1850:
Warrants for land were issued under this act in three groups: 40-acre, 80-acre, and 160-acre warrants. The act of September 28, 1850 authorized the issuing of bounty land warrants to the soldiers who performed military service in the war of 1812. This act made no provision for fees; but, on the contrary, directed the locations to be made "free of expense."
Margaret was granted her Bounty Land Certificate (No. 2591) on 8 March 1852 for 160 acres based on her husband's service in the Civil War, as follows:
CERTIFICATE READS:
The United States of America, Department of the Interior, Office of The Commissioner of Pensions. It is hereby certified that under the Act of September 28th, 1850, entitled "An Act granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in THE MILITARY SERVICE of the United States."
Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, dec'd. Private in Capt. Hightower's Co.,
17th Regiment, United States Infantry, War of 1812
is entitled to locate ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES at any Land Office of the United States in one body and in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public lands, subject to entry at private sale. Given under my hand and the Seal of the Department this 2nd day of April 1851 Signed by J. E. Heath, Commissioner.
You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States land offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your request to that effect and therein, specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it, fill up and sign the following application.
(The Certificate then has a section to be filled out To the Register of the Land Office showing where the land was to be located. This section was not filled out but there were penciled notations at the bottom of the certificate which were cut off when Certificate was copied.)
Margaret Boone appointed Josiah W. McCadden of Johnson County in the State of Iowa to be her true and lawful attorney, to locate Military Land Warrant No. 2591 for 160 acres of land, issued to her under Act of 28 September 1850 as per accompanying warrant, dated 2nd day of April 1851. Josiah McCadden was fully authorized to sign all papers required in the location of said warrant, and to substitute and appoint one or more agents in his stead, and generally to do and perform such acts in the premises as she might or could be required to perform were she personally present and acting for herself.
She said she wished the Patent for the Land to be located with her Warrant and to be sent to her in care of Easton & Kemper, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Signed the 8th day of March 1852 in presence of two witnesses: Samuel Hamer and S. C. Brady.—Margaret (X) Boone (her mark) which she signed before Massie Beasley, Notary Public, Brown Co., Ohio.
160 Acres in Iowa City, Iowa, were Patented 15 April 1853 (Volume 72, p. 181). Registered 25 August 1855.
Act of 14 February 1871
Pensions were granted to the survivors of the War of 1812 who served not less than 60 days and to their widows who were married prior to the Treaty of Peace on 17 February 1815.
Margaret Boone filed for a pension, under the name of Margaret Boon, based on the Act of 14 February 1871, but her claim was suspended 28 November 1876 by reason of failure to prove the soldier's service. The Third Auditor's Office reported that there were no rolls of Capt. Hightower's Company of Ohio Militia on file and that the name of John Boon is not borne on the rolls of Capt. Hightower's 17th Regiment, and an answer to letter asking additional information was not satisfactory.
Margaret's subsequent claim for a widow's pension was rejected on 6 August 1877 because there was "evidence on file in this office that claimant was married to John Boon on the 25th day of January 1816. Since the marriage was subsequent to the Treaty of Peace, the claim is rejected."
Act of 9 March 1878
This Act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to place on the pension rolls the names of all surviving officers, enlisted and drafted men, (including militia and volunteers of the military and naval service of the United States), without regard to color. Those who had served for 14 days in the War with Great Britain in 1812, (or who were in any engagement, were honorably discharged, including the surviving widows), were eligible.
Pensions under this Act were to be paid at the rate of $8 per month to the entitled persons during their natural lives. Pensions provided for in this Act were to cease if they were to marry again.
Based upon the above Act, Margaret (Ramsey) Boone filed a waiver on 29 April 1878 to reopen her case based upon her husband's War of 1812 service and filed a Widow's Brief (Claim No. 11.632) and stated that John Boone was a Private in Lt. James Campbell's 17th U. S. Infantry and also stated that she did not know anything of her husband's service except that he served under Capt. Hightower and General Harrison, War of 1812. She was represented by attorney John Shelton of Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio, for a $10 fee.
When this claim was investigated, a report dated 28 March 1851 verified that John Boone was a private of Lieutenant James Campbell's Co. of 17th Infantry, entering service on 6 August 1812 and served until 13 August 1813. Reported sick. Length of service was 372 days.
