Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 37,943, William French, Va.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE                                NUMBER
Va.   French, William     S.37,943
CONTENTS
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Kentucky 26805.
William French
Shelby Co in the State of Kentucky who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Shelton of the Regt commanded by Col. Hough in the Virginia line for 1 year.
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of June 1834 and Sent Hon P. H. Pope House of Rep's
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 $120.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 20 Sept.,     20.00
$140.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book E2 Vol. 7 Page 17
Let. to Hon. D. P. Thomasson April 4th 1846
F. F. C. Triplett July 22, 1853
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19.276
william French
Kentucky
(0 crossed out)
fr 1779 for 1 yr.
#40
Hon. P. N. Pope
H. R.
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
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 compling (complying) with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of William French.
(table with columnar headings.)

Period when the service was rendered.
1779
1780 
"
1781
1782

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years
Months
3 
3
3
(12 crossed out)
1 
2
__
12

Days

Rank of the claimant
Pr.
P=
Can.
Pr.
Pr.
Pr.
"

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served
Cap Shelton
Col Hughs
Cap Dillard
Cap Martin
Col - 

Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service
73
Va.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary

It is required that direct proof should be exhibited of the applicants services for twelve months under one engagement. servet to g

I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1883. 
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, musicians 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. 👉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 A. B. the Agency in the State of ___ 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[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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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 the 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 inquiry 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 
[FOOTNOTES BEGIN HERE]
[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 rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where 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 claimant 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 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." 
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 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 the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; 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. 
[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 it 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 officer, 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 claimant's 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. 
The notes from (a) to (l) are all 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 indispensable 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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State of Kentucky}
Shelby County, }  S S
On this 20th day of January 1834 personally appeared before me Jesse Metcalf a Justice of the peace in and for Shelby County and one of the Judges of the County Court for said County William French aged 73 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832.
This declarant states that he was residing in Henry County State of Virginia when he in entered the service of the United STates an served as herein stated and under the following named officers that in the year of 1779- in the month of May in accordance with a proclamation from Coln. Patrick Henry he volunteered for ^a tour of three months under Capt. James Shelton his Lieutenant he states was by the name of Ross - Ensign by the name of [illegible] and from the qu at elape(?) of time he has forgotten the given name of the two latter officers. After this volunteer company was organised he states under the authority of Coln. Anehelous Hughs. that Capt. Shelton's company was called into the Service; he states that he did rendezvous with the ballance of Capt. Shelton's Company at the house of James Spencer in said County of Henry and then under the Command of Capt. James Shelton marched from said place of rendezvous to the House of 
Hon P. H. Pope
Coln. Lyon where the company encamped till Coln. Hughs came up. Coln. Hughs then ordered that the company should march to flour Gap in the Blue Ridge accordingly he states that they did march to flour gap - and was there stationed for the purpose of protecting the inhabitants from encroachment by the tories; he states that during this stay at flour gap that they engaged in scouting and spacing the county
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in order to overawe[?] the tories and under that section of the country secure.  he states that he did remain at said encampment until his said tour of three months expired when Capt Shelton march his company back in said County of Henry when he was verbally discharged by Capt. Shelton in the month of August 1779.  He further states that in the month of Oct 1779 that Coln Penn received intelligence by an express that the tories in North Carolina were about to overrun the state and was requested to afford such assistance as was in his power accordingly Coln. Penn informed all of the Captains belonging to his regiment to raise as many volunteers as they could to aid the army and [illegible] in North Carolina, when he the said declarant did volunteer for a tour of three months under Capt. John Dillard and rendezvoused at the house of Henry Francis on the south Mayho river   he states as it was an emergent expedition they were all request to attend on horses from the place of rendezvous he states that under the command of Coln. Abraham Penn and Major Price Martin they mached to the Moravian town in North Carolina on arriving at the Moravian town he states that they encamped for a short time, thence they went up the Yadken River and crossed at the shallow ford and went to the House of a wealthy old tory where we stayed about one week.  Whilst Coln Penn's regiment was here stations it seemed to five much security to the Whigs and had a [illegible] to quell the tories in that Quarter.  he states that thence proceeded up the Yadken River in pursuit of tories as high a the Blue ridge where the tories usually resorted for safety.  he stats that they scoured the mountains in search of tories and after an unsuccessful excursion in said mountains he
