Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3,356, James Fentress, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.C.

Fentress, James

NUMBER
S. 3.356

Born in N.C.

carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

13721

West Tennessee

James Fentress

of Montgomery Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Jones of the regiment commanded by Colonel Davis in the North Carolina line for 9 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 30 Dollars ---- Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued on the 7th day of [illegible] 1833 and [illegible] Present

Arrears to the 4th March                     60 --
Semi-ann allowance ending 4 Sept     15 --
                                                           ====

                                                            $75 --
                                                            ====
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Daniel Boyd, Clerk, Book E, Vol. 7, Page 78

(over to pay)

Lee [illegible] to P. Agt. 8 Jan. 1836. Order to pay 6 Oct. 1837.
Let to Hon. Cave Johnson Feb. 25, 1840.

Letter to [illegible] pension & 3 Auditor 9th April 1840

Letter to 3d Auditor 11 April 1840

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6th April 1838 from 4th September 1837 to 4 March 1839. Agt Notified 27 April 1840.

Letter to 3d Auditor May 9th 1842.

Paid as above from 4th March 1839 to 4th March 1841. Agt notified May 19th 1842.

Letter to Hon. Cave Johnson 17 Jany 1844.

Paid as above from 4 March 1841 to 4th Sept. 1842. Agent notified 26 Oct. 1844.

Dead
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State of Tennessee Montgomery County

On this day personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Court now sitting James Fentress a resident of the Count and State aforesaid Aged sixty nine years who being 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 into the service of the United States as a volunteer Light Horseman under Capt William Jones Maj John Lillington and Col. Davis Commandant in the Month April 1779 and was mustered into service at Wilmington North Carolina the precise day of the month he does not recollect and that he remained at Wilmington on
Duty about two months and then a detachment of light Horsemen of which he was one under Maj Lillington was ordered out to guard a Number of Wagons loaded with Arms and ammunition to Charleston South Carolina by land as two British Frigates was said to be cruising off the Coast and had landed at the long Bay in South Carolina and plundered the Inhabitants of that place and that they guarded the wagons across the long Bay and Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers and then returned to Wilmington. The troops he left at that station were all discharged as their time of service had expired before we returned and he went home with Maj Lillington and was discharged by him from a tour of three months the precise day he does not recollect but believes it was about the first of August as his of service had expired long before he got home.

Again in the month of February in the year 1780 he Volunteered in the foot service for three months and was enrolled at Wilmington North Carolina in Captain William Hubbard's Company and marched on to Cross Creek now Fayetteville where they formed the army commanded by Genl. William Caswell and was attached to Col Sowel's Regiments and marched on crossing Pee dee at Hailey's Ferry and through Camden in South Carolina
and over the High Hills of Santee down to Lenud's Ferry
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where we joined Col Buford with his Regiment of Virginia Regular Troops and about this time we got the intelligence that Genl Huger had been surprised and defeated at or near Moncks Corner and that it was Impossible for us to get into Charleston to aid in the Defense of the Town and we remained at [illegible] and Nelsons Ferry on Santee where we were visited by that Brave officer Col Washington with troop of Horse until about the last of April when the gun ceased Fixing at Charleston and we soon received the Intelligence of the Capitulation and that a strong force was on there way to attack us and we retreated over the same grounds that we had passed over
until we passed through Camden and encamped near the Forks of the road. The next Morning a very animated Dispute took place between Gen Caswell and Col Buford Caswell would take the Road to Fayetteville to Meet his Father old Gen' Caswell with the North Carolina Militia who we understood was on their way to relieve us as our times was about to expire and Col Buford would take the road through Saliboro to Meet Regular Troop that he understood was moving to the south and here we separate the enemy close in our rear, they pursued Buford and brought him to action at or near a place called the Hanging Rock where he was defected with great loss of men and all his bagage  The enemy then pursued us and when we arrived at Hayley's Ferry on Pee dee we understood that an advanced part of the Enemy was pushing forward to bring us to action while crossing River but they failed to do it; we encamped on the Northeast side of the River almost worn down with Fatigue but no test here for about eleven oclock the spies came in and Informed us that the enemy was crossing below us at or near the Charaus hills, and in about ten minutes we were on the Road and marched hard that night and the next day to Cole's Bridge on [illegible] Creek the enemy nineteen miles in our rear. Here we halted and got some provision the first we had since we left Pee dee for our Baggage Wagon was left where even the Horses failed within. Marched on to Fayetteville and crossed Copes River and old Gen Caswell with his army, our time of three months having expired long before we were discharged and received our pay under the Inspection of our Genl and that Gallant Young officer Maj James Rutherford Aid to Caswell having performed a [illegible] Tower of Near fore[sic] Months the date of his Discharge does not recollect
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again in the month of January 1781 as well as he recollects the Brittish landed in Wilmington North Carolina and as soon as he got the Intelligence himself and two of his Niebours pushd of Down to the long Bridge Called Buford's Bridge where troop were Caleting from the surrounding country where he inroled himself in Captain Duvauns Company under Col James Kinnian, who comanded at that place where they remained but a short time before the Enemy sent out a detachment from Wilmington (ten miles distant) and drove in our out post and some out horse men that had been [illegible] We had a strong guard at the foot of the Bridge Intrenched and part of the Bridge taken up, our troops from the Sandhill Mooved Down
to the Bridge and commenced opening Intrenchments and at day light
the two armed though small was within three hundred yards of each other the Enemy on an emenance on one side of the river and we in the Swamp on the other, about this time Genl Lillington with his troops had fallen into our hear at the distance of two miles where he encampd and Joined us in person about the time that day light appeard, New arangments were made and an Artilery Company was organised and the aplicant [illegible] Captain of said Company with three pieces of ordinance this day passed of quietly with the exception of same firing from the windows of a large two story brick House
on the Hill occupied by the Enemy, by which some of our men were wounded but the Genl thought it was a pitty to spoil so fine a House if it could be avoided the next day a detachment of 500 Infintry under the command of Col Brown and 80 lighthorse under Col Young cross the River above and attached the enemy in there near but Col Brown was wounded at the commencement and fled and his men Broke like wild cattle through ponds and pine Woods the Enemys horse pursuing, at the Comencement of the section the Enemy then down one Cannon into the Road to take the Bridge but a few fires from our long Brass piece carried away one of her carriage wheels and rendered her useless but before we could lay down
the planks of the Bridge and make the necessary arrangements for crossing
the enemy was Returning from the action and bid defiance by louder Hazan, they returned there fire from the Brick House with there yagur rifles and then the Genl give orders to open a fire on the doors and windows With [illegible] [illegibile] in every Direction and in five Minutes the house was ridled[sic] and the enemy at a respectful distance
Page 6

