Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6814, John Efland, N.C.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
N.C. Efland, John 
NUMBER S. 6814
[Borwin?] N.C. 
carded
CONTENTS
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12.899
North Carolina 
John Efland
of Orange in the State of N. Car: who was a Pri: in the company commanded by Captain O'neal of the Regt. commanded by Col. O'neal in the North Car. line for 12 months. 
Inscribed on the Roll of North Car: at the rate of 40 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of June '33 and sent P.H. Mangum Hillsboro N.C. 
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 80
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 20
$100.
{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk, Book E Vol. 6. Page 39
(Handwritten on right page)
Order to pay 3 Oct 1837
Order to pay 4 Oct 1838
Same 12th March 1841.
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N. Carolina
Orange County
On this 18th day of August 1832 Personally appeared before me Michael Holt an acting Justice of the peace for said county John Efland aged seventy years the 16th of last February 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 the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. 
That he commenced the service of the United States in the Militia of N. Carolina about the year 1779 under Capt. O'neal who commanded as Capt. when we marched to Sourth Carolina but was promoted and I was commanded by Capt. James Tronsdale and was a part of Genel. Lillingtons Brigade and served three months and recd. my discharge but have lost that paper. I served under Capt. Gwinn from Augt. 1780 to April 1781 after the Guilford Battle, in Genel. Greens army part of the time and commanded by General Pickens when seperated from Genel. Green. I was under Leut. Clendining at the time Hillsboro was taken, but made my escape and was not taken, prisoner. I afterwards served under Colo. O'neal in the latter part of the summer and fall of 1781 I think my services under O'neal was bout three months. 
I was born in Orange County state aforesaid in the neighborhood where I now live within three miles and I have lived in this neighborhood all my life only while I was in the service of my country.
Sworn and subscribed this 18th day of Augt. 1832.
Michl. Holt J.P. ["seal" handwritten seal]
John Efland
1832
70
1762
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N. Carolina
Orange County
I George Nease do certify on oath that I was a Mess Mate in the army ["at" crossed out] in Sourth Carolina with John Efland and also under Colo. O'neal.
Sworn and subscribed this 18th day of Augt. 1832. 
Michl. Holt J.P ["seal" handwritten seal] 
George Nease, X his mark
I Alexander Albright Clergyman residing in the County of Orange N.C. do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Efland who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and I believe him to be seventy years of age that he is [reported?] and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in the opinion sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
Michl. Holt J.P. ["seal" handwritten seal]
Alex Albright 
I Martin Nease do certify upon oath that John Efland was a soldier in the army or Militia of N. Carolina, and I served and saw him in South Carolina and in the town of Charlestown in said state and I knew in service several times. 
Sworn and subscribed this 25th day of Augt. 1832
Michl. Holt J.P. ["seal" handwritten seal]
Martin Nease, X his mark
State of North Carolina
I John Taylor Clerk of Orange County Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions do hereby certify that Michael Holt esq. who [enclosed?] the foregoing affidavit was then a duly certified Justice of the Peace 
Witness my hand and seal of office 1st of October 1832
J. Taylor C.C.
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Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832. 
State of North Carolina
Orange County
On this 1st day of September 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in the County and State aforesaid, now sitting, John Efland, of the said County & State, aged 70 years on the 16th day of February last, 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 7th of June 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he volunteered in the Militia, in the County of Orange & state aforesaid in the year 1779 for the term of three months; he was attached to the company commanded by Capt O'neal & Lieutenant James Tronsdale. Col Little was a was a field officer. 
The company formed a part of Genl Lillington's Brigade. From Orange, he was marched to Charlotte in South Carolina, at which place Capt O'neal was promoted, & Lieutenant James Tronsdale was appointed Captain of declarant's Company. At Charleston, declarant served the term for which he volunteered and was discharged. From Charleston, he returned home, and in August of the same year that he arrived at home, viz, 1780, he volun-
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-teered in Orange without limit of time, under Capt Gwin, and served until April 1781 when he was discharged at Ramsey's Mill on Deep River. In the forepart of this term of service, he was in pursuit of the Tories, in Orange County. Pickens was Genl of the Militia. At the time Col Lea attacked & slaughtered the Tories under the command of Piles, in the western part of Orange County; the declarant was marching under Capt Gwin & Genl Pickens to his aid - but was not nearer than perhaps two miles when the battle ceased. At the time of the Battle of Guilford, the declarant was guarding the prisoners made by Col Lea in the battle just before had with the Tories under Piles, and was about eight or ten miles distant from the field of battle. From Guilford, declarant went on to Ramsey's Mill in pursuit of Lord Cornwallis, and at Ramsey's Mill he was discharged as aforesaid. After his return from Ramsey's Mill, he was taken with the small Pox - and did not enter the service again until the Fall of 1781. In the fall of 1781, he took the place, as a substitute of John Sharpe for the term of three months, the said John Sharpe having been drafted for that time. During his term of service, he was attached to the command of Capt Gwin - but part of the time he was with Lieutenant Clendening, of the Light Horse. He was with Lieutenant Clendening
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at Hillsboro when the Tories took the Town, & a member of prisoners, among whom was his said Lieutenant - but the declarant made his escape, having lost his horse, and rallied under Capt Gwin & Col O'neal west of Hillsboro, & served the term for which he was a substitute. The declarant was out on several other occasions, a few days at a time, to aid in baffling the Tories, but at this distant day, his recollection is too imperfect for him to undertake to give an accurate account of his service. He was born 16th February 1762, he hath a record of his age at home. He was born & hath always resided in Orange County in North Carolina. He hath lost his discarges. He hath no documentary evidence of his service. He hath obtained the testimony of Martin Nease & George Nease, of the County & State aforesaid who were soldiers in the War of the Revolution - which is hereunto affixed, as proof in part of the service of the declarant. He is known to Alexander Albright, a Clergyman in his neighborhood;; to Priestly H. Mangum, Doct. James S. Smith & Major John Taylor of his County. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present; & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, so far as he hath knowledge.