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states that they went to Salsbury where they stayed a few days thence to the Lower Moravian towns where they remained a few days.  thence they under the command of Coln. Penn we marchd to Henry County in Virginia where he was discharged after having served out his three months in the month of January 1780.  He further states that in the month of April 1780 that a draft was ordered in said County of Henry when he the said declarant was drafted into the service of the United States for a tour of three months and rendezvoused at Henry Frances in said Count of Henry and was commanded by Capt Jonathan Hanby of said County of Henry and Major Ward of Bedford Cty and Major Rose of Amherst County, and from said place of rendezvous he states that under the command of the aforesaid officers he marched to Salem in North Carolina thence they marched to Salsbury and after remaining there a few days he states that they marched to the siege of 96 where he states that the regiment to which he belonged joined General Green and after remaining there sixteen days at the siege Lord Rowan came with his army to the site of of the siege when General Green who had the command ordered that the siege should be raised and the American army under the command of Gen Green retreated across the [illegible] about fourteen miles thence they marched to the fish dam ford on Broad River  he states that during their retreat that they were pursued by Lord Rowan as far as the Enorce[?] Mills.  after crossing the river at the fish dam ford he states that he and others of the militia was stationed at the bank of the river expecting that Rowden was still in pursuit.  he states that the militia then posted an
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the bank of the river were under the command of Coln Lee after ascertaining that Rowden had given up the pursuit he state that Coln Lee recrossed the river and marched down upon the Congaree river about four or five days march from the Fish dam Ford after taking up an incampment he states that he with
twenty seven others was detailed as a guard over a bridge across a small creek That emptied into the Congaree river he states that in a few hours after he was stationed at the Bridge that an engagement took place between the enemy and Coln Lee's infantry and after a spirited resistance made by Lee's
infantry and they likely to be overpowered.  Coln Lee sent his adjutant to the Bridge and ordered a retreat he states that this was about midnight and the guard dispersed.  he states that the next day his said three months expired his Capt being absent he went to Campden and delivered up his arms took a receipt from the officer of the Guard and returned home to Henry County Va where he found this Capt and other officers who had gotten home before him the time of his giving up his arms he states was in the month of July 1780 This declarant further states that in the month of
October 1780 that he again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer for a tour of
twelve months under Capt Martin from Henry
County State of Virginia Shortly after he had volunteered Capt Martins Company was called for and rendezvous as the house of Henry Francis, in said County of Henry the name of the Major and Coln he from the great elapse of time does not recollect as they did not belong to the County he states that he was marched from [illegible insertion] Henry Francis
unto North Carolina to disperse the Tories that
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were constantly annoying the army and whig settlers.  he states that under the command of said Capt Martin that he did march through North Carolina into the state of South Carolina and went into the town of Charlestown and found the army commander General Sumpter thence they marched to the Congaree river thence they marched to the Eutaw Springs.  he states that on arriving at the battleground that he was detailed as a guard to the baggage waggons consequently he was not in the engagement tho the company to which he belonged was in the engagment    after the battle was over he states that General Green marched down to Charlotte town where his time for which he had volunteered expired   he was discharged in the month of October 1781 - He further states that in the year of 1782 that Coln Wade Hampton of South Carolina was passing through Virginia with a brigade of baggage waggons loaded with military stores for the use of the army of the United States and was very much annoyed by the enemy and tories to secure the waggons and stores he the said Hampton called upon Coln Abraham Penn of Henry County for a guard. to protect the waggons and loading.  Coln Penn then issued an order for a guard when he the said William French did volunteer as a guard to said brigade of waggons and went with them from Henry County to McAnallys ford on Dan River.  hee he states that Coln. Hampton was informed that the tories had [illegible] for the  the purpose of taking the waggons and stores Coln Hampton then ordered a retreat.  and the waggons returned to Henry County Va.  he states that he entered as a guard to said waggons in the month of August after returning to said County of Henry-
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Coln Penn issued an order to increase the guard   after a guard sufficiently strong had be raised he states that they then proceeded on their way through Salem in North Carolina to Salsbury where he he was discharged by Coln. Hampton having served one month as a guard to said waggons - 
He also states that in the month of October 1782 John Red a waggon master was transporting military supplies from Halifax old town in Virginia to a garison on the Catawba river and when passing through Henry County Va - he the said Red called upon Coln Penn for a guard to protect the baggage.  Coln Penn issued an order for a guard to said waggons when he the said William French did volunteer as a guard and started with said waggons from Henry County and passed through Moravian towns in North Carolina thence they crossed the Yadkin river at the shallow ford - Thence to the garrison where the baggage was deposited he states that in the capacity of a guard he continued until the waggons made four trips from said County of Halifax to the aforesaid garrison consuming a period of two months.  when he was discharged by Capt Red in December 1782 when he returned home to Henry County Va - 
He states that from old age and bodily infirmity that he is unable to appear in open Court o make this declaration  He has no documentary evidence of his service and know of no living witness by whom he can prove said service.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Wm. French
Sworn and subscribed this date and year aforesaid
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Jesse Metcalf J.P.S.C.

