Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31426, for James Tinsley, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
S. C. 

Tinsley, James 

NUMBER
S. 31426

Born in Va
--------------------------
CONTENTS
Page 2

Louisiana   6372 [might be more numbers but dark spot on paper]
---------------------------------------
James Tinsley
of spartanburgh in the State of South Carolina
who was a pri. in the compy commanded 
by Captain Hayes of the Regt commanded
by Col. Williams in the Carolina 
line for 2 years --   S.C.
-------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of South Carolina
at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
--------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Feb.
1833 and sent Hon. John
R. Griffin H.R.
---------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1832               120
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33        40
                                                                $160


{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.      }

Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book D  Vol. 8  Page 98 - 

[notes on right side of paper]
To Louisiana from 4 March
1837 - 16 Dec. 1843  Notification
to Edward Hale
Acting Consul for Texas
New Orleans, La
--------------------------
Letter to Edward Hale & 3rd
Auditor 25 March 1844
Paid at the Treasury under 
the Act of the 6th April 18[edge torn]
from 4 March 1837 to 4 March
1842.  Agt. notified 20 April
1844.
-------------------------------------
Letter to Edward Hall
& 3rd Audi. 9 July 1844
--------------
Paid as above from 4 March
1842 to 4 March 1843.  Agt.
notified 28 Oct 1844.
---------------
Letter to Edward Hale &
Pension Agt. 5 May 1845


[written sideways]
To Edward Hale & Carolina Pension Agent 1 Decr. 1843.
Page 3

Republic of Texas
County of Washington

In the Supreme Court of said 
Republic present
the Hon. John Hemphill Chief Justice presiding
& the associate Justices, Baylor, Jack,
Morris & Ochiltree.  This day the 7th July
1843 personally appeared in open
court James Tinsley and made & subscribed
the following declaration, that
he was a pensioner under the act of Congress
of the 7th of June 1832, of the United States
of North America, and drew his pension
by virtue of a warrant issued to him 
by Lew Cass, Secretary at War, and countersigned
by J. L. Edwards, dated 28th February
1833 and now presented to the court; up 
to the fourth of March 1837 at Charleston
South Carolina this declarant then 
residing in Spartansburgh District in 
said State shortly after that time the 
declarant states that his children emigrated 
to this Republic and not being 
willing to be deprived of their society
in his old age he was induced 
to come with them.  (add in 1837)
He stated that being situated on 
the frontiers and not being accessible
to information on this subject he 
did not know that he could still
ask the bounty of an other government
whilst residing in this and 
besides he was poor & infirm and
thereby rendered unable to take 
previous to this time the necessary
Page 4

steps to receive his pension.  He 
further states that he has not sold, transfered
or mortgaged his claim to said pension to any
one & that the attorney he has selected to 
receive the same Foster Bobo does the 
same gratuitous for declarant & 
that he hopes the fund appropriated to 
pay his said claim may be transfered 
to the city of New Orleans.  He states that 
the best information he has, declarant is now 
in his eighty sixth year.

James Tinsley


Republic of Texas
County of Washington

In the Supreme Court of the Republic aforesaid
personally appeared in open court 
Foster Bobo who made oath in due
form of law, that he was well acquainted 
with James Tinsley late of 
Spartanburgh District & State of South
Carolina N.A. & now of the county of 
Montgomery & Republic of Texas that 
he was well acquainted with him for
the last fifteen or sixteen years, that 
he was always reputed to be revolutionary
soldier of the United States of 
North America, and affiant knew 
that previous to said Tinsley's leaving 
the United States for this country, that 
he drew a pension for his Revolutionary
services & believing on the same 
warrant now produced in court and 
that he is well satisfied that he is the 
2
Page 5

State of South Carolina
Spartanburgh District

On this 25th day of September 1832
personally appeared in open court before the 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and Sessions
now sitting, James Tinsley, a resident of Spartanburg
District in the said State, aged seventy two 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 act of the act
of Congress passed June 7th 1832.  I entered the service 
as a substitute for James Smith under Capt. J Hays, Col.
James Williams and Genl. Williamson having 
the chief command in April, 1778 but cannot
recollect what day when I served a two month campaign.
On the 19 of June 1778, I again substituted for Philip Tinsley
to Stono, where I served two months under Capt.
Leonard, Major Pickens, Col. J. Williams & Genl.
Lincoln.  I again substituted for John Sims, to Savana
Georgia, Oct 9th 1779 where I served two months and was in the battle
under Capt. J. Hays, Col. James Williams, Genl. Lincoln.
I then became a volunteer in the siege of 96 So. Car.
on the 22 of May 1780 and continued on as a 
volunteer in the service until the battle at Blackstocks
Page 6

