Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9610, for Thomas Sims, North Carolina
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SERVICE N.C. Sims, Thomas NUMBER R9610 CONTENTS
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
State of Tennessee
Wilson County, Tennessee St. [State]
On this 31st day of December 1832, personally appeared in open Court before George A Huddleston D.C. Hibbetts + [and] Thos. [Thomas] Burke [illegible] justices of the Court of pleas + [and] Quarters for said County of Wilson now sitting Thomas Sims a resident of said County of Wilson aged Eighty eight 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 act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the United States service under the following named officers and served as herein stated. On the 12th day of September 1780 he was called into the service of his County as a militiaman + [and] belonged to the company commanded by Capt. [Captain] Wm. [William] Gilliam of Granville County in the State of North Carolina in the Regiment Commanded by Col. [Colonel] Wm. [William] Moore + [and] Majr. [Major] Moore his brother, was organized or mustered into the service at Granville Courthouse on the day after we were organized we were marched up to Wellsborough where we were stationed until the rest of the militia collected at that place. Marched there about 16 miles below Charlotte where we joined the troops commanded by Gen. [General] Davidson. Part of the army marched down into the State of South Carolina near Camden + [and] took Rugely [Rugeley], a Commander of a party of Tories, prisoner with about one hundred of his men + [and] marched then up to Salsbury where we left them under guard on our march met Gen. [General] Greene’s army between Charlotte + [and] Salsbury about which his Lord Cornwallis had invaded that part of North Carolina. Gen. [General] Green’s [Greene’s] force being insufficient to give the enemy battle fled across Roanoake [Roanoke] into Virginia and after being reinforced he returned + [and] gave the enemy battle at Guilford Courthouse he this applicant was not in that however had served out his tour of three months and was discharged a few days before Christmas. He recollects well that Gen. [General] Butler would not suffer them to be discharged until after their full term of three months had expired + [and] then ordered the officers to march them to their [illegible] two counties before they should be discharged so that he served at least 5 or 6 days over his first term.
In the Spring of the year 1781 he was again called into the
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service in the militia line for Granville County North Carolina he does not recollect exactly what time he left home for the service but believes it was about the first of March. Went out into the service under Capt. [Captain] Thomas Rice and was [illegible] this tour of three months principally in fishing + [and] cleaning and salting fish for the army. We caught our fish at James Bilbo’s fishing place on the Roanoke River. He recollects that he was employed in fishing for the army at the time of the battle at Guilford Courthouse was fought between Genl. [General] Green’s [Greene’s] army and Lord Cornwallis’ and still continued in this service for some time after the battle of Guilford Courthouse. After his term of service expired he was discharged having served three months.
So that he served as a private soldier in the Revolutionary War six months [underlined] + [and] some few days [underlined] over. He had a written discharge for his first 3 month tour but when he started or was preparing for [crossed out] this [crossed out] to move to this state he threw that with many other papers which he considered useless into the fire. He has no documentary evidence but can prove his services or that he went into the public service by Chesley Sims + [and] expects he can procure the testimony of Amos Bone who can testify to his veracity + [and] the opinion of his neighbors upon this subject + [and] also John Gunn + [and] Richard Bryan.
He was born the 1st day of July 1744 (old style) according to his family Record which is in the possion [possession] of one of his sons + [and] he was born in the County of Hanover in the State of Virginia. Moved from the County of his nativity to the County of Granville about the age of 21 years. He continued to reside there until the year 1815 when he moved to Wilson County Tennessee where he has ever since resided.
He knew Genl. [General] Morgan, Smallwood, Davidson + [and] Butler + [and] Col. [Colonel] Wm. [William] Washington of the Troop of Horse.
He hereby relinquishes ever claim whatever to a pension or amenity 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 aforesaid.
Sworn to in open court Jus [illegible] McClain Clerk Thomas his X mark Sims
We Amos Bone, John Gunn + [and] Chesley Sims residing in the County of Wilson + [and] State of Tennessee hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Sims who has subscribed and
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Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Eighty eight years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that the [they] concur in that opinion.
And the said Chesley Sims further certifies that he distinctly recollects that the above named Thomas Sims went into the public service as a soldier of the Revolution and he was frequently at [Bibbo’s] fishing place on the Roanoke River he cannot undertake to state how long he served but knows he was twice out in the service he was himself then a boy about ten or eleven years of age.
Sworn to and subscribed the day + [and] year aforesaid.
[illegible] Clark
Amos Bones
Chesley Sims
James T. Sims
John his X Mark Gunn

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the [illegible] [illegible] 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 Amos Bones, John Gunn + [and] Chesley Sims who have subscribed + [and] sworn to the preceding certificate reside in the County of Wilson and that and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credit. And it also appears to the court that the applicant could not procure the attendance of a Clergyman without too much inconvenience.
G. A. Huddleston [illegible]
D. C. Hibbetts [illegible]
Tho. [Thomas] Burke [illegible]

I Josiah S. McClain clerk of said court of pleas + [and] Quarters sessions do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Sims for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 1st day of January A.D. [underlined] 1833 [underlined].
Josiah S. McClain
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Amended Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832.
State of Tennessee
Wilson County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace within + [and] for said County of Wilson, Thomas Sims, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that the militia company to which he belonged was divided into four divisions + [and] he belonged to the 4th division. [crossed out] He entered the service when it came to his service by turn and supposes it may be considered the same as if drafted for he did not volunter [volunteer] the first tour nor was he a [illegible] his best recollection is that he volunteered for the service last mentioned in his declaration. He was not in any battles during all his service at the time the Tory prisioners [prisoners] were taken, no resistance was made by them. During the time he served in the Revolutionary war he was a citizen of Granville County North Carolina.
Sworn to before me this 10th June 1833 21909 [upsidedown] Thomas his X mark Sims
Elisha C. Stephens Justice of the peace for Wilson County
I Josiah S McClain clerk of the county court of Wilson County, Tennessee certify that Elisha C Stephens [illegible] is an acting Justice of the peace in said county commissioned and qualified as the law directs. That his signature to the foregoing affidavit and amended declaration is in his own hand writing for testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office in Lebanon June 15th 1833
J. S. McClain
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Revolutionary
Pension
Thomas Sims
Suspended
Tennessee
Thomas Sims [illegible] [underlined]
Lebanon
Wilson Co. [County]
[illegible]
Nov [November] 15 1852
[43]
F E. Hassler
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioneres, Jc.*
STATE OF Tennessee
COUNTY OF Wilson
Be it known that before me John H Johnson, Justice of the Peace in said county personally appeared Matthias Sims aged 77 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states the he is the son of Thomas Sims who was a revolutionary soldier in the State of North Carolina and that he died on the 18th day of December 1886 and that his mother named Mary Sims died on the [blank] day of July 1848 and that they were married on or after the 1769 or in the year 1770 and that they were residents of [illegible] County in the State of North Carolina and that they resided there until 1817 years, and that this informant resides here in Wilson County [illegible] and that furthermore he BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints, and fully empowers and authorises, irrevocably and with powers of substitution, F. E. HASSLER, of Washington city, D.C., as his true and lawful Attorney for him and in his name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U.S. Government and State officers his rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land that may be due him as the son of Thomas Sims who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law he may be entitled.
In witness whereof, he has on this 23rd day October 1852, hereunto signed his name, and affixed his seal.
Matthias Sims SEAL [stamp]
Witness: C W [Jacksen]
Witness: J S McClain
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me; and I further certify, that Matthias Sims has always by the community been known as the son of Thomas Sims
Dated on this 23rd day of October 1852
John H Johnson J. P.
State of Tennessee
County of Wilson } to wit:
I hereby certify, That Joseph [crossed out] John H. Johnson Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgement were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of Wilson County Court, this twentythird day of October one thousand eight hundred and fiftytwo
J S McClain Clerk
Wilson County Court
—---
*If a Widow applies, state “the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband.”
*[illegible] if a pensioner - and amount of pension
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21909
Thomas Sims
T.
9610
Rejected. Served only six months and three months of this time engaged in catching fish. See letter sent to John S. Topp Lebanon
J. [illegible] McLain
Wilson Co [County]
T.
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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 [illegible] 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 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.
A Statement, showing the Service of Thomas Sims Wilson Co. T.
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant’s service. Years. | Months. | Days. | Rank of the claimant | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period | Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
12 Sept. [September] ‘80 [1880] | [blank] | 3 | [blank] | for fishing [underlined] | Cap. [Captain] Gilliam | Col. [Colonel] Moore | [blank] | N.C. | 88 Granville Co. N.C. | [illegible] [illegible] who swore that he was in the service
Spring 87 [1887] | [blank] | 3 | [blank] | “ | “ [Captain] Rice | [blank] | “ | “ | [blank]
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:
The Regular Troops.
The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
Persons employed in the Naval services.
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, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of the 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 provion [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] link, under the following named officers: [blank]