Questions put by the Justice
Ques.  Where and in what year were you born
Ans I was born in Goochland County State of Virginia in the year of 1761 
Ques  Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Ans My name is recorded in fathers family register
Ques Where were you living when called into the service>  Where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live?
Ans. When I entered the service I was living in Henry County State of Virginia where I remained until the year of 1807  I then moved to Botatout County Va where I remained until 1817  I then moved to Shelby County Kentucky where I have lived ever since
Ques  How were you called into the service  were you drafted  did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom?
Ans The first time I entered the service I volunteered for three months.  the second tiem I went into the serivce I volunteered for three months as a horseman.  the third time I was drafted for three months.  the fourth time I volunteered for twelve months.  the fifth and sixth time I volunteered as a guard to baggage waggons making one monthof my tour as a guard and two months the second tour as guard
Ques  State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served and such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect
Ans  On my first tour there were no regular officers  and Coln Hughs had the command of the regiment  on my second tour there were no regular officers.  I belonged to Coln. Penns regiment.  on my third tour there were no regular officers until we reached 96 and there were General Lee Green and Coln Lee and Washington.  on my fourth there Gen. Green, Sumpter and Marian at the Eutaw Springs.
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on my fifth and sixth tours I do not recollect of seeing any regular officers as my service was guarding baggage waggons through the country to the garrisons
Ques.  did you ever receive a discharge and by whom it given and what has become of it?
Ans  I never received a written discharge of my Captains from service evvery tour but one, I was then ordered Gen Lees adjutant, to retreat we became squandered and my Capt and many of the soldiers got home before me
State the names of some 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 service as a soldier of the revolution
Ans  John Dale Clergyman.  Benj. Bridges. David White James L Russell & Jacob Balay

We John Dale Clergyman residing in the neighborhood of William French 9who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and Benj Bridges, David White James L Russell and Jacob B Balay residing in the same say we are well acquainted with him  we believe him to be 73 years of age  he is reputed and believed in his neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in the opinion
John Dale
Benj Bridges
David White Jr
J.P.L Russell
J.B. Balee
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And I Jessee Metcalf a Justice of the peace in and for Shelby County and one of the Judges of the Couty Court of said County of Shelby do declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above applicant was a soldier of the revolution and served as he has stated in his declaration.  And I further certify that it appears to my satisfaction that John Dale who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the neighbourhood of said applicant and that Benj Bridges, David White Jr. Jas L Russell and J.B. Balee who have also signed the same are residents in the neighbourhood of said applicant and are credible persons and that their statement may be relied upon.  I further certify that from old age and bodily infirmity that he is unable to appear in open court to make his declaration
Given under my hand this 20th Jany. 1834
Jesse Metcalf J.P.S.C.

I James S Whitaker Clerk of the County Court of Shelby County do certify that Jessee Metcalf before whom this declaration was made is a Justice of the peace in and for  Shelby Cty and of the Judges of the Court for which I am Clerk   in testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office this 20 day of January 1834
Ja S Whitaker Clerk
Shelby County Court

John Ferar atto
New Castle [illegible]
Ky

[SEAL]
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FFC Triplett

Power of Attorney
Heirs of William French
Revolutionary

Admitted[?]
Page 17

Know all men by these presents, that we Samuel C. French and William N. French, heirs at law of William French, deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, at the rate of Forty Dollars per annum, and who died in Shelby County Kentucky, on the 14 day of February AD 1851; and also heirs at law of Elizabeth French, widow of the said William French, the said Elizabeth French having died in Shelby County Kentucky on the 27 day of October A.D. 1851 without obtaining her pension,
do hereby constitute and appoint Geo. H Monsarrat our true and lawful Attorney, for us and in our name to prosecute against the Government of the United States, before any Department thereof, any and all claim or claims we have to arrears of pay of Pension Money or Bounty Lands under any Act or Acts, Resolution or Resolutions of the Congress of the United States.
Said attorney is moreover authorised in our name to demand at any Department of said Government a reconsideration of any decision hitherto or hereafter to be given, touching our interests, and to obtain from any Department or the archives thereof, any and all information or evidence of whatever character relating to or any in wise bearing upon the claim or claims we hereby seek the investigation of.
Said Attorney is moreover authorised to do any and all things necessary to carry out the foregoing purposes, and to receive the Certificates of Pension or other character of drafts or evidences of the amounts due us, and to appoint one or more sub-attornies and to confer upon him or them all the powers herein conferred upon the said Geo. H. Monsarrat;  we hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney may do by virtue of these presents.
Witness our hands and seals this 18th day of March, A.D. 1853
Samuel C. French  [handwritten seal]
William N. French [handwritten seal]

Witness
John Otto
Frances C.S. French
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[HANDWRITTEN INITIALS: ADY]
Rev.&1812 Wars Section. March 20, 1929. 
Mrs. W. H. Carothers, 
224 East Percy Street, 
Indianola, Mississippi. 
Madam: 
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 37943, it appears that William French was born in Goochland County, Virginia, in 1761.
While a resident of Henry County, Virginia, he enlisted and served in the Virginia Troops as follows: 
From May 1779 for three months in Captain James Shelton's Company, Colonel Archelous Hughs' Regiment. 
From October 1779 for three months under Captain J. Dillard, Colonel Abram Penn's Regiment. 
From April 1780 for three months under Captain Jonathan Hanby, Majors Ward and Rose.
From October 1780 for twelve months in Captain Martin’s Company and was at the siege of Ninety-Six. 
From August 1782 for one month and guarded baggage wagons by order of Colonel Penn.
From October 1782 for two months under Captain John Red and guarded baggage wagons.
Page 19

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 20, 1834 while a resident of Shelby County, Kentucky. He died there February 14, 1851, leaving a widow, Elizabeth, who died in said county October 27, 1851.
The names Samuel C. French, William N. French and Francis C (?) S. French appear relationship to soldier not stated.
This is the history of the only William French of Virginia found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Said records fail to afford any information in regard to Daniel McKinney of Virginia or Mason French.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 20

April 7, 1853

Pow: atty: in case of Wm French decd
Ky:

Act 7th June 1832

F.F.C. Triplett
Present.

Department of the Interi[cut off]
Pension Office, Official [cut off]
Page 21

Hon L.P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions
Page 22

Washington Apl 8. 1853

Sir:
I enclosed a power of attorney in the case of Wm French decd Ky. Act '32 Add and ask an in increase.  His claim for 12 months' service from Oct 1780 to Oct 1781 was rejected, because the office did not believe that the Virginia militia ever served tours of such length.  But I apprehend that a reference to Hennings [illegible] will show that for the purpose of [illegible] North & South Carolina the Va militia was called out for periods of from 5 to 12 months.  I therefore ask an allowance for additional 12 months.
Very Respy
Yr Obt Se
FFC Triplett
Page 23

[STAMP]
New Castle Ky
May 13

[STAMP]
FREE

Hon Patrick H Pope  M.C
Washington City



Hon P.H. Pope
Page 24

New Castle   11th May 1834

Dear Sir
Some time ago I received the papers of William French the department requests proofs of one tour of twelve months.  I rode to see Mr. French yesterday he say that he does not know of any person by whom he can prove that tour  there seems to be no objection made by the deptmt to the other tours  We have concluded to take a pension for the other tours and respectfully request your aid in the matter.  I likewise saw Mr. Grove of Jefferson City living near Boston.  he stated that his pension claim had been made out and sent to you  if his case is not allowed he requests that you sent his papers to me at N. Castle
I am much indebted to you for the trouble I have put you to.  I trust I may have it in in my power to do you some service.  I have received some pension certificates this morning both from you [illegible] Johnston.
in much haste
Your [illegible]
John Field
Page 25

Hall of Reps  March 23rd 1846

JL Edwards Esqr
Comr. of Pensions

Sir
A respectable old gentlemen Mr. William French of Shelby County Ky, who is on the pension roll at Louisville Ky, complains that his pension is too low - he supposes that the error occurred in making out his papers, in stating that he volunteered for a year, instead of that he enlisted for a year - the latter he alleged is the trust & he says he called the attention of the officer preparing his papers at the time to that descripancy and was told it was matter wholly immaterial-  Will you please inform me of the facts, in proof, & why Mr. French is limited to $40 per year-
Most respectfully
Will. P. Thomasson
Page 26

[HANDWRITTEN INITIALS: MDY]
Rev, & 1812 Wars Section.
October 13, 1925.
Major Leon French,
640 State Building
San Francisco, Calif.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S-37943, it appears that William French was born in Goochland County, Virginia in 1761.
While a resident of Henry County, Virginia, he enlisted and served in the Virginia Troops as follows:
From May 1779 for three months in Captain James Shelton's Company, Colonel Archelous Hughs' Regiment.
From October 1979 for three months under Captain John Dillard, Colonel Abram Penn's Regiment.
From April 1780 for three months under Captain Jonathan Hanby, Majors Ward and Rose
From October 1780 for twelve months in Captain Martin's Company and was at the siege of Ninety-six.
From August 1782 for one month and guarded baggage wagons by order of Colonel Penn.
From October 1782 for two months under Captain
Page 27

John Red and guarded baggage wagons.
He was allowed pension on his application executed January 20, 1834, while a resident of Shelby County, Kentucky. He died there February 14, 1851, leaving a widow Elizabeth, who died in said county October 27, 1851.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 28

[ILLEGIBLE] Section.
January 28, 1925.
Mrs. Joseph W. Greene,
319 N. Spring St.,
Independence, Mo.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.37943, it appears that William French was born in Goochland County, Virginia, in 1761.
While a resident of Henry County, Virginia, he enlisted and served in the Virginia Troops as follows:
From May 1779 for 3 months in Captain James Shelton's Company, Colonel Archelous Hughs Regiment.
From October 1772 for 3 months under Captain John Dillard, Colonel Abram Penn's Regiment.
From April 1780 for 3 months under Captain Jonathan Hanby, Majors Ward and Rose. (Claimed was in siege 96 but that was in 1781)
From October 1780 for 12 months in Captain Martin's Company and was at the siege of Ninety Six.(His Co. was in [ILLEGIBLE] Springs, but soldier not in the battle.)
From August 1782 for 1 month and guarded baggage wagons by order of Colonel Penn.
From October 1782 for 2 months under Captain John Red and guarded baggage wagons.
Page 29

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 20, 1834, while a resident of Shelby County, Kentucky. He died there February 14, 1851, leaving a widow, Elizabeth, who died in said county October 27, 1851.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

[HANDWRITTEN NOTE]
Note:
Samuel C. French}
Wm. N. French} heirs at law
Frowes C.? S. French, a witness
Above names omitted as relationship not stated.
As siege of 96 was in 1781 have put that in his 4th tour instead of 3rd tour as he stated
U. M.
Page 30

Mrs. William Hewlette Carothers
224 East Percy Street
Indianaola, Mississippi

Dec 13 1928


Bureau of Pensions

Will you please give me as early a  azs you can the pension declation of William E French Rev soldier of VA.  also Mason French Rev soldier  he served first in Maryland then in 1778 resigned and went to Veirginia.  At least that is the record I have of him.  He is listed as a Rev soldier in VA. records, but Heitmans Register lists him in Maryland until 1778.  If there are two then give me both records.  It will help me greatly. and specially if can get it soon.
Very sincerely
Mrs. WH. Carothers
Page 31


Daughters of the American Revolution
Chancellor Wythe Chapter
Richmond, Virginia

921 East Marshall St.,
April 8, 1926

Commissioner of Pensions,
Department of Interior,
Washington,
D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you kindly give me the record in your office concerning William French who served from Virginia.  He was placed on the Pay roll June 6, 1834 but the pension commenced Mch 4, 1831 I understand.  Any information you can give me about this Revolutionary soldier will be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully yours,
Gertrude D. Evans
Registrat of Chancellor Wythe
Chapter, D.A.R.
Gertrude D. Evans
Page 32

The California Society of the
Sons of the American Revolution

Officers
Howard C. Rowling, President
341 Montgomery St., San Francisco
[illegible]
Carl C. Brown, Senior Vice President
Mills Building, San Francisco
Herbert M Lam, Junior Vice President
City of [illegible] Water Wheel Co.
203 19th Street, San Francisco
Major Leon French, Secretary-Treasurer-Registrar
640 State Building, San Francisco-Pack 8736, Local 197
William B. Sampson
362 [illegible] Street, San Francisco

Board of Managers
Alden Ames
Claud Gatch
Courtney L. Moore
Harold D. Padgett
Commander T.D. Parker
Major E.H. Pearce
E.H. Steele
Paul Stinchfield

National Trustee
E. DeLos Magee
Mills Building
San Francisco

San Francisco, California
August 25, 1925

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,
U.S. Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
For the purposes of this society will you kindly furnish me with an abstract of the pension record of William French, Sr., a Revolutionary soldier, shown as a pensioner on the pension roll of 1840 at page 166, and then living at Shelbyville, in Shelbyville County, Kentucky.
Thanking you in advance for the courtesy of this information, I am
Very truly yours,
Leon French
LF:GH

[STAMP]
U.S. Pension Office
S
Aug 31 1925
Page 33

Independence Pioneers Chapter, D.A.R.

Independence, Mo., January 3, 1924

only 1 who serv in Va, pen in Ky.

Commissioner of Pensions
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Please send all family data and the military history of the Revolutionary soldier, William French of Virginia and Kentucky.  Two of his children were Stephen and Kezziah.
He is the ancestor of Mrs. Joseph W. Mercer who wishes his services for admission to the Independence Pioneers Chapter, D.A.R.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Joseph W. Greene,
Regent.

319 North Spring St.
Independence, Mo.
Page 34

37943
Revy  INVALIF

File No. 37,943
William French
Pri Rev War

Act:  18" March 18.
Index:- vol. 2, Page 145
Arrangement of 1870.


1924 Jan. 28-Hist. to Mrs. Joseph W. Greene  NM
1925 Oct 13 Hist to Major Leon French  MDY
1926-June 18 Hist to Gertrude D. Evans AWF
1929 Mar 20. Hist. to Mrs. W. Carothers  A.D.Y.
1930-Oct 22 Mrs N.H. Carothers ad. that hist. was furnished her on Mar 20, 1929-EEL
Letter in case of John Warren  S.3458