2
where I fought under the command of Capt. Daniel
Williams, Col. Hays & General Sumpter the 20th Nov. 1780.
I then continued on as a volunteer and was 
present at the murder of Capt. D. Williams, Col. Hays
and others by William Cunningham at the place
formerly know by the name of Egehills [Edgehill] Station.
where I was taken prisoner in November 1781 on this 
night after the same day for which I was taken 
prisoner I made my escape and then entered [illegible]
the expedition against the Cherokee Indians with the 
command of 1st Lieutenant under Major Jolly &
General Pickens which took place sometime in 1782.
Shortly after our return from the Cherokee expedition
my brother Capt. Isaac Tinsley & myself with several
others got into a conflict with a band of tories when 
my brother was killed & myself was wounded in 
the right shoulder.  I was then promoted to the office
of Captain by majority which office I maintained in service
until the end of the war. Col. Levy [Levi] Casey having chief
command, being in active service of the United States
for about two years & six months as Capt. - This 
deponent further states that he never received any
commission.
Q.  Where & in what year were you born?
Ans. In Culpepper County in the State of Virginia
in about the year 1759.
Q.  Have you any record of your age & if so where is it?
Ans.  I have no record supposed it have been destroyed
by the Tories who plundered my father's house in the 
Revolutionary War.
Q.  Where were you living when you were called into
Page 7

3
service; where have you lived since the revolutionary
war & where do you now live
Ans.  In what was then called Ninety six in So. Car.
have lived since the revolution in Newberry District
until about five years since when I moved to 
Spartanburg District So. Car. where I now live.
Q.  How were you called into service; were you 
drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute?
and is a substitute for whom.
Ans.  See the foregoing declaration for an answer
Q. 5th
Ans.  see the foregoing declaration for an answer.
Q.  Did you ever receive a discharge from service; 
Ans.  Never received any discharge.
Q.  Did you ever receive a commission;
Ans.  Never received any, tho I acted for two 
years & half as Captain.
Reuben Golding, Henry Pitts & Robert
Long are surviving soldiers of the revolution
& live now in the neighborhood where I live
in Newberry District & can testify to my 
services and good character as a man of 
veracity.
This deponent states that he is at this 
time a pensioner on the roll of this state, which he 
hereby relinquishes, on the condition that he 
receives the benefit of the act of Congress for 
which he now makes application.

James Tinsley

Sworn to in open court 
Jno. M. O'Neall
Presiding Judge
Page 8

4
And the said Court does hereby declare
his opinion after the investigation of 
the matter and after putting the interrogatories
prescribed by the War Department
that the above names applicant was
a Revolutionary soldier and served
as he states.  And the court further 
certifies that it appears to him that
Robert Long Esqr., Henry Pitts and 
Reuben Golding who have proved 
his Revolutionary services are credible 
witnesses residing in Laurens and 
Newberry Districts and that their 
statements are entitled to credit.

Jno. [John] M. O'Neall
Presiding Judge


State of South Carolina
I Elisha Bomar Clerk of the Court of 
Sessions & Common Pleas in & for the 
district of Spartanburgh, do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the 
original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application 
of James Tinsley for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal of 
office this 17th day of Octr. 1832.

E. Bomar
Clk.

[written sideways in right margin]
Capt. James Tinsley's 
Declaration
Page 9

Revolutionary War
-----------
Jas. Tinsley decd
Melissa Bridgers
heir at law
-----------------
Information is 
respectfully requested
as to whether the 
records show the 
issue of bounty land
to deceased soldier.
I do not wish to 
put Mrs. Bridgers 
to any expense
unnecessarily.

Geo. E. Leuroy [?]
S.

Washun C.J
Mch 21/88 [or 82?]
Page 10

31426   C. 6372

El Passo Texas   March 14th 1883

Mr. George E Lemar

Dear Sir

I was abcent when the document
arrived which you sent me in regard to the 
bounty land you have missunderstood me 
me about the war in which my father
served it was not in the war of 1812
but in the war of 1776 with England
he served in the revolutionary war at
the same time George Washington did
Strange as it may seem my father was
a revolutionary soldier and I was a 
miner in 1855  he was born in 
Virginia and I think in Louisa Co
was about sixteen when the war
commenced  he volunteered and served
during the war was wounded in one of 
his arms & don't know which one  he had two 
brothers older than him who also served  one 
was kiled  I don't know his name the
other ones name was Golden who lived
several years longer than my father
after the war father and his brother
Page 11

in Newbery and Sartenberg districts
South of Carolina
I don't know which they lived in last
he came from South Caroline to Huntsville
Walker Co Texas about 1844 where he 
died in 1939  his brother remained in 
So C  father drew his last pension at 
New Orlens just before his death my
mother was fathers second wife  he was 
about fifty one or two when he married 
Susan Hooker my mother  she was in 
her sixeenth year  I have no family
record there are some persons living
in Huntsville who know my mother
well  I think there is one man living 
there who knew my father and if 
you think you can get any thing for 
me I will write to him  find out what 
he knows about my father  I think is 
is from South Caroliner  there was a 
short sketch of fathers life and his 
brothers published in Godys Ladys
book some where between the year 
1854, 58 but I am not able to get it 
I can prove to your satisfaction that
Page 12

I am the daughte of James Tinsley
and was a miner in 1855. Charls
E Hooker a member of congress from 
Missippi is a son of my mothers
only brother Zadoc Hooker  I don't 
know what command father belonged to 
or what battles he was in  I suppose
there is some record of it some where 
I think if there ever was any one who 
deserved help from the United States it 
is the children of revolutionary soldiers
I need help badly  I have my three children
yet to raise the oldest is only thirteen
hoping you can do something for me 
I will wait with with great interest

Mrs. M C Bridgers

The lady Mrs. Bryant who first wrote
to you about this says perhaps she 
made the mistak about the war
father served in   please direct to 
Mrs. Melissa C Bridgers
Page 13

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

August 15, 1926.

Honorable C. B. Hudspeth,
House of Representatives.

My dear Mr. Hudspeth:

In response to your letter of the 
seventeenth instant and the enclosed letter of Mr. W. W.
Bridgers of the Caples Building, El Paso, Texas, I have 
the honor to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary
War pension claim, Survivor File, 31426, it appears
that James Tinsley was allowed pension on his 
application executed September 25, 1832, while a resident of 
Spartanburgh District, South Carolina.
He was born in 1759, in Culpeper County, Virginia,
(the record of his age having been destroyed by the Tories
who plundered his father's house during the Revolution)
and he resided in Ninety-Six District, South Carolina, when 
he served in the South Carolina Troops as follows:
Enlisted in April1776, under Captain J. Hays, Colonel
James Williams, marched to Augusta, Georgia, two months.
Enlisted June 19, 1778, under Captain Leonard, Colonel
James Williams, marched to Stono, two months.
Volunteered as a substitute for one Philip Tinsley,
October 9, 1779, under Captain J. Hays, Colonel James Williams.
Page 14

[page folded]  was in the battle of Savannah, Georgia, two months.
He was commissioned in June 1780, First Lieutenant, 
under Captain Laughlin Leonard and Colonel Joseph Hays,
and was in an expedition against Tories on Edisto River,
two months:  volunteered under Captain Daniel Williams
in Colonel Joseph Hays "Little River" Regiment and was in 
the battles of Blackstocks and Cowpens and at the Siege 
of Ninety-Six.  He was present at the murder of Captain
Daniel Hays and Colonel Joseph Hays by the "bloody Company"
under Colonel William Cunningham in November 1781, when he,
himself was taken prisoner and on the night after he was 
captured, he made his escape.  He then in 1781, went as
First Lieutenant, with a command, under Major Jolly and 
General Pickens, on the Expedition against the Cherokee Indians.
Shortly after his return they had an engagement
with a band of Tories, in which his brother Captain Isaac
Tinsley was killed and he was wounded, in the right shoulder.
He was then promoted Captain by Colonel Levi Casey and 
continued to serve in that capacity to the end of the 
Revolution.
In 1837, James Tinsley emigrated with his children
from Spartanburgh District to the Republic of Texas and his 
pension was paid at New Orleans, Louisiana.  He died at 
Huntsville, Walker County, Texas, date not on record.
Page 15

Soldier's brother Golding Tinsley served with him
in the Revolution and survived him, in Spartanburgh District,
South Carolina.  
Mrs. Melissa C. Bridgers of El Paso, Texas, in 1883, was 
the daughter of James Tinsley, by his second wife, Susan Hooker,
whom he married when he was about fifty-one, or fifty-two
years of age.
There is no further data on file as to family
For the date of soldier's death, date of last payment 
and name of person paid, you should apply to the Record Section,
Civil Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, 
D. C. citing all of the following data:  James Tinsley, Certificate
6372, issued February 28, 1833, rate $80 per annum,
commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Louisiana 
Agency.  
If Mr. Bridgers wishes photostat copies of the papers
in this pension claim, the same will be furnished under the 
provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of 
fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, 
if that is desired.  The number of pages to be copied
eighteen.
Page 16

The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau
by money order, or certified check, drawn to the order of 
the Secretary of the Interior, (not to the order of the 
Commissioner of Pensions).

Very truly yours,

E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 17

State of South Carolina
Spartanburg District

Personally appeared
this deponent Capt. James Tinsley before
me Elisha Bomer Clerk of the Court of 
Sessions and Common Pleas for Spartanburg
District in the state aforesaid, and 
makes oath, that in June 1780 he was
commissioned first Leiutenant under Capt.
Laughlin Leonard commanded by Col. Joseph
Hayes in an expedition of about two months
against the Tories on Edisto river - In 
February 1781 after Col. Hayes had been killed
at Edgehill on Little River by the bloody
company under the command of Bill Cunningham,
this deponent received his commission
as Captain from Col. Levi Casey
& had for his first Leiutenant Henry Pitts and 
Ensign Michael McGahee and continued in 
commission as a captain until the end of 
the war, embracing a term of service as 
Capt. more than two years & rendering such services
as set forth in his declaration as by
reference thereunto being had will 
more fully appear.  

James Tinsley

Sworn to & subscribed before
me the 30th September 1833.

E. Bomar
Clk.
Page 18

Spartanburgh

Capt. Jas. Tinsley
Application for pension
Congress


Admitted claim
S. C.
get the papers


Hon. W. K. Clowney
Page 19

Washington City   December 16th 1833

I John K Griffin representative in Congress
from Newbery District in the State of South
Carolina do hereby certify that I am well 
acquainted with Capt. James Tinsley who has 
subscribed the foregoing affidavit; that I 
was born and raised within three miles of 
the said Capt. Tinsley, & have always understood
from his compatriots in the revolutionary
war that he was an able, energetic and 
faithful officer in the revolution; and
entertain the most unlimited confidence
in the truth of his declaration

John K. Griffin


I William K Clowney representative
in Congress from Union District South Carolina
do hereby certify that I have a slight
personal acquaintance with Capt. Jas.
Tinsley & from a personal knowledge of 
his character and more especially from the 
information of others, entertain no doubt
as to the truth of his Statement.
December 16th 1833

Wm. K Clowney


Dear Sir

The original declaration is in your
possession - The department has granted the 
applicant a pension as a private - I hope sir
this amendment be deemed sufficient to elevate
him to a pension as an officer - Please
communicate to me the result

Your obt Servt [obedient servant]
Wm K Clowney

Mr. Jas L Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Page 20

Charleston  6th December 1843

Sir

In answer to your letter of the 1st Inst,
I have to state, that, James Tinsley a pensioner under
Act 7 June 1832 at the rate of 80 dollars p annum was 
last paid at this Agency to the 4 March 1837.

I am Sir Respectfully
Your obsevt [obedient servant]

Jno. C. Cochran
Pension Agent


J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 21

FREE [stamp]

[postmark] NEW ORLEANS
NOV 21


J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Pension Commissioner
Washington City

 
[written sideways]
Dec 1 1843
Join at No Eva [??]
Page 22

New Orleans    Nov. 20. 1843

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Pension Commissioner
Washington City

Dear Sir

A letter was 
addressed to you by H J Budington on the 12 Sept. on 
the subject of transferring the Amount of Pension
of Mr. James Tinsley now residing in Texas, to 
the Pension Office in this City to enable Mr. Tinsley
to obtain the amount due him, with more facility.
This is a case which requires immediate action 
as the Old Gentleman is poor and requires the 
amount due, to support him in his Old Age.
I hope you will pardon me for urging
your immediate attention to this matter the
promptness generally manifested by you In such cases
will I am sure be extended in the case.

I have the Honor to be 
Your Ob Servt. [obedient servant]
Edward Hall
Acting Consul 
for Texas
Page 23

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Pension Commissioner
Washington City
Page 24

New Orleans   Sept. 12th 1843

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Pension Commissioner,
Washington City, 

Sir,

Enclosed you will 
please find affidavit of Mr. James Tinsley,
a Pensioner of the United States, lately
residing in Spartanburgh district, South
Carolina, and now living in Texas.
As you will observe by the affidavit,
it is the wish of Mr. Tinsley that he claim
may be transferred from the Pension office
at Charleston S.C. to the Agency in this 
City, that he may the more readily draw
the amount.  Will you have the goodness
to take the necessary steps to effect
the object in [mind?].
Mr. Tinsley is somewhat advanced 
in life, and the receipt of the amount
due, will be of material service to 
him.
having your early attention to this matter, 

I have the honor to be 
very respectfully
your obt Servant 
H. J. Budington
Page 25

Spartanburgh Dist.
So. Carolina
15262


James Tinsley's 
Application for a 
Pension


Ent



John K. Griffin
Page 26

House Reps

Feb. 26 1883

Dear Sir

Will you be so 
kind as to place this
old man on the pension
roll as a private, and 
if he should hereafter
be able to satisfy you 
or bring himself within
the rule [?] of as an officer
then he can get his 
increased pension.  be
so kind as to forward 
his Certificate to me
within in a few days
together with those I 
returned and also Mr
R. Longs & Dillard &
oblidge.

Yours Respectfully
John K. Griffin


[written sideways]
$80 per annum
Page 27

State of South Carolina
Laurens District   ss

Personally appeared Robert Long before me Henry
S. Niel Esquire who being duly Sworn on his oath saith that
he was personally acquainted with James  Tinsley in the time 
of the revolutionary war; - In the year one thousand seven hundred
and eighty; about the first of november of that year, he Served as 
a private and volunteer, or rather Refugee from the British & tories
in the little River Regiment of Militia under Co. Joseph Hayes
of the above Regiment, under Captain Daniel Williams; till after 
Tarleton's defeat at the Cowpens on the Seventeenth day of January
in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty one; in which 
Battle he was together with himself in the same Regiment, that he was & his family actual
friends to America in the Revolutionary War.  after the above he (the 
deponent) went into Virginia In which he staid about a year; that he 
believes that in the end of the revolutionary war he did act as a 
Captain.

Robt Long  [X]

Sworn to & subscribed the
19th day of September in the year 183two
Before me

Henry S. Neel J. P.
Page 28

Department of War
Pension Office
Feby. 25. 1883

Sir

The declaration of James Tinsley has been examined 
and is herewith returned.
There is unquestionable proof that Tinsley performed 
service sufficient to entitle him to a full pension as a private.
His claim for services in the capacity of Captain cannot be recognized
under the circumstances, in which it is presented: such claims must
be sustained by evidence that the applicant either had a 
commission or some other written instrument authorising 
him to act as an officer from some source, having cause 
and authority so to do;  But it same that the person [?]
the applicant never did receive any such writing or
instructions from any person whatever --

I have the honor to be 
Respectfully, 
Y ob Se [your obedient servant]
J. L. Edwards


Hon Jn. R. Griffin
House Representatives
Page 29

South Carolina
Laurens District

Personally came be fore me 
Henry Pitts and being Duly
Sworn according to Law Saith he is well 
acquainted with James Tinsley and to my knowledge
was a Revolutionary Soldier and further I Do 
hereby Sertify that I served 
under said Tinsley in the Revolutionary War
two years and upwards the said Tinsley then 
Commanding of the Company that I then Lived
in    

Henry H Pitts [his mark X]

Sworn to and Subscribed froe me this 
22 of august 1832
Robt. Cunningham JP
Page 30

Inform Atty this from
data given - the records 
do not show a [illegible] or
[illegible] whatever request for 
pension of James Tinsley
Rev. War
Page 31

[stamp]
OLD WAR & NAVY
DIVISION.
MAR 23 1883
Page 32

New Orleans    April 25. 1845

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Dear Sir

The accompanying document
you will perceive as to establish the claim
of the Widow of James Tinsley, late a Revolutionary
Pensioner; to the balance of pay due him to the 
time of his death.  Your immediate attention
to the same will confer a great favor - 

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt [obedient servant]
Edward Hall
Page 33

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS.
----------------------
I, the undersigned, Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas, do hereby certify
that John Hemphill, R. E. B. Baylor, M. B. Ochiltree & R. Morris
that [blank] whose names are subscribed
to the instrument of writing hereto annexed, is, and were at the time of signing
the same, Judges of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas,
that is to say, that the said John Hemphill was the Chief Justices and 
said R. E. B. Baylor, M. B. Ochiltree and R. Morris were associate
Judges of the said Court - and that Thomas Green whose name 
is also subscribed to the said instrument of writing, was at the 
time of signing the same, Clerk of said Court
and that full faith and credit are due to all their official acts as such.

Given under my Hand and Seal of Office, at 
Washington this seventh
day of July A.D. 1843.

Anson Jones

[seal]
Page 34

Legation of the U States.
Washington Texas  7th July 1823

The undersigned charged appears of the United States to the Republic of 
Texas, Certifies that Anson Jones who signed & sealed the within
certificate was at the time of signing & sealing the same, and 
now is, Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas and full
faith and credit are due to his acts as such in the Court of
the U. States.

W. J. Murphy

[seal]
Page 35

GIDEON, PRINTER.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,

April 6th 1844.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act
directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners,
and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United
States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending
the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension
agents, James Tinsley,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina
Agency, at the rate of Eighty Dollars
and [blank] Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June
1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 
4th of March 1837,to the 4th March 1842.

Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.


To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 36

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,

July 16th, 1844.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act
directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensions
and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United 
States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending
the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the 
pension agents, James Tinsley,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the New Orleans, La.
Agency, at the rate of Eighty Dollars
and [blank] Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June
1832, has been paid at this Department , from the 
4th of March 1842 to the 4th March 1843.

Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.


To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 37

identical person named in said
warrant, issued by Lew Cass Secretary
at War dated 28th February 1833 &
countersigned by J L Edwards that said
Tinsley is very aged & infirm, and 
that he did leave South Carolina in 
the year 1837 & emigrated to this
Country where he has since resided
affiant further states that he has 
accepted the power of Attorney from
said Tinsley to receive the pension
now due him, that he has done so
without the hope or expectation
of making any charge therefor
nor has he purchased or contracted
for the same in any manner.

Foster Bobo

Sworn to & subscribed 
in open court.
The foregoing affidavits of James Tinsley
and of Foster Bobo were sworn to in open 
court this July 7th 1843.

John Hemphill, Chf Just
R. E. B. Baylor
W. R. Ochiltree
R. Morris
[to the side of Baylor, Ochiltree and Morris it says "Associate Judges"]

Done in open court on 
this the seventh day of July
A.D. 1843, witness
Thomas Green
Clerk Sup Court
Rep. Texas

[seal]

3
Page 38

Laurance District

Personally appeared Ruben Golding
before me one of the Judge for said
District and on his oth [oath] that he 
Saw James Tinsley in the arme [army] at 
Stonon in the services of his conterey [country] in
June 1778 and on his oth [oath] Saith he Saw
the above named James Tinsley at Savana
in Georgcy [Georgia] in 1779 the Date to the best 
of his knowledge and he on his oth [oath]
Saith that he Saw the above james
Tinseley in the arme at the Siege at 
Cambridg under the Command of General
Green in the year of 1781 to the 
best of reckelectine [recollection] and on his oth [oath] Saith
that he knw the above named James 
Tinseley to acted as a Capt. in the meleshey [militia] after the deth [death] of one of his Brothers

Reuben Golding    X

Sworn to before me this 22d day of Septem
1832

Z[?] Bailey J.P.
Page 39

31426
Revy  INVALID.
------------
File 31,426
James Tinsley
Pri Rev War
------------
Act:  June 7th 32"
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 419

[Arrangement of 1870.]


[notes on the right side of the page]
1883 Letter to atty
3-24   no land wart
issued
1913 Dec. 24. Hist. to Miss
Sarah Bridgers 
1917 Jan 13. Hist. to Mrs. J. E. Schumpert
1918 Feb 27. Miss Grace S Pierce
of The Columbia Apartment, Wash. D.C.
paid Mr. Proctor Clerk in Law D.W.
for photostat copies (1 positive & 1 
negative) of page in this claim
containing the seal of the Republic
of Texas. (see receipt for
payment & her receipt for photos
in claim of Levi Stedman
Com War Rev W.19108)  The 
photos were delivered to her
in person  Mar. 2, 1918 CW
-----------------
1926 Aug. 18.  Hon. C. B. Hudspeth
M. C. furnished history for
Mr. W. W. Bridgers and advised 
as to cost of copies 
for Mr. B.
Page 40

Date  Mar 2, 1918
Name  James Tinsley X     No. S. 31426
S.C. War of Rev.
Photographic copies wanted of 1
pieces, consisting of 1 pages, (2)
Remarks:  The one page is to have two photos
a positive and a negative.
Exr. [blank]  Chief [blank]  Div.
APPROVED:       T F. Desmond
Law Clerk.

Serial No. 1074   see receipts for payment & 
photostat in Levi Stedman W.19108
& see imbursement on jacket.  X
Page 41

Rev. War Section.

December 24, 1913.

Miss Sarah Bridgers,
72. "The Cumberland".
Washington, D. C.

Madam: -

In response to a request, on the thirteenth instant, for 
the Revolutionary War record of James Tinsley of South Carolina,
you are advised that the papers on file in his claim S. File
31426, show that James Tinsley was allowed pension on his application
executed September 25, 1832, while a resident of 
Spartansburgh District, South Carolina.
He was born in 1759, in Culpeper County, Virginia (the 
record of his birth was destroyed by the Tories who plundered his
father's house during the Revolution) and resided in Ninety Six
District, South Carolina, when he served in the South Carolina
troops as follows:
Enlisted in April 1778, under Captain J Hays, Colonel
James Williams, marched to Augusta, Georgia; two months.
Enlisted June 19, 1778, under Captain Leonard, Colonel
J. Williams, marched to Stono; two months.
Volunteered as a substitute for Philip Tinsley, October
9, 1779, under Captain J. Hays, Colonel James Williams, and was 
in the battle of Savannah, Georgia; two months.
He was commissioned in June, 1780, First Lieutenant, under
Captain Laughlin Leonard, Colonel Joseph Hayes, and was in
Page 42

S. File 31426--2

an expedition against Tories on Edisto river, two months; he 
volunteered under Captain Daniel Williams in Colonel Joseph Hayes'
"Little River" regiment, and was in the battles of Blackstock,
and Cowpens and the siege of Ninety Six; he was present at the 
murder of Captain Daniel Williams and Colonel Joseph Hayes by 
the "bloody company" under Colonel William Cunningham in November
1781, when he (himself) was taken prisoner, and on the night 
after the same day in which he was captured, he made his escape,
and then (in 1781) went as a First Lieutenant with a command, 
under Major Jolly and General Pickens on the expedition against the 
Cherokee Indians; shortly after their return from said expedition
they had an engagement with a band of Tories, in which his brother
Captain Isaac Tinsley was killed, and he was wounded in the right
shoulder; he was then promoted Captain, by Colonel Levi Casey and 
continued to serve in that capacity to the end of the war.
In 1837, James Tinsley emigrated with his children from 
Spartansburgh District to the Republic of Texas, and his pension
was paid at New Orleans, Louisiana.  He died at Huntsville, 
Walker County, Texas, date not shown.
Soldier's older brother Golding Tinsley, served with him
in the Revolution and survived him, in Spartansburgh.
Mrs. Melissa C. Bridgers, of El Paso, Texas, in 1883, was 
the daughter of James Tinsley by his second wife Susan Hooker,
whom he married when he was about fifty-one or fifty-two years 
of age.  
There is no further data as to his family in the papers
Page 43

S. File 31426--3.

on file in the claim.
For the date of soldier's death, and name of the person
to whom the arrears of his pension were paid, application should
be made to the Auditor for the Interior Department, U. S. Treasury
Department, giving him all of the following data:
"James Tinsley Certificate 6372, issued February 28, 1833
for $80. per annum from March 4, 1831, under the Act of June 7,
1832, at the Louisiana Agency".

Very respectfully,
E. C. Tieman
Acting Commissioner.
Page 44

C. B. HUDSPETH
16TH DIST. TEXAS

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.

Personal. 

August 16, 1926.

Honorable Winfield Scott,
Pension Commissioner,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Colonel Scott:

I am enclosing you a letter from my personal friend,
Honorable W. W. Bridgers, of El Paso, Texas, in which he asks
that I assist him all possible in securing the record of the pension
drawn by his grandfather, James Tinsley, a Revolutionary 
soldier.

I shall very much appreciate your having all available
information on this subject prepared in your Revolutionary War
section and forwarded tome, with the return of Mr. Bridgers' letter 
for my files.

Very sincerely yours,
C. B. Hudspeth

[date stamp]
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER 
AUG 17 1926
U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[written on left margin]
letter returned to MC
copied 18 pages
Page 45

Schumpert
10
Page 46

Citizens Bank of Vidalia.
W. T. JENKINS, PREST.
J. E. SCHUMPERT, VICE PREST. & CASHIER
V. S. HERRING, ASST. CASHIER
VIDALIA, GEORGIA.

Jan 8th 1917

Commissioner of Pensions

Washington
D. C.

Dear Sir,

In searching for the Records of my Ancestors I find
that James Tinsley, Of Spartanburg South Carolina was a Pensioner
in 1831.  Will you please give me the Record of his Services.

James Tinsley was my Great Grand Father.  I will greatly 
appreciate Your kindness

I am Respt
Mrs. J. E. Schumpert
Vidalia Georgia
Toombs County

[date stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
A
JAN 10 1917

[notes at the top of page]
pds
Rev

2d [illegible] Env Recd
stamp & ltr ret'n
OK 
wlk     Revs
Page 47

Washington D. C.   Dec 13, 1913

Hon. Commissioner
of Pensions

Sir.

Please furnish to Miss Sarah Bridgers
a certificate of the services of her grandfather
in the Revolutionary War.

His name was James Tinsley S. C. Sur File 31426
Certificate 6372,issued February 28, 1833
$80. per annum from March 4, 1831 - at 
the Louisiana Agency

Very respectfully,
Jno. [John] W. Phillips


address:
Miss Sarah Bridgers
72 The Cumberland
14 & Mass Ave
Washington D. C.
Page 48

Rev. War Section.

January 13, 1917.

Mrs. J. E. Schumpert,
Vidalia, Toombs Co., 
Georgia.

Madam:

In response to your letter dated the eighth instant,
you are advised that the papers in the claim of James 
Tinsley, Survivor's File No. 31,426 Rev. War, show that he was 
allowed pension on his application executed September 25,
1832, while a resident of Spartanburgh District, South
Carolina.

He was born in 1759, in Culpeper County, Virginia,
(the records of his age having been destroyed by the Tories
who plundered his father's house during the Revolution) and 
he resided in Ninety Six District when he served in the South
Carolina Troops as follows:
Enlisted in April 1778, under Captain J. Hays, Colonel 
James Williams, marched to Augusta, Georgia; two months.
Enlisted June 19, 1778, under Captain Leonard, Colonel
J. Williams, marched to Stono; two months.
Volunteered as a substitute for Philip Tinsley, October
9, 1779, under Captain J. Hays, Colonel James Williams, and was 
in the battle of Savannah, Georgia; two months.
He was commissioned in June, 1780, First Lieutenant, 
under Captain Laughlin Leonard, Colonel Joseph Hays, and was in 
an expedition against Tories on Edisto River, two months; he 
volunteered under Captain Daniel Williams in Colonel Joseph Hays
"Little River" regiment, and was in the battles of Blackstock,
and Cowpens and the siege of Ninety Six; He was present at the 
murder of Captain Daniel Williams and Colonel Joseph Hays by 
the "blood company" under Colonel William Cunningham in November
1781, when he, himself, was taken prisoner, and on the night
after the same day in which he was captured, he made his escape
and then (in 1781) went as a First Lieutenant with a command,
under Major Jolly and General Pickens on the expedition against
the Cherokee Indians.  Shortly after their return from said 
expedition they had an engagement with a band of Tories, in which 
his brother Captain Isaac Tinsley was killed, and he was wounded 
in the right shoulder; he was then promoted Captain, by Colonel
Levi Casey, and continued to serve in that capacity to the end 
of the War.
Page 49

In 1837, James Tinsley emigrated with his children
from Spartanburgh District to the Republic of Texas, and his 
pension was paid at New Orleans, Louisiana.  He died at 
Huntsville, Walker County, Texas, -- date not shown.

Soldier's brother Golding Tinsley, served with him
in the Revolution and survived him in Spartanburgh.

Mrs. Melissa C. Bridgers of El Paso, Texas, in 1883
was the daughter of James Tinsley by his second wife Susan
Hooker, whom he married when he was about fifty-one or fifty-two
years of age.

There is no further data as to his family, in the 
papers on file in the claim.

For date of the soldier's death, and name of the 
person to whom the arears of his pension were paid, application
should be made to the Auditor for the Interior Department, 
Washington, D. C. giving him all of the following data:
"James Tinsley, Certificate No. 6,372, issued
February 28, 1833 for $80. per annum from
March 4, 1831, under the Act of June 7, 1832,
at the Louisiana Agency."

Very respectfully,
G. M. Saltzgaber,
Commissioner.

X