Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7,511, David Gentry, N.C. (Va.)
Page 1

SERVICE              
N C (Va.)                 Gentry, David                      Number W.7,511
                                                  Sarah                     B.L.W., 31908-160-55
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Order to pay 1Q. Oct 1837.
Let to J. T. Quarles 24 Apl 1851

West Tennessee 29:585

David Gentry
of Jackson Co. in the State of Tennessee
who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Lewis of the Regt commanded by Col. Cleveland in the Virginia Mil.
for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 20 dollars ~ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Decr 1834 and sent to Hon J. B. Forrester H.R.

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1834                                   70.00
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 March '35         10.00
                                                                                       ==========
                                                                                        $80.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E-2     Vol. 7  Page 91
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2582
Tennessee W.

Sarah Gentry widow of Va. David Gentry
who served in the Revolutionary War, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars ..............Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853,
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of October 1853 and sent to 
Jas A Spurlock
Gainesboro, TN

[Crossed out] 1855 Apl 2 A Spurlock

1855 May 7th Duplicate issued and sent to J A Spurlock. Gainesboro Tenn.
J A Sputlock Dec 12, 1856
1857 April 22d triplicate issued and sent to J A Spurlock
                                                                                     Gainesboro, Tenn
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[illegible] Aug 14
Sarah Gentry
Sarah
David Gentry 
David  Private 

Revolutionary War
Rec'd Pension Feby 53-2582
W: 160  June 28/56
Boynton

Jas A Spurlock
Gainesboro Tenn
Vol. G. 37. 
No 31908 [illegible] July 3/56
Page 5

State of Tennessee Jackson County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions } February Sessions 1834
 
On this 11th day of February 1834 personally appeared before the worshipful John Welsh John Sweesy and William Scantland
Justices of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for said County of Jackson now proceeding and holding said court, the Issue being in
open court, and court of record - David Gentry, a resident citizen of the County of Jackson in the State of Tennessee, aged eighty years,
who being first and duly sworn according to the laws of  the land saith on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the 
benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 7th  of June 1832. 
That he enlisted in the Army of the United States. He cannot state the year in the War of the Revolution, from old age and frailty
of recollections - accd refers to facts, He states he enlisted whether in the Virginia Line or continental line he cannot state
not knowing the difference as he is quite illiterate and ignorant on these subjects. But will make the following statement of facts
according to the best of his recollection.
He States that he enlisted in the County of Bedford in the State of Virginia for during the war and joined a company commanded by 
Captain Lewis (thinks James Lewis).  He marched to Richmond in said State and there joined a regiment commanded by Col.
Cleveland. Thinks the Man was called Lewis and brother of the Captain. He remained at Richmond but a short time.
Page 6

From Richmond marched to Kings Mountain and there he was in the battle of Kings Mountain. From that marched to the Cow Pens and was
there in the battle of Cow Pens, still continued in the regiment commanded by Col. Cleveland.  From there he marched to Augusta in the
State of Georgia. Being changed at the Cow Pens, he was placed in a company commanded by Captain Griffin -  believes his Christian name
was William. Col. Anderson commanded the regiment to which he belonged and General Pickens commanded the Army.
He remained there in the Army for something like three weeks. He went from there up to a place called Laird Hills. South Carolina still
under command of the same officers. Remained in that section for some time. Cannot say how long. Marched to the Mulberry Fields in 
North Carolina or near the line. On Broad River, continued in that neighborhood some time, From that place marched to the 
Moravian Towers in North Carolina. He states he was again place in the Company commanded by Capt Lewis and in the regiment
commanded by Col. Cleveland. Remained there some considerable time. Then marched to the shallow ford of Adkin River in North
Carolina. And while at that place he learned that peace was made and the war was closed.  And here his services as a soldier of the 
revolution was closed, making in all more than two years. He states that from old age and frailty of
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29.813
David Gentry
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Recollection. He has been unable to make as minute a detail as would be desirable. He hereby relinquishes every claim
whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency
of any State.
David Gentry
Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 11th day of February 1834
William Galbraith Clerk
[Signatures]
John Swezea Justice for Jackson County
John Welch
Wm Scanland

State of Tennessee
I William Galbraith clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the County of Jackson in the State of
Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing in the matter of the application of David Gentry for a pension
of the said court contains the original proceedings. Given under my hand and the seal of this court at office
this 12th day of February 1834.
William Gailbraith Clk
Page 9

State of Tennessee County of Jackson} Be it known that before me R C Dill an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized
by law to administer oaths personally appeared Sarah Gentry widow of David Gentry deceased to me well known and made oath in due form of law 
that she is the widow David Gentry deceased the identical person who was a pensioner of the United States and is now dead. And of the said David Gentry
to who the enclosed certificate of Pension was issued which is herewith filed and surrendered - That the deceased pensioner resided in Overton County in
the State of Tennessee for about fifteen years before his death and that previous thereto he resided in Bedford County in the State of North Carolina.

