Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File Dickson, Peter Forney, N C
Page 1

of the Continental Army Commanded the post. I cannot now recollect the precise date, but think it must have been a six months tour and after the time of service expired, the British being in force off Charleston, I induced a great portion of the Company to volunteer a longer service until we could be relieved by the Militia coming in to our aid.  and I think we staid about six weeks longer than the term of service required. Upon my return home from Charleston in the Spring of 1780.   I immediately volunteered under Lieutenant Colonel Hambright and went in pursuit of a certain Colonel Floyd a tory living on Fishing Creek South Carolina.  Hearing of our march he fled to Rocky Mount and we returned home and the same night I heard the tories were embodying at Ramfours Mills - the next day I turned out and went up the Catawba River when encountering a body of a tories near Mounting Creek, I returned and went immediately to General Rutherford to inform him_I met him at Major Dickson's, with a considerable force, when I attached myself to his Army and we made a forced  march to Ramfour's Mills_ But the tories had just been defeated by a body of Militia under the command of Major Rutherford, Captains Fall, Debjon, Bowman, Knox, Sloan and Houston.  The whole of the captains, I think were killed in the action, except for Houston who was wounded in the knee_ this battle took place the 10th day of June 1780.  The tories were commanded by John Moore.  
        The latter part of the year 1780 I was frequently out I may say almost in constant service in the county, until all the whigs were compelled to fly before Cornwallis across the Catawba River- I volunteered as one to reconnoiter the encampment of the British while they lay
Page 2

three days at my fathers plantation extending their lines onto a plantation which I occupied at that time- while they lay there they destroyed every thing we possessed-After they moved from this 
position with the main army to Beatiesford,  I was one of those who took post on the opposite
side, endeavouring to oppose what obstructions we
were able to prevent their crossing, and remained there
until a part of the light troops had effected a passage
at a bye and four or five miles below at a Ford
called Cow ans [Cowans] Ford  and in effecting our retreat, two of the men with me were lost one killed and the other
taken prisoner - upon this I fled to the widow Torrence, being pursued by Tarltons troop of Cavalry - 
at this place I found a considerable body of militia, but in great confusion inconsequence of the death of General Davidson who had been killed that morning by the Brittish [British] upon their crossing the river -
Then our troops were utterly defeated and dispersed and I retreated across the Yadkin river
and remained about Abbots creek about six weeks. During
this time I had no regular command, and uniting with
one party at one time, then with another wherever it
appeared any advantage could be afforded to our cause and served nine months the the best of my recollection.
I returned home in the Spring of 1781 and commenced repairing my plantation, which had been entirely burnt up while the Brittish [British} lay there, I continued at home until there was a call upon the militia to go to Willmington, when I again volunteered, and commanded a Company of Dragoons. 
Simmons and White were also captains and Charles Polk
I recollect was appointed Major of Dragoons. The
expedition was commanded by
General Rutherford
Page 3

We marched through that disaffected County
around Fayetteville and on to Wilmington 
Here General Rutherford by a will effected
Stratagems enforced a belief upon the British 
that our forces were much larger than they
really were and  in consequence of that belief 
they immediately evacuated Wilmington
We returned home in the fall I have
no recollection of the precise date of this
particular service but think it must
have been a four months tour.
This deponent states that he has
no documentary evidence to substantiate
his claim and relies upon the annexed affidavits
He hereby relinquishes every claim
whatever to a pension or annuity except the
present and declares that his name is not
on the pension roll of the agency of any
State
Sworn to subscribed the day and year
aforesaid
Peter Forny
[signature] [illegible] W. Beck Clerk
of Said Court
We Andrew Hogle and Robert Abernathey residing
in the County of Lincoln do hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with Peter Forney
who has subscribed to sworn to the above declaration
that we believe him to be seventy six years of age
that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the
Revolution and we concur in that belief-
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned
Andrew Hoyt
Robert Abernathy
Test Pardy McBee
Clerk of said Court
Page 4

General Joseph Graham being duly sworn in open Court deposeth that General Forney served a tour of Duty in a Legionary Corps
commanded by Colonel Robert Smith all under the command of General Rutherford to Fayetteville and Wilmington, against the Tories and British said Tour commenced early in September 1781 and returned home early in December the same year
Sworn to and subscribed October 31st 1832
J Graham
Test Vardy McBee
Clerk of Said Court

Also Abraham Forney came into open Court and made oath that he served with Peter Forney his brother, in several terms
amounting to about eighteen months or more in the army of the U. States, in the revolutionary war, & served 
part of the team he was an officer 
Abraham Forney
Sworn to as above
Test Vardy McBee Clerk
---
And the said Court do hereby declare their
Opinion that the above named applicant was a
Revolutionary soldier and served as he states
Vardy McBee Clerk of the County
Court do hereby certify that the foreging
Contains the original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application
Peter Forney for a pension testimony my
whereof I have hereunto at my hand 
and Seal of Office this 5th day of April
1832
Vardy McBee
Page 5

Marriage
Page 6

State of North Carolina
Lincoln County
This day appeared before me
one of the acting Justices of the County Court of Lincoln
County Nancy Forney of the County and State aforesaid aged seventy nine years who being duly sworn maketh the following declaration viz [namely] that she is the surviving widow
of Peter Forney deceased who was a certificated Pensioner and drew a pension for perhaps two years previous to his death. She further declares that she was married to the said Peter Forney on the fourth of March 1783, that she was not
married prior to his leaving the service, but was married
previous to the first of January 1794 viz [namely] at the time above stated that her Husband died on the 1st of February 1834, that she yet and has remained unmarried since his death, that their is no record of her marriage that she knows of, but that she believes they were married as above stated by James Johnston Esquire Sworn to before me the of November 1845
William Whiston 
[signature] 
Nancy her X Mark Forney

State of N Carolina
Lincoln County
This day appeared before me one of the
acting Justices of the County Court of Lincoln County
Abraham Forney, who being duly sworn saith that was at
the marriage of Peter Forney and Nancy Abernathy and that they
were married on the fourth March 1783 by James Johnston
who was then acting as a justice of Peace and further that all
that set forth in the above Petition or declaration is true.
Page 7

[signature] [illegible] 
viz that Peter Forney died on the first of February 1834 leaving Nancy Former, who is the identical person to whom he was married, his widow. That she has remained unmarried since that time
Sworn to before me this 18th of Nov. 1845
[signature] 
Abraham X Mark Forney 
[signature]
Robt Abernathy J P

I William Johnston Justice of the peace aforesaid as hereby certify that Abraham Forney is a man of good character & worthy of belief
December 2nd 1845
[signature]
William Johnston

I William Johnston as further certify that Nancy Forney is helpless & unable to attend the court in person
2nd Dec. 1845
[signature]
William Johnston

State of North Carolina
I, Robert Williamson, Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Lincoln, State aforesaid do hereby certify, that William Johnston and Robt Abernathy, Esqr whose names appear above are acting Justices of the Peace in & for said County, and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine
Given under my hand & the seal of said
Court, at office in Lincolnton, this 2nd day of
December AD. 1845
[signature]
R. Williamson C.C.C
[seal] [smudged]
Page 8

(Copy)
State of North Carolina
Lincoln County
Know all men by these presents, that
We Peter Forney & Joseph Henry are bound unto Alexander Martin Esqr. Capt. General & Commander in Chief in & over the State of North Carolina for the time being & his successors in off in the sum of three hundred pounds in specie, for which payment well & truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, [illegible], [illegible], 
by these presents. Sealed with our seals, this twenty seventh day of February A.D. 1783. 
The condition of the above obligation is such
that, whereas, the above [illegible] Peter Forney hath made
application to the Clerk's office for a licence of Marriage
to be celebrated between him the said Peter Forney &
Nancy Abernathy. Now if it shall appear at any future
time hereafter, that there is no just cause to obstruct
the said marriage, then the above obligation to be void,
otherwise to remain in full force & virtue. Witness our
hands and seals this 27th of February 1783.
Peter Forney ℗ Seal
Jos. Henry ℗ Seal
[signature]
John Carruth.
Page 9

State of North Carolina
I, Robert Williamson, Clerk
of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Lincoln, State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the within is a true & perfect copy of the marriage bond of the late
Peter Forney, now on file in my office, except, that in the original, the date, where it first occurs, is expressed in figures,
this 27th day of February A.D. 1783.
Given under my hand, and the seal of
said Court, at office in Lincolnton, this 6th
day of December, A.D. 1845.
R. Williamson, C.C.C.
[seal] [smudged]
Page 10

[upside down page]
[duplicated] [next]
Page 11

18540
Peter Forney
N C
22  [illegible]  22 days from
75 77 
Died 
1 Fby 1834
Nancy Forney
Widow
[bleedthrough]
J. Forney Esq
Forneys
Linden Co
NC
Vardy McBee/Clk
Lincoln Co
N.C.
Page 12

Brief in the case of Peter Forney
County of Lincoln in the State of North Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 76 about
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[chart}
Period. | Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days.  | Rank. As a |  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen. Lillington, Lincoln|
Sub-In 1776  | about 5 X ---  | Private| Capt. Johnston, Col Graham  |
Vol 1777-|  thinks 4 X --- | Lieut: | Capt. Reid, Col McLean |
Val 1779 - | thinks 6 X --- | [illegible] | 1 x 14 | Col Hampton Col [illegible] | 
" 1780 | not stated best of his recollection 9 | no regular command | [blank} |
1781 | thinks 4 | Captain of Dragoons | Col Chs Polk, Genl Rutherford
5.  In what battles was he engaged?  JHermeshing |
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? North Carolina
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditionary & living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Not properly attached, no clergyman
[symbol] Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
mentioned.
[signature] [illegible]
Examining Clerk. 

1 3 Mo. pri
2 4 . Lieut
3 1 1/2 pri
4 7 1/2 Capt
5 7 pr
6 1.15 pri
7 4 Capt
Page 13

April 1, 1936

Peter Forney W. W4955 
[smudged] 
BA-J/AWF
ann

Mrs. Mary H. Kelly
103 South Mebane Street
Burlington, North Carolina

Dear Madam:  
The data pertaining to Peter Forney which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 4955, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Peter Forney was born in the month of April, 1756, about five miles west of the Catawba River in Lincoln County, North Carolina, and lived in that neighborhood during the Revolution. The names of his parents were not stated.

He enlisted June 1, 1776 and served three months as 1st sergeant in Captain James Johnston's company, Colonel William Graham's North Carolina regiment. He enlisted February 1, 1777 and served four months as lieutenant in Captain James Read's company, Colonialtain [illegible] [Captain} Kirkendale's company, Colonel McLean's North Carolina regiment, this service was to suppress the Tories. He volunteered in the fall of 1779 and marched to Harrod's Station, length of this service one month and fifteen days as a private. Shortly after his return home, he volunteered and was appointed captain in Colonel Hampton's regiment and served seven months and fifteen days. He served in 1780 seven days as private under Lieutenant Colonel Hambright in pursuit of Tories. He enlisted in the latter part of 1780 and served one month and fifteen days as private, names of officers not given. He volunteered in 1781 and served four months as captain of a company of Dragoons in Colonel
Page 14

Robert Smith's North Carolina regiment.

Peter Forney was allowed pension on his application executed, October 31, 1832, while a resident of Lincoln County, North Carolina.

It is stated that he was a Member of Congress. He died February 1, 1834 in Lincoln County, North Carolina.
.
Peter Forney married March 4, 1783 in Lincoln County, North Carolina, Nancy Abernathy. She was allowed pension on her application executed, November 12, 1845, at which time she was aged seventy-nine years and living in Lincoln County, North Carolina. She died May 1, 1847

Reference is made to the following children, all
of whom survived their father:
Daniel M. Forney
Mary Reinhart
Jacob Forney
Moses Forney
Eliza Meek
Susanna Ship
Lavina Fullenwider
Nancy Johnson
Carolina Hunley
Sophia G. Hunter
James M. Forney.

The soldier's brother, Abraham Forney, was living in 1833 in Lincoln County, North Carolina; he also was a soldier in the Revolution.

Robert Abernathy was Justice of the Peace in Lincoln County, North Carolina in 1843; it is not shown that he was related to the widow, Nancy Forney.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 15

8375
Nancy Forney
426
Widow of Peter Forney, Private,
$75.77 per annum.
acts '38 
'43 &
'44 
---
N. Carolina Roll
---
Married March 4, 1783
husband died 1 Feb 1834
---
Cert: to Hon. 
James Graham
House of Reps
Page 16

March 31, 1936
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Mary H. Kelly
103 South Mebane Street
Burlington, North Carolina

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Robertson Goodwin, Robinson Goodwin, and Peter Forney, all of North Carolina. 
You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War record of Robison (Robinson) Goodwin, also the Revolutionary War record of Peter Forney.
These data are obtained from claims for pension based upon service in the War of the Revolution. This is the record of the only Robinson, Robertson or Robison Goodwin, found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 17

Copied from M. M. H. F.
hist Aug, 17 - 1925.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Copied from M. M. F.
hist Aug, 17 - 1925.

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
ADY

Miss Kathleen Yokeley,
West Memphis,
Arkansas.

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4955, that Peter Forney was born in April 1756, four or five miles west of the Catawba River in Lincoln County, North Carolina.
While a resident of said place he enlisted June 1, 1776 and served three months as first sergeant in Captain James Johnston's Company, Colonel William Graham's North Carolina Regiment.
From February 1, 1777 he served four months as lieutenant in Captain James Read's and Captain Kirkendale's Companies, Colonel McLean's North Carolina Regiment.
In the fall of 1779 he enlisted and served one month and fifteen days as private at Harrod's Station in Kentucky.
Upon his return home, he volunteered and served seven and one half months as captain in Colonel Hampton 's North Carolina Regiment, shortly after which he served seven days as a private under Lieutenant Colonel Hasbright.  
In the latter part of 1780 he enlisted and served one month and fifteen days as a private.
In 1781 he volunteered and served four months as captain of a company of Dragoons in Colonel Robert Smith's North Carolina Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed  October 31, 1832 while a resident of Lincoln County,
Page 18

North Carolina.
He died February 1, 1834 in said county.
It also appears in said papers that he was a member of
Congress.
Soldier married March 4, 1783 in Lincoln County, North Carolina, Nancy Abernathy. She was allowed pension on her application executed November 12, 1845 while living in Lincoln County, North Carolina, aged seventy-nine years.
She died May 1, 1847.
The following children survived the soldier:
Daniel M., Mary Reinhart, Jacob, Moses, Eliza Meck,
Susanna Ship, Lavina Fullenwider, Nancy Johnson, Carolina Hunley, Sophia G. Hunter and James M. Forney,
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 19

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
MMHF
August 17, 1925

Major C. M. McCorkle
Washington, D. C.

Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 4955 it appears that Peter Forney was born in April 1756 four or five miles west of the Catawba River in Lincoln County, North Carolina.
.
While a resident of said place he enlisted June 1, 1776 and served three months as First Sergeant in Captain James Johnston's Company, Colonel William Graham's North Carolina Regiment.

From February 1, 1777 he served four months as Lieutenant in Captain James Read's and Captain Kirkendale's Companies, Colonel McLean's North Carolina Regiment.

In the fall of 1779 he enlisted and served one month and fifteen days as private at Harrod's Station in Kentucky.

Upon his return home, he volunteered and served seven and one half months as Captain in Colonel Hampton's North.

[sidenote}
Miss Wilson read the papers over & OK'd this service. She said leave as reference to "General" & as Major for his son Daniel.
Page 20

Carolina Regiment, shortly after which he served seven days as a private under Lieutenant Colonel Hambright.

In the latter part of 1780 he enlisted and served one month and fifteen days as a private.

In 1781 he volunteered and served four months as Captain of a company of Dragoons in Colonel Robert Smith's North Carolina Regiment.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1832 while a resident of Lincoln County, North Carolina. . He died February 1, 1834 in said county. It also appears in said papers that he was a member of Congress.

Soldier married March 4, 1783 in Lincoln County, North Carolina, Nancy Abernathy. She was allowed pension on her application executed November 12, 1845 while living in Lincoln County, North Carolina aged seventy-nine years. She died May 1, 1847. The following children survived the soldier: Daniel M., Mary Reinhart, Jacob, Moses, Eliza Meek, Susanna Ship, Lavina Fullenwider, Nancy Johnson, Carrolina Hanley, Sophia G. Hunter and James M. Forney,

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

Sol. Bro. Abraham was with him in Rev.
Page 21

103 South Mebane St. 
Burlington N.C.
March 15, 1936

U.S. Pension Bureau
Revolutionary War Soldiers (Dept)
Washington, D.C.

[Round stamp with clock border] RECEIVED MAR 18 1936 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS. ADM. READER # 17 [arrow pointing to indicate time: 3:45] 

Dear Sirs:
Will you send me a copy of the service record of Robertson Godwin, Robinson Goodwin and Peter Forney, Robinson Goodwin is listed from Lincoln County in the Roster of N.C.  Revolutionary Soldiers, but the counties to which Forney and Robertson Goodwin below
are not listed in the Roster. 
Peter Forney is listed on pages 35, 576  N.C.  Roster 
Robinson Goodwin - Pages 441, 576 "  "  
Robertson Goodwin - Pages 129 "  "  
Thanking you very much for any information about the above soldiers, I am
Yours Very Truly
(Mrs) Mary Haynes Kelly

[sidenote]
CJ
Robertson
Robinson
etc
Page 22

West Memphis, Arkansas
July 3, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Will you please give me the
Revolutionary War record of Peter Forney,
he was located either in North Carolina or Tennessee at
time of securing pension.
This is wanted for Genealogical purpose.
Thanking you, I am
Very Respectfully,
Kathaleen Jokeley
Kathaleen Yokeley,

[stamp] U.S. Pension office
July 8, 1931
Page 23

West Memphis, Ark.
July 3, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Will you please give me the
Revolutionary War record of Peter Forney,
he was located either in N.C. or Tenn. at
time of securing pension.
This is wanted for Genealogical purpose. 
Thanking you, I am
Very Respt.,
[signature]
Kathaleen Yokeley
Kathaleen Yokeley,

[Round stamp with border] 
U S PENSIONS OFFICE
Jul 8 1931
Page 24

[sideways]
July 12 48
Pension Agent 
Fayetteville NC

[center]
J [illegible] L Edwards Eqsy
Commissioner of Pensions

Washington.
Page 25

[duplicate page]
[sideways]
July 12 48
Pension Agent
Fayetteville NC

[center]
J [illegible] L Edwards Eqsy
Commissioner of Pensions

Washington.
Page 26

Fayetteville Feby 8 1848
James L Edwards Esquir
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
On the 4th Jany last, I
enclosed to your address the papers in the case
of Nancy Forney- 18 months being one to her
under the Act of 1844.
May I beg to inquire if the papers
were received and an answer returned to me;
no Communication has been received in the Surety Form 
Very respectfully
[signature illegible]
[signature illegible]
Page 27


Peter Hagner Esq
3d Auditor of the [illegible] Dept.
Washington City
D.C.

[illegible] [upside down]
Page 28

May 2/48
Com
Fayetteville NC
26 Apl '48
James Huske
[illegible] Claims of
Jesse Jones &
Jas. Matthews
Recd 29 Apl 48

and 6th May
The P.S. of this Esther
respy referred to
the Com of Pensions
[illegible]

[upside down] [illegible]
Page 29

Fayetteville April 26th 1848
Peter Hagner Esq
3 Auditor & C
Hon Sir

I hand you enclosed, Wm Matthews &
Ashley Parrishes power of Attorney to draw the
arrears of Pension.  On the Estates for the time Did forth on the said forms. if found come [illegible] Jan mtr please forward the amount to Zo [illegible] 
Ond Spt
[signature] James Huske

P. S.
The Agent forwarded a Power of Attorney for arrears of Pension have the Heirs of Mrs Forney on the 8th
January 1848, which was payable at this office,
but wanted the Sanction of An Edwards before
it could he said . Will you be good enough to
to [illegible] make some enquiry in regard to it.  a Paper sent on at the same time, was sent back and
ordered to be paid; We supposed that [illegible] 
Edwards was sick.  by attending to this you Zan
[illegible] much oblige, 
Klein In
[signature] 
Tom [illegible]
James Hustle
Page 30

Peter Forney

[rest of page blank]
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 Peter Forney which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so  definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
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? yes
Page 32

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
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? 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?

If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?  the Court has not

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? yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? [illegible]
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank]  days, I served as a [blank];  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 each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c, without specifying the tours; the names of the
officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the
regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating 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 paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[hand symbol] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

All persons claiming to have served as Officer are required to produce their commission of or satisfactory proof that they were commissioned by competent authority, and that they served as 
Officer, regularly called [illegible] authority
Page 34

Pension Office
Fayetteville Jany 4 1848
James S Edward Equu
Commissioner of Pensions
S
Please direct the pay
of Nancy Forney
Act of 1844, at $75.77 for ann. whose
papers are enclosed
I am 
respectfully your Onsut
[signature] [illegible]

Agt
Page 35

Hon J Graham
HR 
Jan 10 46
Page 36

Washington January 9th 1846
Mr J L Edwards Comm of Pensions
I am well acquainted with Mistress Nancy Forney of Lincoln County North Carolina, the widow of the late General Peter Forney. I certify that she is helpless and unable to go to the Courthouse in Lincolnton which is 12 or 15 miles from her residence. 
I certify also that I am well acquainted with Wm Johnston who
took the declaration of Mistress Nancy Forney. I know the hand writing of Wm Johnston and that his is a Justice of the Peace of Lincoln County and one of the Justices of the County Court of that Court which is a Court of Record. and that the signature of Wm Johnston is in his own proper hand writing. I also certify that the signature of Robert Williamson is genuine and in his own proper hand writing and hat he is and was when he signed the
to Nancy Forney declaration, the Clerk of Lincoln County Court which is a Court of Record. 
I also certify that I fully believe and have no doubt that of Nancy Forney was able to go to said Court and present this declaration to that court signed by herself and tested by Wm Johnston & proved
Page 37

by Abraham Forney as it is, and whom I know to be a man of truth. I have no doubt and from the high character of the parties I say I know, the county court of Lincoln which is a
court of Record (and of which R Williamson is clerk) would promptly approve those proceeding
that they do certify [lined through] 
and certify from such
proofs so well known to themselves, they were well satisfied Nancy Forney was entitled to the Pension which she asks
certified by me
James Graham
M C of N C
Page 38

No 12 [illegible]
Nancy Forney
Widow of Peter
NC
act of July 1838
married in 1783
husband died 1 Feby 1834

[sideways]
Jan 1 1846
Nancy Forney
Jul 7 1838
[illegible]
Hon Jas Graham
[illegible] 

[upside down]
JL Edwards,
Pension Com
Washington
Page 39

No 12 [illegible]
Nancy Forney
Widow of Peter
NC
act of July 1838
married in 1783
husband died 1 Feby 1834

[sideways]
Jan 1 1846
Nancy Forney
Jul 7 1838
[illegible]
Hon Jas Graham
[illegible]

[upside down]
JL Edwards,
Pen [illegible]
[illegible]
Page 40

 H R January 2 1846 
Mr J L Edwards

I inclose you the papers of Mrs Nancy Forney of Lincoln County NC asking a pension. She lives within six miles of where I was raised. She is the widow of the late Genl Peter Forney formerly a member of Congress, and the mother [illegible] Daniel Forney whom you know. 
Her husband was a Pensioner, The papers in your office will
show that.  
She is old and unable to go to Court I know that.
I presume the papers are all regular, but if not please inform me. I know intimately all the persons whose names are signed to her paper
yours
James Graham
Page 41

Forney's Sept. 12th 1834
Mr J.L. Edwards
Sir
Your letter of the 22nd of August was received.  My mother Nancy Forney will accept of the certificate as proposed.  You will forward it as soon as convenient. 
I am yours
Respectfully 
[signature]
J. Forney
Page 42

[sideways]
Claim of the widow of Peter Forney [illegible]
N Carolina

[illegible]
L. Cafe Secretary of War
Care of J L Edwards
Washington DC 

[upside down]
Son
Page 43

[duplicate page]
[sideways]
Claim of the widow of Peter Forney [illegible]
N Carolina

[illegible]
L. Cafe Secretary of War
Care of J L Edwards
Washington DC

[upside down]
Son
Page 44

Forney's May 2, 1834
Mr J L Edwards

Sir
Enclosed is the Clerks certificate certifiyng the name of my mother and  also the death of my Father.
With regard to the evidence relating to my Fathers Pension, I have procured the Affidavit of Adam Straup which will prove that my Father was a Captain as set forth in his declaration in the Wilmington Tour and confirming the affidavit of Solomon Straup, which will he forwarded to you next mail.
I am not able to say if any further evidence can be got and if you will have
to make out his Pension from what is before you
Respectfully yours
J. Forney
Address Forney's Lincoln County North Carolina
Page 45

Lincoln County N. Carolina Sept 14th 1845
Dear Sir
I called upon Col John Wheeler of this County a few days ago to obtain some information as to the mode of procuring for a widows pension.  He had not the several acts of Congress that have been passed, nor any blanks but recommended to apply to you, making such a statement of the facts as would enable you to comprehend the case, and ask of you as a favor to transmit each information & such blanks as might be necessary to place the matter property before the department.  
The facts are simply these. Genl Peter Forney was a soldier of the revolution.  he appaid for a pension & was entered upon the list.  he drew his pay regularly till the time of his death which was in 1834.  his wife survived him & is still have never having married. She asked me as a friend to draw up the declaration for her.  I have made some exertion but have not been able to procure the means of so doing & am therefore compelled to apply to the commissioner of Pension & ask him as a special favor to furnish me with such blanks so as may be necessary. 
Yours [illegible]
W. M. Shipp
Address any communication you may deem necessary
to Dr William Johnston Collage Homes Lincoln Co. N.C.
Page 46

North Carolina 9814
---
Nancy Forney
Widow of Peter Forney
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 1st February 1834
of Lincoln Co. in the State of N Carolina
who was a Private in the company
commanded by Captain [blank] of the regt.
commanded by Col. Graham in the N.C. [blank] 
line for [blank]
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina 
at the rate of 75 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of
January 1846 and sent to Hon James Graham, House of Representatives 
Total amount, $ [blank] 
(Act July 7, 1838.)
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 1. Page 289
Page 47

Children

[rest of page blank]
Page 48

North Carolina
Lincoln County
April Sessions 1834
I Miles W. Abernathy Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, do here by Certify, that by evidence given in open Court, it was satisfactorily  proven, that by Peter Forney A soldier of the Revolutionary war died
in departure this life on the first day of February 1834. That the said General Peter Forney has left recovering him widow, to wit, Nancy Forney, and eleven children, Daniel M. Forney, Mary Forney, alias Mary Reinhart, Jacob Forney, Moses Forney, Eliza Forney, alias Eliza Meek, Susanna Forney, alias see Sumner Ship, Lavina Fortney, alias Lavina  Fullenwinder, Nancy Forney alias Nancy Johnson, Carolina Forney alias 
Carolina Hunley, Sophia G. Forney alias Sophia G Hunter and James M. Forney, and moreover that the above named Nancy Forney widow of Gen. Peter Forney a soldier of the revolutionary war is
the person entitled to the pension claimed by the aforesaid Gen. Peter Forney a soldier of the Revolutionary war.  by act of Congress [illegible] 7th June 1832.  In testimony whereof , I have here unto subscribed my name and of affixed my seal of office this 29th day of April 1834
[signature]
July W Abernathy
Clerk of Lincoln County
Courts
I John B Hanny Channan of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
head for the County of Lincoln
Page 49

do hereby certify that Miles W. Abernathy whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is the Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions held for the County of Lincoln
and that all due faith and [illegible] it one to be given to his acts as such. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my name a man of the Court of Pleas
and Quarter Sessions aforesaid

[signature] 
John W Harry Chairman
of the County Court or
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sess
Page 50

of
State of North Carolina ⎬ Lincoln County
Personally appeared Abraham Farney
Brother of Peter Fanny
who being duly sworn, deposeth and
Saith that he distinctly recollects that
his brother Peter Farney was a substitute for Adam Shoup in Captain James Johnstons company of that he left
home about 11th of June 1776 and
marched to Fort McFadden in what
Is now Rutherford County, that his
Brother must have served in this term at least
three months, that his brother Peter Farney was an officer 
Of first Sergant as he the said Peter Farney had placed 
the Deponent as a continental 
in the Fort. The Deponent states the
he and his Brother Volunteered in Captain James Rings 
company. his Brother Peter Farney a 
Lieutenant about the first of February 
1777 that they marched into North Carolina
and finding the tories had fled they
returned to South Carolina and having taken several
persons prisoners. The deponent was ordered
to march with Captain Hand to
Salisbury with the prisoners
That the deponent returned home from Salisbury about the 1st of april that his Brother
Peter Farney did not return until
June that his brother Peter Farney must have served
n this town for at least four 
months. The deponent states that during the
year 1788 and part of the year 1779 his
Brother Peter Farney was most of the
Page 51

of the Continental Army commanded the post.  I cannot now recollect the prior date, but think it must have been a six months tour and after the time of service expired, the British being in force off Charleston, induced a great portion of the company to volunteer a longer service until we could be relieved by the militia coming in to our aid and I think we stayed about six weeks longer than the term of service required.  Upon my return home from Charleston in the spring of 1780, I immediately volunteered under Lt. Colonel Hambright and went in pursuit of a certain Colonel Floyd a tory living on Fishing Creek, South Carolina.  Hearing of our march he fled to Rocky Mount and we returned home and the same night I heard that the Tories were embodying at Ramfaur Mills- the next day I turned out and went up the Catawba River when encountering a body of  Mounting Creek, I returned and went immediately to General Rutherford to inform him.  I met him at Major Dickson's, with a considerable force, when I attached myself to his army and we made a forced march to Ramfaur's Mills- But the Tories had just been defeated by a body of militia under the command of Major Rutherford, Captains Falls, Dobjon, Bowman, Knox, Sloan and Houston.  The whole of these captains, I think were killed in this action except Houston who was wounded in the knee-this battle took place the 10th day of June 1780.  The Tories were commanded by XX Moore.

The latter part of the year 1780 I was frequently out, I may say almost in constant service in this County, until all the Whigs were compelled to fly before Cornwallis across the Catawba River.  I volunteered as one to reconnoiter the encampment of the British while they lay
Page 52

State of North Carolina )
Lincoln County              )

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, Peter Forney who being duly sworn and saith that due reason of old age & the cause of (illegible) of necessary, he cannot swear as truly as to the precise length of his service, but according to the last of his recollection he served not less than periods men trained (illegible) and in the following grades:  first term, for three months I served as a non-commissioned officer.  See declaration No. 1.  Second term for four months I served as a Lieutenant.  See declaration No. 2.  Third term.  For one month & fifteen days I served as a private.  See declaration No. 3.  Fourth term.  For seven months and fifteen days, I served as a Captain.  See declaration No. 4.  Fifth term.  For 7 days I served as a private.  See declaration No. 5.  Sixth term.  For one month & fifteen days I served as a private.  See declaration No. 6  Seventh term.  For four months I served as Capt. of the Dragons.  See declaration No. 7.  And as such service I claim a pension.
Sworn & subscribed 22 of October 1833.
                                    His
                            Peter X Forney
                                 Mark

J. Forney J.P.
Page 53

State of North Carolina )
Lincoln County              )

Personally appeared Soloman Strange, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has frequently heard his father Adam Strange say that he was a soldier under Peter Forney who was a Captain and commanded a troop of cavalry in a tour to Wilmington [sic] 
Sworn and subscribed this 29th October 1833.

                                      Soloman Strange

J. Forney JP

State of North Carolina )
Lincoln County              )

I Miles Abernathy Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions certify that Jacob Forney before whom the foregoing depositions were taken is a magistrate in and for said county.  Given from under my hand to which shows affixed my seal of office.  This 29th day of October in the year 1833.

                                   Miles M. Abernathy
                                   Clerk of the Court for
                                   Lincoln County

I certify that Abraham Forney & Soloman Strange are both men of honorable veracity given under my hand this 29th day of October 1833.

                        J. Forney