Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4956, Henry Franks, Penn.
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SERVICE                                             NUMBER 
Penn.                                                    W. 4956


                        Franks, Henry
                         Christiana or
                          Christina
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Deed
Paid at the treasury under the act of the 6. April 1838 from 4 March 1836 to 5 May 1836 the day he died. Age notified 28 Nov 1838.

Ohio Pittsburgh 22.395.
Henry Franks of Wayne county  in the State of Ohio  who was a Private in the Company- commanded by Captain Law?ie of the Rgt commanded by Col. Mokeley in the Penna. line for 21. months. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio [illegible] at the rate of 10. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of october 1833 and sent to E Dean,  Wooster, Wayne Co .  Ohio.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833. 175. Semi-annual  allowance ending  [illegible]. 34. 35.
$21.0..
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by [illegible[ Palmer.. Clerk, Book E Vol. 8 Page 111.
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State of Ohio
Wayne County

On the third day of September AD 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Supreme Court now sitting at Wooster in and for the said County of Wayne and State of Ohio. Henry Franks a resident of the Township of Chippewa in the said county of Wayne and [crossed out] state of Ohio, aged Sixty nine years, who being first duty Sworn doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832- That He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, Captain Michael Colt Commanded the company and Melchior Baker was the Lieutenant. This deponant (sic) was drafted on the 29th day of June 1781 (as near as he can now recollect) that He then resided in German Township, Fayett (sic) County and State of Pennsylvania That shortly after this deponant was drafted, he was marched with his company to Wheeling Virginia where he Joined the Army commanded by General George Clark and proceeded down the Ohio River with said Army as far as the Little Kanhawa [sic] River where This deponant was placed under Command of Colonel Laughry and decended [sic] the Ohio River under his command as far as the Big Miami River where the detachment consisting of about 300 men was attacked by the Indians and defeated and This deponant made prisoner, on the 24th day of August 1781. Captain Thomas Stokeley of the Regular service and Melchior Baker
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were with the detachment and taken prisoners at the same time and Colonel Laughry was killed.
After this deponant was taken prisoner he was taken by the Indians to Shawnee Town situated at the big Miami River, where he remained for several days and from thence to James Town on the head waters of the Miami on Sandusky Rivers and from thence to Upper Sandusky and from thence to Lower Sandusky where this deponent was adopted by the Indians by the name of tuton kau saw (thy bone of a bear) that some time in the month of August 1782 this deponent was taken into the possesion [possession] of the British troops at Detroit was from thence sent to New York by the way of Montreal Quebeck [Quebec] and Halifax in company with Jacob Lawrence and George Mason who were taken prisoners at the same time with this deponant. This deponant believes that Captain Stokely came home in the same vesel [vessel] with this deponant- after this deponant was landed at New York he was furnished with a pass by which submitted this deponant to draw provisions on his way home. that this deponant arrived at his home in Fayette County Pennsylvania Somewhere about the Last of March or the first of April 1783 as near as this deponant can now recollect. That this deponant was in the services of the United States and a prisoner about twenty one or twenty two months as nears as he can now recollect. That this deponant never received any written discharge from the service of the United States
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present and the claim that his name is not on the pension roll at the Agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid in open Court Henry Franks
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Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court 3rd Sept, 1832 Wm Larwill, Clerk Sept 6
The Nicholas Helmicks residing in Chippenway Wayne County and state of Ohio and Jacob Mason residing in Washington County and state aforesaid certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Franks who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed in open court the 3rd Septs 1832 Wm Larwill, Clke Nicholas Helmich   Jacob Mason
By the Court
Where and in what year were you born.
Answer I was born near Frederick Town in the County of Watkins Grove and State of Maryland on the 29th of June 1763
Question, Have you any record of your age and where is it
Answer, I have no record of my age in my possession but I have seen it as written in my Grandfather's bible in Fayette County State of Pennsylvania
Question by the Court: Where were you living when called into service, and where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live
Answer, I was living at German Town Fayett County State of Pennsylvania when called into service and after my return from captivity I resided there until about the year AD 1801 when I removed to the County of Columbiana in the state of Ohio where I resided about twelve years. Then I removed to the Township of Chippington in the County of Wayne and state of Ohio where I have ever since resided
Question by the Court: How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom
Answer: I was drafted under the Command of Capt Wm [illegible]
By the Court: State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the Troops where you served, such Continental and matilia Regiments as you can recollect
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and the General Circumstances of your services
Answer, Captain Thomas Stokeley was the only officer of the regular Army with whom I was acquainted. Colonel Laughrys regiment of the militias the only one I can now recollect and Colonel Laughry and Major Charles Craycraft and General George Clark and malitia [militia] Baker Capt Michael Catt are the only militia officers that I can now remember. The Troops when a jumble at Wheeling Virginia would I should suppose amount to about fifteen hundred and when we decended the Ohio River Colonel Laughy ^with his command was left in the rear of the main Army.
Question by the Court Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given
Answer, I never received any written discharge to the best of my knowledge
Question: State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character and or veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer: Rev Henry Weygandt George  Wellhouse Stephen Fisher John Routzen and General Beason Beall.
Sworn to and subscribed on this the 3rd day of September AD 1832 in open Court. Henry Franks
Wm Larwill, Clk, Sup Crt
And the said Court I do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Nicholas Helmicks [illegible ] Mason who have signed the preceeding certificate were residents of this County of Wayne are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I William Larwill Clerk of the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio, sitting in and for the Couty of Wayne do certify that the foregoing contains the original papers of proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Henry Franks for a pension
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand My seal of Office this 3rd day of September AD 1832 Wm Larwill
[written vertically]
Certification for Pension by Henry Franks 20182 filed 3 Sept 1832
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4436
Ohio Pittsburgh
---------------------------------
Christiana Franks widow of Henry Franks, decd who was a Penn Pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 4 May 1836
 of Wayne Co in the State of Ohio who was a private in the Com commanded by Captain Sawries of the Regiment commanded by Col Stokeley in the Pennsylvania line for 21 months
----------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburgh at the rate of 70 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 5th day of May 1836
-----------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of October 1839 Sent to Messers Avery & Stevens, Wooster, Ohio
-----------------
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $233.14
Semiannual allowance ending 4 Mar '40  $35.00
Total $268.14
Act July 7, 1838
Recorded by D.M. Curdy, Clerk
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 217'
[written vertically on the right side of the page]
Date of death reg 2 Mar 3[?]
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[record from a family bible two columns, starting with the left column]
FAMILY RECORD
MARRIAGES
Henry Franks and Chistianna Masson is marryed in April in the year 1786
Michael Franks and Martha Thompson was marryed the 14th day of January in the Year 1813
Samuel Wiggans and  Elizabeth Franks was marryed the first Wensday of December in the Year 1810
John Franks and Polly Seickler was married on the 2nd day of February 1814
--------------------------
[second column]
Marriages
John Routzen and Sarah Franks was married the twenty eights of February in the year of our Lord 1816
-----------------------------
Uriah Franks and Elizabeth Watts was marryed January 30 day 1823
Abraham Franks and Lydia Blacker was married on the 19 Day of May in the year of our Lord 1825
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Two sided Family Record
page 678
(Left side)
Births
Henry Franks was born the 29th day of June in the Year 1764
John Franks was born the 14th day of January in the Year 1787
Michael Franks was born the 4th day of September in the Year 1788
Elizabeth Franks was born the 12th day of October in the Year 1791
Sarah Franks was born the 9th day of January in the Year 1794
Henry Franks was born the 19th of April in the Year 1796

(Right side)
Births
Abraham Franks was born the 21st day of October in the year (entire entry is crossed off)
Abraham Franks was born the 9th day of February in the Year 1798
Uriah Franks was born the 21st day of October in the Year 1799
Abigail Franks was born born the 14th day of February in the Year 1802
Christianina Franks was born the 15th day of March in the Year 1804
Catharine Franks was born the 17th day of August in the Year 1806
Phebby Franks was born the 1st day of June inn the Year 1809
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State of Ohio
Wayne County SS

On this thirteenth day of July A. D. eighteen hundred and thirty nine Personally appeared before me George Wellhouse one of the associate Judges for the Court of Common Pleas for Wayne County aforesaid Christianna Franks a resident of Chippeway Township Wayne County Ohio aged as near as I can be ascertained about seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress passed July 1st A. D. 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Henry Franks who was a private soldier drafted in Fayette County Pennsylvania as this deposant has always been informed by said Henry Franks-That said Henry Franks was a pensioner but the certificate by virtue of which said Henry Franks drew his pension having been sent on to Pittsburg in the state of Pennsylvania to draw the arrearage after the death of said Henry Franks and not having been returned has not the means of ascertaining then the time when said Henry Franks entered the services when he left the services or when or with any degree of certainty he commenced drawing pension but thinks he drew his first amount some time in the year 1834 under the act of 1832 She further states that she was married to the said Henry Franks in April A.D. seventeen hundred and eighty six-that her husband the aforesaid Henry Franks died on the fifth day of May A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty six that she was not married to him prior to his
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leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four: at the time above stated 
Christina Franks
X
her mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
George Wellhouse
Associate Judge of Wayne County C.C.P. of the State of Ohio

I do hereby certify that the above named Christiana Franks in consequence of bodily infirmity and age is unable to attend upon the court, and there make her declaration as above
July 15th 1839
George Wellhouse
Associate Judge Wayne County C. C. P. of the state of Ohio

The State of Ohio
Wayne County SS
I Samuel L. Lorah clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Wayne do hereby certify that George Wellhouse Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, was at the time , and now is one of the acting associate Judges of the Court aforesaid, within and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, and that full faith and credit is, or of right ought to be given to all his official acts given as such, as well in courts of law, as thereout And further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge, I believe the signature to the foregoing affidavit to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Wooster, this 6th day of August A.D. 1839
Sam'l L. Lorah, clerk
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M 20182
22.395
Henry Franks
Wayne County
State of Ohio


Return (j)

(g)

Adm 1 year & 9 months

$70.00

46 ( 6

E. Dean Agent

Wooster Post Office

Wayne County

State of Ohio
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office 
183
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 shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling [sic] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, showing the service of Henry Franks. Wayne County, Ohio

[Column 1]
Period when the service was rendered.
Draf 1781 June 29th Kept prisoner the last of Mar or 1st of Apr 1783

[Column 2]
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. 1
Months. 9
Days. 1

 [Column 3]
Rank of the claimant.
Private

[Column 4]
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Capt. Michael Calt. Lieut. Milchia Baker. Capt. Thomas Stokely

[Column 5]
Names and Rank of General and Field Officers.
Gen George Clark. Col Laughry

[Column 6]
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Big Missouri River

[Column 7]
Country through which he marched.
To Wheeling Virginia down the Ohio Rive as far as Rankaway River to the Big Miami River

[Column 8]
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
69 Years Fayette Co Pennsylvania

[Column 9]
Evidence by which declaration is supported.
Living and Traditionary
The court should certify as to the credibility of the traditionary evidence.


I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
JAMES 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," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service. but not those who were occasionally employed with, the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops. Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, 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, or District of County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years
 of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. Avery full account of the services of each person
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3
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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace. the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine 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 in the following words:
" Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of bis 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 mouths and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
{It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie 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 his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the 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 oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental 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.
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October 21, 1937

Henry Franks 
W. 4956
BA-J/AWF

Nina D. Van Tassel
19327 Woodingham Drive
Detroit, Michigan

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Henry Franks, a soldier of the Revolutionary War from Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and later lived in Wayne County, Ohio.

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim W.4956, based upon service of Henry Franks in the War of the Revolution.

Henry Franks was born June 20, 1763 or 1764 near Fredericktown, Washington County, Maryland. The names of his parents were not given.

While a resident of Berman Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Henry Franks enlisted June 29, 1781, served in Captain Michael Catt's company, marched to Wheeling, "Virginia," there joined General George Clark's expedition, went down the Ohio River as far as the Little Kanawha River, and continued down the Ohio River to the Big Miami, where they were attacked by Indians, August 24, 1781; Henry Franks was taken prisoner by Indians and carried to Shawnee Town, and held a few days, from there sent to "Zanestown" on the Sandusky River, and at Lower Sandusky, he was "adopted" by the by the Indians, and given the name "Tuton kau saw" (Thy bone of a bear), he was held by the Indians until in August, 1782,  then sent by the British by way of Montreal, Quebec, and Halifax to New
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2-

York, and from there returned to his home in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, reaching there in March or April, 1783.

Henry Franks continued to live in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, until in 1801, when he moved to Colu
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1813.
Samuel Higgins married Elizabeth Franks, the first Tuesday in December 1810.
John Franks married Polly Heckler or Leckler (this name very dim), February 24,1814.
John Routzen (?) married Sarah Franks, February 28, 1816.
Uriah Franks married Elizabeth Walls, January 30, 1823.
Abraham Franks married Lydia Blacker, May 19, 1825.
In 1832 Jacob Hanson was a resident of Wayne County, Ohio, and stated that he was well acquainted with the soldier, Henry Franks; it was not shown that he was related to the widow, Christina Franks.
In order to obtain the date of last payment if pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and furnish the following data:
Christiana Franks, widow of Henry Franks
Certificate # 4436
Issued October 25, 1839
Rate $70.00 per annum
Commenced May 5, 1836
Act of July 7,1838
Ohio (Pittsburgh) Agency.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4956
Christiana Franks
Wid.
Henry Franks
Pvt. Pa. line
Act: July 7th '38
Index:-Vol. A, Page 252
[Arrangement of 1870]

(written sidewards bottom to top)
1925-Apr. 21. Copies mailed to Mary C. Oursler
1415 Longfellow St. City (see receipt for payment in Wm. Roark S3249v) (?)
1937 Oct 21-list to Nina D. Van Tassel (?)
Page 20

Henry Franks, Ohio. Wayne Co Act 1832
$70 per am d. 1836 When pd
See Pittsburg Agency.       H H S
Died 5 May 1836 paid to that period
JLO

(line crossed off at bottom)
$40 per annum Pd. to Sept 4 1838
Page 21

Wooster Ohio Aug. 6 1839

J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir
We have sent enclosed the test evidence of Christian Franks right to receive a pension that can be obtained- If it should not be sufficient however you will please direct us what course to pursue

In Thanks
Very Respectfully
Avery & Stevens
Page 22

Disposition of 
John Larwell and
Stephen Fisher in 
case of 
Henry Franks
Page 23

State of Ohio
Wayne County 

September 3d 1832

Personally appeared in open court Stephen Fisher and John Larwill both of Lawful age who being duly Sworn deposeth and Say that they are acquainted with Henry Franks and that he
sustains a good character for truth and veracity and further saith not
John Lanwill
Stephen Fisher

Sworn to & Subscribed in open Court 3 Sept 1832.
Wm. Larwill Clk.
Page 24

M-at-
JN
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm of Pens.
Washington City, D. C.

postal rubber stamped 
Wooster
OCT
16
Oct 22 written across the stamp

Christina [(crossed off)Wd.] Franks
Chris(crossed through)
13th Aug.
No 5930
Act 38
Page 25

Wooster, Ohio Oct 15 1839

Sir:

We sent to you, Some eight or ten weeks since, this declaration of Mrs. Franks, widow of Henry Franks, late of Chippeway Township Wayne County Ohio.--Mrs. Franks made the proper declaration, which we mailed to you, together with the necessary proof of her marriage to said Henry, asking for a pension under the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". As we have not received any intelligence concerning them we conclude they have been lost by the way; you will write please inform us whether such papers have ever arrived and if so what disposition you have made of them.
Very Respectfully
Avery & Stevens
J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Page 26

5930
Christianna Franks
Wid of Henry
Ohio
Married 1786
died May 5 1836
Allow &70 per am
from May 5, 1836
Page 27

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office
Nov. 21. 1838

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensions, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, "The widow of Henry Franks dec'd a Pensioner on the Roll of the Pittsburg Pa. Agency, at the rate of Seventy Dollars and (Blank) Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1836 to the 5th May 1836 the day he died. 

Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Harris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions, 
Present.
Page 28

Wooster Ohio Oct 8 1873

Dear Sir

The Certificate of the Court of the Credibility of the Traditionary Evidence is added to the original proceeding in the case of Henry Frank for a pension, from the Journal Entry made by the Court at the time the application was first made by Franks, the opinion to carry the whole order of the Court upon the original papers. was  in the Clerk as the Journal Entry of the proceeding in the case was as they now stand upon the original papers
Yours Respectfully 
E Dean

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Page 29

I do certify that Henry Franks now Residing in Chippaway Township Wayne County in a State of Ohio was in the Revolutionary war as a Militiaman under Captain Michael Catt of Garmon Township Fayette County and State of Pennsylvania Marched to Wheeling, Pa when he Joined General Clark and by his Orders Remained thereafter the generals desent down the River to wait the arrival of Colonel Laughery with whom the Company decended the River below the mouth of the Big Mamia where the same Henry Frank was taken prisoner by the Indians and Remained with them nearly two years
Clear Creek township Richland County Ohio
May the 6th A D 1833

I the said Christian Fast do Solemnly Swear that the above Statement is Just and True as it is above stated
(signed in German Script)
Christopher Fast

Sworn to and Subscribed before me A Porter one of the Justice of the Peace for the County of Richland and the State of Ohio given in under my hand and seal this 6 day of May AD 1833
Alex'r Porter
Page 30

the State of Ohio
Richland County

I do Certify that the within named Christian Christian Fast is in good Repute in his Neighborhood for Truth and Varsity and his statement is Entitled to Credit
A. Porter 
Justice of the Peace for said County

Clear Creek township
May 6, AD 1833

The State of Ohio
Richland County
I Ellzey Hedges Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Alexander Porter Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit of Christian Fast was made & who has made & the above certificate now is & was at the time of subscribing his name thereto an acting Justice of the Peace as in afor said County (???) duly commissioned & qualified to act of whose official acts as (???) faith & Credit is & ought to be given as well in Court of record as elsewhere--In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & officiated the seal of said Court at Mansfield this 17th day of May A. D. 1833
Ellzey Hedges Clerk
Page 31

The State of Ohio
Wayne County SS

Personally appeared before me George Wellhouse one of the associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for Wayne County Ohio Christenia Collins after being duly Sworn deposeth and Saith the record accompanying this affidavit is the family record of Henry Franks late of Chippiway Township Wayne County Ohio and that it has been in her possession Since the death of said Henry Franks and for a long time previous and that the record of the Marriage of Christiana Masson to Henry Franks Was made many years since in pursuance of the orders of the said Henry Franks by one Samuel Tompson and by Said Franks and further this deponent Saitheth now Sworn and Subscribed before me this thirteenth day of July AD 1839
Christina Collins
George Wellhouse
Associate Judge of Wayne County C C Pl

The State of Ohio
Wayne County SS

Personally appeared before me George Wellhouse one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for Wayne County Ohio Uriah Franks after being duly Sworn deposeth and Saith the Record accompanying this affidavit is the family record of Henry Franks late of Chippiway Township Wayne County Ohio and that he Saw Samuel Tompson transcribe the Same from another Record Given out by Said Henry Franks to said Tompson about twenty six years ago and that the record of the Marriage of Christiana Mason to Henry Franks was then transcribed as aforesaid and that he fully believes it true further this deponent Saith not Sworn and Subscribed according to law Given under my hand this 13th day of July AD 1839
Uriah Franks
George Wellhouse
Associate Judge of Wayne County C C P
Page 32

(Form)
Request for Photostating.      M 6
(To be prepared in duplicate). Ex   AW

OFFICE OF CHIEF CLERK

Job No. 1959.          Date Apr 18. 25

Subject Henry Franks, Rev. W 4956

1 copies of 1 pieces consisting of 4 pages to be
forwarded when completed to the Rev & 1812 Sect. Division.
Remarks: See receipt-for payment uc
Wm. Roark  Approved: S32495

AEWilson
Chief Sect.

Chief Clerk (not noted or signed)
Page 33

(stamped back of letter)

RECEIVED OCT 14 1937
COLL. SUBDIV
VETERANS
ADM

Arrow pointing at 11
Page 34

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Office of Chief Clerk
Washington

October 12, 1937

Form letter Stamped 
RECEIVED
OCT 14 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS ADM
READER 8

Administrator,
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.

Respectfully forwarding communication from

Nina D. Van Tassel,
19327 Woodingham Drive, Detroit, Mich.
dated October 5, 1937, requesting War record of Henry Franks, who fought in the Revolutionary War, so as to make her eligible for membership in the D.A.R.

The writer has not been advised of this reference.

F. A. BIRGFELD
Chief Clerk
By JN 2

1 each 
B
Page 35

Stamp on back of letter

OFFICE of CHIEF CLERK
(unreadable)

1937 OCT 7 AM 11 19

TREASURY DEPARTMENT

RECEIVED OCT 14 1937
(unreadable)
VETERANS
ADM.
Page 36

19327-Woodingham Drive
Detroit, Mich. Oct 5th 1937.

Government War Pensions
Washington, D.C.

For several years I have been trying to find proof for my eligibility to membership in the D. A. R.
I have known from stories handed down for generations that my great-great, grand father fought in the Revolutionary War.
His name was Henry Franks from Fayette County Penn, his wife was Christina Mason Franks.
I understand that at the age of seventy three, she was given a pension, as a resident of Wayne County, Ohio, Chippawa Township in the year 1840. This was listed under the head of Revolutionary Pensions in Wayne Co. in a History of Wayne Co. Ohio, from the days of the Pioneers and First Settlers by Ben Douglass of Wooster, Ohio. 
Will you kindly advise me if you have a record of such pension having been granted thereby giving me the necessary proof I desire.
Very truly
Nina D. Van Tassel.

STAMP ON LETTER
RECEIVED
OCT 14 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS ADM
READER #8