Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9851, for Henry Thomas, Pennsylvania
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(3-1776)
SERVICE                                                   NUMBER
Penn                  Thomas, Henry             W. 9851
                                         Mary
CONTENTS
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Elizabeth      born    April 9, 1790
Barbary          "        November 16, 1792
Mary              "        September 7 or 27, 1795
George          "        April   ? , 1798
Susanah         "       January 8, 1802
Ana Elizabeth "      January 8, 1802.

Grandchildren were referred to but no names given.

           Very truly yours


                   E.W.  MORGAN
                   Acting Commissioner
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3571
Williana Madison
Mary Thomas widow of Henry Thomas, Penn
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
_________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
___________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of May Feby 1837 and sent to
F. S. J. Trabue
Present
______________________
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 537, No. 3

date of dececte Sept [Illegible]
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[pg 1 of 2]

Declaration of Henry Thomas for a Pension-

State of Indiana
Ripley County } Ss On this 13th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared before the Honourable Joseph Robinson one of the Judges of the Ripley Circuit Court in an for the said County of Ripley Henry Thomas a resident of the County of Ripley and State of Indiana aged 77 years (who by reason of Extreme bodily weakness and infirmity is unable to appear in open Court to make this his declaration for a pension) 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. In the month of September 1781 he entered the service of the United States under Captain John Ingram and Lieut John Shipman and served for the full term of Seven Months in the capacity of an orderly Sergeant. He left the service in the Month of March 1782. When he entered the service he resided in Northumberland County Pennsylvania. He was drafted. He was engaged in no Battles. He marched from Lewisburg which stands on the bank of the Susquehanna River to Cokes Town(?) about forty miles from the former place, there he continued for some time as a guard where he marched back to Lewisburg where he remained for a short time,where he again marched to Cokes Town(?), and from there again to Lewisburg and so alternately from one place to another as a guard for the purpose of transporting provisions and munition & was to the main troops engaged in the Continental service. For this term of Seven Months he was an orderly sergeant. Pine(?) boats were employed in the service of transporting the provisions and munitions for the said troops which had to be strictly guarded to render the transportation safe, this guard was commanded by Captain John Ingram, and Lieut John Shipman (Ensign forgotten) This applicant by reason of extreme mental and bodily disability caused by a continuous sickness for years past cannot now recollect the names of any particular officers only those under whom he immediately served but he immediately was commanded by a colonel who was stationed at some distance from the places afd. where his service was rendered. During the services of this applicant (and at the completion of the same) while at Cokes Town(?) in passing from a boat to the shore, a hogshead rolled from the top of the bank and
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and passed over him bruising and mutilating his leg at a most dreadful rate, so much so that he was fit for service no longer and was discharged. In consequence of the said wound he has been partially disabled ever since, and particularly of late years a cripple for life. For many years past his leg has been an ulcer of the most disturbing(?) kind, that much of the leg are so much retracted(?) that it is much shorter than the other, and he wont expect to have the use of it again, and it is the opinion of all of his physicians who have ever attended him that his present afflictions proceed from the wound which he recd as afored in the service. He never recd. but three dollars for all of his services afd. He further thinks it his duty to say to the department that altho he was engaged in guarding and transporting Boats which were loaded with provisions and munitions for the U.S. troops yet he was not considered a Boatman but a Soldier called only by the proper authority of the County and had the duties of a soldier to perform, was constantly armed with a Musket and the accoutrements, and in every sense of the word was under Marshal Law; he had his regular tours of duty as certainly any might for the purpose of guarding the boats from the Indians and Torys - Several of the hands belonging to the Boat were killed by them. He has said this much that the department may not mistake the nature of his service. He has no written or documentary evidence and he knows of no person whose testimony he can produce who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year afsaid -
his mark
X
Henry Thomas

