Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10584, for Philip Thurman, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
S.C.

Thurman, Philip
                 Kesiah

NUMBER
R. 10584

CONTENTS
Page 2

13643
East Tennessee
Philip Thurman
of Bledsoe in the State of Tennessee
who was a Private in the Company command
by Captain Lindsay of the Regt command
by Col Hicks in the S. C. Militia
for one year & M 15 days
on the Roll of Tennessee
Inscribe on the roll of Tennessee at the rate of 78 Dollars 31 cents per annum to
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of May
1833.
and sent to Bledsoe Co. Tennessee 
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $156:62
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 33
39.15
$195.77
Revolutionary Claim 
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by
Geo. B. Whiting Clerk
Book E Vol. 7 Page 63
Page 3

Ephraim Thurman was born the 16
day of January 1794 and was
[illegible] the 29 May 1817
Lucinda Thurman was born 27 day of
June 1818
Page 4

THE
NEW TESTAMENT
OF OUR
LORD AND SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST
TRANSLATED OUT OF
THE ORIGINAL GREEK
AND WITH THE 
FORMER TRANSLATIONS DILIGENTLY COMPARED AND REVISED.
STEREOTYPED
FOR THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY
BY D. & G. BRUCE
---
NEW YORK.
Page 5

Eli Sherman was born
the 22 April 1784
Eli Sherman died
the tenth day March
Eli Thurman 1842
died March 10 1842
Page 6

Smith & Jones

Oct 1/52
Page 7

Pension Office
Oct 1 1852
Sirs
I have examined the claim of Kesiah
Thurman [illegible] of Tenn, for the benefit of the
Act of July 7 1838, and have to inform
you that her children have no claim
Her husband died in 1840. She was
not a widow at the passage of the act of
July 7 1838, she died in 1845 before
the passage of the act of 3d of March
1837, passed for the benefit of widows
who were not so at the passage of the
act of July 7 1838.
Messrs Smith & Jones
Present
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4958

Declaration 
Philip Thurman for a Pension
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State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County County Court
On this fourteenth day of August in the year
1832 personally appeared in open Court before the worshipful Justices of the County Court now sitting Philip
Thurman a resident of the County of Bledsoe aforesaid
and State of Tennessee aged Seventy four 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 act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he intend the service of the United States
under the following named officers and served as herein
stated
That day in what was then called Cheraw District in the State of South Carolina and about twenty five
miles [from?] Cheraw hills he was drafted to serve in
the South Carolina militia and entered the service in the
1775 under Captain Daniel Lundy who was under the
command of Colonel George Hicks and marched
from Cheraw district by George Town to Halley Point in
sight of Charleston and of Port Moultrie where he remained until discharged which he thinks was at the end of a three months time of service. Shortly after the expiration of the aforesaid time he was drafted again and entered the service under Captain Thomas Williamson who I think was under the command of Colonel Stewart. He was marched to Cheraw Hills and remained in service but for one month during which time he and in associate soldiers were trained in military discipline. In the year 1778
Page 10

he was again drafted and entered the service in Cheraw district he thinks under the command of Captain Benjamin Hendrick who he thinks was under the command of Colonel Abel Culp - he marched from said district to Charlestown where he remained a short time and then passed over to James Island to Fort Johnson where he remained in the service to the end of the term for which he was drafted, which he believes was for three months and
was then discharged. In the year 1779 he was drafted
again for three months and entered the service again
under the same Captain and Colonel Tourt[?] Hendrick and
Culp, whose turn to serve had also come round again
and marched to the Ten Mile House near Charleston
where he was stationed for a considerable time and
was then moved into Charleston when he served out
his time -this term of service was performed in the winter
of 1779 -80 - In the year 1780 he moved from Cheraw district to Edisto river in South Carolina a distance of about 150 miles and during the next year he volunteered - entered the service under Captain Benjamin Odom and Marched to the siege of Augusta when Col Grayson commanded the Tory fort and Col Brown the British fort - he was in the engagement in storming the Tory fort and in
the siege of the British fort until it surrendered which
was [illegible] three weeks after the storming of the Tory
fort,- - after this event he returned home having this trip served something like six weeks - which was in May and
Page 11


as near as he can remember. In the fall of that year
(to wit) 1781 he moved back to his old residence
Cheraw district, - In the winter of 1781 he was again
drafted and in entered the service in  the Cheraw district under the command of General Francis Marion, in which he
continued off and on as his turn would come and
until the 15 of November in 1782 or thereabouts when he
finally discharged. He states that while under
command of General Marion he served two campaigns
under Captain Thomas Elebe (or Eliby), one
campaign under Captain Morris Murphy who lived on
Pee Dee below the long Bluff, and one campaign he thinks
under Captain William Hendrick. He thinks
sometime during his service he was under a Capt. Hardiman
but cannot recollect what time. He has no doubt but that he was in the service under Genl Marion for at least nine months. He has no documentary evidence of his service nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service-- He further states that He was born in Anson County State of North Carolina near Big Pee Dee on the 15th November 1757 - He has no record of his age, he has the account given him by his mother, and believes it to be a true one - He lived in Cheraw district about 25 miles from Cheraw hill on South Carolina when called into the service - the place is perhaps now called
Page 12

Chesterfield district for about nineteen years after
the close of the revolutionary war he had lived in the same
district, from which he moved to Smith County in the
State of Tennessee where he lived between two and
three years, from there he moved to Anderson County
Tennessee where he lived for between two and
three years from there he moved to this (Bledso)
County Tennessee where he has resided ever since
say about twenty six years-
He was regularly drafted for all the tours of his
service except the one when he went to Augusta
where he was a volunteer
He has stated the names of his officers as far as
he can recollect and the general circumstances
of his service. He recollects getting
a discharge from Captain Odom
and another from [illegible] Murphy
at Santee river - he thinks he received other
discharges, but was a young man without any
property or family and not supposing they would
be of any service he did not preserve them so it is
at this day he does not know what has
become of them-
He states that he is known in his present neighborhood by Col James Standifer present representative
in Congress. John Dalton a Clergyman, John
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Bridgman for 15 or 16 years a respectable merchant in
Pikeville, Bledsoe County Elisha Kirklen for many
years a merchant of the same place, James A.
Whiteside an attorney at law of the same place
and others but he thinks it unnecessary to extend
the last, who can testify to his character
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a
pension or annuity except the present and declares
that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
his
Philip Thurman
mark
We John Dalton a Clergyman, residing in the County of
Bledsoe and State of Tennessee, and James Standifer
John Bridgman, Elisha Kirklen and James A. Whiteside
residing in the same hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with Philip Thurman who has subscribed
and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him
be seventy four years of age that he is reputed and
believed in the neighbourhood when he resides to have
been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur
in that opinion-
Sworn and subscribed the
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day and year aforesaid-
John Dalton B D
James Standifer
J. Bridgman
Elisha Kicklin
Jas A. Whiteside
State of Tennessee,
Bledsoe County, County Court, August Session
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 John Dalton who has signed the preceding
certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County
of Bledsoe, and that James Standifer, John
Bridgman, Elisha Kirklin and James A. Whiteside
who have also signed the same are residents in
the County aforesaid, and are credible persons, and
that there statement is entitled to credit.
Page 15

The State of Tennessee,
I Scott Terry Clerk of the
County Court of Bledsoe County, do
hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceeding of the said Court
in the matter of the application of
Philip Thurman for a pension
In Testimony whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand and
private seal (not having a
seal of Office) this 16th day
of August 1832.
Scott Terry Clk
D S
Page 16

State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County February 4, 1833

Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Bledsoe aforesaid Philip Thurman the interested person who made the foregoing declaration

[illegible line]
Page 17

State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County
On the 19 day March 1852 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said county Ephraim Thurman a resident of Marion County with whom I am acquainted and who I certify to be the entitled to credit and made oath in due form of law that he is the seventh son of Philip Thurman late a pensioner of the United States at the rate of [illegible] a year and his wife Kesiah Thurman dec'd. that he was born as he was always informed by  his father and mother that he was the seventh child & was born in the year seventeen hundred and ninety seven 1797 that his mother Kesiah Thurman previous to her death made application for a pension in site of her said husband but which claim at the time of her death was not allowed that his mother the said Kesiah Thurman died in Bledsoe County Tennessee on the  day of May or June 1845 that at the time of her death she left the following named children who is still living to wit affiant Sarah Rogers Elijah Thurman Susan Bradfield John Thurman and affiant all of who is still living and who is the only surviving children of her the said Kesiah Thurman and
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of course affiant cannot tell when and where
his father & mother was married but always understood
from his father & mother that they lived in
Chester district South Carolina but that when
they was married they went across the State line
in to North Carolina to Get married but in to
what county he cannot tell and he has also
repeated heard them both say that they
was engaged to be married before the Revolutionary war closed and as soon as it
was over and affiants father returned from
the [illegible] they were married as above stated
affiant therefore claims for himself and the
other heirs of this mother the amount of pension
that was due & coming to her at her death under
act of 7th July 1838 & which since her death is
due to her heirs that he has no documentary
or record proof in support of his claim
that the family record that was was kept
by his father & mother has been long since
lost or destroyed Sworn to & subscribed date
above
Bird Pankey JP
Ephraim Thurman
his Mark
Know all men by these presence that I
Ephraim Thurman one of the heirs of my Mother Kesiah Thurman [illegible] do constitute and
appoint as my attorney in fact for
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me & in my name to demand and [illegible] from the United States the amount of
pension is due & coming to the heirs of the
said Kesiah Thurman dec'd, witness my hand
this 19 March 1852
witness
James S. Pankey
Bird Pankey
Ephraim Thurman
his Mark

State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County ⎬
I James S. Pankey Clerk of the County
Court of the said County of Bledsoe
do hereby certify that Bird Pankey who's name is signed
official to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is and
was an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County
at the time the same bears date duly commissioned
and qualified that the signatures thereto purporting to
be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal of office at
office in Pikeville this 19th March 1852
James S Pankey Clk
Page 20

State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County
On this 19 March 1852 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said said county William Walker a resident of said county aged sixty years and makes oath that he was well acquainted with Philip Thurman & his wife Kesiah since the year 1807 that at this date they was living in this county together as man & wife and at this date they had a family of children the oldest of which children was by the name of Ely Thurman who from his appearance there affiant supposed must have been over twenty years of age that affiant knew them well from that date up to the date of the death of the said Philip Thurman he left his widow the said Kesiah who remains his widow unmarried until on or about the day of May or June 1845 at which time as affiant is informed she died that prior to his death he was a pensioner of the United States and that previous to her death the said Kesiah she was an applicant for a pension or [illegible]
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was inform that at the time of the death
of the said Kesiah Thurman she left the
allowing named Children who affiant is
informed if she living to wit Sarah Rogers
Elijah Thurman Susan Bradfield John
Thurman and Ephriam Thurman that then
Eldest Child Ely Thurman died previous to his
mother the said Kesiah Thurman
sworn to and subscribed before
me the date above
Bird Panky JP
William Walker
Page 22

State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County  ss

Declaration for the benefit of the act of the 7th July 1838 and the 23rd August 1842. On this 6th day of November 1843 Personally appeared in open court at the court house in Pikeville Kasiah Thurman a resident of Tennessee in the County aforesaid aged seventy eight 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 provisions made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 and the 23rd of August 1842 granting pensions to widows of pensioners who served during the war of the revolution. That she is the widow of Philip Thurman Dec'd.. who was a soldier in the war of the revolution and a pensioner of the United States under act of the 7th June 1832 on the Tennessee roll at the rate of seventy nine dollars and sixty six cents per annum.  She also declares that she was married to the said Philip Thurman on the 10th day of July in the year of our Lord 1783 as will satisfactory be shown in the papers herewith presented  That her husband the aforesaid Philip Thurman died on the 2nd September 1840 and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but previous to the 1st January 1794. to wit on the day and year above stated and still remains a widow the application is made through her agent. Mr. Alexander Ray of Washington and the evidence upon which her husband pension was allowed is respectfully referred to in the support of this application.
Kesiah Thurman
her mark
Sworn to & subscribed in open court this 6th day of November 1843.
Teste
John Thomas clerk
of Bledsoe County Court
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State of Tennessee ⎬
Bledsoe County
⎬
 Personally appeared Elisabeth Kirklin in open court and made oath in due form
law that she saw Kesiah Thurman going to
Anson County North Carolina on the 10th day
of July 1783 with Philip Thurman to get
married and also saw them returning home
after they was married they have lived
together ever sin ce as man and wife and raised
a large family of Respectful children and that
they have children near sixty
years of age
the law at that date in South Carolina was
such that People had to go to North Carolina to Marry and that she [illegible] the time
and circumstances of her getting married
verry Well
Sworn to & subscribed in open 
Court the 6th Nov. 1843
[illegible]
John Thomas Clerk
Elizabeth Kirklin
her mark
State of Tennessee ⎬ 
Bledsoe County 
Personally appeared Ephraim Thurman in open Court
and made oath in due form of Law that
he is the seventh child of his Father
and Mother Philip Thurman & Kesiah Thurman
and that several years ago his oldest
Brother Eli Thurman died off of the family
Bible of my Fathers my age which is annexed
to this affidavit which shows that I was
borned on the 16th day of January 1777 and
that my Father Philip Thurman [illegible] a Pension
of of Seventy nine Dollars 66/100 during the last
five years of his life and that the said Philip
Thurman died about the time Specified in my
mothers declaration and that she still remains
Page 24

a widow Sworn to and subscribed in open court November 6th day 1843.
his
Ephraim Thurman
mark
John Thomas clerk

State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County
personally appeared Sarah Thurman widow of Eli Thurman dec'ed. in open court and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of Philip and Kesiah Thurman oldest son Eli Thurman who was borned on the 22nd day of April 1784 as will appear from the leaf annexed whitch I saw but of his bible and know that the said Eli Thurman wrote down in his own hand write and that my daughter Elizabeth Thurman wrote down the day of his death on the said leaf and that in the lifetime of the said Philip Thurman he drew a pension of seventy nine dollars and 66/100 and the he died about the time specified in the foregoing declaration bearing the said Kesiah Thurman his widow and that she is the person mentioned on the foregoing declaration and that she still remains a widow.  
her
Sarah Thurman
mark
sworn to & subscribed in open court November 6th 1843
John Thomas clerk
Bledsoe County Court

State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County
November session of the county court of said county 1843
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were made in open court and the court being satisfied from the evidence produced that Kesiah Thurman is the widow of Philip Thurman dec'ed. and that the matter & things set forth in said
Page 25

Declaration and affidavits are true
and also being satisfied of the credibility
of the affiants the same was approved
by the court
W. Brown
Chairman of Bledsoe
County Court
State of Tennessee ⎬
Bledsoe County 
 I John Thomas Clerk
 of the County Court
for said County do certify that the foregoing
Declaration and affidavits were sworn to in open
court and that they are in due form
of law In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
my seal of office of said County
at office in Pikeville the 6th day
of November A.D. 1843
John Thomas Clerk
of Bledsoe County
Court
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October 28, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Philip Thurman, R. 10584
BA-J/MCS
Dr. Mary V. S. Sheppard
424 Osler Building
1200 N. Walker
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the
pension claim, R.10584, based upon the military service of Philip
Thurman.
He was born November 15, 1757, in Anson County, North Carolina,
near the "Big Peedee". The names of his parents were not given.
while living about twenty-five miles from Cheraw Hill in Cheraw
District, South Carolina, Philip Thurman enlisted and served as private
with the South Carolina troops as follows: in 1775 served three months
in Captain Daniel Lundy's company in Colonel George Hicks' regiment;
soon afterward served one month in Captain Thomas Williamson's company
in Colonel Stewart's regiment; in 1778, served three months in Captain
Benjamin Hendrick's company in Colonel Abel Culp's regiment; from late
in 1779, served three months in Captain Benjamin Hendrick's company in
Colonel Abel Culp's regiment; in 1780 he moved from Cheraw District to
the Edisto River in South Carolina and in 1781 served about six weeks
in Captain Benjamin Odom's company and was in the siege of Augusta; in
the fall of 1781 he moved back to his old residence in Cheraw District
and from late in 1781 he served at various times until November 15, 1782,
amounting to nine months in all, under Captains Thomas Ellerbee, Maurice
Murphy, William Hendrick and Harriman.
About nineteen years after the Revolution he moved to Smith County,
Tennessee; two or three years later he moved to Anderson County, Tennessee;
two or three years later he moved to Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832,
at which time he was a resident of Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
Philip Thurman died September 2, 1840.
Page 27


Philip Thurman married July 10, 1783, Kesiah, her maiden name not
given. It was stated that they lived in South Carolina but went to Anson County, North Carolina, to be married.
In 1843 the widow, Kesiah, was seventy-eight years of age and was living in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. She died in that county in May or
June, 1845.

Reference was made to the following children of Philip and Kesiah Thurman: Eli, born April 22, 1784, died March 10, 1842, married Sarah
maiden name not given) and had a daughter, Elisabeth; Sarah Rogers:
Elijah; Susan Bradfield; John; Ephraim who was born January 16, 1797,
and he stated he was the seventh child of Philip and Kesiah Thurman.
said Ephraim Thurman married May 29, 1817, and had a child, Lucinda,
born June 27, 1818, and in 1852 he was living in Marion County, state not given.
The widow, Kesiah Thurman, was survived by the following children
only: Sarah Rogers, Elijah Thurman, Susan Bradfield, John Thurman and
Ephraim Thurman.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 28

1927 July 1 hist. to Mrs. [illegible] R. Edington [illegible] 
1929 Dec. 21 [illegible] Mrs. Jessie M. Casanova Finance Div. [illegible] 
1934 June 28 hist. to Mrs. M. B. Terrilp MCS 
1937 Oct 28 hist to Dr. Mary V.B. Sheppard  MCS
Acts of July 14 1862 and March 3 1873
10384
P.O. 
Kesiah Thurman
Service:
REJECTED
Enlisted: ___, 18  .
Discharged: ______, 18  .
List of 1852 gives following reason for suspension "for further proof of marriage and service"
Application filed: ___, 18  .
Alleges: ____
Re-enlisted: ___
Attorney: ___
P. O. ___
Recognized. Contract.
Page 29

10335
Kesiah Thurman
10586 Ten.
suspended
Let. to [illegible] Aug. 10 '44
"   "  Hon. J. W. Blackwell Dec. 28, 1844
Smith & Jones Oct. 1 1852
Hon. J. A. Smith
Feb. 25/59
Act July 7th '38
Page 30

Hon. JW Blackwell
Dec. 28. 1844
Page 31

Pension Office
Decr 28 1844
Sir
In answer to your letter of the
27th inst I have the honor to inform you
that the claim of Mrs. Keziah Thurman
has not been allowed, as the proof of
marriage and of Service is insufficient
my letter of the 10th of August last to
Mr. Alexander Ray of this City a copy of which I herewith enclose will shew
what has been required in this case
Hon. J. W. Blackwell
H R
10335 Tenn
Act 1838  [illegible]
Page 32

Alin Ray
Aug't. 10 '44
Page 33

Pension Office
Aug't. 10th 44
Sire:
The papers in the case of Kesiah Thurman widow of Philip Thurman claiming a pension under the Act of July 7th 1838 have been examined and filed. The proof of the date of the marriage is not satisfactory. If as alleged the marriage took place in North Ca. the certificate of the clerk of the county where it occurred should be produced. The certificate of Comptroller [illegible] of S. Carolina should be produced showing the actual service of Philip Thurman who states in his declaration that he served in 1775 under Capt. Dan'l. Lundy & Col. George Hicks also Cap. Thomas Williamson & as he thinks Col. Stewart in1778 under Capt. Benj'n. Hendrick in 1779 under Capt. Hendrick & Col. Culp.  in 1780 under Capt. Benjamin Odom in 1781 under General Frances Marion.
[illegible] Ray Esq. Washington D. C.
10.335 Act. 7th July '38.
Page 34

S.A. Smith
Feb. 25
Page 35

Pension Office, Feby 26, 1859
Sir
I have the honor to endorse a letter
addressed by this office to  Messrs Smith &
Jony, dated October 1, 1832, which
will inform you of the condition of the
claim of Kesiah Thurman for pension
under act of July 7, 1838. Three is nothing
due her heirs in this behalf
I herewith return the letter of
Messrs Rogers and Hatfield,
with great respect
Hon S. A. Smith
House of Reps.
Page 36

Philip Thurman

$78.31
Page 37

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims of which those answered in the negative in red ink, will apply to the claim of Philip Thurman 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?  no
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulation? 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 their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device on inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Private seal.
Page 38

2
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?

XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she , or they are persons of credibility?

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?  An, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES
QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long her 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 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."
Page 39

3 
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 in 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. 
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 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. 
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 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. 
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Page 40


House Rep,
Decr 27, 1844
Sir
Asahel Rawling Esq. of Dallas [illegible] writes me
this on the 5th inst. "Will you place be so kind as to advise
me at your earliest leisure & convenience whether a six
years half pay Pension certificate has been issued at the
War office, to Keziah Thurman, widow & relict of Philip Thurman of Pikeville, Bledsoe County East Tennessee, a soldier, and a Pensioner of the Revolutionary war, and if so, for what
amount, when issued & when commencing its draft.
Will you please give me the information at your earliest convenience and oblige
Respectfully, your Obt Servt
J. W. Blackwell
Jas. L. Edwards Esq.
Comp of Pensions
Page 41

4958

Philip Thurman
Page 42


declaration 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 to the best of his
recollection he served not less than the period
mentioned below and in the following grade
For one year eight months and fifteen days
I served as a private soldier and for such
service I claim a pension
his
Philip Thurman
mark
subscribed & sworn to before
me the
date above

Elisha Kirklin
Justice of the peace
Bledsoe County
State of Tennessee,
I Scott Terry clerk of Bledsoe County Court do certify that Elisha Kirklin whose
signature appears to the foregoing
Declaration and certificate of Philip Thurman
is now and was at the time of signing the same, an acting justice of the peace in and
for said County of Bledsoe, duly commissioned
and qualified to act and that due
faith and credit is given his official
acts as such
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my private
seal (not having a seal of office)
this 9th day of February 1833
Scott Terry Clk
Page 43

The State of Tennessee,
I James Standefer member of
Congress from the third congressional District of
the State of Tennessee, certify that Scott Terry esqr.
whose signature appears to the two preceding certificates
is now and was at the time of making the same Clerk
of the County Court of Bledsoe County, and that due
faith and credit are and ought to be given his
Official acts as such that the same an his genuine
signatures and that his said certificates are in
due form of law and that there is no seal of office for said court.
Given under my hand this 16th day
of March 1833
James Standefer
Page 44

The last will and testament of Philip Thurman
of Bledsoe County State of Tennessee
I Philip Thurman considering the uncertainty
of this mortal life and being of sound mind and
[illegible] blessed be Almighty God for the same, do
make and publish this my last will and testament
in manner and form following that is to say first it is
my will and [illegible] that all my just debts should any exist shall be paid- I give and bequeath unto my beloved
wife Keziah Thurman all my personal property consisting of stock house hold furniture & and one
third part of my real estate during her natural life
the third part of the real estate to include one third
of the cleared land one third of the word land and
one third of the dwelling house and other improvements
And portion of the personal estate which may remain
[illegible] my said wife shall have the power to
dispose of by will duly executed in any manner for
any purpose and to any person or persons the may
think proper. The remaining two thirds of my real
estate I give and bequeath unto my son John Thurman
his heirs and assigns forever and at the death of my
said wife I give and bequeath the third of my real
estate given to her during her life also to my son John
Thurman his heirs & assigns forever but I charge
the said real estate with the payment of fifty dollars
to my daughter Susan Bradfield or her heirs and
one hundred and fifty dollars to my son Elijah
Thurman or his heirs which shall be considered due
at the time of my death and shall be paid to them by
my said son John Thurman to my sever older children
I have heretofore given what I considered their portion
and leave them nothing under this will my wife
at her death she [illegible] and power of disposing
Page 45

of the personal property to any person she may please
I do hereby appoint my son the Eli Thurman executor
of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all
former wills by me made in witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the 5 day of April
A D 1836
Signed Sealed & published
in presence of
Benj F Bridgman
J. Bridgman
James S Whiteside

Philip Thurman
his mark
State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County ⎬ I James S Pankey Clerk of the County
Court of the said County of Bledsoe do
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and perfect
Copy of original will of Philip Thurman Deceased as appears on file in my office

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at
office in Pikeville this 19th day of March 1852
James S Pankey Clk
Page 46

10.335
Keziah Thurman
Ten 
Act 7th July 38

Edwards Esq'r.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 47

10335
Decmr 12.1843
Tenn  R
Kesiah Thurman
1838542

James L Edwards esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions

10.335
Keziah Thurman
Tennessee
Act 7th July 38
Page 48

Washington Dec'r. 11, 1843
Sir
I herewith enclose you a declaration made by Mrs. Kesiah Thurman for the benefit of the act 7 July 1838 and the act 23 of Aug. 1842. as the widow of Philip, late of Tennessee and during his life time was a pensioner under act 7 June 1832 at the rate of $79.66 per annum.
I am very respectfully your ob. ser. 
Alex Ray
Page 49

MRS. SAMUEL R. EDINGTON
1012 PENN PLACE
TUCSON. ARIZONA
Department of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C
Will you please send me the war record of
Philip Thurman (spelled "Shurman") in Census of Pensioners for Rev or Military service- State of Tennessee-- Eastern District
Bledsoe Co: Dist No.6.)
There seems to have been a Capt. Philip
Thurman in Virginia (Albemarle Co
l believe), but the Philip I'm interested
in lived in South Carolina
Page 50

-2-
Mrs. Samuel R. Edington
1012 Penn Place
Tucson, Arizona

at the time of Revolution and immigrated to Tennessee later.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Samuel R. Edington
Page 51

4936 Live Oak St.
Dallas, Texas
April 25, 1934

U. S. Pension Bureau
Washington, D. C.

Sirs:
Please send me a verbatim copy of all data on Philip Thurman and his family. Revolutionary War Pensioner of Bledsoe Co. Tennessee

Respectfully yours,
Mrs. M. B. Terrill

[stamp]
REC'D
APR 27 1934
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM
READER #4
Page 52

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 37936

Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
December 6, 1929 
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSIONS
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of two pages [(certified) crossed through] from
Revolutionary War pension claim of Philip Thurman, widow Kesiah R.10584
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? _____ days
For further information see M. M. H. Finch
5033
Room No.
541
P hone No.
Approved:  A. D. [illegible]
Chief Clerk of Bureau
Margaret M. H. Finch
Chief of Rev.  & 1812 Wars Section

NOTE: No order made “SPECIAL” unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph  single or double space?  Facsimile Signature?
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
Folding  once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once?  Twice?  Side?  End?
Electric typewrite    Fill in addresses? ____ Dated?_____
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size   Cards, size
Proof list   Pay rolls
Labels (submit sample)  Corrections
Fill in letters   Tabulation sheets
Photostat   X Size Actual  Official use?___ Repay? Yes $ 30cts
Blue Print Size   Official use?  Repay?  $___
Remarks
(OVER)
Page 53

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.

-------- 192
(date)

Indicate by an X in proper square action to be taken.

Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate    On list
Destroy present addressograph plate
as follows:

Now reads
1 ---
2 ---
3 ---
4 ---
5 ---

Should read
1 ---
2 ---
3 ---
4 ---
5 ---

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION

ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ------- 192
Operator ---

MULTIGRAPH
Operator --- date --- type set by --- date
Remarks:---

MIMEOGRAPH
Operator --- date ---   out by ---
Remarks: ---
Page 54

[corner turned under]
December 6, 1929
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir:
Please furnish me photostat copies (certified) of two pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim of Philip Thurman and of his widow Kesiah, R. 10584, South Carolina Troops.
Cash - 55 center
[stamp]
finance division
[illegible line]
Dec 6 1929
[illegible line]
Jessie M. Casanova
731 Kennedy St. n. W.
Washington D. C.
will call
2 pages [illegible]
Received payment 
fifty five cents
Antonia A. Ford
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
Page 55

Mary V. S. Sheppard M. D.
424 Osler Building
1200 N. Walker
Oklahoma City, Okla.

Oct. 15, 1933

Bureau of Pensions
Dept. of Interior
Washington D. C.

Dear Sirs:

I with to obtain a copy of the pension record for service in the Revolution of Philip Thurman who served with the troops for Cheraw District of South Carolina.
Two others of my ancestors served in the Revolution. Wm. Humphrey of Lynchburg, Va. and John Brown. who I believe was also form Lynchburg, Va. He had a son Wm. Lilly Brown and another Thomas O. Brown.  The former served in the war of 1812 for which he received a pension. His record shows he was from Fluvanna Co. Virginia or Bledsoe Co. Tenn.  Another James Sawyer was from Virginia.  If you cannot send me copies of their records will you kindly direct me to where I may write.
Yours truly
Mary V. S. Sheppard

[stamp]
RECEIVED
OCT 18 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV.
[ILLEGIBLE]
READER # 23
Page 56

October 28, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXX
Philip Thurman H. 10584
James Sawyers, E. 5979
BA-J/MC3
aw

Dr. Mary V. S. Sheppard
424 Oaler Building
1200 W. Walker
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, John Brown, William Humphrey, James Sawyer and Philip Thurman.

You are furnished herewith, the record of Philip Thurman and the record of the only James Sawyers or Sawyer who enlisted from Virginia that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

In order to identify the records of particular Revolutionary War soldiers named William Humphrey and John Brown it is essential that you furnish as much as possible of the following data pertaining to each: approximate date of birth and death, place of residence at enlistment and after service and first name of widow.

Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 57

M.A.S.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
July 1, 1927

Mrs. Samuel R. Edington
1012 Penn Place
Tucson, Arizona

Madam:
I have to advise that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 10584, that Philip Thurman was born in Anson County, North Carolina, November 15, 1757.
While a resident of Cheraw District, South Carolina, he enlisted and served as a private with the South Carolina troops as follows:
In 1775 served three months in Captain Daniel Lundy's Company in Colonel George S. Hicks' Regiment.
Soon afterward served one month in Captain Thomas Williamson's Company in Colonel Stewart's Regiment.
In 1778 served three months in Captain Benjamin Hendrick's Company in Colonel Able Culp's Regiment.
From late in 1779 served three month in Captain Benjamin Hendrick's Company in Colonel Culp's Regiment.
In 1781 served six weeks in Captain Benjamin Odom's Company and was in the siege of Augusta.
From late in 1781 served at various times until November 15, 1782, amounting to nine months in all, under Captains Thomas Ellerbee, Maurice Murphy, William Hendrick and Hardeman.
Page 58

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
He died September 2, 1840.
He Married July 10, 1783, Kesiah, her maiden name not stated.
In 1843 She was seventy-eight years of age and was a resident of Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
She died in May or June, 1745.
Reference was to the following children of Philip and Kesiah Thurman: Eli, born April 22, 1784, died March 10, 1842 Married Sarah (maiden name not stated) and had a daughter, Elizabeth; Sarah Rogers; Elijah; Susan Bradfield; John/ Ephraim, born January 16, 1797 (he stated that he was the seventh child of Philip and Kesiah Thurman) He married May 29, 1817 and had a child, Lucinda, born June 17, 1818.
Respectfully
Winfield Scott
Commissioner
Page 59

June 28, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS
Philip Thurman, R. 10584
Mrs. M. B. Terrill
4936 Live Oak Street
Dallas
Texas
Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary
War record of Philip Thurman, a pensioner of Bledsoe County, Tennessee,
A very careful examination has been made of the papers on file
in pension claim, R. 10584, based upon service of Philip Thurman in
the Revolutionary War and the following data found.
Philip Thurman was born November 15, 1757, in Anson County,
North Carolina, near the "Big Peedee". The names of his parents
were not given.

While a resident of Cheraw District, South Carolina, about [illegible] from Cheraw Hill he enlisted
and served as private with the South Carolina troops as follows:
In 1775 served three months in Captain Daniel Lundy's company
in Colonel George Hicks' regiment; soon afterward served one month
in Captain Thomas Williamson's company in Colonel Stewart's regiment;
in 1778 served three months in Captain Benjamin Hendrick's company in
Colonel Abel Culp's regiment; from late in 1779, served three months in
Captain Benjamin Hendrick's company in Colonel Abel Culp's regiment; in
1780 he moved from Cheraw District to the Edisto River in South Carolina
and in 1781 served about six weeks in Captain Benjamin Odom's company
and was in the siege of Augusta, in the fall of 1781 he moved back to
his old residence in Cheraw District and from late in 1781 he served at
various times until November 15, 1782, amounting to nine months in all,
under Captains Thomas Ellerbee, Maurice Murphy, William Hendrick and
Harriman.
Page 60

About nineteen years after the Revolution he moved to Smith
County, Tennessee; two or three years later he moved to Anderson
County, Tennessee; two or three years later he moved to Bledsoe County,
Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 14,
1832, at which time he was a resident of Bledsoe County, Tennessee,
He died September 2, 1840.
He married July 10, 1783, Kesiah, her maiden name not given.
It was stated that they lived in South Carolina but went to Anson
County, North Carolina, to be married.
In 1843 the widow, Kesiah, was seventy-eight years of age and
was living in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. She died in that county in
May or June, 1845.
Reference was made to the following children of Philip and
Kesiah Thurman: Eli, born April 22, 1784, died March 10, 1842, married
Sarah (maiden name not given) and had a daughter, Elizabeth; Sarah
Rogers: Elijah; Susan Bradfield; John; Ephraim who was born January 16,
1797, and he stated he was the seventh child of Philip and Kesiah Thurman. Said Ephraim Thurman married May 29, 1817, and had a child, Lucinda,
born June 27, 1818, and in 1852 he was living in Marion County, state not
given.
The widow, Kesiah Thurman, was survived by the following children
only: Sarah Rogers, Elijah Thurman, Susan Bradfield, John Thurman and
Ephraim Thurman.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator