Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1744, John Alford, Va.
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SERVICE - Va.

Alford, John

NUMBER - 8. 1744

carded.
CONTENTS
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8188 

West Tennefsee [Tennessee]   Dead

John Alford

of Davidson Co in the State of Tennefsee [Tennessee] who was a Private in the Cavalry commanded by Captain Shelton of the Reg commanded by Col ----- in the Virginia for 7 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Tennesfsee [Tennessee] at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension ifsued [issued] the 16 day of Mar 1833 -- and sent to 0401 J Bell Nashville

Arrears to the 4th of Mar '33 -- $46.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept '33  11 66
$58.32

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of 6 April 1838 from 4 Sep 1836 to 24 April 1837. Agt 
Modified 28. Sep 1844
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Declaration 

W. Bell
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I am satisfied that the claim and [illegible] his [illegible] from the scene of his [illegible] is under to procure testimony of it and that the papers are authentic -

MO: Bell
[illegible]
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And the said Count further certify that it appears to them, that the persons who now signed the preceding certificate are residents of the County of Davidson, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit this   day of Sept [crossed out]. He said count also certify's [certifies] that Maron Spear is a clergy: name of standing and respectability. [Illegible] further certifies that that he believes that Mc Alford the applicant, was a soldier of the [illegible] and served as he has stated

John Mcnairy
[illegible]

I Nathaniel A M Cuairy clerk of the said Circuit Court of the United States for the District of West Tennefsee [Tennessee] in the seventh Circuit, do [illegible] certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Alford for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have [illegible] set my hand and [illegible] of office this [illegible] of Sept 1832:

N. A. McNairy clerk of the Circuit Court of the United States from the District of Tennefsee [Tennessee]
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We Moses Spear a clergyman and Robert Jones Hollingsworth and Ephraim H. Foster, citizens of Davidson County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Alford who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be fully entitled to credit on his oath: Moses Spear the clergyman aforsd. [aforesaid] further states that the applicant has lived in his neighborhood since his first settlement in Tene. [Tennessee] at which time he has been an exemplary member of a Methodist Church under his care. Said Spear has always understood that the applicant was a soldier of the revolution and for years past has heard him recite personal anecdotes connected with his service. 

Moses Spear
He Foster
J Hollingsworth
Ephraim H. Foster

Question - Where and in what year were you born?
Answer - I was born in the year 1760 in Frederick County Va
Question - Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live?
Answer - I lived in Amherst County Virginia at the time I was called into service and lived there until 1800 when I moved to Davidson County Tennessee where I have resided ever since.
Question - Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Answer - I have in my Bible at home which I copied from my father's register of the ages of his children.
Question - How were you called into service were you drafted, or were you a volunteer or a substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
Answer - I was drafted each time.
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Question - State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops when you served, such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general status of your service - 
Answer - I do not remember that any regular officer was with us at any of the aforementioned towns except the before mentioned Col Lindsay - 
I cannot remember the name of the regiment in which I served, and have already stated the prominent circumstances of my service in my declaration.
Question - Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Answer - I received a discharge both from Capt. Pamplin and Capt. Barnet, but do not know what has become of them.
Question - State the names of persons to whom you are known in your current neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your as a soldier of the Revolution?
Answer - I am acquainted with Moses Spear a clergyman in my neighborhood, with Major Thomas Edmundson, and Col. Robert Mcairly of Davidson County, with Robert C. Foster, with John H Eaton late Secretary of War, with the Hon. John Bell who represents this district in Congress and many other persons.
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Declaration of John Alford of Davidson County Tennessee in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.

State of Tennessee Davidson County - Federal Court of the United States, [illegible] for the District of West Tennessee at Nashville Sept. 1832

On the 8th day of September 1832 personally appear - and before the Court aforesaid John Alford a resident of the state and county aforesaid, aged seventy two on the 8th of May 1832 [crossed out], who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.

I entered the service of the United States in the year 1778 in the County of Albemarle [crossed out] Amherst, Virginia where I then resided, on which occasion I was drafted to guard some British prisoners who had been brought to Albermarle County for safe keeping, and I served as guard over said prisoners for one month. I served as private drafted militia man under Captain David Shelton, the other officers on this occasion I do not recollect. Capt Shelton was the highest officer in command of those who guarded the prisoners on that occasion. The place where this service was performed was about 45 miles from my residence.

In the year 1780 I was again drafted for a three months tour and marched from Amherst County
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to Richmond - from Richmond we marched to a place called Maubins Hill near to old Jamestown, at which place (Maubins hill) we were stationed for some time, and occasionally marched from that place in various directions, untill our three months of service expired. On this tour Capt. James Pamplin was my captain, and Charles Jones Lieutenant –one Lindsay was colonel, Reuben I think was Col. Lindsay’s first name but of this I am not positive –
My third tour of service was in the year 1781 when I was again drafted for three months service and marched from home in Amherst County through Albemarle County, and the lower counties of virginia towards the sea board, intending to go toward Little York where Cornwallis then was, and was
discharged just before the surrender of Cornwallis, my three months having expired - James Barnet was my Captain on this occasion. The Lieutenant’s name I do not now remember.
I received written discharges both from Capt Pamplin and Capt Barnet, but have long since lost them, not knowing they would ever be of any value.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to any pension except the present, or to any annuity, and declare that my name has never been on the pension roll of any state. 

John Alford

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states,
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Rev. & 1812 War Section 

February 1, 1928

Honorable Elmer Thomas
United States Senate

My dear Senator:

In response to your letter of January 30, 1928, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 1744, it appears that JOHN ALFORD was born May 8, 1760, in Frederick County, Virginia.

While a resident of Amherst County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia troops as follows:

In 1779 he served one month under Captain David Shelton.
In 1780 he served three months under Captain James Pamplin and Colonel Lindsay.
In 1781 he served three months under Captain James Barnet.
In 1806 he moved from Amherst County, Virginia to Davidson County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 8, 1832, at which time he was living in Davidson County, Tennessee.
He died April 24, 1837.

This is the only soldier from Virginia by the name of John Alford that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Very truly yours, 
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

February 13, 1928

Mrs. W. H. Crosby,
Box 204,
Elk City, Oklahoma.

Madam:

I advise you that the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim of John Alford S.1744, contain no data relative to his wife and children.

Respectfully, 
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
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1907 July 15. Hist. to C. L. Alford M. D. –
1922 Mch. 11 Hist. to Mrs. M. E. Rash.
1928. Feb. 1 hist. to
Hon. Elmer Thomas 
M. C. S.
1928 Feb. 13. Mrs. W. H. Crosby adv. as to family of soldier 
M. C. S.

Rev War.
INVALID.
File No. 1744
John Alford.
Pri. Va. Line

Act:  June 7. 1832.
Index:—Vol. A, Page 5
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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[note on back side of document]
Some part of he papers missing_______
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Alford which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes 
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given themes o fate officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given heir option? Yes
IX. Has the Clern given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes

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

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

XIV. + If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? 
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? 
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?

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

XVI. +  Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No.

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

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EXPLANATORY NOTES.

* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who being duly sworn, deposit and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent of loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ------- year ------- months, and ------- days, I served as a ------- For months and ------- days, I served as a -------; and for such service I claim a pension.
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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 https://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.pngfor pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served ; the duration of each term of engagement ; the particular place or places where the service was performed ; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into services by competent authority ; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 

+ QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witness, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer under his seal of office.

++ QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must be pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of the office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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GIDEON, PRINTER.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Oct. 2, 1843.

Sir:
    Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The Executor of John Alford, dec. - a Pensioner on the Roll of the West Tennessee Agency, at the rate of Twenty three Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1836, to the 24th April 1837.
    Respectfully, yours,
    Albion K. Parris
    Comptroller.

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
    Present.
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           Logansport Ind. July 2 1902
Pension Bureau
    Washington D.C.
        My dear Sir
            I have been since 1890 - compiling the history of the Alfords - and there are facts I am desirous to obtain in connection of our lineage or genealogy. and that is a record of John Alford who served in the Revolution from Va. who secured a pension.  Also a John Alford who served in the Revolution from Pa in the Penn Continentals who removed to Ohio and was a pensioner.  If you will kindly favor me with their records, will be greatly appreciated.
            Yours Very Respectfully,
                C.L. Alford W.D.
                425 Fifth St
                Logansport
                    Indiana

I have compiled some over 400 pages of [illegible] history of the Alfords which is of much interest and deserves to finish the work for press - my age 72 years.  And will be much gratified if you will give me above records.
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WILLOW VALE STOCK FARM
M E. RASH, PROPRIETOR
DEALER IN LIVE STOCK OF ALL KINDS
TELEPHONE 58

            North Middletown, Ky., Feb. 10, 1922
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.                    Rev./[illegible]
Dear Sir:
    Will you please give me the complete records of John Alford, a Revolutionary Soldier of Va.  I believe from Louisa Co. V[a.] and the name of his parents.
    Thanking you in advance for the desired information, I am.
            Respectfully,
            Mrs. Magnus E. Rash
            (nee) Myrtle Alford

[postmarked]
PENSION OFFICE U. S.
FEB 14 1922
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Winfield Scott,
Commissioner Bureau of Pensions

Sir:–
    Referring to your letter to Hon Elmer Thomas in regard to information of John Alford, a Revolutionary War veteran:–
    Will you kindly inform me further if John Alford was married at the time of his death–
    Have you any information to tell of his family - children, if he had any and where they were born.
    Sen. Thomas has been so exceedingly kind in answering my letters I hesitate to trouble him more.
            Yours truly,
            Fanny M. Crosby,
            Box 204 Elk City, Okla.

[postmarked]
PENSION OFFICE U. S. 
A    FEB 11 1928
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CHARLES L. MCNARY, OREG. CHAIRMAN
GEORGE W. NORRIS, NEBR.
ARTHUR CAPPER, KANS.
HENRY W. KEYES, N. H.
FRANK R. GOODING, IDAHO
PETER NORBECK, S. DAK.
LYNN J. FRAZIER, N. DAK.
ARTHUR R. GOULD, ME.
ELLISON D. SMITH, S. C.
JOSEPH E. RANSDELL, LA.
JOHN B. KENDRICK, WYO.
J. THOMAS HEFLIN, ALA.
THADDEUS H. CARAWAY, ARK.
EARLE E. MAYFIELD, TEX.
BURTON K. WHEELER, MONT.
ELMER THOMAS, OKLA.
HENRIK SHIPSTEAD, MINN.
H. K. KIEFER, CLERK

United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

January 30, 1928

Hon. Winfield Scott,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

My dear General Scott:

    I have had a request for copies of the record of John Alford who served in the Revolutionary War in the Virginia Division under Colonel John Gibson.

    I will appreciate the fact if you will authorize an investigation of the records in your files, and send me a copy of such records as you may have.

    Thanking you for this information, I am

        Yours most cordially,
         Elmer Thomas

ET:S

[postmarked]
PENSION OFFICE U. S.
A       JAN 31 1928
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[illegible] 1744

[table]
|  DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  |  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  |  RANK.  |  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED / CAPTAIN.  |  COLONEL.  |  STATE.  |
|  78  |  1 mo.  |  Pri.  |  David Shelton  |  [checkmark]  |  Va  |
|  '80  |  3 mos.  |  [blank]  |  James Pamplin  |  Lindsay  |  [blank]  |
|  81  |  3mos.  |  [blank]  |  James Barnet  |  [checkmark]  |  [blank]  |

Battles engaged in, [checkmark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Amherst Co., Va until 1806.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 8, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Davidson Co. Tenn. since 1806.
Age at date of application, B Frederick Co., Va May 8. 1760
    Remarks:  Sold. died Apl. 24, 1837  –  [To And?] for name of beneficiary.

Very respectfully,
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