Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7238, William Faris, Va
Page 1

(3-1776) 
SERVICE VA 
Faris, William 
or Farris,  
Margaret 
NUMBER 
W.72.3 
B.L.W.29734-160-55 
[double line separation] 
CONTENTS 
[rest of the page is filled with blank lines]
Page 2

[looks like page was torn into three pieces and poorly lined up for scanning] 
Virginia 29.558 
William Farris 
[illegible word] in the State of Va. 
a pr. in the Compy. commanded 
in [illegible word] of the [line] commanded 
[line line] in the 2d. Mila. 
[double line separation] 
[illegible words] Roll of Virginia 
at the rate of 20 Dollars [line] Cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. 
[double line separation] 
Certificate of Pension issued the 8- day of [illegible] 34  
and sent H.W. Bon[illegible] 
Fincastle-Va. 
[double line separation] 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 34 
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 35 
70- 
10- 
[double lines] 
$80- 
[double lines] 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. 
Recorded by Nath Rice Clerk 
Book E Vol. [illegible] Page 13
Page 3

The letters to C. M. Mitchell & P. Agt. Nov. 11. 1835_ Letter to 3d Aud. ["Aud." double underlined] 15 Sept 1838 
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept 1835 to 4 Sept 1837. Agt notified 29 Sept 1838. 
[separation line] 
Letter to 3d Auditor 30 June 1840 Paid as above from 4 Sep 1837 to 4 Sep 1839. Agt notified 8 July 1840 
[separation line] 
Paid as above from 4. Sep 1839 to 4. Sep 1840 Agt notified 10. Oct 1841. 
[separation line] 
Letter to S.D. Crensham & Pension Agent. 22d. April 1843 
[double separation lines] 
Paid as above, from 4th Mach, 1843 to 4 Mach 1844. Agent notified 7 Apl. 1846. 
[separation lines] 
Letter to S.D. Crensham & Pension Agt. 16. Oct 1846. Letter to SD. Crensham & 3 Auditor 20 ["20" double underlined] Nov 1846
Page 4

At a Court held at the Courthouse for the County of Botetourt on Tuesday the 11th day of November 1834 
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 
State of Virginia County of Botetourt SS- 
On this 26th day of September 1834 personally appeared before me John G Dillon a Justice of the peace and of the County Court of Botetourt William Farris a resident of Botetourt County and State of Virginia aged Seventy one 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 entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein after stated, He cannot remember the precise day of the month but it was about the 1st of April in the year 1781 that he was drafted in the militia for three months in the County of Cumberland Virginia where he at that time resided his Captain was named Perkins who lived in Buckingham an adjacent County he marched in the first place and the said Capt. Perkins to Buckingham Ct House and from thence to Prince Edward Court house where there was a magazine of amunition he remained there for several weeks among which time the Company guarded the Magazine he there saw Genl Lawson who Commanded and who resided a five miles from the Court house, from Prince Edward he marched and crossed James River at Carters Ferry and passed through Culpepper and Orange County where they joined the Marquis Lafayett from the time they crossed the river they were pursued
Page 5

by Tarlton and his Cavalry by whom they were very closely pressed he remembers that they had frequently to guard during the greater part of the night on one Occasion they had laid down to take a nap  and when the applicant woke he found that the Company had all gon [sic] and he was left alone he supposes he slept unusually sound and the rest neglected to awake him he having got up the next day a short time after, he joined Gen'l Lafayette he was sent off with others to guard the baggage waggons [sic] which were on the way to Charlottesville when they arrived at Charlottesville the General assembly was Sitting then which was dispersed afterwards by Tarlton after remaining there for some time the applicant was regularly discharged his tour of three Months have expired he then returned home to Cumberland County where he remained only a few days when he was again drafted for three months under a certain McDaniel who was a Captain the Captain for some reason not going himself from Cumberland Courthouse they marched across James River at Carters ferry when they had crossed the tour before and from thence marched to the Morbin Hills now known by the name of Camp Holly they passed near by Richmond but not go through it in Consequence of the Small pox being there at the time from the Morbin Hills they marched through New Kent Cthouse to a place called Johnsons old field, where they were stationed for a considerable time from there they marched and crossed the Pamunkey river at Ruffins ferry from the ferry a part of the company among whom was the applicant were sent to West Point on a guard about 20 miles above York when Cornwallis was there blockaded whilst
Page 6

at the point Gen G. Washington and his army from the north arrived at York. when Cornwallis afterwards surrendered at West Point the applicant was again discharged.  the three months having expired for which he was drafted making his whole time of service and for which he Claims a pension amount to six months  in the Militia having lost his discharges he has [no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service from Cumberland] County the applicant moved to Campbell and from thence to Botetourt County where he has lived 35 or 40 years. 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.
The applicant states [?] reason why he has not before this applied for a pension was owing to belief that it could be done only before a Court of record and he was unable to get to Court on account of bodily infirmity living as he does thirty miles distant There is no clergyman living in his neighbourhood
sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
William  his X mark  Faris

We David Ferguson and George Grice residing in the County of Botetourt hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with William Faris who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy one years of age that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a solider of Revolution and that we Concur in that opinion Sworn and Subscribed this day and year aforesaid
 George Grice   David Ferguson
Page 7

And the Said John G Dillon Justice of the Peace and Court aforesaid does hereby declare his 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 he further certifies that it appears to him that David Ferguson and George Grice are residents of Botetourt County and are Credible persons and that their Statement is entitled to credit.  He also Certifies that the applicant Wm Faris from bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court and that he and the witnesses both reside about thirty miles from the Court house.  Given under my hand the 26th day of September 1834
Jno. G Dillon JP

And the Said Court doth Certify that they believe that the Statement Contained in the above Certificate of John G. Dillon a Justice of the peace for said County in relation to William Faris the applicant is Correct and true and they do further Certify that George Grice and David Ferguson who have Subscribed the Certificate above are residents in the Said County of Botetourt and are Credible persons and [?] their statements are entitled to Credit

Virginia Botetourt County Sct,
I Henry W Bowyer Clerk of the Court of Botetourt County do hereby Certify that the foregoing Contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of Wm Faris for a pension and I further certify that John G Dillon Esq is a justice of the peace in and for said County and that his acts as such are entitled to full credit.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal of office this 15th day of November 1834
HW Bowyer CBC
Page 8

6265
Virginia   Richmond
Margaret Farris
widow of
William Farris
of
Va
who served
in the Revolutionary
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the [4th struck out] day of [March, 1848 struck out]
[replaced by] 3d " " November. 1852
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of June, 1854
and sent to
John P.
Dickinson
Present,
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 157 Vol.
132)
J W Gray 15 Sep
Page 9

175,451
Bounty Land Claim 

ac  3 March 1855

Margaret Faris
Widow of WM

Revolutionary War

Filed by RM Heath
Present
Page 10

FORM OF DECLARATION

To be made by the widow of a deceased person who has not had a land warrant.

State of Virginia
County of Roanoke

On this 8th day of June, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid, Margaret Faris, aged 80 years, a resident of Roanoke County, in the State of Virginia, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of William Faris deceased, who was a privated in the company commanded by Captain --- in the --- regiment of ---- commanded by -- in the war of the Revolution. 

that her said husband         at        , on or about the  day of          , A.D.           , for the term of            , and was honorably discharged at           , on the          day of             A.D. 
  
 She further states that she was married to William Faris in the Amherst County in the year    , A.D. 1832 by one        , a          , and that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Wisenburg; that her said husband died at or in Roanoke County, VA on the 3rd day of November, A.D. 1832 and that she is now a widow. She further declares that she is a pensioner under the act of [...] July 29 1848 and to her application for a pension she now refers for XX [...] of her husband's Le[...] and of her marriage, her pension certificate is dated 12th June 1854, No. 29255 signed by R. Mc Clelland and she further declares that she has never received any bounty land under any [act] of Congress.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855."
R. M. HEATH, of Washington City, D. C., is hereby authorized as my attorney to prosecute this claim, and to receive and warrant or certificate which may be issues hereon.
Margaret X Faris [SEAL.]

AFFIDAVIT OF TWO WITNESSES.
We, E. Faris ----- and E. Blankenship residents of Roanoke County, in the State of Virginia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Margaret Faris in out presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the application, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
E. Faris [SEAL.}
E. Blankenship [SEAL.]

MAGISTRATE'S CERTIFICATE.
The foregoing declaration, and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the per-son he represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. And that all the above [...] were made before signing.
Joseph Pritchard J.P.

STATE OF } ss.
County of
I hereby certify that  Esq., before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is and was, at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office, this  day of 1855.
Clerk.

* "With Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812" or other war as the case may be.
[cross symbol] Enlisted, volunteered or was drafted, as the case may be.
[second cross] This declaration must be accompanied by satisfactory proof of the marriage, of the husband's death, and the present widow-hood of the claimant. If there be a public record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of it should be forwarded, with the affidavit of some disinterested persons proving the genuineness of the original and the correctness of the copy. If no public or private record of the marriage exist, or can be procured, that fact should be set forth in the declaration; and in such case, other evidence--such as the testimony of persons who knew the parties in the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to cohabit as husband and wife, and to be so reputed--will be admissible.
In no such case, however, will the mere statement of witnesses that the claimant is the widow of the deceased be taken as evi-dence of the marriage; but the witness must state facts and circumstances from which they derive their knowledge or opinion that she is the widow of the deceased.
Page 11

[written vertically in right margin]
+  proof of her husband's service and of her marriage, her pension certificate is dated 12th June 1854. No. 6,265 signed by R McClelland and she further declares that she has never received any bounty land under any act of Congress.

She further states that she was married to William Faris in the Amherst County in the year , A.D. 1832 by one , a , and that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Wisenburg; that her said husband died at or in Roanoke County, VA on the 3rd day of November, A.D. 1832 and that she is now a widow. She further declares that she is a pensioner under the act of [...] July 29 1848 and to her application for a pension she now refers for XX [...] of her husband's Le[...] and of her marriage, her pension certificate is dated 12th June 1854, No. 29255 signed by R. Mc Clelland and she further declares that she has never received any bounty land under any [act] of Congress.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855."
R. M. HEATH, of Washington City, D. C., is hereby authorized as my attorney to prosecute this claim, and to receive and warrant or certificate which may be issues hereon.
Margaret X Faris [SEAL.]

AFFIDAVIT OF TWO WITNESSES.
We, E. Faris ----- and E. Blankenship residents of Roanoke County, in the State of Virginia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Margaret Faris in out presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the application, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
E. Faris [SEAL.}
E. Blankenship [SEAL.]

MAGISTRATE'S CERTIFICATE.
The foregoing declaration, and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the per-son he represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. And that all the above [...] were made before signing.
Joseph Pritchard J.P.

STATE OF } ss.
County of
I hereby certify that Esq., before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is and was, at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office, this day of 1855.
Clerk.

* "With Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812" or other war as the case may be.
[cross symbol] Enlisted, volunteered or was drafted, as the case may be.
[second cross] This declaration must be accompanied by satisfactory proof of the marriage, of the husband's death, and the present widow-hood of the claimant. If there be a public record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of it should be forwarded, with the affidavit of some disinterested persons proving the genuineness of the original and the correctness of the copy. If no public or private record of the marriage exist, or can be procured, that fact should be set forth in the declaration; and in such case, other evidence--such as the testimony of persons who knew the parties in the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to cohabit as husband and wife, and to be so reputed--will be admissible.
In no such case, however, will the mere statement of witnesses that the claimant is the widow of the deceased be taken as evi-dence of the marriage; but the witness must state facts and circumstances from which they derive their knowledge or opinion that she is the widow of the deceased.
Page 12

175,451
Act. Mar. 3}
June 22}   '55

[marked out: Margaret Faris]
WIdow of
[marked out: WIlliam Faris Priv.]

Margaret Farris wid of
William Farris Pri.

[overwritten by: 29734 iss June 14/56]

Revolution

Pentioner [sic] Cert. No 6,265
Dated June 12th 1854
Act Feb 2-1848

Va Feby 48  6265
Ad:/60 Acr from 12/56
B [?]

R. M. Heath
Washington
D.C.

Vol. F. 5
Page 13

Declaration of 
Margarett Farris
Claiming a Pension
as the widow of-
William Farris
who was a pension
under act of June 4th1832
at $20 per annum

Presented by
Lafayette W Gray

Salem
Roanoke Co. 
Va
Page 14

State of Virginia County of Roanoke
                                                                 TO WIT:
On the 6th day of March 1854, before me Joseph Pritchard and a Justice of the Peace in and for said County aged 79 years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by an act of Congress passed the _____ day of Jnaury 1853; allowing pensions to widows.

That she is widow of William Faris deceased, 

(crossed out- who was a in the companu commanded by Captain- in the Regiment of -commanded by Colonel)

who was in the war of the Revolution and (illegible) a pension under the act of Congress (illegible) the 7th day of June 1832 at the rate of $20 per Annum, and certificate of Pension No. 29558 is herewith enclosed.

That he ____ at _____ or about the ____ day of ______ for the term of _____ and continued____ in actual service for the term of ____

she further states that she was married to the said William Faris in the County of Amhersh and State of Virginia on the day of 1792 by one ___ a miniter of the Gospel, and that her name beofre she was married was Margarett Wisenburg. 
That her said husband died in Roanoke County on or about the Third day of November 1832 and that she is still a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of Congress passed the 2nd day of February 1848 or July 29th 1848 or February 3rd 1853 and that Lafayette W Gray is hereby appointed my Attorney to receive the certificate of pension issued to her.

                                   Margarett (her) Faris (seal)
                                                         mark

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written and I certify she unable to attend court in account of old age and bodily infirmity.
In presence of  Lafayette W Gray

Before me Joseph Pritchard J.P
Page 15

State of Virginia
County of Roanoke On this 23 day of March 1882 before me a Justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Joseph Pritchard aged 42 years and David Ferguson aged 71 years respected residents of said county and persons of veracity who being duly sworn declare that were well acquainted with William Farris a revolutionary Pensioner and the rate of Twenty dollars per annum, as Per Pension certificate of date War Department 8th Dec 1834, and No. 29,558, and they know the fact that the said William Farris died in said county on or about the 3rd day of Nov 1852 leaving a widow by the name of Margarette Farris who is still alive and resides in said county, and deponents know that the said Farris and Margarett Farris lived together as man and wife and were no doubt lawfully married and from the age of the children they must have been married in 1792, as the oldest child is about 63 years of age, that the said Margarete Farris still continues the A widow of the said William Faris and they are disinterested witnesses  As witness our hands this 23 day of March 1854
Joseph Pritchard 
David his X mark Ferguson

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written, and I certify that I am acquainted with Margarett Farris, and know her to be the widow of William Farris as stated above and have known them as man and wife ever since 1801, and that the said William Farris is certainly dead and Margarett Farris is still a his widow.
David Sloan J.P.
Page 16

Virginia

At a Circuit Court held for the County of Roanoke as the Court House thereof, on the 27th day of March 1854. The declaration of Margaret Farris (claiming a pension or the widow of William Farris dec'd mentioned in a certificate of Pensions dated the 8th of December 1834 and No. 29558 at $20 per annum commencing on the 4th of March 1831 during his natural life and signed by Lewis Cass, Secretary of War) together with the affidavits of Joseph Pritchard and David Ferguson, respectable residents of Roanoke County and the certificates of David Sloan, being presented to the Court, and the Court being satisfied with the evidence before it, doth certify to the Commission of Pension, that Margaret Farris is the widow of William Farris dec'd as stated in the forgoing Declaration, affidavits and certificate of David Sloan, and the Court from the Evidence before it, doth further certify that it is satisfied that William Farris and Margaret Farris his wife were lawfully married in the year 1792. 
In testimony that the foregoing is a true copy from the Records of the said Court, I Frederick Johnston, clerk of the said circuit court have hereinto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Salem the 31st day of March 1854
                                          F  Johnston Clk (signature)

State of Virginia - Roanoke County
I, Frederick Johnston, clerk of the county court of Roanoke in the State of Virginia do certify that Joseph Pritchard and David Sloan Esq. whose genuine signatures appear to the foregoing certificates, are, and at the time of signing the same, Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Roanoke and State aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified according to Law. Given under my hand & seal of office the)6th day of April 1854.
                               F  Johnston
Page 17

W Farris and Magarett
Wisenburg married 20th
September 1792
Page 18

True copy from the family
register of Margaret Farris widow of William Farris.
Christopher Farris was born 19th June 1793
Nancy Farris was born October 3rd 1795
Thomas Farris was born September 15th 1797
Benjamine Farris was born January 13th 1800
Martin Farris was born March 1802
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the Family register of Margaret Farris the widow of Wm Farris who was a Revolutionary Pensioner at $20 per annum.
And I do further certify that I believe the said William Farris and Margaret his widow were lawfully joined to together in the holy State of Matrimony. And I believe they were married in 1792. And I have known them ever since 1801. Witness my hand as Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Roanoke and the State of Virginia on this 5th day of May 1854.
    David Sloan JP

State of Virginia 
County of Roanoke

   I, Frederick Johnston, Clerk of the County Court of Roanoke in the State of Virginia do certify that David Sloan Esq whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate, is, and was as the time of signing the same as acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified according to Law
 Given under my hand and seal of Office at Salem, this 10th day of May 1854
F Johnston; Clerk
Page 19

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7238
Margt Farris
 Wid.
Wm. Farris
Pvt. Rev: War

Act: Feby 2nd/48
Index:-Vol. 4, Page 226
[Arrangement of 1870}
Page 20

Richmond Va. 10 Apl.  '43
Lewis D. Crenshaw
Pension Claim of 
Wm. Farris
 Recd. 14 Apl. '43
Ans'd

Mr Evans
Randall
Page 21

Stamp Richmond Va. Apr 12
Peter Wagner Esq
3rd Auditor
Washington City,
Page 22

Richmond April 10. 1843

P Hagner Esq
3d Auditor
Washington City
Dear Sir:
Inclosed I hand the pension papers of [marked out: John] Wm Farris-Please remit check or authorise the paym't of the claim by the agent here.
Yours mo ob
Lewis D. Crenshaw
Page 23

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 1st, 1840.
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," William Farris, a Pensioner of the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and -Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the [illegible] of Sept. 1837, to the [illegible] Sept 1839.
Respectfully yours, 
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of pensions, 
  Present
Page 24

J. L. Edwards Esq'r
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City


[in left margin:  Nov 11]

[postmark:  RICHMOND VA NOV 9]

[vertically at left side:  Wm Farris
Va [?]
Dec '34
No 29518 ]
Page 25

J. L. Edwards Esq'r
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City


 Nov 11


Wm Farris
Va [?]
Dec '34
No 29518 

[postmark:  RICHMOND VA NOV 9]
Page 26

Richmond Nov. 9. 1835
Sir
I send you the inclosed, at the request of the agent at the Bank of Virg'a for examination & directions to pay the same.  Please to return it as soon as possible.
Very respectfully
Your Mo Obt
Thos. M Mitchell
Page 27

Wm Farris
32,211

Fincastle Va
Nov 18

Nov 22 
Wm Farris Priv
Va


The Hon'ble The Secretary of War
Washington City
DC

Admit a private
6 months $20
Page 28

Treasury Department, 
Second Comptroller's office,
August 19th, 1845.

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, William Farris, a Pensioner of the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and -Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1843, to the 4th March 1844.

Respectfully yours, 
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Page 29

175,451


Hon. L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 30

175,451

Hon. L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 31

Margaret Farris
Va Sus 2nd Feb '48

Business
Free

Cole

Hon. Loren P Waldo
Commisser of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 32

Margaret Farris
Va Sus 2nd Feb '48

Business
Free

Cole

Hon. Loren P Waldo
Commisser of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 33

[postmark:  VIRG'A & TENN  RR  6 APR]

FREE
Wm Farris
Va at 32

Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commis'r Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 34

[postmark:  VIRG'A & TENN  RR  6 APR]

FREE
Wm Farris
Va at 32

Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commis'r Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 35

Margaret Farris Act Feb 2d 1848. filed from Va
Judith Graval widow of John, Act 1838,   Do.
Dickinson
Page 36

Margaret Farris widow
of William 
Virginia

Admitted
Act 2d Feby. 1848
6 mos. private at $20.- per 
annum from 3d Nov'r 1852
when he died

Pay
Margaret Farris widow

Certificate to,
John P. Dickinson Esq.
Presents
Page 37

Salem Roanoke Co, Va
April 6th 1854

Sir
Enclosed I send you the application of Margarett Farris claiming a Pension as the widow of William Farris dec'd, who was a Pensioner as set forth in said application-
As to proof of marriage, I have written to the clerk of Amherst County, and will send to you whatever he may send me-
As to the commencement of the Pensions, I think that there is already sufficient testimony to satisfy your honor that the parties were lawfully married, and that before 1794, so that would bring her under act of 2nd of Feby 1848, although you see I have made the declaration to embrace the three acts 1849 & 53, I do not surrender as to her being entitled under act of 1848. The act of Feby 2nd 1848 reads thus , If any person who served in the War of the Revolution &c have died or shall hearafter die, leaving a widow who who [sic] married before 1794, she shall be entitled to a Pension to commence on the 4th March, 1848. You will examine this case and report me the result
 Yours Truly
Lafayette W. Gray
L.P Waldo Esq
Commis'r Pensions
Page 38

Payment to be made
at Richmond
by the P [?] W S B Bank
Agent for paying Pension-
ers, in the Agency of Va.

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book E Vol. 6 1/2
Page 13 by N. Rice
Clerk.
Page 39

WAR DEPARTMENT.https://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.png
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th of June, 1832,  William Farris of the State of Virginia who was a private in the war of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Twenty -- dollars and -- cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually on the 4th of March and the 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States this [8th] day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and
Countersigned.}  J L Edwards
        Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 40

Salem Roanoke , Co, Va
24th May 1854

Sir:
Accompaning [sic] this I send you the Holy Bible which belongs to  Margaret the widow of William Family who was a Pensioner under act of 1832 at $20 per annum, I send it compliance with yours of the 20th, although in yours of April 11th you said a certified copy of the Register would answer Mrs Farris was married to her deceased husband on the 20th Sept 1792 as I was informed by her at the time she gave me the Bible for the purpose of carring [sic] of it to David Sloan Esq in order to get him to certify to a true copy.
You will please return me the Bible when you are done with it.
Yours Respectfully
Lafayette W Gray

Commiss'r Pensions
Page 41

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
September 21st 1838

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," William Farris, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at the rate of twenty-Dollars and " - " cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept, 1835, to the 4th of September 1837.
Respectfully yours,
Albion K Parris
Comptroller,

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office
September 29th 1841
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, William Farris a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and --- Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1839 to the 4th Sept 1840

Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
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Oct 16th 
Northern (unsure of this word)

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commr - Pensions
Washington City
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Oct 16th 
Northern (unsure of this word)

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commr - Pensions
Washington City
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Richmond Oct 14th 1846

J.L. Edwards Esq
Comm. Pensions
Washington City, D.C.

Dear Sir, Inclosed are the pension papers of William Farris which I send at the suggestion of the Pension agent here - Be pleased to authorize him to make the payment. 

I have a power of attorney from Absalom Hammons lately transferred from the Transferee Roll - on application the Agent informs me that the name is written on his books "Hammond" - Be pleased to authorize him to make the correction - 

Yours mo ob

L. D. Crenshaw [?]
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Lynchburg VA
Sept 12th 1854

Sir

I return you the Pension Certificate issued to Margarett Farris widow of William Farris. I return it because I do not think it has been granted in accordance with the act it purports to be issued under To wit the act of Feby 2nd 1848. The act of Feby 2nd 1848 reads thus; if any person who served in the War of the Revolution &c have died, or shall hearafter [sic] die, leaving a widow where the marriage took place before 1st Jany 1794, such widow shall be entitled to receive for and during her natural life, a Pension, commencing on the 4th of March 1848.

Well in this case how [marked out: does] do you make the Pension commence the 3rd day of November 1852 that was the date of William Farris death, it is true, but the Act of Feby 2d 1848 says in the event of so & so her Pension is to commence on 4th of March 1848, well when was she married, she was married in 1792, so upon
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a re-examination of this case you will find an error has been committed in the issuing of the certificate, in this, that the pension should commence on the 4th of March 1848 instead of Nov 3rd 1852.

Yours Respectfully 
Lafayette W. Gray

PS. The act of April 30th 1844 was made null & void to all intents and purposes by the passage of the act of Feby 2nd 1848.

Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
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William Farris, Act 1832. $20 per annum.
Paid to 4 Sept 1852

F Bush
Auditor
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Pension Office
29th May 1854

Virginia Rolls         }             
Act 7th June 1832 }           
$20 per annum     }            
      
William Farris                                       
To what time paid?  
When did he die?   
                                     
S Cole
Ch Clerk

Francis Bush Esqr
Third Auditor
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Salem Roanoke  Co Va
June 7th /54

Dear Sir
 I wish you to call up the claim of Margaret Farris an applicant for the pension under the act of Feby 2, 1848.
The parole testimony offered in the case is sufficient, but I sent them a copy of the Register, + afterward, the Bible itself containing the Register.
There is not a more respectable family in this county than the Farris family.  Be sure to call it up soon + send me the certificate soon as posibly + ask them to return me the Bible.
  Yours in haste
Lafayette W Gray

Jno P. Dickinson Esq
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Filed by
Jno P Dickinson
Present
June 9/54
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Washington D.C. June 9th 1854
Hon L P Waldo
Sir
I enclose herewith a letter from
L. W. Gray Esq, authorizing me to receive the Pension
certificate in the case of Margaret Farris, under
Act of Feby 2d 1848.
Will you do me the favor to have
the case examined as soon as possible,
and the certificate sent to me accordingly.
Respectfully &c
Jno P Dickinson
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Brief in the case of Margaret Farris widow of William
Roanoke County and State of Virginia 
on 2nd February 1848

Claim, ("original," or "for Increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

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

William a pensioner at $20. per annum. Act 7th June 1832. 
William and Margaret married in year 1792; proved by Family record. William died 3rd Novr. 1852; proved by Joseph Pritchard David Ferguson and report of Third auditon.

(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
J.P. Dickinson Esq.
Present

Charles H. Rhett
Examining Clerk.
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Amherst County Court Clerks Office
March 24th 1854

Dear Sir

Upon examination, I find no marriage license or marriage bond of William Faris to Margaret Wisenburg - in fact no record of the marriage of Wm Faris to any one. 

You wished to know when our Circuit Court commences - it is now in Session commenced on the 22nd Inst - 

Respectfully yours & c
Alexander Goich D Clk
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85.785

120 acres
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29.734 

[?] Acres
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No 119. 
Margarett Farris
Widow of William
Va
Set L.W. Gray Apl 11. 1854
L.W. Gray 20th May 1854

Act Feby 2. 1848

Family record returned to L.P. 
Dickinson Esqr
10 June 1854
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Letter - Family Register in case of Application of Margarett Farriss for Pension under act FEby 2nd 1848. Claim suspended April 11/54 

LW Gray
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Salem Roanoke County Virginia
16th May 1864

Sir
Accompanying this I send you a copy of the  Family Register of Margarett Farriss (widow of William) who is an applicant for a Pension under act of Feby 2nd 1848 + who's claim has been suspended as for letter of date Pension office April 11, 54. 

I also enclose a letter from the clerk of Amherst county showing that a license of marriage bond is to be found in his office. but Mrs. Farriss informed me when I called on her to get the register that they were married in Amherst County and the license were obtained in Campbell She lived on James River at the time in the county of Campbell, the opposite side of the river being Amherst County, they requested the minister (who's name she has forgotten) who had sent them word he could not call to marry them owing to another engagement he had. That if he would call on the house of her uncle on the Amherst side which would be on his way they would be 

(over)
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time for him to marry them, so that is the way they come to be married in Amherst when the license were obtained in Campbell. I have written to the clerk of Campbell, but as yet have no answer from him. I do not expect that he will be able to find any proof of the marriage, as his office was burnt out about 1794 or 95. 

I think upon the evidence already before you that you cannot hesitate to allow the claim. 

With respect &c
 Yours
 Lafayette W. Gray

To Commiss'r Pensions