Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1325, for Buckner Smith, North Carolina
Page 1

SERVICE
N.C. 

Smith, Buckner 
            Frances

NUMBER W.1325
                 B.L.W. 31585-160-55

CONTENTS
In. 1832 res. Pickens District, S.C. aged 73 years
S died Oct. 27 or 28, 1851
Page 2

16253
South Carolina

Buckner Smith
of Pickens in the State of South Car.
who was a pvt. in the company commanded by Captain Craig of the reg´t commanded by Col. Williams in the North Car. line for 2 years

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of July ´33 and sent Col. James
Grisham Falls P.O. Pickney Dist.

Arrears to the 4th of March ´33 — 160
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. “ — 40

$200

Revolutionary Claim,  
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 80
Page 3

Let. Agt. [illegible] payt. iss´d
“      Hon. [Hugh Legaré ?]
“      Hon. W. Thompson Dec 18 ‘35
do. to P. Agt. and Hon. W. Thompson
1 April 1836
Page 4

[text cut off at top]
[written vertically] No. 31585 [rest of text cut off]

Revolutionary War

Pensioner
S.C. Feb´y 53 — 1087

Boynton

[illegible text written vertically]

W.J. Neville
Pickens C.H. [courthouse?]
S.C.
Page 5

[illegible text at top]


Vol. 81 page 157
Page 6

South Carolina
Frances Smith
widow of Buckner Smith
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
N.C. Line
Washington County

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 96 dollars no
cents per annum, to commence on
the [crossed out: 3d February, 1853]
27th July 1868. [illegible]

Certificate of Pension issued
5th day of Oct. 1868.
and sent to R.W. Walker
     Present
Act of July 27 / 68

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners, under act Feb 3, 1853, Page 346 Vol. H

[illegible signature]
Page 7

[There is no legible text on this image.]
Page 8

Mrs Frances Smith
$80. per an.
Payment to be made at
Charleston So. Car. by
J. C. Cochran
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Charleston
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 146 Vol. A
R. Mc Rae Clerk

[handwritten vertically in left margin]:
This is the only remnant of her [illegible] that can be found after diligent search
Page 9

BRIEF in the case of Buckner Smith
District of Pickens in the  state of South Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or  Judge? A Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [no response]

3. How old is he? 73

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

         | Years, | Months, | Dys. | As a | Gen.

Drafted In 17  |    | 3 |     | Private |

  “ |      | 3 |     | “ | Capt Walker, Col Young

Enlisted | 1 | 6|     | “ | Capt Clendinnen, Col Litter


5. In what battles was he engaged? Camden, Brier Creek, Guilford, Several of them

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Not stated

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary Evidence — Living Witnesses

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct


I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Dyer Castor  Examining Clerk
Page 10

Clayton Mills, Pickens District
South Carolina, August 16th 1856

Sir:

I hereby respectfully state to you, (by authority from the kin of Buckner Smith, the widow of Buckner Smith, who is drawing a Pension as his widow for his services during the Revolutionary War, which we think ought not to be allowed, under the circumstances, the circumstances are as follows, 

When she was married to Buckner Smith, his age was supposed to be about one hundred years, and in his dotages and her age about somewheres between 20 and 30 years, the above statements can be proven, by a number of respectable witnesses, and it can also be proved, by a number, of respectable persons, that they believe, and have no doubt in their mind but what she married him for the purpose of drawing a Pension, which is as far as I have been able to ascertain that it is the general belief of all those who are acquainted with the matter, that she married him for the above named purpose, and nothing else. I have been informed that her character is bad, which can be proven and that she took the advantage of this old man in his dotage. She lived with him but very little after the marriage, she had no children by him, all his children is by his first wife, and the youngest one is older than her,

Thy heirs, in making this appeal, now is in self defense, as their application made through our agent, employed by Mrs Smith, to recover a large claim, which is due
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the heirs of Buckner Smith, for back pays from the US. I respectfully ask you for information in regard to the above matter. Please inform me as soon as convenient, what is to be done.

I am Sir very respectfully 
Your Obedient Servant,
John F Hunter
Agent



J Minot Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, DC
Page 12

State of South Carolina
Pickens District

On this 2nd day of February 1833 personally appeared before the Honorable Richard Gautt in the Court of Sessions and Common Pleas Buckner Smith, a resident of the District of Pickens aforesaid aged 73 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He was Drafted and entered the service as a Militiaman first before Gates’ defeat at Camden. He was in that battle under Capt. Thomas Craig of N.C. Col. Williams and George Caswell and served three months. He was afterwards drafted and served three months under Capt. Walter, of NC Charge Regiment of N.C. Militia and was at the battle at Brier Creek in Georgia, was also at the battle at Buford Bridge in N.C. under the same officers — He enlisted under Capt. John Clendennon of Col. Arch’d Litter Reg’t N.C. line and was under Col. Greene at the Battle at Guilford, and was also at the Battle at Lindsey’s Mills, where he was wounded in four places in his body, head, thigh and hand and has now the scrs to witness. He was also at the battle at the Hanging Rock. He is poor and infirm has now no other witnesses except Benjamin Grist who was with him about Eighteen months, the term of his Enlistment was three years as during the war he had stood about eighteen months when peace was made. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a [illegible] except the present, and he declares that [illegible] nor on the pension roll of any agency in any state.

Sworn to and subscribed this day and yer aforesaid in open court .

Buckner Smith X his mark

William L. Keith Clerk
Page 13

We, Jacob Lewis, a clergyman residing in the District of Pickens, and Joseph Grisham residing in the same District, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with with Buckner Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 78 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid in open court.

William L. Keith, Clerk

Jacob Lewis
Joseph Grisham


And the said court do hereby declare their opinion of the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, the aforesaid named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he stated and this Court further certifies that it appears to them that the said Jacob Lewis who has signed this preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the District of Pickens, and that Joseph Grisham, who has affirmed the same, is a resident in the District of Pickens, and is  credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Richard Gautt

I, William L. Keith, clerk of the court of Pickens District, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Buckner Smith for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office this 2nd day of October 1832.

William L. Keith
CC/GSTCCP
Page 14

Declaration
Under the Act of Congress of 3rd February 1853

State of South Carolina
District of Pickens

On this fifth day of April AD 1853, personally appeared before Williams J. Parsons, Judge of the Court of Ordinary in and for the District and State aforesaid, Mrs. Francis Smith, a resident of the same District and State, aged about thirty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the Act of Congress passed the third of February 1853.
That she is the widow of Buckner Smith who was a private in the regular service in the South Carolina line, service of the United States, during the War of the Revolution, but as she was not then born, and of course not married to him, she cannot with any precision recount his services. She has often heard of him speak them, but her want of information and memory, prevents her being able to repeat what she has hears, she submits however, that he was in receipt of  Pension as a Soldier of the Revolution, of Eighty dollars per annum, for a number of years, up to the day of his death, and hopes his declaration and testimony under his application will suffice on this point. She verily believes from what she has heard from him and others, that he was a good soldier on the side of his country, and he bore that reputation up to the date of his death.

She further states that she was married to the said Bruckner Smith in the District and neighbourhood where she now lives, by John Sharp Esquire, who
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was then and is yet an acting Magistrate, and by whom she presumes she can prove the marriage, the said marriage took place on the Eighteenth day of February (she thinks in the year 1847) one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, that her name previous to marriage was Frances Dodd. She lived with her said husband Bruckner Smith from the time of the marriage till the day of his death which took place on the 27 or 28th of October 1851, and waited upon him as wife as she was able, that she is now a widow and has so remained ever since the death of the said Bruckner Smith, and has never made any other than the present application for a pension.

Frances X Smith
Her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written, in open court, before me.

W.J. Parsons
Judge of the Court of Ordinary
for Pickens District So Car
Page 16

State of South Carolina
District of Pickens

On this thirtyeth day of May AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a notary public within and for the District and State aforesaid Frances Smith aged 38 years, a resident of Pickens in the State of South Carolina who being duly sworn according to the law declares that she is the widow of Buckner Smith deceased who was a soldier in the revolutionary war.

She further states that she draws a pension at this time and refers you to his papers for proof of her husband’s services and her marriage.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining a Bounty Land Warrant to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3rd 1855.

Frances X Smith
her mark


Mr Robert A Steele and WF Dodd, residents of Pickens in the State of South Carolina upon our oath declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Frances Smith in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself ro be.

Robert A Steele
WF Dodd


The foregoing declaration and affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the applicants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and I have no interest in this claim.

WJ Nevill Notary Public
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[vertically in top left corner]: Rev War

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 1325
Frances Smith
Widow
Buckner Smith
Private, Rev. War

Acr: Feb. 3, 1853

Index: — Vol. M, Page 218

(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 18

31,585


Rev. Acct
Page 19

No. 1,393

Appl. Of Frances Smith widow of Buckner


S.C.
16253
Act 3rd Feb’y 1853

Rev

Approved $80 per annum
Commencing 3rd Feb 1853

Thomas Sumpkin

Present

[vertically, in lower right corner]: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 20

Pension Office
July 27, 1818 [sic]

Sir

Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was last paid, or (if in your power) the exact date of his death.

Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
S. Cole
From the Commissioner

Francis Burt Esq
Present

Buckner Smith, Act 7th June ‘32

Paid to 4th Sept 1851


F. Burt
Auditor
Page 21

Brief in the case of Frances Smith, widow of Buckner Smith
Pickens County and State of South Carolina
act 3rd February 1853

Claim, (“original,”[illegible])

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

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

Husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1932

Marriage proved by paid testimony
Certified to be credible.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, wht?
[no response]


Thomas Sumpkin Esq
Present

Name and residence of Agent

R Geddes
Examining Clerk
Page 22

54 years of age

Payment to be made at Washington by

Robert Clarke Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
District of Columbia
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March


Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 346 Vol. H

J.N. Smith Clerk
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Restoration     1087

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW’S PENSION.


I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853

Frances Smith
widow of Buckner Smith who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Eighty dollars and ~ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March 1861, and continuing for life, unless she should marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.

Given at the Department of the Interior,
this fifteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred nd sixty seven

W.T. Otto
Acting Secretary of the interior


Examined and countersigned,
Joseph H. Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
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Western Union Service
18 Mar 1836


Honorable
Waddy Thompson
House of Representatives
Washington City
Dist. Col.
Page 25

Falls S.C.

14th March 1836

My Dear Sir

I met with our old friend William Clark today. He is anxious to know if he is to get a pension &c.

Old William Grout who lives near Maxwall in Anderson. His papers were sent over more than a year ago. He knows his services viz. Aaron Guston and others. Do assemble the Calvary for these good Honest Beings who fought for the Liberty we are now enjoying.

Let me again urge this claim. The people haven’t a Mail Route from Greenville to Pickens Court House. Please
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accept my thanks for the public documents you have sent me. Do attend personally to these old men’s claims and those who I have before mentioned to you.

I cannot see why Buckner Smith was struck off. You know I was of his [illegible] Absolom Thompson. If you will reexamine his papers and give your Approval so you can have him reinstated — and I think many others in these poor men are many of them destitute of necessaries — Do, if in your power, help them.

Wishing you health and a pleasant Session.

Your Obedient Servant,
Joseph Grisham
Page 27

I know Buckner Smith. He has always been reputed a [illegible] . There is no man more worthy of [illegible] than Absalom Thompson.

J. Thompson
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Walhalla      May 17   74

Hon James Lockey
Acting Commissioner
Washington, DC


Sir

I have the honor in Reply to your Note of May 15th (instant). The woman named in your Note Mrs Frances Smith lives within the delivery of this office.

Very Respectfully
Alex. Bryce Jr
Postmaster
Page 29

[Stamp on left]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MAY 22 1874
PENSION OFFICE



[Stamp on right]
SPECIAL [illegible]
MAY 23 1874
[illegible]
Page 30

Buckner Smith
15340
Page 31

BRIEF OBJECTIONS to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of

[handwritten] Buckner Smith

which require further proof or explanation.


I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?


Ii. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?


III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?


IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?


V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?


VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?


VII.Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?


VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?


IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?


X. Is the Clerk’s seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?

XII. If the clergyman’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

[handwritten]  Living witnesses

XIV. If the applicant’s name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?

[handwritten]  No

If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant’s service?

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES.

QUERY V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
	Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ________ year ________ months, and ________ days, I served as a ________; For ________ months and ________ days, I served as a ________; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 33

	3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision, the period for which such applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pensions to be paid according to length of service and the grade. The applicant must therefore be required to state, as near as may be, the precise time of entering and leaving the service, the names of the officers under whom he served, and all such qualifying particulars as are detectable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tour(s), names of the officers, and other particulars necessary to establish their service. This form of application is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clear, shew under what officers the applicant served, the duration of each tour of service, and the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served as a militia man, or 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 engaged in any civil pursuit.

QUERY XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by witnesses. He should be 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 character of the service, the line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oath 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.

QUERY XV. Mode of authorizing papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper with the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by wafers, or tape or narrow ribbon, the seals of which must pass through all the sheets of the certificates or affidavits, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, a certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.


[handwritten]:

Joshua Thompson & Benj. Grist — prove the service — It is impossible to get these old men to state the dates of enlistment &c. The truth is not one in an hundred ever thought of its being necessary or advantageous, they obtained independence and ought now to be paid. I know Buckner Smith has always maintained the character of a good soldier of the Revolution. 
Joseph Grisham
Page 34

[seal]: GREENVILLE SC APR 8

Free

J.L. Edwards
War Department
Division office
Washington City
DC
Page 35

Greenville CH [courthouse] SC 7th Apr 1835

Sir

Mr Joshua Thompson is now- and has been a resident of this district for more than Twenty Years past

Yours Respectfully 
W. E. Wicklife

J.L. Edwards
War Department
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 36

15340


Care Joseph Grisham
Falls Post Office 
Pickens District
S.C.
Page 37

Mrs Frances Smith
$80. per an.
Payment to be made at
Charleston So. Car. by
J. C. Cochran
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Charleston
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 146 Vol. A
R. Mc Rae Clerk

[handwritten vertically in left margin]:
This is the only remnant of her [illegible] that can be found after diligent search
Page 38

State of South Carolina
Pickens District

On this the seventh day of June A.D. 1866 personally appears before Thomas R. Breckinridge a Notary Public within and for the State & District aforesaid Joseph J. Norton who being duly sworn according to law, declares that his Father Miles M. Norton was the agent of Mrs Frances Smith in obtaining and collecting her Pension up to 1860 that her original Pension certificate has been lost or misplaced since the death of his Father the aforesaid Miles M. Norton, and that she is the identical Frances Smith who she represents herself to be, and that she is the identical Frances Smith whose Pension Certificate is recorded in the Pension office on the roll of Pensions under act of February 3rd 1853 Page 146 Vol. A and the identical Frances Smith who was paid at the agency in Charleston South Carolina, and that she was last paid her pension to 1st day of September 1860. and that she has resided at her residence in Pickens District South Carolina since 1st of January 1861, and that he has no interest in this claim, either directly or indirectly.
Joseph J. Norton

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day & year above written and I certify that the said
Page 39

Joseph J. Norton is a respectable man and worthy of belief, and that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.

Thomas R. Breckinridge
Notary Public

South Carolina
Pickens District

On this the 7th day of June 1866 personally appeared before me Thomas R Breckinridge a Notary Public within and for the State and District aforesaid James E.  Hagood who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is personally acquainted with Mrs Frances Smith who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at Charleston South Carolina that she was last paid her pension to the 4th day of September 1860. And he further declares that she is the identical Frances Smith that she represents herself to be, and that Miles M Norton during his life was the agent in obtaining and collecting her pension and that he is informed and believes that her original pension certificate is lost or mislaid but that she has resided at her residence in Pickens District South Carolina since 1st day of January 1861 that during this period her means
Page 40

of subsistence have been by her own labor, and that she has not borne arms against the Government of the United States or she has not in any manner encouraged the rebels or manifested a sympathy with their cause, and that he has no interest in the prosecution of her claim.
J. E. Hagood

Sworn to before me on the day and year above written and I certify that the affiants are respectable persons and worthy of belief and that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Thomas R. Breckinridge
Notary Public

State of South Carolina
Pickens District
Office Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions

I, J. E. Hagood Clerk of the said Court do hereby certify that Thomas R Breckinridge Esquire before whom the within attestation was made is and was a Notary Public at the time of so signing in and for the State and District aforesaid, that his attestation is in due form of law and that his signature thereto is genuine.

Given under my hand and seal of said court at Clerk’s office Pickens Court House this the 8th day of June 1866
J. E. Hagood    [illegible]
Page 41

State of So Carolina
Pickens District

Before me James Gaines one of the Justices of Quorum for said District personally came Benjamin Grist and after being duly sworn deposeth & sayeth that he knew Buckner Smith to be a regular soldier in the revolutionary war for the term eighteen months service in the company commanded by Captain John Clendenin who was the officer that we both served under and being a company of infantry which was in the regiment commanded by Col. Archibald Lytle.

Benjamin Grist (his mark): B

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th of Sept 1831
James Gaines [illegible]
To all whom it may concern I do hereby certify that I know no reason Benjamin Grist the above deponent’s & veracity should not be believed as much as any man certifyed by me.
James Gaines [illegible]
Page 42

Increase
Brief in the Case of Frances Smith Widow of Buckner Smith
Pickens C.H.
Pickens County and State of So. Carolina
2d [illegible] Act Feb 3, 1853

Claim for New Pension Certificate
Proof Exhibited,
A Pension roll at Washington at $80 per annum
Cert returned. Claim inc. Act July 27, 1868.
Personal identity — widowhood shown.
Admitted Oct. 1, 1868 to a pension at $96.00 per annum to commence July 27, 1868. [illegible] paid since.

Name and residence of Agent:
R.W. Walker
Present

W.E. Trask
Examining Clerk
Page 43

[stamp]: 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE
FEB 21 1867


Restoration:
Frances Smith
South Carolina
Revolutionary


Henry and Walker request a report in her case

Henry and Walker
Present
Feb 20 / 67
Page 44

P. M. Henry,
Attorney of many years’ experience.
R. W. Walker,
Late of the Navy and War Departments.

HENRY & WALKER,
GENERAL ATTORNEYS,
Office, No. 10 Federal Block, cor. 7th and F Streets.

They have associated themselves together for the purpose of prosecuting business of all kinds before any and all the Departments: they Buy and Sell Real Estate, and now have for sale a vast amount of rich COTTON, TOBACCO, and MINERAL Lands In the South. Particular information given if addressed on the subject of Lands.

Washington, D.C., Feb. 20th, 1867.

Sir:

On the 14th June last we filed the application of Mrs. Frances Smith of Pickens District, South Carolina, for restoration to the Pension Rolls, and on the 13th July following we filed proper evidence to show her loyalty, widowhood &c., but have heard nothing from her application &c.
We would be pleased to have a report in her case.

Very respectfully,
Your Ob’t. Serv’t.,
Henry & Walker

Hon. Jos. H. Barrett,
Commissioner of Pensions
P.S. Mrs. Smith is the widow of a Revolutionary Patriot.
Page 45

Restoration    [illegible]     D.C.     Revolutionary

Brief in the Case of Frances Smith Widow of Buckner Smith
a private Rev. War
Pickens County and State of South Carolina
Act 3rd February 1853


CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE

PROOF EXHIBITED,
She was inscribed on the roll of So. Carolina at $80. per annum and paid to March 4, 1861. She alleges loss of old certificate and furnished evidence to that effect.
Proof of loyalty and  continuance of widowhood is shown as required.
Restored March 6, 1861 to a pension at $80. per annum commencing March 4, 1861

WE Trask
Examining Clerk


Name and residence of Agent.
Henry and Walker
Washington
D.C.
Page 46


I am and have been from my childhood well acquainted with Joshua Thompson he is in the full possession of all his faculties and there is no man living on whose statements I would more implicitly rely. His character is not only good but above reproach.

