Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5335, for William May, Virginia
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
VA
May, William
Rhoda
NUMBER
W. 5335
CONTENTS
Page 2

501 [Illegible]
Georgia
Rhoda May
widow of William May VA
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Priv & Dragoon
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
50 Dollars
-Cents per annum, to commence
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of Augt 1849
and sent to
John N. Bellinger
Decatur Georgia
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under
February 2, 1848, Page 212 Vol [Illegible]
Page 3

26675
East Tennessee
William May
of McMinn in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the con commanded
by Captain Dillard of the reg commanded
by Col Henry in the Virginia
line for 10 months of land duty
4  "  " of cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee
at the rate of 50 Dollars - Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of April
1834 and Hay James
Standifer H H
Arrears to the 4th of March 150.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 25.00
$175.00

⎨ Revolutionary Claim, ⎬
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by [Illegible] Bayd Clerk.
Book E Vol. 7 Page 53
Page 4

State of Tennessee
McMinn County 

On this 2nd day of August 1833 personally appered before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County afforesaid William May a resident of the County of Murray State of Georgia aged Sixty nine years who being first duly sworn according to Law doath on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832 that he entered the service of the United States and served in the grades hereafter mentioned - - that he entered the service as a private soldier in the fall 1779 or 1780 as a Substitute for John Bolt in Capt John Dillards Company in the State of Virginia Henry County and marched through Stoakes and Rowan Counties North Carolina after the Tories and returned to Henry County and was dismissed from said Company though not discharged which Tour he was entitled to a credit of three months that he was in active service Lieutenant Sommers and Robert Bolt are the subaltern officers in said County and under the Imediate command of his Exelincy Patrick Henry of said State, he also entered as well as he now recolects in the year 1780 in the spring of said year as a private and served as such under Capt Hamby for one month and served as such said period marched from Henry County through Stokes County and Martin County North Carolina stationed on the Yadkin River against the Tories had no battles and returned home and was dismissed from said Company a man by the name of Smith Lieutenant in said Company but dare not recollect who was Ensign he also volunteered or enlisted in Capt John Dillards Company for one year marched from Henry County as aforesaid through Stokes County crossed Yadkin River at the shallow ford met a corps of our men who had a battle with the Tories then to the battle ground then crossed Hunting Creeke and stationed near said creek.  Then marched up the Yadkin while we were there we heard of we heard of Fergusons Defeat which took place about 20 miles distant from us afterwards we returned home to Henry Cty
Page 5

and was dismissed from said service but dose not know whether he received a discharge or not he states that in this Servise he was a mounted gun man - he also Substituted in the Room of Joseph Morris in Capt Peter Hastings Company in Henry County va and marched through Pitsylvania Bedford garding the British and Tories prisoners which were taken at the Battle of the Cowpens and was dismissed near new London we give up the persons to another gard who met us there to receive them then marched home to Henry County Va and was dismissed he served as a private in said company which Tour was a three months Tour he also states they were verry fearful of Gen Tarleton and sometimes run the prisoners off the road to keep them out of the way of Tarleton and believes the Battle at Guilford Courthouse was faught during this Servise - in the year 1781 as well as he recollects he was drafted in Haman Crites Company as a private Soldier in Henry County Va and Served as such in said Company a Tour of at least three months marched through Pitsylvania and Halifax Crossed Staunton at Bookens ferry through Sharlotte Private Edward Paveston Petersburgh apamatose  Gabbin paint crossed James River at the Mabin Hills and Joined the Rigmaint at that peace Commanded by Gen Lawson General Stephens also Commanded a Reigment in said [illegible] under the Imediate Command of Gen. Delayfayette marched up towards Richmond Chickehomany and went to Johnstons old fields and was discharged there as his term of Servise had expired said discharge is lost or mislaid he does not know what has become of it - after which time he was drafted as a private Soldier in Capt Rubles Company a man by the name of Banton was Lieutenant in said Company marched from Henry County on to Williams Burgh and joined Washingtons army and marched to Little York and fought through the Seige of York and was discharged the day after the British Surrender to Washington previous to our Joining Washington, army Capt Rubles Company was larger than the Regulations Required and I was Transferred into Capt James Peale Company and Served in Major Boyce Battalian  General Lawson Gen Wayne Gen Layfayette was [illegible] Gen Washington
Page 6

had the Command and says he had the Honour of seeing Lord Corn Wallace and his men surrender themselves prisoners of war to Gen Washington and his army there was an opening made near where the french troops was and Corn Wallace marched his army out we formed a line on each side and marched with them I did not see Washington and Wallace meet being at two grate a distance to see them the British was ordered to ground arms they did do - When they marched out they had their drums muffled and followed the dead march The [illegible] then marched back to York tavern and gardes of as the night and days he seen them march out next day he then left the place being discharged by Jessee Winningham orderly Sargent in said Company who was authorised to discharge him by Capt Poteet a Tour of not less than four months - he hereby Relinquishes Any Claim Whatever to a pentian or annuity Excepting the present and declares that his name is not on the pention Role of any agency of any State - he also states the reason that he applied to the Court in McMinn County Tennessee and not in Murry County Georgia is that he made application in Murry County where he lived and the Court was no other person there knew how the declaration was to be taken it being a new County and lately organized and all new officer and inexperianced in their dutyes and that he had hearetofore lived on [illegible] and was well known there and could get persons to certify to his Character easier there than where he now lives further there is no preacher of the gospel near where he now lives and he is acquainted with a number of them hear who can testify for him and that he lives at no grate distance from the Tennessee line and could obtain his money easier in Tennessee than in Georgia
Page 7

also that the onely proof that he knows of is in the County by which he can prove any of his servises by to (witt) John May

William May

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 2nd. day of Sept 1833

A R Turk Clerk

I A. R. Turk Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter session of McMinn County afforesaid do hearby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of said Court in the matter of the application of Wm. May for a pention in Testimony whereof I had hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at office in Athens this 15th Sep 1833

A R Turk Clerk
Page 8

was dismissed sooner, Secondly I enlisted under Capt Hamby for a Tour of three months but I Believe I did not Serve all the time as we were dismissed, thirdly I volunteered under Capt Dilland for one year but was dismissed Sooner, fourthly I substituted in Peter Hantons Company for three month but dismissed sooner I was drafted in Capt Crites Company and Served in said Company as a private Soldier for three months, I then was drafted in Capt Rubles Company Transferred to Petiels and Served as said of at least four months

5th State the names of Some of the Regular officers who ware with the troops whare you served: Such continental and militia Reigements as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your services
Answer Patrick Henry Comman me in the first Tour and in the two Second Tours Capt Abraham Penn Commanded by Genl Washington last but one I was commanded by Genl Larson - We ware after the Torries all the Taurr Except the two last we ware after the British this is all that I now recollect about it at present

6th did you Eaver receive a discharge from the Service and if So what has become of it and by whome was it given
Answer Received three discharges as well as I now recollect - one of them signed by Capt Crite one Signed by Some person I do not recollect by who [illegible] Capt Hamby they ware Boath losted or mislaid I also received one from Lefase Winningham which is hearin enclosed

7th State the names of persons to whome you are
Page 9

Interrogations

1st where and in what year were you born

I was born in Essex County VA on the 3d day of May 1764

2 have you any record of your age and if so where is it

Answer I have a record of my age in my house at this time thick I transcribed from my father’s Bible

3 Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live

Answer I was living in Henry County Virginia when called into service I removed from Henry County about 8 years after the War, Union County South Carolina and settled and Brand River near the mouth of Picketer and lived these 6 years and from thence I removed to Buncombe County North Caroline 8 miles from Asheville on the coattend of Swanner Maud from thence I removed to Blount County Tennessee from thence to Hiwassee River in the Cherokee Nation and was permitted as a Ferryman on said River by Gen Government for several years thence removed to Chattahoochee and kept a ferry on said river known by the name of James Ferry thence removed to what is now Murray County in the State of Georgia where I now reside

4th how were you called in to service, were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom

answer I substituted a tour of three months but
Page 10

Interrogations

1st where and in what year were you born

I was born in Essex County VA on the 3d day of May 1764

2 have you any record of your age and if so where is it

Answer I have a record of my age in my house at this time thick I transcribed from my father’s Bible

3 Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live

Answer I was living in Henry County Virginia when called into service I removed from Henry County about 8 years after the War, Union County South Carolina and settled and Brand River near the mouth of Picketer and lived these 6 years and from thence I removed to Buncombe County North Caroline 8 miles from Asheville on the coattend of Swanner Maud from thence I removed to Blount County Tennessee from thence to Hiwassee River in the Cherokee Nation and was permitted as a Ferryman on said River by Gen Government for several years thence removed to Chattahoochee and kept a ferry on said river known by the name of James Ferry thence removed to what is now Murray County in the State of Georgia where I now reside

4th how were you called in to service, were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom

answer I substituted a tour of three months but
Page 11

was dismissed sooner, secondly I enlisted under Capt Hamby for a tour of three months but I believe I did not serve all the time as we were dismissed, thirdly I volunteered under Capt Dillard for one year but was dismissed sooner, fourthly I substituted in Peter Harton’s Company for three month but dismissed sooner I was drafted in Capt Crites Company and served in said Company as a private soldier for three months I then was drafted in Capt Rublies Company transferred to Peters and served a tour of at least four month

5th 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 service

Answer Patrick Henry command me in the first four and in the two second tour Coln Abraham Person commanded and the last tour I was Commanded by Genl Washington last but one was commanded by Genl Lawson we were after the Tories all the tours except the two last we were after the British this is all that I now recollect about it at present

6th did you ever receive a discharge from the Service and if so what has become of it and by whom was it given

Answer I received three discharge as well as I now recollect one of them signed by Capt Crite one signed by some person I not recollect by who unless by Capt Hamby the ware bouts lapsed or mislaid I also received one from [Illegible] Winningham which is herein enclosed

7th state the names of persons to whom you are
Page 12

known in your present Neighbourhood who can Testify as to your character for veracity and thein belief of your services as a Revolutionary Soldier

Answer there is verry few persons in my present neighbourhood that are white men as the County is just settling but I am well acquainted with James Barnett [Illegible] Sheriff Amas Barnett also with John Williams also with Joshua Roach also with Judges, Robert Reed and Oats-
I am intimately acquainted in the County of
McMinn with the Reverend Obadiah Balding also the Reverend John Balding also with Coln Henry Bradford also with Robert Sloan Esqr also with Jacob Moore Esqr also with Samuel McConnell Esqr also with Robert Hood also with Levi Bailey who can testify as to my character and their belief of my services in the Revolutionary war

I do certify that I am well acquainted with William May the above applicant for twelve years and do believe him to be sixty nine years of age and do believe he performed the Revolutionary services and is justly entitled to the pension as asked for he is a man of the strictest veracity sworn to and subscribed
this 2 Sept 1833
Obadiah Balding local
preacher of the Methodist Church

A.R. Turlo Clerk

Answer to Columbus Ten
Page 13

FAMILY
BIRTHS.
William May was born
In the year of our Lord
on the 3rd May 1764
Rhoda May was born
the 8th February 1765
Orpah May was born
the 6th day 1784
John May was born
the 13th January 1786
Daniel May was born
the 16th April 1788
William May Junior was born
the 11th January 1790
Ruth may was born
the 6th October 1792
Maryann May was born
the 8th February 1795
[Illegible] 1797
James May was born
the 29th April 1800
Page 14

Declaration of Rhoda May

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows 

State of Tennessee
Polk County

On this 6th day of May 1844 personally appeared in open Court before the Court was sitting Mrs. Rhoda May a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to bear oath in her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act providing half pay and pension to certain widows That she is the widow of William May who was a  soldier in the Virginia Militia in the war of the Revolution that the aforesaid Wm May claim a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832 of $50 for his said service she further declares that she was married to the said Wm May on the day of July seventeen hundred and Eighty three  That her husband the aforesaid Wm May died on the 4th day of March 1844 that she was not married to him prior to his having the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time sworn stated that she is still a widow which will more fully appear by the testimony hereunto enest 

Rhoda May(her x mark

State of Tennessee Polk County } ss

May term 1844 County Court on this day personally appeared in open Court before the Court Mrs
Page 15

Rhodea May and the said Court do hereby swear their opinion after the investigation then the aforesaid Mrs. Rhodea May is entitled to the benefits of the acts of Congress asked for and hereby concur the Clerk to endorse this approval in the papers

Robert H McConnell
Chairman

State of Tennessee Polk County} ss

I James Park Clerk of the County Court of Polk County do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings are the original proceedings had and approved of by the County Court of Polk County at its May term 1844 relative to the declaration of Mrs Rhodea May to obtain the benefits of acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Office in Benton this 6th day of May 1844

James Parks Clk
Page 16

State of Tennessee Polk County } ss

On this 6th day of May 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Mr. Daniel May aged fifty six years and after being first duly sworn according to Law doth in his oath make the following affidavit that he is well acquainted with Mrs Rhodea May at this time a resident of this Polk County and was also well acquainted with her husband Wm May and knew them the aforesaid Wm and Rhodea May to live together as man and wife from his affiants first introduction and never heard the marriage disputed  Affiant further declares that the family record [illegible] to Mrs Rhodea Mays declaration he saw transcribed from the original many years ago when but a boy going to school in the year eighteen hundred and four and affiant has every reason to believe the word to be a true record of the births of the children born to Wm and Rhodea May he further declares that the aforesaid Mrs. Rhodea May is still a widow

Daniel May

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and I further certify that full faith and credit is given to his Daniel Mays statements In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 6th day of May Eighteen hundred and forty four

Robert H McConnell
Justice of the peace Polk County

State of Tennessee Polk County } s
I James Park Clerk of the County Court of Polk County do hereby certify that Rob H McConnell was a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
Page 17

State of Tennessee Polk County }
I James Parks clerk of the county Court of Polk County certify that Andrew R Stephenson, Esq, whoes Signature appears to the foregoing certificate apperars in his own proper hand writing and is and was at the time of signing the same an [illegible] Justice of the peace for my County duly Commissioned and qualified according to Law
Given under my and and seal of office at office in Bentar this 6 day of May 1844 James Park Clerk
I, J W Blackwell, Rep in the 28th Congress of the [illegible] from Tennessee do certify that James Parks whose name appears to the above certificate was a thte time it bears date, Clerik of the county Court of Polk Co Ten duly elected and qualified according to law, and that the signature appeard to be genuine. Given under my hand this 31st May 1844.
J.W. Blackwell
Page 18

