• Service: North Carolina and South Carolina militia/continental-associated service

• Residence at application: Hickman/Perry County, Tennessee

• He died June 13, 1844.

• Widow: Rachel Campbell

• Widow pension approved under Act of 2 July 1848

 

1. Richard Campbell Declaration for Pension

(Dated 29 June 1833, Hickman County, Tennessee)

Richard Campbell personally appeared in court and declared:

• He was born on 20 March 1755 in Montgomery County, North Carolina.

• Entered service in 1776 under Capt. William Alston.

• Served guarding forts at Georgetown and Cross Creek.

• Later served under Captains Crawford, Love, and William Morrison.

• Participated in campaigns against the Cherokee Indians.

• Served tours in both North Carolina and South Carolina militia.

• Recalled service near:

  • Georgetown

  • Cross Creek

  • Savannah River

  • Pacolet River

  • Broad River

• Was in engagements against Cherokee forces.

• Stated he served various tours totaling more than two years.

He explained that because of age and infirmity he could not precisely remember every date or officer.

He also provided an inventory of his property and stated he was in reduced circumstances and in need of pension assistance. Witnesses and court officers affirmed his credibility and reputation for truthfulness.

 

2. Court Certification of Service

The Tennessee court certified:

• Richard Campbell was a credible witness.

• His statement was believed.

• He was considered a Revolutionary War veteran entitled to pension consideration.

 

3. Widow Rachel Campbell Declaration

(Dated October 1848)

Rachel Campbell declared:

• She was the widow of Richard Campbell.

• They were married in Montgomery County, North Carolina.

• Marriage date:

  • 13 January 1775.

• Richard Campbell died:

  • 13 June 1844.

• She had remained his lawful widow.

She stated the original marriage record had been destroyed or lost, but family records and testimony survived.

 

4. Family Record (Bible Record Fragments)

Several loose Bible pages survive in the file. These record the births of Richard and Rachel Campbell’s children.

The record includes:

• Richard Campbell born 20 March 1755

• Rachel born 30 December 1757

• Marriage: 13 January 1775

Children listed include:

• Hiram Campbell

• John Campbell

• Joshua Campbell

• Elizabeth Campbell

• Richard Campbell Jr.

• William Campbell

• Milly Campbell

• Tabitha Campbell

Some dates are faded or partially illegible.

 

5. Supporting Witness Testimony

Multiple Tennessee residents testified that:

• Richard and Rachel Campbell were known in the community for many years.

• They were regarded as husband and wife.

• Rachel was accepted as the lawful widow.

• Richard was reputed to be a Revolutionary War soldier.

Witnesses included:

• Pleasant Whitfield

• William Anderson

• Eli Warren

• Others

 

6. Pension Office Correspondence

The Pension Office repeatedly requested:

• Additional proof of marriage.

• Clarification of children’s ages.

• Verification of Revolutionary service.

Agents and attorneys corresponded between:

• Tennessee

• Washington City

• Pension Office officials

The file reflects delays caused by:

• Lost courthouse records

• Missing documents

• Difficulty proving marriage after many decades

7. Final Widow Pension Approval

Rachel Campbell’s widow pension was eventually approved.

The record states:

• Pension rate:

  • $20 per annum.

• Commencement date:

  • 4 March 1848.

• Certificate issued January 1849.