Proof of Margaret's identify was verified by testimony of H. H. Boone and John W. Cooper, and also by statement in waiver of E. C. Palmer and Zenas Cooper. The claimant (Margaret Boone) signed by mark and alleges that she was married under the name of Margaret Cooper, which is the same in B. L. (Bounty Land) claim. Proof of her marriage to John Boone was shown by certified copy of marriage record. Marriage was also shown in Bounty Land papers.
The death of soldier (John Boone) occurred in December 1842 shown by claimant's affidavit and by Zenas Cooper in Bounty Land Papers. Margaret's widowhood was shown by the testimony of E. C. Palmer and H. Mitchell. Claimant swears that she has not married.
In an incidental matter, the claimant in answer to a communication from this office states that her correct name is Margaret Boone.
The pension of $8 per month was then authorized on 3 August 1878 and was to be paid from 9 March 1878, the date of passage of the Act and was signed by G.W. Vincent, Pension Searcher.
The warrant for Bounty Land, Claim #2591-160-50, to which she was entitled based on John's War of 1812 Service, was issued and signed by O'Briey, Bounty Land Searcher. The Widow's Brief was signed by H. S. Holton, Examiner, and approved 23 September 1878 by F. Wood, Reviewer.
The pension ended at the death of pensioner Margaret (Cooper) Boone on 28 October 1884.
------------------------------- -----------------------
Margaret' s Affidavit reads as follows:
State of Kentucky, Mason County,
On this 2nd day of November 1850, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Margaret Boone, aged fifty-one years, a resident of Adams County, Ohio, who being duly sworn according to law, swears that she is the widow of John Boone, deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Richard Hightower, Captain, in the Regiment of the 17th Infantry, commander not known to her, in the War with Great Brittain [sic], declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812; that her said husband, enlisted at Maysville, Kentucky, on the 6th day of August 1812, under Stephen Lee, then a recruiting officer, for the term of eighteen months, and continued in active service in said war for the full term of eighteen months, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term, but at which place she does not exactly know, but thinks she has heard him say at Fort Meigs or Sacketts Harbor, as will appear by the muster roles of the army, his certificate of discharge having been lost.
She further states that she was married to the said John Boone, at Aberdeen, Ohio, on the 25th day of January 1816, by William Middleton, a Justice of the Peace, that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Cooper, and that her said husband died at his residence in Adams County, Ohio, in the early part of the month of December 1841, that she is still a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled to under the act passed September 28, 1850.
Margaret (X) Boone (her mark)
Attest: R. H. Stanton
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written.
Thos. A. Ressiss, J.P. (looks like)
------------------------------- ----------------------
State of Kentucky
Mason County,
This 2nd day of November 1850, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace for said County and State aforesaid, Zenas Cooper, and being first duly sworn according to law, states, that he is in his forty-seventh year, that he was well acquainted with John Boone, deceased, the person named in the foregoing affidavit, from the year 1815 to his death; that he was present at the marriage of said John Boone and Margaret Cooper, the person who has signed the above affidavit, that said marriage took place at Aberdeen, Ohio, before Squire Middleton, on or about the 25th of January 1816; that said John Boone and Margaret his wife, lived together as man and wife from their marriage to the day of his death, which took place in the month of December 1841[sic]; that they recognized each other as man and wife, and were so recognized by the county. He further states that the subjorned record of the marriage of said John Boone and Margaret Cooper is in the handwriting of said John Boone, and has been taken from the family Bible of said Boone. He states that he has frequently seen said John Boone write and knows the said record to be his proper handwriting. He further states that this person calling herself Margaret Boone, who has signed the foregoing affidavit, is the identical Margaret Cooper, now Margaret Boone, who married said John Boone as aforesaid, and that she has never married since the death of said Boone and still remains a widow. The said John Boone was generally understood and believed to have been a soldier in the War of 1812, but this affiant has no personal knowledge of his service. Signed by Zenas Cooper.
(Note: a copy of the marriage record of John Boone to Margaret Cooper as written in the Family Bible was included with the affidavit. As said by Zenas Cooper in the above affidavit, the Bible record is in John Boone's handwriting.)