the next day the enemy seemd to threaten us with an attack across the Bridge with great busle and uncommon perade but suddenly disappeard. We remained there a month or more and then moved up to Rutherford Hills where we planted our cannon opened large intrenchments under the direction of an old French officer, Col. Malmedy, where we lay about two weeks expecting the enemy every day but they entered the attack at that narrow pass. We then moved up to Limestone Bridge where we remaind about one week and move up to Kingston on New River where we were discharged. ----  By order of the Gen he thinks Col. James Kinion was appointed to sign the discharges the precise date he does not recollect but believes it was in the first week in April having performed a tower[tour] of three months and having served nearly the whole time as a Captain of the Artillery Company under the appointment of Genl Lillington, who was a near neighbour of said applicant in the county of New Hanover in the State of North Carolina, where they at that time rended but had no commission, that he received discharges for each of the tours [smudged]performed by him & kept them until the time of his removal from the State of North Carolina. When supposing them to be of no value, they were destroyed -- that he has no written evidence whereby his services can be proven -- that he knows of no witness living by whom his services can be proven -- that he was born in the county of New Hanover, N. Carolina & resided there until after the war until he removed from there in the year 1798 to the county of Montgomery in the State of Tennessee where he has ever since resided. That he hereby relinquishes all & every claim to any pension or annuity from the United States except the present one and he also declares that he is not on the pension roll of the United States or of any State or
Page 7

Sworn to & subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid. 

James Fentress

Teste Andrew Vance CLK

State of Tennessee      }
Montgomery County  } S.S.

The Hon. John H. Marable, late a member of the Congress of the United States, and Peter Givan, both citizens resident of the County of Montgomery, hereby certifies upon oath taken in due form of law, that they are well acquainted with Maj. James Fentress, who has subscribed sworn to the preceding declaration -- that they believe him to be of the age of sixty-nine years as stated in his declaration. That he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Revolutionary soldier and that they concur in that opinion.

John H. Marable
Peter Givan

Sworn to &subscribed in open court
Teste Andrew Vance CLK

and in said court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter after putting the interrogatories inscribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier served as he states & the court further certifies that it appears tp them that John H. Marable & Peter Givan are citizens resident of sd County and credible persons that their statement is entitled to credit -- the sd Court are further informed that it is not convenient to procure the attendance of a clergy man from the great distance that the sd applicant resides from the Courthouse and from the good character & high standing of the sd applicant, he having been for many years the Speaker of the H of Representatives in Tennessee & also of the witness, defended with the name

Washn Lowe
NE Bagwell
B.E. Orgain
Page 8

I, Andrew Vance, Clerk of the County Court of Montgomery County, certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of James Fentress for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of my office at Clarksville the 16th day of October 1832.

Andrew Vance, Clk

State of Tennessee      }
Montgomery County  } April term 1833 being the 20th day of April

This day again came James Fentress into open Court, & further makes oath, that his length of service as stated in his declaration, that the time of his service that he engaged for at the different times stated amount to nine months but his actual service was about Eleven months. It so happens by his terms of service that the time expired for which he engaged,  when they were some distance from home, and the time required to return home makes it eleven months and further that he cannot prove by any living witness his service as Capt.

[upside down at bottom]
13320
James Fentress
Page 9

November 7, 1929.

Mrs. Louisa Fentress Taylor
3809 Dorchester Road, Apt. 2.B.,
Forest Park, Baltomore
Maryland.

Dear Madam,

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 3358. it appears that James Fentress was born in New Hanover County, North Carolina, date not stated.

While a resident of said county,  he enlisted in April 1779 and served three months as private in Captain William Jones' Company, Colonel Davis' North Carolina Regiment; he enlisted in February 1780 and served about four months in Captain William Hubbard's Company, Colonel Sowel's North Carolina Regiment; he enlisted in January 1781 in Captain Duvaun's Company, colonel James Kinnian's North Carolina Regiment, and soon afterward he was appointed Captain of an Artillery Company; he was discharged early in April 1781.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832, while living in Montgomery County, Tennessee, aged sixty-nine years.

In 1837 the soldier referred to his family but gave no names. 

He died prior to January 20, 1844.

This is the history of the only soldier named James Fentress that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.

Very Truly yours, 
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.

[handwritten on the side]
Granted soldier of Rev. born in 1793. I assume she was wrong as to date of birth. I sent only 1 in files
Page 10

Tennessee

from 1779 private

9 months

$30.

Wm M Lewis Esq
2d Auditor.
Page 11

And now at this Court being the 20th day of April 1833 personally appears James Fentress and makes oaths in due form that the county of the additional affidavit offered hereto is true. And the Court further Certify that it is their opinion that the said James Fentress was a soldier of the revolution and that he [illegible] as he states in his declaration.

James Reasons {LS}
N.F. Tries {LS}
JW Huling (Seal)

I, Andrew Vance, Clerk of the County Court of Montgomery, do hereby certify that the above proceeding took place in open court at the April term 1833.

[Physical seal affixed to the left]
In Testimony Whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal of office in the town of Clarksville this 20th day of April in the year 1833.

Andrew Vance CLK
Page 12

Free

Seal of Clarksville Tenn. 
Apr 21

Honorable William B Lewis
Treasure Department
Washington
Page 13

Clarksville Tennessess
April 20 1833

Dear Sir)
You must excuse me for troubling you with my declaration for a pension, my personal acquaintance with you must plead my [illegible].
It has been sent back to me with the objection, that the two pieces of paper was not united by a seal, I have caused that to be done with an additional seal, and ask the favor of you to pay some attention to it for me, and inform me as soon as possible
your friend
James Fentress
Page 14


TREASURY DEPARTMENT
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE
May
18th
1842,
James Fentress
A Pensioner on the Roll of the Nashville, Tennessee
Agency, at the rate of
Sir:
Under the date 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 Sates
Thirty Dollars and ---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 March, 1841
Respectfully yours, 
Albion K Parris
Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present
Page 15

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
April 15th, 1840

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," James Fentress, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Nashville, Ten. Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1837, to the 4th March 1839.

Respectfully yours, 
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 16

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
Jany 20th, 1844.

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," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The Adm of James Fentress, decd, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Nashville, Ten. Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1841, to the 4th Sept. 1842.

Respectfully yours, 
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 17

Feb 25 1840

Jas Fentress
Tennessee

Col. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington City

Hon Johnson
HR
Page 18

Washington

Feb. 24, 1840

Dear Sir,

Mr. James Fentress, a Revolutionary soldier on the Roll for Montgomery County, Tennessee, informs me that he has not recd his pay lately perhaps 12 or 18 mo. I recd a letter from him to day. Know him well & that he is living & have known him for 20 years -- a man of high character standing, & resident in my own county.

Can I obtain a draft for his pay here or what step must be taken.

Yr Ob Svt
C. Johnson
Page 19

Jan. 16 1844
Mr. Evans

L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions

Mr. Cave Johnson HQ
Page 20

H of Rep
15th Jany 1846

Dear Sir,

I enclose you the original certificate of Jas Fentress which I rec'd today forwarded me by his Adm. I would be glad, if the balance that is found due to Maj. Fentress, be forwarded in a check to James Nolan Esq. (his Adm.) Yellow Creek furnace, Montgomery Co. Tennessee.

