Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,599, William Florence, Va.
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SERVICE Va
Florence, William 
NUMBER W. 25,599
Elizabeth B. L. Wt. 34,279-160-55
CONTENTS
2
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2212
Indiana
William Florence
of Hendrick Co in the State of Indiana
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Hawkins of the regt. commanded by Colo Slaughter in the Virginia line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana
at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Sept 1833 and Calvin Fletcher Indianapolis
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $200.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 40.00
$240.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 111
30 - May 1840. see let to Hon: O. H. Smith & 3d Audr. same day.
28 July 1840
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Vol F = 76
206.531 Act Mar 3/-
Aug. 28/55
Elizabeth Florence
Wid
William Florence
Elizabeth wid: Wm Florence Pri
Capt. Ferrill Priv
Col Green
Va Mil
Enl 1780
Rev. War
Rev pension
Inda Feby 55 5470
AW: 160 Acres July, 12/56
Boynton 
R
John Y. Bryant
Present
34279 iss July 17/56
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5470
Indiana Inds.
Elizabeth Florence
widow of
Va William Florence
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of Septr. 1855
and sent to
John Y. Bryant
Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 189. Vol. A.
d. of d. not in A.B.
Md.
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25020
William Florence
Indiana
Va Roll
from 1778 private
2 yrs
$80
i
MC
Calvin Fletcher
Indianapolis
Indiana
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Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 

A Statement, showing the Service of William Florence
Hendricks County Indiana
 
Period when service was rendered.
Durations of the claimant’s services.
Years. Months. Days. 
Rank of the claimant.
Name and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [sic] or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory or District of
County of
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident of (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the
(e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

I of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of
& c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ,
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be exexpected [sic]. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an officer.
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which h serve, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitle. 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 a ___________; and for such service I claim a pension."

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 that 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 objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that 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.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no published seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
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 papers 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.

Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.

The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.

[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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20653
Application of 
Elizabeth Florence
Widow of Wm Florence
Revo: Soldier for By:
land act/55.

Addl. evidence to the within filed with Wm Florence's application for a Pension.  She is now very infirm & cannot last long.
J.Y.B.

Presented by 
John Y. Bryant
Present.
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State of Indiana
County of Hendricks S.S.
On this the 21st day of August AD One thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me John Cowgill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the county and state aforesaid Elizabeth Florence aged seventy five years a resident of Hendricks County in the state of Indiana, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of William Florence deceased who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Terrill in the Regiment of Virginia Militia commanded by Colonel Green and General Muhlenberg in the War of the Revolution;  that her said husband was enlisted or drafted in the year 1780 for the term of Eighteen months and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service at some point in Virginia;  the exact place she does not know.
She further states that she was married to the said William Florence in Woodford County Kentucky on or about the fifteenth day of October 1829 by a Methodist minister who name she believes was DC Roten, and that her said husband died at home in Hendricks County on the 28th day of January 1840
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and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d 1855.
Elizabeth Florence  x her mark

We Alfred Waggoner and Morton Cassel residents of Hendricks County in the state of Indiana upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Elizabeth Florence in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Alfred Waggoner
Morton Cassel