State of Ohio
Cou nty of Adams, S.S.:
On this 10th day of June A.D. 1878 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for said county, Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, deceased whom I certify to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who after being duly sworn according to law, says in her claim to pension of War of 1812, that her said husband John Boone died on the 22nd day of December 1842, and that she has not remarried since the death of her said husband, and that she still remains his widow. Post Office address is Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio.
/s/ Margaret (X) Boone – her mark
Attest: Jesse L. McKinley
Wm. B. Dryden
Also personally appeared E. C. Palmer and House Mitchell, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn say that they are well and personally acquainted with Margaret, widow of John Boone deceased and was with the said John Boone in his lifetime and that the foregoing affidavit is true and correct. Affiants make the foregoing statement from their own personal knowledge and have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim. Post office address of affiants is Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio
/s/ E. C. Palmer
/s/ House Mitchell (Author's Note: House Mitchell's name is pronounced "How ze")
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and first above written and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known to applicant and witnesses before signing and that I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim.
/s/ M. A. Scott, Notary Public
(Notary certification on file in department.)
(Author's Note: It is assumed that Margaret Boone would know positively the date of her husband's death (22 December 1842). Other sections of the Pension Papers state John may have died in early December.)
WRONG DOING PERPETRATED? Letter of Simon B. Ellis – Exhibit "A"
Stephens, Ohio
March 14, 1885
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
Sir,
I take the liberty of addressing Your Honor in regard to the case of Mrs. Margaret Boone, late of Bradyville, P. O. Adams Co., this State. She was a pensioner of 1812 and departed this life on or about the 24th of last October, and her son H. H. Boone of Manchester, P.O., Ohio, took possession of her certificate and voucher for the September drawing, and I am under the impression that there is a wrong being perpetrated as today our Postmaster remails to Gen'l Wikoff – some matter I believe pertaining to her pension.
My authority for furnishing this written information is from Col. Dudley, late Commission of Pensions.
Hoping that you will give this matter your immediate attention,
I remain respectfully,
Simon B. Ellis
VINDICATION
Letter to Hon. John C. Black from W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner:
Hon. John C. Black
Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
Georgetown, Ohio
December 5, 1885
Sir:
I have the honor to return herewith the papers in "O.W." claim of Margaret Boone, dec'd., late a pensioner under Certificate No. 9419. Her P.O. address was Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio.
Pension was paid at the Columbus, Ohio, agency at the rate of eight ($8) dollars per month.
This claim was sent to me for investigation without instructions, or other information relative to the nature of the investigation desired than that contained in the letter of Simon B. Ellis hereto attached as Exhibit "A" of this report.
The pensioner having died, and the investigation having reference to the supposed criminal acts of H. H. Boone, son of pensioner, no notice of examination was served.
The witnesses examined have good reputations for truth and are entitled to credit.
I first proceeded to establish the date of pensioner's death which as appears from the testimony occurred October 25, 1884.
In order to ascertain definitely whether pension had been paid on this claim subsequent to that date I addressed a letter to the Pension Agent at Columbus, O, which with his endorsement thereon is hereto attached as Exhibit "E" to which attention is invited.
From the testimony in this case it appears that no wrong or violation of law has been committed, nor is there any testimony showing that such was attempted.
Very respectfully,
W. L. Marsh
Special Examiner
The following depositions were taken to insure that Joseph A. Stewart, Jesse L. McKinley and E. C. Palmer had no interest in the case of Margaret's pension:
Deposition – Joseph A. Stewart – Exhibit "B"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Bradyville, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Joseph A. Stewart, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 53 years old by occupation, a school teacher and farmer and my P.O. address is Aberdeen, Brown Co., Ohio.
"I knew Mrs. Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, and a pensioner whose husband served in the War of 1812. She died on or about 25 October 1884, the residence of E. C. Palmer, in this vicinity.
"I started to go to the funeral but the friends had just left the house as I arrived then, and therefore did not go.
"I have no interest in this matter. I have known Mrs. Boone for 35 years."
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.
Deposition – Jesse L. McKinley - Exhibit "C"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Stephens, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Jesse L. McKinley who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 46 years old, by occupation a farmer, and my P. O. address is Aberdeen, Brown Co., Ohio. I was acquainted with Margaret Boone deceased and knew her from 1870 until her death which occurred 25 October 1884. I married her granddaughter. She died in the house opposite mine, about 100 yards from mine. I saw her after she died. She was a pensioner at the time of her death. I am informed her husband's name was John Boone, said to have been a soldier in the War of 1812. Her estate was settled by arbitration by consent of heirs.
Q: Was any pension check received after Mrs. Boone's death and, if so, what became of it?
A: I do not know whether one was received or not.
Q: Have you any interest in this claim?
A: No sir.
Q: Have you a record of her death?
A: I have.
Q: Does that record show that she died on 25 October 1884?
A: Yes sir."
/s/ Jesse L. McKinley, Deponent
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.
Deposition – E. C. Palmer - Exhibit "D"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Stephens, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared E. C. Palmer, who, by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during his Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 68 years old, by occupation a farmer and my P.O. address is Stephens, Adams Co., Ohio. I was well acquainted with Margaret Boone, wife of John Boone. I married her daughter. Mrs. Boone died at my house 25 October 1884. I have no record but know this to be the correct date. I saw her after death, and buried her. She was a pensioner at the rate of $8 per month payable at the Columbus, Ohio agency.
"I do not know whether any pension check was received after Mrs. Margaret Boone's death or not. When the administrators were appointed they demanded of me the Pension Certificate and voucher, and I turned them over to them. The Administrators were Henry H. Boone and John Tucker. I do not know what became of the certificate or voucher. The voucher had not been filled out. It was the December voucher. I do not know whether it was ever filled out and the money drawn or not. Mrs. Margaret Boone could not write. The September voucher was filled out and sworn to before John N. Case, J.P. These Administrators resigned and the estate was (word illegible) by arbitration by consent of heirs. E. C. Palmer stated he had no interest in this case."
/s/ E.C. (X) Palmer – his mark
Attest: Joseph A. Stewart
Jesse L. McKinley
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ by W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner
Another affidavit was signed by House Mitchell saying that he was well acquainted with Margaret Boone and that she had not remarried since the death of her husband.
Letter to Pension Agent, Columbus, Ohio – Exhibit "E" (Note: Referred to in December 5, 1885 letter previously written to Hon. John C. Black from W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.)
Dep artment of the Interior
Pension Office,
Georget own, Ohio
November 30, 1885
Sir:
Please inform me by endorsement on the back of this letter whether pension was paid on claim of Margaret Boone, O.W., widow of John Boone, after Sept. 1884, and if so, please state what payments were made and No. of the checks.
Also please state who were the subscribing witnesses to the vouchers, and before whom the same purport to have been acknowledged.
An early reply will be appreciated.
Very respectfully,
W. L. Marsh,
Special Examiner
Letter from the Department of the Interior:
Pension Office
Washingt on, D.C.
August 9, 1878
To John Shelton
Bradyville
Adams Co., Ohio
Sir:
In claim No. 11632 of Margaret, widow of John Boon for service pension under the Act of March 9, 1878, the claimant signs her name on declaration Boon, and on waiver as Boone.
She should furnish over her own signature the correct spelling of her name.
Please return this letter with your reply.
Very respectfully,
O.R.G. Clarke
Acting Commissioner
Margaret Boone's answer (August 14th 1878):
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
In answer to within would say the original way of spelling the name of Boone is Boone as spelt by the old stock and the young stock of Boons [sic] spell the name also Boone. My name is Boone.
Respectfully, Margaret (X) Boone – her mark
Attest:
James Leming
William H. Palmer
By the time of the Revolutionary War, the practice of awarding bounty land as an inducement for enlisting in the military forces had been a long-standing practice in the British Empire in North America. Besides imperial bounty land grants, both colonial and municipal governments had routinely compensated participants in and victims of military conflicts with land. Land was a commodity in generous supply, and governments seized upon its availability for accomplishing their goals.
