Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3,249, William Cunningham, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.C.

Cunningham, William

NUMBER
S. 3249

Born in Ireland

Carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

Dead
Letter to Mrs. Cunningham, 20 Sep ‘44
Mrs R. Chapman Jan 24 ‘46

Died
April 15- 1842- A.B.
[illegible]

13777
West Tennessee
William Cunningham of Bedford in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Nelson of the regiment commanded by Col. Martin in the North Carolina line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 20 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the [blank] day of June 1833 and sent to James McKinah Shelbyville

Arrears to the 4th of March 40-
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 10-

$50-

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 74
Page 3

Hickory [illegible] Ala}
Sept 8} F[illegible]

Mr, J, L, Edwards
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 4

7th Sept 1844

Mr J.L. Edwards
Dear Sir in writing for poor old Graham I have learned to whom to write for myself- My father William Cunningham was a Revolutionary Soldier Resided in Middle Tennessee at the passage of the Law I drew a Small pention up to March 38 if I mistake not at which time my mother Died, my father wrote me that if I would go to Tennessee & Remove him hither He would Spend the Ballance of his days with me I have So he lived till the 15 April 42- he frequently Requested me to Apply for his pension as an indemnaty for the trouble I had with him being near 100 Years of age my Setting in the Woods the Same Year 38 placed me in a whirlwind of business & Neglected to Apply until the Old man left my forever Now Being Hard Run & the Claim Just, I want it. Its a Small matter not Being Able to prove all his Services Be So good as to instruct me how I am to proceed in the matter & I shall ever feel under Obligations to You

William Cunningham

Mr J, L, Edwards
Page 5

Declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832.
On this 9th day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Personally appeared in open Court be the Worshipful Samuel Phillips John B. Armstrong and William McClure Esquires gentlemen justices of the peace appointed the Quorum to hold the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Bedford County in the State aforesaid, Now Sitting William Cunningham a resident of Said County aged Eighty five years three months and Seven days; Who after being first duly Sworn according to law doth on this oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832 that he entered the Service of the united States under the following named officers and Served as herein Stated
That he entered the Service, of the united States as a drafted Soldier in Guilford County and State of North Carolina, Same time about the last of July 1776. And was placed in a company commanded by Captain John Nelson, and Liut. Josiah Gates who was under the command of Genl. Rutherford Cols. James Martin and John Paistley_ he states he was marched to Salsberry, and from there to Cathys fort on the head of the Cataba river, and from there he was marched into the Cherokee nation, passing Several Small Indian Towns the names of which he does not, now, recollect; on to the Lawn of Watawga
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where an engagement was expected, but the Indians had left he Town, and the americans Set it on fire and distroyed it. Deponent States, that the troops under Gen’l. Rutherford remained near that place for some days for the arival of the troops from South Carolina under the command of General Williamson; and from there he was marched back into Guilford County again and dismissed in the month of November in the same year after serving not less than three months-
Deponent Says that some time after that he thinks year 1780 he removed to that part of the country now called Washington County in the State of Tennessee, and Settled on Nolachucky river And that he volenteered, and entered the Service again as a private Soldier in Captain Adam Sherrels company of Volenteers, who were under the command of General John Sevier, and was marched upon French broad river about the middle of June 1780 And was Stationed there for three months during which time he was frequently out on Scoutting parties against the Cherokee Indians who were at that time verry troublesome and frequently committed depredations on the whites, And as well as he now recollects he was dismissed from Service about the middle of September 1780 after Serving not less than three months, making in all a term of
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Service of not less than Six-months actual Service in the war of the Revolution for which he claims a pension, Although he States he was on Several Scounting expeditions against the tories previous to his removal from North Carolina for some Eight or ten days at a time, but for that Service he does not claim a pension
He further Says that he never did receive a discharge in writing- This applicant Says he was born in the County Donnagall in the North of Ireland, on the 2nd day of February 1748- agreeable to the information of his parents, and that he has no record of his age whatever-
He further Says that he had no acquaintence with any Regular officer with the troops where he Served, he Says he Saw Genl. Williamson in the Cherokee nation who he was told was a Regular officer; that he has no recollection of the name or number of any Regiment that was with the troops where he Served at this time.- and believes the foregoing declaration, exhibits a history of the most prominant circumstances of the Service- Applicant Says he is known to James B. Lawery Esqr. Col. John Blackwell Thomas Coffey Esqr. and James D. Anderson in his present neighborhood; But on account of old age and being very infirm he has
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not been able to travel about So as to form an aquaintence with a clergyman; nor does he know of one in the immediate neighborhood where he now lives- he says he was a citizen of Guilford County N Carolina when he first entered the Service, and resided in Washington County East Tennessee where he was last in. Service and from there he removed to South Carolina and in the year 1817 when he removed to the state of Alabama where he remained until the year 1829 when he removed to Bedford County Tennessee where he has resided ever Since and where he now resides; And that he hereby relinquishes all and every claim to a pension or anuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of Any Agency in the united States- He further States that he has no documentary evidence whatever and declares that there is no person whoes testimony he can procure who can testify as to his Service except what he can prove by the Affidavit of John Burns Sen. Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court the day and year aforesaid.
Wm Cunningham (seal)
Jas M Kisich clk
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No. 25290

William Cunningham Bedford County Tennessee

from 1776 private
6 month
$20.

Ja’s. M. Kisich Clk Bedford County Tennessee
Page 10

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

183

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 show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked 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.

A Statement, shewing the Service of William Cunningham Bedford County Tennessee

[column headings: Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant’s service. [subheadings: Years. Months. Days.] Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.

Draft July 1776. -. 3. -. private. Genl. Rutherford, Cap Nelson, Col Martin. 85 years, Guilford County N. Carolina. Traditionary evidence certified credible- no clergyman convenient to applicant - One [illegible] proves 3. months service, not certified credible - papers properly attached
Vol. 1780. -. 3. -. “. Cap Sherrels, Genl. Sevier. “. “.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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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 benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, 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 _ day of _ personally appeared (a) before _ A. B. a resident (b) of _ and State, Territory or District of _ aged (c) _ 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 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. [hand pointing right symbol] 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.
I _ 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 day 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 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 is 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 he 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 be fore 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.
[e] 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 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, 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 pace or where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called this 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 affix 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 paper 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.
[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 said matter 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.
[hand pointing right symbol] The notes from [a] to [i] 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.
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August 4, 1933.

RA-J/ILL
William Cunningham
S. 3249

Mrs. E. B. Lane,
1334 Cypress Street
Pueblo, Colorado.

Dear Madam:
The record of William Cunningham is given below as found in the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 3249, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. It is the record of the only soldier with that name who was a pensioner of Tennessee found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
William Cunningham was born February 2, 1748, in Donegal County, Ireland, the names of his parents not shown.
While residing in Guilford County, North Carolina, he enlisted about the last of July, 1776, and served three months as a private in Captain John Nelson's company, Colonels James Martin and John Paisley's North Carolina regiment, during which he marched against the Cherokee Indians and assisted in burning the town, Watauga. He served on short tours of eight or ten days days against the Tories in North Carolina, no dates or officers named. Sometime in the year 1780, the soldier moved from North Carolina to Tennessee and settled on the Nolachucky River in what was later Washington County. He enlisted there about the middle of June, 1780, served as a private in Captain Adam Sherrel's company under General John Sevier and was discharged at the expiration of service of three months.
Sometime after his service, the soldier moved from Tennessee to South Carolina, in the year 1817 moved to Alabama where he remained until 1829, at which time he moved to Bedford County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 9, 1833, at which time he resided in Bedford County, Tennessee. Some time in March, 1838, William Cunningham's wife, whose name is not stated, died while they
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were residents of Tennessee. The soldier, William Cunningham, then went to Live with their son, William Cunningham, and remained until his death on April 15, 1842. This son resided in 1844 in Hickory Level, Alabama.

There are no further data relative to soldier’s family in the papers on file in this claim.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 15

1917 Jan 24. Hist. to Mrs. J.W. Cunningham. [illegible]
1921. Mar. 24. Hist. to Miss W.F. Gunnels and money order for 50 cts drawn to order of Act [illegible] returned to her [illegible]
1933- Aug. 4. Hist. to Mrs. E.B. Lane- [illegible]

Rev War
3249
INVALID.

File No. 3249
William Cunningham
Pvt. N.C. line
Act: June 7 1832
Index:-Vol. A, Page 84
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 16

Mrs. Cunninghams Declaration
Page 17

This day John Burns Sen’r. A resident of Bedford County aged upwards of Eighty years personally appeared in open Court and after being duly Sworn deposeth and saith that he was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, himself and that he became acquainted with William Cuningham who subscribed and was Sworn to the foregoing declaration, in the Summer and fall of the year 1776 that he was then a private Soldier in Captain John Nelsons Company and that said William Cuningham Served as Such in the Cherokee nation not less than three months. Sworn to and Subscribed this 9th day of May 1833.
John Burns (seal)
J. M. Kisick clk

State of Tennessee
Bedford County} May Term 1833
Mr James B Lawery and James D Anderson both residents of Said county do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Cuningham who Subscribed and was Sworn to the foregoing declaration, for many years in the State of South Carolina, and for the last three years in Bedford County Where he now resides, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
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We further certify that we believe him to be Eighty five years, three months and Seven days of age, as Stated in his declaration, and we also further certify that during our long acquaintance with said Cuningham we never heard his character for veracity Questioned by any person whatever and that we believe his Statement to be entitled to credit in any Court Whatever. Sworn to and Subscribed in open court this 9th day of May 1833
Jas, B Lowry
Jas. M. Kisick Clk

And the Said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interoggatories 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 James B. Lowery Esq’r. who has Signed the preceding Certificate is an acting Justice of the peace in and for Bedford county, and that James D Anderson who has also Signed the Same is a respectable citizen of Said county, and that their statements are entitled to full faith and credit- done at the court house in Shelbyville this 9th day of May 1833
Samuel Phillips
John B Armstrong
Wm. McClure
Page 19

I James McKisich Clerk of the Court of Bedford County in the State of Tennessee do hereby Certify that the foregoing Contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Cunningham for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office, this 15th of May 1833

Jas McKisich clk
Page 20

William Cunningham, West-Tennessee roll, act of June 7. 1832, at $20 pr ann:
Be pleased to say to what time he was last paid,
Pension Office
Jan 22nd 1846.}
p to 4 Sept 1838
JH
Page 21

Jan 20 46

Wm Cunningham
Tenn roll

Hn R Chapman
[illegible]

[illegible]
R Chapman

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Com’r. Of Pensions
Washington City.
Page 22

[illegible] Rep. Jan’y. 19th 1846.

Sir;
I beg leave to enclose you the letter of Cha’s. Leuis Esqr. of Jacksonville Benton C. Ala. & how to enquire [illegible] to what Time William Cunningham late a pensioner from Ten. was paid his pension;
That part of Mr. L.’s letter relating to his [illegible] pension has been attended to.
Very respectfully yo Ob. [illegible]
R Chapman

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Com’r. of Pensions}
Page 23

Pension Office
Jan 24. 1846

Sir
The letter of Mr. Lewin is herewith returned, and in reply I have the honor to state that William Cunningham decd. Late of Bedford County, Tennessee, and a pensioner on the Knoxville roll, at the rate of $20 per annum, was last paid to the 4th. of September 1838. The Money is now payable at the Treasury, under the act of August 23 1842; and of such vouchers as the enclosed probed sheets direct, be prepared and transmitted to Peter Hagner Esq. Third Auditor, the amount due may be obtained.

Hon R. Chapman
[illegible]
Page 24

20. Sep. 1844
Wm Cunningham
Page 25

346
Pension Office
Sep. 20th 1844

Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 7th inst. In the case of William Cunningham, decd. I have to inform you that the enclosed printed instructions should be strictly complied with and when the vouchers shall have been prepared they should be forwarded to P. Hagner Esq, Third Auditor of the Treasury that the pension may be paid in Conformity to the Act of the 23 Aug 1842
Jam H

William Cunningham Esq
Hickory [illegible]
Alabama
Page 26

3
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division

MAR 23 1921 19__

Chief of Rev, War Section

Sir:

I have this day received from Miss Willie Francis Gunnel [crossed out: draft] MO No. 58,299 for $ 50/100 requesting [crossed out: post-office addresses] [added in handwriting: copy] as per letter herewith.

M.O. returned & Finance Dw [illegible] aw. Mar. 24. 1921. Rev War Section

Very respectfully,
W.N. Campbell
Chief of Division.
J.J.C.
Page 27

Rev.-1
CBR

127 Main St.
Oxford Ala.
Jan. 16-1917

Dear Sir
In “Revolutionary Soldiers of Alabama” page 29. it says, “Cunningham, William aged 93 yrs. resided in Benton County Ala, June 1. 1840. Census of [illegible], 1841, P.145.”
Does his pension papers give the name of his wife or children, where he came from, I am anxious to know his history.

Very cordially
(Mrs. J.W.) Ida Cunningham
Page 28

Eldo B.
Caroline B. Lane
1334 CYPRESS STREET
Pueblo, Colorado
July 26, 1933

Director of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

My dear Sir:
Kindly give me any information including family data on James Cunningham, a Revolutionary War soldier pensioned while a resident of McMinn Co., Tenn also the same information concerning William Cunningham also a pensioner, I think from Tenn. but I do not know the name of the county.

Respectfully
Mrs. E.B. Lane

[date stamp]
RECEIVED
JUL 29 1933
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM.
READER # 65
Page 29

Aw. S.

Money order for 509. rec’d and returned to hunter with record on Mar. 24, 1921

[illegible] 095 [illegible] Willie Francis Miss

R. A. Hingson & Company
DEALERS IN
Horses, Mules, Buggies, Harness, Farming Implements
Stoves, Ranges, all kinds of Light Hardware. Agents International Harvester Co. [illegible] the Celebrated Milburn Wagons, Gas Engines, Mowers, Rakes, Binders, Hay Bailers, Cole Cotton Planters
U. 2 C# 3438
OXFORD, ALABAMA March, 16, 1921

The Adjutant General
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir;
I am a Great, Great Grand-daughter of William N. Cunningham, age 93, resided in Benton Co., Ala. June 1, 1840.

I am enclosing a money order for fifty cents, for which I wish the pension record, showing that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner and that he received a pension from the U.S. Government.
Your courtesy in sending me the record will be much appreciated.

Yours respectfully,
(Miss) Willie Francis Gunnels
Oxford, Ala.

Money order of Oxford Ala P.O. drawn to order of “The Adjutant General” returned to W.F. Gunnels Mar. 24, 1921, by AW. Rev War Section Pension Bureau
Page 30

Rev. War Section.

March 24, 1921.

Miss Willie Francis Gunnels,
Care of R. A. Hingson Co
Oxford Ala.

Madam:
In response to your letter of the 16” instant, you are herewith furnished the history of the Revolutionary War pensioner, S. 3249, William Cunningham, and your money order drawn to the order of the Adjutant General, is also returned, as there is no charge for said history.
Very respectfully,
A D Wilkerson
Chief Clerk.
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August 4, 1933.

BA-J/ILL
William Cunningham
S. 3249

Mrs. E. B. Lane
1334 Cypress Street
Pueblo, Colorado.

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of James Cunningham, a pensioner of McMinn County, Tennessee, and William Cunningham, also a pensioner of that state.

The records of these soldiers are furnished herewith.

Very truly yours,

A.D. Hiller,
Assistant to Administrator.
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3-525

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. ,..................., 19…..

In reply to your request of……………, received…………. for a statement of the military history of William Cunningham a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

[column headings: Dates of enlistment or appointment. Length of service. Rank. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. [subheadings: Captain. Colonel.] State.
July 1776. 3 mos. Pvt. John [illegible]. James Martin, John Paisley. N.C.
June 1780, also on several [illegible] against the Tories. 3 mos. [blank]. Adam Sherril. [check mark]. [blank].

Battles engaged in, [check mark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford C, N.C., 2 Washington [illegible]
Date of application for pension, May 9, 1833, [illegible]
Residence at date of application, Bedford C, Tenn
Age at date of application, born in Donegal Co. Ireland, Feb 2 1748
Remarks: Soldiers [illegible] of Hickory Level was in 1844 [illegible] that after his mother (whose name is not given) died in Mar. 1838, his father lived with him until he died Apr. [illegible] 1842.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.

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