Sworn to in open Court
J. Taylor C.C.
John Efland
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And the Court having considered the matters contained in the said declaration & the proofs in support thereof ordered to be certified as their opinion that the said declaration & the proofs in support thereof are entitled to full credit. 
I John Taylor Clerk of Orange County Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the Court in the matter of the application of John Efland for a pension.
In testimony whereof I do hereto at my hand & seal of office 1st September A.D. 1832.
J. Taylor C.C. 
Civil
1864
State of North Carolina, Orange County
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions May Term 1833.
On this the 31st day of May A.D. 1833, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid it being a Court of record & now sitting, John Efland, of the Couty and State aforesaid, aged 71 years on the 16th day of February last, who being first duly sworn
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John Efland 
N.C.
7921
Admit as a private
for 12 mo. $40.00
5.14 
P.330
11 April
P.H. Mangum
Hillsboro
N.C.
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BRIEF in the case of John Efland
County of Orange in the State of North Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 70 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period. | Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen. 
In 1779 - from Augt 1780 to 7 April 1781 Fall of 1781 - | about 3 [by?] 3/ 12 | As a Private | Capt O'neal Genl Lillington Capt Gwin Genl Pickens Capt Gwin Col O'neal 
5. In what battles was he engaged? None
6. Where did he reside when he entered the servie? Orange C. N Carolina
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
Richard Cutts
Examining Clerk.
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according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, by ay of amendment & addition, to a declaration made by him before the Court aforesaid at its August Sessions A.D. 1832 which is above and accompanies this - in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
The declarant states that the tour of three months in the Militia of North Carolina, for which he volunteered, in the year 1779, in the service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War, under the command of Capt O'neal, Lieutenant Tronsdale; and Col Lyttle, Field Officer, as set forth in his said former declaration; he served as a private; & that he volunteered as a private. For the other particulars of that service, declarant begs leave to refer to his said former declaration. In addition however to what is therein stated of the said tour of service, the declarant here states that the three months were served out by him in Charleston N.C. and that he was under arms in going to & coming from Charleston, one month - as that he was in service on that occasion & detached from his civil pursuits, four months, although the term for which he volunteered was only three months. 
Declarant here states that about the time ["when" crossed out] he volunteered in August 1780, without limit of time under Capt Gwinn - as stated in his said former declaration;
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he here states by way of explanation that the terms of service for which our Militia were drafted ["about that time" crossed out] were three months tours - and that the calls for militia in his section of the Country were so frequent, & the state of the Country & tide of affairs about that time in N.C. so gloomy & alarming to every friend of liberty in N.C. - that he volunteered on that occasion without limit of time with the purpose of continuing in the service so long as the then emergencies of the service might require; that although such was his determination, his term of service on that occasion, was viewed by his Commanding Officers with reference to the three months drafts, which were then being made on the Militia of the Country - so that on that occasion he served as is stated in his said former declaration, from August 1780 until April 1781, a period of exactly six months - or in other words, two tours of three months each. He volunteered as a private & served as a private, in the Militia of N.C. on the occasion aforesaid. For the particulars of his service for & during the said term of six months service; declarant asks a reference to his said former declaration. 
In the Fall of 1781. When declarant was substituted for John Sharpe, for a tour of three months - as is set forth in his said former declaration; he now declares that the said John Sharpe had been drafted as a private in the Militia of N.C. for three months & that declarant served
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out that term as a private. For the particulars of that service, declarant asks leave to refer to his said former declaration. By way of addition, he will ["add" crossed out] state, that after the expiration of said term of service, he was discharged, but did not receive a written discharge. He [illegible] a written discharge from the first tour of duty, set forth in his declaration - which he hath not seen since the British & Tories plundered the House of his Brother-in-Law, which was declarant's home, in Orange County, a short time before the Battle of Guilford in 1781. Declarant hath a distinct recollection of the terms of his service, set forth herein before & in his said former declaration; and it is only as to other service rendered by him, for short periods & on sudden emergencies, for which he makes no account; that his memory would not serve him to ["make" crossed out] give a detailed history. The declarant states that he was born in Orange County N.C. and hath always resided there. The period of his birth is stated in his former declaration. The declarant further states, that on every occasion he performed service as aforesaid for which he now claims a pension; he served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority - as he understood & believed, and as he now believes. 
Sworn to & subscribed. 
J. Taylor C.C.
John Efland
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Sworn to & Subscribed. 
J. Taylor C.C. John Efland
Mr. Alexander Albright, a Clergyman, residing in the Court of Orange state of North Carolina, ["Alexander Albright that" crossed out] and Samuel L. Holt and John Taylor. 
Residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Efland, who has subscribed and sworn to the above amended declaration and the declaration of which the above is amendatory; that we believe him to be 71 years of age as he hath declared: that he is reported & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion; and that the said John Efland is a man of honest character & of undoubted veracity. 
Sworn to & subscribed 
Alexr. Allbright
Saml L. Holt
J. Taylor
J. Taylor C.C.
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigating the matter of the original & amended declaration above, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, & served as he states. And the Court further Certifies, that it appears to them. That Alexander Albright, who hath subscribed & sworn to the above certificate, is a Clergyman, & a credible person - and that Saml L. Holt and John Taylor; who have likewise subscribed & sworn to the same, are credible persons, & that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I John Taylor, Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing [content?] is the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of John Efland for a pension. Witness my hand & seal of Office this the 1st day of June 1833. 
J. Taylor C.C.
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(Typed form)
July 10, 1931. 
Rev. &1812 Wars Section. 541
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rev. War claim for pension of John Efland, File No. S.3814. Actual 1 of each page. 
Remitter: Mrs. M.H. Headman, 
Haddonfield, New Jersey. 
not to be certified. 
7 pages..........$1.05
xx
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in.at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied. 
Chief, Rev. &1812 Wars Section.
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(Handwritten on reverse side of typed page)
List to Mrs. M.H. Headman:
Sol. decl. Sept. 1-1832
" ammended decl. May 31-1833 3 pages
Alex. Allbright, Sam. L. Holt & John Taylor's affid. 3"
1"
June 1, 1833
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(Handwritten)
Cash 1.50
[CED?] 7-13-31
(Typed)
July 10, 1931. 
Administrator of Veterans Affairs, 
Washington, 
D.C. 
Dear Sir: 
Please furnished uncertified photostatic copies of three pages from Revolutionary War claim of Jacob Allen, W.5604 and seven pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of John Efland, S.6814. 
Very truly yours, 
29212
Remitter: 
(Handwritten)
add Mrs. M.H. Headman,
Haddonfield, N.J. 
(Typed)
Received payment $1.50
July 10, 1931. 
(Handwritten)
Margaret M.H. Finch
(Typed)
Rev. &1812 Wars Section. 
(Handwritten)
Fee, copy of pension records W.5604 & S. 6814
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(Handwritten)
by miss Geiger #15
(Typed)
July 10, 1931. 
Rev. $1812 Wars Section. 541
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rev. War claim for pension of John
Efland, File No. S.6814. Actual 1 of each page. 
7 pages..........$1.05
xx
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in.at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied. 
(Handwritten)
Margaret M.H. Finch
(Typed)
Chief, Rev. &1812 Wars Section. 
(Handwritten) 
rec. July 15. 31
[mnnf?]
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(Handwritten)
[illegible] to City. 
6814.
[Registrar?]
(Typed form with handwritten responses)
INVALID.
File No. 6814
John Efland
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index: --Vol. 1st, Page 110
[Arrangement of 1870.]
(Handwritten)
1893 Sept 4 S
W [Bree?] Daniel
1931 July 17. Photos mailed to Mrs. M.H. Headman & accounting [illegible] ntfd. A.P.G.?]
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North Carolina}
Orange County}
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions May Term A.D. 1833.
The Justices now holding the Court aforesaid, 
do hereby certify, that it appears to them that George Nease and Martin Nease, who signed & [illegible] the accompanying Affidavits, before Michael Holt, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid on the 18th day of August A.D. 1832, are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
W. Montgomery
W. Trolinger J.P.
Rankin [McKee?]
I John Taylor, Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the accompanying affidavits of George Nease and Martin Nease. Witness my hand and seal office, this the 1st day of June A.D. 1833. 
J. Taylor C.C.
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Declaration of John Efland.
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(Typed form)
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of 
(Handwritten)
John Efland
(Typed)
which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? 
(Handwritten)
NO
["#" written left of item V]
(Typed)
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any pension than the one under the Act June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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(Typed form)
2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
(Handwritten) 
NO
(Typed)
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
(Handwritten)
1. 2
(Typed)
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*Quere V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ___ year ____ months and ____ days, I served as a ____ For ____ months and ____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.
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(Typed form)
3
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 they served two years in the militia &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that he 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. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.