In their colonial tradition, the Revolutionary governments patterned their struggle for independence from Great Britain on the principle of bounty lands. They generally offered free lands in exchange for military service, but they strategically did so on the presumption that they would be victorious in their struggle. They would not actually award the lands until the war had been concluded and the British defeated. Such a policy not only imposed no financial constraints on the war effort but also insured a degree of support for the Revolutionary cause. The Revolutionary governments were cognizant that to the victor belonged the spoils and that defeat brought no reward. Bounty lands were an effective propaganda technique for enrolling support for the war among the citizenry and preventing them from lapsing into the British fold when the tide of battle ebbed. (Source: Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants by Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck.)
Act of 28 September 1850:
Warrants for land were issued under this act in three groups: 40-acre, 80-acre, and 160-acre warrants. The act of September 28, 1850 authorized the issuing of bounty land warrants to the soldiers who performed military service in the war of 1812. This act made no provision for fees; but, on the contrary, directed the locations to be made "free of expense."
Margaret was granted her Bounty Land Certificate (No. 2591) on 8 March 1852 for 160 acres based on her husband's service in the Civil War, as follows:
CERTIFICATE READS:
The United States of America, Department of the Interior, Office of The Commissioner of Pensions. It is hereby certified that under the Act of September 28th, 1850, entitled "An Act granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in THE MILITARY SERVICE of the United States."
Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, dec'd. Private in Capt. Hightower's Co.,
17th Regiment, United States Infantry, War of 1812
is entitled to locate ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES at any Land Office of the United States in one body and in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public lands, subject to entry at private sale. Given under my hand and the Seal of the Department this 2nd day of April 1851 Signed by J. E. Heath, Commissioner.
You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States land offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your request to that effect and therein, specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it, fill up and sign the following application.
(The Certificate then has a section to be filled out To the Register of the Land Office showing where the land was to be located. This section was not filled out but there were penciled notations at the bottom of the certificate which were cut off when Certificate was copied.)
Margaret Boone appointed Josiah W. McCadden of Johnson County in the State of Iowa to be her true and lawful attorney, to locate Military Land Warrant No. 2591 for 160 acres of land, issued to her under Act of 28 September 1850 as per accompanying warrant, dated 2nd day of April 1851. Josiah McCadden was fully authorized to sign all papers required in the location of said warrant, and to substitute and appoint one or more agents in his stead, and generally to do and perform such acts in the premises as she might or could be required to perform were she personally present and acting for herself.
She said she wished the Patent for the Land to be located with her Warrant and to be sent to her in care of Easton & Kemper, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Signed the 8th day of March 1852 in presence of two witnesses: Samuel Hamer and S. C. Brady.—Margaret (X) Boone (her mark) which she signed before Massie Beasley, Notary Public, Brown Co., Ohio.
160 Acres in Iowa City, Iowa, were Patented 15 April 1853 (Volume 72, p. 181). Registered 25 August 1855.
Act of 14 February 1871
Pensions were granted to the survivors of the War of 1812 who served not less than 60 days and to their widows who were married prior to the Treaty of Peace on 17 February 1815.
Margaret Boone filed for a pension, under the name of Margaret Boon, based on the Act of 14 February 1871, but her claim was suspended 28 November 1876 by reason of failure to prove the soldier's service. The Third Auditor's Office reported that there were no rolls of Capt. Hightower's Company of Ohio Militia on file and that the name of John Boon is not borne on the rolls of Capt. Hightower's 17th Regiment, and an answer to letter asking additional information was not satisfactory.
Margaret's subsequent claim for a widow's pension was rejected on 6 August 1877 because there was "evidence on file in this office that claimant was married to John Boon on the 25th day of January 1816. Since the marriage was subsequent to the Treaty of Peace, the claim is rejected."
Act of 9 March 1878
This Act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to place on the pension rolls the names of all surviving officers, enlisted and drafted men, (including militia and volunteers of the military and naval service of the United States), without regard to color. Those who had served for 14 days in the War with Great Britain in 1812, (or who were in any engagement, were honorably discharged, including the surviving widows), were eligible.
Pensions under this Act were to be paid at the rate of $8 per month to the entitled persons during their natural lives. Pensions provided for in this Act were to cease if they were to marry again.
Based upon the above Act, Margaret (Ramsey) Boone filed a waiver on 29 April 1878 to reopen her case based upon her husband's War of 1812 service and filed a Widow's Brief (Claim No. 11.632) and stated that John Boone was a Private in Lt. James Campbell's 17th U. S. Infantry and also stated that she did not know anything of her husband's service except that he served under Capt. Hightower and General Harrison, War of 1812. She was represented by attorney John Shelton of Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio, for a $10 fee.
