Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8807, John Fergus, S.C.
Page 1

Fergus, John W. 8807
Fergus Milly B.L. Wt. 28509-160-55
Page 2

Restoration

4144
North Carolina
Milly Fergus
widow of John Fergus
SC
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private Inft & Cavy
Inscribed on the Raleigh Roll at the rate of 86 dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th March 1861. Ending May 27, 1863; payable to [illegible]

Certificate of Pension issued 24th day of March 1863 and sent to S. A. Bettis

Morgantown 
N.C.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 212 Vol. H
J. N. Smith
Page 3

Widow's Declaration for a Pension
State of N Carolina
Macon County

On this 22nd day of July in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace within and for the said county and State, Mrs. Milly Fergus, a resident of Macon County and State of North Carolina, aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to gain the benefit of the provisions made by the law of the United States passed 3rd Febr. 1853: that she is the widow of John Fergus, late a  Pensioner, who was a private in company of the Regiment.

That she was married to the said John Fergus on or about the 25th day of October 1829; that her husband, the aforesaid John Fergus died on the 16th day of  January 1837, in  Tennessee, in consequence of old age (while in the services of the United States and in the line of his duty) and that she was a widow at the passage of the act, is still a widow and that she had no children by the said John Fergus.  x her mark Milly Fergus

Subscribed and sworn to before me, the day and year first above written. And I certify that I have no interest in the result and am not concerned in its prosecution.

J. R. Siler
State of North Carolina
Macon County

On this 22nd day of July A.D. 1853, Joseph Welch and Jack Sawyer personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, within and
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for the County aforesaid, and severally made oath according to law, that Mrs. Milly Fergus is the widow of John Fergus late a Pensioner & a private in Company of the [blank] Regiment of [blank]; that who was married on or about the 25th October 1829 at Equoneetly in the County of Macon and State of North Carolina; that she had no children by the said John Fergus; and that the said Mrs Milly Fergus was a widow at the passage of the Act and is still a widow.

Subscribed and sworn to, before me the day and year first above written; and I do hereby certify that Jos Welch & Joel Sawyer are credible witnesses.

J.R. Siler J. P. [seal]

State of North Carolina
Macon County

I hereby certify that J.R. Siler Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit was made and who has hereto subscribed his name was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned, and sworn.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office, as clerk of the County Court of said County this 26th day of July A.D. 1853.

JK Gray Clerk
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25475
Dec. 27, 1856
To Morganton N.C. from 4 March 1831

North Carolina [illegible]
John Fergus dec'd
of   in the State of    private of Inf & Cavalry & 
who was a wagonmaster in the commanded
by Captain  of the   commanded
by  in the Revolution
line for Increased from $44.16. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Knoxville at the rate of 86 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 and end 16th January 1837

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th of Dec. 1856 and Sent to G.C. Ames  
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending Present

Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by G. T. Getty Clerk.

Book 36. Vol. 1. Page
Page 6

I, James Standifer, a member of congress from Tennesse do ceritify that W. S. Callaway who made the foregoing certificate as clerk
was at the date of said certificate Clerk of said Court and
that his name is in his own hand writing and that there is no seal of office for said Court
James Standifer
M. C.
January [?} 1834

28.980
John Fergus

Tennessee

for 1775 [??]
cav & Infy 11 1/2 mo
[??] cav. [??] mo $29.16
[??] Inf 4 1/2 15
$44.16

Can only alter as above

2208
5
110.40

Hon. J. Standifer
Direct to
James A. Coffin 
Madisonville
E. Tennessee
Page 7

December 24, 1833
State of Tennessee
Monroe County

Personally appeared before David Russell Esq. one of the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County of Monroe John Fergus, aged 81 years who being duly sworn deposeth and saith as follows, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress dated June  7th 1832.

That he was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania on September 1st 1752. He has in his possession a record of his age, taken from his fathers family record, and none other. He was living in what was called "New Acquisition" (now York District, South Carolina when called into service; and served so will as a memory much impaired by age, enables him to state as follows. He volunteered in every case, and in no instance as he thinks rec'd a discharge in writing; but those with whom he served were merely discharged verbally, as their time expired.

In December, he thinks of 1775, he volunteered as a private of Infantry, in said "New Acquisition District," under Capt. John Anderson, who was under, he thinks, Genl. Richardson, to go against the tories in 96 District So. Ca. They marched on towards the Congaree, and in 96 came upon a Camp of Tories, and took them prisoners. What the Genl. did with the tories he cannot tell. Some sort of capitulation he thinks, was made. Applicant with the company of said Anderson returned home having been engaged at least six weeks. Sometime afterwards, he cannot say how long; but a few weeks before Genl. Ash was defeated at brier creek 1779 he volunteers for 3 months in the Cavalry against British and tories under Capt. Wm Byars and Major Ross. Two or three days after they started Major Ross became dissatisfied with the wagon master on account of his intemperance, and appointed applicant in his stead. 24 wagons with provisions and one with ammunition were put under his care. They went on thro' 96 Dist. and crossed the Savannah at Augusta -- the cavalry having left the wagons in 96 and pressed on to Brier Creek where they were defeated. The wagons [illegible] on rapid by, and camped within 18 miles of Brier Creek the night of the battle. News having reached applicant of the battle, he returned with the wagons and reached Augusta, about forty miles, the succeeding night -- then crossed the river and camped above Augusta. He was engaged in laying in supplies etc for a greater part of the balance of his time and was encamped with the wagons on the river when his term of 3 months expired.
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How long afterwards he cannot exactly remember, but the winter before the fall of Charleston 1780 he volunteered to go to the relief of that city for a term of 3 months as a private of Infantry. He disremembers his Capt. for, as soon as he volunteered, he was appointed Quarter Master to Col: -- Carson's Regiment and served his term out in that capacity. They marched directly for Charleston and encamped at the 10 mile spring, in 10 miles of Charleston. The British, though [?] never came to Charleston while he was there. As before remarked never rec'd a discharge.

Some time afterwards, and the night after the defeat at Ramsour's Mill, he volunteered for 3 months in the cavalry, under Capt. Howe, he thinks, under Col. Carson. They elected Sumpter Commander and marched down through York and Chester District. He was in the engagement at the Hanging Rock, where Capt. Miller, whom he then fought under, was shot through the ankle of which, in a few days he died. He was engaged this tour at least four months. He served in all 11 1/2 months-- six weeks as a private of Infantry -- 3 months as wagon master -- 3 months as Quarter Master -- and 4 months as a private of Cavalry.

He was in consideration of his service, last [illegible], elected from New Acquisition District So Ca to the next succeeding State Legislature. He was no candidate, and did not know till late the 1st day of the election that he was to be voted for. The Legislature assembled at Jacksonborough on the Edisto Rover, about 40 miles above Charleston, John Rutledge being then Gov. Never received a commission as wagon or Qrt. master.

Applicant always went into service from said "New Acqusition Dist. where he lived till 1795. He then moved into Miller County, Georgia about one year after the close of the Revolutionary War; he then moved into Miller County Georgia, where he lived till 1798, then moved into Rutherford County, N. Ca. where he remained till about two years ago when he came into said County of Monroe, where he now resides.

The following persons are at present his neighbors and can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief in his services as a Revolutionary Solider, viz Hugh Ghormby, John Stratton, William Ross, & Samuel Roddy.

He has no documentary evidence and knows of no one whose testimony he can procure who can testify as to his services. 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.

John Fergus

He furthermore states that he is entirely unable, by reason of bodily infirmity, to attend in Court, to and subscribed this 24th day of December 1833 before now.

David Rupell, Justice of the Peace
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We Robert B. Billue a clergyman and Thomas A. Harrison both resident in said County of Monroe certify that we are well acquainted with John Fergus who had subscribed and sworn to the foregoing Declaration - that we believe him to be 81 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Revolutionary Soldier, and that we believe he served.

Robt B. Billue
Thos. A. Harrison

Sworn to and subscribed before me Dec. 24. 1833. 
David Rupill, Justice of the Peace Monroe County

And the said David Rupill Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County of Monroe hereby certifies that, after investigating the matter and [illegible] the interrogations prescribed by the War Department, he is convinced that John Fergus who had subscribed & sworn to the foregoing Declaration was a Revolutionary soldier and served in the States. He also certifies that Robert B. Billue is who has subscribed and sworn to the above certificate is a Clergyman and Thomas A. Harrison who had subscribed and sworn to the same is a credible person; that both are resident in said Monroe County, and their statement entitled to credit. He also certifies that said applicant John Fergus is unable to attend in Court.

Dec. 24, 1833

David Russell
Justice of the Peace
for Monroe County Tenn

I, Wm. Callaway, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County of Monroe hereby certify that David Russell before whom the foregoing Declaration was made was at the date of the same, and is now an acting Justice of said Court for said county, and that his name as witness to the foregoing Declaration of certification and also as affixed to the last certificate above is in his own proper handwriting.

Witness my hand and private seal (having none Official) at Office in Madisonville this Dec. 25, 1833.
Wm. Callaway Clerk
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I James Standifer a member of Congress from Hampon do certify that W.S. Callaway who is in the foregoing certificate as Clerk was at the date of said certificate Clerk of said Court, and that his name is in his own handwriting and that there is no seal of office said Court.

James Standifer
1834

28,980
John Fergus
Tennessee

from 1775 [illegible] 
cav & Infy [illegible]
44.16
can only [illegible] as above

[illegible]
[illegible]

Hon. J Standifer
Direct to
James A Coffin
Madisonville
E Tennessee
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State of North Carolina,
Macon County

To any regular Minister of the Gospel, having the care of souls; or to any Justice of the Peace for the county of Macon Greeting:

BY virtue of the power and authority in me vested by law (Bond and security being first taken and filed in this office) I do authorize and empower you or either of you to celebrate and solemnize the rights of MATRIMONY between John Fergus and Milly Welch by joining them together as Man and Wife.

Witness, N B Hyatt

Clerk of our said Court at office the 21st day of October 1829
N.B. Hyatt Clerk
Page 12

State of North Carolina}
Macon County}

Court of Peace & quarter sessions
January court 1828

Joseph John Walsh comes into open court and
made oath that within 3 [illegible] days after
[illegible] the within [illegible] [illegible] a certificate of
the peace for the county of Macon married
John Gergus to Milly Wlsh who is now
a widow he John Haring died in Tennessee
a revolutionary pensioner.
Joseph Welch J.P.