11167 May
State of Tennessee Polk County } ss
On this 6th day of Mary 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace Mr Wm Baley a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty two on the 10th day of July next who being fist duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the follwing affidavit that he is well aquinted with Mrs Rhodea May and at this time his neighbor to her and was also well acquainted with her husband Mr May from before the close of the war of the Revolution affiant knew them the aforesaid Wm and Rhodea May to live together as man and wife for sixty years and never had the marriage disputed affiants had a son born on the 8th day of June seventeen hundred and thirty two at wich time and for several years before the aforesaid Wm and Rhodea May were recognized as man and wife Wililam Baley his x mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and I further certify that fulll faith and order is gven to his Wm Belays statements in witness where I have hereunto set my and this 6t day of May Eighteen hundred and forty four
Andrew N Stephensen seal Justice of the peace for Polk County Ten
Page 19

William May Tennessee
[illegible] 1780 per [illegible]
[illegible]14 _
Pr [illegible] 10 #33.33
R [illegible] 4 16.66
50.09
12 mo priv. [illegible]
[illegible]
Hon J Standefor
Athens Tennessee
Page 20

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 that is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed,  you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (those: } ). You will, when you return your papers to his Deparment, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the ivestigation of your calim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of William May

Period when the service was rendered | Duration of the claimant's service. Year.s | Months. | Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported.

1780 | | 3 | | Pr. | Cap Dillard Pat. Henry | 69 Va. | Traditionary
" |  | 1 | . |  |  "  |  |  |
 | 1 | . | . | P. | Capt Dillard Should state the name of the col. & prove the service see note:  |  |  | 
" |  | 3 |   |"  |  |  |  |
" |  | 3 |   | " |  |  |  |
: If this were militia service it is proved he served as a minute man In that case the thime that he was engaged in the performance of actual service should only be set forth.
I am respectfully your obedient servant, J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 21

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE, 1832. 
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, mucicians 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, 1852. 
On this  day of  personally appeared (a) before  A. B. a resident (b) of  in the country 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) served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officer : 
[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 battle, 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 the Agency in the State of 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. 
[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 day 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
Page 22

3
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 atempted ; 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? and there 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
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.
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 enquiry 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 thedeclaration 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.

[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 confirming 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  - . For _ months and _ days, I served as a _ ; and for such services I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the person to which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the sale 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 yearsin 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
with 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 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 sear 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 may 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 be and the official character and signature of the authority of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office
[finger pointing icon] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is [j] note 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.
Page 23

June 2, 1939.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/ady
William May
W. 5335
Mr. Sidney C. Rymer
Grover
Utah

Dear Sir:

The data contained herein were obtained from
the papers on file in the Revolutionary War
claim for pension, W.5335, based upon the military service of William May in that war.

William May was born May 3, 1784, in Essex
County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not stated.

While a resident of Henry County, Virginia, he
enlisted in the fall of 1779 or 1780 and served
about three months as private in Captain John
Dillard's Virginia Company. He enlisted in the
spring of 1780 and served about one month as private in Captain Hamby's Company, Colonel Abram Penn's Virginia Regiment. He then enlisted and served at least four months as a mounted gunman in Captain Dillard's Company, Colonel Abram Penn's Virginia
Regiment. About the time of the battle of Guilford he enlisted and served about three months as private in Captain Peter Hasting or Haston's Virginia Company. He enlisted in 1781 and served three months as private in Captain Haman Crite or Cryte's Company, Colonel Stephens' Virginia Regiment. He
enlisted, served not less than four months as private in Captains Rubles' and James Poteet's Companies, Colonel Stephens' Virginia Regiment, was in the siege of Yorktown and was discharged October 20, 1781.

About eight years after the war he moved from Henry County, Virginia, to Union County, South Carolina, six years later he moved to Buncombe County, North Carolina, then moved to Blount County, Tennessee,
then on Hiwassee River in the Cherokee Nation, then on Chattahoochee River and then to what later became Murray County, Georgia.

He was allowed pension on his application exe-
Page 24

executed August 2, 1833 while a resident of Murray County, Georgia. His application was executed in McMinn County, Tennessee.

He died March 4, 1844, place not stated.

Soldier married in July 1783, place not
given, Rhoda, born February 3, 1765. Her maiden name and the place of her birth are not stated.

Soldier's widow, Rhoda May, was allowed
pension on her application executed May 6, 1844, while a resident of Polk County, Tennessee.

In 1849 she was living in DeKalb County,
Georgia, where she had lived two years.

The names of the children of William May
and his wife Rhoda are shown as follows:
Orpah May born May 6, 1784
John May " January 13, 1786
Daniel May " April 16, 1788
William May " January 11, 1790
Ruth May " October 8, 1792
Mary Ann May " February 8, 1795
Asa May " October 29, 1797, lines drawn through his name and date of birth.
James May " April 29, 1800

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 25

1933 Aug. 2. Hist to Zella Armstrong see her letter in William Town W 31 A.D.Y
1939 June12, Hist to Signey C. Rymer ADy
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File no. 5335 Rhoda May Widow Wm May Prt. Rev: War
Act: Feby. 2n 48
Index: _ Vol. N, Page 3
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 26

Camp [illegible] Oct 25 1781
Wililam May a soldier in my Compy of Miliita from henry County is [illegible] Discharged from the present tour of Duty Given under my hand
James Poteet Cap
Page 27

Grover, Utah
Apr. 5, 1939

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:-
I would appreciate
very much if you would send
to me a the Pension records
of John May and William May.
I find John May 1832 list age
73: served in Virginia line;
drew pension in McMinn County
William May, 1832 list age 70:
also 1840 census; served in
Virginia line; drew pension
in 1832 in McMinn County,
drew pension in 1840 in Polk
County. I would be pleased
Page 28

receive the pension records
of these two individuals as
I wish to learn more about
them. Am enclosing a self
addressed envelope for your
reply.  Ret Apr 11
If there are any fees for this
send it along with the reply.
Thanking you in advance.
Yours Respectfully
Sidney C. Rymer
Grover
Wayne Co.
Utah

RECEIVED
APR 10 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV
VETS ADM
READER
17
Page 29

Mr Cole
The written voucher
on the first ob
The Second of
have been sent
to 3 and for
part of the
pension
[illegible J D Wilson]
Page 30

Novemtner May 26th 1849
John N Bellenger
Dr Sir I am sorry to have to return the papers in the case of Mrs. May, as the Agent informs me that 14 No having elapsed since the pension became due she will have to make application at Washington City there
yours [illegible] Jos L Sing
I have been sick or should have attended to it sonner
Page 31

No 1 Rhoda May Ten:
Act 7 July 38
d. 4 March 44!
rejected
ACt 7 June 44
aomd
10. pri.
4 Dragoon
50 from 4 march 44 the day of her husbands death
Hon Jos Blackwell Athens Ten:
Page 32

Let to Mrs Green Dec 11. '44
13 July Let to Hon [illegible] Blackwell
May 2nd 1845
{illegible] Green May 10 '45
sent to J. A Daugh Sept 22 . 49
let to 3 [illegible] Aug 8 1849
1 Knoxville Tennessee
Rhoda May widow of William May who was a P. & Dragoon in the Va Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 50 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March , 1844
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of July 1844 and sent to Hon J W Blackwell Athens Tenn
[Act of June 17, 1844]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 220
Page 33

June 12, 1939.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Sidney C. Rymer, Grover, Utah.
BA-J/CC John May R. 7051
William May W.5335
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John and William May who drew pensions in McMinn County, Tennessee.
You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War records of John May, R. 7051, and William. May, W.5335, as found in the pension files of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 34

William May W.5335
The data given below were obtained from the papers on file in the above noted claim for pension.
William May was born May 3, 1764 in Essex County, Virginia.Names of parents not stated.
While a resident of Henry County, Virginia, he enlisted in the fall of 1779 or 1780 and served about three months as a private in Captain John Dillard's Virginia Company. He enlisted in the spring of 1780 and served about one month as a private in Captain Hamby's Company, Colonel Abram Penn's Virginia Regiment. He then enlisted and servied at least four months as a mounted gunman in Captain Dillard's Company, Colonel Abram Penn's Virginia Regiment. About the time of the battle at Guilford he enlisted and served about three months as a private in Captain Peter Hastings or Haston's Virginia Company. He enlisted in 1781 and served three months as a private in Captain Haman Crite or Cryte's Company, Colonel Stephens' Virginia Regiment. He enlisted, served not less than four mnoths as a private in Captains Rubles' and James Poteet's Companies, Colonel Stephens' Virginia Regiment, was in the siege of Yorktown and was discharged October 20, 1781.
About eight years after the war he moved from Henry County, Virginia, to Union County, South Carolilna, six years later he moved to Buncombe County, North Carolina, then moved to Blount County, Tennessee, then on Hiwassee River in the Cherokee Nation, then on Chattahoochee River and then to what later became Murray County, Georgia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 2, 1833 while a resident of Murray County, Georgia. His application was executed in McMinn County, Tennessee.
He died March 4, 1844, place not stated.
Soldier married in July 1783, place not stated, Rhoda, born February 3, 176. Her maiden name and place of her birth are not given. She was allowed pension on her application executed May 6, 1844 whild a resident of Polk County, Tennessee.
In 1849 she was living in DeKalb County, Georgia, where she had lived two years.
Page 35

Date of widows death not on A.B.
The names of the children of William May and his wife Rhoda are shown as follows:
Orpah May born May 6, 1784.
John May " January 13, 1786.
Danilel May " April 16, 1788.
William May " January 11, 1790.
Ruth May " October 8, 1792.
Mary Ann May " February 8, 1795.
Asa May " October 29, 1797, lines drawn through his name and date of birth.
James May " April 29, 1800.

Miss Zella Armstrong 605 East Eighth Street Chattanooga, Tennessee
Page 36

6706 NW 25 44
com
Tenn.
Mar 3 1843
Rhoda May
[illegible]
J.L. Edwards commissioner of Pensions Washington
Page 37

Richmond 21 Nov 1844.
Col J.L. Edwards. Comm of Pensions,
Sir. Enclosed is the application of Rhoda May widow of Wm May, for her pension under acts 3 March 1843 & 17 June 1844. She has recd or applied for her pension she says of $50 under act of 7 July 1838. I do not understand that it was ever allowed. She is from Polk county Tennessee.
If any thing be wanting please inform
Yr. obt servt Thomas Green
P.S. She says her husbnad died in March 1844 _ This I presume is a mistake _ if not, the claim must be [illegible] under the act 7 July 1838.
Page 38

[illegilbe] 4 48 
Th Green Rich
Col J. L. Edwards commr of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Page 39

Col. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions

Richmond 2 April 1845

Sir,
Your favor of 12th Decr last relative
to Rhoda May application for a pension, under act 3 March 1843 & 7 July 1838 is before me. The late act of Congress, relieves the case of the objections that were valid at the date of your letter. She was from Tennessee.
Allow me to ask your attention to the case &
that the certificate may be sent to
yr. obt servt Th. Green
Page 40

Washington City 7th Sept 1847
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir I herewith enclose you the affidavit Becky May of the State of Tennessee for the beneift of the "Pension [illegible] in her case made & provided. as she is poor & needy, your earliest [illegible] will be very abliging I am very Respectfully your obt svt S. A. Pengle
Page 41

Athens 5th Apl 1834
DrSir
I send you herewith enclosed the Claims  of John V Wiliam May for a pension to which they particularly request your attention believeing if you will present their claim they will be allowed much sooner than if sent directly to the Dept for investigation I presume you are acquainted with them but whether or not I know that you will attend to thier Cases One of them particularly Wm needs his and if they served in the Army of the Revolution whether they are [illegible] not they are entitled to it from the Act of Congress
I sent you some days since the claim of Wm Blain with a request that you [illegible] the case of Andr Bigham put to rites as the old man is in need of his money & cannot draw until he is placed on the pension Book at Knoxville [illegible] those claims pass you will please have them forw to me your attention to these cases will oblige
your friend & humbl Sert
Wm Lorry
Hon J Standefin
Page 42

Mrs [illegible] May
Rejected [illegible]
May 1844
Hon JW Blackwell Athens Tennessee
Page 43

Declation
In order to claim the benefits of the resolutions of Congress of the 23d January 1845
State o fTennessee Polk County} ss
Whereas the act of the 30th of April 1844 [illegible] from drawing a pension for the same period during wich my husband wsa a pensioner I now make the follwoing statement under oath to obtain the benefit of the resolution obove mentioned I am the widow of William May who was a private and Dragoon in the the war of the Revolution I have drawn a pension at the rate of Fifty dollars per annum from the 4th day of March 1844 to the 4th day of March 1845 my former pension commen at the date above mentioned and now [illegible] pension from 4th of March 1836 to the 4th of March 1841 Rhonda May her X mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the peace this 10th day of March on thousand Eight hundred and forty five 
S. Sammy Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee} ss
I James Parks Clerk of the County Court of Polk county do hereby certify that Solomon Sammy who has signed the forgoing is a Justice of the
Page 44

Peace for the County of Polk in the STate of Tennessee and that the above is his signature
In testimony whereof I ahve hereunto set my and and affixed my seal of office at office in Bentan.  this 10 day of March 1845 James Parks clerk
I, JW Blackwell Rep in the 28th Congress of the U.S. do certify that James Parks whose name appers to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time it bears date, clerk of the county court of Polk Co. Ten. duly elected, commissioned and qualified according to law and that the signature apperas to be in his own proper hand writing.
Given under my hand this 5th day of April 1845.
J.W. Blackwell
Page 45

United States of America
State of Georgia County of DeKalb } 
Be it known that before me James Guess a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized by Law to administer oaths personally appeared Rhoda May and made oath in due form of Law that She is the identical same person named in an original Certificate in the profession of which I certify thefollowing is a true copy, War Department, Widows Pension I certify that in conformly with the act of June 17th 1844 Rhoda May Widow of William May who was a private and Dragoon and died on the fourth day of March 1844 is inscribed on the pension list of the reate of fifty dollars and 0 cents per annum Commencing on the 4th March 1844 and terminating on the 4th of March 1848 unless the pensioner shall marry or dies before the last mentioned date in which case the pension is not payable after the time of Such Marriage or oath Given at the war office of the United States this 13th day of July one thousand Eight hundred and forty four Wm Wilkins Secretary of War
LL Examined and countersigned
J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
That she has not remarried but continues the widow of the above mentioned William May that she now resides in the State of Georgia in the county of DeKalb and has resided there for the Space of nearly two years past and that previous thereto She resided in the State of Tennessee in the County of Polk of the truth of which Statements I am full satisfied Sworn to and subscribed this 14th day of Mary 1849
Rhoda May her x mark
In presence of Starling Goodwin
Before me James Gress
Page 46

Know all men by these present that I Rhoda May of the County ofDeKalb and State of Georgia a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States do hereby constitue and appoint Jos L. King Esq of the county of Knox and State of Tennessee my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in Knoxville East Tennessee my pension from the 4th of September 1847 to the 4th day of March 1848 Witness my and and seal this fourteenth day of May one thousand Eighthundred and forty nine
Rhoda May her x mark seal
Sealed and delivered in presents of Starling Goodwin James Gress JP
State of Georgia County of DeKalb}
Be it known that on this 14th day of Mary 1849 before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for Said county personally appeared Rhoda May the above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned
James Gress JP
Georgia DeKalb County} I Robb M Brown Clerk of the Superior court of Said county do testify that James Gress whose name appears on the foregoing is a Justice of the peace duly commessioned and qualified which Said Commission bers date the 22d of January 1849 and will expire on the 22d January 1853 and that full faith and Credit ought to be given to his acts as such and that the foregoing Signatures preporting to be his is genuine Given under my and and Seal of Office officially at office in Decatur May 18th 1849 R M Brown Clk S.Co
Page 47

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of
Pensions-
City of Washington
DC
Page 48

Decatur August 1st 1849
My Dear Sir
Inclosed you have Mrs. Rhoda Mays declaration to obtain her prension Certificate under the act of Congress of Feb 2d 1848
also her Original Certificate under act of June 17th 1844, for the purpose of drawing the last payment done on it. She has which you will see removed from Tennessee to Georgia since it was granted and having failed ot make application to the agency at Knoxville untill 14 months had elapsed She was informed that She would have to apply at Washington city. not knowing in what way She would apply She has made out her voucher and power of attorney as usual to E F Brown Esq & also has sent her Certificate together with her voucher & power that she sent to Knoxville to Jos L King Esq also his letter saying to her that she would have to apply to Washington City 
You will be so kind as to investigate the papers inclosed and if in Case from the widower, furnished She an obtain her due on her original certificate by a new Certificate or otherwise witheret the voucher and power of attorney you need not do any thing with them, If not and they are correct pleaes hand them over to Esq Brown, requesting him to forward to me at this place, If not Correct please return them to me with such instructions as well Enable me to have them corrected as early as posible, also the same in regard to her declaration for the purpose of obtaining a new Certificate under act Feb 2d 1848
Very respfly yr obt servant John N Bellinger
JL Edwards Esquire commissioner of Pensions City of Washington DC
Page 49

RICHMOND Va MAY 8
May 1s 45 Rhoda May Tennessee free
Col. JL Edwards comm. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Page 50

Richmond 8 May 1845.
Co. J. L. Edward comm o fPensions
Sir 
On the 2nd April last, I wrote you in relation to Rhoda May case of Tennessee: referring to June letter to me of 12 Dec 1844 and [illegible] that the act of 25 Jany last, [illegible] the case of its diffeculties.
A few weeks since, in answer to my letter, you [illegible] me a printed form of application (dated 1 March 1845) for the benefit of the act of 23 Jany 1845.
but we have no means of determining, whether Rhoda Mays Declaration under act 7 July 1838, was made before 30th April 1844 or not
her Declaration was possibly made after that day. She cannot proceed till this fact [illegible] asertained _ Please to inform me of its day & oblige yr. obt sevt Thomas Green
Page 51

State of Tennessee McMinn county }
This day came John Cleay before me Jacob Hoss a justice of the peace in and for said county and made oath that he is well acquinted with William May the within declarant and that he knew of his Service in the Company Commanded by Capt John Dillard and that he was under the immediate Command of col Abraham Penn and that he served as [illegible] in [illegible] amendatory did say at least four months and at another time in a company commanded by Cat Heaman Cryte as in his orginal [illegible] set forth he knew of having served [illegible] together on said town and that he served the time by him set forth and was commanded by col Stephens, and that he other services by him performed as set forth in his [illegible] he believes to be correct sworn to & subscribed before me this 29th day of March 1834. [illegible] Mckay
Jacob Hofs
Justice of the peace of McMinn County _
I Jacob Hoss a justice of th peace for said county and before who the above affidavit was sworn to certify that I am acquainted wiht John My and believe him to be a soldier of the Revolution and a man entittled to Credit in the neighborhood in which he resides
Given under my hand & seal tis 29 March 1834
Jacob Hoss Justice of the peace for McMinn County
Page 52

State of Tennessee
McMinn County

This day came William May Sen before me Jacob Hoss one of the acting justice of peace for said County and made oath in due form of law to this additional statement in order to obtain pension under the act of 7th June 1832 that in his original statement for which he claims remuneration for years servitude, that he served as in said declaration set forth under Capt Dillard under the command of Col Abraham Penn and entered as minute men and served as well as he now recollects at least four months and in his next tour of duty of a month served as a guard over the Tories and continued in actual service forty five days or fifty no Col, and in the last tour by him set forth he says he served as in said deed mentioned and believes he was under the commonwealth command of Col. Stephens, but cannot distinctly recollect, and the Colo. herein Set forth are all he can recollect owing to the great lapse of time, and the consequent loss of memory he claims a pension for the service he performed only, and those are as nearly set forth in this and his original as he can possibly do, the accompanying discharge is certainly proof as far as it goes which ought to substantiate the whole of his statement. He was also under the command of Capt Rubles in his Company, and was afterward transferred to Capt Potts Company & served as in [Illegible] and served 4 months in this town, and cannot recollect the Col by whom commanded.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of Mar 1834
Jacob Hoss Justice of the Peace

William May
Page 53

State of Tennessee

I Archibald R Turk Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of McMinn Certify that Jacob Hoss whose name appears to the foregoing certificates as a justice of the peace, was at the time of signing the same and now is one of the acting justices of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and authorized to act as such, and that full faith and credit is due to his official attestations.

Given under my hand and seal of office at Office in Athens this 29th day of March 1834

A R Turk Clerk

By his Deputy Sam Workman
Page 54

State of Tennessee
Polk County

Declaration of Rhoda May
The act to amend the act entitled an act granting five years half pay and pensions to certain widows passed June 17th 1844 & 3rd March 1843

State of Tennessee
Polk County

On this 4th day of November 1844, personally appeared in open Court Mrs Rhoda May a resident of the County and State aforesaid in her sixty ninth year of her age who being first duly sworn in open Court doath on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by act of Congress passed 3 March 1843 & June 17th 1844, the act to amend an act entitled an act granting five years half pay and pensions to certain widows
That she is the widow of William May, who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution for particulars of service and marriage she refers the department to her former declaration under the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 that the aforesaid William May drew a pension under the act of Congress of the June 1832 of fifty dollars for his said services, per annum, and that her husband the aforesaid William May died on the 4th day of March 1844, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service but the marriage took place as set forth in her former Declaration made under the act of July 7th 1838 and before the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninty four

Rhoda (her mark) May

the ward 3rd March 1843 was interlined before signing.
Page 55

State of Tennessee 
Polk County

November Term 1844 The Declaration of Mrs Rhoda May sworn to in open Court the Court do certify that the aforesaid Rhoda May whose name appears to the foregoing declaration for pension is the identicle widow of William May named in the foregoing declaration and that he drew a pension of fifty Dollars per annum, the Court do hereby direct the Clerk to enclose the approval on the papers.

State of Tennessee
Polk County

I James Parks Clerk of the County Court of Polk County and State of Tennessee do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of said Court in the matter of the application of Mrs Rhoda May for pension
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Benton this 4th day of November 1844

James Parks
Clerk 

6706
Page 56

place on Ga Roll

John N. Bellinger
Decatur
Ga
Page 57

State of Georgia ⎬
County of DeKalb ⎬
On this thirty first day of July in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred forty nine personally
appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Rhoda May, a resident of said State and County aged eighty nine years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1848 granting pensions to willows of Pensions who served during the Revolutionary war that she is the widow of William May who was a private and Dragoon, and died on the fourth day of March 1844 and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of 17th June 1844 was fifty dollars. She further declares that the following is a true copy of her original certificate which she obtained on the 13th of July 1844, War Department Widows Pensions. I certify that in conformity with the act of June 17, 1844, Rhoda May widow of William May who was a private and Dragom and died on the fourth day of March 1844 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of fifty dollars and- -cents per annum commencing on the 4th March 1844 and terminating on the 4th of March 1848,
unless the pensioner shall marry or die before
the last mentioned date in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death given at the war office of the United States this 13" day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty four.

William Wilkins
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

She further declares that she now resides in the State of Georgia
Page 58

and County of DeKalb and has resided there for two years past and previous thereto. She resided in the State of Tennessee and County of Polk. She further declares that the certificate aforementioned was made as follows to wit and indorsed on the back as follows- Payment to be made at Knoxville, Tennessee by John T. King Esq Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Knoxville Tennessee payable on the 4th September and 4th March recorded in the pension office in Book A Vol 1 page 220 F L Guaun Clerk

She further declares that she is still the widow of the said William May of the truth of which statements I am fully satisfied.

Rhoda (her mark) May

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written in the presence of John N Bellinger before me James Guess JP

State of Georgia
County of DeKalb

I James Guess a Justice of the Peace in and for said State and County do certify that the declarant Rhoda May is personally known to me to be a woman of truth and veracity. Given under my hand officially this 31st July 1849

James Guess J.P.

Georgia
De Kalb County

I Robert M Brown Clerk of the Superior Court of said County do certify that James Guess whose name appears to the foregoing is a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths duly commissioned and qualified which said commission bears date the 22 of January 1849 and will expire the 22d January 1853 and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his is genuine. Given under my hand and seal of office officially at office in Decatur July 31st 1849
R. M. Brown Clerk S. C.