When this claim was investigated, a report dated 28 March 1851 verified that John Boone was a private of Lieutenant James Campbell's Co. of 17th Infantry, entering service on 6 August 1812 and served until 13 August 1813. Reported sick. Length of service was 372 days.
Proof of Margaret's identify was verified by testimony of H. H. Boone and John W. Cooper, and also by statement in waiver of E. C. Palmer and Zenas Cooper. The claimant (Margaret Boone) signed by mark and alleges that she was married under the name of Margaret Cooper, which is the same in B. L. (Bounty Land) claim. Proof of her marriage to John Boone was shown by certified copy of marriage record. Marriage was also shown in Bounty Land papers.
The death of soldier (John Boone) occurred in December 1842 shown by claimant's affidavit and by Zenas Cooper in Bounty Land Papers. Margaret's widowhood was shown by the testimony of E. C. Palmer and H. Mitchell. Claimant swears that she has not married.
In an incidental matter, the claimant in answer to a communication from this office states that her correct name is Margaret Boone.
The pension of $8 per month was then authorized on 3 August 1878 and was to be paid from 9 March 1878, the date of passage of the Act and was signed by G.W. Vincent, Pension Searcher.
The warrant for Bounty Land, Claim #2591-160-50, to which she was entitled based on John's War of 1812 Service, was issued and signed by O'Briey, Bounty Land Searcher. The Widow's Brief was signed by H. S. Holton, Examiner, and approved 23 September 1878 by F. Wood, Reviewer.
The pension ended at the death of pensioner Margaret (Cooper) Boone on 28 October 1884.
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Margaret' s Affidavit reads as follows:
State of Kentucky, Mason County,
On this 2nd day of November 1850, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Margaret Boone, aged fifty-one years, a resident of Adams County, Ohio, who being duly sworn according to law, swears that she is the widow of John Boone, deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Richard Hightower, Captain, in the Regiment of the 17th Infantry, commander not known to her, in the War with Great Brittain [sic], declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812; that her said husband, enlisted at Maysville, Kentucky, on the 6th day of August 1812, under Stephen Lee, then a recruiting officer, for the term of eighteen months, and continued in active service in said war for the full term of eighteen months, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term, but at which place she does not exactly know, but thinks she has heard him say at Fort Meigs or Sacketts Harbor, as will appear by the muster roles of the army, his certificate of discharge having been lost.
She further states that she was married to the said John Boone, at Aberdeen, Ohio, on the 25th day of January 1816, by William Middleton, a Justice of the Peace, that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Cooper, and that her said husband died at his residence in Adams County, Ohio, in the early part of the month of December 1841, that she is still a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled to under the act passed September 28, 1850.
Margaret (X) Boone (her mark)
Attest: R. H. Stanton
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written.
Thos. A. Ressiss, J.P. (looks like)
------------------------------- ----------------------
State of Kentucky
Mason County,
This 2nd day of November 1850, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace for said County and State aforesaid, Zenas Cooper, and being first duly sworn according to law, states, that he is in his forty-seventh year, that he was well acquainted with John Boone, deceased, the person named in the foregoing affidavit, from the year 1815 to his death; that he was present at the marriage of said John Boone and Margaret Cooper, the person who has signed the above affidavit, that said marriage took place at Aberdeen, Ohio, before Squire Middleton, on or about the 25th of January 1816; that said John Boone and Margaret his wife, lived together as man and wife from their marriage to the day of his death, which took place in the month of December 1841[sic]; that they recognized each other as man and wife, and were so recognized by the county. He further states that the subjorned record of the marriage of said John Boone and Margaret Cooper is in the handwriting of said John Boone, and has been taken from the family Bible of said Boone. He states that he has frequently seen said John Boone write and knows the said record to be his proper handwriting. He further states that this person calling herself Margaret Boone, who has signed the foregoing affidavit, is the identical Margaret Cooper, now Margaret Boone, who married said John Boone as aforesaid, and that she has never married since the death of said Boone and still remains a widow. The said John Boone was generally understood and believed to have been a soldier in the War of 1812, but this affiant has no personal knowledge of his service. Signed by Zenas Cooper.
(Note: a copy of the marriage record of John Boone to Margaret Cooper as written in the Family Bible was included with the affidavit. As said by Zenas Cooper in the above affidavit, the Bible record is in John Boone's handwriting.)
State of Ohio
Cou nty of Adams, S.S.:
On this 10th day of June A.D. 1878 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for said county, Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, deceased whom I certify to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who after being duly sworn according to law, says in her claim to pension of War of 1812, that her said husband John Boone died on the 22nd day of December 1842, and that she has not remarried since the death of her said husband, and that she still remains his widow. Post Office address is Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio.
/s/ Margaret (X) Boone – her mark
Attest: Jesse L. McKinley
Wm. B. Dryden
Also personally appeared E. C. Palmer and House Mitchell, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn say that they are well and personally acquainted with Margaret, widow of John Boone deceased and was with the said John Boone in his lifetime and that the foregoing affidavit is true and correct. Affiants make the foregoing statement from their own personal knowledge and have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim. Post office address of affiants is Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio
/s/ E. C. Palmer
/s/ House Mitchell (Author's Note: House Mitchell's name is pronounced "How ze")
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and first above written and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known to applicant and witnesses before signing and that I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim.
/s/ M. A. Scott, Notary Public
(Notary certification on file in department.)
(Author's Note: It is assumed that Margaret Boone would know positively the date of her husband's death (22 December 1842). Other sections of the Pension Papers state John may have died in early December.)
WRONG DOING PERPETRATED? Letter of Simon B. Ellis – Exhibit "A"
Stephens, Ohio
March 14, 1885
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
Sir,
I take the liberty of addressing Your Honor in regard to the case of Mrs. Margaret Boone, late of Bradyville, P. O. Adams Co., this State. She was a pensioner of 1812 and departed this life on or about the 24th of last October, and her son H. H. Boone of Manchester, P.O., Ohio, took possession of her certificate and voucher for the September drawing, and I am under the impression that there is a wrong being perpetrated as today our Postmaster remails to Gen'l Wikoff – some matter I believe pertaining to her pension.
My authority for furnishing this written information is from Col. Dudley, late Commission of Pensions.
Hoping that you will give this matter your immediate attention,
I remain respectfully,
Simon B. Ellis
VINDICATION
Letter to Hon. John C. Black from W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner:
Hon. John C. Black
Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
Georgetown, Ohio
December 5, 1885
Sir:
I have the honor to return herewith the papers in "O.W." claim of Margaret Boone, dec'd., late a pensioner under Certificate No. 9419. Her P.O. address was Bradyville, Adams Co., Ohio.
Pension was paid at the Columbus, Ohio, agency at the rate of eight ($8) dollars per month.
This claim was sent to me for investigation without instructions, or other information relative to the nature of the investigation desired than that contained in the letter of Simon B. Ellis hereto attached as Exhibit "A" of this report.
The pensioner having died, and the investigation having reference to the supposed criminal acts of H. H. Boone, son of pensioner, no notice of examination was served.
The witnesses examined have good reputations for truth and are entitled to credit.
I first proceeded to establish the date of pensioner's death which as appears from the testimony occurred October 25, 1884.
In order to ascertain definitely whether pension had been paid on this claim subsequent to that date I addressed a letter to the Pension Agent at Columbus, O, which with his endorsement thereon is hereto attached as Exhibit "E" to which attention is invited.
From the testimony in this case it appears that no wrong or violation of law has been committed, nor is there any testimony showing that such was attempted.
Very respectfully,
W. L. Marsh
Special Examiner
The following depositions were taken to insure that Joseph A. Stewart, Jesse L. McKinley and E. C. Palmer had no interest in the case of Margaret's pension:
Deposition – Joseph A. Stewart – Exhibit "B"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Bradyville, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Joseph A. Stewart, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 53 years old by occupation, a school teacher and farmer and my P.O. address is Aberdeen, Brown Co., Ohio.
"I knew Mrs. Margaret Boone, widow of John Boone, and a pensioner whose husband served in the War of 1812. She died on or about 25 October 1884, the residence of E. C. Palmer, in this vicinity.
