Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7329, Lafford French, S.C.
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French, Lafford
Lifford or 
Elizabeth

NUMBER W.7329
BLWt- 44514-160-55

born in NJ
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12.187
North Carolina
Lifford French of Rutherford in the State of NC who was a private in the _ commanded by Captain _ of the  Regh commanded by Bob Eark  in the 5 'Cav line for 7 mo. 10 days

Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 24 Dollars 10 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of April 1833 and sent to Pensioner
White Oak P.O._Co. N. Car.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 48.20
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep
12.00 = $60.20
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk
Book E Vol. 6 Page 40
AS Wallace Jul 12, 1852
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12/87 
North Carolina M. 
Lafford French  dec'd 
of ___ in the State of ___ 
who was a private of Cavalry commanded 
by Captain __ of the___ commanded 
by __ in the Revolution 
line for Increased from  $ 24.10

Inscribed on the Roll of Morganton ,
at the rate of 100 Dollars  00 Cents per annum. 
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 & end September 11th 1834 

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of August 1856 and sent to 
Hon . J. L. Orr  
Ho of R 
Arrears to the 4th of ___ 
Semi-annual allowance ending ___  
{ Revolutionary Claim 
Act June 7, 1832} 
Recorded by  G. T. Getty  Clerk,
 Book E Vol. 6 1/2 Page 54
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140.781 Act March 2 / 55 - Let A.S. Wallace  Aug : 15/56  
May 19 /55    Encl P     
Elizabeth French  widow of  Lafford French  Elizabeth French widow of Lafford French  Pri 
War of Revolution  Pensioned  
Act June 7, 1832 
N.C. Feb 53 - 4759 
Ad : 160 ac  Sept : 26/56 Boynton  
Vol F page 138 . 
A. S. Wallace Yarleville
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4.759
North Carolina M. Elizabeth French
widow of Lafford French SC
who served in the Revolutionary 
war as a private of cavalry
Increased from $24.10
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 100 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853
Certificate of Pension issued
12th day of Aug 1856
and sent to
Hon. J.L. Orr
H. of R.
recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 134 Vol. 

A.S. Wallace
Aug 12 1856
Same Nv 3 1856

142781
Page 6

see this man
No 19.354

Lifford French
Rutherford County
North Carolina

Admit for 7 mo and
10 days from 1779
Col. Clark S.C.
$24.10

Thos. F. Burchett Esq.
Clerk Court  for
Rutledge County North Carolina
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BRIEF in the case of Lafford French  County of Rutherford in the State of North Carolina  ( Act 7th June 1832. ) 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or Judge ? Judge 2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity ? 3. How old is he ? 80 years . 4. State his service in the form annexed. 
Period. Vol Ent'd In 1778 or 9 . Duration of Service. 3 months
Rank. private. 
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Capt. McDowell, Capt. Thomas, 
3 months 10 days, Col. Thomas, Col. Clark
1 month  
3 months, Capt. Wood  
5. In what battles was he engaged ? skirmish with the Tories at Musgrove Mills. 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service ?  Spartansburg South Carolina 
7. Is his statement  supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by rolls ? living witness. 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication ? and if so, in what way ? Correct. 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.  J W Clagett ( signed ) Examining Clerk.
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Various affidavits as to reputation of service etc.
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South Carolina Spartansburg Dist.  Before me personally appeared Jane McMillin a citizen of said  District aged 85 years past - who being first duly sworn according to law on oath says that she was present & witnessed the marriage between Lafford French & his wife Elizabeth (now his widow & present ) and thinks they were married about the year 1805 or 1806 . She is certain that she is very nearly correct by the age of one of her children which was then an infant, and that Mrs. French's maiden name was Elizabeth Gregor, and that they were married at the house of William Renfroe, in Spartansburg District South Carolina. She [illegible] both before & since their marriage until the death of said Lafford French who died some 18 or 20 years past  & she knows that his widow has not intermarried  since his death. Deponent further says , that she knew Lafford French in time of the Revolution , that she saw him in service & that he was a horse man as all the soldiers in that vicinity were & that was often at the house of her father Captain David McDowell & service
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with her father & brother & was always regarded as one of the best soldiers of his day and almost constantly in  service  during the Revolution.  Robucks &  Thomas Regiments & knew his Brothers William, Simon,  & Joseph  French. James Beaty  &  Alexander Copeland  & Hugh Moon whom she also saw in service some of whom lived  & died in the same neighborhood & that she always understood that the said Lafford French was one of the attendants on  Alex Copeland & his wife Rebecca when they were married & the services of Lafford French  were never doubted. Sworn to  & subscribed this 9th day of November 1854  ( her mark X ) Jane McMillin  G. Cannon  ( signed ) Notary Public & Mag Ex. offico  I certify that the above named Jane McMillin lives in my immediate neighborhood , that she is of good character & worthy of all confidence  & that she is of woman of extraordinary mind & memory. G. Cannon ( signed ) State Senator for Spartansburg Dist. So. Ca.
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William Wilkens a highly credible citizen of Spartanburg Dist. So. Ca. on oath says he became acquainted with  Lafford French & his wife Elizabeth who were then living together & reputed as man & wife and raised a family He further states that he knew they lived together as man & wife until the death of Lafford French which took place some 15 or 20 years past in Rutherford County N. C.  & his widow Elizabeth French still survives. Lafford French  always had the reputation of having been a good revolutionary soldier & was so regarded by the community , which opinion  was general  & for this states that he never knew any other Lafford French as having been a revolutionary soldier - and he also understood that he had drawn a pension in his life time. Deponent  remembers to have heard Jane McMillin say, that she saw Lafford French & his wife Elizabeth married at the house of Wm. Renfroe in Spartansburg District S.C.  Sworn to  & subscribed this 9th day of Nov. 1854 said Wilkens for then says that
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he became acquainted with said Lafford French  & his wife Elizabeth about the year 1807 shortly after he settled in their neighborhood & that he deponent is now seventy two year of age past, & that he is disinterested.  W. Wilkins ( signed ) G. Cannon ( signed ) Notry. Public  & Mag. of Office I certify that I am well acquainted with Col. Wm. Wilkins & Jane Mc Millin & have no doubt but that they are the ages which they represent themselves to be as both their appearances plainly indicate & that they are not interested  & I further state that I have no interest myself in the application for a pension. G. Cannon ( signed ) State Senator for Spartansburg  S C
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State of South Carolina} 
Spartansburg District }
I, J. B. Tolleson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General Session for the district  & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Gabriel Cannon before whom  the attached declaration was signed and before whom the attached affidavits was made & who gave the attached certificates was at the date thereof a Notary Public for the district & State aforesaid who had been duly appointed & qualified and the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that all due faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such. Given under my hand  & seal of office at Spartansburg Court House this 10th day of November 1834. 
J. B. Tolleson
Clerk
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South Carolina} 
Spartansburg Dist.}  On this tenth day of November 1854 before me Reuben Bowden Judge of the Court of Ordinary  for the District & State aforesaid which Court is a Court of Record , before me personally appeared  Elizabeth French  a resident of Rutherford County North Carolina aged about seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration , in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed 3rd February 1853 that she is the widow of Lafford French late of Rutherford Co. N. C. deceased who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of some $ 24 per annum North Carolina agency  and was paid up she believes to the 4th of Sept 1834 declarant has always understood  & believes that her husband Lafford French  entered the service of his country  shortly after the commencement of hostilities, and was almost constantly in the service until the close of war but to give the particulars of service declarant cannot but always understood that he
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was a horse man in Col. Robuck's Regiment , and at the time he made his application under act of 7th June 1832, that he was very weak in body and from loss of memory was unable to give his services in detail  & consequently his pension was short of the proper allowances and that she now makes this application to be placed on the pension Roll, with the proper allowance under said Act and also to recover the arrears due her husband the said Lafford French under Act 7th June 1832. She further declares that she was married to the said Lafford French in the month of January 1806, by William McDowell  Esq of Spartansburg Dist. South Carolina - that she has no record evidence of her marriage but the births of their children was a matter of record, which is now lost but if recovered will be sent to the pension office to sustain this application, And that her husband the said Lafford French departed this life on the 11th day of Sept. 1834, and that she has not intermarried since his death. She further swears that she was
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a widow at the passage of the Act, & is still a widow & makes this application for a pension. Declarant further says that she lives near the  So. Ca. line  & that she is poor & having a son living in Spartansburg, finds it more convenient to go to Spartansburg  than to Rutherford N.C. Sworn to & subscribed this tenth day of November 1854 . 
(her mark X) Elizabeth French  
R. Bowden Judge of the Ordinary   

