Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 27,527, for John Thomas, Maryland
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Md

Thomas, John
Stuart, Elizabeth 
or Stewart
Sol died in 1799

NUMBER
W.27,527

CONTENTS
(Former widow)
This woman's second husband, 
Alexander Stuart, also served 
in the Revolutionary War.
Page 2

5047

Maryland 
Elizabeth Stuart decd
widow of John Thomas Jr
also widow of 
Doct Alexander Stuart an officer 
of Revy War in the State of Va
who was a Captain in the Compny commanded 
by Captain [illegible] of the Regt commanded 
by [blank] in the Revolution 
line for [blank]

Inscribed on the Roll of Baltimore 
at the rate of 480 Dollars 00 Cents 
per annum, to commence on the 4" day of
March, 1832 & Endg 20" July 1849

Certificate of Pension issued the 11" day of 
Septr 1851 and sent to 
V. Ellis Esq
Present

Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]

Incd from $320

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act July 4, [remainder cut off ]
{Section [remainder cut off]

[illegible signature]
Book D, Vol. 2 [remainder cut off]
Page 3

State of Maryland 
Anne Arundel County to wit

On this fourth day of 
June in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred 
and thirty three personally appears in open Court 
before the worshipful The Justices of the Orphans 
Court for Anne Arundel County in Court sitting, 
Ellis Thomas a resident of Anne Arundel County 
aforesaid, aged seventy eight years or thereabouts, who 
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his 
oath make the following Declaration, in order to 
obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States on the 10th day of Au
gust 1776 as a private in a company of infantry then com
manded by Captain Joseph Richardson and afterwards by Captn.
William Frazier, which company was afterwards attached to the 
Fifth Maryland regiment commanded by Colonel 
William Richardson; that immediately after joining 
said company he was appointed First Sergeant, in 
which situation he continued to act untill [until] he was sent to 
the hospital on account of ill health produced by se
vere exposure, that he continued in the service from the 
time he first entered, to wit, as 10th August 1776 untill [until] the 
23rd day of December 1778 when he was discharged from the 
hospital & permitted to return home, being disa
abled by disease, arising from exposure, to perform further
Page 4

service.  That when he entered the service he resided in that 
part of Maryland, now called Caroline County and marched 
with said regiment to the State of New York & was stati
oned on the high grounds above the City.  That he was in 
the Battles of the White Plains & at German Town 
That at the White Plains General Risden Bell had 
an important command, and that General Small
wood had the command of said regiment at German 
Town and that the division to which this Deponent 
belonged was at the respective times commanded 
by said officers.  This Deponent further says, 
that he hath no documentary evidence and that 
he knows no person now living who was in service 
with him to testify to his services, and therefore he 
resorts to the testimony of his neighbours [neighbours], one of whom, 
James Medford the Deponent hereinafter mentioned, 
was a lad living close by the residence of this De
ponent in Caroline County, to which your Deponent 
returned after his discharge from the army & hospital 
as aforesaid.  That in the year eighteen hundred 
he removed to Anne Arundel County aforesaid where 
he has ever since resided.  That he was altogether 
in the army about two years & four months & 
served as First Sergeant more than two years 
of that time, when he was sent to the hospital 
disabled & unfit for service by disease contracted
Page 5

by exposure whilst in service, from which cause he has 
suffered ever since with rheumatism with which he 
is severely afflicted even unto [illegible], which disables 
him to perform the active duties of life.  That he has parted 
with the property he owned in his younger days & for his 
support (now that he has attained nearly unto four 
score years) is dependant [dependent] on others, and on the 
trifling fees arising from his office of a country 
squire your Deponent being at present & for some 
time past in Commission as a Justice of the 
Peace in & for Anne Arundel County afore
said.  This Deponent further states that heretofore 
he did not want & therefore did not ask for the 
aid of his country for his support and he here
by relinquishes any claim whatever to any pensi
on or annuity, except the present and declares that 
his name is not on the pension roll of [struck out: any]
the agency of any State Territory or District.
Sworn & subscribed to this day & year aforesaid
Th. G. Waters, Justice of the peace Ellis Thomas  

We Solomon Clarridge & James Medford residing in 
Anne Arundel County & State of Maryland hereby certify that 
we are acquainted with Ellis Thomas who has subscribed 
his name & sworn to the foregoing Declaration, that 
we believe him to be seventy eight years of age, that he 
is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood [neighborhood], where
Page 6

he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution 
and that we concur in that opinion
Solomon Clarridge
James Medford
Page 7

Interrogatories propounded to the applicant 

1sr Question.  Where and in what year were you born?
Answer.  I was born in the year 1755 in that part of the State 
of Maryland, now known as Caroline County.

2nd. Question.  Have you any record of your age & if so where is it?
Answer.  I have no record of my age except what is contained in a 
Bible that belonged to my father, but do not know 
where the book is at present.

3rd. Question.  Where were you living when you entered the service, where 
have you lived since the Revolution & where do you now live?
Answer.  I lived in that part of Dorchester County, which now con
stitutes a part of Caroline County in Maryland, and 
I resided there after my discharge from the service until 
about the year 1800, when I removed to Anne Arundel 
County of the same State, where I have ever since resided.

4th. Question.  How were you called into the service, were you drafted, 
did you volunteer or were you a substitute & if a sub
stitute, for whom?
Answer.  I enlisted for three years, but becoming disabled (from 
exposure) after I had served a little less than two 
years & six months, I was discharged by Colonel 
Richardson and permitted to return home to recover my health.

5 Question.  State the names of some of the regular officers who were 
with the troops where you served, such continental & militia 
regiments as you can recollect, and the general circum
stances of your service.
Page 8

Answer.  General Risden Bell commanded the troops from Maryland 
at the high grounds above the City of New York & was with 
them at the Battle at White Plains; and General Small
wood commanded the division to which I belonged at the Bat
tle of German Town.  I have stated before that Colonel 
William Richardson commanded the fifth regiment to 
which I belonged & was in both battles.

6th Question.  Did you ever receive a discharge from the service 
and if so by whom was it given & what has become of it?
Answer.  I become disabled after being in the army nearly 
two years & six months & was sent to the hospital 
where I was visited by Colonel Richardson (who was an 
old acquaintance) and permitted to return home to recover 
my health, but did not recover untill [until] after my time of ser
vice (3 years) had expired.

7 Question.  State the names of persons to whom you are known 
in your present neighbourhood [neighborhood] and who can testify 
as to your character for veracity and their belief 
of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer.  I am personally known to Solomon Clarridge Abner Linthicum Esquire 
James Medford and to most of the gentlemen of 
the County, have frequently had the honour [honor] to be no
minated to the Governour [Governor] & Council by the delegates to the assembly, for the ap
pointment of a Justice of the Peace of Anne 
Arundel County and am now in Commission
Page 9

and that said [struck out: Abner Linthicum] Solomon Clarridge Esquire & Mr. James Medford 
have testified their belief of my services as a soldier 
of the Revolution as well as to my character for vera
city.  Sworn & subscribed to the day & year aforesaid
Ellis Thomas

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after 
the investigation of the matter and after putting the interroga
tories prescribed by the War Department that the above 
named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & 
served as he states, and the Court further certifies that 
it appears to them that [struck out: Abner Linthicum] Solomon Clarridge 
& James Medford who have signed the 
preceeding [preceding] certificate are residents of 
Anne Arundel County and are creditable [credible] 
persons and that their statement is entitled 
to credit
Gordon White
Tho. H Dorsey
Joseph Howard

Maryland
Anne Arundel County to wit-

I Sam Brown Junr. Register of Wills for Anne 
Arundel County aforesaid do certify that the foregoing 
contains the original proceedings of the Orphans 
Court for said County in the matter of the application
Page 10

of Ellis Thomas for a pension
In Testimony 
whereof I have hereunto set my hand the 
seal of my office this fourth day 
of June in the year of our Lord eighteen 
hundred and thirty three.
[Blurred seal of office] Sam Brown Junr Reg. Wills A.A.County
Page 11

I Rebecca Gibson of Talbot County and State 
of Maryland, do say that I was well acquainted 
with John Thomas Junr. of Wye of said County and 
Elizabeth his wife and that I well remember that 
the said John Thomas Junr. did intermarry with 
Elizabeth Gibson of said County, now Elizabeth Stuart
and who is cousin to my late husband Jacob Gibson 
of said County and I will remember of being at 
the wedding myself.  That after the marriage and 
previous thereto, I was well acquainted with them 
and long knew them as man & wife, who were 
persons of high standing and character in society
Given under my hand this 24th day of May 1844
Test
Rebecca Po. Gibson. Rebecca Gibson 

State of Maryland Talbot County, to wit:

On this twenty fourth day of May eighteen 
hundred and forty four, before me the subscriber 
one of the Justices of the peace of the State of Maryland 
in and for Talbot County, personally appeared Rebecca 
Gibson and made oath on the Holy Evangelis of Almighty 
God that what is stated in the above certificate 
is [struck out: true] correct and true to the best of her knowledge 
a belief- And I hereby certify that the said Rebecca 
whose name is written in her [illegible] is a person  
of good standing and reputation and is entitled to full 
faith and credit. Sworn to before Henry Thomas
Page 12

State of Maryland Talbot County to wit: I hereby certify that 
Henry Thomas Gentleman, before whom the within & foregoing affidavit 
appears to have been taken, and whose name is thereto subscribed, 
was at the time of taking and subscribing the same one of the 
State of Maryland's Justices of the peace in and for Talbot County 
aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn.
[Blurred seal of Court] In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe 
my name and affix the seal of Talbot  
County Court this 25 day of May 1844
James Parrott Clerk of 
Talbot County Court
Page 13

Centreville Queen Anne Co. Mch. 3rd. 51

W. E. Kennaugh Esqr

Dear Sir

Have made inquiries in re
gard to the pension justly due the heirs of my Grandfather, 
for services rendered by him in the Revolutionary war, I can 
find no evidence of the exact date of his and my Grandmothers 
[word struck out] marriage.  But by referring to some certifficates [certificates] on file at 
Annappolis [Annapolis] you will there find certified to on oath, by James 
Price Cpt. R. Trippe & Rebecca Gibson, sufficient proof of those 
persons, that they knew my grand rellatives [relatives] as man & wife.  They 
were put there when the state pension was obtained for my 
Grandmother, which I think was in 1843.  It is very probable 
that you might obtain other facts in the case which might be 
of advantage [struck out: in this case]. There are also papers on file at washin
ton which were in James A. Pearce's possession for [struck out: execution] presenting 
the claim, who I think did not use any verry [very] streanous [strenuous] 
exertions to obtain it, which I think will also be of advantage 
[word struck out] in the case.  My Uncle says he reccollects [recollects] the exact 
date of my Grandfathers death, which was in the year 
1796 the exact day I disremember.  My Grandmother survived un
til the month of March 1849 and received an anuel [annual] state pen
sion up to her death.  My Uncle also says there has been a law 
passed since the [struck out: the] revolution granting to each officer or soldier 
the sum of one thousand pounds, which my Grandfather never 
obtained, that might also be investigated.
Very respectfully your obt. servant
John T. Thomas 

P.S. I was informed a few days ago by a friend 
that the old family [illegible] is in possession 
of a person in Talbot Co. which has the marriges [marriages] & deaths recorded in it 
of the family which I [illegible] try to get.  John T. Thomas
Page 14

Petition of Elzh Stuart 
widow of an officer of the 
Revolution praying a 
pension
Page 15

The Honble: the [words struck out] Senate & H of Reps of the U S

The Petition of Elizabeth 
Stuart of Queen Anne County, Maryland, aged eighty years 
respectfully represents to your Honble Body that she is the widow of Captn. 
John Thomas Jr an officer and soldier in the war of the 
Revolution, and prays of our Honorable Body to grant to her 
such relief, as to your Honble. Body may seem right 
and proper, and as in duty bound will every pray &c.

For proof &c. of her husbands rank &c
service &c see accompanying affidavits.
Elizth. Stuart

I Nathan Allen a citizen of Queen Anne County 
and State of Maryland, aged eighty two years do hereby certify 
that I lived with Mr. John Thomas Sr. several years before his 
son John Thomas Jr. intermarriage with Elizabeth Gibson of 
Talbot County, and that the said John Thomas Jr, and 
Elizabeth Gibson now Elizabeth Stuart were married some
time between the years of 1779 and 1784 and I further 
certify that the said Elizabeth Thomas now Elizabeth Stuart  
is the widow of John Thomas Jr, of Talbot County to the 
best my knowledge
Nathan Allen.
Page 16

State of Maryland Queen Anne County  On this 3d 
day of February in the year eighteen hundred and forty  
three before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the 
peace for said County personally appeared Nathan Allen 
of said County and make oath on the Holy Evangely 
of Almighty God that the facts stated in the 
foregoing certificate are just and true to the best of 
his knowledge
Sworn before S D Belton

Maryland Queen Anne  County-

I hereby certify that S. D. Belton 
Esquire before whom the aforegoing affidavit to have been 
made and who has thereunto subscribed his name 
is one of the State of Marylands Justices of the Peace 
in and for Queen Anne County aforesaid duly com
missioned and sworn-
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe 
my name & the seal of my office affix
this 6th day of February 1843
Jno Tilghman Clk
of 
Queen Anne County Court
Page 17

State of Maryland }
Baltimore County S.S. }

Personally appeared before me the subscriber 
a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and County of 
Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, Henry Thomas a 
resident of the County and state aforesaid, who being duly 
sworn according to law, doth certify and make known:

That he (the said deponant [deponent]) is the son and legal 
representative of Captn. John Thomas Jr. who served in the 
revolutionary war, Maryland continental line and militia 
service, That this deponant [deponent] derives his knowledge of the services 
of his father during the revolutionary war, partly from 
what he has heard his father say during his life time, but 
more especially as a mater [matter] of record and history: and in 
order to show the record upon which this deponant [deponent] relies 
for the services of Captn. John Thomas Jr. the following extracts 
have been incerted [inserted], from the proceedings of the Maryland 
Covention [Convention] and Councel [Council] of Safety.  1776;

In convention June 25th, 1776 Resolved that this 
Province will furnish 3,405 of its Militia, to form a Flying 
Camp, and to act with the Militia Pennsylvania. That 
on the issuing the warrents [warrants], or granting the Commissions as 
aforesaid, there be paid by the Treasurer of the show where 
such persons resides, on produsing [producing] an order from the 
Councel [Council] of Safety the sum of £69.15s to each Captn. £46.10s
to each Lieutenant and £37.5s to each Ensign out of the Bills 
of Credit, to be advanced to the non commissioned officers 
and privates in part of their wages at the discretion of the 
officers, who shall be answerable to this Province for the 
money advanced."  See Forcs Doc Hist. Vol. 10 p. 1457 1489.  In
Convention Saturday June 29th, 1776--The Convention resumed 
the Election of officers for Talbot County: Greenberry Goldsborough 
Captn. Woolman Gibson (son of John) 1st. Lieutenant, 
John Thomas Jr. 2d. Lieutenant and Perry Benson Ensign.--
See. Doc. Hist. Vol. 10 p. 1492.  1766.
Page 18

Maryland Councel [Council] of Safety July 1st 1776 ordered, That 
the Treasurer of the Eastern Shore pay to Greenberry 
Goldsborough Capt. £69.15s; Woolman Gibson (son of John) 1st.
Lieut. £46.10s John Thomas Jr. 2d. Lieut. £46.10s and Perry 
Benson Ensign £37.5s of Talbot County Militia See. Doc. 
His. vol. 10 p. 1480.

In Councel [Council] of Safety July 1776 commissions issued to the 
following officers of companies belonging to Col. James
Kents Battalion of Militia for the Flying Camp; G. 
Goldsborough Captn. Woolman Gibson 1st Lieutenant 
John Thomas Jr. 2d. Lieutenant and Perry Benson Ensign 
to serve in the Militia Department.--See Doc. Hist. vol. 10 page 
1346.

And this deponant [deponent] relying upon the Military Records at 
Annapolis, to sustain him in this his declaration, further 
saith, and offers the following extract from the Rolls 
at Annapolis:

John Thomas Jr. appointed Captn. in 
the 4th. Battalion of Militia of Talbot County, Commanded 
by Col. Peregrine Tilghman on the 9th. day of April 1778, and 
on the 4th. Novr. 1782 resigned, and one Samuel Thomas, then 
1st. Lieut. appointed in his stead".

And this deponant [deponent] further saith that he has every reason 
to believe that the said John Thomas Jr. mentioned in the 
proceedings of the Convention of 1776 as Lieutenant of the 
Flying Camp, Militia of Talbot County, as well as Captn. 
of the 4th. Battalion, was his (this deponants [deponents]) father, that his 
father was known by all the old inhabitants of Talbot 
County to have served as Lieutenant and Captn. during 
the Revolutionary War.  That this deponant [deponent] always under 
stood and has heard his father so state during his 
life [word blurred], as also from others who served with him, 
that [word blurred] was in the army of the North, and was in 
several [word blurred] battles, and that he was at Valley Forge in the 
winter [word blurred] 1777.
Page 19

 And this deponant [deponent] further saith that the said Captn. 
John Thomas Jr. resided in Talbot County up to the date 
of his death, the 3d. October 1799, That this deponant [deponent] was at 
the time of his fathers death sixteen years of age, having 
been born on the 13th. day of September 1783 and that he 
is now is his 68th year.  That the mother of this deponant [deponent] 
Elizabeth Thomas survived her husband the said 
John Thomas Jr. and afterwards intermarried with one 
Doctr. Alexr. Stuart, but that the said Alexr. Stuart died some 
time in the year 1806, and that she the said Elizabeth 
Stuart (late Thomas) remained a widow up to the time 
of her death, which took place on the 20th. day of February 
1849, at her grand daughters, Elizabeth Pratt, near Queens
town in Queen Anne County Maryland.

And this deponant [deponent] further saith, that his father the said 
John Thomas Jr. at his death left three children, whose 
names and ages are as follows: Henry Thomas (this 
deponant [deponent]) was born on the 13th. day of. September 1783.  Anna 
Louisa Thomas born the 18th. October 1786, and afterwards 
intermarried with Charles Gibson, by whom she had  
children, and that she the said Anna Louisa in 
November 1844 [inserted: died], aged about 61 years.  John Gibson Thomas 
born on the 23rd. December 1789 and now living in Queen 
Anne County Maryland.

And this [repeated: this] deponant [deponent] further says that his mother 
hath more than once told him he was her first child, 
and that she had but three, two sons and one daughter. 
And this deponant [deponent] further saith, that he was well 
acquainted with Genl. Perry Benson, who was the Ensign 
in the company, and has several times told me that 
John Thomas Jr. (my father) was a Lieut. in the company 
commanded by Captn. Greenberry Goldsborough (who I also 
was well acquainted with, that they were on to the North, 
and the said P. Benson did say in my presents [presence] that 
when the company were discharged he got a Lieutenants
Page 20

commission in the regular army in the Maryland 
line 2d. regiment and, whose name is on the Roll at 
Annapolis & Washington, for he drew his pention [pension] from 
the General government, for this deponant [deponent] was called 
by the said Benson as a justice of the Peace to administer 
the oath to the certificate to get his pention [pension] when examined by 
two doctors as to his wound, which was verry [very] sevear [severe].
And this deponant [deponent] further says that he was 
acquainted with the Rev. John Dungan a privet [private] in 
the company commanded by Capt. G. Goldsborough, 
and told me also that my father was the Lieutenant 
to [struck out: it and inserted] for the company, and many others I have heard speak of him, 
and was titled generally by Captn. by the old 
inhabitants of the County.  Genl. Perry Benson died 
about the year 1826 or /27 and John Dungan about 1839.
And this deponant [deponent] further saith that he hath 
heard his father talk about the campaign in the 
lower counties of the Eastern Shore of Maryland 
and Virginia, he was Captn. then of a company, 
and after he returned home from the Flying 
Camp at the North I have heard him speak 
of his being down to Northamton [Northampton] Court House 
Va. (now calld. Eastville) to quel [quell] the Torys as 
they were then called and further this deponant [deponent] 
saith not. 
Henry Thomas

The written interlinations }
were all made before the }
signing and making oath }
to that paper. }

Subscribed & sworn before me this first 
day of July 1837.
John Donaldson 
a Justice of the Peace 
of the State of Maryland

STATE OF MARYLAND, 
Baltimore County, Sct.

I HEREBY CERTIFY, That John Donaldson 
Esquire before whom the annexed Depositions 
were made and who has thereto subscribed his name was at the 
time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in 
and for the City of Baltimore, duly commissioned and sworn. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereto set my. hand and affix the seal 
of Baltimore County Court, this first day of 
July A. D. 1851.
[illegible] Bradford
Clerk Baltimore County Court.
Page 21

[numbers struck out]. 6518
Declaration of 
Elizabeth Stuart

attested

Rd May 27, 1845
_____________

no 6
Page 22

State of Maryland, Queen Ann's [Anne] County Sct

On this 19th day of May in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and forty five, personally appeared 
before me the subscriber an associate Judge of the Second 
Judicial District of the State of Maryland composed of Talbot, 
Queen Ann's [Anne], Kent and Cecil Counties, being a Court of law 
and of record, Elizabeth Stuart a resident of Queen Ann's [Anne]
County, aged about eighty two years, who being first duly sworn 
according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration 
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act 
of Congress passed in July 1836 and 1838, entitled "an act granting 
half pay and pensions to certain widows," That she is the widow of John 
Thomas Jr who was a captain in the revolutionary war, and that 
as captain in the militia of the State of Maryland he performed 
service for the period of three years or more in the said war.

She further declares that her said husband the said John 
Thomas Jr previous to his being appointed a captain, and rendering 
service as such, he was a volunteer in the defence [defense] of his country 
at the age of eighteen and rendered service in the defence [defense] of the 
coast of Virginia, and that during his actual service in the 
capacity of a volunteer and that afterwards, of a captain of 
militia, he underwent great exposure and fatigue, so much so, 
that his health was greatly and seriously impaired thereby.

She further declares that she was married to the said John 
Thomas Jr. in Talbot County by Parson Gordon on the 9th day of May in the year 1779, that her 
husband the said John Thomas Jr died on the 3rd day of 
October in the year 1799. She further declares that afterwards, 
in the year 1804, she was married to Dr. Alexander Stuart of Kent 
County, who was also another revolutionary soldier, and rendered 
actual service during the war, and was one of the American 
prisoners taken by the British at New York, and that the said 
Alexander Stuart her last husband, died on the 20th day of 
April 1806; that she was married to her first husband the 
said John Thomas Jr prior to his leaving service and during the 
continuance of the revolutionary war; and that she was a 
widow on the 4th July 1836, and still remains a widow as will
Page 23

appear by certificate thereof herewith [illegible]

And I further certify that the said Elizabeth Stuart is at 
this time prevented by bodily infirmity from appearing before a 
Court, and that in consequence this declaration is made at the 
house of her grand daughter Elizabeth Pratt.

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year first herein 
written.
P. B. Hopper

I hereby certify from my own knowledge Mrs. Elizabeth Stuart 
was a widow on the 4th day of July 1836 and that full 
faith and confidence may be given to the above declaration 
Given under my hand this 19th May 1845
P. B. Hopper

Maryland Queen Anns [Anne] County Sc:  I hereby certify that it appears by the records and 
proceedings of Queen Anns [Anne] County Court, that the Honorable Philemon B. Hopper who ap 
pears to have taken, and signed the above certificate, was at the time of doing, one of the 
associate Judges of the Second Judicial District of the State of Maryland, comprehending 
the Counties of Cecil, Kent, Queen Anns [Anne], and Talbot, duly commissioned and sworn; and 
that to all acts by him done in that capacity, full faith and credit are due, and ought to 
be given, as well in Courts of Justice thereout.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, and 
affix the seal of Queen Anns [Anne] County Court, this 19th day of 
May 1845.
Jno. Tilghman Cl of
Queen Anns [Anne] County Court.
Page 24

11146
Elizabeth Stuart formerly 
wow of John Thomas Jr
Maryland 

Act 7 July 1838
Page 25

I certify that about two years after the return 
of Captn. John Thomas, of Wye Talbot County, from the 
army I was married to him, he being then about twenty
ty three years old, and I have often heard him say 
he entered in the service of his County at the age of 
eighteen, he last belonged to the Flying Camp.  I 
have since his decease married an other revolu
tionary officer Doctr. Alexander Stuart and now, 
through a combination of misfortunes, am now 
an aged and distressed widow living with my 
widowed daughter of the above mentioned Captn
John Thomas, in Queen Anne County Eastern  
Shore Maryland.
Elizth. Stuart
______

The reason why I did not apply for pension 
on relief, was, that I understood I could get no 
assistance after a second marriage, until 
encouraged by a Notice in the news paper in
clos'd [enclosed] that a second marriage would not be a 
bar.

[Newspaper clipping]
PENSIONS-WIDOWS.-At a recent session of 
Congress a law was passed providing "that the 
marriage of the widow, after the death of her 
husband, for whose services she claims a pen
sion, under the act of 7th of July, 1838, shall 
be no bar to the claim of such widow, to the 
benefit of that act, she being a widow at the 
time she makes application for a pension."

Captn. John Thomas was in the service of his country be
fore he joined the Flying Camp, and did not return until 
it was disbanded, with a shattered constitution from 
which he never fully recovered during his life.
turn over
Page 26

Note - Mr. Thomas went out Ensighn [Ensign], and 
when he return'd was called Captain.

1 Jany 1794
monthly pay 8 years
Page 27

Revy
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 27527
Elizabeth Stewart 
widow of 
John Thomas Jr
also widow of Doct. Alexander Stewart 
an officer in Revy War 
(Capt.)

Act July 4th 1836

Index:  Vol. [blank], Page [blank]

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]
Page 28

5047
Maryland

Elizabeth Stuart decd
formerly widow of John Thomas Jr
who died on the [blank]
of [blank] in the State of Md
who was a Lt & Captn in the compy commanded 
by [struck out: Captain] of the Regt commanded 
by Col [blank] in the Revolution 
line for [blank]

Inscribed on the Roll of Baltimore 
at the rate of 320 Dollars 00 Cents 
per annum, to commence on the 4" day of 
March 1831 & Endg 20" Feby 1849

Certificate of Pension issued the 15" day of 
Augst. 1837 and sent to 
V. Ellis Esq
Present

Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi=annual allowance ending [blank]
[blank]
=====

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act July 4, 1836; }
{ Section the 3d }

Recorded by H.R. Waghoman Clerk,
Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 376
Page 29

11,146
Elizabeth Stuart 
widow of John Thomas
___
Maryland
___
Act 7 July 1838
___
See letter to Hon. J. A. 
Pearce Sept. 18. 1844--
W. J. Gibson, April 18th
45
W. E. Kennaugh June 9/51
Page 30

5047
_____
Elizabeth Stuart Decd.
wid. John Thomas Jr.
Md
Act July 4 '36
-----

Increase from 
$320 to $480 
as a Captn.
to commence Mar. 
4th 1831 & end Feby 
20th 1849

Payable to Henry Thom[remainder cut off]
& John G. Thom[remainder cut off]
only children

V. Ellis
Washington
Page 31

8-871.
_____
RECORD DIVISION.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Briefed by F. W. June 11, 1911.

Claim No. [blank]

Certificate No. [blank]

Claimant [blank]

Soldier Alexander Stuart
or Stewart.

Service Surgeon. (died in 1806)

Additional Service 
Rev. War.

No [blank] claim, State records [blank], 190[blank]

No claim, combination records [blank], 190[blank]

REMARKS:

No claim as above

0-8 Chief Division
Page 32

Land Office, Annapolis, July 10th 1833.

I hereby certify, that it appears by the returns of the 
"Flying Camp," remaining in this office, that the name of 
Ellis Thomas appears upon the roll of Captain Richardson's
Company, of Caroline County, to have enrolled on the 
31st day of August 1776.
George G. Brewer
Regtr. Ld Off M. S.Md.
Page 33

Gibson [illegible] 
widow, Mrs Lowry, 
allowed for Captain's
services in militia, [illegible[
5 or 6 mos. issue full pension
$480 per year: He served 
in Gloucester Co Va on 
Western Shore
Page 34

Brief of case of John Thomas's 
widow, now Mrs Eliz Stewart 

First service was performed as 2d Lieut.
of the Flying Camp.  See McSherry's
5 to | History page 382
6 mos. | Documentary history Vol. 6 pages 1492, 1487 
_____ |  to 1489, 1480.  Not 1.5th Series p 1346.

Second service. Captain of 4th battalion of militia, 
comsd. Capt '78 & resigned 4 Nov '82.
Certificate of Mr. Brewer of Annapolis.
9 mos.  Mary Green's depn. served 9 months in 1778 & 9
Returned to the army after 
being married & served till 
the spring of '82

James Bryants depn. proving some facts.
See Journals of Congress Ref 76/78 militia 
ordered out by drafts for 9 months

Third service.  From his return to the army 
after his marriage in 79 to 82.  This appears 
from the widows declaration and the 
for 12 } depositions of the two witnesses Mrs.
to 18 } Mary Green & James Bryant, from 
months } his resignation in spring of 1782.
Page 35

Flying Camp established.

1776 June 30. till 1st of Decr.
Maryland to furnish 3,400 men 
Flying Camp officers  May 26/81

Maryland militia July 31/77
Aug 22/77
Apl. 23/78
Sept 20/80
May 31/81

The exposed condition of the E. Shore of 
Maryland & of all the Counties on the 
Chesapeak [Chesapeake] Bay, authorises [authorizes] the same 
rules to be adopted on their behalf 
which the Secretary Ewing, adopted 
as to the E. Shore of Va. militia & 
which rules resulted in placing all 
E. Shore Va militia on the pension 
rolls for a full pension.  See 
decision in case of Cash's Bull of 
E. Shore milita, Virginia.
V.Ellis [illegible]
Page 36

Certificate of Mary Green
Talbot County 
No 2.

Evidence
Page 37

State of Maryland 
Queen Anns [Anne] County, to wit,

On this 31st. day of May A.D. 1848, before the subscri
ber, a Justice of the peace of the said State, in and for said County, 
personally appeared Mary Green, formerly widow of Robert 
Cross, and made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, 
that she is now drawing a revolutionary pension from the 
United States for her said deceased husband services, she [struck out: is]
now resides in said County, but a native of Talbot County, in 
said State, that she well knew and was personally [struck out: appeared] 
acquainted with John Thomas, Junr. of said Talbot County, from 
her earliest recollection and more particularly in the latter part 
of the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven then commanding 
a company of select militia, and to the best of her knowledge
was attached to the 4th battalion, under the command of the 
following officers, Colonel Peregrine Tilghman, Lieutenant Colonel 
Nicholas, and Marjor Jos. Bruss, and this affiant further declares that 
she well remembers, in the year seventeen hundred and seventy 
eight, of that summer, the said Captain John Thomas, Junr. with his 
company left Talbot County aforesaid and marched to the head of 
Elk, where they went expressively to guard the military stores, 
belonging to the revolutionary army of the United States, and for 
other purposes, in which many different positions he, and 
his company, had rendered actual service at least nine 
months, as she had oftentimes heard him say as well others 
in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] and as she believes, after which the 
said Captain Thomas, in the month of January, in the year
Page 38

seventeen hundred and seventy nine returned home from 
his first tour of service, where he remained at least some 
months during which stay, in the early part of the 
summer of the year seventeen hundred and seventy 
nine the said Captain John Thomas Junr. was law
fully married to Elizabeth Gibson, some short time 
after which he returned to the army and again resum
ed the command of his company and continued rendering 
Revolutionary services in the United States army in many 
positions up to the time of his return from his last tour of 
services in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two, in 
the spring of that year, this affiant further declares that 
after his return from the revolutionary service Captain Thomas, 
aforesaid, again lived with his wife now his widow 
Elizabeth Stewart, up to the time of his death, which 
occured [occurred] sometime in the year seventeen hundred and 
ninety nine, that after the death of her first husband 
Capt. John Thomas Junr. the said Elizabeth Stewart was 
married to Dr Stewart, further she saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed } Mary Green 
on the day, and year, above }
aforesaid }
Before me
William Reed
Justice of the peace
Page 39

This is to certify that I have known Mrs Mary 
Green whose signature appear on the opposite 
page, for about thirty years, and know her to be 
a lady of great respectability, that I would believe 
[struck out: she would] any statement she would make under 
oath which also would be taken in any Court 
of Justice. In testimony whereof I subscribed 
my name  
Wm Reed
Just. of the peace

Queen Anns [Anne] County to wit State of Maryland Ss I hereby certify that 
William Reed gentleman before whom the foregoing affidavit was 
made and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the time of 
making the said affidavit and subscribing the same, one of the State 
of Marylands justices of the peace in and for Queen Anns [Anne] County duly 
commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony whereof, I hereto subscribe my name and affix the 
[Blurred seal of Count] seal of Queen Anns [Anne] County Court this 31st day of 
May eighteen hundred and forty eight 1848.
John Tilghman, Clerk 
of 
Queen Anns [Anne] County Court
Page 40

Baltimore Sept 21st 1848.

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions

Sir

Herewith I send you my 
Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the 
act of Congress of Feb. 2d. 1848 entitled 
"An act marking further provisions for Surviving 
Widows of the Soldiers of the Revolution."

Be pleased to direct for me to the 
care of Alexr. Yearley & Son, Baltimore
Witness  Very respectfully
Samuel Thomas { Your obt. Servt.
 { Mary her X mark Thomas

N.B. It is hoped that the Commissioner of Pensions 
will take up without delay, the cases of the old 
revolutionary widows.
Page 41

Ellis Thomas.

Mr Ellis Thomas
[illegible] Court 
A. A. County
Md

Saml. Fernandis, Eser
Baltimore
June 18, 1833
Page 42

Anne Arundel County 22nd May 1833

This is to certify I have been acquainted 
with the bearer of this, Mr. Ellis Thomas [my neighbour [neighbor]) 
for number of years and have often heard 
him [next few words illegible] services [remainder illegible]
revolutionary war and from his correctness of 
character and high standing as a magistrate 
in this County I have entire confidence 
in any statement he make make relating 
to his services in the Revolutionary war
Richard Cromwell
To Wit Ellis Thomas

Maryland Sct 
Anne Arundel County to wit

Be it remembered that on this sixth day of 
June 1833 personally appears Richard Cromwell 
before the subscriber a Justice of the peace 
duly commissioned & qualified in for Anne 
Arundel County and makes oath on the
Page 43

Holy Evangely that the facts set forth in 
the above affidavit are true to the 
best of his knowledge & belief & 
that the applicant for pension 
the said Ellis Thomas who subscribed 
this as a Justice of the Peace was a 
soldier in the Revolution and is the 
identical person making application 
for said pension according to the best of his 
belief
Sworn to before 
Ellis Thomas Justice of the peace

Anne Arundel County to wit

I hereby certify that Ellis Thomas Gentleman who 
appears to taken and signed the aforegoing affidavit was at the 
time of so doing one of the State of Maryland justices of the 
peace in and for Anne Arundel County duly commissioned 
and sworn
In Testimony whereof I hereto set my name and 
office the seal of Anne Arundel County Court this 
seventh day of June in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Wm L Green Cl AA Coty Cot
Page 44

Maryland Anne Arundel County to wit

Be it remembered that on this sixth [illegible] day of 
June 1833 personally appears Abner Linthi
cum the person named by Ellis Thomas the 
applicant for pension & makes oath 
that he believes that said Ellis Thomas 
was a Revolutionary soldier and that 
he believes him to be a man of veracity & to 
have performed the services by him stated & 
even more in the Revolutionary war
Sworn to before [words blacked out]
this applicant for pension 
[words blacked out]
me Ellis Thomas Justice of the peace
Page 45

Maryland Queen Anns [Anne] County To wit On this 9th day of July 
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one 
before the subscriber a Justice of the peace of the State of Maryland 
in and for Queen Anns [Anne] County, personally appeared Dr Robert Wright and 
William Reed of the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn 
according to law depose and says "That they were well acquainted with the 
late Mrs Elizabeth Stuart in her lifetime, and that she was at the time of her 
death from general reputation the [illegible] and widow of the late Doctr:
Alexander Stuart of Kent County, in the State aforesaid, and one of these 
deponents to wit Wm. Reed further deposeth and saith, the whilst a Justice of the peace, 
he has frequently transacted with, and done business for, the said Elizabeth 
Stuart in her lifetime, in which he has repeatedly taken her affidavit 
that she was the widow of Captn. John Thomas of Talbot County and then 
and at that time, the widow of Doctr Alexander Stuart as aforesaid.  And these 
deponents further saith that they were bearers at the internment and 
funeral of the said Elizabeth Stuart, who died at the residence of Edwin 
E Pratt Esqr in the County aforesaid, and that she departed this life on 
the 19th or 20th day of February 1849.  That she left at the time 
of her decease two sons to wit: Henry Thomas now living in the City of 
Baltimore and John G Thomas now residing near Centerville in Queen Anns [Anne]
County aforesaid, and that the said Henry Thomas and John G Thomas were 
the only children of the said Elizabeth Stuart who were living at the time 
of her death; but that she had four grandchildren, who survived her, and who 
are still living, to wit Woolman I Gibson, Charles A Gibson, Dornington 
Gibson and Elizabeth Pratt wife of the aforesaid Edwin E Pratt, all of 
whom are the children of the late Anna Louise Gibson who was the 
daughter of the said Elizabeth Thomas and wife of the late Charles Gibson.
Page 46

It is further certified that the said Robert 
Wright and William Reed are highly respectable and creditable 
gentlemen, and are entirely disinterested in the subject matter 
concerning which they have deposed as aforesaid.

In testimony &c all of which I hereunto subscribe my 
name on the day and in the year first herein before written.
Sworn before
John Chambers J.P.

Maryland Sc. Queen Anns [Anne] County to wit I John Tilghman Clerk of 
Queen Anns [Anne] County Court do hereby certify that John Chambers gentleman 
before the foregoing affidavits were made and whose name is thereto 
subscribed was at the time of making and subscribing the same, one of 
the State of Marylands justices of the peace in and for Queen Anns [Anne]
County duly commissioned and qualified and to all his acts as such 
full faith and credit is and ought to be given as such in Courts of 
Justice thereout.
In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my 
[Blurred seal of office] name and affix the seal of my office this 
tenth day of July eighteen hundred and fifty one
John Tilghman Clerk of 
Queen Anns [Anne] County Court
Page 47

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Stuart formerly wid. of Jno. Thomas
[blank] County and State of Maryland 
act 4 July 1838.
=================================================
Claim, ("original," or "[struck out: for increase].")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

Proof of the six mo. service as Lt. Record.

Proof of 9 mo service as Capt. Living witnesses, who 
swear that after performing this service he in 79 came home and 
was married, and a few months afterward returned and 
took command of his compy. and did not return until 
1782.  I only allow for three months service, as there is no definite 
period proved.  The record shows that he resigned in 1782.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent.
V. Ellis Esqr.  F. F. Kirby
Present  Examining Clerk.
Page 48

Annapolis 19th July 1845.

J. L. Edwards Esqr.

Dr Sir.

I herewith forward to you 
the Declaration of Messrs. Elizabeth Stuart, which I wish 
you to file in the Department, with her other papers as 
her application for a pension from the General Government; 
I believe the other papers were filed by the Hon. J. A Pearce; 
should the papers be deficient in form, I would be glad 
you could at some leisure time inform me of it, my 
want of information in regard to this subject, will I hope 
be a sufficient excuse for any information I may ask 
of you on this subject.  Mrs Stuart is my grandmother 
and I of course feel very solicitous about her case.

Whenever it may be necessary for you to address me in 
regard to Mrs. [illegible] case, or the one above mentioned, you 
will please address me at "Centreville Queen Anns [Anne] County 
Md" if after 10th March, until that time, I shall remain 
at Annapolis.  I am [illegible] in Your Obt Servt. &c
[illegible] T. Gibson
Page 49

Mrs Thomas



V Ellis Atty
Page 50

Washington, July &. 1851.

Vespasian Ellis, Esq

Sir:  You will do me the 
favor to examine the case of Mrs Elizabeth 
Stewart, widow of Capt. John Thomas, Jnr., of Ma
ryland, now on file in the Pension Office.

This claim was filed prior to the regulations 
of the Commissioner of Pensions requiring a Power of Attorney. 
You will find a letter of authority from the heirs to me.
I am, sir, 
Very respectfully
Your obt servt.
W. E. Kennaugh
Page 51

Chestertown Md }
July 3 }

[Written vertically left margin]
11146  July 5 44

Maryland
July 7 38
Eliz Stuart

J L Edward
Page 52

Chestertown Maryland 
July 3d. 1844

Sir

I enclose you sundry papers in the case of
Mrs. Elizabeth Stuart who applies for a revolutionary 
pension and who seems to be entitled under the 
present law.  If her papers be not in form will you 
have the goodness to return them to me with directions [word struck out]
as to the proper form.  The affidavit of Judge Earle 
is a copy from papers now on file in the H of Rep. 
where they were presented at the session before the last. 
The Judge is now dead but I know the copies to be correct 
and I also know the identify of Mrs. Stuart.
Respy [illegible]
JA Pearce
Page 53

Report 
in the case of 
Elizabeth Stuart 

Act July 4" '36

approved
Page 54

Pension Office 
Septr 8th 1851.

Sirs.

In compliance with your request,  
I have examined the case of Elizabeth Stuart, 
formerly widow of John Thomas Jr. with great 
care and am of opinion that she should 
be allowed a full pension for the services of 
her husband as a Captain of select militia.

It appears from record evidence that 
John Thomas the husband of the Claimant 
[word struck out] first commissioned as a Second Lieutenant 
of Captain Goldsborough's Company for what 
was called the "Flying Camp", but the dif
ficulty in this case seems to be on the score 
of service subsequently rendered by him as 
a Captain of Militia and I shall there
fore confine myself to that point.

On the 9th day of April 1778, as ap
pears from the record, John Thomas was 
appointed a Captn of Select Militia, for Tal
bot County, Maryland, and resigned his 
appointment on the 4th of November 1782.  In 
the meanwhile, to wit in May 1778 as is stated upon oath by 
James Bryant, a Revolutionary Pensioner from 
Maryland, he marched at the head of his 
company to the head of Elk river, where
Page 55

served nine months, in guarding military stores 
and performing other duties and stayed until late In Janua
ry 1779, when he returned home.  In the following 
July, after having been at home for some months, 
Thomas again returned to the army and, accord
ing to Bryant's statement, [struck out: and] resumed the 
command of his company, in which he continu
ed to served until the year 1782.

In support of the above statement we have 
the evidence of Mary Green, who says she was 
the intimate acquaintance of Thomas.  She 
says that she saw him march with his com
pany, in 1778, when they started for the head 
of Elk and that he was absent about nine 
months after which he returned and was 
married, and that, afterwards, he again 
left in the summer of 1779 and went to join 
the army from which he did not return un
til 1782.  This evidence coming from an inti
mate friend is entitled to weight and showing 
that the Claimant's husband was absent 
from home, during the time when according 
to Bryant's testimony he was with the army.

It will be remembered that about the 
time mentioned the exigencies of the military 
service were particularly great and that in
Page 56

Feby 1778 immediately proving to the date of his appt. Congress adopted a resolution requiring 
the militia draughts [drafts] in aid of the Continental 
service to be for nine months.  Added to this 
the exposed conditions of Maryland and her 
situation as a central territory, through which 
the operations between the North and the 
South were carried on, kept her militia force 
in service, almost constantly.  Looking to these 
circumstances, I am induced to believe that 
Captain Thomas was, as stated, in command 
of his company, while absent from home, a 
belief which is strengthened by the fact that, 
so soon as he could do so, he resigned his 
commission in 1782.  It is proper to remark 
that the time during which he is said to 
have served, embraces the period at which 
the siege of Yorktown occurred, when the 
transfer of troops from the North to the 
South took place and when the local military 
forces was of necessity kept much in the 
field, to supply the place of regular troops 
that were withdrawn.

Under these circumstances I am 
of opinion that the claimant is entitled 
to the full persons of a Captain.
Most respy
Yr Obt Servt
F. H. Davidge

There are no militia rolls of the 
Maryland service, at Annapolis.
Page 57

Elizabeth Stuart decd.
formerly widow of
John Thomas Jr.
Maryland.
Act 4 July 1836.
Admd. 6 mo. Lt. $80
12 mo Capt. 240
$320

per ann. from 4 March 
1831 to 20th Feby 1849.
when she died.
Payable to 
Henry Thomas 
&
John G. Thomas
only children

Cert to
V. Ellis,
Present.
Page 58

The six months service is proved by the record. Lt.
in the Flying Camp. 9 months service as Capt. is proved 
by two witness who swear that after performing it he 
returned home in the spring of 79 and was married and in 
the summer following he returned to the army and took 
command of his Compy. and did not return home until the 
spring of '82.  The record shows that resigned in 82. I allow 
for this service only 3 mos. because there is no definite period 
proved.  Aug [illegible]. Kirby
Page 59

Senate July 11 1844

Sir

Will you have the kindness to inform me whether 
Mrs Stuart, the widow of Capt. Thomas has been allowed a
pension.  If her papers are insufficient will you point out 
wherein and send them to me.  I ask this at the request 
of her grandson and agent W. I Gibson who is well known 
[sentence cutoff]

In the case of Mrs. [illegible] I expect very soon to 
furnish the deficient proof

Respfly
JA Pearce
W J [illegible] July 5 48
Eliz Stewart, Act 36
Page 60

Washington, March 14, 1851.

Jas. E. Heath, Esq.
Com'r of Pensions

Sir:  I have to request that the 
application of Mrs. Elizabeth Stuart, widow of Captain 
John Thomas Jr. of Talbot Co. Md. for a pension, filed in your 
office In June, 1845, may be taken up for consideration, and an oppor
tunity afforded of submitting additional evidence of service.
Very respectfully
Your obt servant
W. E. Kennaugh
Page 61

Chestertown Maryld. Septr. 13" 1844

Sir

I enclose you an additional certificate 
in the case of Elizabeth Stuart whose application for 
a pension I forwarded to you some weeks ago.

If any portion of her papers be not en form please to 
let me know & furnish me with the proper formula
Respfly
JA Pearce

JL Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions

Be good enough to look into this case at yr earliest 
convenience.
Page 62

Know all men by these Presents, that I, Henry 
Thomas of the City of Baltimore, State of Maryland, and 
legal representative of Elizabeth Stuart (late Elizabeth 
Thomas) deceased, do hereby constitute and appoint W. 
E. Kennaugh of Washington City, my true and lawful 
attorney for me, and in my name, to prosecute the 
claim of Elizabeth Stuart (late Thomas) deceased, now 
pending before the Commissioner of Pensions at Washing
ton City; and my said attorney is hereby fully autho
rized and empowered to appoint one or more substitutes 
or attorneys under him for the special purposes above 
expressed.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my 
hand and seal this fourteenth day of July eighteen hundred and 
fifty one.
Signed sealed and  Henry Thomas [word Seal encircled]
acknowledge before me
Benjn. F. Yoe
Justice of the Peace

Maryland, Baltimore City: to wit.

On this 14th. day of July eighteen hundred and
fifty one before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the 
Peace for the City of Baltimore in for the State of Maryland 
personally appeared Henry Thomas and acknowledged the 
above power of Attorney to be his act and deed, according 
to the true intent and meaning thereof
Benjn. F. Yoe J. P.
Page 63

STATE OF MARYLAND, 
Baltimore County, Sct.

I HEREBY CERTIFY That Benjamin F. Yoe
Esquire before whom the annexed acknowledgment 
was made and who has thereto subscribed his name was at the 
time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the State Maryland, in 
and for the City of Baltimore, duly commissioned and sworn.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal 
of Baltimore County Court, this Fourteenth day of 
July A. D. 1851.
A.W. Bradford
Clerk Baltimore County Co
Page 64

Letter from 
Geo. G Brown Rear
of Land Office 
of Md.
No 4

[Address]
[Circular mail stamp]
MARYLAND  10
MAY
6

W. I. Gibson, Esqr.
Centreville,
Queen Anns's[Anne] County,
Md
Page 65

Land Office, Annapolis, 2nd May, 1845.

My Dear Sir:

Your letter of the 29th ultimo, I have just received.  
In reply, I have to state, that the Records of the Revolution in 
this office, particularly those relating to the troops that served in 
the Maryland Militia are very imperfect.  The certificate hereto
fore furnished you in the case of Captn. John Thomas Junr., is 
all the evidence the records afford of his service.  he appears to have 
been appointed a Captain, in the 4th Battalion of Select Militia in 
Talbot County, on the 9th of April, 1778, and resigned in 1782, 
and Captn. Samuel Thomas, appointed in his place, the 4th of Nov
ember 1782.  I should therefore infer from the record, that 
John Thomas Junr., was in commission from the 9th of April, 
1778, until the 4th of November 1782, but it is impossible for 
me to ascertain what kind of service he performed, or whether he 
performed continuous service, [word blurred] the records do not show.
I do not see how the length of the service can be established, unless 
Mr. Edwards, the Commr. of Pensions, will take the time he was 
in commission, as the length of the service.  I am sorry the records 
are so imperfect and do not afford more information.

I thank you for your kind invitation to visit you on 
your Shore and would like to do so very much, particularly at 
this time, as I have not entirely recovered from my attack of sick
ness near the close of the session of the Legislature, and a change of 
air might be of service, but my condition has been so changed 
since the death of my wife, having four small children to look 
(after)
Page 66

after, that I cannot well leave home longer than one day, indeed, they 
require more attention than I am able to give them, and I find it 
necessary to be at home as much as possible.  Wishing you 
much health and happiness.
I remain truly yr. friend
G. G. Brewer

W. I. Gibson, Esqr.
Page 67

V Ellis

Elizabeth Stewart 
widow of John Thomas

Pension case

[Following lined through]
[illegible]
Send me the papers in 
the case of Eliz Stewart 
widow of John Thomas
Page 68

To the Comr of Pensions

Sir

A few days since the pension claim 
of the children of Mrs. Eliz. Stewart who 
was widow of John Thomas Jr of the 
Maryland line, was allowed under 
act of July 1836 at $320 per year, when 
the proof was clear that $480 per year 
should have been allowed.  It is my 
purpose to appeal [illegible] the above 
decision if confirmed by you, & I 
would be glad to have a personal 
examination made by yourself into 
the case before taking the appeal,
in the belief that you will find the 
evidence sent as to warrant you 
in allowing a full pension as Captain 
[struck out: without] which would save the necessity 
of an appeal.
Yr ob St
V. Ellis atty
of Claimants
Page 69

Copy of papers 
in case of 
Elizabeth Stewart 
of 
Maryland 
presented to the
House of Reps of 
the U.S. on 27th 
Febry 1843, & referred 
to Comer. on Revolu
tionary pensions
Page 70

Copy
____

Between the years 1790 and [struck out: 1800] 1799 I was frequently 
at the house of Mr. John Thomas of Wye in Talbot 
County, and became acquainted with his wife and 
family.  He married Elizabeth Gibson, daughter of 
John Gibson the elder of the same County.  After the 
death of Mr. Thomas his wife intermarried with 
Doct Alexander Stewart of Kent County.  She is now 
the widow of Doct Stewart, is a very aged women, and 
resides in Queen Anns [Anne] County Maryland, the County of 
my birth and residence.  I am nearly seventy six years 
of age
Rd. T. Earle
6th Feby 1843.

Maryland Queen Anns [Anne] County, to wit.

On this 6th day of Feby in the year of our Lord 1843 
personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the 
Justices of the Peace in and for said County, Richd T. Earle 
Esqr. and made oath on the Holy Evangelly [Evangely] of Almighty 
God, that the facts contained in the above are true 
to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Sworn before Chas. Robertson.

Maryland Queen Anns [Anne] County to wit:

I hereby certify that 
Charles Robertson Esquire before whom the foregoing 
affidavit appears to have been made and who has thereto 
subscribed his name is one of the State of Marylands 
Justices of the Peace in and for Queen Anns [Anne] County 
aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe 
my name and the seal of my office 
affix this 6 day of February 1843.
John Tilghman Clk
of 
Queen Anns [Anne] County Court.
Page 71

Land Office, Annapolis
10th February 1843

I hereby certify, that it appears by a record of 
the Revolution remaining in this office, endorsed 
Militia Officers of Maryland," John Thomas Jr., appears 
upon said record to have been appointed a 
Captain in the 4th Battalion of Militia in 
Talbot County, commanded by Col Peregrine Tilghm
an, on the 9th day of April, 1778, and on the 4th day 
of November 1782, resigned, & one Samuel Thomas, 
his first Lieutenant, appointed in his place.
George G. Brewer
Regr. Land Off. W. S. Md.

The above record referred to, is the only record of the names of 
the Militia officers of Maryland, showing the time of their 
appointment and service in the war of the Revolution and is 
the same and only record from which similar certificates have 
been made.
G. G. Brewer
Regr. Ld Off. Md.
Page 72

State of Maryland Talbot County 
Decr. 15th 1843

I Richard Trippe of Talbot County and State afrsd. being in my 
eighty first year of my age, do say I was well acquainted with 
Mr. John Thomas Jnr. and Elizabeth Thomas his wife and knew 
them well and they lived together as man and wife and I knew 
them as such a many years before the year seventeen hundred and 
ninety, and that they were persons of high standing and respect 
ability and moved in the order of society in the County, and his 
wife was the daughter of Mr. John Gibson of Talbot County who 
was also a man of high stanning [standing] in society and I went to 
school with Mrs. Thomas and I boarded with her brother 
Woolman Gibson.
Richd. Trippe

Maryland Talbot County: SS.

Be it remembered that on this 15th December 1843 
before me the subscriber and one of the Justices of the 
peace for the State of Maryland in and for the County 
aforesaid personally appeared Richard Trippe and 
made oath on the Holy Evangelis of Almighty 
God sayeth that the above certificate is correct 
and true as stands state to the best of his knowledge 
and belief.
Henry Thomas

State of Maryland, Talbot County to wit:  I hereby certify that Henry Thomas, 
Gentleman, before whom the above probat appears to have been taken and whose 
name is thereto subscribed, was at the time of taking and 
subscribing the same, one of the State of Maryland's Justices 
of the Peace in and for Talbot County aforesaid duly commissioned 
and sworn.  In Testimony Whereof I hereto subscribe 
[Blurred seal of Count] my name and affix the seal of Talbot County 
Court this 2d day of February 1844.
James Parroll Clerk of 
Talbot County Court
Page 73

State of Maryland 
Queen Anns [Anne] County, to wit, 

On this 31st day of May, A.D.
1848, before the subscriber a Justice of the peace 
of the State of Maryland in and for the County, 
aforesaid, personally appeared Elizabeth 
Stuart, who made oath on the Holy 
Evangely of Almighty God, that she is the 
widow of John Thomas, Junr. who was a Capt. 
in the Militia of the 4th Batallion [Battalion], of the State 
of Maryland, under the command of Colonel 
Tilghman, Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas, and 
Major Joseph Bruff, and this deponent 
further declares that she made entries of the 
date of her marriage to the said John Thomas Junr. 
and likewise wrote down the births and the names 
of their children in her own hand writing on the 
paper hereunto annexed, which said entries the 
deponent declares has been writen [written] down for upw
ards of twenty years, or thereabouts, and which 
is the only entry of their marriage she has 
any knowledge of at this time.
Sworn to and Subscribed }
on the day and year first } Elizth. Stuart
above writen [written] }
Before me. }
[Remainder of page not available]
Page 74

Queen Anns [Anne] County to wit The State of Maryland Ss.  I hereby certify 
that William Reed gentleman before whom the within affidavit 
appears to have been made and who has thereto subscribed his 
name was at the time of making the said affidavit and subscribing 
the same, one of the State of Marylands justices of the peace 
in and for Queen Anns [Anne] County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix 
[Blurred Seal of Court] the seal of Queen Anns [Anne] County Court this 31st day of 
May eighteen hundred and forty eight 1848.
John Tilghman Clerk 
of
Queen Anns [Anne] County Court.
Page 75

Certificate from the 
Clerk of Talbot County, 
relative to Marriage 
License Record.
No 3
Page 76

State of Maryland Talbot County to wit

I hereby certify that there cannot be found in the 
County Court Office for Talbot County, the record of any Marriage 
Licenses granted in said County prior to the year seventeen hundred 
and ninety four, and I further certify, that there is no record, 
paper or proceeding in said office, to show the License granted 
to, or marriage of, John Thomas Junior and Elizabeth Gibson.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my 
[Blurred seal of Court] name, and affix the seal of said County Court, 
this thirtieth day of April eighteen hundred 
and forty five.
James Parrotel Clk
of
Talbot County Court
Page 77

State of Maryland, Easton, Talbot County.

I do hereby certify and make known, that some 
time in the year 1787, or seventeen hundred and 
eighty eight, I became acquainted with Mr. John 
Thomas (of Wye) and Elizabeth his wife, of the County 
afsd. that they were always considered as man and wife 
from my first knowledge of them until the time of 
Mr. Thomas' death, which happened some years thereafter; 
and further, that they the said Jno. Thomas and Elizabeth 
his wife, were viewed, deemed, and considered as man & wife 
by the undersigned, and, as he believes, by all of his associates and acquain
tances in general, as persons of the first rank and 
respectability in Talbot County afsd.  Given under my 
hand at Easton, this 28th. day of March A.D. 1851.
Ja. Price.

State of Maryland, Talbot County: to wit.

Personally appeared before me the subscriber, one of the State 
Maryland's Justices of the Peace in and for Talbot County aforesaid 
James Price of Easton in said County, and made oath on 
the Holly [Holy] Evangelis of Amighty [Almighty] God, that what is contained in 
the above certificate is true and correct.
March 28th. 1851.  P. Robinson
Page 78

State of Maryland Talbot County Court I hereby 
certify that [illegible] Robinson Esquire before whom the 
aforegoing affidavit was made and who has thereto 
subscribed his name was at the time of so doing one 
of the State of Marylands Justices 
of the peace in and for Talbot County 
duly commissioned and sworn.  In 
[Blurred seal of office] Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe 
my name and affix the seal of my 
office this 28th day of March AD
1851  James Parrett Clk
Cert 25 ct.  Talbot County Court
Page 79

Deposition of 
Jas. Bryant 
No 1
Page 80

State of Maryland, 
Queen Ann's [Anne] Co, Sct:

On this third day of June in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty 
eight, personally appeared before me the subscriber, 
an associate Judge of the Second Judicial Dis
trict of Maryland, James Bryant of said County, 
and a native of the same, who being first duly sworn, 
according to law doth on his oath make the 
following declaration: That he is a revolutionary 
pensioner of the United States; that he well knew 
and was personally acquainted with Capt. John 
Thomas, Junr. of Wye, Talbot County, in said 
State, in the latter part of the year seventeen hun
dred and seventy-seven; he was acting as Captain 
of a Company Militia of the 4th Batallion [Battalion] Mary
land, under the command of Col. Tilghman,
Lieut. Col. Nicholas and Major Bruff.  And this 
deponent further declares that he well recollects 
that in the month of May, in the year seventeen 
hundred and seventy-eight, the said Capt. John Thomas, 
Junr. and company of militia, were performing actual 
service in guarding the military stores of the United 
States at the head of Elk, and other places, reg
ularly, about nine months to the latter part of [illegible]
seventeen hundred and seventy nine after which 
the said Capt. Thomas Junr. was absent from the 
said service for some months up to July of the 
last said year, and he believes, at which time he again 
returned to the army, and took the command of 
his company and continued to render actual service 
in many different positions for two years or more, 
ending in the year seventeen hundred and eighty 
two.  This deponent further declares that sometime 
after he and the said Captain Thomas, Junr.
Page 81

left their Revolutionary services, they returned to their 
native Counties, aforesaid, where at times they again 
met with each other and spoke freely on the subject 
of their hardships during their services aforesaid.  This 
deponant [deponent] also declares that he is well acquainted with 
Elizabeth Stewart, widow of the said Captain 
John Thomas, Junr. who is now residing a short 
distance from deponant [deponent], in the County aforesaid, 
and applying for a Pension from the United States, 
on account of her said deceased husband's services, 
and knows that they were living together as man and 
wife, from the time said Captain Thomas, Junr. 
returned from his services up to the time of his death, 
which occurred sometime in the year seventeen 
hundred and ninety-nine; sometime after which 
she Elizabeth, was married to Dr. Stewart, and 
that he knows her to be the identical widow of the 
said Captain Thomas Junr. who rendered the 
services aforesaid; and that during the lifetime of 
said Captain Thomas, Junr. he had often told 
the deponant [deponent] he married his said widow, Eliza
beth, in the year seventeen hundred and seventy 
nine; and that they were and still are recognized 
by all the citizens of Queen Anns [Anne] County, who 
knew them, to have been married in that year, or about.
In testimony whereof this }
deponant [deponent] oath hereunto subscri }
bed his name on the day and } James Bryant [word Seal encircled]
year first above herein written}
Sworn and subscribed before 
P.B. Hopper
Page 82

I hereby certify that the aforegoing deponent has a good character 
and in my opinion is worthy of belief.
P. B. Hopper

Queen Anns [Anne] County to wit The State of Maryland Ss.  I hereby certify that 
The Honourable [Honorable] Philemon B. Hopper before whom the aforegoing 
affidavit was made, was at the time of making and subscribing 
the said affidavit one of the associate Judges of the Second Judicial 
District of the State of Maryland comprehending the Counties of 
Cecil, Kent, Queen Anns [Anne] and Talbot, duly commissioned and 
sworn; and that the signature "P.B. Hopper," signed to said affidavit 
is in the proper hand writing of the said Philemon B. Hopper 
In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix 
the seal of Queen Anns [Anne] County Court this second day 
of June 1848.
John Tilghman Clk
of
Queen Anns [Anne] County Court
Page 83

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Thomas, John | GRADE Private | LINE New Jersey

WARRANT 
NUMBER 8800 | ACREAGE 100 | ISSUED January 16, 1800
to George Taylor, Jr., 
assignee
______
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are 
registers of bounty land warrants issued to non commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subse
quent dates.  Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.  
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.