Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,973, David Wray, Va.
Page 1

[typed form, with handwritten response]
(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Va. Wray, David S.7,973
[second row is left blank]
carded.

CONTENTS
[all lines are left blank]
Page 2

[typed form, with handwritten response]

Virginia 16.562
David Wray
of Pittsyla in the State of Va
who was a pr: [blank] in the [blank] commanded
by Captain - of the Regh commanded
by Col: Mason in the Va:
line for 9 mo: 21 days.

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 32 Dollars 33_ Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of Sept [???]
and [???] Wa Turnstall
Pittsylvania Clt. Wa

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833       64.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept    16.16
                                                           $80.82
                                        Revolutionary Claim,
                                           Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nath: Rice _ Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 31
Page 3

State of Virginia Pittsylvania County to wit
On this 17 day of September 1832, personally appeared before the county court of said county David Wray, a resident of said County aged 81 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 volunteered in April or May 1778, during the revolutionary war in an expedition against the Indians in the Western part of Virginia on the borders of new river.  He went from this County then called Henry under Capt. John Dollison, that whilst in said service he was usually stationed at Lucas' Fort when not in active service.  That there were other companies of Militia stationed at different points along said River - and ajaceant country, each company separate from the others and there was no officer above the grade of Captain, the object being to guard the Frontier against the Indians.  That said Towr was three months and on leaving there he was discharged, but got neither himself nor the other privates in said company any written discharge that two years thereafter he volunteered in a militia company from this County then called Henry County commanded by Capt. William Witcher. That in said Company he marched first to Saulsbury in North Carolina thence to Stone [word ia crossed out] in South Carolina was then attached to Cols. David Mason's Regiment, General Lincolns Brigade.  That he performed service there five months and was sick at the time of a battle fought on said river, that he never received any written discharge from that place because Col. Mason authorized Capt. Witcher to give said discharge to all his company and it was neglected as they all lived in said County + neighborhood.  That he was afterwards called on to guard five hundred prisoners who were taken by Genl. Morgan at the battle of the Cowpens, which said prisoners were guarded from County to County by the Militia of each County + he aided in guarding them to Bedford County Virginia, that as soon as he returned home he was ordered out to Gilford County NoCa
Page 4

under Capt James Brewer he was stationed near Gilford Courthouse and during the Battle of Gilford he was a waggon guard that in this Tour he served only seven weeks.  That his discharge from said service was written all in one with the others of said Company and was taken by a man by the name of Hunt, one of said Company, he further states that he never was in any battle, that he cannot now state the day month or years particularly in which he entered the service at the different times mentioned or the precise time he left the same.
That there were continental troops at Stone [word is crossed out] in South Carolina to the number of 30,000 the different companies or regiments he cannot specify.  That he can now only remember the names of Genls. Green, Lincoln + Moultry in the South.  To the Interrogatories prescribed by the war department, He answers as follows:
To the 1st Born in Brunswick County Virginia exact year not recollected.  To the 2nd answer none.  To the 3rd answer in Henry County, now Pittsylvania and has lived since the Revolutionary war + now lives in the same County.  To the 4th he volunteered for the most part.  To the 5th He refers to the preceeding part of this declaration as containing all the information he can give.  To the 6th he also refers to the foregoing part of his declaration on the subject of his discharges.  To the 7th Capt. James Hopkins, Caleb Hundley,  Jabez Smith + many others.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above stated.
David his X mark Wray
Pittsylvania county to (wit)
We James Hopkins (there being no clergyman in the vicinity of the applicant) + Caleb Hundley residing in said County + neighborhood of the applicant hereby certify that we are well acquainted with David Wray who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 81 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the
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neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion + the said Caleb Hundley says that he saw the said D. Wray in Salesberry on his way to Stone in South Carolina in the revolutionary army.
James Hopkins
Caleb Hundley

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 James Hopkins + Caleb Hundley who have signed the preceeding certificate are residents of this county and live near the applicant that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I William Tunstall Clerk of the Court of Pittsylvania County in the state of Virginia do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of David Wray for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand seal of office this 26" day of September 1832
Will Tunstall
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David Wray
Virginia
No 11950

Admit as private
9mo + 21 days
$32.33
Page 7

BRIEF in the case of David Wray
of Pittsylvania in the state of Virginia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1.   Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court
2.   If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3.   How old is he?  81 years
4.   State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.                          Duration of service.                             Rank.                             Names of General and Field Officers
                                                                                                                                          under whom he served.
                                      Years,  Months,   Days.                         As a                                 Gen.
In 1778 Volunteering        "           3            "                           Private                             Capt John Dollison
   1780 Volunteered          "            5            "                                "                                 Genl. Lincoln's Brigade
                                                                                                                                         Col David Mason's Regment
                                                                                                                                         Col William Witcher
     "          "                                    1            21                              "                                  Capt James Brewer
                                                      9 -          21

5.   In what battles was he engaged?  none
6.   Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Henry Co. Va. now Pittsylvania
7.   Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary
8.   Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?  Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Chas Litle
Examining Clerk.
Page 8

August 23, 1932.

BA-J/ADY
xxxxxxxxxx
David Wray
S.7973

Mrs Mary E Cross,
Cherokee,
Alabama.

Dear Madam:
     Reference is made to your letter relative to
one David Wray, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
     The data contained herein are obtained from
the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim
for pension, S.7973, based upon his military service in that war.
     David Wray was born in Brunswick County, Vir-
ginia, date not given.
     While a resident of Henry (later Pittsylvania)
County, Virginia, he enlisted in April or May 1778,
served three months as a private in Captain John
Dollison's Virginia Company and was stationed at
Lucas' Fort guarding the frontier against the Indians.
He enlisted in 1780, served in Captain William Witcher's
Company, Colonel David Mason's Virginia Regiment and
guarded prisoners to Bedford County, Virginia; length
of service five months.  He enlisted in 1781 and served
seven weeks in Captain James Brewer's Virginia Company.
     He was allowed pension on his application exe-
cuted September 17, 1832 while a resident of Pittsylvania
County, Virginia, aged eighty-one years.
     There are no family data.
     The Revolutionary War records of this office fail
to afford any information in regard to Benjamin East.
                                                                               A.W.J's. search
        Very truly yours,
          A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 9

[On the left side of the page.]
1916 Apr 21: history to Mrs
W.H. Shumaker       M.B.H
1919 Oct.1.  Hist. to Nellie Wray. c
1932 June 10. Hist. to Mrs. John
B. Mayer. A.D.Y.
1932. Hist. to Mrs Mary E.
Aug 23.       Cross.  A.D.Y.

[On the right side of the page.]
[Perpendicular to the page.]   Revlnary
-7973
INVALID.

File Mp 7973
David Wray
Priv. Rev war

Act: June 7th 1832.
Index:- Vol. Asl. Page 417
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 10

June 10, 1932.

BA-J/ADY

David Wray
S.7973

Mrs. John B. Moyer,
3430 Kromer Avenue,
Everett, Washington.

Dear Madam:
    Reference is made to your letter relative to
one David Wray, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
     The data contained herein are obtained from
the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim
for pension, S.7973, based upon his military service
in that war.
     David Wray was born in Brunswick County, Vir-
ginia, date not given.
     While a resident of Henry (later Pittsylvania)
County, Virginia, he enlisted in April or May 1778,
served three months as a private in Captain John
Dollison's Virginia company, and was stationed at 
Lucas' Fort guarding the frontier against the Indians.
He enlisted in 1780, served in Captain William Witcher's
Company, Colonel David Mason's Virginia Regiment and
guarded prisoners to Beford County, Virginia; length
of service five months.  He enlisted in 1781 and served
seven weeks in Captain James Brewer's Virginia Company.
     He was allowed pension on his application exe-
cuted September 17, 1832 while a resident of Pittsylvania
County, Virginia, aged eighty-one years.
                                                              Date of
                                                                death
                                                               not on AB.
     There are no family data.
       Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 11

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 David Wray
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his [ these words are crossed out: (or his widow's)] application for pen-
sion on file in this Bureau.  SF.7973.
DATES OF                LENGTH OF           RANK         OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
ENLISTMENT OR       SERVICE                                  CAPTAIN.                          COLONEL.                               STATE.
APPOINTMENT.
Apr or May 1778          3mos.                 Pvt            John Dollison    etc.       at Lucas' Fort guarding the          Va.
                                                                                                                       frontier against Indians.
                   1780          5mos.                                   William Witcher             David Mason
                    "                 "                                         Guarded prisoners to Bedford county, Va.
                   1781           7 wks                                   James brewer                              2

Battles engaged in, None
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Henry co, Va.
Date of application for pension, Sept 17, 1832: His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Pittsylvania Co, Va.
Age at date of application, 81 years, born in Brunswick co Va.
    Remarks:  No family data on file


    Respectfully,
                            Commissioner.

6-285C
Page 12

Cherokee Ala
Aug 2nd 1932
United States Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.

Dear Sirs:
Did the following men receive
Pensions or land grants for participating in the Revolutionary War?
Benjamine East of Campbell Co, Va,
may have seen service from Henri co
Bedford or Campbell lived to be 85
years old.
David Wray of Pittsylvania Co. Va,
I would like the war record and
all family data you can give
me of each of these men.
I will Thank you for this information
Yours truly
Mrs Mary E Cross

[There is a round blank ink stamp on the lower right side of the page.]
RECEIVED
AUG 4 1932
RECEIPT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
Page 13

[On the left margin of the page:]
OFFICERS
VICE-REGENT
  Mrs. C.S. Larrabee
  Hawthorne Road, Bellingham
SECOND VICE-REGENT
  Mrs. J.B. Davidson
711 N. Pearl St., Ellensburg
RECORDING SECRETARY
  Mrs. Starr Sherman
709 University St., Walla Walla
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Mrs. Fred B. Huddle
717 Laurel drive, Everett
TREASURER
Miss Zoe M. Beal
310 Miller Bldg., Yakima
CHAPLAIN
Mrs. Everett R. York
623 No. J. St., Tacoma
HISTORIAN
Mrs. R. C. Johnson,
Route 1, Newport
REGISTRAR
Mrs. J. H. Siegfried
507 First avenue, Kennewick
LIBRARIAN
Mrs. Forrest M. Meek
Bos247, R. 5, Olympia

STATE CHAIRMEN
NATIONAL COMMITTEES
Better films
Mrs. M.D. Didricksen
Helena Apts. No. 33, Bremerton
Conservation and Thrift
Mrs. C. J. Hicks
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Mrs. W. H. Oliver
519 No. Rock, centralia
Correct Use of the Flag
Mrs. Fred Massar
Mt. Vernon
Student Loan Fund
Mrs. L.C. Staley
402 High St., Pullman
Angel Island
Mrs. Palmer Kennedy
3315 No. 30th, Tacoma
Genealogical Research
Memorial Cont. Hall Library
Mrs. John B. Moyer
3430 Kromer Ave., Everett
Girl Home Makers
Mrs. H.L. Tatham
1652 Arnold, Aberdeen
Historical and Literary Reciprocity
Mrs. L. M. Vannice, Huntsville
Historical Research
Mrs. R. C. Johnson, Newport
Legislation in U.S. Congress
Mrs. W. S. Burroughs
3806 No. 24th, Tacoma
Magazine
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Box 608, Longview
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Mercer Is., E. Seattle
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236 W. 10th St., Port Angeles
Publicity
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1305 E. 70th, Seattle
Radio
Mrs. C. E. Magnusson
5200 16th Ave. N.E., Seattle
Real Daughters
Mrs. L.C. Beall, sr.
Vashon, Wash.
Revolutionary Relics
Miss Matie Wetherill
1528 West 9th Ave., Spokane
Sons & Daughters of the Republic
Mrs. Burton Brown
3101 No. 30th, Tacoma

[On the right margin of the page:]
STANDING COMMITTEES
CHAIRMEN
CHAPTER EXTENSIONS
Mrs. A. H. Sylvester
154 So. Franklin, Wnatchee
PATRIOTIC EDUCATION
Mrs. Jessie H. Pritchard
Mercer Island, E. Seattle
ADVISORY TO UNIVERSITY CHAPTER
Mrs. S. P. Bryant
1107 21st No., Seattle
JURISPRUDENCE
Mrs. W. O. Bradbury
Wapato, Route 2
YEAR BOOK
Mrs. Herman E. Engel
East Stanwood

[In the body of the letter:]
Washington
Daughters of the American Revolution Seal
Mrs. Frank Leslie Cooper
STATE REGENT
716 NILES AVENUE
EVERETT
[There is an oval blank ink stamp.]
SECTION
MAY 6- 1932
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
                 May 2nd, 1932
Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D. C.
Dear Sirs:
   Will you kindly furnish me with an abstract
of the pension application of David Wray of Virginia?
He was born in Brunswick, Va., in 1751.  He applied
for a pension in 1832 for services as militiaman in
the Revolutionary War.  His service was obtained
from the Virginia state Library but we desire all
data regarding his family which may be given in his
application.  Thanking you for your kindness, I am
    Very, truly yours.
          Julia M. Moyer
Mrs. John B. Moyer, Chairman,
State Genealogical Research
Committee, N.S.D.A.R.
3430 Kromer Avenue,
Everett, Washington.
Page 14

[There is an oval black ink stamp on the top left corner.]
DEPT. OF THE INTERIOR
RECEIVED
SEP 13 1919
TO BUR. PENSIONS
[ILLEGIBLE]

                        412 Eighth Street
                         Orange, Texas,
                          Sept. 9 - 1919.
Department of the Interior
Washington D.C.

[There is an oval black ink stamp on the right side of the page.]
[illegible]
THE COMMISSIONER
SEP 15 1919
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Gentlemen,
  I am trying to find the date
of the marriage of David Wray,
a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
I also want to learn the name of 
his wife.  Can you tell me to
whom his pension was paid?
He was born in Brunswick, Penn-
sylvania in 1751 and if you
could tell ne these other facts
Page 15

or help me to get at them in some
way I should certainly feel
greatly obliged to you.
   Very truly yours,
   Nellie Wray.
Page 16

Rev. - 1.  C. B JC.
                                             THE DAILY COMMERCIAL
                                          THE THREE RIVERS PUBLISHING CO.
                                                  WM. H. SHUMAKER
                                            EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVES                                                           DELIVERED EVERY AFTERNOON INTO NINE OUT
CARPENTER - SCHEERER COMPANY                                             OF TEN HOMES IN THREE RIVERS. ONLY NEWS-
PEOPLES' GAS BUILDING, CHICAGO, ILL.                                      PAPER IN CITY OF 6,000 AND ONLY DAILY WITHIN
FIFTH AVE. BUILDING, NEW YORK CITY.                                        25 MILES - CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 2,200 DAILY.
                                                      THREE RIVERS, MICH.
                                                          April 13, 1916
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
Sirs:
     I am writing you for information concerning some Revolu-
tionary records, and will be more than grateful for any information
received.  I am particularly anxious for any data concerning Abraham
Abshire, of Franklin Co, Virginia.  I have found in the library here
reference to a pension record in the Secretary of War report of 1835
Volume 2.  Would like as complete information as possible.  Also of
George Cress, Rockbridge Co Virginia, in the same report and same volume.
Likewise David Wray of Pittsylvania co Virginia, in the same volume.
    Have you any records of Andrew Wray of Albermarle Co,, John Cress of
Lunenburg Co both of Virginia.
    There was an Abshire present at the surrender of Cornwallis but I
do not know his given name.  If you have records of any other Abshires
of Virginia I would be very glad to have a list of names.
     Thanking you in advance, I remain,
    Very truly yours,
Mrs. W. H. Shumaker



MEMBER OF AUDIT BRUEAU OF CIRCULATIONS AND GILT EDGE LIST
Page 17

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
David Wray which require
further proof or explanation.
1.   Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  yes
II.   Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  yes
III.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there                any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  yes
V.  *Has he mentioned 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 amout of pension he is entitled?  yes.
VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
   yes.
VII.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under Act of June7, 1832?   yes.
VIII.  Has the Court given their opinion?  yes.
IX.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?  yes.
X.  Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?  yes.
Page 18

    2
XI.   Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolu-
tionary service?  no
XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain-
ing it?  yes  
XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one 
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  no
XIV.  +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service?  no
     If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
   Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct?
XV.   Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such and age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI.  +Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  yes
XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?  yes.

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V.  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 se4rved as a ______For ____months and ____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 19

I   It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served,
and the particular rank he held, s 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 to too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and others particulars respecting their service.  This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn 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 the garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
+QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
  In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the serviced, 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.
+QUERE XVI. 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.
     In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.