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 claim.
John Cowgill
Judge C.C.H.C.
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State of Indiana
County of Hendricks SS
I hereby certify that John Cowgill, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, before whom the foregoing Declaration and affidavit were made & acknowledged was at the time of so doing, the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the county aforesaid duly commissioned & sworn and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for the county aforesaid this 22d day of August 1855.
John Irons.
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State of Indiana
County of Hendricks  S.S.
On this the 21st day of August AD One thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me John Cowgill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the district composed of the Counties of Hendricks and Putnam in said state of Indiana, Elizabeth Florence aged Seventy five years a resident of the County of Hendricks and the state of Indiana who first being 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 3rd of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of William Florence deceased, who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Brownings in the Regiment of Virginia Militia commanded by Colonel Slaughter in the war of the Revolution, that her said husband was drafted in the state of Virginia in the year 1778 for the term of three months and continued in actual service under said officers for the term of three months, that the said William Florence, her said husband, was again drafted in the year 1778 for the term of six months and served as a private in the Company commanded by Captain Hankerson Reed in the regiment of Virginia Militia commanded by Colonel
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Green and continued in actual service in said war for the further term of six months.   She also states that the said William Florence was again drafted or enlisted in the year 1780 for the term of eighteen months, as a private in the company commanded by Colonal Green and General Muhlenberg and continued in actual service in said War of the Revolution until the expiration of his term of service, That the said William Florence her said husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7 1832 and received the sum of Eighty dollars per annum, That she believes Calvin Fletcher of Indianapolis, Indiana, acted as his attorney and that to the best of her recollection he was paid at the Madison Pension agency, and that the said William Florence died at home in Hendricks County in the state of Indiana on the 28th day of January 1840 in consequence of a disease known as the [illegible]
She further states that she was married to the said William Florence in Woodford County in the state of Kentucky on or about the fifteenth day of October 1829 by one    Roten a methodist minister and that her name before her said marriage was Elizabeth Hufford, that she is still his widow and that she has remained his widow since the period of his death , that by reason of loss of memory occasioned by old age she is unable to state positively
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the month or year in which she was married or the ministers name who performed the ceremony, but believes the facts to be as above stated.  She further states that she has made several efforts to obtain a copy of the marriage certificate from the clerk of the Court of Woodford County, but without success, and therefore respectfully refers to the accompanying affidavits in support or her declaration.
Elizabeth Florence  x her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me John Cowgill that Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County and state aforesaid, and I certify that the applicant is unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, & that I have no interest in the claim.
John Cowgill
Judge C.C.H.C.
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State of Indiana
County of Hendricks  S.S.
I hereby certify that John Cowgill, Judge of the Court of Common Please, before whom the foregoing Declaration was made & acknowledged & who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned & sworn & that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for the county aforesaid this 22d day of August 1855.
John Irons Clerk
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Wm Florence
Pension Declaration
25020
Page 18

At Culpeper County aforesaid in the year 1780 being being between 14 & 16 months prievous to the surrender of Cornwallis he enlisted into the service of the United States for 18 months.  He entered a company commanded by Edmund Terril, Lieutenant William Powell, Major Welch was his major - and he belonged to a Regiment under Col. John Green above named.  About 1500 men were marched under the above named, and other officers, from Culpepper & Orange Court house to two miles blow Williamsburgh where they lay a few days & were here put under the command of General Mulenburgh and was soon after marched to Richmond, thence to Manchester, thence to Petersburgh and was here in a slight engagement under the command of Genl. Mulenbergh.  There were about 500 Americans engaged in this action none of whom were killed on the ground but nine men were woulded, seven of whom died on the ensuing day.  He does not know recollect how long he had been in the service at the time of this engagement but recollects that the weather was extremely warm at the time.
He was marched to York Town a short time before the siege of that place was commenced, and assisted in erecting the fortifications and breast works from the first to the last of the siege of York Town.  He well recollects that he assisted in throwing up the last fortification which was completed about the time the British army surrendered.  He was marched as one of the guards over the prisoners taken at York
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Town to the Winchester Barrecks where in a short time he received his discharge and then returned home being two, or two & a half months before his term of service would have expired.  He thinks he recd pay for 18 months & that in Continental paper  he was in the service under this engagement fifteen months at least
For answer to the interrogatories prescribed by the War department the declarant says
1st  was born in Prince William County Va. in 1761
2d  He has no record of his age
3d  Was living in Prince William Co. Va. when he was drafted for his first tour & in Culpepper Co. when he entered on his two last tours.  Settled in Kentucky about 39 years ago, then in 1829 he removed to Hendricks County above, where he now resides
4th  The first time he entered the service he was drafted for 3 months  the 2d time was drafted for 6 mo. & for the third tour he enlisted as stated.
5th  For the names of his officers and the general circumstances of his service he refers to the preceeding part of this declaration.
6th  He receved a discharge from each of his tours of service which were handed to him by his captains respectively, but by whom they were signed he is now with certainty unable to state  these discharges have been long since lost of destroyed, & in what manner he is unable to say.
7th  He has no dockumentary evidence, and he knows of no person whose testimony he can
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The State of Indiana  Hendricks County
On this 15th day of April A.D. 1833. personally appeared in open Court before the honorable Bethuel F Morris President, Thomas Lockhart and Elijah Anderson his associates, Judges of the Hendricks Circuit, now sitting William Florence aged seventy two 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 7, 1832 - 
That in Price William County, Virginia about the last of March in the year 1778, being the spring after the battle at Brandewine he was drafted for three months and entered as a private soldier into a Company commanded by James Brawning, Henry Tolls was his Lieutenant, and Henry Carter was his orderly sarjent.  This company was attached to a regiment of Virginia Militia under one Colonel James Slaughter.  That the declaration met with the other soldiers raised under this draft at Prince William Courthouse from which they immediately marched to Alexandria, at this place and in the neighborhood thereof he continued until his term of service expired when his Company was marched back to Prince William Court house and he was there discharged, having been in the service 3 months.  He was in Company with no regular soldiers during this term.  The principle part of the regular army being then in the Middl or Nothern States.  The party to which he belonged was raised to guard the County against the
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incursions of the British.  He was in no engagement during this term of service
To the best of his recoltion it was in July or August 1778 that he was again drafted at Culpeper County for six months, and was first paraded at Culpeper Courthouse in a company under Capt Hankerson Reed, one Gaines was his Lieutenant and Lewis Corbin was orderly segent.  Five hundred men raised at the same time with this declarant were at Culpeper Court house aforesaid put under Col. John Green of the Virginia Militia & marched immediately to Richmond a distance of about 120 miles, at Richmond the declarant continued but a short time & was marched down the river to a little place called Wiltin, at which he continued about eleven days & was here in a slight engagement with a small party of British, a few of whom had landed for the purpose of procuring provisions water &c  Those who had landed in a skift being 3 or 4 in number were all killed.  From Wiltin he was marched up the river to Sandy Point and was kept at the last mentioned place and other posts on the Potomack until his term of service expired and was then marched home to Culpeper County where he was discharged.  He discharge was signed by his Capt.  He was in company with no regular soldiers nor in any engagement except as stated.
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procure who can testify to his service but he is well acquainted with William Pope a clergyman residing in his neighborhood and with John Downs & Jacob Canada a respectable person residing in the same place who can testify as to the declarants character for veracity, and their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution.
He hereby relinqushes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state or Teritory.  
William Florence  X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 15th day of April A.D. 1833
Attest
S.T. Hadley
Clk. Hendricks C.C.

We Wm Pope a clergyman residing in the  County of Henricks and John Downs & Jacob Kenedey residing in the same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Florance who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy two years of age;  that he is reputed and believed in the nieghborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution; (That he was generally reputed to be a soldier of the revolution in the state of Kentucky where as here stated by Jacob Kennedey one of the witnesses who was for many years well acquainted with the said Florance) and that we concur in that opinion
William Pope
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William Pope
Jacob Kennedey
John Downs

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 15th day of April A.D. 1832
S.T. Hadley C.H.C.C.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a soldier of the revolution, and served as he states.  And the Court further certify, that it appears to them that William Pope who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Hendricks and that Jacob Kennedey & John Downs who has also signed the same are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Simon T. Hadly Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Hendricks do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Florance for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 16th day of April Eighteen hundred and thirty three
S.T.Hadley Clk.

[handwritten SEAL]
Seal of the Circuit Court of Hendricks County Indiana
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I certify that S T Hadley is Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hendricks County Indiana and that his official acts is and are entitled to full credit as such.
John Tipton
25 July 1833



Wm Florance
Pension Declaration
25020
Page 25

Act 3rd Feby/53
Pension
Elizabeth Florence
Wid
William

Triplett

"Record evidence" of the marriage of Elizabeth Florence (late Hufford0 to Wm. Florence.

Filed by John Y. Bryant
Present
Page 26

Know all men by these presents that we William Florence and Andrew Combs are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the Just and full sum of fifty pounds to the payment of which well and truly to be made we bind our selves our heirs &c jointly severally and firmly by these presents  Sealed with our seals and dated this 7th day of October 1829.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be solemnized between the above bound William Florence and Elizabeth Hufford.  Now if there should be no lawful cause to obstruct said marriage then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue
William Florence  [handwritten seal]
A. Combs his atty [handwritten seal]
Andrew Combs [handwritten seal]
Test
JM Kinney Jr.

I authorize my friend Andrew Combs to sign my name to any riting that may be necessary to obtain license of Matrimony with Elizabeth Hufford this 7 October 1829.
William Florence.
Test
Julia Ann Hufford
Margaret Hufford

State of Kentucky Woodford County Sct
I Herman Bowman Jr. Clerk of the County Court for said County do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an original bond on file in my office, and is such a bond as was required by law to be executed upon the issuing of a marriage license, and I further certify that there is no entry on the Record Book of the marriage of William Florence and Elizabeth Hufford;  and that the record Book has been carelessly and imperfectly kept
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name, and the seal of said Court his 16th day of August 1855
Herman Bowman Jr.
Clerk

I charge no fee  H Bowman Jr.
Page 27

November 30, 1931

GABA-J/MLB

Fannie Cochran Oeltjen
The Mohawk
Bismarck, North Dakota

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of November 9, 1931, relative to William Florence, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 25599, based upon his military service in that war.
William Florence was born in 1761 in Prince William County, Virginia.
While living in Prince William County, Virginia, he enlisted about the last of March, 1778, served three months as private in Captain James Browning's company, Colonel James Slaughter's Virginia regiment.  He again enlisted in July or August, 1778, served six months in Captain Hankerson Reed's company, Colonel John Green's Virginia regiment, and was in a slight engagement at Wiltin.  He enlisted in 1780, served at least fifteen months as private in Captain Edmund Terril's company, Colonel John Green's Virginia regiment, was in the battle of Petersburgh and the siege of Yorktown.  At the time of the last two enlistments, soldier was a resident of Culpeper Co., Va.
He moved to Kentucky about 1794 and in 1829 moved to Hendricks County, Indiana.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 15, 1833, while residing at Hendricks County, Indiana.
He died January 28, 1840, at his home in Hendricks County, Indiana.
Page 28

William Florence married October 15, 1829, in Woodford County, Kentucky, Elizabeth Hufford.
Soldier's widow, Elizabeth, was allowed pension on her application executed August 21, 1855, at which time she was living in Hendricks County, Indiana, aged seventy-five years.
There is no reference to children.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

- 2 -
Page 29

No 5986
Elizabeth Florence
Widow of William
Indiana
John Y. Bryant Aug 29/55

3rd Feby 1833
Page 30

34279

[illegible]
Page 31

Elizabeth Florence
widow of William
Hendricks Co Indiana
Admd. Act February 3/53

[illegible]  a pensioner
(private two years)
Act June 7, 1832

at rate of $80 per annum
Commencing Feb. 3, 1853

Pay to widow

Certificate,
John Y. Bryant Esqr
Present
Page 32

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 25599
Elizabeth Florence
Wid. of
William Florence
Priv Rev. War
---
Act Fe. 3rd 1853.
Index: Vol A, Page 243
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 33

Pension Office Sept 7, 1855.
The Third Auditor will please certify the date of death of within named pensioner.
Very respectfully
J. Cole
Chief Clerk

Geddes[?]

William Florence died 28 Jany 1840, paid in full
W.A.S. Taylor
Acting Auditor
Sept 7, 1855
Page 34

G.C if dates of death agree
Page 35

Washington City
August 27th 1855.

Sir:
I enclose to you herewith, the application of Elizabeth Florence widow of Wm Florence decd. who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under Act 7 June /32 Indiana Roll, for a pension in her own right, and for  Bounty land under Act/55.
As this old lady is near the end of her journey through life, may I ask the favor, to have her claims receive immediate attention.
Very respectfully
Your obt. Servt.
John Y. Bryant

Hon:
J. Minot
Commr. of Pensions

The land claim taken out and filed with others under Act 1855
Adams
Page 36

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Florence, widow of William Hendricks County and State of Indiana
act February 3, 1853

Claim, ("original")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband of Claimant was a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832 at rate of $80 per annum.  He died Jany 28, 1840, as per certificate of 3d Auditor.
Marriage proved by certified copy of marriage bond, and by parol proof that the parties "lived together as man and wife."
Identity of Claimant as the present widow of the pensioner proved by Alfred Waggoner and Martin, duly certified to be credible witnesses.
Claimant pensioned accordingly

R Geddes
Examining Clerk.

John Y. Bryant Esqr
Present
Name and residence of Agent.
Page 37

State of Indiana
County of Hendricks

On this 21st day of August AD 1855, personally appeared before me, Judge of the Court of Common Please in & for said county Alfred Waggoner and Martin Castle who are to me known as credible witnesses & who being by me fully sworn, depose & say that they are each well acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth Florence who is now present & who is making application for a pension, that they have known her for thirty years lost past, That they were well acquainted with William Florence her late husband having known him for fifteen years previous his death, that they the [sic] said William Florence and Elizabeth Florence lived together as husband & wife & were reputed so to be, that deponents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned. That the said William Florence died on the 28th day of January 1840 and the said Elizabeth Florence has been since that day & still is reputed so to be his widow who the deponents believe to be the fact. That she has never married since her said husband's death & still is his widow, and that her said
Page 38

Husband was the identical man mentioned as a pensioner in her declaration above, and further that they were present & saw Elizabeth Florence execute the foregoing affidavit by making her mark to the foregoing declaration & making oath there to in due form of law & they deponents do reside on the County aforesaid.

Alfred Waggoner
Martin Cassel
Witness S. I. Moore

Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written.

John Cowgill
Judge C.C.H.C.

State of Indiana
County of Hendricks

I hereby certify that John Cowgill, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, before whom the foregoing affidavit of Alfred Wagoner and Martin Cassel were made & acknowledged & who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County aforesaid, duly Commissioned & sworn & that his signature thereto is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County aforesaid, this 22 day of August 1855.

John Irons Clerk.
Page 39

Society of Sons of the Revolution
in the State of Indiana
President  
Col. John T. Barnett Indianapolis
Vice-Presidents
President William Lowe Bryan, Bloomington
Meredith Nicholson, Indianapolis
John Greenville Mott, Michigan City
Newton Booth Tarkington, Indianapolis
Secretary 
Hiram B. Patten, Indianapolis
Treasurer
Frank B. Fowler, Indianapolis
Registrar
Henry Waite Colgan, Indianapolis
Historian
Charles L. Barry, Indianapolis
Chaplain
Rev. Allan B. Philpott, Indianapolis
Board of Managers
Rev. Lewis Brown, Indianapolis
Louis J. Blaker, Indianapolis
Edward L. McKee, Indianapolis
William L. Elder, Indianapolis
James H.S. Lower, Indianapolis
Inman H. Fowler, Spencer
Col. Russell B. Harrison, Ind'polis
William C. Smock, Indianapolis
Alexander Hamilton, Indianapolis
Board of Managers meets first Tuesday of each month at four o'clock P.M.

Indianapolis, Ind. Nov 18th, 1908

To the Commissioner Pensions
Wash DC
Sir:  I have the honor to respectfully request that you send me the pension records, or any record that is on file in your office of the following Revolutionary soldiers:  Mathias Masten.  Isaac Taylor.  Benjamin Lawrence.  John Ward.  Thomas Fitz Simmons.  William Florence.  William Moffet.  Robert Hodges. John Hedges.  Alaxander Buchanan.  James Barnett.  and Ambrose Barnett.
It is very hard to find much record evidence about these people.  I will send you below all I have been able to get hope you can give us some record evidence that will shown them to be or not to be genuine Revolutionary soldiers.  Mathias Masten was born Mar 9th 1765;  died Nov 9th 1856: and buried in Hendricks County Indiana.  He enlisted from the state of Connecticut, when he was about 16 years old, and served about 6 months.  He was at the surrender of Yorktown.
Isaac Taylor.  I can find nothing particular about him.  He is buried in Hendricks County Indiana.  He might have been in the war of 1812.  These people get dates badly [illegible] sometimes.  Please let me know what you find about him, if anything.
Page 40

Society of Sons of the Revolution
in the State of Indiana
President  
Col. John T. Barnett Indianapolis
Vice-Presidents
President William Lowe Bryan, Bloomington
Meredith Nicholson, Indianapolis
John Greenville Mott, Michigan City
Newton Booth Tarkington, Indianapolis
Secretary 
Hiram B. Patten, Indianapolis
Treasurer
Frank B. Fowler, Indianapolis
Registrar
Henry Waite Colgan, Indianapolis
Historian
Charles L. Barry, Indianapolis
Chaplain
Rev. Allan B. Philpott, Indianapolis
Board of Managers
Rev. Lewis Brown, Indianapolis
Louis J. Blaker, Indianapolis
Edward L. McKee, Indianapolis
William L. Elder, Indianapolis
James H.S. Lower, Indianapolis
Inman H. Fowler, Spencer
Col. Russell B. Harrison, Ind'polis
William C. Smock, Indianapolis
Alexander Hamilton, Indianapolis
Board of Managers meets first Tuesday of each month at four o'clock P.M.

Indianapolis, Ind. Mar 18th 1908
2
Benjamin Lawrence:  I can only repeat about him, what I hear said about Isaac Taylor viz: "That he is buried in Hendricks Co Ind &c"  In a printed record, in our State Library, of Senate Doc - Pension roll- 1st Session 23rd Cong;  of persons who drew pensions and lived in Hendricks County [illegible] is one Isaac Lawrence.  He was a private in the state troops of South Carolina.  His pension began the 4th of March 1831;  and he was placed on the pension rolls the 14th of Dec. 1833.  He seems to have been 71 years old.  He could have been in the Revolution.  Please send me his pension record as he may be the man instead of Benjamin or he may have had a double name.
John Ward.:  He is buried in Hendricks Co Inc. On his tombstone is "John Ward"  "  U.S. Soldier, Rev War".  This stone was furnished by the U.S. and erected by his people under the law passed by Congr.  In a list of pensioners prepared Mar 3rd 1849 - ex Doc 1st Session 31st Cong. Vol 10-1849-50 John Ward is published as a pensioner from Nov 30th 1814, and increased Oct 8th 1834
Thomas Fitz Simmons:  This name may be spelled as one word Fitzsimmons, or it may be under Simmons.  The present generation call themselves Simmons.  However his grandson spells his name and that of his grantfather Thomas Fitz Simmons.
Page 41

Society of Sons of the Revolution
in the State of Indiana
President  
Col. John T. Barnett Indianapolis
Vice-Presidents
President William Lowe Bryan, Bloomington
Meredith Nicholson, Indianapolis
John Greenville Mott, Michigan City
Newton Booth Tarkington, Indianapolis
Secretary 
Hiram B. Patten, Indianapolis
Treasurer
Frank B. Fowler, Indianapolis
Registrar
Henry Waite Colgan, Indianapolis
Historian
Charles L. Barry, Indianapolis
Chaplain
Rev. Allan B. Philpott, Indianapolis
Board of Managers
Rev. Lewis Brown, Indianapolis
Louis J. Blaker, Indianapolis
Edward L. McKee, Indianapolis
William L. Elder, Indianapolis
James H.S. Lower, Indianapolis
Inman H. Fowler, Spencer
Col. Russell B. Harrison, Ind'polis
William C. Smock, Indianapolis
Alexander Hamilton, Indianapolis
Board of Managers meets first Tuesday of each month at four o'clock P.M.

Indianapolis, Ind. Mar 18 1908
3
His grandson says he was in the Revolutionary War and is buried in Hendricks County Indiana.  He enlisted from the state of Virginia near Richmond.  After the war he moved to Ky and from there to Ind.  His grandson thinks he died about 1844 or 1845.  His grandson says he was pensioned at $8.00 per month.
His wife's name was Polly Fitz Simmons.
William Florence:  In Senate Doc Pension roll, 1st session of 23rd Cong under pensioners who lived in Hendricks County Ind Wm Florence is published as a private in Virginia militia.  Pension began Mar 13th 1831 and placed on the pension rolls Sept 21st 1833.  He was 84 years old.  I have been informed that his tombstone furnished by the U.S., has upon it:" U.S. Soldier.  Rev War"
William Moffet:  He enlisted from the state of South Carolina, and was no doubt a Revolutionary soldier but I am not sure he drew a pension.
Robert Hedges:  A.J. Hedges the son of said Robert says that his father was born in Prince William Co Virginia June 4th 1760;  and that he enlisted in the Revolution July 4th 1776 from Virginia and served thro'out the war.  That he was at Valley Forge, Brandywine, Germantown and finally at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.  That his grandfather Captain John Hedges, the father
Page 42

Society of Sons of the Revolution
in the
State on Indiana

Board of Managers meets first Tuesday
of each month at four o'clock P.M.

President
Col. John T. Barnett, Indianapolis
Vice Presidents
President William Lowe Bryan, Bloomington
Meredith Nicholson, Indianapolis
John Grenville Mott, Michigan City
Newton Booth Tarkington, Indianapolis
Secretary
Hiram B. Patten, Indianapolis
Treasurer
Frank B. Fowler, Indianapolis
Registrar
Henry Waite Colgan, Indianapolis
Historian
Charles L. Barry, Indianapolis
Chaplain
Rev. Allan B. Philputt, Indianapolis

Board of Managers
Rev. Lewis Brown, Indianapolis
Louis J. Blaker, Indianapolis
Edward L. McKee, Indianapolis
William L. Elder, Indianapolis
James H. S. Lowes, Indianapolis
Inman H. Fowler, Spencer
Col. Russell B. Harrison, Ind'polis
William C. Smock, Indianapolis
Alexander Hamilton, Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Ind. Mar 18th 1908

4
of said Robert Hedges, was also a Revolutionary soldier, and Captain of a company. That he lost a leg in the Rev War, that Robert Hedges drew a pension. That he moved from Virginia to Ky and died in Shelby County Ky June 8th 1828. That after Robert Hedges dies his widow, H. J. Hedges' mother drew a pension.
John Hedges: was the father of the aforesaid Robert Hedges, and was captain of a company from Virginia during the Revolution. He lost a leg leg [sic] in the Revolution.
Alaxander Buchanan: He enlisted from New Jersey in Captain Booth's company and served throu'out the war. He died in Ohio.
James Barnett: In pension list, Doc' No 68, state papers 2nd session of 20th Congress, James Barnett is published as enlisting from Vir, rank Lieut, Lived in Ky, when he applied, and $320.00 per yr; and was pensioned under act May 15th 1828. There is nothing to show whether he was in Revolution or War of 1812.
Ambrose Barnett: Was pensioned from Ky June 7th 1832. I don't know whether he was in War of Rev or 1812 - This is all I know of these people. I hope it is enough to give us the record information desired.

Respectfully yours
John J Barnett
2001 North Delaware St
Page 43

Society of Sons of the Revolution
in the
State on Indiana

Board of Managers meets first Tuesday
of each month at four o'clock P.M.

President
Col. John T. Barnett, Indianapolis
Vice Presidents
President William Lowe Bryan, Bloomington
Meredith Nicholson, Indianapolis
John Grenville Mott, Michigan City
Newton Booth Tarkington, Indianapolis
Secretary
Hiram B. Patten, Indianapolis
Treasurer
Frank B. Fowler, Indianapolis
Registrar
Henry Waite Colgan, Indianapolis
Historian
Charles L. Barry, Indianapolis
Chaplain
Rev. Allan B. Philputt, Indianapolis

Board of Managers
Rev. Lewis Brown, Indianapolis
Louis J. Blaker, Indianapolis
Edward L. McKee, Indianapolis
William L. Elder, Indianapolis
James H. S. Lowes, Indianapolis
Inman H. Fowler, Spencer
Col. Russell B. Harrison, Ind'polis
William C. Smock, Indianapolis
Alexander Hamilton, Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Ind. ___________________ 190

5
P.S.:
We want this record evidence so that we, as a Society of the Sons of the Rev, can verify them.
We are placing bronze tablets in the court-house corridors of the various counties of this state, and on them we are placing the names of the Rev. soldiers buried in that county. We want these correct as much as possible.

Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
John Barnett
2001 N. Delaware St.

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
MAR 21 1908
Page 44

Bismarck, North Dakota.
November 9th, 1931.

Dept. of Interior
Revolutionary War Section,

Washington, D.C.

Dear Friends:

Will you kindly send me the Revolutionary War Pension record of William Florence, Hendricks County, Indiana, age 84?

He was a soldier in this war from Virginia but was granted a pension from Hendricks County Indiana when 84 years of age--this record will help me complete a genealogical tree for my entrance to the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Very truly Yours,

Fannie Cochran Oeltjen
The Mohawk
Bismarck No. Dak.
Page 45

In reply to your request of
for a statement of the military history of William Florence a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (and his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Mid. F. 25,599.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | CAPTAIN | COLONEL| STATE.

Mch. 1778. | 3 mos | Pri. | James Browning | Jas. Slaughter | Va.
July or Aug. '78 | 6 mos. | " | Hankerson Reed | John Green | "
1780. | 15 " | " | Edmund Terril | John Green | "

Battles engaged in, slight engagement at Wilton, Petersburgh, siege of Yorktown
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Prince William Co., Va.
Date of application for pension, Apr. 15 1833
Residence at date of application, Hendricks Co., Ind.
Age at date of application, 72 yrs. He died Jan 28, 1840 in Hendricks Co. Ind.
Remarks:



Very respectfully,
John Barnett

T [illegible] re Letter
Page 46

August 22, 1935

John Funston
Wt. 22555-160-50

William Florence
W. 25599

William Florence
W. 7291
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Honorable W. A. Ayres
House of Representatives

My dear Mr. Ayres:

Reference is made to your letter of August 17, with which you enclosed one, returned herewith, from Mr. C. E. Florence, 201 N. Hillside Avenue, Wichita, Kansas, who requests information in regard to the enlistment papers of John Funston, Wt. 22555-160-50, a soldier of the War of 1812, whose record was furnished you on July 17, also, Revolutionary War records of soldiers with surname Florence, of Virginia.

As stated in office letter of July 17, referred to above, the names of parents of John Funston are not recorded in the claim on file in this office. It is suggested that further information relative to his military service might be obtained from The Adjutant General, War Department, this city.

The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and claims for pension found based upon service in that war of two soldiers only, with surname Florence, of Virginia.

Their records follow as found in the respective claims based upon their service. Such claims are the source of Revolutionary War data furnished by this office.

William Florence
W. 25599

William Florence was born in 1761 in Prince William County, Virginia.

While living in Prince William County, Virginia, he enlisted about the last of March, 1776, served three months as private in Captain James Browning's company, Colonel James Slaughter's
Page 47

Virginia regiment. He again enlisted in July or August, 1776, served six months in Captain Hankerson Reed's company, Colonel John Green's Virginia regiment, and was in a slight engagement at Wiltin. He enlisted in 1780, served at least fifteen months as private in Captain Edmund Terril's company, Colonel John Green's Virginia regiment, was in the battle of Petersburgh and the siege of Yorktown. At the time of the last two enlistments, soldier was a resident of Culpeper County, Virginia.

He moved to Kentucky about 1794 and in 1829 moved to Hendricks County, Indiana.

William Florence was allowed pension on his application executed April 15, 1833, while residing in Hendricks County, Indiana.

He died January 28, 1840, at his home in Hendricks County, Indiana.

William Florence married October 15, 1829, in Woodford County, Kentucky, Elizabeth Hufford.

Soldier's widow, Elizabeth, was allowed pension on her application executed August 21, 1855, at which time she was living in Hendricks County, Indiana, aged seventy-five years.

There is no reference to children.

*******************************

William Florence
W. 7291

The date and place of soldier's birth and names of his parents are not shown in the claim.

William Florence or Florance (the name appears under both spellings in the claim) enlisted and served eighteen months as a private in Colonel Buford's Virginia regiment, dates of enlistment and discharge not given.

He died October 22, 1835, place not stated.

William Florence or Florance married April 21, 1784, Sarah Hutchinson; the marriage bond was executed April 13, 1784, in


- 2 -
Page 48

Prince William County, Virginia, and signed by the soldier, William Florence and Robert Hutchinson; the relationship of the letter to soldier's wife, Sarah, was not state.

Soldier's widow, Sarah, was allowed pension on his application executed August 17, 1[illegible], at which time she was aged seventy-nine years and living in Prince William County, Virginia.

No reference was made in the claim to children.

In 1[illegible], one Samuel Florence made affidavit in Fauquier County, Virginia, but did not state his relationship to soldier.

Very truly yours

A. B. MILLER
Assistant to Administrator


- 3 -
Page 49

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Name Flory, John
Grade Private
Line Massachusetts

Warrant Number 4155
Acreage 100
Issued Apr. 14, 1790

to ___ not shown ___



_____

*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.