She declares she was married to the said David Gentry by one Smith a Justice of the peace in the State of North Carolina and County of Bedford on or
about the 12th day of May 1790 and that her maiden name was Sary Johnson and that David Gentry her said husband died in the County of Overton
and State of Tennessee on the sixteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty seven and that she is still a widow never having since 
married. That she is about eighty years of age and has no record evidence of her age marriage or the death of her husband but can prove the same
as she believes by good witnesses and makes this declaration in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress approved February the 3rd 
1853 and other acts - She prays her claim to be examined and if she is entitled she directs her pension certificate money arrearings and c to be 
sent to James A Spurlock at Gainesboro Jackson County Tennessee bring the county of her residence and she wishes her money to be payable at
Nashville Davidson County Tennessee it being most convenient for her - Sary X Gentry

Sworn to and subscribed before me this April the seventh 1853
                                                                                               JP'
R C Dill
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State of Tennessee Jackson County} 
Personally appeared before me R C Dill an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths
David Gentry L C Gentry who are well known to me and who I certify are all persons of good Respectability and entitled to full credit on 
their oaths who being first duly sworn according to law on their oaths do say that they were well acquainted with David Gentry a pensioner
of the United States to whom the within certificate of Pension was issued. 
They knew him for about fifty years before his death - that they are well acquainted with his widow  Sarah Gentry and said David Gentry
was lawful married as is stated in her declaration witnesses know this fact of their own knowledge. They were married in the State of 
North Carolina and County of Bedford about the time stated in her declaration and by the person therein named.  And from their said marriage
they were always known reputed and held as husband and wife up to the death of the said David Gentry and was living together as such
at his death. The fact and credibility of their marriage has never been disputed. Said David Gentry her husband died in Overton County
in the State of Tennessee about the sixteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty seven and said Sarah Gentry is still a widow
never having since married and is of the age stated in her declaration. Witnesses know these facts of their own knowledge and are disinterested
witnesses.
Sworn to and subscribed before David Gentry L C Gentry me on this the 11th day of April 1853 and I certify that I am fully satisfied of my own
knowledge of the truth of this affidavit and declaration as I know the same to be true
R C Dill
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State of Tennessee Jackson County} Personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law
to administer oaths David Gentry L C Gentry and Thomas Gentry - all to me well known who I certify are persons of good respectability and who
are entitled to full credit on their oaths who being first duly sworn according to law on their oaths do say that they were well acquainted with 
David Gentry deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and that they are well acquainted with Sarah Gentry widow of
said David Gentry and that they were known reputed and held as husband and wife for many years before the death of said David Gentry - that
they were living together as such at his death.
That she [unreadable] part of his property as his widow and that their marriage and the fact of their marriage was never disputed. Witnesses 
have know them for about fifty years and during all this time were known, reputed and held as husband and wife. Raised a family as such and was
certainly man and wife - said David Gentry died in Overton County in the State of Tennessee on the sixteenth day of July one thousand eight 
hundred and forty seven and Sarah Gentry the petitioner is still a widow never having since married. That she is a citizen of Jackson County
Tennessee and is about eighty years old as they believe - She is without a doubt the widow of the same identical David Gentry who was a pensioner
and to whom the within certificate filed by her was issued.
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this the seventh day of April AD 1853.

David Gentry
L C Gentry
Thomas [his mark] Gentry
                         X
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State of Tennessee Jackson County} 
Know all men that Sarah Gentry widow of David Gentry deceased of Jackson County Tennessee do hereby nominate
appoint and constitute James A Spurlock my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim
for a pension as widow of David Gentry deceased and to receive receipt and draw the same money and pension                      
certificate witness my hand and seal this April the [blank] 1853
Acknowledged before me April Eleventh 1853                                                     Sary X Gentry        (sic)

Attest R C Dill             JP
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State of Tennessee County of Jackson}
On this 4th day of May 1855 personally appeared before me A H Morgan an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and
state Sarah Gentry widow of David Gentry deceased a resident of Jackson County Tennessee aged about 80 years who being first 
duly sworn according to law on her oath declares
That she is the widow of the identical David Gentry deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution and pensioner of the United States
at the rate of twenty dollars per annum - payable at Nashville Tennessee. That she is the identical person to who was issued a certificate
of Pension as widow of said David Gentry deceased under the act of February 3, 1853 payable at Nashville Tennessee at the rate of 
twenty dollars per annum. That she was married to said David Gentry in the County of Anson and State of North Carolina on or about
the [Blank} day of February 1807 by one Smith a Justice of the Peace and that her maiden name was Sarah Roberts and that her said 
husband died in Overton County State of Tennessee on or about the 19th day of July 1846 and that she is still a widow never having
since married. She is old and infirm and cannot state the particulars of her said husbands service but refers to his proof upon which
he obtained a pension as above - she also refers to her proof upon which she obtained a pension. She has no record evidence of her
marriage public or private and makes this declaration in order to obtain a Bounty Land Warrant under the Act of March the 3d 1855
granting additional Bounty Land she further states she has never received a Bounty Land Warrant or applied for one under this or any 
other act of Congress.

Sarah X Gentry Her Mark
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State of Tennessee County of Jackson}
Personally appeared before me A H Morgan an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County Wm G Brown and Wm R Hawkins who
being first duly sworn according to law on their oath do say
That they are well acquainted with the applicant Sarah Gentry and were well acquainted with David Gentry who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
of the United States payable at Nashville Tennessee at the rate of Twenty dollars per annum.  That said David Gentry and Sarah Gentry the
applicant lived together was known reputed and held as husband and wife for many years before the death of said David Gentry - and were 
living together as husband and wife at his death - they raised a family as such and the fact and validity of their marriage was never disputed.
They further state that the applicant is the identical person who applied for and obtained a pension certificate as widow of David Gentry 
deceased under the act of February the 3rd 1853 payable at Nashville Tennessee at the rate of Twenty dollarsdied in per annum and that her 
said husband died in Overton County and State of Tennessee several years ago and that said Sarah Gentry his widow is still a widow 
never having since married and that they are disinterested witnesses.
Wm G Brown
William R Hawkins

Sworn to and subscribed before me this Mar 4th 1855 and I certify that I am well acquainted with William R Hawkins and William G Brown
the deponents and they are persons of veracity credibility and respectability - This day date above written

A H Morgan
husband
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Commissioner of Pensions
Will please examine my claim to a Bounty Land Warrant and if I am entitled please forward the same to care of James
A Spulock Gainesboro Jackson County Tennessee who is authorized to prosecute my claim 

April                              her
Attest                 Sarah X Gentry
                                       Mark

We William G Brown and William R Hawkins residents of County State of Tennessee upon our oaths declare that the foregoing
Declaration Power of Attorny Affidavits were all signed and acknowledged by Sarah Gentry the applicant and the witnesses and that 
we believe from her appearance and statements that she is the identical person she represents to be

Wm G Brown
William R Hawkins

The foregoing declaration affidavits and c were sworn to and subscribed before me and the power of attorney acknowledged
on the day and year above written - and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible respectable persons and that the
claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have not interest in this claim

A H Morgan    {JP}
for said County
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State of Tennessee Jackson County}
Sampson W Cassetty Clerk of Jackson County hereby certify that A H Morgan whose genuine signature appears
to the foregoing declaration affidavit is and was at the time of so doing an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the 
County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Gainesboro on this 9th day of June 1855.

S.W. Cassetty {Clerk}
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29.813
David Gentry
Tennessee

e.k.m.
for -  p 6 mo
$20

I will accept 6 months and relinquish the balance for the present
J B McCormick Sparta Tennessee
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WAR DEPARTMENT
                                                                                                               Pension Office, :
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. These points to which your attention is more particularly
directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (this }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, 
send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

__________________________________Statement, showing service of David Gentry______________________________________
Period of service                       Name and rank of the Field Officers under whom he served             Age at present             Proof
1780                                                  Cap. Lewis Col Cleveland                                                                                  80 VA                              No Proof

The applicant belonged to the militia and performed service in short term. It is probable that he did not serve after 1781, as 
Cornwallis was taken in the fall of that year and hostilities nearly ceased after that time is right. It is only for such tours of 
duty as can be clearly set forth as required by the regulations that any allowance can be made per notes.

I am respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant 
J L EDWARDS
               Commissioner of Pensions
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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", and "Volunteers", all persons enlisted, drafted, or who voluteered 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 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, musicians, 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, of District of County of} as.

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 7, 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: the time he left 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
or State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country 
throughout which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to
the militias, voluteers, navy, &c. )
Page 20

[typed document]
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 Soldier: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer: Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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.
[footnotes]
[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 th eDepartment to determine to 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 the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the  undersigned, a Justive 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 ot the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  - For ______ year _______ months, and _____ days, I served as a ______________; 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 [italics] about three or four months [/italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of 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 fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguised 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 records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oath must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
☞ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continential troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 21

David Gentry, Widow's File #7,511, was allowed pension on an application executed Februrary 11, 1834, at which time he was eighty
years of age (date and place of birth not stated) and a resident of Jackson County, Tennessee. He stated that he enlisted in Bedford 
County, Virginia, in 1780, and served for more than two years under Captains James Lewis and William Griffin, Colonels Cleveland
and Anderson, in the North Carolina Troops and was in the the battles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens.
It is further alleged, that he married in Bedford county, North Carolina, May 12, 1807, Sarah Johnson. He died in Overton County,
Tennessee, July 16, 1847, and his widow was allowed a pension on the application executed April 11, 1853, at which time she 
was eighty years of age and a resident of Jackson County. Tennessee

[Cross out] Very Respectfully, Commissioner
Page 22

[Left hand side of split page]

Feby - 3 - 1907
Mrs Sarah Gentry
Franklin Tennessee
-------------------------------------
1907 Feby 7 Hist. to Hon E C Ellis, letter in S. File
3391 Claiborn Gentry

[Right hand side of split page]

Revy      WIDOW     & c.
File No. 7511
Sarah Gentry Widow
David Gentry Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Feby 3 of 53

Index : - Vol. A, Page 268

[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 23

31.908

Retains
Page 24

3306
-------------------------
Appl. of Sarah Gentry widow of David, 
Jackson Co. Tenn:

Act 1853

Rev:
$20.00 per An
Com Feby 3d 1853

Department of the Interior Pension Office, Official Business

Jas A Spurlock
Gainesboro, Tenn.
Page 25

Sept. 16, 1853
Official Business

Appl. of Sarah Gentry Widow of David
Jackson Co. Tenn.
[Crossed out] Act 1853
                             Rev

James A Spurlock
Gainesboro, Tenn.
29585
Page 26

[Unreadable]

16 July 41 Boynton
Page 27

Pension Office
15 Oct 1853

Sir:
Please certify the time to which the within named pension was paid on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully
L P Waldo Commissioner

David Gentry, act 32 $20.00 per an. - Paid to 4th March 1847, no date of death on our books

F Burt
Auditor, 
Francis Burt, Esquire
Thine auditor
Page 28

David Gentry

Payment to be made at Nashville by the Prev U.S.  Br. Bk. 
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of West Tenn.
Accept

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E-2. Vol. 7 Page 91 
by D. Brown, Clerk.
Page 29

WAR DEPARTMENT
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, David Gentry of the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and ____________cents per annum,
during his natural life, commencing on the 4th March 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and the 4th of
September, in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States this 17th day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty=four

                                                       Lew Cass
                                                       Secretary of War
Page 30

Mr. Savage
Enclosed the within letter to the Pension office requesting that it may be returned with the blank forms necessary for obtaining
the money due Mrs. Gentry - to be transmitted to her; by Mr Savage
Page 31

Livingston, Tenn., Jan. 2, 1850.
Hon. Jus. H. Savage,
Dear Sir; 
You will confer a lasting favor on the Widow Gentry by enquiring of the 6. Pensions, the necessary proceedings to obtain her pension, and informing me of the same.
David Gentry, an old Revolutionary soldier, drew his pension; and having been dead a year or so, there is a sufficiency due the Widow to relieve her wants. She is very old and needy, and called on Father, (he having attended to the drawing of her Husband’s pension, to obtain hers. He requested me to attend to it, and I take this liberty of troubling you, in order, to know what is requisite, and how to proceed. 
An immediate answer would be most thankfully received.