Sworn to in open court this 27th
January 1838 and I John Hall Clerk
of said court od hereby certify that
at the time of [illegible] the within 
license that Nathan B. Hyall was
Clerk of this court and that at
that [illegible] to this [illegible] that
[illegible] [illegible] [illegible], and [illegible] [illegible] is a
Justice of the peace for this county
In testiomony whereof I have hereunto
set my whereof I have herunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of said court
at office this 27th January 1838
John Hall Clk
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148875  A er mar:
Ma 21, 55
Cir R.C. Pearson Mar 21/56

Milly Fergus wid.
John Fergus Priv.

Erik.[?]
Lois.[?]
Rev. War
Rev, pensioner
[illegible]

R. C. Pearson
Morganton
N.C.

[illegible] R. C. Pearson Mar 21/56
Page 14

Bounty Land Claim
Milly Fergus
Ju 8 871

War of Revolution

Transmitted by
R.C. Pearson
Morgantown N.C.
Page 15

State of North Carolina
Macon County

On this 17th day of April 1833, personally appeared before me Eli Collins one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the said County Milly Fergus, a resident of the County & State aforesaid aged 75 years who being first duly sworn according to Law declares upon her oath that she is the widow of John Fergus dec.d who was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution, that as the widow of the above named soldier she is now drawing a Revolutionary pension under the Act of 3rd February 1853 of $44.16 per annum. Pension Certificate numbered 4144 - That she was married to the said John Fergus in the month of October and in the year 1829 and that he died on the 16th day of January 1837 and that she has remained a widow ever since his death.

That she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act of Congress approved March the 3d 1855. That in support of the above allegations she refers the Department to her pension papers filed in the Pension Office. That she has never recd bounty Land for this nor for other military service.

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year first above mentioned before me.
E. Collins
Milly Fergus  X her mark

And I the said Justice to hereby certify that I am
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personally acquainted with the declarant Milly Fergus and know of my own personal knowledge that she is the identical person she has represented herself to be in her said declaration, and that I have no interest in her application.

E. Collins

Affidavit of two Witnesses

North Carolina
Macon County

On this 17th day of April 1833 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace and for the said County T. J. Siler and T. J. Welch persons of known respectability residents of the County aforesaid -- made oath in due form of Law, that they are well acquainted with Milly Fergus who has executed the foregoing declaration and that they know her to be the identical person she has represented herself to be in her said declaration (viz) the widow of John Fergus, a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, and that they are disinterested witness.

Sworn to and subscribed before me date first mentioned.

E. Collins
T.J. Siler
T.J. Welch

North Carolina
Macon County

I, John Hall, Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter sessions in Macon County do hereby Certify that Eli Collins whose name is signed to the foregoing declaration & affidavit, is  and was at the time of signing the [illegible], an acting Justice of the Peace in & for Macon County afordsaid; regularly qualified them & that it is and ought to be attached to his signature as such in testimony of which I do hereunto let me name as Clerk for said office in the land of my office, at office this 14 day of May 1855.
John Hall
Page 17

March 10, 1937
BAS-J/MCS
John Fergus, .8807

Mrs. Lora Fergus Broyles
504 East Washington Street
Fairmount, Indiana

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W.8807, based upon the military service of John Fergus.

He was born September 1, 1752, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents were not given.

While living in what was then called "New Acquisition" (later York) District, South Carolina, he enlisted in December, 1775, served about six weeks as private in Captian John Anderson's South Carolina company and was engaged in making prisoners of Tories at Ninety Six District, South Carolina. He enlisted in 1779 and served three months with the South Carolina troops as wagon master under Captain William Byars. He enlisted in the winter before the fall of Charleston in 1780 as private but was soon appointed quartermaster in Colonel Carson's South Carolina regiment and was in service three months. He enlisted the night after the defeat at Ramsour's Mill and served four months as private in Captain Howe's company of cavalry under Colonel Carson and was in the battle of Hanging Rock.

He stated that in consideration of his service in the Revolution, he was elected from the New Acquisition District, South Carolina, to the next succeeding state legislature.

About one year after the close of the Revolution he moved to Wilkes County, Georgia, and lived there until 1798. He then moved to Rutherford County, North Carolina, and after living there one or two years he moved to Haywood County,  North Carolina, and lived there until about 1831 when he moved to Monroe County, Tennessee.

John Fergus was allowed pension on his application executed December 24, 1833, while living in Monroe County, Tennessee.
Page 18

John Fergus died January 16, 1837, in Tennessee.

He married October 25, 1829, at "Equonectly" in Macon County, North Carolina, Milly Welch, the widow of David Welch. Her maiden name was Milly Melton. The date of her marriage to David Welch and the date of his death were not given. 

Milly Fergus died May 28, 1865, in Macon County, North Carolina.

The widow, Milly, stated that she and John Fergus had no children. 

In 1867 Thomas J. Welch of Macon County, North Carolina, and David A. Welch were the only surviving children of the widow, Milly Fergus.
 
It was stated that when Milly Fergus died she was survived by three grandchildren whose parents were dead, no names given.

In 1838 one Joseph Welch was justice of the peace in Macon County, North Carolina but his relationship to the widow was not shown.

The soldier's brother, William Fergus, was a member of the House of Representatives in South Carolina.

Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator
Page 19

1937.Mar.10. hist.to 
Mrs. Lora F. Broyles. [M.C.A.?]

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File N. 8807
Milly Fergus Wid
John Fergus
Privt Rev War
Index: - Vol. A, Page 233
"[Arrangement of 1870]"
Page 20

Aug 24, 1853
Appl. of Milly Fergus, widow of John.
Macon Co. N.C.
25
act 30 Fey 1853
$44 16/100 per An: 
Com: Feby 3d. 7853,
[illegible]
Leon: F. Siler
Franklin, Macon Co., N.C. 

[written down the sign of the page is the letterhead of the Pension Office]
Department of the Interior 
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 21

Rec.  [illegible] [illegible] 2d Apl. 37.
28.509
[illegible]
Page 22

4.144
North Carolina   A
Milly Fergus
widow of John 
who served in the Revolutionary, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 44 Dollars 16 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 16th day of May [1851?] and sent to Leon F. Siler, 
Franklin Macon Co N.C.

Recorded of Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 3, 1853, Page 134. Vol. A
Page 23

23475
East Tennessee 
John Fergus
[illegible] Monroe Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the [cav?] commanded
by Captain Anderson of the regt commanded
by [illegible] in the [illegible]
[illegible] for [illegible] of Cavalry 
[4 1/2] " " Infantry
Inscribed on the Roll of [East Tennessee?]
the rate of 44 Dollars 16 Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of [Jan?]
1834 and [illegible]
[illegible] 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept              110.40
Semi-anl. allowance ending March 22.08
                                                         $132.48

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Danl Boyd  Clerk
Book [illegible]  Vol [7?] Page 13
Page 24

4144
North Carolina
["Tennessee" crossed out]
Milly Fergus,
widow of John,

who served in the Revolutionary war, as a 
 Priv of Inf. & Cavy.& wagon Master
Increased from $44.16.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 86 dollars 66
cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
8th day of Decr. 1836.
and sent to 
G C Ames 
Present.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 253. Vol. [illegible]

1856 
Decemr. 27. To Morganton N.C. 
from 3rd February 1853.
Page 25

Brief in the case of John Fergus decd. and his widow Milly Fergus,
Monroe County and State of Tennessee,
acts
June 7. 1832, and February 3. 1853.

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

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

John Fergus was pensioned on the 14th of January 1834, under the act of June 7.1832, at the rate of $44.16 per annum, for 7 months as a private of cavalry and 4 1/2 months as private of Infantry. He alleged also certain services as a wagon master which was not admitted for the reason that it was not sustained by the required evidence. Mr. Ames, the agent in the case has, however, sustained the service as wagon master by the production of a certificate from the comptroller of S. Carolina, which shows it to have been for 51 days, and the claim is therefore increased for that service, or at the rate of $86.66 per annum. His widow was pensioned under the act of February 3. 1853, at the rate originally allowed to her husband, and the increased rate is applicable to her case also.

Name and residence of Agent
Geo. Ames
Present

W. Ogden Niles,
Examining Clerk.
Page 26

Thos. F. Fergus Applict for the arrears of pension due his decd. mother Milly Fergus Act of 3d February 1853-
Died 28th May 1865.

Filed by 
S.A. Bettis agent
Morganton NC
July 23d. 1867

[upside down Pension Office stamp dated July  26, 1867]
Page 27

Macon County N Carolina
April the 1867

To the comr of Pensions
Washington DC

Sir - Shall a certificate of Pension be granted
in the [illegible] children of Milly Fergus date Pensioner
decd, please make the pension certificate payable to our brother
the person & applicant it will same [illegible]
much [illegible] and oblige us - Respectfully Yours
Sign in presence of
witness

witness

Tho. J. Fergus Applicant
for the arrears of pension
due his decd mother
Milly Fergus Act of 3d
February 1853
Died 28th May 1865

Filed by
S. A. Bennis agent
Morgantown
NC
July 23d 1867

To the Comr of Pensions
Sir You will please understand
that Milly Fergus was first married to a man by the
name of Welch, by whom she had the above named children
who she survived, and after the death of said Welch, she
intermarried with John Fergus who she also survived
leaving no [illegible] by him
S. A. B.
Page 28

State of North Carolina County of Macon}
Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions July term 1867
On this 15 day of July, 1867 personally appeared  in open Court and before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County and State aforesaid T.J. Welch a resident of the County of Macon, who being first duly sworn according to law declares that he is a son and heir at [illegible] of Milly Fergus Late Revolutionary pensioner deceased of the County of Macon & State  of North Carolina at the rate of $86.66 per annum as will more fully appear by [ofference?] to his pension certificate herewith surrendered, was paid his said pension up to the 4th day of March, 1861 at the Morganton N.C. Agency and died at her late residence in the aforesaid County on the 28th day of May - One thousand Eight hundred and sixty-five (1865) leaving surviving the following children viz: Thomas J Welch & David A. Welch
----------------------------
who are the only surviving children of said Deceased, and all of lawful ages.
Declarant further makes oath that his said Mother Milly Fergus resided with her children and now mainly dependent on them for her support since the withholding forrm her his late pension, that she took no part in the late Rebellion did not aid the rebels by word or deed or manifest any sympathy for their cause Also, that the same is true of her surviving children: and he makes this application in behalf of himself and the other surviving child of his decd. mother for the purpose of obtaining the arrears of pension due her at the time of her death.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before the Court.
 T.J. Welch his x mark

Test R.C. Slagle W N Allman }
P. Office [illegible], Macon Co  NC
[inside a handwritten bubble is the word "seal"]
Also personally appeared in Open Court  & before the
Page 29

aforesaid Martin D. Hart & W J Lakey Citizens of the County and State aforesaid with known to the court as persons of intelligence and respect duly and made oath in due form of law to the following statements [illegible].  That they were well acquainted with Milly Furgus late pensioner decd mother of the above applicant for the last ten years prior to her death, also with his children named and that the parties aforesaid, are, and ever have been good quiet [illegible] citizens, did not engage or in any way assist the rebels in the late Rebellion, nor manifest any sympathy with their cause  but continued [illegible] loyal to the government of the United States.

Defendants further declare that the time above given of the death of the said Milly Furgus corresponds with their first recollection of the event and they have no doubt of its correctness and that the above list embraces the names of all the serving children of the said Milly Fergus declined that they had no interest whatever in their claims.

Sworn to and subscribed on the day first above written before the court 
test RB Slagle Clerk
Martin D. Hart
W J Lakey

I R B Slagle Clerk of the court aforesaid to hereby certify that it was this day proven to the satisfaction of the court that Milly Furgus  above named, was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $86.66 per annum and died at his late residence in Macon County North Carolina on the 28th day of May (1865) eighteen hundred and sixty five having surviving the following named children [illegible] T J Welch & E A Welch sons of her first husband


Whereupon the court ordered that I certify the same to the Pension Office and I further certify that 
(over)
Page 30

Thos  M.Angel  Esqr. before whom the following oath of Allegiance was taken by [crossed out] the Ferguses T J Welsh is and was at time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace, and the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office, at Office in Franklin this 15 day of [crossed out] April July AD. 1867 R. C. Slagle C.C.C. 

Oath of Allegiance
I T J Welch one of -- the [crossed out] only surviving children and heir at law of Milly Ferguses late Revolutionary pensioner deceased of Macon County North Carolina do solemnly swear that I will support protect and defend the Constitution and Goverment of the United States against all enemys, whether domestic or foreign, and that I will bear true faith, allegiance, and loyalty to the same, any ordinance resolution or law of any State Convention or Legislature to the contrary not withstanding; And further, that I do so with a full determination pledge and purpose without any mental reservation or evasion whatsoever; and further that I will well and faithfully perform all the duties which may be required of me by law So help me God 
T.J. Welch his  X mark
Witness Thos M. Angel JP
Witness I R Siler
State of North Carolina 
Macon County ⎬ Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15 [crossed out April]  July 1867 Thos M. Angel J Peace
Page 31

North Carolina Macon County ⎬ On this 6th day of March 1868 appeared before me James McGhee a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County Thos. J. Welch, a son of Milly Furgus late Revolutionary pensioner deceased of the County and State aforesaid, and an applicant for the arrears of pension due the deceased widow of John Furgus and made oath in due form of law, to the following statements in Compliance with the Comr Pensions [illegible] of the 17th Oct on his application previously forwarded to his office 
First 
This deponent declares upon oath that his mother Milly Furgus late pensioner deceased, was the widow of John Furgus and died on the 28th May 1865, leaving surviving his brother, David A. Welch, and himself, who were then and now the only surviving children of said deceased 
That there were three grand children whose parents died before his mother, but he had been informed it had long been the practice of the Office to pay the arrears of pensions due at the death of pensioners, to his or her surviving children 
Seccond 
That the contents of his former application, refered [referred] to in said report was read and fully made known to him before its execution, which was done in open Court. 
Thirdly 
It is not material whether the allowance is made payable to him as Agent for his brother David A. Welch, or to them jointly, as they do not reside a great way apart 
Fourthly
 That his said mother never intermarried after the death of her said husband, John Furgus, on account of whose military service she was pensioned under act of 3d Feby. 1853 
Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year first above written Before me James McGee J.P. and witness I R Siler
Thomas J. Welch his  X mark
Page 32

Also appeared before me at the same time and place Samuel Marr whom I do hereby certify to be a person of intelligence and respectability who being first duly sworn according to law, declares, that he lives in the neighborhood of Thomas J. Welch the foregoing deponent, has for many years been well acquainted with him, and his said mother, the late Milly Furgus deceased, & her husband John Furgus, deceased, together with the other members of the said family alluded to as well as the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit, which has been read in his presence, all of which are in strict accordance with his knowledge of the facts, and he believes they are correct and true, in every particular and that he has no interest whatever in the claim 
L Marr
Signed in presence of witness I R Siler J.T. Conley 

Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 6th day of March 1868 and I further certify that I have no interest in the claim James McGee JP 