South Carolina}
Spartansburg Dist.} 
I, Reuben Bowden Judge of the Court of Ordinary for District & state aforesaid do hereby certify that it has been shown in evidence to the satisfaction of the Court that Lafford French Revolutionary Pensioner of the U.S.A. at the rate of $24 per annum departed this life in Rutherford County N. C. on the eleventh day of September one thousand eight hundred  & thirty four leaving his wife Elizabeth a widow & that
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the said Elizabeth the declarant is a woman to whose statements full faith a& credit is due . Given under my hand  & seal of office at Spartansburg C. H. S. C. in open Court the 10th November 1854. R. Bowden ( signed /sealed ) Judge of the Court of Ordinary   

South Carolina 
York District I certify that the above facts were shown by Gabriel Cannon and James French of Spartanburg District  S. C. who are disinterested and very respectable. Gabriel Cannon is the Senator of that District. I was not present when the evidence was made and fully satisfied the ordinary would have made the certificate if he had known it was required. A. S. Wallace ( signed ) Member of the House of Representatives S.C. Legislature
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140.781 Elizabeth French  Declaration for Bounty Land Act 3 March 1855. File by A.S. Wallace  Yorkville , S. C.
Page 19

North Carolina}
Polk County }
On this 18th day of April 1855 personally appeared before me (a Magistrate) duly authorized by law to administer oaths for all General purposes for the County & State aforesaid  Elizabeth French  age about 77 or 78 as well as she can recollect, a resident of the State & County above written who being first duly sworn according to law declares she is the widow of Lafford French deceased who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of twenty four dollars and ten cents per annum for services in the War of the Revolution under act of 7th June 1832 and would refer the department to the papers on file in her own (as well as her husband's) application for a pension 3rd Feb. 1855. She further states that she was married to the said Lafford French in Spartansburg District So. Ca. but does not remember the precise date, and that her name before marriage was Elizabeth Gregory  and that her said husband died in Rutherford County N.C. she thinks about 22 or 23 years ago, and that she is still his widow and that she has never before made application for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress . She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3rd 1855  
(her mark X) Elizabeth French    
BH ( initials )
Page 20

We Alanson Padgett of Polk County N.C.  & L. F. French of Spartansburg District  So .Ca. upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Elizabeth French in our presence and that we know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be. Alanson Padgett  L. F. French 

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written , and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, and the the claimant is the person she represents herself to be  and that I have no interest in this claim. B. H. Padgett J.P. and Chair of the Court              

I, John Arledge Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Polk County , certify that B.H. Padgett is a Magistrate as above and Chairman of the Court and the the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my own private seal (the County not having a seal of office ) and subscribed my name this 19th day of April in the year 1855.  John Arledge Clerk of the Court of Polk County
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[the below paragraph is crossed out with 3 X's]

We Alanson Padgett of Polk County N.C.  & L. F. 
French the former a resident of 
Polk County, N. C. once the latter 
a resdient of Spartansburg District  So .Ca. 
upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Elizabeth French 
in our presence and that we know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be.
Page 22

Declaration  In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

State of North Carolina} 
County of Rutherford}  On this the 19th day of October 1832 personally appeared before me  John Mills one of the Judges of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for County aforesaid at his own dwelling house in Rutherford County Lafford French aged eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law  doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 

He would premise that within a few years past his mental as well as his bodily facilities  have very much failed many things that were then remembered to his recollection he has now is but confused and imperfect remembrance of and since he cannot partake to give with accuracy a detailed account of his services on the particular days  of his entering  and leaving the service- but as to the material facts  of his service he will state nothing but what he is certain of. 

His first service was in Corps of South Carolina Militia commanded by Col [John] Thomas Senior and  Capt David McDowell we marched to Granby in pursuit of a party of Tories but before we had arrived near they had  dispersed - we then heard of a body of Tories in the neighborhood of Ninety Six but they hearing of our approach also dispersed - this was in the fall of 1779 or 1778 but he thinks the former and stayed out as he thinks nine months and over - his next service was under a Col [Captain John Thomas Junior] Thomas a son of the first mentioned Colonel Thomas  - we marched from King's Creek York District South Carolina to Musgrove's Mill on Enovee [River] and were Joined on the way
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by Colonel [Elijah] Clark and he meets Col. [Isaac] Shelby at the [Battle of Musgrove's] Mills we had a skirmish with a body of Tories whom we defeated killing many made a number of prisoners how many he does not now recollect nor can he recollect the day or month but it was not long after his first service he was not he thinks more than ten days in this service - after which a party of men whom I was one rendezvoused at Mountain Creek in Rutherford County waiting the return of Col. Clark from Salisbury where he had gone with the prisoners taken at Musgrove's Mills as soon as he arrived and other men had joined us he marched us to Augusta laid siege to it but was not able to take it. There was with the troops on the ... ( illegible due to ink smear ) a Col. [Brigadier General Andrew] Williamson and other officers that I cannot recollect after the siege was raised he and fifteen other soldiers came back together with leave of our officers -  he was about a month he thinks in this service - does not remember the day or month in which he was out. He next entered a Militia Company commanded by a Capt. William Wood of Spartansburg to guard against the Indians and  Tories and ranged through a part of  Spartansburg & Greenville So. Ca. and Rutherford County he cannot state the day or year when he performed this three months ( 3 mos ) service but would state that it was the first he performed after the first mentioned was under Col. [John] Thomas Senr. and ought to have been set down so - he prior to any of the terms of service never before mentioned served a whole summer every other week guarding a block house near the head of the Pacolet River in Greenville So. Carolina against the Indians who were then committing depredations on the frontier this was in the summer of 1778 or 1779. He served in a company of Rutherford Militia commanded by Capt. James Mc Fadden in an expedition against the Cherokee Indians the party burned one of their towns on the Muskegee River and killed and took prisoners several of the Indians - he was frequently out on scouts as long as the war lasted for a week or several days at a time besides those above mentioned - he has no documentary evidence and knows of no other person  by whom he can prove his services further than is contained in the subjoined probates of John McClure and George Salmons - he further states that he is entirely unable to go to Rutherford Court House - which is seventeen miles distant - he being a great part of his time laid up with gravel which has brought on incontinence
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Questions by Judge Mills 1st. Where and in what year were you born ? Answer. I was born in New Jersey in the year 1753. 2nd . Have you any record of your age and if so where is it ? Answer . I have none. 3rd. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolution  - and where do you now live? Answer.  I lived in Spartansburg South Carolina when called into the service  and until about eight  years ago when I moved into Rutherford County where I now live. 4th. How were you called into service - were you  drafted, did you  volunteer , or were you a substitute,  and if a substitute for whom ?  Answer. I volunteered in every instance. 5th . State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served - such Continental  Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service. Answer.  My memory does not enable me to make any further statement  than mentioned in my declaration. 6th. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it ? Answer.  I never that I recollect received any written discharge. 7th . State the names of persons to whom you  are known  in your present neighborhood who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. Answer. I name John Granway and John Moore and John Mills. Sworn  and subscribed the day and the year aforesaid   Lafford French  ( signed )  Jno Mills ( signed ) JP
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I, Jno Mills do hereby declare my opinion as to the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above  referred applicant was a a revolutionary soldier & heard as he states & that the same applicant is from bodily infirmity is unable to go or attend at Court. Jno Mills ( signed ) JP   Personally appeared in open Court John Moore residing in the vicinity of  Lafford French who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration and who hereby certify that he has for many years been acquainted with said French that he believes him to be the age he represents and that he believes it to be the opinion of the neighborhood  where he resides in the county and in the adjacent part of So. Carolina that he was a soldier of the revolution and that although  he ( French ) owning  as the deponent believes to a weak memory gave rather a confused statement of services in the Revolution yet he concurs in the opinion that he did serve. Sworn and subscribed the 25th October 1832. in open Court   T. F. Birchett ( signed ) Clk    John Moore ( signed )   I, Theodorick F. Birchett clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions and for the County of Rutherford in the State of North Carolina  do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court made in the month of the application of Lafford French  for a pension.  In testimony whereof  I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the 30th day of Oct: 1832. Theo F. Birchett ( signed ) clk
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Lafford French 19356  Declaration ( check mark ) be pleased to direct the answers to this application to White Oak P.O. Rutherford County  N.C.   No 2
Page 27

[ South Carolina Greenville Dist. ] Personally came before me one of the Justices of the  Quorum for said district ,  George Salmon & made oath in due form of law & sayeth that in the Revolutionary war he served with Lafford French then an inhabitant he thinks of South Carolina, Martinsburg District , and in a company of South Carolina  Militia at the siege of Augusta and marched out under the command of [Colonel John] Cunningham & [General Andrew] Williamson & Col. [Elijah] Clark afterwards taking the command , being the first siege after the reduction of Charlestown ( Charleston ) , in the year one thousand seven hundred  & eighty . Sworn and subscribed this 6th Oct. A.D. 1832. Geo. Salmon ( signed )  Aaron Springfield  ( signed ) J Q
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[ State of South Carolina Greenville District ] I, James McDaniel  clerk of the Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas for Greenville  District in the State aforesaid do hereby certify unto all whom it may concern that Aaron Springfield whose signature is signed to this probate is an acting Justice of the Quorum for said District  and that he is entitled to all due faith and credit in all his official acts. Given under my hand  and the seal of the Court at Greenville Court House the 6th day of October 1832. J Mc Daniel ( signed ) C.C.P.  [ State of South Carolina Greenville District ] I, James Mc Daniel  Clerk as above stated  do hereby certify unto all whom it may concern that  I have been personally acquainted with George Salmon for a great many years and that he always supported an unquestionable character as to honesty, industry , and truthfullness as any man in the  State. J. McDaniel ( signed ) C.C.P.
Page 29

[ State of S. Carolina Marlburgh  District ] Personally came before me  Wm Wilson a Justice of the peace for the District John  McClure after being duly sworn saith that he knew Lafford French  in the Revolutionary war he was a resident of South Carolina  now Spartansburg  District and further saith that said French and  myself was in the service together some times but how long he cannot recollect  & he saith that  said French was  and is an honest character and was a good whig  and he believes done much in behalf of his  Country  further he saith not. Sworn and subscribed  before me this 17th October 1832. Wm Kelso  ( signed ) JP  John McCluer ( signed )
Page 30

Elizabeth French
[Saffond]  140.781
Send May 14 /53

[Get] /56 - 44.574-160


Burke F. 
A.S. Wallace  Yorkville, S.C.

The [Honorable] L.P. Waldo
Com of Pensions.
Washington City, D.C.
Page 31

44574
Wes Assey
Secy; Int; Dec 31 / 55
Page 32

( top of page ) (post mark ) ( YORKVILLE S.C. OCT  1 ) FREE   Hon J. Minot Com of Pensions Washington City D.C.     ( bottom of page ) Please see Indent for the  Lbs 105,12,142 - original order for Indent , French's signature to wit , and to a deed known to have been his and compare the signatures with that to the Declaration  ( mark No 2)
Page 33

Pension War Office
Nov. 27 1854.
Sir: Please certify the time to which the within
named pensioner was paid or the date of death.
Very Respectfully
L P Waldo
Commissioner
R.G. Atkinson Esqr.
[illegible] Auditor, Treasury
Roll Atkinson
Lafford French paid to 4 Sept 1834
Robt Atkinson Auditor
Page 34

500 Willam
X :  8 Aug. '86

Lefford French

For Militia Duty in Roebucks' Regiment, before, and since the fall of Charleston N. Andersons
return amounting to 
Currency  $739.10.0 -
                  $105.12.50/1
One Hundred & Five pounds, Twelve shillings and One Pence, [unintelligible] starting [unintelligible]
7.39
7.80
9.60
Page 35

4.759
North Carolina, Morganton
Elizabeth French
widow of Safford who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 24 dollars 10 cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 29th day of November 1854 and sent to .AS. Wallace
Yorkville SC.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 13 Vol A
A S. Wallace 29 Jany 1855
A S. Wallace 17 Feby 1855
Same Oct 5 1853.
J.L. Orr Dec 15 1855
Secy [illegible] Dec 31 1855
Hon J.L. Orr & A Wallace
July 3 1856
Page 36

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County SS
I Theo Birchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions do hereby certify that John Mills Esquire who has certified to the official character of William Kelso before whom the within affidavit of John McCluer is certified to have been made in Spartanburg District
of South Carolina, and who has certified the affidavit of Lifford French the applicant to the truth of the statements set out in the
declaration annexed hereto; and who also certifies his opinion after investigating the matter & putting the interrogatories presented by the war department that the applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he has stated  - is a Justice of the Peace, and  a Judge of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the said County, & was so on the day of the date of his certificates, duly appointed, commissioned & sworn; and that his official attestations as such are entitled to full faith & credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my named and affixed the seal of the said Court at office the 12th day of November A.D. 1832
T F Birchett
Page 37

I John Mills one of the Judges of the Court of pleas and quarter
sessions from Rutherford County No. Carolina do hereby certify that
am acquainted with Willie Kelso Esqr who has attested the above probate
who is and has been for many years an [artery] Justice of the peace in Spartanburg
District and that John McClure who has made the probate is a
respectable citizen of said District October 19th 1832
Jno Mills
There is no Clergyman living in the vicinity of Lefford French
Page 38

Comptroller Genls Office
Columbia May 27th 1856

I hereby certify that it appears by the records of this office that William French received, £13 Stl. for Militia duty performed in Roebuck's Regiment, before & since the fall of Charleston, That Simon French received £54.5.8 Stl. for duty (Militia) since the fall of Charleston, performed in Roebuck's Regiment; 
and Joseph French received £107.5.8 Stl. for Militia duty performed in Roebuck's Regiment, since the fall of Charleston;  and Jonas Dausett also received £12.17.1 Stl. for duty in the Militia performed in Roebuck's Regiment, since the fall of Charleston. It is further certified that the accounts showing the above evidence, by Viz. X $3503, Wm French, X 3502. Simon, French, X 3499. Joseph, French, and X 3464 Jonas Dausett, are now of file in the office.
No Seal of Office
Given Under my hand
WMR  Hunt
DepCompGenl.
Page 39

1 Pres: 1 reft to raise a Child
2 to death 11" light;  34 & Cert of Count
2 to wiv & wen: cert of ct

"Boynton"
Page 40

Payment to be made at [illegible]
by
R.C. Pearson,
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of
North Carolina
Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 134 Vol A
GT Getty Clerk
Page 41

[written vertically across document: Cancelled]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW' S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853
Elizabeth French widow of Lafford French who was a private
in the revolutionary war
is inscribed on the Pension List of the rate of twenty four dollars and
ten cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should
again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time
of such marriage
Given at the Department of the Interior
this twenty ninth day of November
one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
RM Clelland Secretary of the Interior
 
Examined and countersigned.
L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 42

Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia, So. Ca. March 24th 1854.
No.3500 Lib H} Issued 8 Aug [1786] to Lefford French L105.12.10 1/4 Stg. duty in Roebucks Regiment per a/c audited 
NO. 114   Interest L7.. 7..9.
3500 H} No. 114 8 Aug 86
Lefford French for militia duty in Roebucks Regiment before and since the fall of Charleston per Andersons Return amounting to Currency L739.10.0
L105.12.10 1/4
ina  To Lefford French 
Duty in Roebucks Regt before and since the fall of Charlestown.
 Return amt to Currency L739.10 
Stg L105.12.10
To the Commisioners  of the Publick Treasury in Charleston
Gentleman.
Please to deliver to Capt John Gowan, the Indent due to the several subscribers hereunto, for the full amount of their accts against the publick. Your Compliance herewith will much oblige each of us, your [obedient] and very [humble] servant.
Page 43

Acknowledged the 15th of Nov 1786.
before "Baylis Earle J.P.

Lafford French, 114
William French, 114 "Simon French, 114. Hugh Moor,
William Moor, James Alexander, Joseph French, 114 " "Jones Dosson 114, "Jas Beatey 114 Elexander Coplend " Jonas Dawsett, Jno Gowen 74.75.114.
the name wrote Jones Doson is wrong spelt should be Jonas Dawsett.
August 1786 full Satisfaction for the
within acct No 3500. Book H  Jno Gowen
I do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy as taken from the Records of this Office, and I do further certify that the missing words in the account and order has been torn off
For Comptroller General
(No Seal of Office
P.S. Jacobs
Deputy
Page 44

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of 
which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides ? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there ant reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulation? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
10. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
Page 45

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary
service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not 
obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [illegible] living to a part
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? the witnes proves apart certified
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? to a part
++XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered? all answered
________________________________________
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his 
recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades;  For________
year __________ months,  and _______ days, I served as a ____________ For_________ months
and ___________ days, I served as __________ and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 46

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the
officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objection
able. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either
in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed
in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the
regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate
must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly
attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the
certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 47

Declaration of 
Elizabeth French
Widow of Lafford
for increase of Pension
under act June 7 1832
Page 48

Revy Widow, &c. 
File No. 7329
Elizabeth French
wid
Lafford French
Privt Cavy Rev War
July 3 1853
Index: - Vol. 4, Page 252
Page 49

Whiteville S.C.
1st April 1854
Hon LP Waldo
My Dear Sir
You will confer a favor on me by letting examine
the claims of Lafford French account
7th June 1832 and Aaron Wood
under the same account both of SC
Matilda Wood, widow of Aaron
has recently been pensioned under
account 3 February 1853
I herewith submit a power
of attorney in claims of Lafford
French and widow Elizabeth
and also a copy of his indent and account from the Comptroller General of South Carolina
Very truly yours
A S Wallace
Page 50

Recd Jany 24th 1833 [written vertically, top to bottom along left edge of page]
Boyton [written vertically, top to bottom in middle of page]
Hon L P Waldo
Washington City
D.C.
Elizabeth French [written vertically, top to bottom along right edge of page]
Lappord [written vertically top to bottom beneath Elizabeth French]
Page 51

Washington City D.C. 22nd Jany 1855
Hon L. P. Waldo
my Dr Sr.
The claim of Elizabeth French, widow of Lafford French of
Rutherford County N.C. has been admitted under act of February 1853, at the same rate Drawn by her husband Lafford French
under act of 7th June 1832, Lafford French Claim was examined on the 12 day of April last, with a view to an increase his claim to a proper allowance to wit
$100 per annum, as there is L105 sterling to his credit for service, in Col [Benjamin] Roebucks Regiment, in war of the revolution
Lafford French when he made
his declaration, was old, and imbecile, scarcely knew anything and was
utterly disqualified to make declaration, and only mentioned his first service in the revolution which had left the deepest impress on his memory and not in the service of a more recent date
Page 52

The service principally claimed by Lafford French, was rendered prior to 78, which is not shown by the records of D.C. and while [Colonel Elijah] Clark and [Colonel John] Thomas, are named Col [Benjamin] Roebuck is written, in whose Regiment he lived and in which he as well as
all his neighbors served.
Lafford French and a number of others Give orders to John Bingham
to dray [draw] their pay for service. Bingham lived in his neighborhood, and the others who signed the order with him all lived in the same neighborhood several to the time of their deaths.  see the
evidence of Jane McMillan, and others which is conclusive on this subject in claim of Rebecca Copeland which is conclusive in this case aside from the evidence offered in the application of Mrs French the relict of the late Lafford French
There is but one Lafford French
on the books of the Comptroller General of South Carolina, now what are the inferences to be drawn. his order locates him
with a number of others
which makes his Identity complete the only difficulty, that can possibly be
in the way is the fact that he did
Page 53

not claim service in [Colonel Benjamin] Roebucks Regiment, the reasons for this have been
Given which taken with all the facts
in the case in the claim of Rebecca
Copeland, and the application of Mrs
French, would satisfy any court in the
United States
The department calls for a facsmile of his signature. I tried to obtain
orders, or other papers signed by him anterior to 1800 which I intended to
compare with his hand writing, and
have the comptroller to give a certificate of Identity, but was able to find none although some paper bearing his signature may yet be found by why this particularity, but one case on the books of the Comptroller General, and he
Identified as the man, in a case when
his application was not known
with great respect, I remain
dear sir, your sincere
and devoted friend,
A.S. Wallace
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City,
D. C
Page 54

Yorkville S.C.
20th Nov 1854
Hon L. P. Waldo
my Dr Sr
I herewith inclose the declaration of Elizabeth French widow of
Lafford French, late of
Rutherford County, N.C. who was a
pensioner of the United States
at the rate of $24 per ann.
you will pleas place her on
the Pension Roll to relieve her present necessity, as she is needy leaving the further prosecution of this claim open as she as well as her husband are clearly entitled to $100 per annum.
The ordinary has neglected
to certify that witnesses before his
court were disinterested and credible
which I have done
Pleas direct to me at Columbia S.C.
Very truly your friend
AS. Wallace
Page 55

Present 11th April 1854
Hon L P Waldo
Will you be kind enough
in the examination of the claim
of Lafford French to request
the Examining Clerk to refer to
the claim of Rebecca Copeland
widow of Alexander Copeland
of South Carolina act of 4th July 1836 in which the account of Lafford French is also set forth in the
Comptrollers certificate of
South Carolina in Copelands
claim and L. French also
Identified by the Witnesses in
that Claim
I have no doubt but
his hand writing can be identified as there is no doubt
but he is the identical man
who drew L 105, for service in
Col [Benjamin Roebucks] Regiment before and since the reduction of Charleston
very respectfully yours
AS. Wallace
Page 56

Know all men by these presents
that I Elizabeth French of Rutherford
County NC widow of Lafford French
who was a revolutionary pensioner
of the United States at the rate of
Twenty four dollars per annum do
hereby constitute and appoint A.S
Wallace of York District South Carolina my true and lawful attorney
irreproachable for me and in my name to prosecute my claim of Pension under act of 3rd February 1853 and also the claim of my husband Lafford French under act of 7th June 1838 to examine all the papers and documents on file at Washington City or elsewhere to file 
additional evidence, and arguments
and receive the certificates in said
claims which certificate I wish
made payable to me and do all
other act and deeds that I might or
could do were I personally present here by satisfying and confirming all that my said attorney shall lawfully
do in the premises Feb 13th 1854
Elizabeth French [her X mark]
Sealed and delivered In presence of
Theodrick Gregory  G Cannon

South Carolina
Spartanburg District  Be it known that
before me personally appeared Elizabeth
Page 57

French widow of Lafford French above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act & deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned
G Cannon  Noty Public May Ex offio
In testimony hereof I
have hereunto set my hand the day
and year last above mentioned

State of South Carolina
Spartanburgh District
I, J B Tolleson Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas & General Sessions for the district & State aforesaid do hereby certify that G. Cannon who gave the above certificate was at the date thereof a Notary Public for the district & State aforesaid
who had been duly appointed & quallified and the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that all due faith & credit should be given to all his official acts as such
Given under my hand & seal of Office
at Spartanburgh Court House this 15 Febry 1856
JB Tolleson Clerk
Page 58

Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia, S. C. 7 Feb. 1855
Charles H. Rhett Esqr.
my Dr Sr
I herewith send you the certificate
of the Comptroller General of South Carolina, shewing there is but one Lafford French on the records of this State, for services in the Revolution
I also send a facsimile of his
signature as near as we can take it although there is no chance to do this correctly there is no doubt however that he Lafford French is the the Identical man that signed
the order to John Gowan (Capt) with others thereunto signed his name appears but once on the records of this office, to wit Book H 3,500 for L 105.12.10 1/4 for duty in Col [Benjamin Roebucks] Regiment, before and since the fall of Charleston, which Regiment
you admit was cavalry service,
you will please report this to
Hon L. P. Waldo, and as you reported this case before, I would prefer if consistent with
Page 59

the rules of your office that you should again examine this claim or Request that the
Hon Commissioner of Pensions,
take it up himself
your early attention
will say much oblige
your devoted friend
of
A. S. Wallace
PS Direct to me at Yorkville S.C.
AS. Wallace
Page 60

Hon LP Waldo
Com of Pensions
Washington City
DC
140.781
Page 61

Yorkville S.C.
12 May 1885.
Hon L. P. Waldo
my Dr. Sir
I herewith inclose the claims of Elizabeth French, Elizabeth Snodey & Margaret Caldwell, applicants
for bounty land from spartanburg
District S.C. which you will Please
examine and report to me
as soon as convenient.
These old ladies are all
Pensioners of the United States
you will please refer to their
Papers
Very Respectfully Yours
A. S. Wallace
Page 62

Yorkville S.C.
27th Sept 1855,
Hon J Minot Com of Pensions
My Dr Sr
I herewith Inclose Evidence to sustain the Claim of Elizabeth French
widow of Lafford French in answer to yours of last Spring, (which is not before me) in which you say you
are not fully satisfied with the Identity of the Hand writing although the resemblance is very striking.
I have shew by the evidence in claim of Rebecca Copeland, that Lafford French was a soldier of the Revolution and companion of Copeland and lived and died in Copelands neighborhood, this was accidental as this Claim now presented was not in existence
Page 63

but as he had signed are orders
for his pay for review to Capt John
Gowen is was thought necessary
to identify him and others, as
neighbors, and companions in army
during the revolution & The certificate of the Comtroller General shews there is but one man on the Revolutionary records by the name of Lafford French & now prove by tradition that John Bingham paid
him his money for service and that he lived in the neighborhood of Alexander Copeland, and the weight of evidence, offered in this case
as well as the circumstances
prove most conclusively to my
own mind the identity of Lafford French, whose widow now claims
with the only man of that name on the records of this State
There was but one Family of that name found on record and that family served in [Colonel Benjamin] Roebucks Regiment Spartanburg
District S.C. where these men all
Page 64

