Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9489, for Theophilus Swinson, North Carolina
Page 1

[printed card with handwriting]

(3-1776)
SERVICE
N.C.
Swinson, Theophilus
NUMBER
S. 9489
CONTENTS
carded
Page 2

[printed form with handwriting]

See letter to P. Agt. March 8. 1836
Order to pay May 10, 1837.
North Carolina 23.105
Theophilus Swinson -
Duplin in the State of N. Car\who was a pr in the __ commanded
by Captain __ of the __ Regt commanded by Col A[?] in the N. Car
line for 7 mo 14 days

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 24 Dollars
88 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of Nov :33 - 62.20
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar :34 12.44
$74.64
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Nath: Rice Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 1/2 Page 73

[handwritten vertically]
Hed Feb. 18 - 1835 AB
Page 3

[handwritten]

State of North Carolina} Court of Pleas & Quarter
Duplin County} Sessions February Term 1833
1779 $$$$
On this the 26th day of February 1833 personally
appeared in open Court before Robert Middleton
Richard Miller and James Lawson Esquires
Justices of the Court aforesaid Theophilus Swinson
a resident of Duplin County in the State of
North Carolina aged Seventy five years
& six months 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 & served
as herein stated.
1. Under Col. John Ashe, Col. James Keenan,
Capt Charles Ward, Hardy Holmes Lieut, about
the last of January or first of February 1776, in a
company of Duplin militia and served a fort 
night in the expedition to Moores Creek bridge
against the tories, that he resided in Duplin County
N.C. on Goshen Swamp when he entered the service
that he was a volunteer, that he marched from
Duplin old Court House to Elizabeth Town in Bladen
County thence to Rockfish Creek in Cumberland
County about seven or eight miles below Cross
Creek now Fayetteville, and understanding that the
tories had crossed Cape Fear at Fayetteville
and were marching for Wilmington (there being
a man of war then lying in the River below
Wilmington) he marched back to Elizabeth
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[handwritten]

Town at which place he crossed over and marched
for Moores Creek bridge to intercept the tories on their
way to Wilmington, that the battle had happened at
Moores Creek bridge before he arrived there, that
he arrived there the day after the battle, that he
was discharged at Moores Creek bridge, the day
he arrived, that he served with some continentals
at Rockfish Creek in Cumberland County NC
that the regular officers he knew were John Walker,
Kelly Granger, Joseph Rhodes, & Curtis Ivey
that he has no documentary evidence and knows
of no person by whom he can prove this service
2, Under Gen. Lillington, Col. James Keenan,
Captain Charles Ward he thinks in the year
1780, cant [sic] recollect the month or season of the
year, he served three months, was a volunteer
militiaman, that he marched from the Cross
Roads in Duplin County to the Big Bridge in
New Hanover County, where he remained about
two months, that while he was at the Big Bridge
there was an attack made by the enemy on the
American Guard stationed there and some
of the guard killed, that from thence he
marched to Kingston in Lenoir County and
was there discharged, that he has no documentary
evidence, & knows of no person by whom
he can prove his service in this tour
Before the service in the last mentioned tour
he entered under Col James Keenan, Captain
Charles Ward, Hardy Holmes Lieutenant (part of
this tour,) he thinks in the year 1779 or first of
1780 and served a three months tour as a
volunteer militiaman, that he marched from
Duplin into New Hanover County, and was
Page 5

[handwritten]

stationed below Wilmington where he continued
nearly all this tour, the enemy
at that time being
possession of Wilmington, that he was discharged
at the station near Wilmington, that he served
with no continental regiments or companies in this
tour, that he has no documentary evidence, and
knows of no person by whom he can prove his service
in this tour
4 Under Col James Keenan & Capt Charles Ward
in or about the year 1778 or 1779 and served one
month this applicant believes it was more
but is content to claim for that period, that he
was a volunteer, that his marches were, from
Duplin to Wilmington, thence to Town Creek in
Brunswick County, thence home, that he was
in no battle, that he has no documentary evidence
& knows of no person by whom he can prove
this service, that in all his services he was a
private soldier, that although he cannot prove
his actual service by any person who served
with him yet he can procure the testimony
of Jesse Swinson to prove that he was out
in service
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present and
declares that his name is not on the pension
roll of the agency of any State
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Theophilus his X mark Swinson
Answer of Theophilus Swinson to the questions
propounded to him by the Court prescribed
by the War Department
1. I was born in Pitt County N C in Aug 1757
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[handwritten]

2. I have a record of my age at home in a Bible
3. when called into service I was living in
Duplin County N.C. where I have ever since
lived & now live
4. I always volunteered
5. The regular officers who were with the troops
where I served were Capt John Walker
Kelly Granger, there were some continental
troops at Rockfish in Cumberland County, The
militia regiments I remember were Gen Caswell's,
Gen Lillington, & Col James Kenans,
the general circumstances of my service are 
detailed in my declaration
6. I dont [sic] recollect to have recd any written discharge
If I did Ive [sic] lost them
7. David Quinn, Robert Sloane, James Pearsall,
Jeremiah Pearsall
I Jesse ^[insert] Swinson, aged seventy four years next spring
hereby certify that Theophilus
Swinson the aforesaid applicant was in service
during the Revolutionary war, I know
he was absent in service for during his
absence I attended to his business at
home, how long he served I
cant [sic] say; he
was at Wilmington, [illegible] and about
there also at Town Creek in Brunswick
County to my knowledge & believe he served as he states
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Jesse Swinson [signature]
Page 7

[handwritten]

No 25.260
Theophilus Swinson
Duplin Co -
N. Carolina
Ad[?] private
7 mo & 14 days $24.88
f:j:k:
P. Murphy -
James Pearsall Clk [lined out]
Duplin Co [lined out]
N. Carolina
Page 8

[printed form with handwriting]

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 10th 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
Co. N. Carolina
A Statement, showing the service of Theophilus Swinson Duplin
| Period when the service was rendered. | 
Jany Feby
Vol 1776
Vol 80
79
[?]first of 80
This last tour [?], he served before the above service in 80
Vol in 78 or 79
| Duration of the claimant's service. |
| Years. || Months. || Days. |
| - || - || 14 |
| - || 3 || |
| - || 3 || |
| - || 1 || |
| - || 7 || 14 |
| Rank of the claimant. |
Private
| Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. |
Col Ashe
Col Kenan
Capt Ward
Col Kenan
Capt Ward
Col Kenan
Capt Ward
| Age at present. and place of abode when he entered the service. |
75 years & [?] mo
Duplin
Coty
Carolina
| Proof by which the declaration is supported. |
Witness Jesse Swinson
Clerks certificate given
but not certified credible
by the Court No traditional evidence stated
I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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[printed]

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claimin
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
Ste, Terriory Dis
County of
On this
day of
A.B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)
with and
served in the
(e) regiment of the
line, under the following named officers:
Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he servunder
more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
&c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
---
---
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be exexpected
. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
Soldier.{ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
, and what has become of it?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure
, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter
The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow
the rule laid down for his guidance.
The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in languages
definite as to enable the
Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served
not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the follow
wing grades:--For---year----months, and ---
---
days, I served as a-
-- For - months and
days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority
; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of them
proof required by rule in
note applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John Norton
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[typewritten]

April 15, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Theophilus Swinson-S.9489
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. F. E. Gruttemeyer
457 E. 136th Street
Bronx, New York