State of North Carolina, County of Macon 
I, R.C. Slagle Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the said County, do hereby certify that James McGee before  whom the foregoing affidavits have been made and proven, is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned  and sworn, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office, at office in Franklin, this 6th day of March 1868 R. B. Shayle C.C.C.
Page 33

Service                                         Number
                 Fergus, John           W8807
              or
                  Furgus          13. L. Wt. 28509-160-55 
                             
                            Milly

Contents
Page 34

Payment to be made at Knoxville
by Isaac Lewis, Esq

Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of 
Tennessee

Payable on the 4th September and 4th 
March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 253. Vol. 6

G T Getty Clerk
Page 35

Department of the Interior
Widow's Pension.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Milly Fergus,
widow of John Fergus,
who was a private of [illegible] in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Eighty Six dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. Deducting former payments at the rate of $44.16 per annum.
Given at the Department of the Interior this Eighth day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty six.
[illegible]
Secretary of the Interior
Examined and countersigned.
[illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 36

East Tennessee Roll
John Fergus who was a
private of Infantry & Cavalry 
was Wager Master S.C.

Act June 7 1832

7 Mo purch Cavalry &
4 1/2 Mo private of Infantry

$44.16
51 Days Wager Master 42.50
$86.66


Ca March 4 1831,
end Jan 16 1837, when he
died, deducting former payments
at $44.16 per annum

To Melly Fergus, under Act

G.C. Ames 
Present
Page 37

Milly Fergus admitted [illegible]
in 1854- of North Carolina
widow of John Fergus
a Revolutionary pensioner
from Tennessee
June 14/55
[illegible] no 4144 53
Page 38

Pension Office
8 May 1854
Sir,
Please Certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid, or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully
S. Cole
For the Commissioner
W
of
Francis Burt Esqr
[illegible]

John Fergus, Act 1832 $44.16 per Ann
Died 16 January 1837, paid
[illegible]
Auditor
Page 39

East Tennessee Role
Milly Fergus, widow of
John Fergus
Act Feb 3 1853

$86.66 per annum

Com Feb 3 1853,

Deduct from payments
at $44.16 per annum

G.C. Ames,
Present
Page 40

Letter Oct 17 '67
Page 41

Oct 17
Sir It is not satisfactorily shown that Milly Fergus deceased did not leave grand children entitled to share in the pension. Claimant [illegible]his by a mark & 
it does not appear that contents of the paper as signed was made Known.If the claim is allowed & made hole [whole] to T. J. Welch - all of the legal heirs should appoint him their [illegible]as to receive  it. Claim is Suspended.
S. A. Bettis 
Morganton NC
Page 42

State of North Carolina Macon County ⎬ Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County Milly Furgus [Fergus], a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of John Furgus [Fergus] decd, that she is now in the receipt of a Revolutionary pension under the act of Congress of the 3d February 1833 of $44.16 per annum. That she now makes this affidavit and the following Power of Attorney for the purpose of obtaining any and all arrears of pension, back pay or increase of pension due her under the act aforesaid, or any other law of Congress, for the Revolutionary services of her said husband Sworn to and subscribed, this 20th day of July 1856. before me  
Milly Furgus her [handwritten] X mark
I R Siler, J.Peace
P. Tabor  witness

Know all men by these presents, That I Milly Furgus [Fergus] of Macon County, State of North Carolina, widow of John Furgus [Fergus] and a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States do hereby constitute and appoint George C. Ames, Esqr. of Washington City,  DC my true and lawful agent
Page 43

and attorney, with full power and authority to Examine into, investigate, prosecute and establish any and all claims that he may find due me from the United States under any law of Congress, for the Revolutionary services of my said husband and to do any and all acts necessary in the premises. Hereby revoking all former powers of attys I may have granted 
Witness my hand & seal, this 30th day of July 1856 sealed & acknowledged in presence of Witness J.Tabor
Witness Joseph Marr
Milly Furgus [Fergus]her [handwritten] X mark [illegible]

State of North Carolina Macon County 
Be it known that on this 30th day of July 1856 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Milly Furgus [Fergus] above named & to me well known and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed 
I do further certify that she is the identical person she has represented herself to be in the foregoing proceedings and that I have no interest whatever in the foregoing proceedings 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name the day and year last above mentioned I R Siler J. Peace
Page 44

Payment to be made at Asheville by [illegible] Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of North Carolina
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 134, Vol. 11
[illegible] Clerk.
[illegible] 1837
Cancelled
Page 45

Department of the Interior
Widow's pension
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853
Milly Fergus
widow of John Fergus
who was a private in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of forty four dollars and sixteen cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this Sixteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
[illegible] 
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
[illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 46

Franklin, Macon Co. N.C. April 27th 1854. 
L. P. Waldo Esqr
Sir; 
A short time since I received a letter from you certifying that “Susan Fergus" widow of “James Fergus” was enrolled as a pensioner on the U. States pension list. The application I made was for “Milly Fergus, widow of John Fergus.”
I do not know by what rule you work, when you translate Milly into Susan; nor is John ever rendered James in any language I ever knew of, except it be the language of negligence. And as you or your clerks required verbatin proof (as per their instructions) of the marriage & present widowhood of Mrs Fergus, I trust you will pardon me for enclosing the certificate, with a respectful request that you will change Susan into Milly or Mildred and James into John. For which see papers in your office. 
Jackson, Tennessee, is designated as the place of payment. For what reason I know not. But if there be no lawful objection, I trust that convenience to
Page 47

the parties, if nothing else, will induce you to make Asheville, N.C. the place and J. F. E. Hardy the person to pay. Jackson is from three to five hundred miles from here, & to which we have no ready & safe means of mail access. Asheville is only 70 miles and in direct communication with us. Moreover Mrs. Fergus now lives in this State and it would be for more convenient for her to draw with orter pensioners in this county. 
I hope you will correct the names and enclose the certificate to me very soon. I am, with great respect,
Yours &c Leon. F. Siler
Page 48

Franklin Macon Co. N.C. 
Aug. 15th 1853. 
Dear Sir;
Enclosed please find the necessary papers to entitle Mrs Milly Fergus to a pension as the surviving widow of John Fergus from the date of his death. His name was on the pension list on file in your office & his certificate was returned to the Department Under sect. 2nd of the act approved May 7th 1846 Statutes at Large vol. 9, page 5, it is only necessary to prove the marriage of the widow to a pensioner, which I presume is done satisfactorily by the accompanying marriage license, with the return of the J. P & clerk's certificate, together with the oaths of two credible witnesses. The other evidence is on file in your department. Mrs Fergus is therefore entitled to arrearages of pay and a pension for life. If obtained, please direct to me at this place and very much oblige yours &c Leon F. Siler
Page 49

Franklin, Macon Co. N.C. 
Nov. 7th 1853. 
L. P. Waldo, [illegible] Committee
Sir;
At some loss to know why the first proof insisted on in the case of Mrs Milly Fergus, whose Declaration is on file in your Department claiming a pension under act of Febr. 1853, should be required, I have however obtained the enclosed affidavit. Surely no other proof will be necessary to secure so small a sum (unless back pay shall be allowed) to the widow of a revolutionary soldier, & who is blind, almost helpless and yet entirely worthy of a much larger pension. I say this without having any further interest in her draw than a small fee for writing.
Please inform me if she cannot obtain back pay for the time elapsed since her husband's death.
Yours very truly 
Leon F. Siler
Page 50

Franklin, Macon Co. N. Car 
Mar. 27th 1854 

Sir;
After a considerable delay and much trouble, I have procured an affidavit from Joseph Welch and T. J. Welch, that Mrs. Milly Fergus was married to and is now the widow of, John Fergus decd, late a revolutionary pensioner of the United States.
This is in the very words you required and I hope is satisfactory. The other papers in relation to this case are on file in your department and I trust there will be no delay in forwarding to me the result of your investigations. If all things are proven to your satisfaction, it will, I think be found, that Mrs Fergus is entitled to back pay. If she is entitled to anything, is there any act of Congress that would cut her off from any part of it? 
Yours truly 
Leon F. Siler 

L.P. Waldo 
Comm of Pensions
Page 51

Affidavit 
Milly Fergus 
by 
Pension Office
Page 52

State of North Carolina 
Macon County 
On this the 23rd day of March A D 1854, came before me Eli Collins one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County and State, Joseph Welch and T.J. Welch who depose on oath lawfully administered, that Mrs Milly Fergus was married to and now is the widow of John Fergus decd., late a revolutionary pensioner of the United States. 
Joseph Welch [handwritten seal]
T.J. Welch his [handwritten] X mark seal
Sworn to and subscribed in presence of 
E. Collins J.P.

State of North Carolina 
Macon County SS.
I, John Hall, Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that E. Collins, whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid & State of No Car., duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of record, having general jurisdiction. Given under my hand and seal of office at Franklin this 28 day of March A.D. 1854.
John Hall Clerk
Page 53

State of North Carolina 
County of Macon 
On this 3d day of Nov. A.D. 1853, personally appeared before me, J. R. Siler, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid, Joseph Welch, Joel Sawyer & Alexander Crisp all  of the aforesaid State & County, who make oath that Milly Fergus, whose declaration is on file in the Department at Washington, is the identical person who was married to John Fergus, as per the marriage license on file with her Declaration; that she is the widow of the said John Fergus and has remained a widow since said John’s death and that her maiden name was Miss Milly Melton then married to David Welch and after his decease Married the said John Fergus 
Joseph Welch 
Joel Sawyer
Alexander Crisp his [handwritten] X mark
Sworn to & subscribed in presence of me on this the 3 - Nov 1853.
I R Siler JP

I, John Hall, Clerk of the County Court of  Macon County, North Carolina, do hereby certify that J R. Siler is a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County & State and that all his official acts and entitled to full faith and credit and that his signature above as a witness is genuine.
At office this 6th Nov. A.D. 1853. John Hall Clerk
Page 54

Treasury Department
Third Auditors office 
Novr 3d 1836 

Sir:
I return herewith the papers in the cases of John Fergus, East Tennessee Roll, Act June 1832, & Milly Fergus North Carolina Roll Act 3 of February 1833, enclosed in your enquiry of the 1st inst & in reply have to inform you that John Fergus, died 16 Jany 1837, & his pension has been paid in full to that date, & that Milly Fergus, as far as the accounts of the Agency have been examined, appears to have been paid to 4 March 1836, 
Very Respectfully 
Your Obt. Servt
Rob Jamison Auditor

Geo C. Whiting Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Page 55

Washington Oct 24 1834 
Geo C Whiting Esqr
Sir 
You will find herewith a power of Attorney and an application for an Increase of Pension in the case of Milly Fergus of North Carolina also of John Fergus her husband under the act of 7 June 1832 
Amongst other service John Fergus alleged in his declaration that he served then as a Wagon Master under Major Ross, also that he served in the Quartermaster Department. The enclosed certificate of the Comptroller Genl seal of South Carolina shows a service as wagon master of 51 days, for which an Increase of the pension allowed in this case is altered at the rate of $ per $ ann.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Svt
Geo. C. Ames
Page 56

[Breif?] in the case of Milly Fergus Widow of John. Macon County and State of N.C. 
act 3d. Febry. 1853.

Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if orignal.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
[illegible] husband was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June. 1832.

[illegible] & parole proof of  Marriage.

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

Leon F. Siler, Esqr.
[illegible]
Name and residence of Agent
Macon Co:
N.C.
Page 57

N. 446
Book. R
Issued the 8 of June 1785 to M. John Fergus for Twenty one Pounds Seventeen Shillings and one penny half penny Sterling for 51 days pay as Waggon Master in 1779 as per account audited 
Principal L21.17.1 1/2
Annual Interest L1.10.7
No. 11
446 Book R 
Mr. John Fergus
His accot of 51 days 
Pay as Waggon Master in 1779.
Annoty to L21.17.1 1/2
N. B. [He?] charges L3. [illegible] per day as Waggon Master, which is Capt's. Pay.
Exd. [illegible] [illegible]
State of South Carolina
[illegible] To John. Fergus
Febry. 13th..1779. As Waggon Master over a Detachment of Wagons belonging to Colo Neels Regiment under the command of Major Ross by order of Genl. Andw. Williamson for the space of Fifty one days at L3 [illegible] per day.
 [illegible] L21.17.1 1/2
L153.
The above Service was done.
Certified for me
Samuel Watson 
Colo
N.B. I don't know that he has a right to the charge of L3 per day as Waggon Master.
(over)
Page 58

Recd the 8 June [sic] 85 full satisfaction for this of in an Indent 446. R. For my Brother.
William Fergus
M. A.

Mr. Wm Fergus a member of the Ho. Reps. [illegible]  by desire of Maj. Bocquet

Comptroller General’s Office ⎬ 
Columbia Oct 22nd 1856
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy from Indent "No 446. Book R” and also of the account upon which said Indent was issued.---- (No Seal of Office)
Given under my hand 
W. M. R. Huntt Dep Comp Genl
Page 59

Jno Fergus 
Indent & Acct


Paid
Page 60

[on?] March 19. [1868?]
Page 61

Restoration Brief in the Case of Milly Fergus Widow of John [the word "Raleigh" is written above "Widow"]  4.144

Macon County and state of North Carolina
2d Dec  Ac Feb. 3. 1853.

Claim for NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE.

PROOF EXHIBITED, 
A suspended pension roll of Morganton N.C. agt 886.66 pr Annum & paid up to March 4. 1861. has been returned.

Claim has been made for amount of pension & date of death May 28. 1865.

I [illegible][illegible] widowhood [Thomas?]

Loyalty of heirs [Thomas?], left two sons. Restored March 19, 1868 [illegible] a pension at $86.66 per annum commencing March 4 1861 terminating May 27.1865 [pble?] to Thomas J. Welch for legal heirs. 
W.E. Trask Examining Clerk.
Name and residence of Agent
S.A. Bettis 
Morganton, N.C.
Page 62

Veterans Administration Dept.
Washington, D.C.
I’m seeking information regarding my early ancestors, and that perhaps I might be able to obtain such from this department, since they served in the Revolutionary [War].
Samuel Francis Fergus, born 1753 in Tyrone County, Ireland and a brother John Fergus. 
Do the records of their enlistment or on claims for pension relate as to whom were their parents – or ay other definite information pertaining to their home address, other than Tyrone County, Ireland.  
As I have heard, Samuel Francis Fergus might have served in about 1776-77 78 – enlisting in PA. or VA., or perhaps from both states – I do not know. 
If you cannot give me any “over-sea” record, can you inform me how I may go about to obtain such government assistance, as I have not finances to buy such service, tho [illegible] much interested in it. 
Very sincerely & thank you
Mrs. Lora Fergus Broyles
504 E [illegible] St.
Fairmount, Ind.
Page 63

March 10, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PA-J/MC3

Mrs. Lora Fergus Broyles
504 East Washington Street
Fairmont, Indiana

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, Samuel Francis Fergus and John Fergus. 

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon the military service of soldiers in that war. A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the service of a Samuel Fergus or Samuel Francis Fergus. 

You are furnished herewith, the records of the only soldiers named John and Francis Fergus, searched under all spellings, that are found in the Revolutionary War records of this office. 
Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator