Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6447, Bransford West, Va.
Page 1

Service VA.
West, Bransford
Nancy

Number W. 6447
Page 2

Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept 1842 to 27 Jany [January] 1843 Agt. notified 4 Dec 1844
[illegible] July 13th 1845

Virginia
Bransford West of Nelson Co. in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Cabell of the Regit [Regiment] commanded by Col. Davis in the Virg [Virginia] line for 10 1/2 months.
33.33
1.07
35.00

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 35 Dollars 00 Cents for annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension ifsued [issued] the 20 day of May 1833 and sent to Spotwood Garland, CC. Lovingston, Nel [Nelson] Va.

Arrears to the 4th of Mar [March] 1833 70.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 17.50
$38.50

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Wm R Palmer
Book 8 Vol. six
Page 37
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reported

6982
Richmond Virginia
Nancy West
widow of Bransford West
who was a Private
in the Va Line
Husband dead 23 Jan. '43

inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of June 1845 and sent to 
Hon. W. C. Rives, 
Bentivoglio, Albemarle Co Va

Act of March 3, 1843.
& June 7, 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 150.
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20799 12697
Bransford West 
VA

Admin for 10 months 15 days from 1776

Spotswood Garland C.C.
Lovingston, Nelson Co. Va.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office 
183

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 you 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 show what is necefsary [necessary] to be done. Those point to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Bransford West, Nelson Co. Va.

[chart]

I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1852

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law as be 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 are bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as the Clarks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of } ss.

On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A.B. resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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 provioth made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 9d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service: (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers:) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [pointing had icon] 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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A.B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my and and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &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., C Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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 [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [ blank] &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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. the facts state, I will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn, one of the declarations above proved, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were 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 became of it?
{To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant mut mention of 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 the memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For____year___months___, and ____ days, I served as a _____. For _____months and _____days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. the use of the phrase about three or four months, is to indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, providing the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[pointing finger 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 in not [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

W. L. Williams C. Clerk
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Bransford West
Exd
20799

for John Thompson Esq.
Page 9

Virginia
At a Court of Quarterly Sefsion [sessoin] here for Nelfon [Nelson] County at the Courthouse on the 28th day of November 1832.

State of Virginia
County of Nelfon [Nelson]
S.S.

On this 28th day of November 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Justices of the Court of the County of Nelfon [Nelson] now sitting, Bransford West, a resident int he County of Nelfon [Nelson] and State of Virginia, aged seventy-eight 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 Congrefs [Congress] pafed [passed] June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated.
1st He enlisted in the County of Amhurst, now Nelfon [Nelson] as a militia man under Captn Nicholas Cabell (James Pamplin Lieutenant and William Spencer Ensign) in 1775 was called into service on the 14th of June 1776 marched to Manchester, then to Richmond, then to Williamsburg, from thence to James Town and then back to Richmond where he was discharged. Col. Davis commanded in Williamsburg; at James Town Edward Carrington commanded but does not recollect his rank during his stay at James Town, the 6th Regiment of United States Infantry, arrived on it route to South Carolina, but was there countermanded this tour was about two months.
2nd. Volunteered under Captain Joseph Cabell in 1777 (Nicholas Cabell Lieut. and marched with another company commanded by Captn. James Higginbotham) to Manchester, thence to Richmond, and then to Williamsburg, where he was discharged; after they got to Williamsburg, his Captain Joseph Cabell was promoted to the Command of the Regiment and Nicolas Cabell the Lieutenant was made Captain he thinks Col. Davis commanded but is not very certain in this tour he was in service two months.
3rd. He was drafted and marched in a company commanded by Captn. James Barnett (Tilmon Walton, Lieutenant) to Richmond where he was made a Sergeant, five Captains were there a that time with their companies. Samuel Higginbotham was one and William Harris another but does not recollect the names of any others nor of the field officers or the year in which he served or the Company was stationed at Richmond where he was discharged this tour was three months.
4th He was again drafted and served a tour under Captn James Barnett [illegible] marched with the Company to New Kent Courthouse and then to Wmsburg where he was discharged, he does not recollect the names of any of the Officers, or the year in which he served, the tour was two months. Captn. Barnett drew the pay for his company but did not pay them it was said he went to Kentucky and purchased land with it and on
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his return the Government sued him for the money.
5th He was again drafted in 1781 was made a sergeant and marched in a company commissioned by Captain Richard Saliaferro to Hanover Courthouse from thence to New Castle, then to the Burnt Ordinary, where hey joined a brigade commanded by General Stevens - the field Officer of this Regiment were Col. Merriweather and Major Hardiman and they were at the Burnt [illegible] at the time of the battle of James Town, there was alfo [also] a brigade there commanded by General Lawson - the night before the battle General La Fayette lay near to their brigade. Some short time after the battle, they were marched to Malvin Hills, where he was discharged to this town was about six weeks. His first tour was two months, his second two months, his third three months, his fourth two months and his fifth one and a half months - in all ten and a half months. That he he has no documentary evidence by which he can prove his service and knows of no persons who can testify to it except Hezekiah Hargrove who was with him in his first tour and Joseph Matthews who was with him in the second tour and their certificates are hereto annexed.

He alfo [also] makes the following answers to the following interrogatories propounded to him by the Court viz:
1st Where and in what year were you born?
Answer: I was born in the county of Chesterfield on the 26th August 1754.

2nd Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?
Answer: I have my Fathers record of my age but it is now loft [lost]

3rd 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 the County of Amherst now Nelfon [Nelson] and continued to live in the county of Amherst until it was divided and still live in the County of Nelfon [Nelson].

4th How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute; and if a substitute for whom?
Answer: As already stated in my first tour I enlisted as a militia man, in the second I volunteered and in the other three I was drafted.

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: I have already stated the names of all the Officers that I now recollect as well as the regiments, continental and militia and alfo [also] the general circumstances of my service.

6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and, if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
Answer: In some of my tours I got a discharge from my Captain but
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they are now loft [lost].

7th 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?
Answer: Hezekiah Hargrove and Joseph Matthews whose certificates are hereto annexed will testify as to my character and their belief as to my services as a soldier of the revolution.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Bransford West.

We Nelfon [Nelson] Anderson and Robert Rives residing in the County of Nelfon [Nelson] hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Bransford West who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age; that he is refuted 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 of aforesaid.
Nelfon [Nelson] Anderson
R.: Rives [Robert]



Nelfon [Nelson] county to wit:
This day Hezekiah Hargrove personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid and made oath that he marched from the County of Amhurst (now Nelfon [Nelson]) on the 14th day of June 1776 under Captain Nicholas Cabell to Williamsburg and from therice [spelling] to James Town that after remaining there some time he was sent to the South with others to guard some ammunition & that on his return the Company were sent by water to Richmond where they were discharged and that Bransford West marched at the same time in the same company with him that he, said West remained at James Town (during his absence) and that he was alfo [also] discharged in Richmond. Given under my name this 24th day of September 1832.   
Alex S. Brown, J. P. 

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the
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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 is appears to them that Nelfon [Nelson] Anderson, Robert Rives, Hezekiah Hargrove and Joseph Matthews who have sworn to the foregoing certificates are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

A Copy from the Record,
In testimony whereof K, Spotswood Garland, Clerk of the said Court do hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of my Office the 11th day of December 1832 and in the 57th year of the Commonwealth.
[signature] Sp: Garland
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11947
Recd [Received] Feb 12 1845
Nancy West
Va. 
act of July 38
m 91 d 43 Jany
[January]
rejected

Act 3 March 43 & 14 June 44
amt.
10 mo 15th pri
$35

Act 1843 7884
 "    1844   651

Hon. [Honorable] W. C. Rives
Bentivoglis, Albemarle Co., Va
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congrefs [Congress] of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." 
State of Virginia
Nelson County } S.S.

ON this twenty third day of November 1844 personally appeared before me Alexander Brown a justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid, Nancy West, a resident of the said County, aged Eighty year, who being first duly sworn according to the law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congrefs [Congress], pafsed [passed]  July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of Bransford West who was a private in the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War, that she is unable to specify the particular service rendered by her said husband, but as he was on the pension list roll of the Virginia Agency, she refers to the proofs filed with his declaration, on record in the War Department.

She further declares that she was married to the said Bransford West in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety two; that her husband, the aforesaid Bransford West died on the 27th day of January 1843; that she was not married to him prior to him leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: in the year above stated.
Nancy West

Witnefs [Witness]
Norborne Thomas
Nicolas West

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, and I further certify that the said Nancy West by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to appear in Court.
Alex Brown, J. P.
Page 15

State of Virginia
Nelson County } to writ

I Spotswood Garland Clerk of the County Court of Nelson County in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Alexander Brown, whose name is signed to the written certificate, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the said signature, reporting to be his, is genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name as Clerk of the said Court and affix the seal of my office, this 27th day of November 1844.
Sp. Garland, Clerk
of Nelson County Court
Page 16

State of Virginia
Nelson County } to wit:

At a Court held for Nelson County, on the 26th day of May, 1845 the Declaration of Nancy West was read in Court, claiming a pension under the act of Congrefs [Congress] pafsed [passed] the 7th day of July 1838 together with the affidavits of Norborne Thomas and Michael Thomas of this County, and the certificate of Alexander Brown Esq. and the Court being satisfied with the same, do certify to the War Department, that Nancy West above named, is the widow of Bransford West deceased, late of said County, who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution, and was married in the fall of the year 1791 or 1792, and died in the month of January, 1843, leaving his present widow Nancy West aforesaid, and who has remained a widow ever since. And that the said Alexander Brown is an active Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commifsioned [commissioned] and qualified as such; and that the signatures aforesaid, reporting to be his, affixed to his several certificates in this  case, is genuine.
A true copy  from the records of said Court.
In testimony whereof, I, Spotswood Garland, do here unto sign my name as Clerk of the said  Court, and affix the seal of my office, this 27th day of May, 1845.
Sp: Garland, Clerk of Nelson County Court
Page 17

September 10, 1937.

H. H. West
214 South Hill Street
Los Angeles, California.

BA-J/ILL
Bransford West
W. 6447

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Bransford West, a pensioner of Nelson County, Virginia, in 1840.

The data given herein were found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 6447, based upon service of Bransford West in that war.

Bransford West was born August 26, 1754, in Chesterfield County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not shown. He resided during the Revolutionary War in Amherst County, Virginia, a part of which was called later Nelson County, Virginia.

In 1775, Bransford West belonged to Captain Nicholas Cabell's company of Virginia militia, was called into service June 14, 1776, and served two months as private in Captain Nicholas Cabell's company, Colonel Davis' Virginia regiment; he enlisted in 1777, served two months as private in Captain Cabell's company, under Colonels Davis and Joseph Cabell: subsequently, he served three months as sergeant in Captain James Barnett's Virginia company, stationed at Richmond, and another tour of two months in Captain James Barnett's company, from which he was discharged at Williamsburg: he enlisted in 1781, served six weeks as sergeant in Captain Richard Taliaferro's company, Colonel Merriwether's Virginia regiment and was discharged at Malvern Hills.

Bransford West was allowed pension on his application executed November 18, 1832, at which time he resided in Nelson County, Virginia. He died there January 27, 1843.

The soldier married in the fall of 1791 or 1792, Nancy, whose
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maiden name was not given.

Nancy West, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed November 23, 1844, at which time she resided in Nelson County, Virginia. She was aged then eighty years: the date and place of her birth and the names of her parents are not shown.

One Nicholas West was present in 1844, when Nancy West made application for her pension, but his relationship to the family was not stated. At that same time, one Norborne Thomas stated that he was a neighbor of Bransford West and Nancy at the time of their marriage: Michael Thomas made a similar affidavit at that time, 1844.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should write the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:

Nancy West, widow of Bransford West,
Certificate #6982
Issued June 9, 1845
Rate $35 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1843
Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844.
Virginia Agency

Very truly yours,

A.S. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

2
Page 19

Hon. Wm. C. Rives
Feb 13, 1845
Page 20

Pen Off [Pension Office]
Feby [February] 13 '45

Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the care of Nancy West have been examined & are herewith returned - 
The proceedings before the Single Magistrate should be approved by the Court and the dispositions duly authenticated by the Clerk. The alleged date of the marriage should be established (if there be no public record0 by any private document or register in any branch of the family which recognizes their relation of husband & wife prior to Jany [January] 94 or by respectable neighbors who are able by memorable facts to swear with certainty that they husband & wife at a designated period before that date.
The regulations for a transfer are herewith enclosed for the instruction of Elizabeth Gordon.

Hon. W. C. Rives
Senate
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268
Pen Off [Pension Office]
Feby 13, ' 45 [February]

Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the case of Nancy West have been examined & are herein returned.

The proceedings before the Single Magistrate should be approved by the Court and the depositioned duly authenticated by the Clerk.  The alleged date of the marriage should  be established (if there be no public record) by any private document or register in any branch of the family which recognizes their relation of husband & wife prior to Jany [January] [17]94 or by respectable neighbors who are able by memorable facts to swear with certainty that they husband & wife at designated period before that date. The regulations for a transfer are herewith enclosed for the instruction of Elizabeth Gordon.

Hon. W. C. Rives
Senate
Page 22

Geo W Crump Esq.
W. C. Rives
Pension Office
Page 23

Senate Chamber Feb. 10th, 45.

My dear sir,
Will you do me the favour to attend to the matter mentioned in the enclosed letter for me & & let me hear from you on the subject as soon as your convenience will admit.

Believe me most truly yours,
W. C. Rives

Geo. W. Crump, Esq.
Pension Office
Page 24

State of Virginia
Nelson County } S.S.

The affidavit of Norborne Thomas of lawful age  taken this 21st day of November 1844 in the County and State aforesaid.

This applicant being first duly sworn saith, that he was well acquainted with Bransford West, who was an Revolutionary pensioner and is now declared that he is also well acquainted with Nancy West the widow of the said Bransford West; that the said  Bransford West and Nancy West were married either in the Fall of the year 1791 or of the year 1792; that at that time they were neighbours [neighbors] if this applicant and continued to reside in his neighborhood ever since, until the death of the  said Bransford West, which occurred in January 1843, and the said Nancy West, the widow, still resides in his neighborhood ~ and further this applicant saith not.

Norborne Thomas

Nelson County, S.S.
The above affidavit was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me, er. Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid this 23 day of November 1844, and I further certify the above applicant is a credible person.

Alexr Brown [Alexander] J. P.
Page 25

State of Virginia
County of Nelson

The affidavit of Michael Thomas of lawful age taken this 26th day of November 1844 in the County and State aforesaid.

This applicant being first sworn saith, that he lived as neighbor and was well acquainted with Bransford West, a Revolutionary pensioner, now deceased, that he is also well acquainted with Nancy West, the widow of the said Bransford West; that this applicant knows that the said Bransford West and Nancy West were married before the 1st day of January 1794, but he is unable to say in what year. That the said Bransford West died in the month of January 1843, and the said Nancy West still continues the widow of the said Bransford West, our [marked through]applicant saith not.
Michael Thomas (his mark)

Nelson County, S.S.
The above affidavit was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me as Justice of the Peace for the County of aforesaid, this 23rd day of November 1844. I also certify that the above applicant is a credible witnefs [witness].
Alexr Brown, J. P.
Page 26

Bentriuglio
June 6th

Free
W. C. Rives

James l. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 27

Castle Hill June 5th 1845

My Dear Sir,
I have been requested to forward to you the enclosed documents in support of Mrs. West's application for a pension prepared in pursuance of the letter you [illegible] to me on the 13th Feb. last. BE so good as to send me a copy of the paper form of a power of attorney to enable he to draw her pension.

I have been requested, on behalf of Mrs. [illegible] who formerly received a pension & whose certificate was returned to your office a year or two ago, to inquire of you what are the formalities prescribed for renewing her pension, under the act entrusting the benefit of widows pensions for and them five years term - also to obtain for her the proper form of a power of attorney to enable her to draw her pension thru some third person. 
I remain with great respect your most obt. [obedient] serv [servant].
W C Rives 

Mr. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 28

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE
SEPT. 7TH, 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, the widow of Bransford West, decd. [deceased] a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Thirty-five Dollars and Cents  per annum, under the law of the 7th July 1832, has been paid at the Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1842, to the 27 January 1843.
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller
Page 29

Pay WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6447
Nancy West
Wid.
Bransford West
Pvt. Va. line

Act: Mach [March] 3, of 43, June 17 of 44.
Index: - Vol. M, Page 319

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 30

Oct. 12/9
Hist. [History] to John S. Bransford
Station Dr., Nashville, Tenn.

1922 Oct. 5 hist. to Mrs. Annie W. Rudisill, EW

1925 April 6 Hist. to Mrs. M. R. Redwine MDG

1937 Sept. 10 - Hist. to H.H. West ILL
Page 31

Edgewood
Nashville Tn. Oct 9, 1895

(Seal) PENSION OFFICE, OCT. 11, 1895 U.S.

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, DC

Sir:
Please give me record of any claim having ever been filed for pension by Bransford West (Bransford West) for service in the Revolutionary War. The family record states his name was on the Pension Roll. We desire as full as you can give. 

Also please state if any of the surname Bransford is on the Revolutionary list. I know that Wm. Bransford was in the Virginia line. The data I get from Cal Ainsworth [?]
Yours truly
Jno. J Bransford [John J. Bransford]
Page 32

File
6447
Wid [Widow]

[stamp] O.W. & N.
Oct 14, 1895
Received.
Page 33

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. DIV.
MEMORANDA.

Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.

Full name of soldier:
Bransford West

Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Virginia probably

Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
If not Va. Georgia

Date of death (as near as possible):
[blank]

Christian name of widow:
[blank]

Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Yes, he was on pension list

Remarks:
Is my Father's Family Record States

Your name and address:
Jno [John] S. Bransford
[illegible]
"station D"
6--870
Page 34

(stamp)
OLD WAR & NAVY
OCT 7 1895
FILES

(stamp)
PENSION OFFICE
OCT 4 1895
U.S.
Page 35

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

My dear Sir, 
Will you kindly send me any information that you have concerning two Revolutionary soldiers,
Bransford West - Nelson Co., Va. 
John Solmon - Goochland Co., Va.

I am particularly anxious to secure any family data available.

Thanking you, I am 
very truly,
Mrs. M. R. Redwine
10 The Prado
Atlanta, Ga.
Page 36

114 Shotwell St
Bainsbridge Ga.
Sept. 3 - 1922.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir -
Will you kindly send me the Revolutionary War Service of Bransford West, of Va.
Col. Merriweather's Regent (I think was the one he served in).
I am sure he received a pension from the Government.

Yours truly,
Mrs. Annie West Rudisill

(sea0)
PENSION OFFICE
SEPT 7 1922
U.S.
Page 37

June 6, 1925.

Mrs. M.R. Redwine
10, The Prado,
Atlanta, Georgia.

Madam:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W-6447, it appears that Bransford West was born August 26, 1754 in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

While living in that part of Amherst County, later Nelson County, Virginia, he enlisted in June 1776 and served two months as a private in Captain Nicholas Cabel's Company, Colonel Davis' Virginia Regiment.

He enlisted in 1777 and served two months in Captain Nicholas Cabel's Company, Colonel Joseph Cabel's Virginia Regiment.

He served as a private and sergeant for five months in Captain James Barnett's Virginia Company, date not stated.

He enlisted in 1781 and served six weeks as a sergeant in Captain Richard Taliaferro's Company, Colonel Merriwether's Virginia Regiment.
Page 38

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 18, 1832 while residing in Nelson County, Virginia, and he died January 27, 1843.

He married in 1792 Nancy, maiden name not stated, and she was allowed pension on her application executed November 23, 1844 while residing in Nelson County, Virginia, aged 80 years.

There is no further data on file as to his family.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 39

O. W. & N. Division
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
F.S.
M.E.C.

October 12, 1895.

Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the miliary history Bransford West, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

[Chart]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT / LENGTH OF SERVICE/RANK/OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED CAPTAIN/COLONEL/ STATE

June 1776/2 mos/Pvt./Nicholas Cabell/Davis  & Carrington/Va.

1777/2 mos./Pvt./Joseph Cabell, Nicholas Cabell/ Davis/Joseph Cabell/ Va.

Not stated/3 mos./ Sgt./James Barnett/Not stated/Va.

Not started/2 mos./Pvt./James Barnett/not stated/Va.

1791/6 wks/Sgt./Richard Taliaferro/Merriweather/Va.

Battles engaged in, None.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Amherst, now Nelson Co., Va.
Date of application for pension, November 28, 1832
Residence at date of application, Nelson Co., Va.
Age at date of application,
Remarks: Born, Chesterfield Co., Va., Aug. 26, 1754. his widow, Nancy, to whom he was married in the year 1792 was also a pensioner. He died January 27, 1843.

Mr. John S. Bransford
Station "D",
Nashville, Tenn.

Commissioner
Page 40

H. H. West Co.
Manufacturer's Representative
214 South Hill Street
VAndike 1818
Los Angeles, Calif.

(seal) RECEIVED
AUG 24, 1932
MAIL SUE-DIV.
VETS. ADM. READER #15

August 19, 1937.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
In the List of Revolutionary Pensioners in the 1840 Index is:
 Bransford West, 85 years old, in Nelson County, Virginia.

Will you kindly furnish me an abstract of his service and family data for use in a History of Hezekiah West, Revolutionary soldier, that I m compiling, obliging,

Yours very truly,
H.H. West (his signature)
H. H. West

HHW/M