"I started to go to the funeral but the friends had just left the house as I arrived then, and therefore did not go.
"I have no interest in this matter. I have known Mrs. Boone for 35 years."
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.
Deposition – Jesse L. McKinley - Exhibit "C"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Stephens, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Jesse L. McKinley who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 46 years old, by occupation a farmer, and my P. O. address is Aberdeen, Brown Co., Ohio. I was acquainted with Margaret Boone deceased and knew her from 1870 until her death which occurred 25 October 1884. I married her granddaughter. She died in the house opposite mine, about 100 yards from mine. I saw her after she died. She was a pensioner at the time of her death. I am informed her husband's name was John Boone, said to have been a soldier in the War of 1812. Her estate was settled by arbitration by consent of heirs.
Q: Was any pension check received after Mrs. Boone's death and, if so, what became of it?
A: I do not know whether one was received or not.
Q: Have you any interest in this claim?
A: No sir.
Q: Have you a record of her death?
A: I have.
Q: Does that record show that she died on 25 October 1884?
A: Yes sir."
/s/ Jesse L. McKinley, Deponent
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.
Deposition – E. C. Palmer - Exhibit "D"
On this 30th day of November 1885, at Stephens, County of Adams, State of Ohio, before me, W. L. Marsh, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared E. C. Palmer, who, by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during his Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"I am 68 years old, by occupation a farmer and my P.O. address is Stephens, Adams Co., Ohio. I was well acquainted with Margaret Boone, wife of John Boone. I married her daughter. Mrs. Boone died at my house 25 October 1884. I have no record but know this to be the correct date. I saw her after death, and buried her. She was a pensioner at the rate of $8 per month payable at the Columbus, Ohio agency.
"I do not know whether any pension check was received after Mrs. Margaret Boone's death or not. When the administrators were appointed they demanded of me the Pension Certificate and voucher, and I turned them over to them. The Administrators were Henry H. Boone and John Tucker. I do not know what became of the certificate or voucher. The voucher had not been filled out. It was the December voucher. I do not know whether it was ever filled out and the money drawn or not. Mrs. Margaret Boone could not write. The September voucher was filled out and sworn to before John N. Case, J.P. These Administrators resigned and the estate was (word illegible) by arbitration by consent of heirs. E. C. Palmer stated he had no interest in this case."
/s/ E.C. (X) Palmer – his mark
Attest: Joseph A. Stewart
Jesse L. McKinley
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of November 1885 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/s/ by W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner
Another affidavit was signed by House Mitchell saying that he was well acquainted with Margaret Boone and that she had not remarried since the death of her husband.
Letter to Pension Agent, Columbus, Ohio – Exhibit "E" (Note: Referred to in December 5, 1885 letter previously written to Hon. John C. Black from W. L. Marsh, Special Examiner.)
Dep artment of the Interior
Pension Office,
Georget own, Ohio
November 30, 1885
Sir:
Please inform me by endorsement on the back of this letter whether pension was paid on claim of Margaret Boone, O.W., widow of John Boone, after Sept. 1884, and if so, please state what payments were made and No. of the checks.
Also please state who were the subscribing witnesses to the vouchers, and before whom the same purport to have been acknowledged.
An early reply will be appreciated.
Very respectfully,
W. L. Marsh,
Special Examiner
Letter from the Department of the Interior:
Pension Office
Washingt on, D.C.
August 9, 1878
To John Shelton
Bradyville
Adams Co., Ohio
Sir:
In claim No. 11632 of Margaret, widow of John Boon for service pension under the Act of March 9, 1878, the claimant signs her name on declaration Boon, and on waiver as Boone.
She should furnish over her own signature the correct spelling of her name.
Please return this letter with your reply.
Very respectfully,
O.R.G. Clarke
Acting Commissioner
Margaret Boone's answer (August 14th 1878):
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washin gton, D.C.
In answer to within would say the original way of spelling the name of Boone is Boone as spelt by the old stock and the young stock of Boons [sic] spell the name also Boone. My name is Boone.
Respectfully, Margaret (X) Boone – her mark
Attest:
James Leming
William H. Palmer
Bio by: Artist Eye MacCord
Family Members
Siblings
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