I am respectfully
Your friend
C Johnson

The check may be on Nashville Bank or to the [illegible] cities.
Page 21

Union Bank of Tennessee
Nashville 25 Sept. 1837

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Dear Sir

At the request of Mr. James Fentress a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of the 7 June 1832 and to whom there is one years pension due up to the 4th Instant therewith transmit you his pension claim for your examination and permission of his payment. Major Fentress says that in consequence of the distance he resides from this & having had considerable sickness in his family is why he did not call for his stipend in due time.

He has made a power of attorney to M. Tho. Crutcher of this place. Please to return his claim to him or this office with your instructions.

I am respectfully Sir

Yr Obt Srvt
John M. Bass [illegible]
Pension Agent
By S.Cantrell
Page 22

Date Stamp: Nashville T. Dec. 25

Vertical Text: Jan. 6
Jas. Fentress
[illegible]
Act 1832
13721

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commiss. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 23

Union Bank
Nashville 24 Decem 1835

JL Edwards Esq.

Sir

Col. James Fentress a pensioner under the act of June 1832 at rate of $30 per annum has neglected for 2 years to apply for his pension -- his reasons are that it was inconvenient from the distance it was necessary to travel to apply before & he was not aware of the necessity of a regular application. If these reasons are satisfactory will you order the payment of his pension.

Respectfully

Jno M Bass
Pension Agent
Page 24

James Fentress. W Tennessee roll, act June 7, 1832, at $30 per annum.

Please say to what time he appears to have been last paid.

Pension Office }
Feb 25 1840    } pd to the 4 [illegible] 1837

                                          JH
Page 25

1925 Oct. 16 Hist to Mrs. Sidney Andrews M.C.S.

1929 Dec. 7. Hist to Mrs. Louisa Fentress Taylor M.C.S.

_________________________________________________

1940 Apr. 2. Mrs. Louise D. Fentress Taylor. inf. she was sent hist Dec. 7, 1929. See letter in Valentine Fentress 
No. 3008          MCS

Rev War

3356
INVALID
_________________

File No. 3356
James Fentress
Prvt N.C. line
_________________

Act:  June 7, 1832
Index: -- Vol. A, Page122
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 26

Mrs. Sidney Andrews
Wardman Park Hotel
Wash, D.C.

Sept. 11-1925

Called and requested that histories of James Fentress S.3356 Revolution

and

James Fentress N.C. 1790
Cynthia 1812

Mail to above ad--
Page 27

Baltimore Md.
Nov. 29 - 1929 -

Col. Earl D. Church
Chief Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,

Can you give me any information about James Fentress born in New Hanover Co. NC. 1793? An officer in the Revolutionary War. The historian of Colonel James has made this request. And, as one of my ancestors I am anxious to find out all I can.

Thanking you, in advance and for your valuable time.

Louisa Fentress Taylor
3809 Dorchester Rd
Forest Park
Apt. 2.B.
Page 28

MCS

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

October 16, 1925

Ms. Sidney Andrews
Wardman Park Hotel
Washington, D.C.

Madam:

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 3356, it appears that JAMES FENTRESS was born in New Hanover County, North Carolina, date not stated.

While a resident of said county he enlisted in April, 1779, and served three months as private in Captain William Jones' Company, Colonel Davis' North Carolina Regiment. He enlisted in February, 1780, and served about four months in Captain William Hubbard's Company, Colonel Sowel's North Carolina Regiment. He enlisted in January, 1781, in Captain Duvaun's Company, Colonel James Kinnian's North Carolina Regiment, and soon afterward he was appointed Captain of an Artillery Company; he was discharged early in April, 1781. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832, while living in Montgomery County, Tennessee, aged sixty-nine years. 

In 1837 the soldier referred to his family but gave no names. He died prior to January 20, 1844.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
Page 29

April 2, 1940 [signature]

BA-J/MCS
Valentine Fentress, W. 3008
James Fentress, S. 3356
Mrs. Louise de Fentress Taylor
3325 Alto Road
Baltimore, Maryland

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letters of March 1 and 18, 1940, in which you request information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers with surnames Fentress and Robson.

The Revolutionary war records of this office fail to afford any information relative to a soldier with surname Robson.

You are furnished herewith, the record of Valentine Fentress or Fantress, W. 3008.  This is the only soldier with surname Fentress or Fantress that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office with the exception of James Fentress, S. 3356, whose record was sent you December 7, 1929.

Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator