Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9224, for Thomas Penefill, Maryland
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE | NUMBER
Md. | Penefill, Thomas | W 9224
or Pennifield | B.L. Wt. 29741-160-55
or Pennefill 
or Penefield, Esther

CONTENTS
Page 2

[Two panels] 
[Left panel]

(112) 
Maryland 4
____
✓
Thomas Penefill, 
private, 
In the army U. States 
____
At $8 per mo. commd. 30th March, 1818.
____
Cert. issued 10th, [struck out: March] April, 1818, and 
delivered to the Pensioner, who 
lives in Montgomery County, Md.
____
Ars. to 4th Sept. 1818 5 3/28 months $40.85

( Revy. Claim, )
( Act 18th, March, 1818. )

Maryland line 
Three years 
close of War

Continued

Montgomery
Co. 

[Right panel]

Papers copied & sent to 
Henry Harding, Annapolis,
Md. Mar 17 1835
let. 20th Sep. 1839 to claimant

Notifd del & Pensioner
Decr. 22, 1820
Page 3

4743 
Maryland 

Esther Pennifield 
widow of Thomas 
Md Pennifield 
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private 
Increased from $80.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
96 Dollars -- 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the [struck out: 4th day of March, 1848] 1st 
July 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
10th day of Septr. 1853
and sent to 
J. G. Austin
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 126 Vol. 3
Page 4

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

Vol. P. 56

[Right panel]

170,962 Act Mar. 3/55
June 18/55
___
Esther Penefield wid. of 
Thomas Penefield 
[struck out: soldier]
Pri.
___
To: 160 Ac June 11/56
Boynton 
Rev. War

[Written across above text]
29741 iss June 14/56 
___
Receives pension 
payable at Baltimore 
Md. Feby. 48 - 4743
___
L. W. Candle, P.M. 
Darnestown 
Montgomery Co. 
Md.
___
[struck out: J. T. Neely
Washington 
D.C.]
Rev W
Page 5

6080

Esther Pennyfield
Md
Act 7, July '38

m 90 - d '32
Admd
2 yrs pri
___
80$
died Jan 15. 1832 
[illegible] list

John Braddock 
Rockville 
Md.
Oct. 9

[struck out: 
Appt. 
Prests]
Page 6

State of Maryland }
Montgomery County } Sct

On this first day of July 
eighteen hundred and thirty nine personally 
appeared before the Judges of Montgomery County 
Court in open Court Easther Pennifield a resident 
of Montgomery County in the State of Maryland 
aged sixty four years, who being first duly sworn, accor
ding 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 July 7th 
1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and 
pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow 
of Thomas Pennefield who was a private in 
Captain Benjamin Price's company of Regulars 
in the Second Maryland regiment, also for proof 
of his rank in the army, the period for which he 
served, and the services he rendered, she refers to 
the evidence on file at the War Office her husband 
being a Revolutionary pensioner (during his life
time) She further declares, that she was married 
to the said Thomas Pennifield some time in 
the month of July seventeen hundred and ninety 
but that she does not recollect the day of the month 
that her husband, the aforesaid Thomas Pennifield 
died on the fifteenth day of December eighteen 
hundred and thirty two, that she was not married 
to him prior to his leaving the service, but the 
marriage took place previous to the first of January 
seventeen hundred and ninety four.
Witness J. J. Frovestreet | Easther her X mark Pennifield
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year 
above written, in open Court
Brice Selby Clk
Montgy Coty Ct
Page 7

State of Maryland 
Montgomery County sct

I hereby certify that the within 
declaration, is the original proceedings 
had in Montgomery County Court as 
it purports to be
In Testimony Whereof
I hereto set my name 
& the public seal of 
Montgomery County Court 
this 17th day of 
September 1839 
Brice Selby Clk
Montgy Coty Ct
Page 8

Maryland Prince Georges County Sct.

I hereby certify that it appears from the Record 
and proceedings of Prince Georges County 
Court, that a marriage license issued the twentieth 
day of July in the year seventeen hundred and 
ninety, in the name of Thomas Pennefield and 
Easther Beanes.
In Testimony whereof, I have 
hereunto subscribed my name 
and affixed the seal of Prince 
Georges County Court this eighth 
day of May Anno Domini one 
thousand eight hundred and 
thirty nine.
Aquila Beall Clk of 
Prince Geo Coty Cort.

Maryland Prince Georges County Sct.