[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 enered [entered] the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [hand pointing to 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 [blank]
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 war 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 [blank] 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 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. [blank] 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 also 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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8
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.
Where and in what year were you born?
Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
Where were you living when called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
{ 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 he [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 hereby 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 a 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 authenticate 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, 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 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 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.
[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.
[hand pointing to right symbol] The notes from [a] 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 delcaration. } 4. not [illegible]
W L William [illegible]
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[illegible]
Rev. A [1812] War Section
April 7, 1928
Walter B. Beale
527 County-City Bldg.
Seattle, Washington

Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.9610, it appears that THOMAS SIMS was born July 1, 1744 (old style), in Hanover County, Virginia.
He alleged that while a resident of Granville County, North Carolina, he enlisted at Granville Court House in said county September 12, 1780, and served three months and five or six days as a private in Captain William Gillum’s [Gilliam’s] Company, Colonel William Moore’s North Carolina Regiment.
He applied for pension on an application executed December 31, 1832, while a resident of Wilson County, Tennessee, but his claim was rejected on the ground that he did not render six months military service as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied. He died December 18, 1836.
He married in 1769 or 1770 Mary, maiden name not stated, and she died in July 1848.
Reference is made to his sons but the only name given is that of Matthias who was seventy-seven years of age in 1852.
Respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 13

1914 [illegible] 10
Hist. [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
Reynolds. V. L. M
_______
1920 apr. [april] 16
Photos of 4 pages of declaration mailed to [illegible] James Wickersham, Room 167 House of Bldg. [illegible]
_______
1929 apr. [april] 7
[illegible] to Walter B. Beale met

REJECTED [stamp]
9610
P.O. Thomas Sims
Service: __
Enlisted: __, 18
Discharged: __, 18
Application filed: __, 18
Printed list of 1862 gives as reason for rejection: “not military service - [illegible] fishing”
Alleges: __
Re-enlisted: __
Attorney: __
P.O. __
__ Recognized. __ Contract.
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3
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
APR [April] 15 1920 19__
Chief of Rev. [Revolutionary] War Section
Sir:
I have this day received from John James Wickersham draft [crossed out] No. [crossed out] cash for [crossed out] $ 60/100 requesting pest-office [crossed out] addresses [crossed out] copy as per letter herewith. Law DW [illegible] of mailing of copies [illegible] Apr. [April] 16 1920
Very respectfully,
Wm. [William] Campbell
Chief of Division
[illegible]
Page 15

Thomas Sims
Tennessee
[illegible] see letter request 1833
T. Topp Lebanon
Ten
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525
____
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C., ___, 19__
R.F. 9610

In reply to your request of ___, received ____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Sims 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.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | STATE.
Sept. [September] 12 1780 | 5 or 6 days and 3 mos. [months] | Prt. [Private] | William Gilliam | Wm [William] Moore | N.C.
Battles engaged in, enlisted at Granville Ct. [Court] House
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Granville Co. [County] N.C.
Date of application for pension, Dec 31 1832
Residence at date of application, Wilson Co. [County] Tenn [Tennessee]
Age at date of application, { b. [born] July 1 1744 (old style) in Hanover Co. [county] Va. d. [died] Dec 18 1836
Remarks: Soldier married in 1769 or 1770 Mary who died July 1848. Sons [illegible] 25 Matthias who was 77 years old in 1852, the only name stated claim was rejected on the ground that soldier did not render 6 mos. [months] military service as required by the Act of June 7 1832 under which he applied.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
*Service alleged in 1781 was not included in above as soldier was engaged in fishing all this time + [and] rejected book also notes this
Page 17

OFFICERS
HARRY DENTON MOOR
PRESIDENT
PERCY BRADFORD HUNTING
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
JOHN W. BELL, JUNIOR
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
JESSE MARTIN HITT
3RD VICE PRESIDENT
WALTER BURGES BEALS
REGISTRAR
JOHN CHARLES GREGORY
HISTORIAN
WILLIAM T. BEEKS
SECRETARY-TREASURER
EMPIRE BUILDING
SEATTLE
DR. AMBROSE M. BAILEY
CHAPLAIN
WILLIAM D. TOTTEN
STATE TRUSTEE

MEMBERS
BOARD OF MANAGERS
HERBERT EUGENE PECK
JOHN FRANK VAN DYKE
ELIAS A. WRIGHT
EDWARD JUDD
EDMUND ROBERT BOWDEN
WALTER JUDSON MILROY
CHARLES CARROLL BROWN
HARRY GRANT ROWLAND
SOLON T. WILLIAMS

[Logo]
Sons of the American Revolution
Washington State Society

February 17, 1925.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Will you be kind enough to tell me whether or not one Thomas Sims of Tennessee was granted a pension for services in the North Carolina troops during the war of the Revolution. His descendant, James Wickersham has submitted a copy of the soldier’s declaration made in support of his application for pension, June 7, 1832, but I wish to know whether or not the pension was allowed.
Yours very truly,
Walter B Beals
WALTER B. BEALS,
Registrar
WBB-C
527 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING [stamp]
527 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING
Seattle
U.S. PENSION OFFICE H FEB 24 1925 [circular stamp]
Page 18

A.C. TODD, PRESIDENT
HENLY STACY, ASST. [Assistant] CASHIER
J.O. REYNOLDS, CASHIER
J.W. SHOEMAKER, BOOKKEEPER
FARMERS BANK OF LEETON [Logo]
[illegible] $2000000
LEETON, MO.
Jan. [January] 6 1914
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
U.S. PENSION OFFICE C JAN 8 1914 [circular stamp]
Sir,
Can you give me the history of Thomas Simms [Sims] born in Virginia and joined the Revolutionary War at the age of sixteen. I wrote the War Department at Washington they have his name on record but said their collection of Revolutionary War records at that office was far from complete + [and] referred me to you. If you can
Page 19

A.C. TODD, PRESIDENT
HENLY STACY, ASST. [Assistant] CASHIER
J.O. REYNOLDS, CASHIER
J.W. SHOEMAKER, BOOKKEEPER
FARMERS BANK OF LEETON [Logo]
[illegible] $2000000
LEETON, MO.

Furnish me with his history will be very thankful. Thanking you in advance for your trouble. Very respectfully,
Mrs. JO. Reynolds,
Leeton,
Mo.
U.S. PENSION OFFICE C JAN 8 1914 [circular stamp]
Page 20

Proctor Law 4/15/20 [written upside-down in top left corner]
NO. __
Date Apr. [April] 16 1920
Name Thomas Sims No. R 9610
NC [North Carolina] Rev. [Revolutionary War]
Photographic copies wanted of 1 pieces, consisting of 4 pages.
Remarks: ___
Exr W Wilson Chief Rev. War Section
Serial 1485 JJ [illegible]
Law Clerk.
60c [cents] rec’d [received] from Mr Proctor Law hershaw CSW + [and] S. [illegible] [written upside-down at bottom of page]
Page 21

U.S. PENSION OFFICE A APR 15 1920 [circular stamp]
FINANCE DIVISION APR 15 1920 BUREAU OF PENSIONS [rectangular stamp]
Page 22

60c [cents] rec’d [received] from Mr Proctor Law Dict. CSW M. + [and] S. [illegible]
[illegible] James Wickersham
Room 167.
House Office Building
Uncertified four pages from Rev. [Revolutionary] War pension claim
Thomas Sims N.C. R9610
No receipt desired
Proctor Law 4/15/20 [written sideways in bottom right hand corner of page]
Page 23

J. S. Topp
[illegible] Augt. [August] 1 1833
[illegible]
Recorded [illegible] 2SS
[illegible] 149
Page 24

War Department
Pension Office
[illegible] August 1 1833
Sir,
The declaration and amendment thereto of Thomas Sims have been examined. He alleged to have served in [crossed out] all [crossed out] six [crossed out] months [crossed out] two tours of three months each. The last tour he volunteered and was engaged in catching + [and] salting fish for the army. each service is not [illegible] for by the act of June 7, 1832, under which he claims. His claim has therefor [therefore] been rejected. The papers will be placed in the files in this office.
[illegible]
John S. Topp Esq.
Lebanon,
Tennessee
Page 25

LEBANON T.N. JUN 15 [circular stamp]
Tenn [Tennessee] Jun [June] 28
[illegible]
FREE [stamp]
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 26

Lebanon June 15th 1835
Hon. J. L. Edwards:
The enclosed pension claims have been corrected as fully as could be to meet the objecting accompanying there in consequence of the extreme old age of Mr. Sims and his debility and the blindness of Mr Gunn and [illegible] circumstances of them both. I feel much solicitude about their claims, and hope their claims will meet with the most favourable and early notice.
Respectfully yours,
Jn [John] S. Topp