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War record of Theophilus
Swinson, as found in pension claim, S. 9489.
The Revolutionary War record of Theophilus
Swinson which follows was obtained from the papers on
file in the above noted pension claim, based upon his
service in that war.
Theophilus Swinson was born August 14, 1754 or
1757 in Pitt County, North Carolina, names of his parents
not given.
While residing in Goshen Swamp in Duplin County,
North Carolina, he volunteered in February, 1776, served
two weeks in Captain Charles Ward's company under Colonels
Ashe and James Keenan was in an expedition against
the Tories to Moore's Creek Bridge, reaching there the
day after the battle. He continued to served in Captain
Charles Ward's company in Colonel James Kenan's North Carolina
regiment as follows: again in 1776, three months;
in the summer of 1777, three months; in 1778 or 1779, one
month, in the fall of 1779 or early in 1780, three months;
in 1780 or 1781, three months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
February 26, 1833, at which time he was living in Duplin
County, North Carolina.
It is not stated that Theophilus Swinson was ever
Page 12

[typewritten]

married. He died February 18, 1835.
Jesse Swinson stated that he knew the soldier, Theophilus Swinson, during the Revolution, but he did not state that he
was related to him.
In order to obtain data in regard to whom the last payment of pension was sent, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing the following
data:
Theophilus Swinson
Certificate #23105
Issued November 7, 1833
Rate $24.88 per annum
To commence March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
North Carolina Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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[handwritten]

Fayetteville, March 2nd 36
James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir -
At the request of the applicant for the arrears of Pension due the 
H[?] of - Theophilus Swinson. I send the enclosed voucher -
Please say if it should be paid
very respectfully
your Obt Serv
Jm Huske
Agent
Page 14

[handwritten]

Taylor's Bridge
Sampson County N.C.
October 24, 1833
Sir
Enclosed is the original declaration in the case of the application
of Theophilus Swinson for a pension
which being prepared in haste about the
rise of Court, and not being completed was
never intended by me to have been sent on
nor did I know that it had been till after
I had drafted that, now in the Pension Office,
which was done with more care and pains
and after further reflection of the applicant,
and, altho, [sic] it states a greater length of
service, I interrogated particularly as to the
duration of each tour and his answers were
the best of his recollection, his services
were as set forth in that declaration, and
his character stands fair for truth and
veracity
Respectfully
Yr Ob st
Patrick Murphy
Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D C
Page 15

[handwritten]

Theophilus Swinson
Declaration
25260
Page 16

[handwritten]

We [blank] 
and Jesse Swinson residing in
the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted
with Theophilus Swinson who has subscribed
& sworn to the above declaration, that we believe
him to be seventy five years of age, that he is
reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where
he resides to have been a revolutionary soldier
and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Jesse Swinson
Omit
Page 17

[handwritten]

State of No Carolina}
Duplin County}
I James Pearsall Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions ^[insert] of Duplin County do hereby that the foregoing Contains the Original Proceedings of the Court in the Matter of the application of Theophilus Swinson for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have set My hand & affixed the Seal of Office this 26th day of July AD 1833
Jas. Pearsall Clk
Page 18

[printed form with handwriting]

Rev War
9489
INVALID.
File No. 9489
Theophilus Swinson
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7th /32
Index: - Vol. 1, Page 366
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Theophilus Swinson
Records corrected Jany 17, 1905
1930 - Nov-11 Hist to D. T. Briles aws
1931 Feb. 3 Photos mailed to Benj. Brady. See
Jesse Swinson, S. 7670. a.w.s.
1935 - April 15 - hist to Mrs. F. E. Gruttemeyer aws
Page 19

[letterhead with handwriting]

HOWARD LALOR, Adjutant
4035 Park Avenue, N. Y.
Phone Jerome 6 - 2269
Vice-Commanders
JOHN H. DALL
FRANK SCHISSEL
RICHARD J. FELDMAN
Chaplain
Dr. JOHN H. CLIFFORD
Service Officer
FRED E. GRUTTEMEYER
Historian
JASPER J. JENKINS
Sgt. at Arms
RALPH DENARDES
ARTHUR WELLMAN, Commander
1437 Shakespeare Ave., Bronx, N. Y.
Phone Jerome 6 - 8491
---
Second Division Post, No. 860
AMERICAN LEGION NEW YORK, N. Y.
JOHN F. BOYLE, Treasurer
510 East 16th Street
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Executive Committee
Dr. HERMAN RUBIN
JASPER J. JENKINS
DANIEL F. DAVISON
ABRAHAM SOLOMON
JAMES L. HOLTON
[ink stamp]
RECEIVED MAR 28 1935 [illegible]
[ink star stamp with Indian Head]
Bronx N.Y
457 E. 136th St.
March 27, 1935