To all whom it may concern, I John Stephen Chief 
Judge of the first Judicial District of the State of 
Maryland comprehending the Counties of Saint 
Mary's, Charles and Prince Georges, [struck out: C] do hereby 
certify that Aquila Beall, whose certificate 
is above, was at the date thereof, and still is, the 
Clerk of Prince Georges County Court, and that 
the certificate given by him is in due form.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my 
[repeated: my] hand this seventh day of October 
Anno Domini eighteen hundred & thirty nine.
John Stephen
Page 9

Thomas Pennyfield
Page 10

✓Thomas Penifill a resident of Montgo
mery County in the State of Maryland 
in order to obtain the benefit of the act 
of Congress passed on the 18th day of 
March 1818 entitled an act to provide 
for certain persons engaged in the land 
and naval service of the United States 
in the revolutionary war do make this 
my declaration as follows.  I am a citizen 
of the United States resident in Montgo
mery County in the State of Maryland as 
aforesaid aged 57 years.  I am in reduced 
circumstances in life and in need of 
assistance from my country for support. 
I was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
War and enlisted in the year 1780 
in Captain Benjamin Price's company 
of Col Mordacai Guess's regiment 
in the Maryland line and served out 
my term of enlistment of 3 years un
till [until] August 1783.  I never received a 
discharge but an unlimited furlough  
which I have since lost.  I served also 
on board the sloop Porpoise as a ma
rine and was in two battles at sea and 
was at the siege of York at the taking 
of Lord [word struck out] Cornwallis 
I have no other evidence of the foregoing 
facts except the annexed certificates
[signed] Ths his X mark Pennifill

State of Maryland Sct

I Chs J. Kilgour associate Judge 
of the third Judicial District in the
Page 11

State of Maryland do certify that on this 
thirtieth day of March in the year 1818 
Thomas Penefill did make oath before 
me in due form of law to the truth of the 
aforegoing declaration and that at the same 
time appeared before me a certain Joseph  
Roy who made oath in due form of 
law that he knew that the said Thomas 
Penefill was a citizen of the United States 
resident in Montgomery County in the 
State of Maryland that he enlisted in 
the year 1780 in Captain Benjamin 
Prices company of Col Mordacai 
Guess's regiment in the Maryland line 
and served out his term of enlistment 
of 3 years until; [until] August 1783 that 
he never received a discharge but an 
unlimited furlough.  That it ap
pears to my satisfaction that the 
said Thomas Penefill did serve 
in the Revolutionary war against 
the common enemy as stated in the 
said declaration and that the testi
mony and proceedings taken and had 
before me are hereby transmitted to 
the Secretary of War pursuant to 
the directions of the aforesaid act of 
Congress Given under my hand 
at Rockville in the County and 
State aforesaid the day and year last 
mentioned
Chs J. Kilgour
Page 12

The Hon. The Secretary of the depart
ment of War

State of Maryland Montgomery County Sct.

I hereby certify that the Honbl. Charles 
J Kilgour before whom the aforging [aforegoing] proceedings 
were had and whose name is thereto subscribed was at 
the time an associate Judge in and for the third 
Judicial District for the State aforesaid in which 
Montgomery County is included, and was duly 
commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony whereof I have 
hereto subscribed my name and 
[Blurred seal of office] affixed the public seal of my 
office this thirtieth day of March 
eighteen hundred and eighteen
Upton Beall Cllk of 
Montgomery County Court

[Math calculations]

8
3
28 [divided into] 241 [equlas] 85
224
___
  160
  140
____
    20

1818.9.4
1818.3.29
________
        5. 3/28
$40.85
______
Page 13

170,962
BOUNTY LAND.

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Mrs. Esther Penefield 
Widow of Thos. Penefield 
(Revy Sol & Pens)

She draws Pens.
under 2d section 
Act 3d Feb 1853

[Written vertically left margin]
Cir. Co't for Montgomery County

Presented by 
J. T. NEELY, 
Attorney, Washington City, D. C.
Page 14

[The following text replaces the original text at the top of the form]

In this case the Agency should be changed 
Mr. Austin gave me a Power of Atty. from Mrs. 
Pennefield, to L. W. Candle, P.M. at Darnestown, 
Montgomery Co. Md. to prosecute the claim & file it.  This Power 
of Atty. revokes all others.  I suppose Mr. Johnson has 
the Power of Atty.  If Mr. Dodge gets the case, please 
recognize Mr. Candle as Agt.  Mch. 8/56

according to law, declares, that she is the widow of Thomas Penefield, deceased who was
[struck out: in the company commanded by Captain 
in the Regiment of] commanded by 
a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that she 
now receives a Pension from the United States, Payable at 
Baltimore, Md.  She now refers to her said Pension papers on file for
[struck out: That her said husband at] evidence of the service of her said husband [struck out: on or about], and of 
marriage &c now on file.  [The remainder of this paragraph has been struck out: the day of A. D., for the term 
of and continued in actual service in said war for the term of 
and was at on the 
day of A. D., or will appear by]

She further states that she was married to the said Thomas Penefield in Prince Georges 
County Maryland on the [blank] day of [blank] A. D., [blank]
by the Revd. Mr. Gant a Clergyman -- and that 
her name before her said marriage was Esther Beanes ---
--- that her said husband died in 
Montgomery County Maryland -- day of [blank] A. D., [blank] 
and that she is now a widow at the date of executing this her declaration. 

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved 
March 3, 1855. and I authorize [words struck out] John T Neely my attorney to 
attend to & receive the same.
Witness
R W. Willett | Esther her X mark Penefield

We, William H Case and Elain Case 
residents of Montgomery County in the State of Maryland upon our 
oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Esther Penefield 
in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she repre
sents herself to be.

Witness { William H Case his X mark
R W Willett { Elin Case

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; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have 
no interest in this claims.
Thos. English J. P.
Page 15

[Excluded text from the top of the prior image]

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
FORM OF DECLARATION

To be made by the Widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant.

STATE OF MARYLAND } ss
COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY }

On this fourth day of May A. D., one thousand eight hundred and 
fifty five personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace within and for 
the County and State aforesaid, Esther Penciled aged about eighty one years, 
a resident of Montgomery County in the State of Maryland, who being duly sworn 
according to law, declares the she is the widow of Thomas Penefield, deceased, who was a 

[the remainder is duplicate text from the prior image: 
[struck out: in the company commanded by Captain 
in the Regiment of] commanded by 
a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that she 
now receives a Pension from the United States, Payable at 
Baltimore, Md.  She now refers to her said Pension papers on file for
[struck out: That her said husband at] evidence of the service of her said husband [struck out: on or about], and of 
marriage &c now on file.  [The remainder of this paragraph has been struck out: the day of A. D., for the term 
of and continued in actual service in said war for the term of 
and was at on the 
day of A. D., or will appear by]

She further states that she was married to the said Thomas Penefield in Prince Georges 
County Maryland on the [blank] day of [blank] A. D., [blank]
by the Revd. Mr. Gant a Clergyman -- and that 
her name before her said marriage was Esther Beanes ---
--- that her said husband died in 
Montgomery County Maryland -- day of [blank] A. D., [blank] 
and that she is now a widow at the date of executing this her declaration. 

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved 
March 3, 1855. and I authorize [words struck out] John T Neely my attorney to 
attend to & receive the same.
Witness
R W. Willett | Esther her X mark Penefield

We, William H Case and Elain Case 
residents of Montgomery County in the State of Maryland upon our 
oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Esther Penefield 
in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she repre
sents herself to be.

Witness { William H Case his X mark
R W Willett { Elin Case

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; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have 
no interest in this claims.
Thos. English J. P.]
Page 16

POWER OF ATTORNEY.

Know all men by these presents, That I,  of the County of 
and State of and the widow of 
deceased, who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint JOHN T. NEELY, Esq.,
of Washington City, D. C., my true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the 
United States the Bounty Land certificate, or warrant, due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the United States,
under existing laws granting Bounty Lands to the officers and soldiers, or their widows and minor heirs, for services rendered in the 
different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, an attorney, or attorneys under him 
for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my 
name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises, as much so as if present myself.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 
day of 185 .

____________ [Word SEAL. in a box]
Acknowledged and subscribed before me a, in and for the County of 
and State of this day of 185 .
____________ [Word SEAL. in a box]

STATE OF Maryland }
COUNTY OF Montgomery } ss.

I, James G. Hening, Clerk of the [struck out: County] Circuit Court, in and for the County and State above 
mentioned, do hereby certify, that Thomas English whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing 
declaration, affidavit, and power of attorney, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace 
in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith 
and credit; and that the aforesaid [struck out: County] Circuit Court, is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.

GIVEN under my hand and Seal of Office, at Rockville 
this seventh day of June A. D. 1855.
James G. Hening

[Following is shown vertically from right to left on image]
170,962
BOUNTY LAND.

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Mrs. Esther Penefield 
Widow of Thos. Penefield 
(Revy Sol & Pens)

She draws Pens.
under 2d section 
Act 3d Feb 1853

[Written vertically left margin]
Cir. Co't for Montgomery County

Presented by 
J. T. NEELY, 
Attorney, Washington City, D. C.

NOTES.
The declaration to be executed before a Justice of the Peace, or other officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes.
If the deceased officer was a regimental or staff officer, the declaration must be varied so as to express the fact. 
After the words "in the war," state in what war, whether in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812, the Mexican war, (if an officer,) or any of the Indian wars since 1790, describing the same.
After the words "that her said husband," insert whether he enlisted, volunteered, or was drafted.
After the words "as will appear by," if the discharge be in existence, say "as will appear by his original certificate of 
discharge herewith present
ed.  If the discharge is lost or destroyed, or it is ascertained on inquiry or examination that one was never received, insert after the words "as will 
appear by," the words "by the muster rolls of said company," and in the two following lines, state the facts in reference to the missing discharge.
This declaration must be accompanied by satisfactory proof of the marriage, of the husband's death, and the present widowhood of the claimant. 
If there be a public record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of it should be forwarded, if possible.  If there be none but a private or family 
record, such family record, or a certified copy of the same, should be forwarded, with the affidavit of some disinterested person proving the genuine
ness of the original and the correctness of the copy.  If no public or private record of the marriage exist, or can be procured, that fact should be set 
forth in the declaration, after giving her maiden name; and in such case, other evidence--such as the testimony of persons who knew the parties in 
the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to cohabit as husband and wife, and to be so reputed--will be admissible.
👉In no case, however, will the mere statement of witnesses that the claimant is the widow of the deceased be taken as evidence of the marriage; 
but the witnesses must state facts and circumstances from which they derive their knowledge or opinion that she is the widow of the deceased.
The affidavit of two witnesses must be taken to establish the identity of the claimant.
Page 17

State of Maryland Montgomery County To Wit

On this 24th day of Novr 1820 personally appeared in open 
Court being a Court of Record for Montgomery County in 
the State of Maryland, Thomas Penefill aged sixty years 
resident in Montgomery County State of Maryland who 
being first duly sworn according to law doth on his 
oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War 
as follows, That in the month of July 1780 he 
was enlisted as a private in the Company commanded 
by Capt Benjamin Price in the second Maryland 
Regiment commanded by Col John Steaurt for during 
the War and that he remained in the service until August 
1783 when he [struck out: was released] was discharged at Annapolis in Maryland 
That he was in the battle at the siege of York when Lord 
Cornwallis was captured he also served on board of the sloop 
Porpus for one month and was in the engament [engagement] between 
that vesel [vessel] & his majestys sloop Herbinian and action which 
later vesel [vessel] was taken by the Porpus and after the last ac
tion and capture he was again transferred to his regiment 
and remained in said Company & regiment until discharged 
as above at Annapolis, That he has received a pension under 
the Act of Congress entitled an Act to provide for certain 
persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United 
States in the Revolutionary War passed 18th March 1818 and 
that the certificate No 112 and I do solemnly swear that I 
was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March
Page 18

1818 & that I have not since that time by gift sale or 
in any manner disposed of my property or any [struck out: manner]
part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to 
bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress 
entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the 
land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary 
War passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not 
nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities 
contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other 
than that what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed & by 
me subscribed.  I am by profession a farmer that I have a 
wife named Easter about forty five years of age.  I have eleven 
children, William my eldest son is twenty nine years [struck out: of age]
old Lucy a daughter aged twenty six years Jane a daughter 
aged twenty two Thomas a son aged twenty one years Martha 
a daughter aged nineteen years Catharine aged seventeen 
years Levy a son aged fifteen years Joseph [struck out: aged] thirteen 
years old Anne eleven years old Eleanor aged seven years 
[illegible] aged five years and those he has to support nine of the 
above named children. Schedule of my property---
That I have three old horses two milk cows and four small 
yearlings three sows & some pigs seven head sheep five bed 
steads six common chairs six knives & forks some plates and 
dishes, & 6 of cups & saucers.  The above is a full Schedule of any  
property of every kind. Valued by the Court 
at $100 Thomas his X mark Pennefill
Page 19

Sworn to and declared on the 24th day of November before 
Upton Beall Ck

I Upton Beall Clerk of Montgomery County Court do hereby certify 
that the aforegoing oath and Schedule thereto annexed are truly 
copied from the records of said Court and I do further certify 
that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount 
in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is 
one hundred dollars
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto [illegible]
[Blurred seal of Court] my hand and affixed the seal of said 
Court this 29th day of November 1820
Upton Beall Ck
Montgy Coty Ct
Page 20

War Department,  
Pension Office, 
Sep. 20, 1839

Madam,

The papers in support of 
your claim to a pension under act 7th July, 1838 
have been examined and they are herewith 
returned.  It should be shewn [shown] what proof 
the records in the office of the Clerk of the 
Court of the County where you were married 
afford, of your marriage. If there be no pub
lic record of your marriage there may be a 
family record thereof or of the births of your 
children and if so, it should be exhibited. 
The witness should be more full and par
ticular in her affidavit respecting the period 
of your marriage.  Her credibility should 
be certified by the magistrate before whom 
she may make her affidavit, and the of
ficial character and signature of the mag
istrate should be certified by the proper 
officer under his seal of office.  It should 
be shewn [shown] that you have not been married 
since the death of your husband on ac
Page 21

count of whose services you claim a pen
sion.

I am, very respectfully, 
Your obt. servt.

J L. Edwards

Mrs. Esther Pennifield 
of Maryland, 
Present.
Page 22

State of Maryland 
Prince Georges County Sct.

Be it remembered that on this seventh day of October 
eighteen hundred and thirty nine personally appeared 
before the subscriber a Justice of the peace of the State 
of Maryland in and for Prince Georges County Anne 
Maddox aged sixty three years and makes oath on 
the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that she was present 
at the marriage of Thomas Penenefield and Easther his 
wife, that the marriage took place sometime in 
the month of July seventeen hundred and ninety 
That they were married in Prince Georges County 
Maryland at the house of Parson Edward Gantt
Sworn to and subscribed 
before me
Clemt. Baden

I hereby certify that Anne Maddox the 
person making the above affidavit is a 
credible person and her affidavit is entitled 
to fully faith and credence.
Clemt. Baden

Maryland Prince Georges County Sct.

I hereby certify that Clement Baden Gentleman 
before whom the above and aforegoing affidavit appears 
to have been made before, and whose name is thereto 
signed, was on the date thereof, and still is, one of the 
States Justices as aforesaid, in and for Prince Georges 
County duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony whereof I have hereto 
subscribed my name and affixed the 
seal of Prince Georges County Court this 
7th day of Oct. 1839
Aquila Beall Clk
Page 23

[Envelope with note]
[Written vertically left margin]

10th Nov 1842
Mr. Allison
Pennefield

[Address]
[Circular mail stamp]

ROCKVILLLE 
NOV 
7
Md.

James L Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington 
DC
Page 24

Rockville 7th Nov 1842

Mr Edwards 

Dr Sir

Mrs Penefield a poor old 
widow who was a pensioner under the five 
years act [struck out: and] which expired last year, wishes 
me to write to you and to ask of you to have 
the goodness to inform me for her if an act 
has been passed at the late session of Congress 
renewing the pensions of widows, and 
if so to send her a blank with directions 
how to fill it up, and likewise to 
say what will be necessary for her 
to do before she can get the money.

Yours Respectfully

John Braddock
Page 25

Rockville 17th May 1843

Mr Edwards 

Dr Sir

Mrs Penefield has just han
ded me the enclosed paper & requests me to ask 
you to have the goodness to send to me 
her necessary papers to enable her to get 
her pension

Yours Respectfully 

John Braddock
Page 26

State of Maryland, Montgomery County, Sct

On this thirteenth day of May 1843 personally appeared 
before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for 
the County aforesaid Esther Penefield a resident 
of Maryland in the County of Montgomery, aged 
about sixty eight years, who being first duly sworn 
according to law, doth on her oath, make the 
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits 
of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on 
the 3d of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of 
persons who served during the Revolutionary war. 

That she is the widow of Thomas Penefield who 
was a private in Captain Benjamin Price's 
Company of infantry, in the 2nd Maryland Regiment.

That she received eighty dollars per annum 
under the act of July 7th 1838.  She further 
declares that she is still a widow.

Sworn to and subscribed on the 
day and year above written
before Richard Ricketts 

I certify that the declarent [declarant], Esther Penefield is 
personally known to me
Richard Ricketts
Page 27

State of Maryland, Montgomery County Sct:

I hereby certify that Richard Ricketts Gentleman before 
whom the aforegoing affidavit appears to have been made 
and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the time 
thereof one of the State of Maryland's Justices of the peace in 
and for Montgomery County, duly commissioned and sworn; 
and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand 
and affix the seal of said County Court 
this 16th day of May eighteen hundred and 
forty three,
Brice Selby Clk
Montgy. County Court
Page 28

Rockville 8th Sept 1843

Mr Edwards 

Dr Sir

You had the goodness some time 
since to enclose to me Mrs Pennefield's pension 
certificate.  I find Mr Porter in making it 
out has made a mistake.  The says that 
Thos Pennefield died on the 15th of December 1818 
when it should have been 15 Decr 1832. 
I enclose the certificate to you, and 
will you get it made right and enclose 
it to me, and let me know whether 
it will be right [word struck out] for Mrs Pennefield 
to draw fro her whole years pension 
in one paper or to have each 
six months made seperate [separate].

I should be glad to hear from you by 
the first mail.

Yours Respectfully 

John Braddock
Page 29

let 20th Sep 1939 to 
Mrs Esther Pennefield.
Page 30

Brief in the case of Esther Pennifield widow of Thomas
County and State of Maryland 
act Jt Res 1 July 1848

Claim, ("original," [struck out: or "for increase."])

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

Her husband was a pensioner under the acts of 1818 & 1820 
at $96 a year
___
His widow has been allowed under the acts of 1838 and subse
quent acts at $80 a year.
___
The Joint Resolutions of July 1 1848 makes it obligatory upon 
this [struck out: If for increase.) office to allow the widows of Revolutionary 
[struck out: Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?] 
soldiers the same amount of pension as their husbands  
received.  The case is, therefore, allowed at $96 deducting 
$80.

Thornton Triplett
Name and resident of agent | Examining Clerk. 
J. G. Austin Esq
Present
Page 31

Esther Pennifield 
widow of Thomas 
Maryland 

Increased, July 1 1848
$96 a year from July 
1 1848, 👉Deducting 
$80 a year under 
2d Feby 1848

Cert to 
J.G. Austin Esq. 
Present
Page 32

Payment to be made at Baltimore 
by 
James Swan Esq
Agent for paying Pensions, in the 
Agency of Maryland 

Payable on the 4th September and 4th 
March 

Recorded in the Pension Office on the 
Roll of Pensioners under act February 
2d, 1848, Page 127 Vol. 3.

Leo Jenkins
Clerk.
Page 33

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, 
Esther Pennifield,  
widow of Thomas Pennifield 
who was a private in the revolutionary war, 
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty 
dollars [struck out: and cents] per annum, commencing on the 
4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again 
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such 
marriage.

[Cancelled written vertically across the image]

Given at the Department of the Interior 
this 26th day of April 
one thousand eight hundred hundred and forty nine
[Blurred seal]

D. C. Goddard
Acting Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned.

J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 34

29,741

160 acres
Page 35

Doddridge's Rise & Progress of Religion, 
containing evidence in this case*, is placed 
in the Room of the Commr of Pensions,
D.M.C.

*The case of Esther Pennyfield, Md
Act 1838.
Page 36

Mr Cole 
April 12th 1851.

I have seen the 
Authority.

Ex by E & S
Apl 2 [illegible]
Page 37

We desire to see the papers in the 
case of Thomas & Hester Penefield, 
of Maryland.
Edwards & Smith 
12 Apl. '51
Page 38

Esther Pennifield 
of Md
wid of Thomas

Declaration
___
For increase under the 
Joint Resolution of July 
1st & 29 1848

her Certificate act 
of 2d Feby 48 is herein 
surrendered.

Filed By 
James G. Austin
Present
Page 39

State of Maryland 
Montgomery County SS.  On this fifth day of September 
1855, before me the subscriber a Justice of the 
Peace within & for the County & State aforesaid, duly 
authorized by law to administer oaths, personally 
came Esther Pennifield, to me well known & 
a resident of the County of Montgomery & State 
aforesaid, and being duly sworn according to law 
declares that she is about eighty two years of age 
resides in the County & State aforesaid, that she is 
the widow of Thomas Pennifield decd. who died in 
Dec 1832, and, that at the time of his death, was 
a Pensioner of the United States under the act of 
March 1818, at the rate of $96. per annum; 
that she was pensioned under the act of 1838 & 
subsequent acts at $80 per annum, and that 
she is now a Pensioner of the United States under 
the act of 2d February 1848 at the same rate 
(viz $80 per annum.  That she has been 
informed & verily believes that by the acts of July 1st
Page 40

& July 29, 1848, she is entitled to a greater amount 
of Pension than she now receives. and she 
respectfully refers to all her paper on file upon 
which she was granted a pension, for proof of 
service of her said husband, as well as proof 
of his death, her marriage &c.

And further she hereby surrenders 
her Pension Certificate granted her under the 
aforesaid act of 2d July 1848, and asks that 
she may be allowed such pension as she may 
be entitled to under the acts aforesaid.

James G Austin of Washington D. C. is 
hereby authorized to prosecute this my said 
claim & to receive any Certificate that 
may be issued hereon.
Esther her X mark Pennifield

Subscribed and sworn 
to this 5th day of September 1855 before me by the 
above named Esther Pennified who is personally 
known to me.  Walter H. Adamson J. P
Page 41

We P. J. Connell and James A Allen residents 
of the County of Montgomery & State of Maryland, upon 
oaths declare that the foregoing Declaration was 
signed and acknowledged by the aforesaid Esther 
Pennifield (by making her mark thereto) in our 
presence.  And that we know the said Esther 
Pennifield to be the identical person she represents 
herself to be.  And that we have no interest 
in her said claim.
P. J. Connell [word Seal encircled]
Jas. A. Allen [word Seal encircled]

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn 
to & subscribed before me on the day & year above 
written; and I certify that I know the 
affiants to be credible persons & that they reside in 
the County & State aforesaid, & that I have no [word struck out]
dout [doubt] the claimant is the person she represents 
herself to be. And that I have no interest in 
this claim.
Walter H Adamson J. P.
Page 42

State of Maryland, Montgomery County Sct

I hereby certify that Walter H. Adamson, gentleman 
before whom the aforegoing declaration and 
affidavit appear to have been made, and whose 
name is thereto subscribed, was, at the time 
thereof, one of the State of Maryland's Justices 
of the peace, in and for said County, duly 
commissioned and sworn; and that the 
signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereto 
set my hand and affix the 
seal of the Circuit Court for 
said County this 5th day of 
September 1855.
Jas. G. Hening Clk 
Circt. Cot. Mo. Co. Md.
Page 43

April 26/41

Cole
Immediate 
attention

John Braddock 
Rockville 
Md.
Page 44

Declaration 

In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 
the 2nd of February 1848, entitled, "An act making further 
provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution."

State of Maryland Montgomery County, S S.

On this nineteenth day of March 1849 personally appeared 
before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the County and 
State aforesaid Esther Penefield a resident of Montgomery 
County and State of Maryland aged about seventy eight years, 
who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath 
make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits 
of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd of 
February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons, who served 
during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of 
Thomas Penefield who was a private in Captain Benjamin 
Prices company in the 2nd Maryland Regiment of Infantry, 
And that I received eighty dollars annually under the 
act of the 17th June 1844.  She further declares that she 
is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year 
above written before 
Witness | Esther her X mark Penefield
H. Franklin Veirs 

I certify that the above named affiant is personally known 
to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a 
pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit.
Geo. R. Braddock

Know all men by these presents, that I Esther Penefield 
of Maryland in the County of Montgomery a Revolutionary 
pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and 
appoint John Braddock of Rockville in the County of 
Montgomery and State of Maryland, my true and lawful 
attorney, for me, and in my name to receive from the 
Agent of the United States for paying pensions in
Page 45

Baltimore State of Maryland my pension from the 
4th day of September 1848 to the 4th day of March 1849 
Witness my hand and seal, this 19th day of March 1849
Esther her X mark Penefield [word Seal encircled]
Sealed and delivered in 
presence of 
H. Franklin Veirs

State of Maryland Montgomery County S S-

Be it known, that on the 19th day of March 1849, before the 
subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County 
personally appeared Esther Penefield above named, 
and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be 
her act and deed.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned. 
Geo. R. Braddock J. P.

State of Maryland Montgomery County S S

Be it known, that on the 19th day of March 1849 before me a 
Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly authorized 
by the laws of said State to administer oaths, personally 
appeared John Braddock, the attorney named in the 
foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that he has 
no interest whatever in the money he is authorized 
to receive by virtue of the foregoing power of Attorney 
either by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment, or 
transfer, and that he does not know or believe that 
the same has been so disposed of to any person whatever.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year 
last above mentioned
Subscribed Before me
John Braddock | Geo. R. Braddock J.P.
Page 46

State of Maryland, Montgomery County Sct:

I hereby certify that George R Braddock 
Gentleman, before whom the aforegoing 
affidavits &c appear to have been 
made and whose name is thereto 
subscribed, was at the time thereof 
one of the State of Maryland's Justices 
of the peace in and for said County, 
duly commissioned and sworn; 
and that the signature purporting 
to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I 
have hereunto set my hand 
and affixed the seal of 
said County Court this 
21st day of March 1849. 
Saml. T. Stonestreet Clk
Montgy. Coty Cot
Page 47

Esther Penfield 
[illegible- - 170,962
Boynton-March 9/56 
29741-160 Acres
Burk CC
29,741
__
160
Page 48

Washington D.C.
May 6/56

Sir:

I respectfully call for a report 
in the case of Esther Penfield w of Thos filed & acknowledged 
June 18/55, No. 170,962, under the act 
of 1855 as none has yet been furnished.

Your Obt Servt.

Jno T Neely

Comr. Pensions
Page 49

Act of July 1848
___
Rev Claim of 
Esther Pennifield
of Md
Pens act 2d Feby 48

Declaration for the 
benefit of acts July 
1st & 29, 1848.

Old Pension Certificate 
herein enclosed for the 
purpose of increase
___

J. G Austin
Present
Page 50

Washington D. C
Sept 6th 1855

J Minot Esq
Comsr of Pensions

Sir

Herein please find the 
declaration of Esther Pennifield of Md. widow 
of Thomas Pennifield decd. for increase of her 
Pension by acts of July 1st & 29, 1848.

Her husband was a Pensioner on Maryland 
Roll, Act of 1818 at $96. & died in 
Dec. 1832.  As his widow the war Pension 
Acts 38, & 43, 44 & 2d Feby 1848, by the 
Joint Resolution of July 1st 1848 she became 
entitled to the same amount her husband 
drew & her present Pension act of 2d Feby
48, is $80.  She claims increase & arrears 
under the several acts above referred to.

Herein also please find her Pension 
Certificate which is hereby surrendered for 
the purpose of an increase as above.

All of which I trust will prove 
satisfactory &c

Respectfully Yours

James G. Austin 
Present
Page 51

Darnes Town Md June 8/56

M J G. Austin

Dr Sir:

Again I was 
disappointed not seeing you on 
Tuesday last &  [illegible] old [ilegible]
Mrs Esther Pennifield is growing 
more impatient than ever.  You 
will confer a favor by calling 
at the Pension Office & see if 
her [illegible] is ready & if so 
enclose it to me by mail & oblige

Yours Respecfly

Leon W. Candle
Page 52

Recd 11 Mar

Rockville Montgomery County Md.
March 9th 1835

Sir

Thomas Penefill of this County obtained of 
U. States some time between the years 1816 and 1820  
a pension as a revolutionary soldier.  He died some 
12 or 18 months since, and it appears that in 
order to get the pension money due him at the 
time of his death his certificate had to be 
given up to the pay office in Baltimore. Appli
cation has been made there to get it, but the 
person applying was informed that all such 
papers were returned to Washington.

Penefilll has left a poor and aged 
widow, we are trying to get the Legislature 
of our state to grant her a pension on account 
of the revolutionary services of her husband 
her application is now before the Committee on 
Revolutionary claims but we have no evidence 
to place before the Committee of the services of 
Penefill unless you will be so kind as to furnish 
it from the war department.

The object therefore of this letter is to 
request you to furnish the evidence on which 
Penefill obtained his pension and for 
ward it to Annapolis directed to Henry 
Harding Esquire who is a member from this 
county and has charge of this matter
Page 53

this season of the Legislature will soon close.  I 
must therefore beg of you the favour [favor] if convenient 
to furnish the information required immediately.

Very Respectfuly Your
Obt Servant 

John Adamson

Honl. Lewis Cass
Page 54

War Department, No. 112
PENSION OFFICE, 
22d Decr. 1820.

SIR:

You are hereby informed that the Schedule of your 
property has been examined; and the Secretary of War has direct
ed your name to be continued on the Pension Roll.

You will be paid at the next semi-annual payment in March 
next.  Funds for that purpose will be transmitted at that time; but 
no arrearages will be paid previous thereto.

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 

J. L. Edwards

To Mr. Thomas Penefill
Mont. County, Md
Page 55

B.L. Div } Department of the Interior,
Evans} PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. June 23nd 1877

Dear Sir

Please furnish this office with the 
names and P.O. address of some of the descendants 
of Esther Pennifield widow of Thomas Pennifield. 
Mrs. Pennifield made application for increase of 
pension Sep 5, 1855 and forwarded to this office, thru
her agent, John Braddock Esq. of your town, an old 
book containing a family record which was 
filed in evidence in her case.

It is now desired to return said book to 
the family. 

Mrs. Pennifield was in her 81st year in 1855.

Please return this letter with your reply.

Post Master } 
Rockville } Very respectfully 
Montgomery Co. } |J A Bentley 
Maryland } Commissioner Pensions
Page 56

Pennefield family record as found in Book 

Wm the son of. Thos and Esther Pennyfield born 1791 27 May
Nancy | was born | Feb 14. 1793.
Lucy | " " | Nov 23. 1794.
Jane | " " | Jan 5. 1796.
Thos | " "| Sep 19. 1798
Martha | " " | Feb 2 1800
Catherine was born Feb 14th. 1803.
Levi | " " | Aug. 23rd. 1805.
Joseph | " " | Nov 6. 1807.
Ann | " " | Dec. 24. 1809.
Ellen | " " | Oct 21. 1812
Carey | " " | Aug. 2. 1815

Peter Edward born Aug. 15. 1766.

[Oval mail receipt stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
JUL 7 1877 
PENSION OFFICE.
Page 57

[Two panels]
Left panel]

4359 
Maryland 

Esther Pennifield 
widow of Thomas Pennifield, decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 
and who died on the 15 December 1832 
of Montgy Co in the State of Maryland 
who was a private in the com commanded 
by Captain Price of the 2d regt commanded 
by Col Stewart in the Maryland 
line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Maryland 
at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Octr
1839, & sent to Jno Braddock, 
Rockville, Maryland 

Arrears to the 4th of Septr 1839 $280.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Mar '40 40.00
$320.00
======

{ Act July 7, }
{ 1838. }

Recorded by D. McCurdy, Clerk.
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 175.

[Right panel]

let: 10 Nov. 42 to 
J. Braddock
Page 58

[Oval mail receipt stamp
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
JUL 7 1877
PENSION OFFICE.

Rockville July 5/77

Dear Sir

Mr John Louis 
at Darnestown Montgomery 
Co Md marryed [married] a daughter 
of Mrs Pennifield

Respectfully 

John G. England
Page 59

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

Certificate 
returned & corrected 
and sent to J. Brad
dock. Sept. 9, 1843

[Right panel]

335
Maryland 

Esther Pennifield 
widow of Thomas Pennifield 
who was a Private 
in the Maryland Line 
for two years.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
Eighty Dollars --- 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
15th day of June, 1843, 
and sent to 
John Braddock, Esqr
Rockville, Maryland.

[ Act of March 3, 1843. ]

Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1, Page 143
Page 60

4743
Maryland 

Esther Pennifield 
widow of Thomas 
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
80 Dollars --- 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 14th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
26 day of Apl 1849, 
and sent to
John Braddock 
Rockville 
Md

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 127 Vol. 3.
Page 61

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 9224 
Esther Pennifield 
Wid. of 
Thomas Pennifield 
Pvt Rev. War

Act: Feby. 2/48

Index:--Vol. M, Page 121

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]
Page 62

Bible delivered receipt filed 
Widows
___
File No. 9224
Esther Pennifield 
Widow of 
Thomas
Page 63

B.L.D. } File No. 9,224
E } Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. July 9, 1877

Dear Sir

I herewith transmit to your 
address an old book belonging to your wife's 
mother.  It was sent to this office in 1855 
to be filed in evidence when she made ap
plication for pension.

Please return this letter to this office in 
the enclosed envelope with a receipt for this
book on the back of it.

Very respectfully,
John Lewis }
Darnestown } J A Bentley 
Montgomery Co } Commissioner 
Maryland } Pensions
Page 64

Bible delivered receipt filed 
Widows
___
File No. 9224
Esther Pennifield 
Widow of 
Thomas

Darnestown Md.
July 11th 1877
[Oval mail receipt stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
JUL 13 1877
PENSION OFFICE.

Dr Sr The book has been received 
with many thanks

Your with res.

John Lewis