Yours truly, 
J. W. McHenry

Hon. Jus. H. Savage
W City
Page 32

A253-2582
Mrs. Sarah Gentry
Declaration for arrears of Pension

Nashville Dec 20/56
Sir, I herewith send you Sarah Gentrys Declaration for arrears of Pension, which you will please file with her original papers, do not expect the claim examined no or reported on until the Decision of the Court of claims is confirmed by Congress which decision I understand has been made in favor of this class of claims,
Very Respectfully
W.B. Young
Comr of Penioners
Washington City
Triplett
Wm B. Young Agt.
Nashville
Ten.
Page 33

STATE OF TENNESSEE, County of Jackson 
BE IT KNOWN, that on this seventeenth day of October 1856, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, and a Justice of the County Court of said County and State personally appeared Mrs. Sarah Gentry aged 90 years, with whom I am personally acquainted, and who is, I certify, a credible person, and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical Sarah Gentry to whom a certificate of Pension was issued under Act of 3d February, 1853, 2d section, [crossed out]which certificate she herewith presents[crossed out] that she now receives under said Act a Pension of $20.00 per annum, as widow of David Gentry who was a Revolutionary soldier, that she has not again married, but continues his widow, and that she makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the [handwritten]Pension, or arrears of Pension to which she may be entitled under Act of Congress of 4th March 1848 of the 3d February 1853. or any other Act or Resolution of Congress now passed, or that may hereafter be passed[handwritten].
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written, and I certify that I am not interested in the prosecution of her claim nor concerned in its result in any wise, [handwritten]and that the interlineations in the above declaration were made before signing[handwritten].
here 
Sarah + Gentry L.S.
mark
Attest; Thomas J Loftis
&
Attest; Laborn Loftis 
Samuel Johnson J.P. 
STATE OF TENNESSEE, County of Jackson 
This 17th day of October 1856, personally appeared Thomas J. Loftis and Laborn Loftis, to me well known, both of whom I certify are residents of said County and credible witnesses, and made oath in due form of law that Mrs. Sarah Gentry signed the foregoing Declaration in their presence, and that she is the identical Sarah Gentry who now receives a pension under Act of 3d February, 1853, and is the same person whom she therein represents herself to be, they further make oath that they are disinterested.
 Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. Samuel Johnson J.P.
Attest Thomas J Loftis L.S.
┃ Attest Laborn Loftis L.S.
Page 34

Know all men by these presents:
That I Sarah Gentry of Jackson -
County and State of Tennessee a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, under act of 3d February, 1853, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Wm B Young of Nashville, Tennessee, my true and lawful Attorney with a power of institutions, for me and in my name to prosecute my claim to Pension [?] of Pension as set forth in my foregoing declaration hereby revoking all and every power of Attorney heretofore made by me to any person whatsoever, and hereby authorizing my said Attorney, to receive my Certificate, and confirming all his lawful acts in the premises. Witness my hand and seal this seventh day of October 1856
Acknowledged before me this 17
day of October 1856
Sarah X [her mark] Gentry, LS
Samuel Johnson J. P.
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
County of Jackson
I William Gore Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify that Samuel Johnson
Esq., is a Justice of the Peace, and of the County Court of said County, which is a Court of Record, duly elected, commissioned
and qualified according to law, and was such at the time of signing the foregoing declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement, and that the signatures thereto purporting to be his, are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this the 18th day of October 1856
Wm Gore Clerk
Page 35

Brief in the case of Sarah Gentry  widow of David
Jackson County and State of Tennesee,
act 3d Febry, 1853

Claim, ("original,"  [ or, "for increase" (crossed out) ]
Proof exhibited,  (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either , state the substance.

husband was a pensioner under the Act
of       7" June,1832.
Genl. reputation of marriage, & long
cohabitation proven by eight credible witnesses
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Page 36

Gainsboro TN Apl 9th}

D Gentry 
Mr Cole

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 37

Gainesboro TN. March 26 1851

Sir
           David Gentry of Overton County Tenn. drew a pension as a Revolutionary Soldier up to the 4th of March
preceding his death; he died about three years ago last July. 
          Sarah Gentry is his widow, aged about 80 years, is poor and advised that she is entitled to the 
arrearages of his pension, not drawn at the time of his death - and also to a pension for life as his widow.
she wishes you to give her the necessary information how she may receive the bounty of her government
if entitled & c. You will please direct to me at this place.
           I understand that Mrs Gentry was the only wife of David Gentry and that she has not been married a 
second time. 

Yours & c
Jas T. Quarles
Page 38

Nashville Tennessee
                           26 Sep 1827

J L Edwards Esq
             Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Enclosed please find a pension claim of David Gentry a Revolutionary pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832, which has been suspended
by the agent in consequence of his not having applied regularly for his pension. Mr Gentry's  extreme old age and infirmity has prevented
his regular application semi annually for his pension, and also attended with much trouble and inconvenience for him to get his voucher
properly arranged.
I hope you will return the claim with instructions to the pension agent to pay it .
                                                                                                                            Most Respectfully
                                                                                                                                       You obt Svt
                                                                                                                                       B B Wilkinson
Page 39

Brief in the case of Sarah Gentry, widow of David
County and State of Tennessee
ed Sect. act 3d February 1853

Claim, ("original" or "for increase")
Proof exhibited, (if original)

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

Triplicate,
The pensioner and the agent both unite in stating the loss of the prior certificate of pension.

Name and residence of Agent
J A Spurlock
Gainesboro Jackson Co. Tenn.

R M Race Examining Clerk
Page 40

Brief in the case of Sarah Gentry Revolutionary
County and State of Tennessee
ed Sect. act 3d February 1853

Claim, ("original" or "for increase")
Proof exhibited, (if original)

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

For duplicate
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Proved by affidavits & c that Pension certificate sent to an attorney at Nashville to draw arrears of pension miscarried
in their return by mail.

Name and residence of Agent
James A Spurlock
Gainesboro, Jackson Co. Tenn}        R M Rae Examining Clerk
Page 41

Sarah Gentry
Renewal of Pension

Issue duplicate and send to 
James A Spurlock
Gainesboro, Jackson Co. Tennessee
Page 42

State of Tennessee On this the [blank] day of [blank] County of Jackson 1833 Personally approved before me an acting Justice of the Peace for and within the county & state aforesaid Sarah Gentry widow of David Gentry deceased who being first duly sworn on her oath declares that she is the identical person to whom a certificate of Pension was issued as a widow of David Gentry Deceased a soldier of the Revolution and pensioner of the United States - The said pension Certificate was issued from the Department of the Interior in the year 1833 under the act of February the 3rd 1833 payable at Nashville Tennesee at the rates of Twenty dollars per annum - which has been lost or mislaid in the following manner -
She sent the same with her oath of identity power of attorney etc through James A Spurlock of Gainesboro Tennesee to Messrs Morris & Matthews of Nashville Tennesee in order to make her semi annual Draw payment of the same was made by the pension agent at Nashville to Messrs Morris and Matthews merchants of Nashville and the pensions papers etc mailed by them to James A. Spurlock at Gainesboro Tennesee and the same has been lost or miscarried by the Mail - or has never come to [illegible]. She makes this application in order to get a new certificate of Pension which she requests be sent to care of James A Spurlock at Gainesboro Jackson County Tennessee. The pension certificate and papers were lost in the month of October 1834 at the same time Mrs. Rurey Harmous were Sworn to  & subscribed before me This April the 3rd 1835 her Sarah X Gentry mark
Samuel Johnson [in circle: JP]
for said County of Jackson
Page 43

State of Tennessee Jackson County on this 13th of April 1833 personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said State & county James A Spurlock who being first duly sworn according to law on his oath State that on request of Mrs. Sarah Gentry he mailed her original Pension Certificate oath of identity power of attorney etc to Messrs Morris & Matthews of Nashville Tennessee in order to draw her Semi annual payment Payment was made to them & a check given on Joel W. Settle of Gainesboro to affiant and the pension certificate enclosed. Affiant does not know this but is informed & believes so from this fact - Mr. Settle informed him that Messrs Morris & Matthews had sent the papers and a check on him to me for the use of Mrs Gentry and that he would pay-The check nor pension certificate never come to hands but are lost through the mail - affiant received the money from Mr. Settle without the check upon his vouching for [illegible] if the check should hereafter be presented - but has never received the pension certificate - Mrs Sarah Gentry draw a pension for $20 per annum as widow of David Gentry deemed a Soldier of the Revolution under the act of February 3, 1833 and affiant is a disinterested witness James A Spurlock
Sworn to and subscribed to before me Day and date above written Thos D Cassety [circled initials: JP]
Page 44

State of Tennessee Jackson County
J Sampson W Cassetty clerk of Jackson County Court hereby certify that Samuel Johnson & Thos D Cassetty whose genuine Signatures [illegible] to the forgoing affidavits are acting Justices of the Peace for said county duly Commissioned and qualified that their Commissions was dated on the 20th of March 1854 and will expire on the first Monday in April 1860 given under my hand at office and seal of office on this 18th day of April 1855 P W Cassetty [circled: clerk]

See also letter of Morris A. Matthews filed with application of Percey Harmon
Page 45

Letter of Jas A Spurlock making inquiry in reference to - 
Widows Pension, 

Commissioner of Pensions
Official Business
Page 46

Gainesboro Tennessee Oct 1st 1836
Dear Sir
[Crossed out: A Bounty Land Warrant for 120 acres no 33.101 issued to Abner Osborne act 3.5 has come to my branch I have no recollection of sending for it - nor do I know of such a man - please see if you were correct in sending it to me - Some person may have sent one of my blank forms in which my name was inserted as attorney - and the applicant may live near here-] [written on side next to struck out section: answered]

Mr Thompson of Washington informs me that under the act of Feby 3rd 1853 granting pensions etc that a widow of a revolutionary soldier married subsequent to 1800 is entitled to arrearages of pension from the 4th of March 1844 to the 3rd of February 1853 the date they commenced drawing from - that the [illegible] construction of said act was erroneous and has been so decided by the court of claims I make this inquiry on behalf of Mrs. Piercey Harmon & Mrs Sarah Gentry who are pensiouners under said act & they desire to know if they are entitled to said arrearages and if so how they will proceed to get them - before the court of Claims or Commissioner of Pensions Please inform me 
Yours Respectfully 
James A Spurlock 
Gainsesboro Tenn

Com. Reviewing Washington
Page 47

Sarah Gentry

Triplicate Certificate

J A Spurlock
Gainesboro, Jackson Co. Tenn.
Page 48

[handwritten text]
State of Tennessee
Jackson County ⎬

Personally appeared before me Samuel Johnson an acting Justice of the peace for & within the County of Jackson &
State of Tennessee Sarah Gentry widow of David Gentry who was a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States a resident of Jackson County State of Tennessee aged about 85 years who being first duly sworn according to law under oath declares that she is the identical Sarah Gentry to whom was issued a certificate of Pension payable at Nashville Tennessee at the rates of Seventy dollars per annum. That said certificate of Pension was issued to her as the widow of David Gentry deceased under the act of February 3 1853
and the original certificate was lost in the mail some 18 months ago and a duplicate issued to her and sent to James A Spurlock at Gainesboro Tennessee. Your Petitioner further states that said Spurlock being absent from Gainesboro she employed William Love Clerk of Jackson County Court to draw her same annual payment for her in September last
and he informs her that he has lost or
so mislaid her certificate of Pension that
after diligent search he cannot find it
and your petitioner is unable to draw her
pension although greatly needing it. She is
now a widow never having married
since the death of her husband David Gentry. She prays that a triplicate certificate
of Pension be sent to her in order that
she may get her pension money
Page 49

She is old and infirm and request her pension certificate sent to James A Spurlock at Gainesboro Jackson County Tennessee. Sworn to [illegible] before me this April the 7th day 1857. And I hereby certify that the applicant is and will knowing to me and that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Samuel Johnson J P
for Jackson County Tennessee

State of Tennessee County of Jackson
Personally approved before me Peter Islos an acting Justice of the Peace written for Jackson County Tennessee. William Gore Clerk of Jackson County court who is well known to me who is a [illegible] respectable person and a resident of Jackson County Tennessee who being first duly sworn according to law on his oath states "That some months ago Mrs. Sarah Gentry widow of David Gentry deceased placed in possession her pension certificate or a duplicate in order to draw her pension payment and that he has lost the same or accidently mislaid so that after diligent search he is unable he is unable to find it.
Page 50

he supposes that he lost it where it has been destroyed - 'The certificate was paid for twenty dollars per annum payable at Nashville Tennessee to Mrs. Sarah Gentry widow of David Gentry who was a solider of the Revolution. Mr. Gentry was pensioned under the act of February 1858 and is a resident of Jackson County Tennessee and is now a widow. 
Wm Gore
Sworn to before me
This day and date above.
[unreadable]
Peter G. Cox J.P.

State of Tennessee 
Jackson County 

I William Gore and Clerk  of Jackson County court state aforesaid do hereby certify that Samuel Johnson and Peter G Cox whose genuine signatures appears to the forgoing declaration and affidavits' are and were at the time of signing of the some acting justices of the Peace for and within the county of Jackson and State of Tennessee and that full faith and credit are due their official acts and that both of their signatures are genuine.

Given under my hand and seal of Office at Gainesboro. This April the 8th 1857 A. D. 
Wm. Gore [clk - circled]
Page 51

State of Tennessee
County of Jackson
Personally appeared before me Peter G Cox an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid duly authorized and commissioned and having full power to administer oaths Thomas J. Loftus Thomas Gaw Labum Loftis and Daniel Johnson and Thomas Gentry who I certify are persons of high respectability and who are entitled to full credit on their oaths all of whom by me being first duly sworn according to law on their oaths do say-That they were well acquainted with David Gentry who was a - ^or as we [illegible]  [illegible] heard to be & believed to be a soldier of the Revolution and that they are well acquainted with Sarah Gentry the foregoing applicant and they say for many years they were persons reputed and lived as man and wife. That they raised a family as husband and wife and were living together ever since affiants knew them as such. and that David Gentry the identical man to which the enclosed certificates of Pension paid died several years ago and at his death his wife Sarah Gentry the applicant was living with him as his wife and witnesses never heard the fact or validity of their marriage disputed but did not see them married- but have all reasons to say they were husband and wife and was such up to the death of the said David Gentry- and that Sarah Gentry his widow has never since married and is on judgment about the age stated in her declaration or about seventy five years of age from appearance and that they [illegible]
Thomas J Loftis
Laburn Loftis
Thomas Gaw

Sworn to and subscribed before me this September the 5th 1853

[signatures]
Peter G. Cox  
for said county
 
x his mark Thomas Gentry
Daniel Johnson

Daniel Johnson says he was well acquainted with David Gentry Deceased and never heard the fact of their marriage disputed he knew them from forty years they were then reputed and known as husband and wife up to his death in 1847
Thomas his X mark Gentry
Daniel Johnson
Sworn to and subscribed say and date above written   Peter G Cox  JP
Page 52

State of Tennessee 
Jackson County      

I Sampson W Cassetty Clerk 
of the Jackson County Court 
do hereby certify that ample and satisfactory proof
has been exhibited before the said court that 
David Gentry to whom the enclosed certificate 
of Pension paid departed this life in Overton 
County and State of Tennessee on the six-
-teenth day of July one thousand eight hundred 
and forty seven and that he left a widow 
whose name is Sarah Gentry. and that she was the lawful wife of said David Gentry and is now 
his lawful widow never having since married. 
I further certify that I am well acquainted with 
Thomas Gentry David Gentry Senior L C Gentry Laborn Loftis Thomas J Loftus Daniel Johnson and Thomas Bow
and I certify that they are entitled to full credit on their oaths all being persons of high respectability and from the affidavits of those witnesses in open court it was ordered by this court  that
these facts be certified to the [illegible] of pensions
I further certify that Rollind C.  Dill and Peter
G. Cox whose genuine signatures appear to the
forgoing Declaration  affidavots etc  one and was at the time of signing the same acting justices of the
peace duly commissioned and qualified in & for the
the county of Jackson and state of Tennessee and
that full faith & credit are due and of right
should be given them said official acts
and that Sarah Gentry from old age and bodily infirmity is unable to attend court given under my hand and Seal of the office this 15th day
of September AD 1853
Sampson W Cassetty clerk
Page 53

The Commissioner of Pensions
will please examine the claim of Mrs Sarah Gentry and if she is entitled to a pension please forward her pension certificate to my address at Gainesboro Jackson County Tennessee
-Sept 6th 1853
James A. Spurlock
Gainesboro
Tenn
Page 54

Miss Susie Gentry
State Historian D.A.R.
"Maplehurst"
Franklin, Tenn                          (Receipt Stamp] FEB 12 1903

January 23, 1903
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I am very anxious to have the military record of David Gentry, Sr., a Revolutionary Pensioner of Overton County Tennessee, who drew such
pension as late as '42 or '45, and was 97 years old.  We D.A.R. are to erect a monument to the Revolutionary soldiers buried in Tennessee
soil, I wish to have the authenticated record of
Page 55

2.
ancestor's services as his name within be on the said monument. I suspect he was a Virginian or N. Carolinian as we came from both colonies. 

If not asking too much, I would be very grateful for the military services of my great-uncle Joseph Gentry of Rockingham Co. N. Carolina — I only know he was a Revolutionary soldier —from N. Carolina authorities possibly a private, but would like to know under whom he served etc. I know
Page 56





3 —

for of his branch there were ninety soldiers, Pensioners and especially women descendants! —but we believe we are doing a good work in this establishing our States' history, and — For a better work, in borrowing it an kindly furnishing us the information we could not otherwise get. 

Thanking you for this and past favors, I am

Most gratefully yours,
Susie Gentry

U.S. Pension Office
Jan 26, 1903