Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,081, Thomas Graham, Continental Va.
Page 1

SERVICE NUMBER
Continental Graham, Thomas S. 31,081
Va.
CONTENTS
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13657
Kentucky
Thomas Graham
of Mercer Co in the State of Kentucky
who was a pr & Sergt in the Company commanded by Captain Brown of the regt commanded by Col Peyton in the Virga. Mila
line for 2 years from 1778.

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 85 Dollars 73 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of May
1833 - and sent to George
L. Waugh, Harrodsburg.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $171.56 1/2
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 33 42.86 1/2
$214.43
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. S Allison Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 10
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State of Kentucky
Mercer County} This day Thomas Graham Senr, a revolutionary Soldier came into open Court and made oath to the following declaration for the purpose of obtaining a Pension under the late act of Congress for the benefit of Certain surviving officers and soldiers of the revolutionary war passed June 7th 1832 - I Thomas Graham sr being sworn according to law, in open court do hereby declare that I am now in the 73d year of my age and blind and that I did in the spring of the year 1778 enter the Militia in the state of Virginia in Capt Wm Brown's company, of Col H Peytons Regiment for the term of three Months and I was engaged in the service of the U. States in the revolutionary war and was at York as a guard the greater part of the time - and I was again engaged in a six months tour in the fall of the same year under the same Captain & Colonel & was employed as a guard at various points, and furtherly performed my duty until my time expired - and in the year 1779 in the month of May as well as I recollect I volunteered again in the Militia service of the State of Virginia, in Prince William County Virginia for the term of nine months, in Capt Joseph Light's company of Col George Dooly, regiment and marched into to North and South Carolina to aid Genl Green, where I faithfully performed my duty as a Soldier until within one month of my tour being out; Col Lee had the priviledge of enlisting cavalry out of the Militia and being well acquainted with him, I enlisted with him for and during the war, and faithfully discharged my duty except a portion of the latter of my tour when I was sick until the close of the war In all of which services I discharged my duty and was honorably discharged from all my services as well in Militia as with Lee, but I have long since lost my Discharges - I further state that I am not a pensioner of the United States or any state, and I do hereby relinquish all claim to any other pension except the present - Witness
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my hand this 12th July 1832 -
Thomas Graham x his mark

State of Kentucky
Mercer Circuit Sct.} July Term 1832
I Philip T Allen Clerk of the Circuit Court of
do Certify that on this 12th day of July 1832 Thomas Graham the Subscriber to the above Petition for a Pension Came into Open Court and made Oath to the truth of the statements contained in said Written Petition & I do further Certify that it as the opinion of the Court (after the Interrogatories required by the War department had been asked & responded to) the sd. Thomas Graham was a Revolutionary Soldier & Served as he has stated in the foregoing Petition by him Subscribed
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the Seal of sd. Circuit Court at the Clerks office in Harrodsburg the 12th day of July 1832 and in the 41st Year of the Commonwealth
Phil T Allen

Mercer County viz} This day we John Head a Clergyman residing in sd county and William Basey & Charles Asher residing in the same county also hereby certify that we are well acquainted Thomas Graham who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration and we believe him to be of the age he has stated & that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood in which he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we also believe him to be a man of truth
Witness our hands this 3d day of October 1832 
Jesse Head
William Basey
Chs. Asher x his mark
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Copied from
M.M.H.F. hist.
April 29, 1933.
xxxxxxxxx
BA-J/ADY
Mrs. James E. Handley, Thomas Graham
490 North Walnut Street, S. 31081
Franklin, Indiana.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to one Thomas Graham, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S. 31081, based upon his military service in that war.

Thomas Graham enlisted in the spring of 1778, served three months as a private in Captain William Brown's Company, Colonel H. Peyton's Virginia Regiment, then reenlisted in the fall of 1778 and served six months in said company and regiment. He enlisted in May, 1779, in Prince William County, Virginia, served eight months as a private in Captain Joseph Light's Company, Colonel George Dooly's Virginia Regiment, and from said regiment enlisted in Colonel Lee's Dragoon's and served to the close of the Revolution.

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 12, 1832, while a resident of Mercer County, Kentucky, aged seventy-two years. His pension certificate No. 13657.
There are no family data in the papers in this claim.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 6

April 24, 1931.

Miss Hattie M. Scott Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
402 Shelby Street MMHF:ILL
Frankfort, Kentucky.

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War claim, S. 31081, that Thomas Graham enlisted in the spring of 1778, served three months as a private in Captain William Brown's Company, Colonel H. Peyton's Virginia Regiment, then re-enlisted in the fall of 1778 and served six months in said company and regiment.

He enlisted in May, 1779, in Prince William County, Virginia, served eight months as a private in Captain Joseph Light's Company, Colonel George Dooly's Virginia Regiment, and from said regiment enlisted in Colonel Lee's Dragoon's and served to the close of the Revolution.

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 12, 1832, while a resident of Mercer County, Kentucky, aged seventy-two years.

There are no family data in the papers on this claim.

Very truly yours,

E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MMHF

February 5, 1927

Mrs. J. W. Arnold
Bardstown, Ky.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31081 it appears that Thomas Graham enlisted in the spring of 1778, served three months as private in Captain William Brown's Company, Colonel H. Peyton's Virginia Regiment, then re-enlisted in the fall of 1778 and served six months in said company and regiment. 
He enlisted in Prince William County, Virginia in May 1779, served eight months as private in Captain Joseph Light's Company, Colonel George Dooly's Virginia Regiment, and from said regiment enlisted in Colonel Lee's Dragoon's and served to the close of the Revolution.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 12, 1832 while a resident of Mercer County, Kentucky aged seventy-two years.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Date of eath
not on AB
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 8

to your request of -, received - 
tement of the military history of Thomas Graham Senr
ier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. File 31,081
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Spring 1778
Fall 1778
May 1779
Enlisted from Doolys regt &
served until the end of the War
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
3 mos.
6 mos.
8 mos.
RANK.
Pri.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
William Brown
"
Joseph Light
COLONEL.
H. Peyton
"
George Dooly.
Lee's Dragoons
STATE.
Va.
"
"
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, 1779 enlisted in Pr. Wm. Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, July 12, 1832. Allowed.
Residence at date of application, Mercer Co. Ky.
Age at date of application, in the 73rd yr. of his age.
Remarks: His cl was alld.
Page 9

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
O.W. & P. Div. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
F.S.
M.E.C. WASHINGTON, D.C., April 4, 1895.

Madam:-
Replying to your request for information relative to Thomas and John Graham, both of whom are supposed to have rendered service during the Revolutionary war, the latter as a Captain from North Carolina, I have the honor to advise you that a careful search has been made and from the data given the names of neither of these soldiers have been found upon the Revolutionary pension records. This Bureau is, therefore, unable to supply you with a statement of their military services.
From your reference to Thomas Graham as having served from Gerard County, Kentucky, under Gen. St. Clair, and participated in the battle of Tippecanoe, it would seem that he was a soldier of the war of 1812 rather than that of the Revolution. The Bureau has a record of a Thomas Graham who drew a pension in 1833, at which time he was residing in Mercer County, Kentucky, and seventy-three years of age. He enlisted from Prince William County, Va., and served as a private with the troops of that State. There is nothing found in his papers which would serve to identify him with
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the one of your inquiry.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.

Mrs. Mary Alexander,
1439 Bluff St.,
Dubuque, Ia.
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Mrs. James E. Handley
490 North Walnut Street
Franklin, Ind.

Franklin, Mar. 12th, 1933,
Veterans Administration
Washington,
D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you send me the data of
Thomas Graham, Revolutionary soldier whose pension Certificate No, is 13657.
Thanking you in advance,
Respectfully yours,
Mrs. Jas. E. Handley,
490 N. Walnut St.
Franklin, Ind.

RECEIVED
MAR 14 1933
MAIL SUB-DIV.
READER 12
VETS. ADM.
Page 12

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA. 31081

Please supply as much as possible of the
data called for below.

Full name of soldier:
1. Thomas Graham
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
2. Gerard County, Kentucky
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
I suppose same as 2.
Date of death (as near as possible):
Do not know
Christian name of widow:
Jane Loyd
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Do not know.
Remarks:
See letter,

Your name and address:
Mary Alexander
1439 Bluff St.
Dubuque Ia.
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REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. DIV.
MEMORANDA.

Please supply as much as possible of the
data called for below.

Full name of soldier: 34229
69369
John Graham
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
North Carolina
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
same as 2
Date of death (as near as possible):
not known
Christian name of widow:
not kown
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
not known
Remarks:

Your name and address:
Mary Alexander
Page 14

3-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Briefed by A. Mae D. 6/7/10
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier Thomas Graham
Service Va.
Additional Service Rev.

No - claim, State records -, 191
No claim, combination records -, 191
REMARKS:

Inv. File No. 31081
No Wid. No.
" Rej.
Chief Division
Page 15

402 Shelby Street
Frankfort, Kentucky
March 23rd, 1931

The Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:-
Will you kindly send me at your earliest convenience the pension records including any family data of the two following soldiers who were pensioners and living in Mercer County (only one), Ky.
Thomas Graham and
Mary Pipes, widow (living after 1840)

Thanking you in advance, I am
Yours very truly,
(Miss)Hattie M. Scott.
Page 16

MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME COMMISSION
INCORPORATED
A STATE SHRINE
"FEDERAL HILL", NEAR BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY
Dec. 7 - 1926.
United States Pension Office
War Pension Dept.,
Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir:
I would appreciate a Copy of
Thomas Graham's pension, he served
as a private and sergeant in the
Virginia Militia, during the Revolutionary 
War.
Was placed on the U.S. pension roll
May - 30 - 1833.
If any charge for this Copying and
mailing, please let me know.
Thanking you in advance,
Respy Yours,
Mrs. J. W. Arnold
Bardstown Ky.

FEDERAL HILL
a typical Kentucky mansion of the early nineteenth century, is located near
Bardstown, Nelson County, Ky. It was
there that Stephen Collins Foster, while
visiting his relative, Col. John Rowan,
wrote the immortal State song, "My
Old Kentucky Home." Through the
generous contributions of Kentuckians
and others the estate has been pur-
chased and thrown open to the public
in memory of the author of the song
and of the best traditions of the Old
Kentucky Home. Title to it is held
by a Commission for and in behalf of
the State of Kentucky, and an act of
the Legislature provides for its main-
tenance.

State Commission
Gov. Wm. J. Fields
Mrs. A. T. Hert
Young E. Allison
Mrs. S. Thruston Ballard
Judge Robert W. Bingham
Arch H. Pulliam
C. Lee Cook
Osso W. Stanely
Marvin H. Lewis

Officers 
Gov Wm. J. Fields
Chairman,
Frankfort, Ky.

Arch H. Pulliam,
Vice Chairman,
Bardstown, Ky.

Mrs. S. Thruston Ballard,
Secretary,
810 Columbia Building,
Louisville, Ky.

Mrs. L. H. Gazlay,
Treasurer,
819 Columbia Building,
Louisville, Ky.

Col. Benj. LaBree,
Curator,
Bardstown, Ky.
Page 17

CHARLES J. HOUSTON
ATTORNEY AT LAW
1104 FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
TELEPHONE KEARNY 2209

May 2, 1914.

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Bureau
Page 18

Franklin, June 29th 18

Com of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

Sir
My sister-
in-law wrote for me some
time ago asking for the
Revolutionary War record
of Thomas Graham, Mercer
Co. Ky. All the information
I have as yet been
able to obtain is, he was a
soldier from Virginia
and received his pension
in Mercer Co. Ky.

I would be very much obliged
for any further record you
would send me
Yours respectfully
Page 19

Mrs. James Handley
490 N. Walnut St
N.  Franklin, Ind

Jul ? 1910
Page 20

(seal)
Pension Office USA
Oct 27 1899

No record of Jno Graham
of S.C. or N.C.
Page 21

(Stamp)
O.W. &N Division
Oct 30 1899
Received

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C
Dear Sir
Will you kindly
give me any information
concerning the revolutionary
services of Thomas Graham
He enlisted (in the militia) from
Prince William Co. Va. but later
lived in Mercer Co. Ky. & Monroe
Co. Indiana, where he drew his
pension.

Also one John Graham who was a
captain, think he enlisted from
one of the Carolinas.

Respectfully 
Mrs. J.H. Fowler
Spencer
Indiana
-
Oct 24th 1899
Page 22

Dubuque Iowa, 2-9-95

Mr. Wm Lochren,
Washington D.C.

Sir:

To accompany this enclosed memoranda I give you what information I have. All I know I have learned from my father's youngest brother now 83 years old. My grandfather, Thomas Graham, enlisted from Gerard County, Kentucky and served under Gen. St. Clair. I suppose he returned to the same place although I have not direct evidence of it. His wife's maiden name was Jane Lyod. I failed to ask [illegible] his death - but I know it was over sixty years ago. He also started for the Battle of  Tippecanoe but was thrown from his horse and crippled and prevented from going.

[stamp]
U.S. Pension Office
Mar 9 1895
Page 23

[stamp]
U.S. Pension Office
Mar 9 1895

-2-

My great grandfather John Graham, also served in the Revolution, coming from one of the Carolinas and serving as a Captain. As to date concerning him I know nothing except that he was a captain in the war.

Now as to my mother's family I would add something. My mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Gray of Kentucky. Her grandfather, my great grandfather Gray was also a solider in the war and I think enlisted from South Carolina and was either a captain or lieutenant and was wounded and died from his wound with the bullet in his body. I don't know my great grandfather's first name because all I know is what my mother told me abut my great grandfather's being in the war. My grandfather's name was John Gray.
Page 24

[stamp]
U.S. Pension Office
Mar 9 1895

-3-

His wife's name was Mary Logan and was a second cousin to Gen. John A Logan but I don't know what could be done with this line.

I have tried to tell you all I know and I don't know where I can get any more information as the relatives are nearly all dead. I have a son that wishes to become a son of the Revolution hence my earnest desire to become eligible to membership. 

I am yours respectfully.
Mary Alexander
1439 Bluff St.
Dubuque Iowa

P.S. I might add that my great grandfather Graham was of Scotch descent. 
M.A.
Page 25

O. W. & N. Division,
F. S.

[stamp]
OLD WAR & NAVY
MAR 12 1895
FILES

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C., December 22, 1894

[stamp]
U.S. Pension Office
Mar 9 1895

Madam:

Referring to your communication asking for the military history of John and Thomas Graham, who are supposed to have rendered service during the Revolutionary war, you are requested to furnish as much as possible of the data called for on the enclosed slips. This information is needed for purposes of identification and upon receipt of the same a careful search will be made and you will be promptly informed of the result.

Very respectfully,
[signed] Wm. Lochren
Commissioner

Mrs. Mary Alexander,
1439 Bluff St.,
Dubuque, Iowa.
Page 26

31081
Revy INVALID.
File No. 31,081
Thomas Graham
Sergt Rev War
Act: June 7" 32"
Index:-Vol. 2, Page 165
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr. 4/55 Mil Hist. to Mrs
Mary Alexander, 1439 Bluff
Dutugin, Ia - M.E.L.
Jany 8-1900
Mil history to
Mrs. J. M. Alexander
Evanston Ill.
Jany 11-1900
Histy to Mrs. J. H. Fowler
Spencer Ind.
1910 July 8, To Mrs. James Handley C
1914 May 12, To Charles J. Houston C.
1927-Feb-5- Hist to Mrs. J W Arnold
MMHF.
1931 - April 24 - Hist. to Miss Hattie
M. Scott - ILL.
1933. Apr. 29. Hist. to Mrs. James
E. Handley, AD.Y.
Page 27

State of Kentucky
Mercer County} SS March the 26th 1833-
- On this day personally appeared before the
Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the State and County afsd. Samuel McNutts aged fifty years and a Citizen of the County afsd. and States upon Oath that he became acquainted with Thomas Graham Snr about the year 1810. 11. or 12 and has been intimately acquainted with him from that time down to the present That during the early part their acquaintance he frequently heard the old man Thomas Graham Snr. above spoken of state that he was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution - That he served in the Militia of the State of Virginia and also volunteered and march to the south and Joined the army under the command of General Green. This Deponent Cannot recollect the many conversations he has had with Thos. Graham snr. upon the subject; previous to the old man loosing his sight they were frequently together and he has heard him speak of his Revolutionary services repeatedly, and that he is reputed to have been a Revolutionary soldier by all those who are intimately acquainted with him and particularly so by this Deponent.
And further sayeth not - Samuel McNutts

Also the Deposition of Francis Adams who was a trumpeter in Army of the Revolutionary in Gnl William Washingtons Light horse Regt. States that he has frequently conversed with Thomas Graham snr. 18 or twenty years ago concuring their respective services in the war of the Revolution he always understood from sd. Graham that he served a part of the time in the Militia and then Joined Colonel Lee's Light horse and served untill the close of the war this Deponent farther states that the sd Graham was reputed to have been a soldier in the army of the revolution and is so yet 
and further sayeth not Francis Adams x his mark
Page 28

State of Kentucky
Macon County 
I George Waugh one of the justices of the peace in and for the state and county afor do hereby certify that the forgoing depositions of Ssamuel McNutt and Frances Adams were taken in subscribed and sworn to before me at my office in Harrisburg Macon County Ky, this 26th day of March A.D 1833 and that the one same McNutt and Francis Adams are creditable witnesses.
Geo. Waugh 

State of Kentucky Macer County 
I Thomas Allin clerk of the court for the county ap. do certify that George L. Waugh Esq. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is a justice of the peace said and for the county as. duly commissioned & qualified and as such full faith and credit is and aught to be given to every of his official acts as such.
In Testimony where of I have hereunto let my hand and seal of office this 4th day of April 1833
Theo. Allin Esq.
Page 29

14257.

No. 1.

Hon R. M. Johnson
Page 30

State of Kentucky
Mercer Circuit Court Sct.} September Term 1832
This day Jesse Head a Clergyman & William Basey & Charles Asher subscribers to the within & foregoing Certificate came into Open Court & made oath to the truth of the statements by them Severally Subscribed and thereupon the Court declares it as their opinion that said Head is a resident Clergyman of Mercer County & that sd Head Basey & Asher are all residents of Mercer County & are all Men of Credibility & that their Statements are entitled to credit. I Philip T Allen Clerk of the Court aforesaid do Certify that the foregoing Contains the Original proceeding in the Matter of the Petition of Thomas Graham for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the Seal of sd. Circuit Court at the clerk's office in Harrodsburg the 3rd day of October 1832 and in the 41t year of the Commonwealth
Phil. T. Allin
Page 31

Thos Graham Sen.
Kentucky
Revolutionary} Free
Claims}
from 1778 private of
HARR.G K Infy & Cavalry 2 yrs. K Son: Lewis Cass
APR Va County 7 months. $29.16
6 Pr. Infy 17 do. 56.66c Secretary of War.
$85.72 
$85.73. Washington City

Geo. L. Waugh Esq
Harrodsburg
Ken.

Aprl 17.
Page 32

Harrodsburg Ky.
Hon: Lewis Cass March 3, 1833
Dear Sir - I was requested by Genl. Robert
B McAfee before his departure, to procure some additional testimony in behalf of Thos Graham snr. who wishes to obtain a pension, his Deposition Marked No. 1. you have had under Consideration, and for the want of some further testimony, or on account of some informality he failed to procure a Certificate for pay from your Department, I have obtained the Deposition of two other Witnesses which I here with enclose Marked No 2 for your further Consideration, Old man Graham is so entirely blind, and his hearing so much -- that it is very difficult for him to attend to the
You will please write me upon the reception of this, what your determination will be, please inform me also what has become of Robert Coleman's Claim which I forwarded by Genl. McAfee, and if either or both should be allowed forward the Certificates to me at this place
Very respectfully
Your Mst. Obt.
Geo. L. Waugh

L Cass
Secretary of War