W.  Humfrey

No. Ref. 1. Apr. 1836
Page 47

May 4 

Free

Greenville C.H. S.C. APR 22 [stamp text]

J.L. Edwards
Washington City
War Department
Page 48

Greenville. C.H.  S.Ca. April 22 - 1835

Sir
I received yours this morning and take the Earliest opportunity of answering you. Mr Joshua Thompson is alive and lives in about five miles of this place.

I am Sir Respectfully your ob svt
Richard Thruston


JL Edwards
Wash City
Page 49

South Carolina
Pickens District

Before me personally appeared
John Sharp Esq. who is and
has for some years been an acting magistrate for said District, and who is also a highly respectable man, and made oath that he has for a number of years known Frances Smith, whose Declaration is annexed, that he also knew for a long time Buckner Smith her late husband, and that he did as an acting Magistrate marry said Buckner Smith to said Frances (whose name previous to marriage was Dodd) on the 25th Twenty fifth day of February (1847) one thousand eight hundred and Forty Seven
of which marriage he kept a memorandum, as
he has done of all marriages at which he has
officiated.  The said Buckner Smith was
a Revolutionary Pensioner, and reputed Soldier of the Revolution, and died in this district about
October 1851 Eighteen hundred and fifty one
and said Frances Smith has not since married.

John Sharp

Sworn to and subscribed this 9th day
of April 1853 before

Levi N. Robins
Notary Public &
Ex Off M.P.O.


State of South Carolina
Pickens District

I W.L. Keith Clerk of the Court of the District and State aforesaid do hereby certify that William J Parsons whose name appears to the foregoing Declaration is genuine he is Judge of the Court of Ordinary for said District duly elected Commissioned and qualified. And I further Certify that L.N. Robins whose name appears to the above is genuine he is a Magistrate.
Page 50

or above stated duly appointed Commissioned and qualified and all due faith and credit is due and ought to be given to their official acts as such.

Given under my hand and seal of the court at Pickens Court House this 28th day of April A.D. 1853.

W.L. Keith Clerk
of the Court of 
Pickens District
S.C.

[vertically, in right margin]: 
Frances Smith
Declaration
Page 51

B. Smith
Certificates
Page 52

Georgia
Jackson County

Personally appeared before James Payne and after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that Buckner Smith was a Revolutionary Soldier and served under Captain John Henderson in a company of infantry.
James Payne his mark X

Sworn to & Subscribed
before me the 21st October 1828
Sylvanus Ripley J.I.C. [Justice Inferior Court]


State of Georgia
Jackson County

I Edward Adams, Clerk of the Inferior Court of the said County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Sylvanus Ripley before whom the above affidavit was taken was at the time of doing the same a Justice of the Inferior Court for said County, duly appointed to his said office. The above acts as such due credit is ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 28th day of October 1828.
Edward Adams Clk [clerk]
Page 53

[illegible] [illegible] [illegible] James [illegible] by true oath George Blasie a good old sturdy [illegible] of Jackson County for the time of service this 3 day of November 1880
John Derwick JP.
Page 54

The State of South Carolina
Anderson District} Personally appeared Joshua Thompson before me the subscribing Justice and being sworn in due form of law and on his oath saith that knew Buckner Smith to be a revolutionary soldier in time of the revolutionary war and served under Captain John Clendennon in a company infantry.

Sworn and subscribed
to before me this 10th day of November 1828
James Douthit JP

To all whom it may concern I do hereby certify that Joshua Thompson the above deponent is a man of good standing in society, and of unquestionable [illegible] Given under my hand this 10th day of November 1828

James Douthit JP
Page 55

Buckner Smith
Applicant
No. 15.340.
Joshua Thompson
Witness
Page 56

Washington 
May 9th 53

[illegible]:

I here with [illegible] the declaration of Mrs. Frances Smith, widow of Buckner Smith of DC under Act of [illegible] Feb '53.
Have the [illegible]
Th Lumpkin

Hon LP Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 57

Buckner Smith
15340
Buy: [illegible] proves
the services-
Page 58

Page 58

The State of South Carolina
Pickens District
Personally appeared before me undersigned Justice of the Peace for the District of Pickens and State afforesaid. Benjamin Grist of said District a person to me well known who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Buckner Smith of said District during the War of the Revolution that he does well know that the said Buckner Smith was a private soldier of Capt. Clendessins Company of Col Little after wards Mabans Regiment No Ca line and they were in the same  mess from January 1780 till July 1782 and this deponant does believe the said Buckner Smith did Enlist for three years or during the War they serve in the same Company for eighteen months and together in the Battle at Skudders Mill  where the deponant does know that the said Buckner Smith was a regular Soldier and did his duty faithfully  
Sworn to this 12 June 1833
Before me F, N, Garvin JP} Benjamin Grist
his mark 
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Benjamin Grist and that he is a credible person and is reputed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and I concur in that opinion:
Given under my hand & seal this 12th day of June 1833 

F., N, Garvine J.P.  [seal]
Page 59

The State of South Carolina
I William L. Keith clerk of the Court for Pickens District in the State aforesaid, Do Certify that Fredrick N. Garven Esquire whose signature appears to the written Affidavit & Certification is an acting Justice of the Peace for the said District of Pickens, duly appointed & sworn & that all due faith and credit is sought to be given to his testimonial as [illegible]
Given under my hand & the seal of the Court at Pickens Courthouse on this 18th day of June
Anno Domini one thousand eighteen hundred & thirty-three

William L. Keith 
C.C.G.S.L.C.P
Page 60

[left fold]

Application for Restoration 
To The
PENSION ROLLS,
Under Act of February 4, 1865

APPLICANT'S ADDRESS:
Mrs Francis Smith Applicant.
Pickens District 
South Carolina
Received by us from 
J.E. Hagood
Pickens C.H.
South Carolina
FILED BY
Henry Walker 
Washington D.C.
June 1866.
Printed and sold by W. II. Moore, 484 11th Street, Washington, D.C. 

[right fold stamp]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
JUN 14 18 [illegible]
PENSION OFFICE.
Page 61

Application for Restoration to the Pension Rolls
Whose
Names have been Dropped under the Act of February 4, 1862

State of South Carolina 
District of Pickens} SS.
On the Fourteenth day of May, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and Sixty Six, personally appeared before me, (1) W E Holcombe [illegible] Ordinary & Judge, of the record Court in said State  and County, the same being a Court of Record (2) Mrs Frances Smith aged Fifty years, a resident of Pickens District in the State of South Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that (2) she is the identical (2)Frances Smith who was a pensioner on the roll of agency at Charleston South Carolina, [blank], and whose pension certificate is last or [illegible] that (2) she has resided since the first day of January, A.D. 1861 ats follows: at her residence in Pickens District South Carolina  that during the period (2) her means of subsistence have been (4 1/2) by means of her own Labour. and that (2) she has not borne arms against the Government of the United States, or (2) she has not in any manner encouraged the rebels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause; and that (2) she was last (2) paid her pension on the Fourth (4th day of September, A.D. 1860
This application is made for the purpose of securing restoration of (2) her pension rolls, and of obtaining a new pension certificate, such as (2) she may be entitled to under existing laws, reference being made to the evidence, heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substautiate (2) her original claim. And I hereby appoint [illegible] Henry & Walker, of Washington City, my Attorneys to present my application, and perform all that is necessary therein without revocation, as well as to receive my Certificate when issued.
Thomas R. Brackenridge
(5) Frances Smith her x mark
Also personally appeared Daniel Hughes, a resident of Pickens District and (6) Thomas R Brackenridge a resident of (7) Pickens District persons who I certify to be respectable entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, say that they were present and saw (5) Frances Smith, maker her mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with (2) her that (3) she is iden-
Page 62

tical person (2) she represents (2) herself to be; and they further swear that they have no interest in prosecution of this claim.

(8) Thomas R Brackenridge
(8) Daniel Hughes

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 14 day of May A.D. 1866; and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. and that the same was read in her presence before making her mark

(1) W E Holcombe
Ordinary [illegible mark] Judge of the Court of Record Pickens District SC

Oath of Allegiance

I, Frances Smith, do solemnly swear, (or affirm) in the presence of Almighty God, I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Union of the States thereunder; that I will in like manner, abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the late rebellion with reference to emancipation of Slaves: So help me God. 
her
X
mark
(2) Frances Smith 
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 14th day of May A.D. 1866 and that the same was Read to her before marking her mark
(1) W.E. Holcombe
Ordinary Pickens District SC

The State of South Carolina District of Pickens, fs.  I, JE Hagood Clerk of the Court of [illegible] Court within and for said County, do certify that W E Holcombe Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement were made, was, at the time of taking the same, and still is an action Judge of the Court Record within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the several signatures, purporting to be his, which are appended to said declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement, are his genuine signatures.

In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the Seal of our said Court, at Pickens Court House this 8th day of June A.D. 1866.

JE Hagood
[illegible]
C.C. P &. G.S 

SEAL.
Page 63

NSTRUCTIONS.
Figure (1)- Judge Justice of the Peace, or Clerk seal [Note-If Judge or Justice of the Peace, authentic papers, the signature must be verified in usual form by Clerk of Court.]

(2) He or She; Name of Applicant: His or Her; Him or Her; Himself or Herself, as the fact may be.
(3) Name the place of places at which claimant had resided since last paid, and during the time for which original Pension has not been drawn.
(4) Here name the employment or other means by which livelihood has been gained. (4 1/2) Means of subsistence.
(5) Signature of Applicant. If X is made, two witnesces must sign their names opposite the same, and who can write.
(6) Names of Witnesses in full.
(7) State name of residences, City, Village, County, and State.
(8) Signature of Witnesses.

NOTES TO BE PARTICULARLY OBSERVED 

If the declarant, or any witness signs by mark, the officer must certify, that the contents of the paper were made known to the affiant and witnesses before signing.
In every case, the declaration or affidavit must be either signed by the affiant's own hand or else by mark [X.] Signing by another hand when the party is able to write, or without a mark when the party is unable to write, is wholly inadmissible.
The allegations made in the applicant's declaration, must be sustained by the testimony of two credible and disinterested witnesses, to be certified as such by the officer before who the testimony is taken.  If the applicant be an Invalid Pensioner, he must be examined by an Army Surgeon, or by a Surgeon duly appointed by the Pensions Office, as to the continnance of the disability.
If a widow, she must prove, by two credible witnesses, (certified to in the usual manner, and under seal,) her continued widowhood. If remarried, the minor children (under 16), through guardian can apply for the Suspended Pension, and if the guardian of a minor child be newly appointed, he or she must file the proper evidence of his or her appointment as such.
In all cases, the ORIGINAL Pension Certification must be surrendered.
Page 64

[top right]

Power of Attorney 
to
H.C. Spalding 


[bottom right]
WC Fain
Hab House
[illegible]
[illegible]
Page 65

State of Georgia |
County or [illegible] |Know all men by these presents that I Ephraim Smith of the county and state aforementioned do by these presents constitutes and appoint H C Spalding of Washington DC my true and lawful Attorney to collect his pension money due the said Ephraims Smith for the services of Buckner Smith father of  E Smith to have use and take all lawful ways and means in my name as otherwise that may be found necessary or propper in the execution of this power of Attorney to execute all such deeds in my name as may be necessary and propper for the purpose aforesaid and do all other lawful acts and things whatsoever concerning the premises as fully in every respect as I myself might as could do were I personally present at the doing  thereof  rectifying and confirming and these presents obviously whatsoever my said Attorney shall in my name lawfully do or cause to be done in and about the premises by venture of these presents in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand  and affixed my seal [ink blot] November 7 1852 Signed and sealed and delivered in the presents of  Ephraim Smith
J.B. Train

James Quary J.P.
Page 66

[duplicate document, different orientation]


[top]

Buckner Smith was a pensioner [illegible} 7 June 1832 at $80 pr annum. Died 26th October 1852.- Pickens District South Carolina.

[vertical bottom left]

Power of Attorney to 
H.C. Spalding 


[vertical bottom right]
WC Fain 
Hab House
[illegible]
[illegible]
Page 67

Came into my hand after [illegible]- court 1832
to [illegible] with the papers
J. Grisham
Page 68

State of S. Carolina
Pickens District 
Personally came Joshua Hurren before me James Gaines one of the Justices of Decorum for said District and after being duly sworn deponents and sayeth that he this deponent was informed by Buckner Smith the applicant for a pension that was Given twelve years ago [strike out] march last part that he [illegible] to Mr. John E. Calhoun as under taken and he failed- sworn to this 8th of October 1831 before me James Gaines| Joshua Horne

State of S. Carolina
Pickens District 
Personally came Buckner Smith before me James Gaines one of the Justice of Decorum for said District and after being Duly Sworn deponent & sayeth that he has not gained nothing in the amount of property nor diminished the same of much value contained a former schedule made by him in open court on the sixth day of October 1829 to the Amount of forty nine dollars sworn to this 8th of Oct. 1831 before me James Gaines Ju |
Buckner Smith 

I do hereby certify that I know now cause why the veracity of the above deponents should not be [illegible] on as much so as any men  
James Gaines Ju-

State of S. Carolina
Pickens District 
I William L Keith Clerk of the Court of Decorum and Commissioner Plea for the Pickens District do hereby Certify that James Gaines whose [illegible] appears to the above affidavit is here [illegible] and he is on [illegible] Justice of Decorum duly Defended and Commissioned and all due forth credit is and ought to be [illegible] him in all his official acts as such
Sworn under my hand and seal of Office of Pickens Court House in and for Pickens District the 8th Cot. 1831
William L Keth
C.C.G.S & C.C.P.
Page 69

[left fold text]

Stamp - Department of the Interior
July 18, 1866 
Pension Office 

[right fold text]

Additional Evidence.
Application for Restoration & Pension Rolls.
Mrs. Francis Smith.
[illegible text]
of Pickens District 
South Carolina

Read by us from
J. E. Hagood.
Pickens C.H.

Filed by Henry Walker.
July 13/66' Present.
Page 70

The State of South Carolina
Pickens District | On this the 26th day of June AD 1866. Personally appeared before me JR Brackenridge a notary public within and for the, State and District aforesaid, William N Craig and Harrison Haynes who being duly sworn according to Law declares that the y are personally acquainted with Mrs Frances Smith widow of     Smith that the aforesaid Frances Smith is now a widow and has remained a widow since the death of her husband and that she is the identical Frances Smith who has made application to the Department to be restored to the Pensions Rolls of the United States, and that she did not in any measure encourage the Rebels or manifest a sympathy with their cause in the late rebelliors and that we have no interested in the claims within directly or indirectly
W. N. Craig
Harrison Hayes

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and, I certify that the affiants are respectable persons and worthy of belief. and that I have no interest in this claim
Thomas R. Brackenridge
Notary Public [illegible]
Page 71

State of South Carolina
Pickens District | Office Court of Commons Pleas & [illegible]Sessions
I JE Hagood Clerk of the said Court do hereby certify that Thomas R Breckenidge  Esquire before whom the within attestation was made is and was a notary public at the time of so [illegible] in and for the State and District aforesaid that his attestation is in due form of law and that his signature there to is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of the said Court of Clerks Office Pickens Court [illegible] this the 26th Day of June 
AD 1866
JE Hagood
C.C.Ps.G.S
Page 72

[left leaf]

DECLARATION 
of 
Frances Smith of 
Pickens C.H.S.C.
For 
Increase of Pension.
(Under section 8, act July 27,1963
Pearson, Printer, corner 9th and Date.

Filed By
R.W. Walker
Attorney, 
Washington, D.C. 
Sept. 10/68.

[right leaf]

stamp 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
SEP 11 1868
PENSION OFFICE
Page 73

DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION.
(Under section 13, act of July 27, 1868.)

State of South Carolina 
District of Pickens} ss.

On this 28 day of August A.D. one thousand eight hundred and Sixty Eight, personally appeared before me 1 JE Hagood Clerk of the Court within and for the couuty and State aforesaid, Frances Smith aged 54 years, a resident of Pickens District in the State of South Carolina, who, being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the identical person to whom was granted pension certificate No. 1087328, payable at Washington City D.C., at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum, issued under the act of 5 July 1853; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension which she is entitled under the thirteenth section of July 27, 1868.
My post office address is as follows: Pickens C.H.S.C. 
And she hereby constitutes and appoints R. W. WALKER of Washington, D.C, her attorney to present and prosecute this claim,  and authorizes him to receive and receipt for any certificate, check or draft that may be issued for the same to her order, and to any other act or thing necessary or that she might do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose.

Two witnesses who write must sign here.
W.E. Holcombe
Tho R Brackenridge
 Frances X Smith 
Signature Claimant. 

Also personally appeared W E Holcomb and Thomas R Brackenridge, residents of Pickens District S Carolina, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Frances Smith sign............... name (or make her mark) to the foregoing declaration and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant  and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents her self to be, and they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
W.E. Holcomb
Tho R. Brackenridge

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day of August, A.D. 1869; and hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim 2. And I further certify that the foregoing affidavits were read over and fully explained to affiants before signing.
WE Hagood C.C.Ps.C.S.

1. Here state the official character of the person administering the oath.
2. This declaration must be executed before a JUDGE or CLERK of a court record.
.
Page 74

South Carolina
Frances Smith 
widow of 
Buckner Smith 
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll of Washington City [illegible] rate of 80 dollars
cents per annum, to commence on the 4th of March 1861.

Certificate of Pension issued 15th day of March 1867 and sent to Henry Walker
Washington D.C. 

Recorded on Roll of Pensions under act 
February 3, 1853, Page 346 Vol. H
JN Smith [illegible]
Clerk
Page 75

[left fold]

South Carolina
Frances Smith 
widow of Buckner 
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
[illegible] on the Roll at the rate of 
80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the [strike out] 3 February 1853
Certificate of Pension issued th
29th day of July 1853
and sent to Thos. Lumpkin
District
Paid to March 4/61

Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under [strike out] Page 146 Vol. [illegible]
3 February 1853

[right fold]

John F. Hunter [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
Henry & Walker from [illegible]

[illegible mark]
Page 76

State of South Carolina

Personally appeared before me Richard Thurston; one of the Justices assigned to keep the Peace in and for the District of Greenville in the State aforesaid Joshua Thompson of said District a person to me well known,- and made oath, That he the deponent enlisted and entered the service of the United States under Capt. John Cledenan in Orange County in the state of North Carolina. This deponent does well recollect, that Buckner Smith was at the time one of the Company that the said Buckner Smith + this deponent did serve out the term of their enlistment Eighteen months, that during their services they were in a battle at Cane Creek in Orange County under Capt. Clendenan, Col. Mabans Regiment [strike out] General Butler + Col. Maban- the said Buckner Smith was a patriot soldier of the Company and did his duty faithfully, + was discharged a the Haw fields near Hillsboro N.C. at the expiration of his term of Enlistment - This deponent form age + word of recollection cannot state the precise day month day or year  but does know that the said Buckner Smith was a faithful solider for the eighteen months above stated- and is [ink blot] of  opinion he did other services for the United States that which he did with [illegible] in Capt. Clendenans [illegible] of Infantry.
Sworn to and subscribed this 21- day of May 1833
Richard Thurston J.P
Joshua Thompson
Page 77

I do by certify that the named Joshua Thompson who this day came before me and took the oath in the written affidavit is a respectable citizen of Greenville [illegible] and is a credible person & his oath or word is worthy of credit and belief.

Given under my hand that this twenty fourth day of May anno dominus one thousand eighteen hundred & eighty three.
Richard Thurston JP [illegible]

The State of South Carolina 
I James McDaniel Clerk of the Court of [illegible] [illegible] for Greenville District in the State aforesaid hereby certify unto all whom it may concern 
 That Richard Thurston Esquire who has signed the above certificate of whose name appears to the written affidavit is an acting Magistrate duly appointed, as a Justice of the [illegible] for Greensville District, That all do faith & credit is & ought to be given to his testimony as such & that the above & further signatures are his proper hand writing- Given under my hand & seal of the Court of Greenville C H. this 21st day of May anno domini 1833. J McDaniel C.C. [illegible] Esq.
off [illegible]