Lived
I have accounted I hope satisfactorily
for his not claiming service in [Colonel Benjamin] Roebucks Regiment, as well as the fact that he must of necessity have served in that Regiment, as Roebuck commanded the militia of his section
I have been unable to find a single paper as yet having his signature as he was poor, done very little business, has been long dead, and his papers all lost.
I refer you to the certificate
of Judge Mills, in regard to
the competency of Lafford French
to make his declaration now
on file in this claim (That is claim of Lafford French) act 7th June 1832,
you will please examine
and report this claim as soon
as convenient to me at YorkVille, So Ca. Very Respectfully yours
AS Wallace
Page 65

[image consists of extremely light numbers/figures  most of which are illegible]
Page 66

Columbia
5th Nov 1855
My Dr Col
I herewith
send you a deed executed
by Lafford French in 1834
about the time he made application for a pension certified
to be the husband of Elizabeth the
present applicant certified by G Cannon now senator from Spartanburg
district, who lives near the place
sold and well acquainted with
the said Elizabeth
The land deed is important
to the owner, and cannot be filed
the Indent and account must be
sent back before I leave Columbia.
I also send the certificate
of Hon D Wallace,
with whom
you are well acquainted
you will confer a great favor
on me to take these papers before
the commissioner yourself, as
Page 67

as I dare
not trust them
in the hand of an agent
should the commissioner
refuse to allow the Claim pleas
carry before the secretary of
the Interior
Most Truly your friend
AS Wallace
Page 68

Columbia S.C.
3 Dec 1855.
my dr Col,
you will pleas go to the Pension
office, and call up the Claim of
Elizabeth French widow of Lafford French late of Rutherford County NC
formerly of Spartanburg District S.C.
Mrs French is still living
and now a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $24.10 per annum the amount drawn by her husband under act of 7th June 1832
Lafford French was incompetent to make a declaration in 1833
he so states the fact the Judge Certify the same, and some of the evidence made before from Gabriel Cannon proves  that he was not competent.
and therefore did not state all
his service on the manner it was
Page 69

performed. I have shown you his
only signature that I have yet found
you have compared it with his order in the office of the Comptroller
General of this State, and find them
written by the same hand.
I herewith enclose the certificate
of the Comptroller General, shewing
there was but one Lafford French
on the rolls of this office, and connected as he is with so many others who lived and several of them
Died in the neighborhood of
claimants husband there can be
no possible doubt, but claimants
husband, Lafford French, was the
Identical man, who done the
service to the credit of that name
on the books of the Comptroller General of this State.
you will please examine 
the evidence in claim of Rebecca
Copeland, widow of Alexander
Copeland, act 4th July 1836, and
you will see Lafford French
was identified, when there was
no claim due his widow, as
she is a pensioner act of 3 Feb
1853
Page 70

I sent a Facsimile of the signature of
Lafford French from this office, and
in answer to my argument, at that
time, the Com admits the striking
similarity which he said was not
entirely satisfactory.
but you will remember his signature to the order was made in 1786,
and to his declaration for a pension in
1833 or 1834, there would necessarily
be a great dissimilarity in the same hand writing, in that length of time, even with a man who wrote a good hand in his youth, & had considerable practice, but Lafford French did not write well was poor, and but seldom even signed his name it is not presumed they would be exactly alike, although in the two signatures you have seen, and signature to his
declaration there is, as the 
Clerk has said, a very striking
similarity
you will please have
Page 71

this case sent on to me as soon
as possible of its favorable result if
Carefully examined I do not
question
with the highest esteem
I remain dear Sir,
Your sincere and devoted friend.
A. S. Wallace
Hon J.L. Orr
House of Representatives,
Washington City
D.C.
P S I here with send you the only
Specimen of the hand writing of 
Lafford French to a land deed in
1834
This letter is for your own benefit send back the indent and account before I leave here they must not be
filed
A S Wallace
Page 72

Columbia S.C.
December 5th 1855
I have before me a Revolutionary
Record of the Comptroller Generals Office of this State, of which the following is a copy-
To the Commissioners of
the public Treasury in Charleston
Please to deliver to Capt. John Gowen the intents due to the several subscribers hereunto for the full amount of their accts against the publick- your Compliance herewith will much oblige each of us.
Your obedient very humble servants
acknowledged the 15th of Novr 1786
before Baylis Earle JP
Lafford French 114
William French 114
Simon French 114
Hugh Moore
William Moor
James Alexander
Joseph French 114
Jonas Dorset 14
James Beatey 114
Alexander Copeland
Jno. Gowen
74.75 114 11
the name wrote Jonas Doson is wrong spelt - should be Jonas Dawsett
over
Page 73

I have before me also a deed
or Indenture dated 24th January
1834, signed by Lafford French, conveying a tract of land to John French
I have carefully compared
the signature of Lafford French to
the preceeding document, dated the 15th November 1786 with the signature of Lafford French to the above named decd dated in January 1834, and making the allowance for the change or modification which forty Eight years of time must necessarily effect in the handwriting of an individual, I feel justified in giving it as my opinion, that the signature of Lafford French to both the said Documents, were written by the same person-
It is the tradition & evidence of the times, that Col [Benjamin] Roebuck of
Spartanburgh District South Carolina
& the truth of which I have never
doubted, commanded a Regiment of
mounted men during part or all of the
Revolutionary war, & I am informed &
believe that the name of Lafford
French appears but  one time on
Page 74

the Revolutionary records of South Carolina, to wit, on the document
above Copied.
D Wallace

Hon D. Wallace Certificate of character and his opinion of the merits of the case
No 4
Page 75

Commissioner of Pensions
Decr 15. 1855
Letter to Hon. J.L. Orr
H.R. Stating his reasons
for the rejection of the
claim of the Heirs of
Lafford French for
increased Pension under
Act of June 7, 1832.
Page 76

Pension Office
Decr 15. 1855.
Sir I have the honor to report the case of Elizabeth French the widow of Lafford of North Carolina, and the reasons upon which I am compelled to refuse to allow the increase
of pension demanded.
In 1832, Lafford French claimed a pension for the following services in the war of the Revolution; 3 months
in the fall of 1778 or 1779; 3 months rendered immediately after
the expiration of the first tour; 10 days in an expedition to
Musgrove's mills; then one month at the siege of Augusta, and
some scouting expeditions which he himself did not deem of
sufficient importance to be included in his narration of
services. He prefaced his statement by a declaration that his
failing memory would prevent his attempting to give a detailed
account of his services of the days he entered or left the
service, but that he would give the material facts of it,
which were a service of 7 months and 10 days, for which he
was pensioned under the act of 1832 and for which his
widow is now receiving a pension under the act of 1833
It is now asked to increase this pension upon a
certificate of the Comptroller of South Carolina that an Indent was
issued to Lafford French, for military duty, for L 739.10 Currency, or L105.12.10 1/4 Sterling, and it is sought to identify Elizabeth French's husband with the man who received this amount by a comparison of the signature to an order for the
Page 77

Indent due a man of his name with the signature to his Declaration for pension and one to an old Deed known to be his. It is admitted that there is some similarity between these signatures; but that similarity is not more striking than usually exists between the hand writings of illiterate men; for I apprehend most men who have transacted much
business have observed the fact that men who are unaccustomed to constant writing, write very much alike, But if this were not the case, surely the evidence adduced is not sufficient to justify this office in increasing this case in the face of
the solemn declaration of the soldier that he had served but 7 months and 10 days and that he had stated the
material facts of his service. It should also be recollected that it was his interest to declare for all the service he rendered, for under the Act of 1832, the stipend to be allowed
is graduated according to the length of the service, but he did not even assert - as is common when claimants cannot specify all their services- that he had rendered much more than he claimed for.
But to return to the Comptroller's certificate.
The order to the "Commissioners of the Public Treasury at
Charleston" to deliver to Capt. John Gowen the Indents due for service was signed by Lafford French and ten
others as well as by John Gowen. It is to be observed that the Indent referred to is numbered 114. Now
opposite the names of six others of the signers to the order is the number 114. Does not this show that this Indent for L 105.12.10 1/4 was to cover the amount due for all
those against whose name the figures 114 appear? It did not
Page 78

matter to Capt. [John Buck] Gowen whether the number of days each of these men served was set down in the Indent or not, as he was to have the money for the service and he received it in bulk. If I am correct
in this view, the accuracy of French's memory when he declared
for a pension will be so far vindicated as to satisfy Mr. Wallace
himself that no increase of pension is due. And if I am in error
here, I am satisfied that I am not too cautious when I insist that some thing more is required to justify me in passing over the soldier's own statement under oath than what may be an accidental resemblance between his hand writing and that of
another man. It does doubtlessly not unfrequently happen
that meritorious parties fail to receive the full amount of pension
to which they are justly entitled for the want of satisfactory proof;
but their inability to procure that proof is their misfortune, but
does not render it less important.
Your correspondent in this case is A. S. Wallace Esqr His letter is dated Columbia, S. C.
There are some papers in the case which it is desired shall be returned, but I have retained them until you
determine whether you will take an appeal to the Secretary of the Interior, as Mr Wallace desired you to do, in case I failed to allow the increase demanded
I am, very respectfully,
Your obt Servt
J. Minot Commissioner

Hon. J.L. Orr
House of Representatives
Page 79

Yorkville S.C.
29th Dec 1855
My Dr Col
your favor of the 29th
with the letter of the Commissioner
of Pension in claim of Elizabeth
French Widow of Lafford French
of Rutherford County N.C. who was a
pensioner of the United States at
the rate of $24,10 per annum
The Com refuses to increase
this claim for the following reasons as appears from his letter
1st he Lafford French did not
claim as much service as the records
show to his credit on Rolls of this state
2d not fully satisfied with the
Identity of the hand writing to the order
Page 80

Given to Capt John Gowen with
ten others, to procure his indent which was well touched for, and audited and 3 third that the 105.12.12 sterling covers five other sbeside himself and a prior objection was that Mr Lafford French did not claim service in [Colonel Benjamin] Roebucks Regiment I will meet it
Also.
To the first I answer that Lafford
French was incompetent to make his
declaration which is shown by himself, Judge Mills, and witnesses now introduced, and that matter dwelt on with much stress by the Comr in his report of 15th inst in this case, to wit
that he would give all the material
parts in the case, can not in Justice
be attributed to an [illegible] old man
but to the agent who drew up the
papers, as it is a mere matter of form
expression and my experience is (and
I have been engaged for the last ten
in the prosecution of claims)
Page 81

that there is but few old men who can name Cols. Majs, or Capts under whom they served and many of the soldiers of 1812 now cannot do it, and I never found but one of the soldiers of the war of 1812 that could tell the day of the month he was discharged. I have shown there is but one Lafford French on the books of the Comptroller General, and the commissioner is satisfied that the signature to his order to his account of service in the revolution bears a striking similarity to two others admitted to be his near half a century afterwards. this accidental
occurrence is strange indeed, with a man who did not write well for with bad writers I would beg leave to differ with the Examiner there is always striking dissimilarity.
The next Prominent objection urged by the Commissioner is that no 114
refers to five others as well as Lafford French whose account vouched for and payed was 105.12.10. Sterling for which he
got an indent, others for similar
service
Page 82

would have like accounts for every
of the 11 Eleven Indents were [illegible] some for a smaller and others for a larger amount and their indents and accounts are now
on file in the Comptrollers office
I examined all the Frenches during the session of the Legislature now
Closed, this conclusion the Gentlemanly Com of Pensions
never could have arrived at had he been well acquainted with the records of this state, which from a careful reexamination of Mrs Frenches claim he will readily admit as he is paying six men with one hundred and five pounds sterling when they actually received over five perhaps seven as I write from memory.
The third and last objection of
the commissioner is that he cannot
guard the Freanry two closely, and
pass his claim offer the solemn oath
Page 83

of the declarant from the accidental
circumstance of the striking similarity
of the hand writing of Lafford French.
In the three signatures before you, which with the evidence adduced would satisfy any court and jury in the
United States, as I am as fully satisfied, that amount now claimed on this Indent is due Mrs French as
I am of my own existence and I
certainly have some knowledge of the Records of this State, which a familiarity, and long experience only
can give which was appreciated by
Hon Mr. Waldo and the fact of Mr French not Claiming service in [Colonel Benjamin] Roebuck Regiment is no new matter but a thing that often occurred, neither was it well understood that it was necessary to give all the service in detail as it was once the opinion here to a considerable extent that six months
Page 84

claimed and proved entitled the claiment to the full benefit of the law or highest allowance I refer you
to the claim of Capt Thos Ballard Lancaster District S.C. Which I prosecuted in 1847, and Capt James Dillars Laurens District S. C. which I recovered last year.  I also
refer you to the claim of Capt Thos
Farrow, and Rachel Farrow, widow
of Landon act 4th July 1836 and
Claim of Margaret Henderson act 
1848 all of Spartanburg District SC
to shew that Col [Benjamin] Roebuck commanded a Regiment of Cavalry which was admitted by Mr Waldo.
I recovered the claim for cavalry service of Rebecca Copeland widow
of Alex Copeland as shown on the
order signed by Lafford French,
I think James Alexander of the same paper was pensioned in Greenville, act of 1832 and William Coldwell (whose service was
all returned in Roebucks Regiment)
Page 85

and was pensioned in 1834 or 1835.
in Spartanburg District, never claimed
a day in that Regiment if mistake not in making out his declarations
in Col [Benjamin Roebucks Regiment] Roberts Ridgement and wrote a pretty fair hand, was a sensible man, a ruling Elder in Nazareth Church which I can show by numberless
Specimens of his hand writing his widow Margaret is now living, a pensioner at the rate of $80 per ann
act of 1838 Spartanburg District
Mrs French is either entitled
$100 per annum, or she is not entitled
to any thing at all, and should
be struck from the rolls, as the
Records show no service to the credit
of her husband in conformity with
his statements in his declaration
The com seems willing to give him 1/6 of 105 supposing he was mistaken in his Regiment
when his is satisfied that each of those six men got their separate indents for the amount specified, and that those Indents are all on file in
Columbia his last objection will be
fully met, and if necessary I will furnish the certificate of the Comptroller to that effect. From
this trouble, and expense, I hope 
I shall be saved
Page 86

I have written this answer in a
great hurry and sometimes forget
whom I was addressing as I am
perfectly astonished at the decision
as there has nothing like come under my observation since I have been presenting claims.
This will enable you to make out your arguments in the case, for the secretary of the interior
Every man on the order has his own separate indents on file in the Comptrollers office
I hope dear sir you will attend to this for one of your old constituents whose husband done battle for his county.
with the highest esteem
I remain dear sir
your devoted friend
A.S. Wallace
J L. Orr
House of Representatives
Washington City
Page 87

Capt. Major Parsons 
860 days Roebuck's Regt
Page 88

Washington DC May 29th 1856
Hon R. McClelland
Sir
I inclose you herewith a certificate from the Comptroller Genl. of South Carolina which furnishes supplemental evidence in the case of the heirs of Lafford French now before you on appeal from the Comr. of Pensions this testimony as I understand it refutes the Commissioner's conclusion
that the receipts
to Lafford French
covered other services than his own-
Separate Indents having been
issued to William French, Simon
French and others.-
It may perhaps be a little irregular to
consider additional new testimony
on appeal, but I hope you may
find it to be proper to consider
Page 89

the inclosed which is sent at the request of Maj. Wallace the agent in the case.
Very respectfully
JL Orr
Page 90

AS Wallace
Yorkville SC
[illegible]
June 5 of 56
Page 91

Yorkville S.C. 28th April 1856.
Hon J Minot Com of Pensions.
Dr Sr
The claim of Elizabeth French widow of Lafford French late Pens of Rutherford County N.C. act 7th June 1832 at the rate of 24.10 for Bounty
land act of March 1855 which was sent to your office last April
and receipt acknowledged since
which time nothing has been heard of the claim.
Pleas inform me what disposition has been made of the claim
Very Respectfully yours
A S Wallace
Page 92

Major AS Wallace Yorkville, SC
Page 93

Fingerville 11th Sept 1856
Major AS Wallis
Dear sir
Inclosed find the certificate left with me by your Son, Certified I think
to the satisfaction of the
Most Scrupulous- Mrs French is
quite feeble. I hope you will let
me know when you receive her
money as I should like to have her
back paid up in her lifetime, the trouble of proving and attending the N.C. Court, & waiting on her Exor. would be more than her act would be worth
 I should be glad to hear from the prospect of Election &c
We all well, Constant rain & the Army worms are doing much damage to fodder, peas &c
Yours Respectfully
G. Cannon
Page 94

Yorkville S.C.
27th Sept 1856,
Hon J Minot Com of Pensions
bM Dr Sir
your favor of the 19th sept inst in relation to The claim for Bounty of
Elizabeth French widow of Lafford French decd of Polk County N C. has been received and I would respectfully request that the claim
of Elizabeth French be hunted up as the acknowledgement of her claim is lost or mislaid and I have not the number of her claim
The claim of Elizabeth French was sent from York[ville]
Page 95

[York]ville SC on the 14 May 1855
with the claim of Mary Johnson
Holly Johnson, Margaret Caldwell
and Elizabeth Snoddy
whose warrants have all
been received act 3 March 1855.
your early attention will much oblige
your Respectfully
A.S. Wallace
Page 96

Brief in the case of Lafford & Elizabeth Frenchch
_County and State of North Carolina
acts June 7 1832 & 3 Feby 1853
Claim, (for increase.)
Proof exhibited, (if original)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Lafford French was pensioned under the Act of June 7 1832 at $24.10 a year and died Sep 11 1834
His widow Elizabeth was pensioned
at the same rate under the act of 
The Comptroller of S.C. Shows that a man of his name served much more than 2 years in Col [Benjamin] Roebuck's Cavalry Regt
The Secretary of the Interior having examined the evidence in the case orders it to be increased
See report of June 2 1856

Name and residence of Agent
Hon JL Orr H of R

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.
Page 97

Brief in the case of Elizabeth French widow of Lafford, Rutherford County and State of N.C act 3d Feby. 1853
Claim, original
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7th June 1832, @ the rate
of $24.10 per annum. One witness testifies he was present at the marriage & one witness testifies to general reputation of Marriage & cohabitation of parties said & a family of children. Pensioner died Sept.
11th 1831, as per the affiants of two credible witnesses & certificate of Court & Report of the [illegible].
[illegible] is established by the affidavits of three credible affiants and a Certificate of Court.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? Name and residence of Agent A.S. Wallace, Esqr Yorkville, SC
S.C. Boynton Examining Clerk
Page 98

Yorkville S.C. 30th July 1856,
Hon J Minot Comr of Pensions
my der sir
I received notice a few days since from your office to send on the pension Certificate of Elizabeth French Rutherford County, N.C.
Now Polk County that the increase would be allowed
I have to day understood that a Mr
S A. Bettis has a few days back persuaded her to give him a power of
attorney to collect the claim
the evidence of which I have sent to
Hon JL Orr of the
House of Representatives
Page 99

you will please take no action in this matter untill you hear from Col Orr, and see the letter of the Hon G Cannon senator of Spartanburg District SC to me on the subject
which letter is have enclosed
to Mr Orr.
The above is the claim of
Elizabeth French Widow of Lafford as above, on which Col Orr took an appeal She was pensioned at the rate
of $24.10 per annum we can [illeg] for $100 per annum Cavalry service
Very Respectfully yours
A.S. Wallace
PS Mrs French was pensioned
under act of 3rd Feb 1853
her Husband was a pensioner
act 7th June 1832  NC Rutherford County
A.S. W.
Page 100

Department of the Interior
Washington, June 2 1856.
I have given the utmost care to
the critical examination and consideration of the claim of Elizabeth, the widow of Lafford
French of North Carolina, for increase of pension under the Act of June 7 1832, for the services of her late husband in the War of the Revolution
The difficulty of arriving at a correct
conclusion, is admitted; but I am inclined to the belief that the identity of the Lafford French of the Records of North Carolina, with the husband of the claimant, is made out, and that reliance is to be placed upon that
record evidence, and that in this view of the case, the claim for increase of pension should be admitted. The papers in the case are herewith returned.
I am Sir very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
RM Clelland
Secretary

Hon J. Minot
Comm of Pensions
Page 101

S. Cole
Chief Clerk
Washington City
DC
the power of attorney filed by Bettis
[illeg] Ames Respectfully yours
ASW
Page 102

Yorkville S.C.
2 August 56
S Cole Esq
my Dr Sir
Will you be so kind as to inform me what extension, if any, is given to the act of February 1853, in regard to
widows of Revolutionary soldiers married after 1800.
You will forward on me all necessary forms as you promised when we parted in June last.
I respectfully call your attention to the claim of Elizabeth French, Widow of Lafford French late of Rutherford (Now Polk ) County decd which was allowed shortly after I left Washington, increase from $24.10 The amount draw by her un
Page 103

act 3 Feb 1853 the same amount
drawn by her husband Lafford
French, act 7th June 1832, a man
by the name of S.A. Bettis has some
four weeks since obtained a power of attorney from Mrs French, with a view to draw her claim When extended and perhaps her whole claim, as the warrant is not yet issued waiting the
return of her old certificate which
is now forwarded
Mr Bettis Power of attorney may, and I think is made to George W. Ames, an agent at Washington, I am not sure of his christian name
Evidence will be forwarded in a few days to shew you how that power was obtained of which you can Judge when you see it
you will please let me suffer no
[illegible] in the matter, Mrs French
has given Mr Bettis notice to discontinue his agency, and has given
Page 104

Notice to the same effect, to the care
of Pensions.
I would respectfully ask how Mr Ames became acquainted with my business, and particularly the claim of Mrs. French as [illegible] my business should not be open to the Investigation of Resident agents, as I recollect the rules were rigidly enforced with me for this I know neither yourself nor the Com are to blame but it is an abuse that needs
correction
Pleas answer me at Yorkville SC as soon as convenient and send me all necessary forms
with high sentiments of esteem, I remain dear sir, your sincere, and devoted friend
A. S. Wallace
Page 105

P. S.
Pleas have Mrs Frenches warrant
for bounty land issued as soon as
possible as she is old and very needy
as she is slowly recovering from a
[illegible] spell of sickness.
Who is the witness to the power of attorney filed by Bettis 
[illegible] Ames
Respectfully yours
A.S.W.

S. Cole
Chief Clerk
Washington City
DC
Page 106

State of North Carolina Polk County
I John Arledge Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter sessions do hereby certify that I did certify in the case of Mrs French that B.H. Padgett was an acting Justice of the Peace and I also certify he is still an acting Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid and that his signature is genuine in testimony whereof I have
hereunto affix my private seal of
office having no seal of office private
seal this the 6 day of Sept 1856
John Arledge CCC
Page 107

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
I R.L. Gilkey Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for sd County certify that there is a County by the name of Polk joining this County & that John Arledge is the clerk of the Court his certificate
presents him to be & that sd
certificate is in his own proper hand
writing & that he has no seal of office
Given under my hand & seal of office the 8th day of Sept AD 1856
R.L. Gilkey Clk
Page 108

Columbia S.C. 5 Decr 1855
I certify that I procured from
Samuel Jackson (the present owner
of the land in question) a deed
Signed by Lafford French, on
the 4th day of Jan. 1834, to a
tract of land lying in Rutherford
County N.C. and that I have
the best evidence viz the testimony of John French and the present owner of the land and also my own knowledge that the land is now in possession of Sevier Jackson and that said deed is a link in the claim
of his title Executed by said
Lafford French the husband,
of the present claimant Elizabeth
French now a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $24.10 pr annum I am well acquainted with the
parties and I have interest
in this application
G Cannon State Senator
Page 109

Office of the
Clerk of Senate
Columbia S.C.
Dec. 5, 1835
To all whom it may concern: or to
whom these Presents may come
do hereby certify that the Hon Gabriel
Cannon is Senator from Spartanburg
District in the State of So. Carolina
and that the foregoing signature to
porting to be his is genuine & was
made this day in my presence
Wm. E. Martin
Clerk of Senate
Page 110

Yorkville S.C.
27th Oct 1856
Hon L. P. Waldo
Comn of Pensions
my dr sir
I presenting the claim of Lafford & Elizabeth French late of Rutherford County N.C. now Polk County act 7th June 1832, Feb 1853, & filed a Land deed from Lafford French to a Mr Jackson of Spartanburg District SC. and also his indent and original account from the Compt Generals Office of this State, which were to be sent back when the claim would be adjudicated which has not yet been attended to altho the claim has been increased to one hundred dollars per annum
you will pleas send them to me at
your earliest convenience
Has the above claim of
Page 111

Elizabeth French under act of 3 Feby 1853 been yet extend under 2 sections of the act of 2 Feb 1848 or will such extension be given 
very respectfully yours
AS Wallace
Page 112

Yorkville So Ca 19th September 56
S Cole esqr my Dr Sr
In answer to yours of this Instant in claim of Elizabeth French for Bounty
land No _ act 5 March 1855
I herewith inclose the certificate
of the Clerk of the Court of Rutherford County NC which you can
examine and compare and I hope will be satisfactory
I also enclose the letter of the Hon G Cannon encasing the certificate
you will please attend to this matter as soon as can benefit
Very Respectfully yours
A.S. Wallace
Page 113

PS yours to which this is an
answer was signed 11 Sept 1856
in claim of Mrs Elizabeth
French widow of Lafford 
French late of Rutherford County
now Polk County Decd
Please have her claim for
Bounty Land attended to as
soon as convenient she is a
Revolutionary pensioner at the
late of $100 per annum act 3 Feby
1853
Respectfully Yours
A. S. Wallace
Page 114

Lafford French decd
N.C
Ind. June 7 1832
$100 a year from 4 Mch 1831 to 11 Sep 1834 when he died 
deducting $25.10
pay to his widow Elizabeth French and admit her under the act of 1853
at the same rate making the same
deduction
Contact by Sec of Interior
June 2 1856
Cert to Hon JL Orr H of R
Page 115

Fac Simile of Lafford French No.3
Page 116

Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia So Ca February the 7 1855
It is hereby certified that the following is an exact fac simile as near as I can take it of the signature of Lafford French in connection with
the following signatures viz: William French, Simon French, Hugh Moor, William Moor, James Alexander, Joseph French, Jones Dosson,
Jas Beatey & Alexander Copeland to their order in favor of Capt John Gowen as found on record in this Office enclosed in the account of Lafford French Book H 3500. for 105, 12, 10 Sterling for Militia Duty in Roebucks Regiment before and since the fall of Charleston pr Andersons Return; viz fac simile of said signature to said order, in said account No 3500 Book H
" Lafford French"
and I do further certify that I have carefully examined the Book containing the Indents and Accounts of Revolutionary soldiers in this Office, and after a thorough examination can not find any other Indent or account for the name of
Lafford French than the above contained in Book H No 3500 as shown above
For Comptroller General
(No Seal of Office)
P.S. Jacobs
Deputy.
Page 117

State of South Carolina  
Spartanburg District
 I, J B Tolleson Clerk of the Court
of Common pleas and General Sessions for Spartanburg District in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify, that G Cannon Notary Public & Mag Ex off for the Dist of Spartanburg. before whom the within declaration and affidavit was made, is and was at the time of signing the same
an acting Notary Public for the
District above mentioned, in the State
aforesaid, and who has been duly appointed to and qualified, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that due faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Spartanburg Court House
this the 25th day of Sept 1855
J. B. Tolleson
Clerk
Page 118

State of South Carolina 
Spartanburg District
I R. Bowden, Judge  of the Court of Ordinary for the District and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the
Hon Gabriel Cannon whose Signature 
appears to the following affidavits is the Senator of Spartanburg District as well as a magistrate Ex off, and a gentleman of the highest respectability, and that the witnesses
are very respectable
Given under my hand & Seal
of Office at Spartanburg
Court House this the 25th
day of Sept 1855
s/ R Bowden
Page 119

South Carolina Spartanburg District  Personally appeared Henry White a highly Credible Citizen of said District
aged 69 years past. Before me
Gabriel Cannon a Notary Publick
of said district duly authorized by law to administer oaths who being first duly sworn on oath says that he was well acquainted with Lafford French
who widow is now a pensioner of the United States for many years before his death, and always understood that he was a soldier of the revolution of the first order and lived in the neighborhood of Alexander Copeland whose widow Rebecca recovered a pension for the services of her husband the said Alexander Copeland in the Revolution and that the opinion was general that Lafford served throughout the war which deponent never heard disputed, and also has always understood that Col [Benjamin] Roebuck commanded the Spartanburg Regiment in the revolution and that he has often heard Major John McClure speak of
the services of Lafford French
in the Revolution and that he never
knew any other man by the name of Lafford French who
Page 120

had the reputation of doing service
in the revolution but the above named s/ Henry White
Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 20th day of Sept 1855
Gabriel Cannon Noty Public & Mag
ex officio  I have no seal of office

James Robins also a credible Citizen
of said District aged 67 years past
who being first duly sworn according to law says that he was acquainted with Lafford French, whose widow Elizabeth is now a pensioner of the United States, from the time he was a boy and has often heard him speak of his services in the Revolution and that the opinion was general that
Lafford French done a great amount of service in the Revolution and lived near Alexander Copeland whose widow Rebecca Recovered a pension
for the services of the said Alexander
Copeland in the Revolution and that he never knew any other man of the name of Lafford French but the above named who done service in the Revolution. the husband of the said Elizabeth who is now an applicant for an increase of pension
Page 121

and that he knows of his own
personal knowledge that the said
Lafford French was for several
years before his death from old
age and loss of memory incompetent to do any business but was very infirm and his family done all his business for him
Deponent knows Jane McMillin
whom he understands has given
testimony in this case, and knows
her to be a lady of the highest credibility and that he has no interest in this claim and that Elizabeth French widow of Lafford is a
woman of truth and Character
s/ James Robins
Sworn to & subscribed before me this
20th Sept. 1855
G. Cannon Noty Public & Mag. ex officio

Charles Copeland a highly credible Citizen of said District, aged about Seventy years, on oath says that
he was well acquainted With Lafford French whose Widow Elizabeth French is Now an applicant for
Page 122

for an increase of Pension since his first recollection and always understood & believed that he was a Soldier of the revolutionary War
that he had often heard L French
 Speak of his Service as such which was not doubted by any 
Lafford French Waited on deponants
father when he was married to
Rebecca Gelmore who afterwards as the Widow of Alx Copeland drew
a Pension from the United States, & that he never knew any other Lafford French who had the reputation of
doing service in the war of the
 Revolution Except the above named and no other Lafford French Except a
Grand Son
Deponent always understood &
believed that John
Page 123

Bingham brought the pay due his father for services in the revolutionary war from Charleston thus he has been from both his
father & Mother
Deponant knew Simon French the Brother of Lafford & understood
that he had other brothers but that they as well as Simon move to the West. Deponent also knew John Bingham who was pointed out to him
by his father as the man who
brought him his money he knows that his father Alx Copeland and Lafford
French & his brothers lived near each other on PocolAt [Pacolet] River in Spartanburg Dist. S.C. for many years
Page 124

and he has no doubt that his father & Lafford French served together in the war of the revolution and that the
said John Bingham moved to the West & has Since died.
Deponent further says he is well acquainted Jane McMullin who
is a near neighbor that she is a woman of Very Good Charter & of
Extraordinary mind & Memory for an old women and that he has no
interest whatever in the application
s/ Charles Copeland
sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th Sept. 1855
G.Cannon Notary Public &
Mag Ex Officio
Page 125

John French a highly respectable
Citizen of said District & son of the
said Lafford & Elizabeth Frende aged
about fifty years On Oath says
that his father Lafford French was
for some two or three years before
his death confined to bed &
much afflicted both in body & mind
sometimes his mind was so much in
paid & his recollection so bad that he
did not know his near neighbors
and said Lafford French Made
his declaration while thus confined
to his bed, deponent says that he
went himself after Judge Mills
of Rutherford County N. C. to take
his fathers affidavit to obtain his
pension. deponent further says that he recollects very well to have heard his father Lafford French often say that he served in Col Robucks [Colonel Benjamin Roebuck] Regiment throughout the war and he also knows that he was not competent to make
a satisfactory declaration at the time
Judge Mills took his affidavit
He further states that he has often heard his father speak of his three brothers William French Joseph French & Simon French who also served with him throughout the war, but that they had moved off (as he has been informed) to the State of Kentucky & he supposes that they are all dead. Deponent further states that he
Page 126

has heard his father Lafford
French deny that a man by the
name of John Bingham paid
him his money for his services in
the Revolution, & that he has no
Interest in this application as his
Mother Elizabeth French is
still living & very poor
Sworn to & Subscribed before me
me this 21st day of Sept.1855
W. C. Cannon
John French his X mark
G Cannon Not. Public& Mag Ex Officio

I Gabriel Cannon Noty Public & Mag Ex Officio, certify that I am with the witnesses to the forgoing Statement & that they are all highly respectable gentlemen & worthy of confidence & that I believe they have no interest
& this application & I myself
have no interest whatever in the Same

Sept 21. 1855
Gabriel Cannon
Noty Public &
May Ex offer
Page 127

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51 12 - 5 - 41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME French, Lemuel
GRADE.Private
LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 4125
ACREAGE 100
ISSUED May 31, 1790
to Theodosius Fowler

The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800"" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent
dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.