Mr Meshach Hyatt, a Clergyman residing in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana and Michael Castator residing in the same County and State do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Thomas who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration, that we believe him to be 77 years of age, that his 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 to and subscribed the day and year afsaid-
Meshach Hyatt
Michael Castator
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And the said Joseph Robinson Judge of the Ripley Circuit Court afrsaid does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories presented by the War Department that the said Henry Thoms the aforsaid applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, And the said Joseph Robinson further certifies that it appears to him that Meshach Hyatt who as signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana, and that Michael Castator - who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and state and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit And the said Joseph Robinson also certifies that the said Henry Thomas the applicant afso is at this time by reason of bodily infirmity unable to attend and appear in open Court to make his declaration for a pension.
Joseph Robinson A.J. R.C.C. {seal} 

Answers to the Questions presented by the War Department.
Answer to 1st Quest I was born in Tulpohocking County in the state of Pennsylvania on the 3d day of May 1756. Answer to 2d Quest. I have no record of my age I only speak from what my parents have told me Answer to 3d Quest I was residing at the time I entered the service in Northumberland County Penna since the Revolution I have resided in the state of Tennessee for 26 years then I removed to the sate of Ohio, from there I removed to the County of Ripley and state of Indiana where I now reside. Answer to 4th Quest. I was drafted. Answer to 5th Quest. I do not recollect the names of any Regular officers, continental troops or militia companies, my memory is so much impaired - the general circumstances of my service are stated within - Answer to 6th Quest. I was appointed 1st Sergeant by Capt. John Ingram, I never rec any other discharge than a verbal one Answer to 7th Quest. Enquire [Inquire] of Robert Benchfield, Michael Castator, William Stess(?) - and all who know me.
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State of Indiana
Ripley County } Ss I David P. Shook Clerk of the Ripley Circuit Court do hereby certify that Joseph Robinson before whom the original proceedings of Henry Thomas for a pension were had has signed the foregoing certificate was at the time, and now is one of the Judges of the Ripley County Circuit Court duly commissioned and qualified as such that full faith and credit are due all of his official acts, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of September Anno Domini 1833
David P. Shook Clerk

27,228
Henry Thomas

Ste. S. Harding agent
Versailles Inda.
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9373
Mary Thomas
Indiana
Act 7. July 38
Page 9

Jacob Thomas was born October the 30th 1774

Henery Thomas was born June the 17th 1776

Perry Thomas was born September the 1st(?) 1787

Elizabeth Thomas was born April(?) the 9th 1790

Reuben Thomas was born [illegible] day of November 1792

Mary Thomas born [illegible] September 1795

Joseph(?) Thomas was born [illegible] April 1798

Hannah Thomas was born January 15th(?) 1802

Mary Elizabeth Thomas born January [illegible] 1802
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State of Indiana
Rush County } SS
On the 21st day of July 1843 Personally appeared before me Samuel McCorkle an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Rush State of Indiana Mrs Mary Thomas a resident of the said County of Rush aged above seventy six years and who is by reason of bodily Infirmity prevented from appearing in Open Court and who after being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed the 7th day of July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows to wit that she is the widow of Henry Thomas deceased late of the County of Rush and who was a Soldier in the army of the Revolution and served several months in actual service and she thinks was a militiaman and on account of his service in said war he drew a Pension under the act of 7th June 1832 which was a small one and she since his death and the arrears of Pension due him up to his death. She further declares that she cannot state the names of the officers under whom the service of her said husband was performed but for their names as well as the character of the service performed, its duration &tc she will refer to the evidence contained in the papers composing the matter of the application of her said husband for the afso Pension received by him. She further declares that she has no documentary evidence in favor of her claim except a record of the ages of her children - She further declares that she was married to the said Henry Thomas in the month of June about sixty two or three years ago that her husband the aforsaid [aforesaid] Henry Thomas died on the 14th day of September 1836. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service that the marriage took place before the first day of January 1794 (ug(?)) at the time aforsaid [aforesaid]. 
her mark
X
Mary Thomas
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year afso
Samuel McCorkle J Peace
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and also came upon me the Just subscribed magistrate Mrs Margaret Mull a Lady of respectability and who on oath states that she is well acquainted with the forgoing declarant Mrs Mary Thomas and that she knows her to be the widow of Henry Thomas deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and died in the County of Rush she thinks in September 1836 and that she is also acquainted with some of the children of the said Mary and said Henry and that their third child is now one of her neighbors and she supposes that she must be upward of fifty five years of age and that she knows other of the children that she supposes must certainly be over fifty years of age for heir children being the grand children of said declarant must be upwards of thirty five years of age - and deponent truly believes that said delcarant is the age Seventy six years and that she was married to the said Henry Thomas in the state of Pennsylvania Sixty two or three years ago,
And further deponent saith not
Magaret Mull
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 21st day of July 1843
Samule McCorkle J Peace
And also came before me the Just subscribed magistrate Mr. Eli Hill a Gentleman of respectability and who after being first duly sworn according to Law deposeth & saith that he is [&] has been well acquainted with the forgoing declarant Mrs. Mary Thomas for the last past twenty five or thirty years and that he was well acquainted with her husband Henry Thomas late of the County of Rush, and that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and that the deponent is well acquainted with some of the children of said Mary and said Henry and that he truly believes that their
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second child is as much as sixty years of age and that their third child is between fifty five and sixty, years of age and that said Henry and said Mary lived as husband and wife ever since deponents knowledge of them and deponent truly believing that said Mary is the age she represents and was married to the said Henry sixty three years ago as stated by said Mary and that she is a Lady of respectability and all her statements entitled to credit - and that said Henry died in September 1836 he thinks. And further deponent saith not-
Eli Hill
Sworn to and subscribed before me-
On the day year afod
Samuel McCorkle J Pe.

