Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 19305, Jonathan Grooms, Va.
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(3—1776)
Service
Va.
Grooms, Jonathan
Number
S. 19305
B. England
Carded
Contents
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23.928
Virginia
Jonathan Grooms
of Bedford in the State of Va who was a Prv in the Compy commanded by Captain Ferrell of the - commanded by - in the Va 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 28 day of April 34 and sent Hon NH. Claiborne - H.R.

Arrears to the 4th of Mar: 34  69.99
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept.  11.67
$81.66
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by N. Rice  Clerk,
Book E  Vol. 6 1/2  Page 15.

Let. to J.J. Fry & order to pay June 29, 1857.
Letter to S.C. Hunt & 3rd Audr 5th March 1841.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 March 1839 to 4 Sep 1839.  Agt notified 26. March 1841
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State of Virginia
Bedford County SS
On this 28th day of January 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the County Court of Bedford and State of Virginia now sitting Jonathan Grooms a resident of Russel parish in said County of Bedford and State of Virginia aged seventy seven 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 stated.  That he entered the service of the United States in the month of February (cannot recollect the day) in the year of 1777 as a volunteer from the County of Bedford and State of Virginia under Capt. Terrill and Lieutenant Watkins of the 5th Regiment.  He marched from said County by Carters Ferry on James River th'ro Fredericksburg to Dumfries, where the troops were inoculated for the small pox and remained several weeks;  From Dumfries he marched thr'o Georgetown, Baltimore, Wilmington to Philadelphia.  During this march he had charge of a Baggage waggon  The Troops joined the army under General Washington at Philadelphia - His field officers he cannot recollect.  Does not recollect any continental regiments, companies with which he served.  Genl. Washington is the only regular officer whom he now recollects.  He recollects one Moses or Robert Watkins as an officer.  He was engaged in this tour at least four months at the expiration of which time, he was sent back to Bedford County Virginia in charge of a waggon and horses - was discharged but cannot tell by whom, sometime in June 1777.  Has lost his discharge.  He has no documentary evidence of his services.  He refers to the affidavit of James Stiff herewith exhibited to establish his services during this tour.  Again in the fall of the year 1780 he was drafted into the service of the United States from the Militia in the County of Botetourt and State of Virginia and served a tour of  at least three months.  He marched from said County, under Captain Paulding and Lieutenant Joseph Richardson to fort Chiswell in what is now called Wythe County Virginia for the purpose of protecting the lead mines against the tories.  when he arrived at the lead mines he was
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put under the command of Major Reid and Capt. Patton, and remained there constantly discharging military duty for the space of Three months, when he was discharged by Capt. Patton and returned home.  he has lost his discharge.  His field & company officers were Major Reid, Captn. Paulding & Patton and Lieut. Richardson.  He served with no continental Regiments or company's that he recollects during this tour.  The Regular Officers with whom he was acquainted was Major Reid.  He has no documentary evidence of his services and knows no one by whom he can prove them.  Sometime in the beginning of the year 1781 he was again drafted into the United States service, but in consequence of his wife's situation was permitted to remain at home.  There are no doubt many circumstances attending his services, as well as many officers names, with whom he served which from age, length of time and consequent loss of memory he is not now able to state.  He served not less than the periods mentioned below to wit the first tour four months.  the second tour three months in all seven months for which he claims a pension.
In answer to Interrogatories he states - 
1.  He was born in the city of London, as he believes on the 5th February 1756.
2.  He has a record of his age, at his own house, was brought to this County when young.
3.  When he first entered the service, resided in Bedford County Virginia, the second tour lived in Botetourt County Va. lived there one year, since which has lived in Bedford where he now resides.
4.  Entered the service as stated in this Declaration.
5.  He has answered this Interrogatory to the best of his recollection in the body of this declaration.
6.  He was discharged as herein before stated.
7.  John D. Patterson and Joseph Falls are persons to whom he is known in his present neighbourhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief
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his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Jonathan Grooms
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court

We John D. Patterson and Joseph Falls residing in Bedford County Virginia hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Grooms who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 76 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
John D. Patterson
Joseph Falls
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid

State of Virginia
County of Bedford S.S.
The affidavit of James Stiff aged seventy six year taken this 28th day of January 1833 after being first duly sworn, saith that (he thinks in the year 1777) Jonathan Grooms of the County of Bedford went on as the manager of a baggage waggon with the company under the command of Captain Ferrell 5th Regiment of Virginia troops, that he continued with said company and under the command of General Washington which the said company joined at Philadelphia until he was discharged, that he was bound to military service and regularly rendered the same in his capacity as he understood and verily believes during the whole of said tour.  and he believes he saw the said Grooms in service almost every day, with the other acquaintances of his.
James Stiff  X his mark
The above affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year above mentioned.
Robert Campbell J.P.

I Robert Campbell a Justice of the peace in the County of Bedford and State of Virginia, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with James Stiff who has made the above affidavit, that I believe him to be the age mentioned in his affidavit, and moreover he is a man of respectability and whose statement is entitled to credit.  Given under my hand this 28th day of January 1833.
Robert Campbell JP.
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after an 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 John D. Patterson and Joseph Falls who has signed the preceeding certificate are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit and the Court also further certifies that it appears to them that the said Jonathan Grooms cannot without great inconvenience procure the attendance of a clergyman in Court, in conformity to the regulations of the War department.
And I Robert N. 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 Jonathan Grooms for a pension
And I do further certify that Robert Campbell a copy of whose certificates are hereto annexed is & was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned & qualified according to the Constitution & laws of this State.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 14th day of April 1834 in the 58". year of American Independence.
Ro. N. Dickenson D.C.B.C.
[SEAL]

Va  20.672
Jonathan Grooms
Declaration
for pension
Bedford County Va

Admit as private
7 months  $23.33

Hon. N.H. Claiborne
H.R.
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

December 23, 1924.

Alice Epperly
Box 35
Bluefield, W. VA.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.19305, it appears that Jonathan Grooms was born in London, England, February 5, 1756.
While a resident of Bedford County, Virginia, he enlisted in February 1777, served as a private in Captain Terrell's Company of the Fifth Virginia Regiment and was discharged in June 1777.  While a resident of Botetourt County, Virginia, he enlisted in the fall of 1780 and served 3  months as a private under Captains Paulding and Patton and Major Reid in the Virginia Troops.
He was allowed pension on his application executed January 28, 1833, while a resident of Russel Parish, Bedford County, Virginia.  He had a wife in 1781, her name is not on record and there is no further data on file as to his family.
For the date of last payment of pension, name of per-
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son paid and date of soldier's death, you should apply to the Pension Section, Civil Division, General Accounting Office, 1800 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data:
Jonathan Grooms, Certificate 23928 issued April 28, 1834, rate $23.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
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August 9, 1934

BA-J/Ill   OM
Jonathan Grooms
S. 19305
John Crouch
W.C. 11444

Mrs. Ellen McManaway
P.O. Box 108
Thaxton, Virginia

Dear Madam:
This is in further response to your letter of July 12, in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Jonathan Groom, James Russell, William Thomas, William and John McManama, all of Bedford County, Virginia, the War of 1812 record of John Crouch of that same county, and the Mexican War records of Charles Boas and his brother, to which last named, reply was made on August 6.
Revolutionary and War of 1812 data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension which have been made to the United States based upon service of soldiers in those wars.
No claims for pension have been found based upon the Revolutionary War service of James Russell and William Thomas as described by you, or of any William or John McManama.
The records have been found of Jonathan Grooms, Revolutionary War, and John Crouch, War of 1812, and are furnished herein as found in the claims for pension based upon their military service.

JONATHAN GROOMS-S. 19305
Jonathan Grooms was born February 5, 1756, in London, England, and was brought to this country when young;  the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Bedford County, Virginia, he enlisted sometime in February 1777 and served four months as private in Captain Terrell's company, 5" Virginia Regiment.  He enlisted in the fall of 1780,
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at which time he resided in Botetourt County, Virginia, and served three months as private under Captains Paulding and Patton and Major Reid in the Virginia troops.
Jonathan Grooms resided in Botetourt County, Virginia, about one year, then returned to Bedford County, Virginia.
He applied for pension January 28, 1833, at which time he resided in Russel Parish, Bedford County, Virginia.  His claim was allowed.
The soldier referred to his wife who was living in 1781, but he did not give her name.  There is no reference to children in this claim.
For information in regard to the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of the soldier, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following:
Jonathan Grooms
Certificate #23928
Issued April 28, 1834
Rate $23.33 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831,
Act of June 7, 1832.
Virginia Agency

JOHN CROUCH-W.C. 11444.
John Crouch enlisted in Bedford County, Virginia, and served from February 27, 1814 to March 20, 1814, as private in Captain William Green's company, 5" regiment of Virginia Militia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 7, 1871, at

2.
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which time he resided in Chambliss Township, Bedford County, Virginia.
John Crouch died January 17, 1878, in Bedford County, Virginia.
The soldier married in March 1813, in Bedford County, Virginia, Basheba, or Basheby Overstreet;  she died sometime in June 1858.  He married, in  said Bedford County, January 11, 1859, Mary Ann Crowder.  There are no data regarding the dates of birth of either of soldier's wives, or of the names of their parents.
Mary Ann Crowder, soldier's widow, was allowed pension executed April 15, 1878;  she was then a resident of Bedford County, Virginia, aged forty-seven years.
She died February 12, 1899;  her daughter and only heir, Mrs. Minnie J. Atkinson, resided in Sandy Ford, Bedford County, Virginia, at the time of her mother's death.
In 1878, Charles H. McManaway was a Justice of the Peace for Bedford County, Virginia.  At that time, Elias J. Franklin, aged fifty-one years, and Henry Franklin, aged forty-four years, stated that they were present at the burial of the soldier's first wife, Basheba.
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Assistant to Administrator.
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

March 18, 1924.

Maggie McManancy,
Route #1
Stewartsville, Va.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.19305, it appears that Jonathan Grooms was born in London, England, February 5, 1756.  While a resident of Bedford County, Virginia, he enlisted in February 1777, served as a private in Captain Terrell's Company of the Fifth Virginia Regiment and was discharged in June 1777.  While a resident of Botetourt County, Virginia, he enlisted in the fall of 1780 and served 3 months as a private under Captains Paulding and Patton and Major Reid in the Virginia Troops.
He was allowed pension on his application executed January 28, 1833, while a resident of Russel Parish, Bedford County, Virginia.  He has a wife in 1781, her name is not on record and there is no further data as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
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[STAMP]
Received 
[July] 18 1934
Mail Unit
No. 3
Accounting Div.

Box 109
Thaxton Bedford Co. Va
July 12, 1934

Dear Sir:-  Have you any records on file in Pension Office of the following soldiers Jonathan Groom  (OK)  James Russell  (not of Bed Co.) William Thomas (0) Rev. War. Bedford County, James Rus[illegible] died in Campbell County, which was formed from Bedford co. in 1781
Also Charles Boaz (Boaz.) Mexican War and his brother  (no pens #s Jan 8/2/ )
and John Crouch (OK) of War of 1812 from Bedford Co. Va  His widow received a pension.

Respy yours,
Mrs. Ellen McManaway  address above

Also William and John McManama from Bedford Co. Va, Rev. War.

[STAMP]
Received July 13 1934
Mail Sub-Div.
Vets Adm.
Reader #29
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[LOGO]
Children of the American Revolution

Had to cut off her stamps  UM

Miss Alice Epperly
President West Virginia State Society
Memorial Ave.
Bluefield, West Virginia

Nov. 28, 1924

U.S. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

My dear Sir;  I would appreciate it very much if you would send me a copy of the pension record for service in the Revolutionary War of one, "Jonathan Groom" of Bedford Co., Virginia.
Also any information as to date of birth, death children and wife you have would be very much appreciated.
Gratefully yours,
Alice Epperly,
Box 35,
Bluefield, W. Va.

[STAMP]
U.S. Pension Office
C
Dec 5 1924
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1924. Mch. 18-Hist. to Maggie McManancy. See Joshua Atkinson, S. 30,835  NM
1924. Dec 23. Hist. to Alice Epperly  NM
1934-Aug. 9 Hist. to Mrs. Ellen M Manamy ILL

19,305
Rev War
INVALID

File No. 19.305
Jonathan Grooms
Pri Rev War

Act:  June 7" 32
Index:—Vol. G, page 165
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Jonathan Groom
[Crossed out: No. Ca.]
Virginia

[Crossed out: Rejected, See let. July 20 1833 to] Hon: N.H. Claiborne
Rockey Mount Va.

Act 7 June 1832
Page 17

Re vol 9 Pa 3/4

Hon: N.H. Claiborne
Va
July 20th 1833
O.C.

Re. vol 9 Page 3/4
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Depart of War
Pen. Off.
July 20, 1833

Sir
The declaration of Jonathan Groom has been examined and rejected upon the ground that he did not perform 12 months military service - The function of same in the waggon service is inadmissible.  The papers are placed in the files in this office.
I have the honor

Hon.
N.H. Claiborne
Rocky Mount
Va.
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5 March 1841
S.C. Hunt
G.C
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44
Pension Office
5th March 1841

Sir
I have referred the papers in the case of Jonathan Grooms, to the Third Auditor of the Treasury, that the Pension may be paid in conformity to the Act of the 6th April 1838
I am &c

S.C. Hunt
Esq
Liberty
Virginia
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J.J. Fry
June 29, 1837
G.C

Record G 212 page 310
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War Department,
Pension Office,
June 29, 1837.

Sir,
The papers of Jonathan Grooms, are herewith returned.  I have directed the Pension Agent at Richmond to pay the amount due, in the production of the proper vouchers, not withstanding the power of attorney has been drawn more than ninety days;  the erasure of the pensioner's name which is fully explained on the voucher by the Magistrate who administered the oath of identity being answered satisfactory.

J.T. Fry Esq for J.L.E. per S.A.E.
Richmond,
Virginia
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[STAMP]
Richmond June 27

Free

JL Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City


29 June
Elle
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Richmond 27 June

Dear Sir
I am sorry to trouble you so often - but - so long as I am made agent to draw the pensions I cannot help it - I receive no compensation whatever for my trouble and do it only to serve the old man.
The enclosed claim has been sent back several times for the want of witness &c untill it is out of date - The agent now refuses to pay it - in the first place it being out of date & the second is the witness name  he thinks we'll not be received.  Will you be pleased to direct him in both cases and let the old man have his pay
With respc Y.O.
JJ Fry
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Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
March 8th, 1841.

Sir:  Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Jonathan Grooms a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Twenty three Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March, 1839. to the 4th Sept. 1839.
Respectfully yours
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
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Jonathan Grooms
Declaration for Pension
Reject
Refer to WE

Ref
Rejected see let 20 July '33 to
Hon. N.H. Claiborne
Rocky Mount Va.

Rejected wagon [illegible] 6 mo.
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State of Virginia
Bedford County SS
On this 28th day of January 1833. personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the County Court of Bedford, and state of Virginia;  now sitting, Jonathan Grooms a resident of Russell parish in said county of Bedford, and state of Virginia, aged 77 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 7, 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated - That he entered the service of the United States in the month of February (cannot recollect the precise day) in the year of 1777, as a volunteer from the county of Bedford & state of Virginia, under Capt. Ferrell & Lieut. Watkins off the 5th Va. Regiment.  He was marched from said county, by Carters Ferry on James River, thro' Fredericksburg, to Dumfries, where the troops were inoculated for the small pox, and remained several weeks-from Dumfries, he marched thro' Georgetown, Baltimore, Wilmington, to Philadelphia.  During this march, he had charge of a baggage waggon.  The troops joined the army under Genl. Washington at Philadelphia.  His field officers he cannot recollect-Does not recollect any continental regiment or companies with which he served-Genl. Washington is the only regular officer whom he now recollects.  He recollects one Moses or Robert Watkins as an officer.  He engaged in this tour at least four months, at the expiration of which time he was sent back to Bedford County Virginia in charge of a waggon & horses.  Was discharged-but cannot tell by whom, and has lost his discharge.  He has no documentary evidence of his services.  He refers to the affidavit of James Stiff, herewith exhibited, to establish his services during this tour.
Again in the fall of the year of 1780, he was drafted into the service of the United States, from the militia in the county of Botetourt and state of Virginia, and served a tour of at least three months.  He marched from said county under Capt. Paulding, and Lieutenant Joseph Richardson to fort Chiswell, in what is now called Wythe County Va. for the purpose of protecting the lead mines against the tories.  When he arrived at the lead mines, he was put under the command of Maj. Reid, & Capt. Patton, and remained there constantly discharging military duty, for the space of three months, when he was discharged by Capt. Patton & returned home.  He has lost his discharge.  His field & company officers were Maj. Reid, Capts. Paulding & Patton, & Lieut. Richardson.  He served with no continental regiments or companies, that he recollects, during this tour.  The regular officers with whom he was acquainted, was Maj. Reid.  He has no documentary evidence of his services, & knows no one by whom he can prove them.  Sometime in the begining of the year 1781, he was again drafted into the service of the United States, but in consequence of his wife's situation was permitted to remain at home.  There are, no doubt, many circumstances attending his services, as well as many officers' names, with whom he served, which from age, the length of time, and consequent loss of memory, he is not now able to state.
He served not less than the period mentioned below. -to wit.  the first tour four months-the second tour three months-in all seven months,-for which he claims a pension.
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In answer to interrogatories, he states:
1.  He was born in the city of London, as he believes, on the 5th February 1756.
2.  He has a record of his age at his own home.  was brought to this country, when young.
3.  When he first entered the service, resided in Bedford County, Virginia.  The second tour lived in Botetourt County Va.  lived there one year.  since which has lived in Bedford, where he now resides.
4.  Entered the service as stated in this declaration.
5.  He has answered this interrogatory to the best of his recollection in the body of this declaration.
6.  He was discharged as herein before stated.
7.  John D. Patterson, & Joseph Falls are persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present & declares his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Jonathan Grooms

Sworn to, and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.

We John D. Patteron and Joseph Falls residing in Bedford County, Virginia, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Grooms, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration.  That we believe him to be 76 years of age - that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
John D. Patteron
Joseph Falls

Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.

State of Virginia
County of Bedford  Sct.
The affidavit of James Stiff aged seventy six years taken this 28th day of January 1833, after being first duly sworn, saith that (he thinks in the year 1777) Jonathan Grooms of the county of Bedford went on as the manager of a baggage waggon with the company under the command of Capt. Terrill 5th Regiment of Virginia troops - that he continued with said company and under command of General Washington which the said company joined at Philadelphia until he was discharged - that he was bound to military service, and regularly rendered the same in his capacity as he understood & verily believes during the whole of said time.  And he believe he saw the said Grooms in service almost every day with the other acquaintances of his.
James Stiff  x his mark

The above affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before me the day & year above mentioned
Robert Campbell J.P.

I, Robert Campbell, a Justice of the peace in the county of Bedford & state of Virginia do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with James Stiff, who has made the above affidavit - that I believe him to be of the age mentioned in his affidavit - and morever
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that he is a man of respectability and whose statement is entitled to credit.  Given under my hand this 28 January 1833.
Robert Campbell J.P.

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 applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John D. Patteron and Joseph Falls, who have signed the preceding certificate, are resident in Bedford County Virginia, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.  And the Court also further certifies that it appears to them that the said Jonathan Grooms cannot, without great inconvenience, procure the attendance of a clergyman in court, in conformity to the regulations of the War Department.
I, Robert C. Mitchell, Clerk of the said County Court of Bedford, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Jonathan Grooms for a pension.  I do also further certify that Robert Campbell before whom the preceding affidavit of James Stiff was subscribed and sworn to, was at the time of the taking of the same, an acting Justice of the peace in & for the county of Bedford and state of Virginia, duly commissioned and qualified according to law
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29th day of January 1833.
R.C. Mitchell
[SEAL]