Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17965, Thomas Francis, Penn.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE:   Penn.
Francis, Thomas
NUMBER:  S17965

carded
-------------------
CONTENTS [Blank]
Page 2

17965
INVALID.   [initialed]

File No.   17965
Thomas Francis
Pri Rev War

Act:  June 7" 32
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 133
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 3

Thomas Francis
of Loudoun County
Virginia

Send to G. Richards
Leesburg
Va
Page 4

State of Virginia
Loudoun County} LS

on this 3 day of October personally appeared before
me Cuthbert Powell a magistrate in & for the County
aforesaid, Thomas Francis a resident of said county & State, 
aged seventy four years and six months, who being first duly sworn
according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed 
June 7 1832. That he entered the service of the United
States under the following named officers and served as herein 
states:       

1st  I was born in Chester Co'y, ^Pitcairn Township, Pennsylvania 24 March 1759,
___ to the record in my family Bible, copied from my
Father's Bible. I continued to reside in the place of my 
Nativity, when, at that place & a little over my 17th year
^early in May 1776 enlisted for six months in a corps called the Flying Camp -
I was a private in a company commanded by Capt. John
Culberson; Lieut. Jno. Davis. The Col. of our Regt was Col.
Thomas Bull [strikethrough illegible]  We were marched into New Jersey, thro' Trenton, Princeton, 
Woodbridge, Brunswick & other places till ordered to
Fort Washington on the Hudson, some few weeks before
the British attacked that Fort: I remember I was at Fort
Washington when the Battle of the White Plains was
fought. After the attack of Fort Washington, myself
Lieut. Davis, sergeant Jonathan Paul & the other men
of our company continued to effect our escape ^from the enemy  & went home,
my [strikethrough] six month term having ^nearly expired. I continued at home
till the spring of 1777 when I removed to Warrenton, Bucks
County, to learn the trade of a Blacksmith, which I
continued to learn for about 12 mos and in April 1778 I
[Lefthand margin: 2d time of 6 mo} was cr___ted & made orderly Sergeant of a militia company
for six months tour, in a company commanded by
Capt. Geo: Ira - Jacob Donner ___ was Lewisten? and
Col. Archibald Thompson, commanded our Regiment; there was
also attacks to ___ Stewart, and Jacob Awl, adjutant
we were marched into New Jersey and did duty there as Commanded
at several points: - we were encamped for nearly a 
month at Bergen: part of the time I was ordered to
take 30 men, proceed up the Delaware and & press all the
scows, boats & canoes & bring them ___ Bristol on the ___
shore to prevent the Enemy from getting possession of them
I got about thirty boats &c & moored them at Bristol. I
was discharged in October 1778 having served out my term of
six months & went back to Warrenton, Bucks County and
Page 5

3rd
resumed my trade, which I worked at till May 1779 when I was
again drafted for six months service in a militia company as orderly sergant commanded by
Capt Peter Hartman, Lieut. John Smith and
I was attached aside as I can recollect of the 1st PA Regiment
commanded by Col Heister and Major Evans. In this service I
was in various places of N. Jersey & lay sometime at Pauley Hook
when my 6 mos term was up I was discharged & returned to Coananton in November 1779.  Early in the spring of 1780 having served out my apprenticeship I
return to the residence of my Father, in Chester Co Pikeland
Township, where I opened a shop for myself and continued to
work at my trade, till early in July 1780. I volunteered &
joined a company of Horse, as a private, commanded by [illegible]
John Vandalear and Lieut. North. We found our horses & equipment
We were employed in New Jerey and scouting parties for the
duties, and several times had fights & skirmishes with parties of
the enemy; on one occasion, while Gen'l Washington lay
at White [illegible] I remember our Company took serveral
prisoners and carried them into camp. We continued this
volunteer service for three months & returned home a few
days after Major Andre was executed according to the
best of my recollection, I state all the facts in this Declaration.
I have no documentary evidence. I recd discharge from
Capts Ira Carson and Hartman, but they have long since been lost.
I removed into Virginia in the year 1796 or there abouts and have 
continued to reside in Loudoun County for about 42 years past.
I offer the Affidavit of my Brother Enoch Francis to sustain
my statement, and the inertionary[sic] evidence of
my neighbors. (by certificates below) I hereby relinquish every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present and declare
that my name is not on the pension roll of the
Agency of any State.
Sworn and subscribed the day &
year aforesaid, before me
Thomas Francis
Cuthbert Powell J.P.
We Jos Baker, a Clergyman residing in the County 
of Loudoun, and Sydnor Bailey,
Daniel Thomas, John Gibson
residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Francis, who has subscribed and sworn
to the above declaration, that we believe him to be
seventy four years and six months old, that he is reputed
Page 6

believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been 
side of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed the day and
year aforesd before me
Cuthbert Powell, J. P.
Lor Baker
Sydnor Bailey
Daniel Thomas
John Gilson
And I, Cuthbert Powell, a magistrate of Londoun County, Va
do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of 
the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by
the War Department, that the above named applicant
was a Revolutionary Soldier { } as he states; and I find his
certify, that it appears to me, that Joseph Baker
who has signed the foregoing certificate is a 
 clergy man
resident upon the bond as of said County of Loudon, and that 
Sydnor Baily, Daniel Thomas, & John Gibson
who have his signs said certificates reside in said county,
than they all are credible persons and their statement is entitled
to credit.  And I further certify that said applicant resides
twenty-three miles from Leesburg and in consequence of the 
infirmity of Age cannot without great inconvenience
attend court in that place.
Given under my hand this 15 day of 
October 1833
Cuthburt Powell J. P. 

I Charles Binns Clerk of the County of
Loudon County, Virginia, Certify that 
Cuthbert Powell above named, and Francis
W. Luckett before whom the accompanying
affidavit of Enoch Francis was taken, are
magistrates of Loudoun County, and that the
signatures thereto purporting to be theirs are
genuine.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto affixed my seal
of office for hereunto my
name this 28 day of
October 1833
[signature] C. Binns

[left corner of page]:
Priv. of Infantry 6 mo.
Ord. Sp. [ ] - 12"
Priv. Cavalry - 3"
                    --------
                   21 mos.
Page 7

PENSION INFORMATION

No. 23719

Inscribed in the roll of Virginia at the rate of 60 dollars __ cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March,1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of March A.D. and (illegible) Geo. Richard.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1824       180.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept.         30.00
     (total)                                               210.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Nath Rice, Clerk
Book:  E    Vol. 6 1/2   Page: 13
Page 8

[Blank]
Page 9

Virginia
Loudoun County. SS

Be it known that this day personally came before me F. W. Luckett a magistrate of the said County Enoch Francis a resident of this County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath made the following affidavit -  I was born on 7th January 1766 - being nearly seven years younger than my Brother Thomas Francis - I well remember my Brother Thomas was in the Revolutionary army - I was then a Boy of (illegible) I distinctly remember his being in the army, yet I cannot recollect when or where he enlisted or was drafted, or how long he served.  I remember my Brother going from home to Bucks County Pa., to learn his trade.  I also remember Col.Bull mentioned by my Brother.  He had rented a calibrated Furnace in that day called Warrick or Werrick Furnace.  I was once employed by Col. Bull to repair a ? Furnace - I am a mill wright by Trade - I remember Capt. Ira, Capt. Culberson Sergeant (illegible) Paul lived next door neighbor to my Father.  Jacob Donnerfeltzer I also once knew.  I also once knew Dr. Vandaleer & I remember that he & my Brother came one night to my Fathers (illegible) all night, this was after they had formed their troop of Horse.  I (illegible) my Brother was in that troop, but how long I cannot know.  Capt. Vandaleer was the same who married a sister of Gen'l Wayne who (illegible) Stoney parish,  I remember Capt. Hartman & Major Evans, I was at the Funeral of Evans which was very large.  See these names unfamiliar to me, but the particulars of my Brothers service I do not recollect excepting that he was for sometime in the army and was a member of Capt. Vandaleer Troop of Horses.  After the war I built a Forge for Capt. Vandaleer.  (illegible) good deal for Gen'l Mifflin at his mill, about 2 miles from Reading Town South (illegible) Schuykill near a place called Sinking Springs.  Sworn to & subscribed before me this 28th day of October 1833, and I certify that said affiant is well known to me, is a man of veracity and his statement is entitled to credit. 
 F. W. Luckett JP              Enoch Francis
Page 10

Loudoun County
Virginia  to wit

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Thomas Francis, who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith that by reason of old age & consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise Dates or length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served full six months in the Flying Camp in Pennsy'a from May to Nov. 1776 that he cannot prove the fact of his Enlistment or term of service, because his Commander & Companions in army, so far as he can remember are all Dead, and this part of his declaration must stand on the Evidence he has offered of his fair reputation, or it must be rejected.  He further saith that he was mistaken in relation to his militia term of service, but according to the best of his recollection, He was drafted three times of two months each term, while he lived with his Father & after his removal to Bucks County, Warrenton Township, he was drafted twice, two months each time, and after he became of age & was working as a Journeyman in & of Bucks County he was drafted once for two months - making his militia service twelve months of all; and for these services he claims a pension.  
Thomas Francis 

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 14th day of February 1834.
Bushrod Rust J. P.

State of Virginia
Loudoun County  ss.

I Charles Binns, Clerk of the Court of Loudoun County certify that Bushrod Rust is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name this 24th day of Feby. 1834.
C Binns
Clerk of the Court of Loudoun County
Page 11

Thomas Frances
Declaration amended
_______
Red Feb. 25. 1824
________
send to L Go. Richards
Leesburg Va.
_________
Admit as private
18 Mo.  $60
Geo. Richards, Esq
Prest
Page 12

T. Francis } appoint
Page 13

[blank]
Page 14

12,338
New york[sic]
___________________
Thomas Francis
of Norwich in the state of New york[sic]
who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Greaton | Greighton of the Mapachusets[sic] line, for the term of Three years. 1777-
___________________
Inscribed on the Roll of New york[sic] at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 24 of April 1818.
___________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 of July 1819 and Sent to Obadiah German
North Norwich Chenango City N. Y'k
____________________
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 -10 [illegible] 
                                                               82.89
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1819         48.
                                                         $   130;89

                   
                {Revolutionary claim,  }
                {Act 18th March,1818.}


Continued
Page 15

State of New York
Chenango County ss.

On this the 24 day of April in the year of Our Lord 1818 Before me Obadiah German as first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the aforesaid County personally appeared Thomas Francis a resident of Norwich in the afforesaid County who being by me first duly Sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the provision of the late Act of Congress Entitled an Act to provide for certain persons Engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War. That he the said Thomas Francis in the (illegible) of January in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven at Springfield in the State of Massachusetts Enlisted as a Soldier in the Company Commanded by Capt. Samuel Flowers in the Regiment Commanded by Col John Greighton of the Second Massachusetts Regiment for the term of three years and that he continued to Serve in Said Cooks during the above
Page 16

(illegible) of time when he was honorably discharged at Peekskill in State of New York by the aforesaid Officer and that he the said Thomas Francis has a family to Support has no property or (illegible) but the (illegible) of his (illegible) once that he is now about Sixty years of Age and is truly (illegible) and (illegible) of the assistance of his Country for Support and (illegible)
Thomas Francis

Sworn to and declared Before me the day and year afforsaid (sic)
Obadiah German

Thomas Francis
Soldier Papers
Page 17

State of New York
Chenango County} SS
On this 13th day of June 1820 personally appeared in open court being a court of record for the said County because it proceeds according to the court of the Common Law keep a record of its proceedings and has the power of fine and imprisonment Thomas Frances aged sixty one years resident in the town of Norwich County of Chenango who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary was as follows (??) enlisted on the first day of January 1777 under Capt. Samuel Flowers in a Regiment Commanded by Col. John Grayton of the Massachusetts line second Regiment for three years and was discharged at Peekskill in the State of New York on the second day of January 1780-
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and navel services of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed the date of his original declaration is 24 day of April 1818 & the number of his pension certificate is 12338-
Page 18

Schedule of Property
Real estate none
Personal property 2 cows 1 horse 3 pigs 5 small pigs 10 sheep 5 lambs 1 one horse sleigh 1 old two horse harness 1 plough 1 (??) 1 chain 2 axes 2 hoes 2 Scythes 1 cradle 1 sickle 1 fire pail kettle 1.2 pail kettle 2 dish kettles 2 spiders 1 Skillet 1.2 quart kettle 1 flue slougs pair end irons 1 trammel 1 iron shovel 7 chairs 1 table 2 chests 1 saddle 3 tin pails 1 wash tub 1 churn 4 wooden pails 1 full saddle 1 bread tray 1 little wheel 1 great wheel 1 tea kettle
The declarant is by occupation a farmer in tolerable health for his age his family consists of himself his wife aged 58 years in very bad health and unable to work one son Thomas aged 16 years
Thomas Frances
Sworn to and declared on this 13 day of June 1820 before Uri Tracy Casper M Rouser and David Bullolph Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Chenango 

Chenango County
Clerk of Office} SS
I Nathan Chamberlin Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Chenango do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and schedule thereto annexed are truly copies from the records of the said court and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is one hundred and two Dollars and Eighty one cents
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 29th day of June 1820
N. Chamberlain
Clerk

Thomas Frances
Norwich, NY.
No. 12338

notification sent to S. P. Scoville
Sherbuine, N York 29 Sept 1820
Page 19

November 8, 1934   an
XXXXXXXX

BA-J/ady
Solomon Pratt, W.17436
Thomas Francis, S.44888

Mrs. Belle B. Blanding
3442 North 14th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Dear Madam:

References is made to your letter in which you request the records of Solomon Pratt and Thomas Francis, Revolutionary War soldiers.

Their records are furnished you herein as found in the claims for pension based upon service in the Revolutionary War.

Solomon Pratt, W.17486

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Solomon Pratt are not shown.

While a resident of Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, he belonged to Captain Gould's Company of Minute Men and served at Lexington.  He enlisted; date not stated, served  eight months in Captain Crafts Massachusetts Company at Castle Williams and  repaired it after it was burnt.  He enlisted Feb February 1, 1777, served as private in Captain Thayer's Company, Colonel Jeduthan Balwin's Continental Regiment; was at the taking of Burgoyne and discharged February 1, 1779.  

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 8, 1822 at which time he was aged sixty-nine years and a resident of New Berlin, Chenango County, New York.  He formerly resided in Cummington, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  In 1824 he was living in Windham, Green County, New York, with his grandson, his name not designated.
Page 20

Solomon Pratt died May 3, 1838, in Hume, New York.
He married August 3, 1775 in Weymouth, (crossed out [illegible] County) Massachusetts, Miss Remember Bates, who was born March 4, 1756, place, and names of her parents not stated. At the time of their marriage they were both residents of Weymouth.

Soldier's widow, Remember Pratt, was allowed a pension on her application executed July 30, 1838 while a resident of Hume, Allegheny County, New York. In 1838 she was living in said Hume with Seth H. Pratt, a physician, no relationship stated.

Soldier had only one child, Thomas Pratt, his age not stated.

The widow's grandson, H.D.V. Pratt, was living in 1851, his residence and age not given.

The widow, Remember Pratt, died September 13, 1843, place not stated. There are no further family data.
*************************************************
Thomas Francis, S.44888
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Thomas Francis are not shown.

He enlisted January 1, 1777 in Springfield, Massachusetts, served as a private in Captain Samuel Flower's Company, Colonel John Greaton's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged January 2 1780.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 24, 1818 while a resident of Norwich, Chenango County, New York.

In 1830 he was aged sixty-one years, his wife, was aged fifty-eight years, her name not given, and his son, Thomas, was aged sixteen years.  There are no further family data.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Date of death not on  A.B.
Page 21

| 1907 Feby. 12 History to
A. W. Francis
___________________________
1934 Nov. 8. Hist. to Mrs.
Belle B. Blanding. [illegible] 

44868
INVALID
[illegible] 
______________
No. 44868
Thomas Francis
Priv. Rev. War.
______________
Act: 18-- March 1818.
{I}ndex: - Vol. 3, Page 180

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

Thomas Frances
Soldier papers
Greaton's Massach Regt
1777-
Bot
24 April 1818
cor:
On roll
Admitted
________
the certificate of the Judge
as to reduced circumstances
Applicant, is wanting-
Page 23

State of New York
Chenango county} SS

Josiah Horton of Sherbourne in the aforesaid County being duly Sworn according to Law depose and saith that he this deponent was personally acquainted with Thomas Francis the person who made the preceding Declaration while Engaged in the Service and under the officers as stated in the declaration of the said Thomas Francis that he this deponent frequently Saw and concerned with him the Said Thomas Francis during the Service as above stated and that this Deponent further Saith that the Said Francis was Counted a Good Soldier and that he this deponent has no doubt but the said Thomas Francis was honorably Discharged at Peekskill in the state of New York as Stated in the declaration of the said Thomas Francis and further this deponent Saith not
Josiah Horten
Sworn and Subscribed this
the 7th of May 1818 before me
Obadiah German first 
Judge of Chenango Common Pleas
Page 24

State of New York
Chenango County SS

I obadiah German first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the aforesaid county do hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the Said Thomas Francis did serve in the Revolutionary War as Stated in the Declaration of the said Thomas Francis against the Common Enemy and I now transmit with the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the pension of the aforementioned act of Congress
May the 7th 1818
Obadiah German

State of New York
Clerk Office Chenango County}
May 12th 1818} I hereby Certify that
the above named Obadiah German
Esquire Is a Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas in and for said County 
and duly authorized to act as such by 
taken the oath prescribed by Law 
for that purpose and the above I 
know to be his signature
Michael G. Bright Depllk
Page 25

State of New York
Chenango County ss

Isaac Bockee of the Town of Norwich in the afforesaid county of Chenango Being duly Sworn according to Law Deposeth and Saith that he this Deponent is well acquainted with Thomas Francis the within named aplicant and further this Deponent Saith that the Said Thomas Francis is in indigent and reduced circumstances is Truly (illegible) and (illegible) in need of the (illegible) of his Country for support and further this Deponent Saith not 
Isaac S Bockee

Sworn and Subscribed this the 29th day of April 1819 Before me 
John Noyes Judge of Chenango Common Pleas

I being Personally acquainted with Isaac S. Bockee Esq and am satisfied that he is a man of truth and veracity & that full credit may be given to the above Affidavit
John Noyes Judge
Page 26

State of New York
Chenango County ss

Judge of the court or common pleas in the aforesaid County of Chenango Do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the within named Thomas Francis is in indigent and Reduced circumstances and Stands in Need of the assistance of his Country for Support
Norwich April 29th 1819.    John Noyes Judge

State of New York
Chenango County Clerks Office ss

I certify that John Noyes Esquire was at the time of signing the within certificate a Judge of the court of common pleas in and for the County of Chenango duly authorized to act as such and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and do verily believe the signature to the said certificate to be his own proper hand writing.  Witness my hand and the Seal of said county this twenty ninth day of April Eighteen hundred & Nineteen
                 Perez Randall, Clerk
Page 27

d N. Division.             3--525.

             DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
44868              Bureau of Pensions,
Rev.                        Washington, D. C.,-----------


     In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Thomas Francis, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
__________________________________________________
Dates of ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  |[handwritten] Heringfield, Mass Janry[sic] 1, 77 dis[sic] Janry[sic] 2, 1781 at Peekskill, NY. |
LENGTH OF SERVICE. | [handwritten] 3 yrs.
RANK | [handwritten] Pvt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. |
CAPTAIN. | [handwritten] Samuel Flowers | COLONEL. | John Greaton | STATE. | 2 Mass.
________________________________________________
Battles engaged in, __________________
Residence of soldier at enlistment, ___________________
Date of application for pension, [handwritten] apl. 24, 1818.
Residence at date of application, [handwritten] Norwich, Chenango Co., N.Y.
Age at date of application, [handwritten] 60
     Remarks: [handwritten]1820 wife - 58 yrs. , son Thomas 16 yrs.

   [handwritten] to and for death

    Very respectfully,
       Commissioner.
Page 28

Free
Hon C. Calhoun
Sec. at War
Washington

M. YK. 79
Recd. 12 Aug 1820
Page 29

                                             3442 North 14th St
                                                  Milwaukee, Wis.
                                                      Oct. 11, 1934

Veteran's Administration,
    Washington DC,

 Would you Kindly send me the Revolutionary service and any family data of the following soldiers who received pension in Cheuaego [?] County, New York State: -

Solomon Pratt & Thomas Francis.

          Very Truely
          (Mrs) Belle, B. Blanding


Mrs. Belle B. Blanding 
3442 north 14th St
Milwaukee, Wis,
| [Date stamped] 
                                  RECEIVED
                                  OCT 18 193[?]
                                  MAIL [illegible] DIV
                                  [illegible] 21
Page 30

601 E. George St. Marion O. Jan. 29-06

Pension Department  July 22, 19
Washington D.C.   12338

Gentlemen
I would like to find out the Christian name of my great grandfather Frances.
He was a Revolutionary Soldier, drew a
pension until his death at Chenango N.Y. and
was, I think a guard over Lord Cornwallis
after his surrender.
If you are able to ascertain by means
of your records please advise me, and also
give me any additional data you may have
Yours very truly
A. W. Francis

[Round Stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
A
JAN 31 1907

[Round Stamp]
O.W. & N. DIV.
FEB 1 1907
FREE
Page 31

(3-1778)    
SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.   Francis, Thomas   S. 17965
ON
_________________
carded
CONTENTS
Page 32

17965
INVALID.
File No. 17965
Thomas Francis
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 32
Index: Vol. 1, Page 133
Arrangement of 1870
Page 33

Thomas Francis
of Loudoun County
Virginia
_________
send to Go. Richards
Leesburg
Va
Page 34

State of Virginia }
Loudoun County } SS.

On this 3 day of October personally appeared before me Cuthbert Powell a magistrate in & for the County aforesaid, Thomas Francis a resident of said County & State, aged seventy four years and six months, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration,  in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein states:
                  Pikeland Township
1st I was born in Chester Co. Pennsylvania 24 March 1759, according to the record in my family Bible, copied from my Father's Bible.  I continued to reside in the place of my Nativity, when, at that place & a little over my 17th year 
                                                        ^ Early in May 1776 I enlisted for six months in a corps called the Flying Camp - I was a private in a company, commanded by Capt. John Culberson; Lieut. Jno. Davis. The Col. of Regt.  was Col. [strikethrough illegible] Thomas Bull we were marched into New Jersey, thro' Trenton, Princeton, Woodbridge; Brunswick & other places till ordered to Fort Washington on the Hudson, some few weeks before the British attacked that Fort: I remember I was at Fort Washington, when the Battle of the White Plains was fought.  After the attack of Fort Washington, myself, [side note {6 mo. Pri.}] Lieut. Davis, Sargeant Jonathan Paul, and the other men from Company continued to effect our escape^ from the enemy, & went home, my [word struck] six month term having ^nearly expired.  I continued at home till the Spring of 1777 when I removed to Warrenton. Buck County to learn the Trade of a Blacksmith, which I continued to learn for about 12 mos and in April 1778 I was [illegible] & made [illegible] Orderly Sargeant of a militia company for six months tour, [lefthand margin {2d time of 6 mos.}] in a company commanded by Capt. Geo: Ira - Jacob Donnerfeltzer was  Lieutenant and Col. Archibald Thompson, commanded our Regiment; there was also attached to it a Major Stewart, and Jacob Arol, adjutant.  We were marched into New Jersey and did duty there as commanded, at several points: - we were encamped for nearly a month at Bergen:  part of the time I was ordered to take 30 men, proceed up the Delaware & to [illegible]  scows, boats and canoes & bring them down to Bristol on the [unknown] shore, to prevent the Enemy from getting [unknown] of them. I got about thirty boats to & moored them at Bristol.  I was discharged in October 1778 having served out my term of six months & went back to Warrenton, Buck County, and
Page 35

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]  

3rd [A note in the left-hand margin]

Resumed my Trade, which I worked at till May 1779 when I was again drafted for six months Service in a militia company as orderly Sergeant, commanded by Capt Peter Hartman, Sent John Smith and was [illegible] as it as I can recollect to the 1st Pa.  Regim’t. commanded by Col Heiston &  Major Evans.

AS 6 mo.  [A note in the left-hand margin]

In this service was in various places of N. Jersey & lay sometime at Paulus Hook when my 6 mos. term was up.  I was discharged & returned to Canton in early November 1779: 

Early in the spring of 1780 have served out my apprenticeship I returned to the residence of my Father, in Chester Coy. Pikeland Township, when I opened a shop for myself & continued to work at my Trade, till early in July 1780.  I volunteered & joined a company of Horse, as a private, commanded by John Vanderlear & Sent North. We found our horses & equipment.  

Priv. Cavy 3 mo.  [A note in the left-hand margin]

We were employed in New Jersey and Scouting parties & other duties, and several times had slight Skirmishes with parties of the enemy; on one occasion, while Genl. Washington lay at White Marsh I remember our Company took several prisoners & carried them into camp.  we continued this Volunteer service for three worth & returned home a few days after Major Andre was executed according to the best of my recollection. 

I state all the facts in this Declaration I have no documentary evidence. I recd. discharges from Capts. Ira and Hartman, but they have long since been lost.  I removed to Virginia [‘in the year 78 or thereabouts’ inserted] and have continued to reside in London County for about 42 years past---  I offer the Affidavit of my Brother Enoch Francis to sustain my statement, and the traditionary evidence of (See certificate below) my neighbors. 

I hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of the Agency of any State.  

xThomas Francis

Sworn and subscribed the day & Year aforesaid, before me Cuthbert Powell J.P.

We, Jos. Baker a Clergyman residing in the County of Loudon, and Sydney Bailey   Daniel Thomas    John Gibson residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Francis, who has subscribed and sworn the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy four years and six months old, that he is reputed and
Page 36

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

believe in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we [illegible] in that opinion. 

Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesd before me Cutht A Powell JP.

Jn Baker
Sydney Bailey
Daniel Thomas
John Gibson

And I, Cuthbert Powell a magistrate of Loudon County, do hereby declare my 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 & served as he states; and I [illegible due to crease] certify, that it appears to me, that Joseph Baker who has given the foregoing certificate is a clergyman resident within the border of said County of Loudon, and that Sidney Bailey   Daniel Thomas & John Gibson who have also signed said certificate reside in said County, that they all are credible persons & their statement is entitled to credit. 

And I further certify that said applicant resides Twenty + three miles from [illegible], and in consequence of the infirmities of Age, cannot without great inconvenience attend Court in that place.    

 Given under my hand this 15 day of October 1833. 

Cuthbert Powell J.P.      

I Charles Binns Clerk of the County Cout of Loudon County, Virginia, certify that Cuthbert Powell above named, and Francis W. Luckett before whom the accompanying affidavit of Enoch Francis was taken, are magistrates of London County, and that the signatures thereto purporting to be theirs are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of office & written my name this 28 day of october 1833---
C. Binns

[A round seal embossed through the paper is faintly visible; the following information is written in the bottom left-hand corner of the document]

Priv. of Infantry    6 mo.
Ord. Sgt. [illegible mark]   12 ''
Priv. Cavalry                        3 ''
                                       21 mos.
Page 37

Virginia 23719
Thomas Francis
of Loudoun in the State of VA
who was a pri in the
by Captain of the Regt.
by Col: Bull in the VA
line for 18 months.
No. 23719
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia-
at the rate of-60-Dollars--Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March,1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of March 24.
and [illegible] Geo: Richards
Present
Arrears to the 4th of March 1824 180
Semi-anl. allowance ending [illegible] Sept.  30
210
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
[ecorded] by Nathan Rice  [Cler]
[ook] E Vol. [illegible] Page 13
Page 38

[A file jacket, writing on the right side]

Thomas Francis
of Loudoun County  28089
Virginia
----------
sent to Geo. Richards, Leesburg, Va. (his attoy)
Page 39

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

Virginia                }
Loudon County    }  SS

Be it known that this day personally came before me F. W. Luckett a magistrate of the said County, Enoch Francis a resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to Land doth on his oath make the following affirmation ---  

I was born in January 1766 -- being nearly seven years younger than my Brother Thomas Francis --  I well remember my Brother Thomas was in the Revoluty army -- I was then a Boy of 
[illegible]   I am [illegible] remember his being in the army, yet I cannot rest when or when he enlisted, or was drafted, or how long he served.  

I remember my Brother going from home to Bucks County, PA to learn his trade.  I also remember Col. Bull mentiond by my Brother, He had rented a celebrated Furnase that day, called Warwick or Warrick Furnase   I was once employed by Col Bull to repair sd Fernace -- I am a millwright by trade -- I remember Capt. Ira & Capt. Culberson, Sergeant Jonathan Paul lived nextdoor neighbor to my Father --- 

Jacob Donnerfeltzer I also well knew.  I also well knew Dr Vandelear & I remember that he & my Brother came one right to my Father & staid all right, this was after they had formed the Troop of Horse, I recollect my Brother was in that Troop, but how long I do not know.  Capt. Vandelear was the same who married a Sister of Genl Wayne who stormed Stony point.  I remember Capt. Hartman & Major Evans, I was at the Funeral of Evans which was very large.   All these names be familiar to me, but the particulars of my Brothers Service I do not recollect, excepting that he was for sometime in the army, and was a member of Capt Vandelear Troop of Horse. 

After the war I built Forge for Capt. Vandalear.  I entered a good deal for Gov Mifflin at his mill, about 2 miles from Reading Town South Side Schuykill, a place called Sinking Spring.  

Enoch Francis

sworn to & subscribed before me this 28th day of October 1833. and I certify, and I certify that said affiant is a man of veracity and his statement is entitled to credit

 F. W. Luckett JP
Page 40

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

Fauquier County  }
Virginia                } to wit 

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Thomas Francis, who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith that by reason of old age & consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise [“Dates or” inserted] length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served full six months in the Flying Camp in Penny from May to Nov 1776

that he cannot port the fact of his enlistment or term of service, because his commander & companions in arms, so far as he can remember are all dead, and this part of his declaration must stand on the Evidence he has offered of his fair reputation, or it must be rejected.  

He further saith that he was mistaken in relating his militia terms of service, but according to the best of his recollection, He was drafted three times of two months each term, while he lived with his Father & after his removal to Brooks County, Warrenton Township, he was [illegible] times, two month each time and after he became of age was working as a Journeyman in Bucks County he was drafted once for his two month -- making his militia service twelve months for all: and for these services he claims a pension. 

Thomas Frances 

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 14th day of February 1834 

Bushrod Rust J.P. 

State of Virginia         } 
Loudon County          } 

I, Charles Binns, Clerk of the Court of Loudon County certify that Bushrod Rust is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.   In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed my Seal of office & subscribed my name this 2[illegible] day of Feby 1834.


C Binns
Clerk of the Court of Loudon County
Page 41

[A file jacket, on the left side]

Thomas Frances
Declaration amended
-----------
Feb. 21. 1834
-----------
Send to Go. Richards
Leesburg Vr.
-----------
Admit as private
18 Mo     $60


Geo. Richards, Esq
Prest.
Page 42

T. Francis} affidavit