Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 37,940, Samuel Franklin, Conn.
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(8-1776)
SERVICE                              NUMBER

Conn.   Franklin, Samuel    S 37, 940
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8011 
        LP
Connecticut
Samuel Franklin of Woodbury in the state of Conn. who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Swift of the Connecticut line, for the term of 6 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence at the 1 of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 22 of March 1819 and sent to Judge Smith Litchfield County, Connecticut

Arrears to 4th of March 1819             89.3
11 mon 4/31  
Semi-anl. all'ce ending                       48-
14 Sep. 1819                                    ________
                                                           $137. 3

{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March 1818}

D. Nov 8  1826
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State of Connecticut  } of Woodbury
Litchfield County        }

On this first day of April 1818 before my subscriber one of the Judges of the Superior Court of the ( --) State personally appears Samuel Franklin aged sixty seven years, resident in Woodbury in the (--) states who being by one first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of long entitles "An act to provdie for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the U.S. in the revolutionary war." That the said Samuel Franklin enlisted as a private soldier into the Army of the United States during the war, on the Twenty second day of May 1777 into the company commanded by Capt. Aaron Stephens in the Regiment of Colonel Herman Swift. That he constantly served in the Revolutionary War, until the seventh day of June 1783 when he was discharged by a writing under the hand of General Washington, which discharge he parted with when he sold the lance granted him by Congress.--That he was in the battle of German Town, and since at a moment since that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assestance of his country for support.
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and that he has now no other evidence in his (---) of his paid services. -- Sworn to and declared before me this day and year aforesaid.--
Nathaniel Smith
A Judge of the Superior Court
At the day and date above mentioned personally appeared Elisha Crane, before me the subscriber one of the Judges as aforesaid and being by me first duly sworn accounting to law doth on his oath depose and declare that he knew of the enlistment of the said Samuel Franklin, his being in the service, and of his discharge,and that they are truly stated in the foregoing affidavit--
Sworn to (--) declare this day and year aforesaid.
Nathaniel Smith signature)
a Judge of the Sup. Court
Nathaniel Smith Judge aforesaid
do Certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Samuel Franklin did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy, and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the direction of the aforementioned act of Congress--
Woodbury May 12, 1818--
Nathaniel Smith
a Judge of the Sup-Court
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I Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the
Superior Court within the County of
Litchfield in the State of Connecticut certify that the Honbl Nathl Smith is a Judge of the 
Court - that the signature to the
foregoing Certificate is his handwriting, & that the seal hereto
annexed is the seal of said Court. May 25th 1818
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk
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Samuel Franklin
Certify that the within
named Samuel Franklin
Nathaniel Smith
stands in need of tame from
18 King
line
Private
Swift Connect Ry
from 1777 to 1783
Judges certificate
reden
times applicant
warting
the
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District and State of Connecticut, ss. Litchfield
Be it Remembered, That in the County Court, held in and for the County of Litchfield, in the District and State aforesaid, on this 4th day of July 1820, the same being a Court of Record, and having a Seal, under the Authority of said State, personally came and appeared in open Court, Samuel Franklin
aged 68 years, resident in the Town of Woodbury in the County of Litchfield in said State, and being sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows: That he enlisted in the company commanded by Capt Stevens on the 22nd day of May 1777 in the Regiment commanded by Col Heman Swift That he was in the battles of Germantown and Monmouth. That served 6 years and one month on the continental
establishment that the original Declaration made by him, for the purpose of obtaining a pension, under the Act of Congress of the 18th of March 1818, was dated the first day of April 1818; that in pursuance thereof he was entered in the list of Pensioners, and received a Pension Certificate No. 8011 And I do further solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, on in any manner, disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War,” passed on
the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person, in trust, for me, any property or securities,
contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereunto annexed.
and by me subscribed. And I do further declare that my occupation is a cooper but unable to pursue it from the loss of one eye and that I have no family residing with me but a wife who is 67 years old
all which is subscribed by me the day and year aforesaid.
Sworn to, and declared in the Court aforesaid. Whereupon said Court is, on satisfactory proof exhibited in Court,
of opinion that the total amount in value of the property contained in the aforesaid Schedule, is thirty three
Dollars and seventy five cents, and doth order these proceedings to be entered in the records of said Court.
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk.
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District of Connecticut, ss. Litchfield
I, Frederick Wolcott Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Litchfield in the State and District of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing and the Schedule thereunto annexed, are truly copied from the records of said Court: and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount, in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is thirty three Dollars and seventy five Cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court on this 7th day of July 1820.
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk
presiding Judge of the Court in and for the
in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that
said Court, and keeper of the Seal and Records thereof; and that the preceding Certificate, under his hand, and the Seal of said Court, is authentic, and in due form of Law.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in
this day of 182
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Samuel
Franklin
8011
Con
Sept 1819
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At a County Court, held in and for the County of Litchfield, in the District and State of Connecticut, on the 4th day of July 1820, the same being a Court of Record, and having a Seal, by virtue of the laws of said State.
PERSONALLY APPEARED, in open Court, Samuel Franklin a resident in the town of Woodbury in the County of Litchfield in said State, and exhibited and subscribed the following Schedule, and made oath that the same is a true and perfect Schedule of all his income and property, necessary cloathing and bedding excepted, viz.
Schedule
Samuel Franklin 
2 swine $8
1 one horse waggon 17 not paid for
1 old Brass kettle 2
2 tubs 1
3 Cider Barrels 1.50
1 Plough $.25
Crockery 3
$3.75
The household furniture of the family belongs to the children
of the parents who are of age and take care of themselves--
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Hamblen
man
37940
INVALID.
-
File No. 37940
Samuel Franklin
Pri Rev War
Act: 18th March 18[illegible]
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 145
(Arrangement of 1870.)
1906 Feb 5 - History to Mrs Samuel
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JAN 10 1906
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir -- 
Will you please send me a transcript of
the services of transcript of
Samuel Franklin who turned out
at the Lexington Alarm and later enlisted for the
Revolutionary War -- from Killingworth Conn --
He was a Pensioner
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when he died in 1836.
I desire this transcript to establish my right to a
membership in the DAR.
I am descended from both Samuel Franklin
and from his wife Mabel Pierson on the Pierson side
Very respectfully
Maria Flint Hamblen
(Mrs Samuel )
365 Warren Ave
Chicago Ill
January fourth -
Nineteen Hundred
and four
US Pension Office Jan 8 1906
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Name Franklin, Samuel Grade Private Line Pennsylvania
WARRANT
NUMBER 9365 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED June 13, 1792 to James Rhea, assignee
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are
registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent
dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
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Virginia 12.775
Samuel Franklin
Bedford in the State of Virginia
he was a pvt in the company commanded by Captain Higginbottom of the Regt commanded by Col. Taylor
in the Virginia line for 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 23 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of May '33
and sent R.N. Dickerson
Liberty C.H. Va
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 46.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " 11.66 1/2
$58.32 1/2
Book E.
8
Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 6 Page 8
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Samuel Franklin
Declaration for
pension
Bedford County Va
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State of Virginia Bedford County S.S.
On the 22nd day of April 1833 personally appeared in open
Court before the County Court of Bedford now sitting Samuel
Franklin a resident of the County of Bedford aforesaid State of
Virginia aged Seventy 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 service of the United States under the following
named officers and served as herein after stated. That he thinks it
was in the year 1778 he engaged to serve as a substitute for Cornelius Sale a tour in the militia for one month and marched from the County of Amherst in the State of Virginia under Captain John Jacobs Lieutenant David Davis & Ensign John Burnette to the Albemarle Barracks, where they were attached to the armed force commanded by Col. Taylor where he was stationed until his term of service having expired he was discharged - He was engaged
while stationed at the Barracks in guarding the prisoners of
Genl. Burgoynes army taken at Saratoga. He has no documentary evidence of the service of this tour having either lost or mislaid
the discharge he received from his Capt. John Jacobs. That about
two years thereafter, He thinks in September 1780 still residing in
the County of Amherst he was drafted to serve a militia tour of
three months and marched from said County under Capt Saml.
Higgenbotham, James Ware first & Joseph Staples Second Lieutenant
and Travis Chambers ensign, through Albermarle, Fluvanna, and
Goochland to the City of Richmond in Henrico County, where with
two other companies commanded by Captain Harris & Christian who
marched from the same County, was stationed where they remained
until the tour of Service expired. They were engaged in no battles
but was employed in reconnoitering about the City and one
day December 1780 were regularly discharged, but his discharge is
either lost or mislaid. Still residing in the same County in August 1781 he was again detached or drafted out of the same
company commanded by Capt Samuel Higgenbotham and
marched in a company commanded by Capt. John Swart
through Albemarle, Goochland, Fluvanna, on directly to little
York where they were attached to the armed forces of the United States
commanded by Major Genl. Washington &c &c where they
remained till the surrender of Lord Cornwallis commander of
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the British forces from thence he marched under Captain John Stewart Guarding the prisoners on the way to Maryland, but was taken sick near the line of that State, was on the expiration of his Term of three months. In November 1781 he was discharged by his Captain's order that he has no documentary evidence of the service of any of his service, having lost or mislaid his discharge if he ever received one. That he was born on the 29th day December 1762. That he has a record of his age as kept by his parents
That he was born and raised in the County of Amherst where he resided when called into the service that since then he has resided some time in the County of Nelson in the State of Virginia, but for the
last Twenty years he has resided in Bedford County in the same State. That in the two first tours he served, he does not think he was attached to any regiment. The first tour of one month he was under the command of Colo. Taylor, The tour at Richmond he think there was no higher officers than the Captain, that the capt received his order direct from the Governor. That the last four they were all thrown together at the siege of York & he cannot say to what regiment he belonged or what col. or Major he was immediately under the command of that he knows of but one living Witness by whom he can prove the service of any of the Tours he served, which is Francis Wood to whose affidavit he refers - That he refers to Andrew Skinnell and Lindsey Stennitt neighbours who will testify as to his character & Co. He hereby relinquished every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Sam'l  Franklin [signature]

Bedford County to wit
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Francis Wood aged seventy years and made oath that he has been for upwards of fifty three years intimately acquainted with Samuel Franklin who signed the foregoing declaration, and a great part of the time a near
neighbour to him, that he believes him to be seventy years of age, that they served a tour of three months together in the militia & marched from the same County together under Captain John Stewart and to siege of York - that he also knows that he was in the service the other two tours stated
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in the declaration subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of April 1833
Francis Wood
Fredk Annspaugh J.P.

I, David Saunders a justice of the peace for the County of Bedford do hereby certify that Francis Wood who signs & swears to the foregoing affidavit is reputed a man of veracity and
that reliance ought to be placed in his statement Given under my hand this 22nd day of April 1833
David Saunders J.P.

Bedford County to wit
We Andrew Skinnell residing in the County aforesaid and Lindsey Stinnell residing in the same do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Franklin who has signed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy 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 we concur in that opinion
Andrew Skinnell
Lindsey Stinnett

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 they do further certify and Andrew Skinnell and Lindsay Stinnett who have signed the foregoing certificate are resident in said County, are credible persons and that their said certificate is entitled to credit And further that it appears to the
Court, that the said applicant could not procure he attendance of a Clergyman as required by law, without great inconvenience

I, Robert A Dickenson Deputy Clerk of the County Court of Bedford in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains a true copy of the original proceedings of the said Court, had in the matter of the application of Samuel Franklin for a pension. And I do further certify
that David Saunders before whom the foregoing affidavit of Francis Wood was sworn to and subscribed is and was at the
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time of signing the certificate annexed to the said affidavit, an acting Justice of the peace for said County, duly commissioned and qualified as such according to the constitution and laws of
this State
-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the
said Court the 29th day of April 1833 in the 57th year of American Independence
R.C. Dickenson D.C.
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No 24966
Samuel Franklin 
Bedford County Virginia
Admit as a private for 7 months
23 33
Robt N. Dickerson Clk 
Bedford County Virginia
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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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the service of Samuel Franklin Bedford County Virginia

Period when the service was started. 
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. Months. Days.
Names and ranks of the Field officers under whom he served. General Washington
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

Sub. 1778 - 1 - private Col. Taylor 
Drafted Sept. 1780 - 3 - " Cap Higgenbotham
Drafted 1781 - 3 - " Cap Higgenbotham

70 years County of Amherst Virginia 
Traditionary evidence & one living witness certified credible - papers correct



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 the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory, or District of
County of } ss.

On this ____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before _________ A. B. a resident (b) of ________ in the county 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. [pointing hand icon] 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 days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the __________ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the __________ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, ________ Clerk of the Court of _______ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of __________ for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ____ day of ____
& c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3 
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 1. Where and in what year were you born? 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6. To a Soldier Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that 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 before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. {a] the declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county were 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 clamant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly worn, deposes 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 persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----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 miliia, &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 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 in 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 once, 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 claimants 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 credibly of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. the notes [a] to [i] are 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 indispensible 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 2, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/ EEL
S.6860 - Samuel Franklin


Mrs. R. T. Anderson
223 Westbridge Drive
Berea, Ohio

Dear Madam:
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.6860, based upon the military service of Samuel Franklin in that war.

Samuel Franklin was born December 29, 1762, in Amherst County, Virginia

While residing in said Amherst County, he enlisted in 1775, exact date not given, served as a private in Captain John Jacobs' Company, under Colonel Taylor in the Virginia Troops and guarded prisoners at
Albemarle Barracks, length of service, one month; he enlisted about September, 1780, served as a private in Captain Samuel Higginbotham's Virginia Company, and was discharged in December, 1780; he enlisted in August, 1781, served as a private in Captain John Stewart's Virginia Company, was at the siege of Yorktown and was discharged in November,

After the Revolution, he lived in Nelson County, Virginia, then in Bedford County, Virginia, of which place he had been a resident for twenty years when he was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1833.

There are no data as to his family.

The above is the history of the only soldier named Samuel Franklin, who served with the Virginia Troops, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 26

Rev War  No. 6860
INVALID.
File No. 6860
Samuel Franklin
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index: --Vol. 1, Page 152
{Arrangement of 1870.]

[right column]
1930 July 14 Hist to
Mrs J. E. Dixon EES

1930 - Dec 16, Hist to William
S. Hodges EES

1931 - June 5. Hist. to Mrs
Claude Harrison EES

1933 - Aug. Hist. to Mrs T.
Anderson EGT
Page 27

Portland, Ind.
May 15, 1930
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C
Dear Sir,
Will you please give me any information you may have concerning one Samuel
Franklin Botetourt Co. Va. who served in Revolutionary Army from 1777 to 1779. He received
a pension. Any information will be gratefully received.
Thanking you, I am
Mrs. J.E. Nixon
315 W. High St.
Portland Indiana

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
MAY 17 1930
Page 28

LILLIAN S. HODGE
HILLTOP
MECHANICSBURG, OHIO
Nov. 25, 1930.

GENEALOGICAL RESEARCE
FAMILY LINEAGE TRACED

Bureau of Pensions
Rev. War Section
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: 
I wish to learn if your records contain service for JOHN ABEL.
First name of widow Sarah Hipes- Abel
Full name of soldier John Abel
Residence of soldier at enlistment Botetourt Co.
Residence after service Botetourt Co.
Name of state from which he enlisted Virginia
Date of birth ---
An only child was in Botetourt Co. 1793
Date of death
---
May I learn if Samuel Franklin of Virginia saw service?
He had a daughter born in Botetourt Co. 1795 her name was Sarah Ann.
---
Respectfully,
Lillian S. Hodge [signature]
Lillian S. Hodge.

[stamp
REVOLUTIONARY WAR & 1812 SECTION
DEC 4 1930
BUREAU of PENSIONS
Page 29


[letterhead]
M. T. HARRISON,
Proprietor.
The Bedford Democrat
BEDFORD VA.
April 9, 1931

Bureau of Pensions
Washington DC

My dear Sir,
Have you any record of the service of Samuel Franklin,
of Bedford County, Virginia, who served in the Revolution.
Thanking you in advance, I am
Yours very truly
Mertie S. Harrison

Mrs. Claude Harrison
Bedford, Virginia

[stamps]
US PENSION OFFICE
O APR 11 1931

REVOLUTIONAY & 1812 WARS SECTION
APR 11 1931
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 30

MRS. R. T. ANDERSON
223 WESTBRIDGE DRIVE
BEREA, OHIO
.
July 26 1933

Pension Dept.
Washington, D.C.
My dear Sirs
Can you give me any information concerning the following. I
want this information for genealogical records, so would like
to have anything and everything you might have

1. John Reed - private in Md. militia during the Revolution. First
wife was Martha Roland or Rowland
2. Samuel Franklin Bedford Co. Virginia. Have you name of wife and
children. Think he served in both 8th and 12th regiments.
3. Henry Abel, Virginia in War of 1812 in Capt. Hanna's Co

Very truly yours
Ruth M. Anderson (Mrs. R. T.)
Stamped envelope
Page 31

August 1, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Samuel Franklin S 6860 Rev. War
Henry Abel, W.G. 26559 War 1812
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. R. T. Anderson
225 Westbridge Drive
Berea, Ohio

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of July 26, in which you request information relative to John Reed who served in the Revolutionary War from Maryland, Samuel Franklin, a soldier of the Revolutionary War from Bedford County, Virginia, and to Henry Abel of Virginia who served in the War of 1812,

Revolutionary War and War of 1812 data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension made to the United States based upon military service of soldiers in those wars.
The data furnished by you in regard to John Reed are not sufficient to enable this office to make a proper search of the records.

In order to identify the Revolutionary War record of the partticular soldier named John Reed in whom you are interested, should it be on file, as much as possible of the following data
in regard to his should be furnished: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.

You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War record of Samuel Franklin also the War of 1812 record of Henry Abel as requested, the data of which were obtained from claims for pension
based upon their service in those wars.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 32

June 5, 1931
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
EEL

Mrs. Claude Harrison
Bedford
Virginia

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.6860, that Samuel  Franklin was born December 29, 1762, in Amherst County, Virginia

While residing in Amherst County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1778, specific date not given, served as a private in Captain John Jacobs' Company, under Colonel Taylor in the Virginia Troops, and guarded prisoners at Albemarle Barracks, length of service, one month.

He enlisted about September, 1780, served as a private in Captain Samuel Higginbotham's Virginia Company, and was discharged in December, 1780. 

He enlisted in August, 1781, served as a private in Captain John Stewart's Virginia Company, was at the siege of Yorktown and was discharged in November, 1781.

After the Revolution, he lived in Nelson County, Virginia, then in Bedford County, Virginia, of which place he had been a resident for twenty years when he was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1833.

There are no data as to his family.

The above is the history of the only soldier named Samuel Franklin, who served with the Virginia Troops, found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours
E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
Page 33

December 16, 1930
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
EEL

Lillian S. Hodge
Hilltop
Mechanicsburg, Ohio

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.6860, that Samuel Franklin was born December 29, 1762, in Amherst County, Virginia.

While residing in Amherst County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1778, specific date not given, served as a private
in Captain John Jacobs' Company, under Colonel Taylor in the Virginia Troops, and guarded prisoners at Albemarle Barracks, length of service one month.

He enlisted about September, 1730, served as a private in Captain Samuel Higgenbotham's Virginia Company, and was discharged in December, 1780.

He enlisted in August, 1781, served as a private in Captain John Stewart's Virginia Company, was at the siege of Yorktown and was discharged in November, 1781.

After the Revolution he lived in Nelson County, Virginia, then in Bedford County, Virginia, of which place
he had been a resident for twenty years when he was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1833.

There are no data as to his family.

The above is the history of the only soldier named Samuel Franklin, who served with the Virginia Troops,
found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 34

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
EEL
July 14, 1930

Mrs. J. E. Nixon
315 W. High Street
Portland, Indiana

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.6860, it appears that Samuel Franklin was born December 29, 1762, in Amherst County, Virginia.

While residing in Amherst County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1778, specific date not given, served as a private in Captain John Jacobs' Company, under Colonel Taylor in the Virginia Troops, and guarded prisoners at Albemarle Barracks, length of service one month.

He enlisted about September, 1780, served as a private in Captain Samuel Higginbotham's Virginia Company, and was discharged in December, 1780.

He enlisted in August, 1781, served as a private in Captain John Stewart's Virginia Company, was at the siege of Yorktown and was discharged in November, 1781.

After the Revolution he lived in Nelson County, Virginia, then in Bedford County, Virginia, of which place
he had been a resident for twenty years when he was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1833.

There are no data as to his family.

The above is the history of the only soldier named Samuel Franklin, who served with the Virginia Troops,
found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.

Date of Death not on AB