And I the Just subscribed magistrate certify that the forgoing declarant is a Lady of respectability and all her statements entitled to credit - and the particular disability which prevents the declarant from appearing in Open Court is old age, consequent infirmity, and she confined to her room and the county seat Eleven miles distant, and she as deponent truly believes has Correctly Set forth her marriage as well as everything she has stated
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my had this the 21st day of July 1863
Samuel McCorkle J Peace

I the above subscribed magistrate certify that the defasun [deposition?] just above the name subscribed by Eli Hill, was made before said Hill signed the same - Samuel McCorkle JP
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State of Indiana
Rush County &ct
I John L Robinson Clerk of the Rush Circuit Court hereby Certify that Samuel McCorkle before whom the forgoing declaration of Mrs. Mary Thomas was made and before whom the affiant of Margaret Mull and Eli Hill were taken is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Rush State of Indiana duly elected commissioned and qualified and to all his official acts full faith and credit are due as well out of Courts of Justices as therein and the forgoing signatures purporting to be Said Samuel McCorkle are his own genuine Signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixd my seal of office and subscribe my name as officer in the town of Rushville on this the 21st day of July 1843.
John L Robinson clerk
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27,228
Henry Thomas
Indiana

from 1781 private
7 month
$23.33

Stephen S. Harding
Versailles
Indiana
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

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 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 show what is necessary to be done. These 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 compling [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

_____
A Statement, showing the Service of Henry Thomas
-----
Period when the service was rendered.
1781

Duration of the claimant's service.
[blank] Years. 7 Months. [blank] Days.

Rank of the claimant.
Sergt.

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.

Cap Seegram*
ser Colhard
*Capt. Ingram

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
77
Pa.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary

The applicant should prove that he was appointed a sergeant and served in that capacity otherwise he can only be allowed the pay of a private. Interlineations are inadmissible.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Versailles Inda. Nov 18th 1833-
Dr Sir
Since the Recpt. of this letter I have had an interview with Henry Thomas the within named applicant; and as his agent, am authorized to say to the department on his behalf, that it is impossible at this .... to prove by a living witness or by documentary evidence his services as a Sergeant. He therefore waives his claim as a Sergeant and humbly requests the Department to issue his pension Certificate for a Privates pay only- It is the necessity of the case, which compells [compels] such waiver on his part. He hopes, and thrusts that this will prove satisfactory to the Department without the expense attendant on the Judicial authentication of papers. I am, ob ser Ste. S. Harding Agent
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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:
1. 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 claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [musicians] 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.
State, Territory, or district of
County of } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] 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 served under 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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] 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.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &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 [bl ank] and C. D. residing in  (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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 [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &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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8

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 expected. 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.
6.{ To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
   { To an Officer. 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 inquiry 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.

-----


[a] 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.
[b] 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.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[d] 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 clamant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. 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 following grades:--For---year---- months, and ----- days, I served as a --------. For ------- months and ------ days, I served as a -----; and for such service I claim a pension."
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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no 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.
[handwritten "*"]
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] to are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

[handwritten]
* If it is positively necessary in any case where the party waives his claim as an officer, and asks only the pension allowed a Private, to swear to such suggestion to department, will the department be so kind as to intimate the same to me immediately.
Ste. S Harding, agent

[handwriting, bottom right margin]
applicant cannot prove his serving as sergeant and waives Sergeants pay
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[pg 1 of 2]

November 5, 1934

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Henry Thomas-W.9851
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. C. C. Waltenbaugh
1249- 11th Street, N.W.,
Canton, Ohio

Dear Madam:

The record of Henry Thomas which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 9851, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.

Henry Thomas was born May 3, 1756 in Tulpehocken, Pennsylvania, names of his parents not given.

While residing in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in September, 1781, served seven months as orderly sergeant in Captain John Ingram's Pennsylvania company.

After the Revolution Henry Thomas moved to Tennessee, where he lived twenty-six years, thence to Ohio, and thence to Ripley County, Indiana.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 13, 1833, then residing in Ripley County, Indiana.

He married in June, 1780 or 1781 in the state of Pennsylvania, Mary. Her maiden name is not given, nor is it stated when and where she was born.

The soldier, Henry Thomas, died September 14, 1836 in Rush County, Indiana.

His widow, Mary Thomas, was allowed pension on her application executed July 21, 1843, at which time
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[pg 2 of 2]

time she was living in Rush County, Indiana, and gave her age as about seventy-six years. In 1848 she was still a resident of Rush County, and then gave her age as about eighty-four years; no explanation giving as to the discrepancy.

The children of Henry Thomas and his wife, Mary:

Jacob born October 30, 1784
Henery " June 17, 1786
Peggy " September 1 or 21, 1787
Elizabeth " April 9, 1790
Barbary " November 16, 1792
Mary " September 7 or 27, 1795
George " April ---, 1793
Susanah " January 8th,  1802
Ana Elizabeth " January 8, 1802

Reference was made in 1843 to the grandchildren of Henry Thomas and his wife, Mary, but no names were given.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 20

Nov, 29-1902
Mary Lott
Lehi Utah

Revy WIDOW, &c.
-
Filed No. 9851
Mary Thomas
Wid. Of
Henry Thomas
Pvt, Rev. War
-
Act: Feby, 27/48
Index:--Vol. M, Page 278

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[note right margin]
1931-Feb 20 Hist to Mrs Minnie E Wycott awf.
1934-Nov. 5- Hist to Mrs. C.C. Waltenbaugh awf
Page 21

8930
Indiana Madison
Mary Thomas
widow of Henry Thomas
who was private in the Revolution
-
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of Feby 1837 and sent to F. S. J. Trabue
Present
-
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
& 17 June 1844
Recorded in Book A. Vol 2, Page 220
Page 22

11,031
Indiana Madison
Mary Thomas
Widow of Henry Thomas
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 14th Septr 1836 of Ripley Co., in the State of Indiana who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Ingram of the Regt commanded by Cole in the Penna. line for 7 months
-
Inscribed on the Roll of Madison at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of July 1837 and sent to F. S. J. Trabue
-
Total amount, Present
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by HR Weightmare Clerk,
Book D, Vol. 1, Page 431.
Page 23

9373
Mary Thomas
Indiana

Set to C. H. Trabue Sep. 28. 1843
Cet. to Hon. C.S. Morehead
November 4th, 48.

