Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32139, George Bridges, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)
Service                                           Number
N. C.          Bridges, George            S.32139
Contents
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Illinois 26 421
========================
George Bridges of Madison Co. in the State of Ill
who was a Pr. in the Company commanded
by Captain McCree of the Regt commanded
by Col Griffin in the No Carolina
line o for Militia 366
9 Mo $30.00
==============================
Inscribed on the Roll of Ill
at the rate of 30 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
==============================
Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of Jun
and Direct to
'34 Hon. Z. Casey, W.R.
==============================
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 3                90.00
Sems-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep    15.00
                                                           ====
                                                         $ 105.00
                                                             ====
                                    {Revolutionary Claim,}
                                    {for June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D. T. Sprague Clerk
Book C Vol. 8 Page. 64
==============================
(next page)
see letter 24 Dec '35
N. J. Reynolds
Page 3

George Bridges
12.508
Page 4

State of Illinois ⎬
Madison County.
On this fourth day of September,
personly appeared before the County Commissioners
Court of the County of Madison now sitting George
Bridges, a resident of Madison County,
and State of Illinois, aged 70 years, who being
first duly sworn, according to Law, doth
on his oath, make the following declaration,
in order to obtain the benefit of the
provision made by the act of Congress passed
June 7, 1832. That he, the said George
Bridges Enlisted in the army of the United States
in the year 1776 or 1777 in the month
of March he thinks, and served in the regiment
commanded by Colonel Griffith McCree (the
number of the Regiment is not remembered)
of the Continental line, under the following named officers:
That he was enlisted by Lieutenant
Christopher Goodwin, as a drummer, and
belonged to the Company commanded
by Captain Griffith McCree the Colonel's
name is not recollected; but soon after
his enlistment Captain McCree was promoted to Colonel and Lieutenant Goodwin
to Captain That he was enlisted at
Salsbury Rowan County, North Carolina
and was stationed at Elizabethtown till fall
when he was marched to Willmington the
head quarters for the winter, and remained 
there till in the summer, during this
time he became acquainted with many
of the officers; he was then parolled or
permitted by furlough to go to Elizabethtown 
and remained at the house of Captain
Page 5

Goodwin till fall and attend to his duties
there, and was discharged in the month of
October as he thinks making more than
Eighteen months in the actual service of
the United States. That he received a
discharge but it has been lost.
He the said George Bridges further declares
that he was drafted in the spring of 1780 or 1781 at
the town of  Salisbury in the County and State
aforesaid and served in the Militia and belonged
to the company commanded by Captain
James Craig in the Regiment commanded
by Colonel Fifer, Brigade commanded by
General Davison, and was stationed at Colonel
Fifers for some time in expectation of the British
coming to that place, but they come no further than
to the place called the pine tree, and then turned
of towards Charleston (he thinks), after that his company
was marched to the decayed
was discharged having been in the service
for two or three months they had no fighting
during the campaign.
That in the the year 1780 or 1781 he was again
drafted at  Salisbury in the County and State
aforesaid and belonged to the company
commanded by Captain James Craig
in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Fifer and of the Brigade commanded
by General Davison that they were marched
to Charlotte and remained there near two
months he thinks and then went from there
in pursuit of the enemy to Big Santer
river and was stationed in that neighborhood
till his term of service had expired making
three month in the service and was discharged
Page 6

That soon after his return to Sailsbury
the British came to that place and
he and a number of others were taken
prisoners by them and was confined at
that place for some time when he
made his escape from them while
the sentinels were asleep how long he was a
prisoner he does not know
He further states that soon after this his
Brother William Bridges was drafted and he
the said George Bridges took his place
and served in the company commanded
by Captain Gamble and in the regiment
commanded he thinks by Colonel Thomas
Frowhawk and went in the persuit of
the notorious Colonel Fanning the Tory that
they started from the neighborhood of
Sailsbury and followed him to a large ┃
Swamp between Salsbury and Cross Creek
where he was attacked and defeated with
the loss of most of his horses and many
men that after this engagement they
returned to Salsbury and he was
engaged at Colonel Frowhawks in doing
Smith work and making catridges
for the army till his term of service
had expired which was three months
and was then discharged. And he further
declares that the said William Bridges
is dead and never received any reward
or compensation for his service, but he
the said George Bridges was entitled to
the whole of the said pay and reward
And he declares that he served as herein
stated and that it made more than two
years that he was in the actual service
Page 7

of the United States. And that he received
a discharge at the end of each term of service
but they have been lost so that he has
no documents to prove he service by and be
further states that he knows of no person in this
country by whom he can prove his services
He states that he was born at or near Elizabeth on
Cape Fear River on the 12th day of February, 1762.
That his parents moved to Salsbury Rowan County
Carolina before the Revolutionary war. that he lived
there till about 1798 and then moved to the
State of Kentucky and lived there 12 years
when he moved to Madison County and State of
Illinois in the year 1811 where he has resided ever
since He has no record of his birth and knows of none
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to
a pension or an annuity, except the present and
he declares that his name is not on the pension
roll of any agency in any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed.
the day and year aforesaid
George Bridges
We, Samuel Wood, a Clergyman, residing
in the County of Madison, and William Robinson
residing in the same County, hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with George
Bridges who has sworn to and subscribed the
above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is reputed
and believed, in the neighborhood where
he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion

Sworn to and subscribed ⎬ Samuel Wood Mg -
the day and year aforesaid  Wm. Robinson

And the said Court do hereby declare
Page 8

there opinion, after the interrogatories of
the matter and after putting the interrogations
prescribed by the War Department, that the
above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states. And the
Court further certifies, that it appears
to them that Samuel Wood who has signed
preceeding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident
in the County of Madison, and that William
Robinson, who has also signed the same is a
resident in the County of Madison, and is a
credible person, and that their statement
is entitled to credit.
I, John T. Lusk Clerk of the County
commissioners Court of Madison County,
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application
of George Bridges for a pension -
In Testimony whereof, I have ┃
hereunto set my hand and
seal of my office this fourth
day of September in the year
of our Lord 1832
J. T. Lusk Clerk
Esq.
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State of Illinois
Madison County
I, John T. Lusk Clerk
of the County Commission
Court and for the County of Madison
and State of Illinois, hereby certify that the
foregoing sheets contain the original
proceedings in our said court on the
application of George Bridges for a pension
at our September term of said Court for the
year 1833
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of our said
Court at Edwardsville this
29th day of July A.D. 1833
J.T. Lusk Clk
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12.508
George Bridges
Illinois
Return
for 1780 Jun
9 - $30
Hon Z. Casey
N.C
Seth T. Sawyer Esq
Edwardsville
Illinois
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State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office
Sir
I do not find the name of George
Bridges on the musterrolls of the Continental line
of this State in the revolutionary war.
I am respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Wm. Hill
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WAR DEPARTMENT 
Pension Office
25. Sep 1833

Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and 
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is 
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, 
you will find marked in the Margin with a brace (thus: } ). You will, when 
you return your papers to this Department, sent this printed letter with them; and 
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 

A STATEMENT, shewing the Service of George Bridges

Period when the  |
the service was rendered.
1777
1780
"
1781.

Duration of claimant's service.
Years| Months| Days
1. 7.
3
3
3

Rank of the claimant.
Drummer
pvir
"
"
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Cap. McCree
Cap. Craig H.
" " H.
" Gamble

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
70.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, 
Commissioner of Pentions
J.L. Edwards,
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of
On this
day of
personally appeared (a) before
A B. a resident (b) of
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of
aged (c)
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)
with and
served in the
(e) regiment of the _ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
I __ of the Court of ___
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of __ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, 
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Solder.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer.
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow
the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine what amount of pension he is entitled. 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 lows 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 is the following grades: - For ___ year ___ months, and ____days, I served as a ___. For ____ months and  ___days, I served as a ___; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, 
&c. without specifying the tours, the names of officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h[ The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no 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.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the record 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.
The notes from [a] to [l] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [ ] note [j] applies to continental teoops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 15

July 7, 1939.