U.S. Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
In tracing our ancestry we have
the bare word of a "THEOPHILUS SWINSON,"
born Aug. 14, 1757, Pitt County N.C. died 
Feb.18, 1835. Duplin County, N. C. He was
supposed to have served in the Revolutionary
War and have been granted Rev. War pension
#S 9489
As we have no other information regarding
him, or his family we are wondering
whether his pension file would show his service,
his parents and his children. If it does could you
send us the information? Thanking you for your
courtesy, I am very truly yours,
(Mrs. F.E.) Mildred L. Gruttemeyer
Meetings held every third Tuesday at 15 West 76th Street, New York City
Page 20

[letterhead typewritten with handwriting]

1867
1907
CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT
ROCKY MOUNT, N. C.
T.W. COLEMAN, MAYOR [lined out]
L.B. AYCOCK, CLERK [lined out]
R.C. BRAKE, TREASURER [lined out]
October 22nd 1930
Gen. Winfield Scott, Commissioner,
U. S. Department of the Interior,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: -
Will you kindly have sent to me all information you have
concerning the military records etc. of the following gentlemen.
The service will be greatly appreciated and any expense incurred thereby will be paid, gladly.
Theophilus Swinson (Swanson), Private, Pensioned, Rev. War.
Zebedee Swinson (Swanson), Duplin County, North Carolina
(or Sampson County)
James Swinson (Swanson), Duplin County, North Carolina
with Capt. Miles Gayles.
William Swinson (Swanson), Duplin County, North Carolina
with Maj. Hardy, Murfree's Company, 2nd N. C. Battalion.
Yours very truly,
D T Briles
D. T. Briles, President
Rocky Mount Chapter, S. A. R.
Page 21

[typewritten with handwriting]

January 27, 1931
Bureau of Pensions
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War pension claim of Theophilus
Swinson, S. 9489
Actual
1 of each page
Remitter
Benj Grady
1775 Mass Ave N W
Wash. D.C

XXXX
$0.75
5 pages

Kindly leave margin of 1½ inches at
top of each page and return papers in
each case in folder with corresponding
name and number.
The word "omit" is written in pencil
on these pages which are not to be
copied.

Chief of Rev. & 1812 Wars Sect.

[written vertically left side]
See Jesse Swinson, S. 7670.
Page 22

[handwritten]

List to Benj. Grady:
Sol. Decl. Feb. 26-1833 _____ 3 pages
Jesse Swinson's affid. _____ 1"
Pat. Murphy's let. to Com. Oct. 24-1833 ___ 1"
Page 23

[typewritten]

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF: MB
November 10, 1930
Mr. D. T. Briles
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Dear Sir:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the
Revolutionary [W]ar pension claim, S. 9489, that Theophilus Swinson
was born August 14, 1754 or 1757 in Pitt County, North Carolina.
While residing on Goshen Swamp, Duplin County, North Carolina,
he enlisted and served as a private with the North Carolina troops, as follows:
In February, 1776, two weeks in Captain Charles Ward's company
under Colonels Ashe and James Kenan and was in the expedition to Moores' Creek Bridge, arriving there the day after the battle
he continued to serve in Captain Charles Ward's company in Colonel James Kenan's regiment as follows: again in 1776, three months;
in the summer of 1777, three months; in 1778 or 1779, one month;
in the fall of 1779, or early in 1780, three months; in 1780 or 1781,
three months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February
26, 1833, at which time he was living in Duplin County, North Carolina
.
He died February 18, 1835. Agency Book
There is no reference to either wife or children.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
Page 24

[handwritten]

Theophilus Swinson
NC
[illegible] see let. to Patrick Murphy
[illegible]
Page 25

[handwritten]

State of North Carolina}
Duplin County}
Superiour [sic] Court of Law
Fall Term 1833.
On this the 24th day of September A.D. 1833
before the Honourable Thomas Pettle one of the
Judges of the Superior Court of Law & Equity
for the State aforesaid now sitting and presiding
in the Superior Court of Law for the County
of Duplin, Theophilus Swinson a resident of
Duplin County in the State of North Carolina
aged seventy nine years the 14th of August,
1833 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 stated.
1st. He volunteered in a company of Duplin
militia under Captain Charles Ward, his other
company officers he forgets, in a regiment
commanded by Col Lillington & Ashe in the
first of the year 1776 and served two weeks as a
private; that he resided in Duplin County N.C.
when he entered the service; that he marched
from Duplin on across Cape Fear at Elizabeth
Town, thence up to Rockfish Creek about seven
miles below Cross Creek now Fayetteville, to
prevent the Tories from passing that way to
Wilmington, from Rockfish he marched
back to Elizabeth Town having understood
that the Tories had crossed Cape Fear higher
up & were aiming for Wilmington, thence on to
Moores Creek bridge to intercept the Tories, and
Page 26

[handwritten]

arrived at Moores Creek bridge the day after the
battle was fought at that place. that there were
some troops at Rockfish & were called Continentals
that he has no documentary evidence and knows
of no person by whom he can prove this service
2nd He volunteered again in a company of
Duplin Militia under Captain Charles Ward
David Murdock he thinks was Lieutenant in a
regiment commanded by Col James Kenan in
the spring of the year 1776 and served three months
as a private he marched from Duplin to 
Wilmington thence into Brunswick County on Town
Creek, thence back to Wilmington and discharged
that he served with no continental regiments in this
to the regular officers he knew were Kelly Granger
and John Walker, Captain; that he has no documentary
evidence and knows of no person by whom
he can prove this service.
3rdly. He again volunteered in a company of
Duplin Militia under Captain Abram Moulto
Hardy Holmes Lieutenant in a regiment
commanded by Col James Kenan in the summer
of 1777 and served three months as a private,
he marched from Duplin to Wilmington, thence
to Jumping Run, just below, and there stationed
to prevent the enemy from coming up and taking
Wilmington they being on board a ship of war
below. - that he has no documentary evidence
and knows of no person by whom he can prove
this service, except that he thinks he can prove that
he was in this service by Jesse Swinson of this County
4thly He volunteered again in a company
of Duplin Militia under Captain Charles Ward
Joseph Grimes Lieutenant in a regiment under the
command of Genl Lillington in the fall of
1780 and served three months as a private
Page 27

[handwritten]

that he marched from Duplin to the Big Bridge
and stationed there to prevent the enemy from crossing
and coming up into the country they then
having possession of Wilmington; that while at
the Big Bridge he was detached in a company
of eight men under the command of a sargeant [sic]
to guard Gen Lillington's dwelling, that he has
no documentary evidence and knows of no
person by whom he can prove this service, except
that he can prove by Robert Sloan of this County
that he was seen in service while in this tour
Answers of Theophilus Swinson the aforesaid
applicant to the questions propounded to him
by the Court aforesaid as prescribed by the War
Department
1 I was born in Pitt County N.C. the 14th Aug. 1754
2. I have a record of my age in a Bible at home
3. When I was first called into service I was living in
Duplin County on Goshen - ever since the
Revolutionary war I lived in Duplin
and I now live there
4. I always volunteered
5. The only regular officers with the troops where
I served that I recollect are Captains Kelly
Granger and John Walker There were troops
at Rockfish and in Wilmington called continental
under the command of Gen Moore. The
militia regiments I recollect were Col Lillington's
Col Kenan, Col Ashe & Col Brown's
of Bladen - I saw a British man of War
called the Scorpion in Cape Fear below Wilmington
with the enemy on board-- for other circumstances attending my service I refer to my declaration
6 I dont [sic] recollect to have ever received a written 
discharge. If I did I,ve [sic] lost it.
Page 28

[handwritten]

7. Robert Sloane Osborn Carr, Alexr Heath
James Dickson; Dempsey Taylor Rev Peter
Carlton John Linton Esq. Gibson Sloan Esq
& others I could name
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present and
declares that his name is not on the pension
roll of the agency of any State
Sworn to & subscribed the day
and year above written}
Jul Taylor CC
Theophilus his V mark Swinson

On the day & year aforesaid before the Court aforesaid
personally appeared Robert Sloan a resident of
Duplin County in the State of North Carolina aged
eighty one years last April who being duly
sworn doth on his oath depose and say that
while this deponent was in service in the first
of the year 1781 under Capt Gillespie he saw
Theophilus Swinson the aforesaid applicant
in service at the Big Bridge in New Hanover
County on several occasions, though he did not
serve in the same company with said applicant
but this deponent was well acquainted with
said applicant and knew him before the Revolutionary
war
Sworn & subscribed the day and
year above written}
Jul. Taylor CC
Robert his P mark Sloane
We Peter Carlton a clergyman residing in the County
of Duplin and Robert Sloane residing in the same
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
Theophilus Swinson the aforesaid applicant, that
we believe him to be seventy nine years of age
that he is reputed and believed in the neigh-
Page 29

[handwritten]

bourhood where he resides to have been
a soldier of the Revolution and that we
concur in that opinion
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Peter Carlton
Robert his X mark Sloan
Jul Taylor CC

And the said Court hereby declares this opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War
Department that the above named applicant was a
Revolutionary soldier and served as he states
And the Court further certifies that it appears
to him that Peter Carlton who has signed the preceding
certificate is a clergyman resident in the
County of Duplin and that Robert Sloane
who has also signed the same, and who has
sworn to and subscribed the preceding affidavit
is a resident in the County of Duplin and a 
credible person, and that their statements are
are entitled to credit -
Thos. Settler JP
On the day and year aforesaid before the Court
aforesaid personally appeared Jesse Swinson of
Duplin County in the State of North Carolina
aged seventy four years last spring
who being first duly sworn doth on his oath
depose and say, that he served in the 
Revolutionary war with the aforesaid applicant 
Theophilus Swinson in a company of Duplin militia
under Captain Charles Ward he thinks in the
Page 30

[handwritten]

spring or fall of the year 1776 and this deponent
served with said applicant in said company three
weeks and was relieved; that he thinks he left said
applicant in service; that he marched from
Duplin to Wilmington thence over into Brunswick
County on Town Creek, thence back to Wilmington
he thinks and was relieved either there or at Town
Creek,-
This deponent further deposeth and
saith that he served again with said applicant
in a company of Duplin militia, he is not certain
who was Captain, in a regiment commanded
by Col James Keenan he is not certain as to
the date but thinks it was in the spring of the
year 1777, a fortnight and left said applicant
in service at Jumping run below Wilmington
this deponent having been relieved at that place.
that he marched from Duplin to Wilmington, thence
to jumping Run and there stationed and made
intrenchments there to defend the Town from
the assaults of the enemy who were on board
ships of war in Cape Fear below and were
expected to come up that way to attack the Town
Sworn & subscribed the day & year
aforesaid
Jul Taylor CC
Jesse Swinson
And the said Court hereby certifies that it is
made appear to him, that Jesse Swinson
who has sworn to & subscribed the preceding
affidavit is a credible witness and that his
statement is entitled to credit. Given under
my hand the day & year aforesaid
Thos. Setter JPCL&E
Page 31

[handwritten]

I, Jeremiah Pearsall Clerk of the Court
aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application of
Theophilus Swinson for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto affixed my seal of 
office and subscribed my name
at the Court House in Kenansville
This the 25th day of September A.D. 1833
and in the 58th year
of American Independance [sic]
Jul. Taylor CC
Page 32

[handwritten]

Rev. War.
S.F. 9489
Complete File
Jacket, to show
surname as Swinson.
A.A.M.
Jan. 10/05