Act-7 July 1838
Page 24

Mary Thomas Declar:
Act 1838 of C

CS Morehead
Page 25

State of Indian Rush County &ct
On this the 19th day of September 1848 before me Joseph Goddard an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Personally Appeared Mary Thomas a resident of the County of Rush and State aforesaid aged about Eight four years who after being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order in order to [in order to] obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress 7th July 1838, 3d March 1843 & 17th June 1844 & 2nd February 1848 and the Resolution of the first day of July 1848 of congress Granting and Continuing allowances as Pensions to certain widows of officers and soldiers of the Revolution To wit: That she is the widow of Henry Thomas deceased who was as she verily believes a Private in the army of the Revolution and in Consequence of this service therein was allowed a Pension under the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832 at the rate of $23.33 per annum that she was married to her said husband previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four for the full proof of which she most respectfully asks leave to refer to her former Application in which she hopes that satisfactory proof has been exhibited to the department, and which is now on file in the office of the Hon Commissioner of Pensions.
She further declares that she is still a widow never having intermarried since the death her said husband
that she now believing herself entitled to a Pension under the five first mentioned laws in this Declaration at the rate of $23.33 per annum Most respectfully asks the Hon Commissioner of Pensions to Cause the allowances to be made
Page 26

And the Certifficates [Certificates] of Pension which may serve as evidence thereof to be enclosed to her attorney C H Trabue of Frankfort Kentucky and with him only does she wish correspondence holden by the Hon Commissioner of Pensions in reference to her said claims and such others as he may authorise [authorize]
her mark
X
Mary Thomas
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year afsd.
Joseph Goddard JP

I the Just subscribed magistrate certify that the forgoing Declarant is personally known to me and known to be the widow of Henry Thomas deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832 at the rate of $23.33 per annum and that she is still a widow never having intermarried since the death of her said husband
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name on this the 19th day of September 1848
Joseph Goddard JP
Page 27

State of Indiana
Rush County } ss I Pleasant A. Hackleman clerk of the Rush Circuit Court with in and for said County, do hereby certify that Joseph Goddard before whom the above and foregoing declaration of Mary Thomas was sworn to, was at the time a Justice of the Peace and is now a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rush, and that his commission bears date September 30th 1844, and will expire September 30th, 1849, and that his signatures above written are genuine.
In testimony whereof I Pleasant A. Hackleman Clerk of the Rush Circuit Court have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 19th day of September AD. 1848.
P. A. Hackleman, Clerk.
Page 28

Branch State Bank of Indiana
Richmond, 5th Mo. 1st 1838.

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Respd.fd.
I enclose herein the Original Certificate of Henry Thomas, late a Pensioner of this district, now deceased, together with the vouchers of his widow Mary Thomas, and beg leave to inquire whether, under the present rules, payment ought to be made on these vouchers.

I also beg leave to inquire if John Boger's Pensions, directed in thy favour of 11th alto.(?) due for 7 years back, can be paid here; the amt at $175 per year is $1225? and, can it be paid at the Treasury Department if the pensioner desire it?

Very respectfully
Elijah Coffin, Cashier
Acting for Samuel Merrill
Pens. Agt. Indiana.

John Boger, Revy - June 7, 1832 $175 pr. anm. due from Mar. 4, 1831.
Page 29

Branch State Bank of Indiana
Richmond, 7 mo. 17, 1837

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Respd.fd.
I hand, herein enclosed, the vouch of Henry Thomas a Revolutionary Pensioner of this district, last paid to March 4, 1836, and respectfully ask leave to pay the amount to which is now entitled
Respectfully
Elijah Coffin, Cashier
Acting for Samuel Merrill, Pens. Ag.
Indiana
Page 30

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office.
March 4th, 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Henry Thomas, a Pensioner on the roll of the Indiana Agency, at the rate of Twenty three Dollars and thirty three Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept., 1837, to the 14th Sept. 1836 [6 written over 7] the day of his death.

Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 31

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second comptroller's Office,
April 9th, 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remained unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Henry Thomas, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Indiana Agency, at the rate of Twenty three Dollars and thirty three Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March, 1837, to the 4th Sept. 1837.

Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Page 32

Frankfort Kentucky
August 1st 1843
Sir
I herewith enclose you the declarations of Mrs. Mary Thomas of Rush County Indiana under the act of Congress passed the 7 day of July 1838 and the 3 day of March 1843 making applications for the benefit of the said act.
Please encase to me at Frankfort Kentucky the Certificate of allowance

I am sir Vary [Very] Respectfully 
your Obt Servt
C H Trabue

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 33

Mary Thomas, wid of Henry
Ind
Act 7 July 1838
Acd & mo Pri.(?) $23.33 per anm. from 4 Mch 1836 except 2 yrs

Certf No of 38
11,031

Give revt(?) to
F. S. J. Trabue
Presidt -
Page 34

CHARLES C. WALTENBAUGH, M.D.
CANTON, OHIO

Canton O., Oct. 14, 1934
Gentlemen -
Will you kindly send me pensions applications for-
Henry Thomas, Penn. - Revolutionary
Teeter Waltenbaugh, Maryland and Penn. "
Reinhard Waltenbaugh, Penn. "
Adam Waltenbaugh, Penn. "
Adam Swinehart, Wash. Co. Penn. "
Was told when in Harrisburg Pa in Historical Society rooms, these might be had.
Thank you,
Very truly,
Mrs C.C. Waltenbaugh
1249 - 11th St. N.W.
Page 35

[pg 1 of 2]

Batesville, Indiana,
Jan. 27, 1981.

[stamp]
U.S. PENSIONS OFFICE.
O
JAN 30 1931

Manager of Pensions Bureau,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: As president of our county historical society I am attempting to complete recordds of Revolutionary soldiers who came to our county, Ripley Co., Indiana, and lived the rest of their lives here.
Among the names handed in locally is that of John Signor. Can you send us any information from your records as to this man's Revolutionary service?
Also, our reports, so far on Henry Thomas are very brief. It is this: "Henry Thomas entered the service from Pennsylvania is September, 1781, and served 7 month. Born 1766, died, 1836. Bureau File W 9851."
We will be most grateful for as complete information of these two men as possible to secure.
(over)
Page 36


[pg 2 of 2]

If any fees are needed to pay for copies of records we will be gland to pay them. Also, if anyone in your department could undertake to furnish us with a complete list of Revolutionary soldiers connected with our county, so far as your records show, we shall be glad to pay for whatever trouble it may entail.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Minnie E. Wycoff,
Pres. Ripley Co. Ind. Historical Society,
Batesville, Ind.

219 Maplewood Ave.
Page 37

November 5, 1934

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. C. C. Waltenbaugh
1249 11th Str5eet, N.W.
Canton
Ohio

BA-J/MCS
Henry Thomas, W.9851

Dear Madam:

References is made to your request for the records of Revolutionary War soldiers, Henry Thomas, Teeter Waltenbaugh, Reinhard Waltenbaugh, Adam Waltenbaugh, and Adam Swinehart.

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 claim on file on account of the service of soldier named Teeter Waltenbaugh, Reinhard Waltenbaugh, Adam Waltenbaugh, and Adam Swinehart. For information in regard to pensions that were paid by the State of Pennsylvania, it is suggested that you address the Librarian, Pennsylvania State Library, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Your [You] are furnished herewith, the history of the only Henry Thomas who served with the Pennsylvania troops that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executiver Assistant to the Administrator
Page 38

February 20, 1931

Mrs. Minnie E. Wycoff
219 Maplewood Avenue
Batesville, Indiana

Rev.& 1812 Wars Section
AWF:MLB

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 9851, that Henry Thomas was born May 3, 1756, in Tulpehocken, Pennsylvania.

While resided in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in September, 1781, and served seven months as orderly sergeant in Captain John Ingram's Pennsylvania company.

After the Revolution he moved to Tennessee, thence to Ohio, and was allowed pension on his application executed September 13, 1833, at which time he was living in Ripley County, Indiana.

He died September 14, 1836 in Rush County, Indiana.

The soldier married in June, 1780 or 1781, in the State of Pennsylvania, Mary, whose maiden name is not given.

She was allowed pension on her application executed July 21, 1843, at which time she was living in Rush County, Indiana, and was aged seventy-six years.

Their children:

Jacob born October 30, 1784
Henery " June 17, 1786
Peggy " September 1 or 21, 1787
Page 39

Elizabeth born April 9, 1790
Barbary " November 16, 1792
Mary " September 7 or 27, 1795
George " April --, 1798
Susanah " January 8, 1802
Ana Elizabeth " January 8, 1802.

Grandchildren were referred to but no names given.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

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