Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 289, for Stephen Thomas, North Carolina
Page 1

SERVICE
North Carolina

Thomas, Stephen

NUMBER
S. 289

CONTENTS
carded
Page 2

West Tennessee
Stephen Thomas
private 
In the army U. States-
---
formally inscribed on the roll of North Carolina at $3-75/100 per mo: increased by Law of 24th April, 1816, to $6 per month, and transferred to
the roll of West Tennessee on 13 Jany 1818 from the 4 September 1817.
-
Certificate issued 20 July 1820 and sent to himself at Palmyra, Montgomery Co Tennessee
Page 3

State of Tennessee
Montgomery County ⎬
Be it known that Stephen Thomas who being duly sworn before me William E. Williams one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County and state, deposeth and sayeth that he is the same Stephen Thomas who was placed on the pension list of the United States on account of a wound and disability received while doing his duty as a soldier in the revolutionary war, at the battle of the Eutaw Springs in South Carolina, in September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty one, that he served in Capt. Anthony Sharps Compt. commanded by Col. John Armstrong No. of Regt. not recollected; that he was a resident of North Carolina and County of Richmond, and in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety six he this deponent removed to the state of Tennessee and County of Montgomery where he hath resided ever since, and further this deponent maketh oath that he hath not at
any time received from the department of war [inserted with ^] a pension certificate; not withstanding on the 13th day of January 1818. this deponent was transferred from the roll of North Carolina to that of Tennessee to take effect from the 4th of September 1817 [^] as he was informed from washington city [end ^] and the said Stephen Thomas is entitled to six dollars per month, and hath received the same up to the fifth of March 1819. from the pension agent of Tennessee, and no more although two application hath been made since the said 5th of March 1819. therefore a pension certificate is prayed for to be sent to this deponant.
Sworn to and subscribed the 24th day of June 1820 before me - Wm E Williams Justice of the peace }
Stephen Thomas
Page 4

State of Tennessee
Montgomery County }
Be it known that Burwell M. Williamson who being duly sworn before me Williams E. Williams one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the said State and County, sayeth that in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven, he this deponent went to south Carolina, & came with him a power of attorney from Stephen Thomas of the County and State aforesaid, to one William [^] Thomas of North Carolina & County of Richmond, impowering the said William Thomas to draw from the loan office of North Carolina a pension for the said Stephen Thomas, who as this deponant was informed was an invalid, and from the tenor of said power of attorney believes he was
and now is an invalid pensioner of the United States; and on the return of this deponant from South Carolina he called on the said William Thomas who he left the said power of attorney with, who informed this deponant he had received the said pension money, and that the said William Thomas sent by this deponant, (as he believes) about ninety or a hundred dollars to the said Stephen Thomas who then did and ever since that time hath resided in the State of Tennessee and County of Montgomery, and the money then sent to the said Stephen Thomas, I paid to him as I was requested to do, and it ever [^] since that time hath been generally understood that the said
Stephen Thomas was an invalid pensioner of the United States, in consequence of having been wounded in the revolutionary war, and I have never heard it contridicted, but that the said Stephen Thomas is in invalid pensioner of the United States by reason of being wounded in the revolutionary war, at the battle of the Eutaw Springs in South Carolina; And further this deponent maketh oath that he well knows the the aforesaid Stephen Thomas to be the same Stephen Thomas who swore to and subscribed the annexed affidavit, as I was personally present at signing thereof -
Sworn to and subscribed this 24th day of June 1820 before me-
Wm. E Williams J. Peace }
B M Williamson
Page 5

From Wm Stephen Thomas,
Page 6

State of Tennessee
Montgomery County }
This day Stephen Thomas personally came before me (the undersigned Justice) and made oath on the holy evangelist of almighty God [^] deposeth and sayeth [end ^] that he the said Stephen Thomas is an invalid of the United States occasioned by a musket ball that broke his thigh in the battle at the Eutaws on the 8th of Sept 1781, and that he then belonged to the second Battalion of the North Carolina line commanded by Col. John Armstrong and that after the war he resided in Richmond County North Carolina untill some time in the year 1796 when he the said Stephen Thomas emigrated to the state of Tennessee and settled in the County of Montgomery where he has made his residence ever since. This deponent further maketh oath that it is his intention to reside permanently in the State of Tennessee and County of Montgomery
Stephen Thomas
Sworn to and subscribed before me Wm E Williams one of the acting Justices of the peace
in and for the State of Tennessee and County of Montgomery this 12th
day of August 1817
Wm Williams
Page 7

Palmyra Tennessee
August 12th 1817.
Honored sir)
I wrote to the war office under date of the 5th
of June last requesting my pension to be transferred from the loan office of North Carolina to the pension office of Tennessee, in answer to which I received yours of the 30th of June last, informing me I must make affidavit of my intentions to reside permanently in the state of Tennessee before my transfer could be granted. I have endeavored to comply with the directions given, as is herewith enclosed. but the distance to Charles T. Porter Esqr being upwards of two hundred and fifty miles, and no judge at hand I was under the necessity of applying to a justice of the peace to take my affidavit. Dear Sir I have been informed by Mr. Reynolds or [our] representative in the last Congress that Mr. Childress the marshal of West Tennessee is also appointed invalid agent, if he is it would be a primary object with me to have my pension transferred to his office, as I live still fifty miles to the west of his residence, but if Mr. Childress or no other person in west Tennessee have the appointment of invalid agent you will please to transfer my pension to the office of Charles T. Porter Esqr and inform me what you have done for me.
The last pension money g [given] me. was up to the 5th of sept. last as has no doubt appeared to you before this from the return of the Case office of No. Carolina. 
Please to direct your letter to me as heretofore. (Mr. Stephen Thomas invalid pension U.S. Palmyra Tennessee) I am sir your most obedt. [obedient] hble [humble] servant
Stephen Thomas
War Department U.S. pensions
Office Washington City
War
Page 8

[Typed letter]
Rev. War Section
Mrs. Frank E. Stevens
Box 8, Coleman, Texas
Mch.21, 1917.

July 25, 1916
Mr. George Thomas.
108 W. 5th St.
Amarillo, Texas.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of 14th instant, you are advised that the Revolutionary War pensioner (S.F.289) Stephen Thomas served in Captain Anthony Sharp's Company, Colonel John Armstrong's North Carolina Battalion, (dates of enlistment and discharge not stated). His thigh was broken by a musket ball at the battle of Eutaw Springs and he was pensioned for the disability resulting therefrom, under the Act of June 7, 1785.

After the Revolution he resided in Richmond County N. C. until 1796 when he moved to Montgomery County Tenn. He died May 10, 1825. There is no data on file as to his family. 

Very respectfully,
 G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.

[Handwritten note at bottom of typed letter]
Rec states he was 22 yrs old in 1787 which would make him so young that I did not like to put it in, though it is possible that he was 16 at time of battle.

I did not use date of commencement as printed list said [inserted: "& Sept 4 1798 commenced"] July 20 1820 [inserted: " place on role +] which is incorrect & it is not definitely stated in claim death was taken from printed list.  see Tenn Invalids 1835-
Vol 3
Page 8 of Tenn.

+ which is when formal ctf [certificaate] issued
Page 9

[Right side of booklet]
Rev=War
INVALID.
File No. 289
Stephen Thomas
Pro. U.S. Army
N.C. Line
Act: -------------
Index:-Vol. A, Page: 371
(Arrangement of 1870.)

[Left side of booklet]
1916 July 25: Heist. to Geo. Thomas
1917 Jan'y 17th: Geo. Thomas that
formal pension ctf. was mailed 
Stephen Thomas at Palmyra Tenn.
[illegible]

1917.mch.21. History to  [initials FW]
Mrs. Frank E. Stevens

1920 Oct. 11 Mrs. J. R. Rick that places of birth and death are not stated.
Page 10

State of No. Caroline
Salisbury District
This day Stephen Thomas appeared
Before us the Subscribers having appointed
by the general assembly, to make such allowances
to invalids of sd. District as we might think sufficient.
and the said Stephen Thomas having also produced to us
sufficient Certificates when and where he was Wounded
and Disabled
We do hereby Certify that we think the Sd. Stephen Thomas
an invalid in fact he having his thigh broke at the Battle Eutaw
on the 8th of September 1781, and has very much dis-
abled him S. Thomas - He says he is 22 years of age
Belonged to the 2nd North Carolina Battalion Commanded 
by Col John Armstrong. It appears to us that he is
so much disabled that it renders him unable to
make a livelihood. Therefore think him entitled to 
thirty Shillings per month. Certified by us at
Salisbury this 19th Day of September 1787--
Registered in Comptroller 
Office (Decem 12. 1787)
[perhaps Francis] Child, Compt.
[also signed]
 Sl. Beard 
Ant. Newman
John Yarbourgh
S. File 289.

[at bottom of page and upside down, the following was written]
Paid Steven Thomas pension for ten years Nov 24. 1797
[signed] WL [illegible]
Page 11

a certificate from the commanding officer of the Regiment Corps or Company in which he served or from a Physician or Surgeon in the Military Hospiital is wanted before this Certificate can be admitted and in that Certificate must set forth his disability and that he was so disabled when in the Service of the United States.
10th Decem. 1787 Frans [Francis] Child Comptr [Comptroller]

[added notes to the side of the document signature and date]
Sept  24, 1795 this day paid
Stevin Thomas . Sixty [indecipherable]
Date of [indecipherable] 10 months [indecipherable]....4th day of this month
WL [Kunssor]

Mar 24th 1797. This day Paid Stephen Thomas
forty five Dollars his pension for one year ending 4th this Month --WL [K-----] Lo.

Septbr 27.th1794 This day paid Stephen Thomas forty five dols his pension for one year and g for Wm [indecipherable}
4 Septr. his mark B-----

Oct. 24th 1795 This day: Stephen Thomas forty five dollars, his pension for one year ending Sept 4th 1795
for Wm Thompson. agt to his [remittances]

[Note; there is a very light endorsement that appears under the above. It appears to read the following:]
The State of No. Carolina
Edgecomb County

...may certify that Stephen Thomas a soldier under my command in the 2nd No. Carolina Battalion was [written over] said Corps at the tie of the Battle of Eutaw in the said regiment and that he rcvd a wound in the thigh that disabled him from Military Duty [indecipherable] the continuance of the War & that the same [indecipherable] during his service in the Corps [indecipherable] under my hand this 11th Dec 
Jno Armstrong  Lt Col

{at the left side of document is written the following]
The Act of invalids a-t-14.1785
March 2nd 1792 This day paid Stephen Thomas 45. Dollars his Pension for one year Ending 4th of this month. WL [K-------]
Page 12

Dal---                      F-----
Jun 30

Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington City

[on side of Address "Invalid-" and in pencil "formal Cert. mailed"]
Page 13

Honored sir,                 June 26th 1820
    I have been requested by Stephen Cantrell Esqr. the pension agent of Tennessee at Nashville to apply to this war office for a pension Certificate, (as I have never recd one from that department) which would save me of the trouble of proving at every time I apply for pension by some other testamony that I am the same Stephen Thomas who was placed on the pension list of the united states by reason of a wound received while doing my duty in the revolutionary war, and colateral testamony is all that I have or can offer at this time except an old certifficate herewith enclosed dated 19th day of September 1787. and signed by L Beard Ant.. Newman, Edw Yarbough, commissioners appointed by the general assembly of North Carolina to make alowance to invalids & Therefore from the length of time and my removal from North Carolina to Tennassee and other things puts it measurable out of my power to address to your honour any other material testimony further than what is herewith enclosed, to perpetuate my clame and prove that I am the same Stephen Thomas who was placed on the pension list; this letter & the enclosed affedavets is in my own hand wrighting which may be easely compared with sundry affedavets & receipts in the pension office now at washington city for payments which I have heretofore recd and should the testamony herewith enclosed be satisfactory it is the request of your humble servant that a pension certificate be sent to me at palmyra Tennassee and oblige your very hble servant.
Stephen Thomas

Hon. John C. Calhoun)
Secretary of War)
Washington City)
Page 14

S. Thomas
to 
Geo. Boy?
Page 15

State of Tennessee)
Montgomery County)
Personally came Stephen Thomas before me 
James Baxter one of the rotating Justices of the peace
in and for the state and county aforesaid; and made
oath in due form, that he is the same Stephen
Thomas who was placed on the pension list of the
united states, in or about the year one thousand seven
hundred and eighty seven, and that he was then a 
resident of the state of North Carolina and in the 
year, one thousand seven hundred and ninety six, removed
to the state of Tennessee, and county of Montgomery, further
he intends to reside permanently; and desires to have his
pension transferred, from the Loan office, of North 
Carolina; to some office in the state of Tennessee;
also this deponent further maketh oath, that the last
pension money, he received, was by his attorney, Thomas Alison; up to the 5th day of September 1816. and further
this deponent sayeth not.  Stephen Thomas

sworn to and subscribed, this 17th day of December
1817. before me
James Baxter Justice
of the peace
Page 16

From Stephen Thomas,
div. Invalided Pensions U. S. 
requesting to be transferred from 
North Caroling to the
Tennessee agency, dated
December 23rd. 1817, Recd.
Transfer made and Agents
informed on the 13th [or 18th] of
January -
Page 17

Hon. sir,
I received your instruction of the 30th of June last
informing me I must make affidavit before Charles T. Porter Esqr.
or some Judge or Justice of the peace at the place of my residence
stating that it is my intention to reside permanently in the state
of Tennessee before my transfer of pension could be granted;
accordingly I made affidavit before Wm E. Williams a Justice of the [Peace]
some time in august last, and inclosed it to the war department
with a request to have my pension transfered from the war
office of North Carolina to the state of Tennessee; but have not
as yet received any answer or information respecting it; I have 
therefor once more inclosed an affidavit for the same purpose
with a desire to have my pension transfered, if posable to 
some office or person in west tennessee, if not to Charles T.
Porter Esqr - though his residence is about three hundred miles east
from home, it would much accomodate me as well as many 
others to have an invalid agent appointed at or near [?]ashville
in west Tennessee to pay invalids, as it would be of considerable
expence and trouble for my self and others to travel three
hundred miles to Wm Porters office annually for a small
pension - Dear sir, it may be posable the former affidavit 
[went] amiss before now; and an answer may have been
delayed on its return; if it hath or should heave after come
to you I hope this inclosed will do no harm; pleas to in-
-form me what hath or may be done respecting my trans-
-fer and where I am to apply for my pension in [?].
the last pension money I recd..or applycation for pension
money was up to the 5th of September 1816, as both approved
by the inclosed affidavit.

I am your most obedient hble servant.

Stephen Thomas
December 23rd. 1817.

Hon. George Boyd
pension office
Washington City.
Page 18

[Upper left address]
After 5 days, return to
DRS. LUMPKIN & THOMAS
108 West 5th St.,
AMARILLO, TEXAS.

[upper middle of envelope]
AMARILLO
Jan 8 - 17
7-- PM
TEX.

[upper right]
cancelled 2 cent postage

[sent to]
Bureau of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

[written on left side of envelope]
Rcv. Dec.
Page 19

[upper left of envelope]
After 5 days, return to
DRS. LUMPKIN & THOMAS
108 West 5th St.,
AMARILLO, TEXAS.

[upper middle]
AMARILLO
Jul 15 - 16
12--AM
TEX.

[upper right, cancelled stamp}

[Addressed to]
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington,
D.C.

[along left side]
Rev Dec WH
Page 20

[This letter was copied as a mirror image. The following transcript was deciphered using a digital mirroring technique]

Sept 2. 1920
[illegible], W. Va.

Bureau of Pensions,
Gentlemen,
Can you tell me the place of the birth and death of
Stephen Thomas who was pensioned for service in the revolutionary
war. He was born 1765, and died May 10, 1825 and was [married?] 1781 in
Richmond County, North Carolina. He married Mary Covington Thomas
and their children were Nathan, born 1782, and John Covington Thoms
born 1785 and married Sarah Terral..

Stephen Thomas served in Captain Anthony Sharp's Com-
pany, Col. John Armstrong's North Carolina Battalion, May 2, 1761 to 
Feb 1, 1762. His thigh was broken by a musket ball at the battle
of Eutaw Springs and he was pensioned for the disability resulting 
therefrom, under the Act of June 7, 1785.

Hoping you can tell me where Stephan Thomas was born
and where he died, and thanking you for the kindness of a reply,
Yours,
Mrs. J. R. Rich.

[the stamps as seen on this document]
Record Sep 4 1920 Division [stamped]

Rev  sie [in writing]
Page 21

[handwritten at top of letter] 8B.
Rev. Sic [checkmark] 2 ct-stamped envelope enclosed 8B. oSw
Sept. 2, 1920.
Erbacon, W. Va.
et stained
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Gentlemen,
Can you tell me the PLACES of the birth and death of
Stephen Thomas who was pensioned for service in the Revolutionary War?
He was born 1765 and died May 10,1825 and was married 1781 in
Richmond County, North
Carolina. He married Mary Covington and
their children were, Nathan, born 1782 and John Covington Thomas,
born 1785 and married Sarah Terral.
Stephen Thomas served in Captain Anthony Sharp's Company, Col. John Armstrong's North Carolina Battalion, May 2, 1781 to
Feb. 1, 1782. His thigh was broken by a musket ball at the battle of Eutaw Springs and he was pensioned for the disability resulting
therefrom, under the Act of June 7, 1785.
Hoping you can tell me where Stephen Thomas was born 
and where he died, and thanking you for the kindness of a reply,
Yours,
Mrs. J. R. Rich,
.
[stanpedd]
Pension Office A Sep 4 1920 U.S.
Page 22

2 ct Stamped   Stmpd. env ret
Envelope  enclosed  Box 8
OK [iniials] Recv
Coleman, Texas
Mar 28th, 1917
Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Gentlelmen, 
I desire to join the Daughters
of the American Revolution, and
it will assist me very much
if you will kindly send me
a copy of the record you have
of Stephen Thomas, born 1765-
Died 1825, married Molly Covington
in Richmond Co. N.C.
He served in the war of the
Revolution, was injured in the
battle of Eutaw Springs by
having his thigh broken by a
musket ball, and was a
cripple the rest of his life.
He moved to Mongomery Co.
Tenn in 1796 with his family
of two children. John Covington
Thomas and Nathan Thomas
He was active in politics of
Tenn, and served as Presidential
Page 23

-2-
Elector in 1816. Was Probate Judge
when he died in 1825, and was
buried at Palmyra Tenn. -
survived by his widow and
two sons. He drew a pension
of $6.00 per month for his
injury in the Revolution.
I give the above data in
order that you will have
no trouble in locating the
Stephen Thomas I refer to
on your records
I enclose a stamped, self-
addressed envelope, and
will appreciate a reply from
evil.
Respt'
Mrs. Frank E. Stevens
Page 24

[handwritten near top] Rcv, Sec FWL 1817

A.F. LUMPKIN, M.D.       GEO. THOMAS, M.D.
DRS. LUMPKIN & THOMAS
AMARILLO, TEXAS

JOHN B. McDOUGLE, N.D.
PATHOLOGIST AND
ROENTOENOLOGIST

Bureau of Pension
Washington DC
Dear Sir: I wish to learn the
Post office addresses to which pensions
Stephen Thomas a Revolutionary War
veteran was sent. He resided in
Richmond Co. N.C. and later
moved 
to Montgomery County Tenn.
Any details of the
family history
and his children appearing in
the
Pension record is also wanted.
Thanking you, I am,
Yours very truly

Geo Thomas
Page 25

Rev Sec V
left
A.F. THOMAS, M.D.         GEO. THOMAS, M.D.
DRS. LUMPKIN & THOMAS
AMARILLO, TEXAS
108. W. 5 " St.
see envelope
July 14, 1916.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear sir:-
I am very anxious to obtain information
concerning Stephen or Stephens Thomas who served
in the Revolutionary War as a member of Sharps Co.
of North Carolina. Any information regarding him
or the origination of Sharps' Company, will be appreciated.
.
Thanking you I am,
Very respectfully,
Geo. Thomas
Page 26

F.L.M.
Rev. War Sec.
October 11, 1920.
Mrs. J. R. Rich,
Erbacon, West Virginia
Madam;
In response to your letter dated the 2d ultimo,
you are advised that in the Revolutionary War pension
claim of Stephen Thomas S. File No. 389, the places of
the soldier's birth and death are not stated.
Very respectfully,
F.D. Byington
Acting Commissioner.
Page 27


[handwritten in top left corner] V.L.M.
Rev. War Section.
January 17, 1917.
Dr. George Thomas,
Amarillo, Texas.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated the eighth in-
stant, you are advised that the formal pension certifilate
of Stephen Thomas (S. File No. 289, Rev. War) was
mailed to him at Palmyra, Montgomery County, Tennessee.
There is no data on file as to his family as you
were advised in a letter from this bureau dated July 25,
1816.
For the name of the person to whom the last payment
of his pension was made apply to the Auditor for the
Interior Department, Washington, D. C., giving him all of
the following data: Stephen Thomas, Invalid pensioner,
certificate (no number) issued July 20, 1820, for $6. per
month, under the Act of April 24, 1816, at the West Ten-
nessee Agency, having been transferred from North Carolina
Agency.
Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 28

THE NATIONAL ACHIVES Form  VAN-51  12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Thomas, Thomas     
GRADE Private
LINE Maryland

WARRANT NUMBER 11758
ACREAGE    100
ISSUED January 11, 1796
TO Joshua Ward, Assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.