BA-J/AWF/ILL
George Bridges
S. 32139

Mrs. H. E. Montague
619 Rock Street
Little Rock, Arkansas.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request
the Revolutionary War record of George Bridges, of North Carolina,
who moved to Illinois, also, the record of a soldier with the
surname Jewell of Virginia or Kentucky
In order to identify the record of the particular soldier
of the Revolutionary War with the surname Jewell in whom you are
interested, it is essential that you furnish his full name, also,
the approximate dates of his birth and death, and residence after
that war.
The record of George Bridges follows; the data where
obtained from the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 32139,
based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
George Bridges was born February 12, 1762 at, or near
Elizabeth on Cape Fear River. The names of his parents were not shown;
he moved with them to Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina, before
the Revolution, and lived there during the war.
George Bridges enlisted March 10, 1777 in Captain Griffith
McCrea's company, in a short time, Captain McCrea was promoted to area was promoted to Colonel, and said George Bridges served as
a drummer in Captain Christopher Goodwin's company, Colonel Griffith McCrea's North Carolina regiment
until discharged in the month of October, 1778. He served in
the fall of 1780, three months in the same company and regiment and was in pursuit of the enemy to the Big Santee River. He was taken prisoner by the British and Tories, when Salisbury was taken, made his escape when
Page 16

the sentinels were asleep; length of time in captivity not
stated. He served as substitute for his brother, William Bridges,
from sometime in April or May, 1781, three months as private
in Captain Gamble's Company, Colonel Thomas Frowhawk's North Carolina
regiment, was in an engagement with the Tory lender, Colonel
Fanning, in which the Tories were defeated.
George Bridges lived in Salisbury, North Carolina, until about
1798 when moved to Kentucky, where he resided until 1811, when he
moved to Madison County, Illinois.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September
4, 1832, then a resident of Madison County, Illinois.
William Bridges, son of the soldier, George Bridges, gave his
address in 1834 Lebanon, St. Clair County, Illinois. The papers in
this claim contain no further reference to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name
and address of person paid, and possibly, the date of death of
this pensioner, you should address the Comptroller General, General
Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
George Bridges
Certificate #26421
Issued June 25, 1834
Rate $30 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Illinois Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 17

32139
Revy INVALID.
File No.
32139

George Bridges
Ptv' Rev War

Act: June 7th 32"
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 55
[Arrangement of 1870.}

1912 Sept. 19. History to
Miss Gertrude Converse &
1917 Jan. 23. Hist. to Hon. William
P. Borland.  [cent sign]
1928 - Oct. 3. - Hist. to C. T. Bridges
1929 Feb. 5. Hist. to Mrs. Gordon
Hall, A. D. Y.
1930 - Apr. 23. Hist to Mrs
Elma E. Hall Aug.
1937 - Male 25 - liest. B.J. Walter Aug.
B.J. Walter
1939. July 7 -  Hist to Mrs. H. Montague
A.WF. Copied by I.L.L.
Page 18

Honl J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 19

Edwardsville Madison Co Illinois
May 31st 1834
Dear Sir
Herewith I forward you the
petitions of George Bridges for a pension
also the deposition of Mary Brown certifying 
the enlistment of the said Bridges into
the regular army it is for you to decide
upon their sufficiency. He has made all
the proofs that is within his power &
he is in absolute necesity for some assistance
But if you cannot allow the whole length
of his services then allow him for
what time he served in the Militia as a
half a loaf is something to a staring
man. And as the charity of his country
can but last for a very short time for
him as he is almost gone and in all
probability will not survive this hot
season at hand I most willingly supplicate
in his behalf
In haste
I am Dr. sir your most
James L. Edwards Esqr Obgd & Honr' Servt
Com of Pensions
U.S.
Seth T. Sawyer
Page 20

Carlyle Ill
May 23d
Mont

Free
Pension claim

Hon. Zadock Casey M. of Congress
from Illinois, H. of Rept.
Washington City
D.C.
Page 21

Lebanon St. Clair Co. Ill.
May 22d 1834.
Hon. Z. Casey
Dear Sir
Will you be so kind as to
go to the Pension office and make a little
inquiry as to the claim of Geo. Bridges for
a pension. He has had papers made
[unreadable] and sent on to that department
and cannot get any specific directions
or information relative to the same. He has
heard that if he will relinquish the regular
pay he can draw that of a Militiaman.
Please state what the regular pay may
be and the proof requisite to obtain the 
same - also the difference of the one (Regular
or Militia) from the other, and please direct
to me at Lebanon
and Sir I remain
with great respect & esteem
your very obt . Sert.

William Bridges
of Geo Bridge
Page 22

Ills.
J L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington
Hon. Z. Casey
Page 23

Rep. Hall

June 14th 1834
Sir
Enclosed I send you a letter from
Mr. Wm Bridges in relation to a
pension claim of Geo. Bridges
Be so good as give the subject
early attention and inform me
of the result. please return the
letter.

Your obt. Sevt.
Z. Casey
Edwards Esq
Page 24

George Bridges
Amended Declaration
Page 25

State of Illinois
Madison County
ss. 
I Josiah Cowell an acting
Justice of the peace in and for the
County of Madison and State of Illinois hereby
certify that I am acquainted with George
Bridges who has subscribed and sworn to the
above amended declaration and that he is a
man of truth and veracity and that his
declarations are believed to be true where
he is best known and in the neighborhood
where he resides he is believed to have served
his declaration of the 4th of September last in this amended
declaration and I fully concur in that
opinion
Given under my hand and
Seal this 29th Day of July A.D. 1833
Josiah Caswell JP Seal

State of Illinois
Madison County 
ss.
I, John T. Lusk Clerk
of the County Commissioners
Court and Recorder of Civil Commissions
in and for the County of Madison and State of
Illinois, do hereby certify, that Josiah
Caswell, whose signature appears to the
foregoing declaration, and certificate,
is now and was at the time of subscribing
his name to the foregoing declaration & certificate
an acting Justice of the peace, and duly commissioned
as such in and for the County of Madison & State of Illinois and that full faith and credit
are to be given to all his official acts and
further that the signature which appears
to the foregoing declaration and certificate
are the true and genuine signatures of the
said
Josiah Caswell
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of our said Court at
Edwardsville this 29th day of July A.D. 1833.
J. T. Lusk Clk
Page 26

aff. of Mary Brown
Page 27

State of Illinois
Madison County

On this twenty sixth day
of May A.D. 1834 personally appeared
in open Court Mary Brown who being
first duly sworn makes oath and says
that she personally knows George Bridges
who has made application for a pension
under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That she well recollects that he enlisted
at Sailshury Rowan County North Carlolina
on or about the tenth day of March
in the year 1777- and was commanded by
Captain Griffith McCree Lieutenant
Christopher Goodwin, that he enlisted
as a drummer and soon after his
enlistment he was marched from
Sailsbery to Elisabethtwon where
he was stationed for several months
from there he went to Wellmington
where the troops were wintered
That he was in the army for some
years before he returned to his fathers
but she cannot state the precise
day on which he was discharged
but it was more than two years
at least he was out to the end of
the war and further this deponent
saith not
Sworn to and subscribed
[unreadable] open Court this
26 day of May 1834
Will E Starr Clk
her
Mary x Brown
mark
And the said Circuit Court of Madison
County and State aforesaid do hereby
certify that the above named
Page 28

Poly Brown is a person of truth
and veracity and that her affidavit
is entitled to confidence &c


I William E Starr Clerk of the
Circuit Court aforesaid do hereby
certify that the above procedings
were had in the said Court
the day and year first above
written 
In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the
seal of said Court at
Edwardsville this 26th
day of May A.D. 1834
William C Starr
Clk
Page 29

State of Illinois
Madison County
On this twenty ninth day
of July A.D. Eighteen hundred
and thirty three personly appeared
before me the undersigned an acting Justice
of the peace in and for the County of Madison
and State of Illinois George Bridges a resident
of the County & State aforesaid aged 71 years.
who being duly sworn according to law doth on
oath make the following amended declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress passed June 7. 1832
He the said George Bridges declares that
he enlisted into the army of the United States, in
the State of North Carolina at Sailsbury in Rowen
County as a drummer on or about the tenth
day of March in the year 1777 and was commanded 
as stated in his declaration of the
fourth day of September 1832 and served as
therein stated, and was in the service of the
United States as a drummer till October 1778
when he was discharged. He declares that
he was acquainted with General Marion,
Gates & Green also with Colonel Washington
Drum Major Hervey of Marions Brigade
He declares that he service for about nineteen months as a regular solder and ranked
as a drummer. The said George Bridges further
declares that he was drafted at Sailsbury
in the County & State aforesaid in the month
of June 1780 and was commanded as
states in his aforesaid declaration of 4th Sept
1832 and served as therein stated in said
declaration and was in the service for
three months he as a private when he was discharged and
returned home
And he further declares that he was
drafted again at the same place as states
above the last of October of the first of
Page 30


November in the year 1780 and was commanded as states in the said declaration of the 4th
September 1832 and served as therein stated and was
out for three months as a private and was then regularly discharged the last of January or first
of February 1781.  Soon after his return from
the army the British tories came to Sailsbury when he volunteered and went against them, and was taken a prisoner at the taking of the twon and was kept
for some time when he made his escape
and returned home how long he was a
prisoner he does not Recollect
He the said George Bridges further declare
that in either the month of April or May
1781 his Brother William Bridges was drafted
at Sailsbury in the County & State
aforesaid and he the said George Bridges took
his place and served as a private soldier
and was commanded by Capt Gamble &
as stated in the aforesaid declaration of
the 4th of September 1832 and served as
state therein and in the Battle with Fanning
the notorious Tory & as states in the said
declaration: and he further declares that
he was to receive all of the rewards and
pay for the services. and further that the
said William Bridges is dead as stated in
the said declaration
He declares that he served not less than
the periods mentioned below and in the
following grades for one year and seven months
I served as a drummer and for six months
a service as a private soldier and for three
months I served as a substitute as a private
solder and for service I claim a pension

Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 29th day of July 1833 
Josiah Caswell
George Bridges
Page 31

Springfield, Illinois
Sept 10, 1912
Hon. John C. Davenport
Dear Sir
Will you please
give me the military record of
George Bridges, a soldier of the
American Revolution? He came
from North Carolina, and was
pensioned in the State of Illinois
Was in Madison county.
Also of William McAdams, a
soldier of the Revolutionary war
likewise from North Carolina who
was pensioned in Illinois?
Thanking you for your courtery
I am
Truly yours
(Mrs) Gertrude Converse
1227 South Sixth st
Page 32

Little Rock
MAY 16
9.30 PM
1939
THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
Received
May 19 1939
Mail Sub Div.
Vet.Adm.
[unreadable]
[cancelled stamp] 1 [cent]
Director of Pension
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
Page 33

Division of Pensions, Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir
Please send any record of
service in the Revolutionary War of
George Bridges, North Car., later to Ky.
& still later Ill.
Also, __ (?) Jewell, Rev. War from
Virginia, later to Ky.
Address: Mrs. H.E. Montague
#619 Rock St.: Little Rock, Ark.
Page 34

AMERICAN LEGION, Wabash Post No. 423
MT. CARMEL, ILLINOIS

B. J. WALTER.
DEPT. OF MILITARY RECORDS
AND GRAVES REGISTRATION

March 6, 1937.
The Veterans Administration,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Please furnish pension claim record and any other
information available of a one George Bridges
who served during the War of the Revolution.
This soldier enlisted Salisbury March 10, 1777
and served under Catpains, Griffith, McCrea and
Christopher Goodwin. Again in 1780 under Captain
James Craig and again for three months.
This soldier died in Madison County, Illinois.

Very truly yours,
[signature of B.J. Walter]
B.J. Walter,
Dept. Military Records and
Graves Registration,
American Legion,
Wabash Post #423.
BJW:rpf

Received 
Mar 10 1937
Mail Sub-Div.
Vets. ADM 21
Page 35

Pueblo, Colo.
Feb 14, 1930
United States
Pension Department,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Will you be so kind as to send
me a brief of pension granted
George Bridges, Revolutionary
Soldier, who enlisted in the
Patriot Army Mch 10, 1777. Pension
approved Sept 4, 1832.
Addressed, stamped envelope
attached
Yours truly

Mrs. Alma E. Hall
927 E. 10th
Pueblo, Colo

Pension
U. Feb 17 1930 S.
Office
Page 36

Pueblo, Colo
Mar 4, 1928
Hon. Pension Commissioner
Washington D.C
Dear Sir: -
Kindy give me service
record of one George
Bridges, who served in
the Revolutionary war,
service was fill #32139,
and whose record is on
file in Washington, Pension
office.

Thanking you, I am
Mrs. Gordon Hall
927 E. 10th St.
Pueblo, Colo.

Pension F
U. May 7 1928 S.
Office
Page 37

Bethany Mo
Dec 18-1927

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C

Dear Sir. I would like to have the War
Record of George Bridges a Revolutionary Soldier
enlisted at Salsbury North Carolina March 10th 1777
any information
I would Very thankful for.
Yours Truly
C.T. Bridges
Bethany No.
Page 38

SIXTY-FOURTH CONGRESS.
JOHN J. FITZGERALD, N. Y., CHAIRMAN.
SWAGAR SHERLY, KY.  FREDERICK H. GILLETT, MASS.
ROBERT N. PAGE, N.C  JAMES W. GOOD; IOWA.
GEORGE W. RAUCH, IND.   FRANK W. MONDELL, WYO.
JOSPEH W. BYRNS, TENN.   CHARLES R. DAVIS, MINN.
THOMAS UPTON SISSON, MISS.   WILLIAM S. VARE, PA.
WILLIAM P. BORLAND, MO.    JOSEPH G. CANNON, ILL.
JAMES MO ANDREWS, ILL.   WILLIAM H. STAFFORD, WIS.
WILLIAM SCHLEY HOWARD, GA.  C. BASCOM SLEMP, VA
JOHN M. EVANS, MONT.
JOHN J EAGAN, N.J.
JAMES P. BUCHANAN, TEX.
JAMES A. GALLIVAN, MASS.
MARCELLUS C. SHEILD, CLERK,
WILLIAM A. RYAN, ASSISTANT CLERKS
FRANCIS J. KELLY, ASSISTANT CLERKS

COMMITTEE on APPROPRIATIONS,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.

January 19, 1917.

Hon. G.M. Saltzgaber,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

My dear Mr. Commissioner:
The enclosures explain themselves. If you can furnish me
with any information from the records of your office concerning the case
in question, I would very much appreciate your doing so, returning the
enclosures with your reply.

Yours very truly,
Wm Berton

Enc.
1917 Jan. 23. Letter from
Mr. Bridgers, Mr. Borlands
call upon A.G.O. & reply
returned to Mr. Borland [cent sign]

Pension G.
U. Jan 22 1917 S.
Office
Page 39

March 25, 1937

Mr. B. J. Walter
American Legion, Wabash Post #423
Mt. Carmel, Illinois

George Bridges
S. 32139
BA-J/AWF

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which
you request information relative to George Bridges,
who served in the Revolutionary War from Salisbury,
North Carolina, and later lived in Madison County,
Illinois.
The data which follow concerning George
Bridges were obtained from papers on file in pension
claim, S. 32139, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
George Bridges was born February 12, 1762 at
or near Elizabeth on Cape Fear River. The names of
his parents were not shown; he moved with them to
Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina, before the
Revolution, and lived there during the war.
George Bridges enlisted March 10, 1777 in
Captain Griffith McCrea's company, in a short time,
Captain McCrea' was promoted to Colonel, and said
George Bridges, served as drummer in Captain Christopher Goodwin's company, Colonel Griffith McCrea's
North Carolina regiment until discharged in the month
of October, 1778. He enlisted sometime in June, 1780
and served three months as private in Captain James
Craig's company, Colonel Fifer's North Carolina regiment.
He served in the fall of 1780, three months in
same company and regiment, and was in pursuit of the
enemy to the Big Santee River. He was taken prisoner
Page 40

by the British and Tories, when Salisbury was taken,
made his escape when the sentinels were asleep; length
of time in captivity not stated. He served as substitute
for his brother, William Bridges, from sometime
in April or May, 1781, three months as private in
Captain Gamble's company, Colonel Thomas Frowhawk's
North Carolina regiment, was in an engagement with
the Tory leader, Colonel Fanning, in which the Tories
were defeated.

George Bridges lived in Salisbury, North Carolina
until about 1798 then moved to Kentucky where
he resided until 1811, when he moved to Madison
County, Illinois.

He was allowed pension on his application
executed September 4, 1832, then a resident of
Madison County, Illinois.

William Bridges, son of the soldier, George
Bridges, gave his address in 1834 - Lebanon, St. Clair
County, Illinois. The papers in this claim contain no further reference to family.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 41

In reply to your request of ___, received ___
for a statement of the military history of George Bridges
a sol[smudged] of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired [smudged] as contained in his (or his widow's) [crossed out] application for pen [smudged] in this Bureau.
S. File 32139
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment
Mch. 10, 1777
June 1780
Oct. or Nov. 1780
Jan. or Feb. 1781
Apr. or May 1781
Length of Service
19 mos.
3 mos.
3 mos.
not stated
3 mos.
Rank
Drummer
Pri.
Taken pris
Pri.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
Captain.
Griffith McCrea
Christopher Goodwin
James Craig
by Brit. & Tories
Gamble
Colonel.
Griffith McCrea
Fifer
"
STATE
N.C.
Thos. Frowhawk
Battles engaged in, engagement with Fanning the Tory leader.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Salisbury, Rowan Co., N.C.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 4 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Madison Co., Illinois.
Age at date of application, born Feb. 12, 1762, at or near Elizabeth or Cape Fear river.
Remarks: In 1834 soldier's son William was of Lebanon, St. Clair Co., Ill.
Date of death no on AB
Very respectfully
Commissioner.
Page 42

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/HMM

April 23, 1930.

Mrs. Alma E. Hall
927 - E. 10th Street
Pueblo
Colorado.

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 32139, it appears that George Bridges was born February 12, 1762 at or near Elizabethtown on Cape Fear River, but removed with his parents before the Revolution to Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina, where he enlisted and served as follows:

From March 10, 1777 as a drummer in the company commanded by Captains Griffith McCrea and Christopher Goodwin, Captain McCrea having been promoted colonel of the regiment, and served nineteen.

From in June 1780 as a private in Captain James Craig's
Company, Colonel Fifer's Regiment and served three months.

From in October or November 1780 and served under the same officers three months.

In January or February 1781 he was taken prisoner at Salisbury, by the British and Tories, from whom he made his escape when the sentinels were asleep; period of captivity no stated.

In April or May 1781, he substituted for his brother William Bridges, in Captain Gamble's Company, Colonel Thomas Frowhawk's Regiment, was in an engagement with the Tory leader Colonel Fanning and served three months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832 while a resident of Madison County, Illinois.

After the war he remained at Salisbury until about 1798
then moved to Kentucky where he resided until 1811, since which time he had lived in Madison County, Illinois.
Page 43

The names of his parents are not stated.

In 1834 soldier's son William Bridges was living in Lebanon,
St. Clair County, Illinois. There are no further family data on file.

Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 44

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

February 5, 1929.

Mrs. Gordon Hall,
927 East 10th Street,
Pueblo, Colorado.

Madam;

A.D. Y.
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 32139, it appears that George
Bridges was born February 12, 1762 at or near Elizabethtown on Cape Fear River, but removed with his parents before the Revolution to Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina where he enlisted & served as follows:

Enlisted (crossed out) From March 10, 1777 as a drummer in the company commanded by Captains Griffith McCrea and Christopher Goodwin, Captain McCrea having been promoted colonel of the regiment, and served nineteen months.

Enlisted (crossed out) From in June 1780 as a Private in Captain James Craig's Company, Colonel Fifer's Regiment and served three months.

Enlisted (crossed out) From in October or November 1780 and served under the same officers, three months.

In January or February 1781 he was taken prisoner
at Salisbury, by the British and Tories, from whom he
Page 45

made his escape when the sentinels were asleep; period
of captivity not stated.
In April or May, 1781 he substituted for his
brother William Bridges, in Captain Gamble's Company,
Colonel Thomas Frowhawk's Regiment, was in an engagement with the Tory leader Colonel Fanning, and served three months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
September 4, 1832 while a resident of Madison County,
Illinois.
After the war he remained at Salisbury until about
1798 then moved to Kentucky where he resided until 1811,
since which time he had lived in Madison County, Illinois.
The names of his parents are not stated.
In 1834 soldier's son William Bridges was living in
Lebanon, St. Clair County, Illinois. There are no further
family data on file.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 46

Section
October 3, 1928.

C. T. Bridges,
Bethany, Missouri,

Sir:-

I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim S.32139, it appears that George Bridges
was born February 12, 1762, at or near Elizabethtown on the Cape Fear River, and before the Revolution, moved with his parents to Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina. The names of his parents are not stated.

While a resident of Salisbury, North Carolina, he enlisted
and served in the North Carolina troops as follows:

March 10, 1777, and served nineteen months as drummer
in Captain Griffith McCrea's Company and Captain Christopher Goodwin's Company, Colonel Griffith McCrea's Regiment (formerly the Captain.

In June 1780, and served three months as private in
Captain James Craig's Company, Colonel Phifer's Regiment and again in October or November 1780 and served three months under same officers.

He was taken prisoner by British and Tories at Salisbury
Page 47


in January or February 1781 but made his escape; length of
captivity not stated.
In April or May 1781, he enlisted as a substitute for
his brother, William Bridges, served three months in Captain Gamble's Company, Colonel Thomas Trowhawk's Regiment and was in an engagement with Tories.
About 1798 he moved from Salisbury, North Carolina to
Kentucky and in 1811 to Madison County, Illinois.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
September 4, 1832 while a resident of Madison County, Illinois.
In 1834, the soldier's son, William, was living in
Lebanon, St. Clair County, Illinois. There are no further
data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.

Rearranged from letter of Jan. 23. 1917 without verification.
Page 48

Section.

January 23, 1917,

Honorable William P. Borland,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Borland:
In response to your letter dated the
nineteenth instant, requesting information for Mr. William
E. Bridges of 3536 Genesee Street, Kansas City, Missouri, I
have the honor to advise you that the papers in the claim of George Bridges Survivor's File No. 32139 Rev. War, show that he was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832, while a resident of Madison County, Illinois.
He stated that he was born February 12, 1762, at or near
Elizabethtown on Cape Fear River, but removed with his parents
before the Revolution, to Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina, where he enlisted as follows.
Enlisted March 10, 1777 as a Drummer in the company commanded
by Captains Griffith McCrea and Christopher Goodwin,
Captain McCrea having been promoted Colonel of the regiment,
and served nineteen months.
Drafted in June 1780, as a Private in Captain James Craig
company, Colonel Fifer's regiment, and served three months.
Drafted in October or November, 1780, and served under the
same officers, three months more.
Page 49

In January or February 1781, he was taken prisoner at
Salisbury, by the British and Tories, from whom he made his
escape when the sentinels were asleep; period of captivity
not stated.
In April or May, 1781, he substituted for his brother
William Bridges, in Captain Gamble's company, Colonel Thomas
Frowhawk's regiment, was in an engagement with the Tory leader
Colonel Fanning, and served three months.
After the war he remained at Salisbury until about 1798,
then moved to Kentucky where he resided until 1811, since
which time he had lived in Madison County, Illinois.
The names of his parents are not stated.
In 1834, soldier's son William Bridges was
of Lebanon,
St. Clair County, Illinois.
There is no further family
data on file.
Very truly yours,
G. M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner.