Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8621, Michael Graham, Penn. Va.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE                                  NUMBER
Penn        Graham, Michael       S. 8621
Va.                                            carded
___________________________________
CONTENTS
Page 2

Letter to Hon W.L. Goggin 11 Feb 1842 
__________________
Paid at the Treasury under the act of April 6th 1838 from March 4th 1833 to 18th May 1834. Agt notified April 16th 1842
_____________
Dead

5250
Virginia
____________________
Michael Graham
of Bedford Co in the State of Virginia
who was a private in the Company commanded
by Captain Collier of the Reg. commanded
by____________ in the Virginia
line for, Michael Graham__

Pa. and Va.
Nov 21/04
Records completed
_____________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 30 Dollars --- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
_______________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of July
1833 and sent Hon M. H. Clairborne H. R.
_________________________
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832                          45.00
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 March 1833 15.00
                                                                    $60.00
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Henry H. Sylvester    Clerk
Book D   Vol. 7    Page 90
Page 3

Michael Grahams
declaration for pension

9 m0_ 30

Bedford County Va
Page 4

State of Virginia
County of Bedford

On this 24th day of December 1832 personally appeared in open court before David Saunders, Bowker Preston and George Steptoe the justices of the county court of Bedford now sitting, Michael Graham, resident in said county of Bedford, aged about 74 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 Congress passed the seventh day of June, 1832.

That I was born in the state of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County (now Dauphin) Paxton Township about five miles from Harper's Ferry on the Susquehanna River, now Harrisburg; that I was seventy-four years of age the sixth day of April last.  There was a family register which I often saw but my father moved to the state of North Carolina and took it with him, and I cannot now say what has become of it.  At the time of my birth my parents were (illegible) for fear of the Indians and a circumstance took place at the time which my mother often related to me that made such a deep impression on me mind that I shall never forget the day nor the day on which she said I was born. 

Having served nine months in the Revolutionary War, one tour of six months, and another of three as a private and not knowing any person living by whom I can prove it and having no documentary evidence on the subject do make the following declaration.  

That about the last of May or first of June 1776 being then a (illegible) turned of eighteen years of age, I turned out a volunteer in a company commanded by Captain J. Collier (pronounced Colyer).  We composed a front of the boys (illegible) the flying camp.  We marched by Lancaster, Philadelphia, Trenton, Priceton, Brunswick, Amboy, Elizabethtown and Newark to New York where we joined the main army.  After continuing some time at New York, we were taken to Long Island and stationed at Brooklyn.  There is a high ridge running from the narrows (illegible) the Island; below
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this ridge the British army lay and the Americans above.  There is a road leading across this ridge at Flatbush to Brooklyn. The day before the battle eight men were taken from the company to which I belonged on Picket Guard and posted near this gap, and I was one of that number. 

On the next morning the battle commenced about the break of day or perhaps a little before, at the narrows where Lord Sterling commanded.  There was a pretty heavy cannoning(?) kept up and occasionally the firing of small arms, and from the sound appeared to be moving slowly toward Brooklyn.  This continued for hours.  At length the firing commenced about us and kept spreading until it became general almost in every direction. 

We continued at our post until I think about 12 o'clock when an officer came and told us to make our escape for we were surrounded. We immediately retreated toward our camp.  We had went but a small distance before we saw the enemy paraded in the road before us.

We turned to the left and posted ourselves behind a stone fence, from the movements of the enemy we had soon to move from the position here, we got posted and I never saw officers or men belonging to our party (with the exception of one man) during the balance of that day. 

I had went back but a small distance before I came to a party of our men making a bold stand.  I stopped and took one fire at the enemy but they came on with such rapidity that I moved back into the woods.  Here I met Col. Miles a regular officer from Pennsylvania and Lieutenant Sloan, a full cousin of my own, as soon as I had loaded my gun I left them (Col. Miles was taken prisoner and Lieutenant Sloan killed) as the firing had ceased where I had retreated from.  I returned to near the same place. I had not been at this place I think more than one minute before the British came in a different direction from where they were when I retreated firing platoons(?) as they marched.  I turned and took one fire at them and then made by escape as fast as I could.

By this time our troops were routed in every direction.  It is impossible for me to describe the confusion and horror of the scene that ensured.  The artillery
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flying with the chains over the horses' backs, our men running in almost every direction, and run any which way they could they were almost sure to meet the British or Hesson(?)s and the enemy bugling when they took prisoners, made it truly a day of distress to the Americans.

I escaped by getting behind the British that had been engaged with Lord Sterling and entered a swamp or marsh through which a great many of our men were retreating.   Some of them were mired and crying to their fellows for God's sake to help them out but every man was intent on his own safety and no assistance was rendered. 

At the side of the marsh there was a one which I took to be a mill pond numbers as they came to this pond jumped in and some were drowned soon.  After I entered the marsh a (illegible) commenced from our battery on the British and they retreated and I got safely into camp.  Out of the eight men that were taken from the company to which I belonged the day before the battle I only escaped, the others were either killed or taken prisoner. 

At the time I could not account for how it was that our troops were so completely surrounded but have since understood that was another road atop the ridge several miles above Flatbush that was left unoccupied by our troops.  Here the British passed and got between them and Brooklyn unobserved, this accounts for the disaster of that day. 

The night after the battle as well as I recollect a heavy rain commenced and rained (illegible) nearly all the time we were on the Island.  We were at length marched of in the night behind fires and made a long and (illegible) to the East River, here boats were ready to receive us and we were landed in New York a little before the break of day.  We continued but a short time in New York we were then marched in the night over Kings Bridge and encamped several miles to the east or northeast of the bridge.  We continued here I think about two months or (illegible).  While we lay at this place nothing important transpired in which we were engaged except some little skirmishing with the Hessons(?) of length the British made their appearance
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near a place called West Chester.  Here some cannoning and skirmishing took place.  We then retreated to the White Plains with the main army.   Here we halted (illegible) entrenchments and waited the approach of the enemy.  Here an engagement took place betwixt (illegible) troops and the British and everything seemed to indicate a general engagement, but the British declined attacking us. 

From this place we retreated a few miles further in the county where we continued some time.  At length we were taken over the North River and encamped at a village called Springtown. While we lay at the place Fort Washington was taken.  We could distinctly hear the firing from Springtown. 

We commenced our retreat through the Jerseys, passing through Elizabethtown to Brunswick.  Soon after we crossed the Raritan the British came in sight, here some (illegible) and cannoning took place but it is believed without effect on either side.  This was the last sight I saw of the British that campaign.

From Brunswick we marched through Princeton to Trenton.   This as well as I recollect was about the first of December.  Our time had now expired.  We were discharged and returned home.  This was a tour of six months.  

During my absence my father sold his plantation with the intention of moving to the state of North Carolina and my oldest brother having moved to Virginia.  I settled in Rockledge County and was then rector of Liberty Hall (illegible).  In the spring of the year 1777 I came to Virginia and lived several years with him.  In the month of July as well as I recollect in 1781, being then a resident of Rockledge County, I was drafted as a militia man and went under the command of Captain James Kelpatrick.  Our field officers were Col. Samuel Lewis and Major Long. 

We marched by the way of Richmond and after marches and counter marches, (illegible) at length posted himself in New York.  From this time to the arrival of General Washington we encamped between Williamsburg and York.  Soon after his arrival we were marched down to the investment of York and encamped below the town.  Here we continued until about
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four or five days before the surrender of Cornwallis.  Our time had now expired, and we were discharged.  This was a three month tour.  

In the month of February 1786 I married in Rockledge County and in the fall of the year 1787 I moved with my family to Bedford County where I have resided from that time to the present.

I rendered nine months active service to my country during the Revolutionary War having never failed in a single instance to perform the  duties required as far as I can now recollect from discharge or any other cause. 

The Secretary of War requires applicants to give the names of the field officers under whom they served.  I would here observe that the recollection of names was the first and is yet the principle thing in which I have found my memory to fail me.  The field officers under whom I served in the year 1776 I had never seen before that campaign nor have I ever seen them since.  As well as I can recollect the Colonel's name was Glendman but cannot be positive.  One thing I distinctly recalled that part of the time we were under command of Col. or General Hand.  He was (illegible) by the troops general. 

I hereby relinquish any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state.  

In answer to the derogatories (illegible) by the said court Michael Graham states:

1st - That he was born in Pennsylvania, Lancaster County, Paxton Township on the 6th day of April 1758.

2nd - That the record of his age was carried by his father to North Carolina where he removed to that state and that he cannot say what has become of it.

3rd - That when he entered the service in 1776 he resided in the state of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County, Paxton Township the place of his (illegible).  In the year 1777 he moved to Rockledge County Virginia and resided in that county when called into service in the year 1781.  He continued to reside there until the year 1787 when he moved to the county 
 of Bedford
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and state of Virginia where he has resided ever since.

4th - That he entered the service as a volunteer in 1776.  He was drafted in the year 1781.

5th _ That he names of the officers with whom he served in 1776 are Genl. Sullivan who commanded the troops between Brooklyn and Flatbush at the battle of Long Island.  A Col. Miles commanded a regiment which lay contiguous to ours when stationed in New York.  He has no recollection of any continental or militia regiments with whom he served.  The general circumstances of the campaign are stated in the body of the declaration. 

In the campaign of 1781 he joined the militia from other counties in Virginia at Richmond.  On the march the officers were frequently changed.  He remembers to have been under the command of Col. St. George Tucker twice.  The whole of the militia were commanded by Genl. Nelson until Cornwallis (illegible) himself at York Town when the whole were commanded by Genl. Washington.  He has no distinct recollection of the continental or militia regiments with whom he served except as stated in the body of his declaration and the general circumstances of his services in this town are there also stated.

6th - He was regularly discharged but he does not now recollect by whom his discharges were signed.  His service was a matter of public notice and not having the least expectation of any pecuniary remuneration for his services, he set no value upon his discharges, and they have long since been lost.  

7th - That he is extensively known in his neighborhood and county.  He is known to every member of the court.  He served for about seventeen or eighteen years as a magistrate in the county.  He has filled the office of high sheriff and is now (illegible) and commissioner of the revenue.  These circumstances are detailed because the proof of
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his services must rest mainly upon the credit given to his own declaration.  They are mentioned to show that where he is known confidence is reposed in him.  He knows of no person now living by whom his services can be established,

Signed:  M. Graham

Subscribed and sworn to in the court by Michael Grahham.

We, James Mitchel, a clergyman residing in Bedford County and David Saunders residing in the same county do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Michael Graham who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 years of age and 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. 

Signed:  James Mitchell, David Saunders

Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid. 

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.  And the court further certifies that he appears to them that James Mitchell who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in this county and that David Saunders who has also signed the said is a resident in the county and is a credible person and that this statement is due credit. 

I Robert C. Mitchell clerk of the county court of Bedford in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Michael Graham for a pension. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
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I hereby certify that true the within declaration from the hands of
the [illegible] letter, and have no doubt of it being the original
declaration made before the court
Nathl H Claiborne
member of Congress

[written down the right side]
Michael Grahams
declaration for Pension
7 No_ 30
Bedford County Va
Page 12

set my hand and affixed the seal of the said
Court the 8th day of January 1833 in the
year of American Independence
R. C. Mitchell


Michael Grahams
declaration for pension
7 No_30
Bedford County Va

[written upside down at bottom of page]
I hereby certify that true the within declaration from the hands of
the [illegible] letter, and have no doubt of it being the original
declaration made before the court
Nathl H Claiborne
member of Congress
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November 16, 1939

BA-J/MCS
Michael Graham, S.8621

Annie E. Aunspaugh
Lander College
Greenwood, South Carolina

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for an abstract of the papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim, Michael Graham, S.8621.
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in said pension claim.
Michael Graham was born April 6, 1758, in Paxton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, about five miles from Harris' Ferry on the Susquehanna
River which was later the city of Harrisburg.
While residing in Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, he volunteered about the last of May or first of June, 1776, and served six months as private in Captain J. Collier's Company of the Pennsylvania Flying Camp and was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains. During his absence in this service, his father sold his plantation and moved to North Carolina , and his eldest brother had moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he was rector of Liberty Hall Academy. The names of his father and brother are not given. In the spring of 1777, Michael Graham moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he resided with his brother for several years. While residing in Rockbridge County, Michael Graham enlisted in July, 1781, served three months as private in Captain James Gilmore's Company, Colonels Samuel Lewis and St. George Tucker's Virginia Regiments and was discharged at Yorktown four or five days before the surrender of Cornwallis.
This soldier married in February, 1786, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. The name of his wife is not stated and there is no reference to children.
In the fall of 1787, Michael Graham moved to Bedford County, Virginia.
Page 14

Michael Graham was allowed pension on his application executed December 24, 1832, while residing in Bedford County, Virginia.
He stated that he served seventeen or eighteen years as Magistrate in Bedford County, Virginia, that he had been High Sheriff of that county
and in 1832 was Escheator and Commissioner of the Revenue.
Michael Graham died May 18, 1834.
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to soldier's family.
If you wish to obtain the date of last payment of pension of Michael Graham and the name and address of the person to whom it was paid, it is suggested that you address the Comptroller General, Records Division,
General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., giving the following data:
Michael Graham, Certificate 5250, issued February 6, 1833, rate $30 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 15

August 5, 1939.

BA-J/ILL
Michael Graham
S. 8621

Virginia Johnson
2710 Hamilton Road
Columbus, Georgia.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War records of Samuel Claytor of Bedford County, Virginia, Michael Graham of Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania, and Samuel Mitchell.
A search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of a Samuel Claytor, under any
spelling of that surname. With the information given, no record could be identified of the particular Samuel Mitchell in whom you are interested.
The record of Michael Graham is furnished you
herewith, pension claim, S. 8621.
Very truly yours,
G. H. SWEET,
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 16

August 5, 1939

BA-J/MCS
Michael Graham, S.8621

Virginia Johnson
2710 Hamilton Road
Columbus, Georgia

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, S.8621, based on the military service of Michael Graham.
Michael Graham was born April 6, 1758, in Paxton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, about five miles from Harris' Ferry on the Susquehanna River which was later the town of Harrisburg.
While residing in Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, he volunteered about the last of May or first of June, 1776, and served six months as private in Captain J. Collier's Company of the Pennsylvania Flying Camp and was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains. During his absence in this service, his father sold his plantation and moved to North Carolina, and his eldest brother had moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he was rector of Liberty Hall Academy. The names of his father and brother are not given. In the spring of 1777, Michael Graham moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he resided with his brother for several years. While residing in Rockbridge County, Michael Graham enlisted in July, 1781, served three months as private in Captain James Gilmore's Company, Colonels Samuel Lewis and St. George Tucker's Virginia Regiments and was discharged at Yorktown four or five days before the surrender of Cornwallis.
This soldier married in February, 1786, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. The name of his wife is not stated and there is no reference to children.
In the fall of 1787, Michael Graham moved to Bedford County, Virginia.
Page 17

Michael Graham was allowed pension on his application executed December 24, 1832, while residing in Bedford County, Virginia.
He stated that he served seventeen or eighteen years as Magistrate in Bedford County, Virginia, that he had been High Sheriff of that county and in 1832 was Escheator and Commissioner of the Revenue.
Michael Graham died May 18, 1834.
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to soldier's family.

Very truly yours
G.H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 18

April 4, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/MCS
Michael Graham, S.8621

Mrs. C. N. Sanders
Magnolia Avenue
Maryville, Tennessee

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to the Revolutionary War soldier, Michael Graham, who enlisted in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and died May 18, 1834, in Bedford County, Virginia.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S.8625, based on the military service of Michael Graham.
Michael Graham was born April 6, 1758, in Paxton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, about five miles from Harris' Ferry on the Susquehanna River which was later the town of Harrisburg.
While residing in Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, he volunteered about the last of May or first of June, 1776, and served six months as private in Captain J. Collier's Company of the Pennsylvania Flying Camp
and was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains. During his absence in this service, his father sold his plantation and moved to North Carolina, and his eldest brother had moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he was rector of Liberty Hall Academy. The names of his father and brother are not given. In the spring of 1777, Michael Graham
moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he resided with his brother for several years. While residing in Rockbridge County, Michael Graham
enlisted in July, 1781, served three months as private in Captain James Gilmore's Company, Colonels Samuel Lewis' and St. George Tucker's Virginia Regiments and was discharged at Yorktown four or five days before the surrender of Cornwallis.
This soldier married in February, 1786, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. The name of his wife is not stated and there is no reference to children.
Page 19

In the fall of 1787, Michael Graham moved to Bedford County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 24, 1832, while residing in Bedford County, Virginia.
He stated that he served seventeen or eighteen years as Magistrate in Bedford County, Virginia, that he was also High Sheriff of that county and at that time, in 1832, was Escheator and Commissioner of the Revenue.
Michael Graham died May 18, 1834.
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to soldier's family.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 20

April 4, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/MCS
Michael Graham, S.8621

Mrs. James R. Kyle
3809 Peakland Place
Lynchburg, Virginia

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to the Revolutionary War soldier, Michael Graham, who enlisted in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and died May 18, 1834, in Bedford County, Virginia.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S.8621, based on the military service of Michael Graham.
Michael Graham was born April 6, 1758, in Paxton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, about five miles from Harris' Ferry on the Susquehanna
River which was later the town of Harrisburg.
While residing in Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, he volunteered about the last of May or first of June, 1776, and served six months as private in Captain J. Collier's Company of the Pennsylvania Flying Camp
and was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains. During his absence in this service, his father sold his plantation and moved to North Carolina, and his eldest brother had moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he was rector of Liberty Hall Academy. The names of his father and brother are not given. In the spring of 1777, Michael Graham moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he resided with his brother for several years. While residing in Rockbridge County, Michael Graham enlisted in July, 1781, served three months as private in Captain James Gilmore's Company, Colonel Samuel Lewis and Colonel St. George Tucker's Virginia Regiments and was discharged at Yorktown four or five days before the surrender of Cornwallis,
This soldier married in February, 1786, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. The name of his wife is not stated and there is no reference to children.
Page 21

In the fall of 1787, Michael Graham moved to Bedford County,
Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 24,
1832, while residing in Bedford County, Virginia.
He stated that he served seventeen or eighteen years as a
magistrate in Bedford County, Virginia, that he was also High Sheriff
of that county and at that time, in 1832, was Escheator and Commissioner
of the Revenue.
Michael Graham died May 18, 1834.
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to soldier's
family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 22

(other typed letter visible under this one)

February 15, 1932

BA-J/EEL

The Adjutant General 
Memorial Branch
War Department
Washington, D.C.

Sir:
The application for headstone for Michael Graham is returned herewith.
It was inadvertently placed in the claim of Michael Graham whose record was furnished you.
Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.

1 inclosure.
Page 23

February 15, 1932

BA-J/EEL

The Adjutant General
Memorial Branch
War Department
Washington, D.C.

Sir:
The application for headstone for Michael Graham is returned herewith.
It was inadvertently placed in the claim of Michael Graham whose record was furnished you.
Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.

1 inclosure.
Page 24

[letterhead]
WAR DEPARTMENT
Office of the Quartermaster General
Washington

[typewritten letter]
morandum for. [upper left corner folded under and not visible]

The Surgeon General, 
Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, 
Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Treasury Department, 
The Commissioner of Pensions, Interior Building, 
General Accounting Office, F Street, between 4th & 5th, N.W.

1. The attached application has been submitted to this office for Government headstone to be erected at the grave of the decedent named thereon. In order that the proper inscription may be placed on the stone it would be appreciated if your office would verify the name and service on the application, checking and making such corrections in red ink as may be necessary to show the correct spelling of the name and complete designation of the organizations.

2. In addition, please advise State from which decedent came.

[Stamped] RECEIVED Feb 4 1932 Recept section Pension Files Sub-Division
Page 25

February 9, 1932

BA-J/EEL

Memorial Branch
Office of the Quartermaster General
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter of February 3, 1932, relative to Michael Graham, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.8621, based upon the military service of Michael Graham in that war.
Michael Graham was born April 6, 1758, in Paxton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
While residing in Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, he volunteered about July 1, 1776, served 6 months as a private in Captain J. Collier's Pennsylvania Company of the Flying Camp, and was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains.
He removed to Rockbridge County, Virginia, in the spring of 1777, and enlisted there in July, 1781, served three months as a private in Captain James Gilmore's Company, Colonel Samuel Lewis'
Virginia Regiment and in Colonel St. George Tucker's Virginia Regiment and was discharged at Yorktown four or five days before the surrender of Cornwallis.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 24, 1832, while residing in Bedford County, Virginia.
He died May 18, 1834.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 26

April 2, 1921

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
EEL

Mrs. James R. Kyle
3809 Peakland Place
Lynchburg, Virginia

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary
War pension claim, S.8821, that Michael Graham was born
April 6, 1758, in Paxton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,
about five miles from Harris Ferry, on the Susquehanna River, which
was later the town of Harrisburg.
While residing in Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, he volunteered
about July 1, 1775, served six months as a private in Captain J. Col
lier's Company of the Flying Pa Camp and was in the battles of Long Island
and White Plains.
During his absence in this service, his father sold his planta-
tion and removed to the State of North Carolina, and his eldest
brother had removed to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he was
rector of Liberty Hall Academy.
The names of his father and
brother are not given. In the spring of 1777, Michael Graham removed to
Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he resided with his brother
for several years.
While residing in said Rockbridge County, he enlisted in July,
1781, served three months as a private in Captain James Gilmore's
Company, Colonel Samuel Lewis' Virginia Regiment and in Colonel St. George
Tucker's Virginia Regiment, and was discharged at Yorktown
four or five days before the surrender of Cornwallis.
In the fall of 1787, he removed to Bedford County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December
24, 1832, while residing in Bedford County, Virginia,
Page 27

1834
He died May 18, 1854.
The soldier married in Feb 1786, in Rockbridge County, Virginia.
The name of his wife is not stated and there is no reference to
children.

The soldier stated that he served seventeen or eighteen years
as a magistrate in Bedford County, Virginia, that he was also High
sheriff of that county, and at that time, in 1832, was Escheator and
Commissioner of the Revenue.

The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to show
a claim for pension on file on account of the services of any soldier
surnamed Claytor or Clayter.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 28

F. W.

July 23, 1912.

Hon. James T. Lloyd,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Lloyd:

In response to your letter dated the twenty-second instant and received this day, requesting information
for Mrs. Julia A. Gray of Kahoka, Missouri, I have the honor
to advise you that Michael Graham, Sur. File No. 8,621, Rev.
War, was allowed pension on his application executed December
24, 1832, while a resident of Bedford County, Virginia.
He stated that he was born April 6, 1758, in Paxton Town
ship, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he resided in May
or June, 1776, when he volunteered in Captain I. Collins' company
, Flying Camp. He served for six months during which he
was engaged in the battles of Long Island and White Plains.
During this time, his father (name not stated) removed to
North Carolina, and soldier's oldest brother (name not stated )
removed to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where soldier was d
drafted in the spring of 1781, served three months under Cap-
tain James Gilmore and Colonel Samuel Lewis and St. George
Tucker in the Militia, and was discharged near Yorktown, four
or five days before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis.
Soldier married (name of wife not stated) in February,
1786, in Rockbridge County, Virginia; the following year he
Page 29

File No. 8,621 - 2
removed with his family to Bedford County, Virginia.
For the date of soldier's death and the name of the
person to whom the arrears of his pension were paid, apply
to the Auditor for the Interior Department, U.S. Treasury
Department, citing all of the following data:
"Michael Graham, Cert. No. 5,250, issued
February 6, 1833, under the Act of June 7,
1832, at the Virginia Agency"".
The above is the only Michael Graham found on the Rev-
olutionary War pension records.
Very respectfully,
J.L Davenport
Commissioner,
Page 30

Landir College
Greenwood, S.C. 
Nov 8 1939

Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[stamped] RECEIVED Nov 9 1939 Mail Sub-Div Reader No. 23 Vets Adm.

Gentlemen, 
Kindly send us as soon as possible a copy of the Revolutionary pension claim of Michael Graham No. S.8621 Revolutionary War Section E E L.
Michael Graham was born April 6 - 1758 in Lancaster Penna. Paxton Township
He volunteered about July 1 - 1776 and was in the battle of White Plains and Long Island. He died in Bedford Co. Va May 18 - 1834.
Thanking you in advance for a copy of his deposition,
Sincerely yours,
Annie E. Aunspaugh.
Page 31

Columbus, Georgia 
July 3, 1939

Veterans Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.

[stamped] RECEIVED Jul 5 1939 Mail Sub-Div. Vets Adm Reader #18

Dear Sirs:
I am very anxious to obtain some information on three Revolutionary War ancestors of mine. If they applied for pensions, I would appreciate very much your sending me copies of their applications. Their names are as follows:
Michael Graham
(Served with Lancaster County, Pennsylvania troops)
Page 32

Samuel Claytor (of Bedford County, Va.)
Samuel Mitchell
I am grateful to you for any assistance you might give me.
Sincerely yours, 
Virginia Johnson
2710 Hamilton Road
Columbus Georgia
Page 33

[envelope]
[cancelled stamp]
[stamped] Lynchburg Feb 23 130 PM 1939
(this side of card is for address)

Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[stamped]
REC'd Feb 24 1939 Mail Sub-Div. Vets Adm Reader # 4
Page 34

Please send to my address - a copy of the Revolutionary War pension Claim S. 8621 of Michael Graham who enlisted in Lancaster Co. Pa July 1776 - In Copl. J. Collier's Co. of the Flying Camp - He died in Bedford Co. Va. May 18 1834. 
Thank you
Mrs James R. Kyle
3809 Perkland Place
Lynchburg Va

Feb 22 1939
Page 35

[envelope]
[cancelled stamp]
[stamped] Lynchburg Feb 23 130 PM 1939
(this side of card is for address)

Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[stamped]
REC'd Feb 24 1939 Mail Sub-Div. Vets Adm Reader # 4
Page 36

Please send to address given below a copy of the Revolutionary War Pension Claim S. 8621 of Michael Graham who enlisted in Lancaster Co Pa July 1776 in Capt J. Collier's Co of this Flying Camp. He died in Bedford Co Va May 18. 1834
Thank you
Mrs C. N. Sanders
Magnolia Av.
Maryville Tennessee

Feby 22 1939
Page 37

3809 Peakland Place
Lynchburg, Virginia 
Mr E. W. Morgan
Acting Com. of Pensions
Washington D. C.

My dear Sir -
Conforming to your (illegible) of date March 4 - I am naming only two soldiers in whom I am most interested, and ask for their records.
I refer to "Revolutionary & 1812 War Sections".  M M H. F."
Michael Graham 2nd, (son of Michael Graham 1st, of Lancaster Co. Pa.) from about 1758 and as a young man came into Augusta Co. Va. afterwards Rockbridge Co. Va. married Elizabeth Lyle of Rockbridge Co. (daughter of Samuel Lyle, 1st Justice of Peace of Rockbridge Co) - and afterwards His name appears in deed for land in Bedford Co. Va. 1792 - He died in Bedford Co Va. 1834.  His name appears in pension roll of Bedford Co. 1833-35. A family tradition is that he was in battles of Long Is. and White Plains.

{postmark on bottom of page} U S Pension Office Mar 25 1931
Page 38

[letterhead] 3809 Peakland Place Lynchburg Virginia

Samuel Claytor - born in Westmoreland Co Va (son of Adam Claytor and Sarah Rust, his wife) came into Baford Co - before 1775 married (1st) Anne Rogers, married 2nd Martha Ann Mitchell
Said Bedford Co. Va Nov 30 1815

Will greatly appreciate receiving the records of these two Revolutionary Patriots -

Yours very truly

Mrs James R Kyle
3809 Peakland Place
Lynchburg Va
March 21 1931

[stamped] U.S. Pension Office Mar 28 1931
Page 39

[letterhead]
JAMES T. LLOYD
CHAIRMAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN PATRONAGE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
MEMBER OF POST OFFICE AND
POST ROADS COMMITTEE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON

[typewritten letter]

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

July 22, 1912

Dear sir:
I enclose you a letter from Mrs. Julia A. Gray, a
constituent of mine, inquiring as to her antecedents to the end that she may ascertain whether or not she is entitled to membership as a Daughter of the Revolution.
The Adjutant General having been able to supply but meagre information suggests that it may be possible you can furnish the necessary data to supply Mrs. Gray with the facts she requires, to ascertain whether or not she is eligible to membership in the society of D.A.R.
Thanking you for anything you can do in this direction,
I am,
Yours very truly
[signed] James T. Lloyd

Enc.

P. S. Kindly returned enclosure with your reply.
J. T. L.
Page 40

Rev War  8621
Invalid.
File No. 8621
Michael Graham
Priv Rev. War
Act:  June 7th /32
Index: Vol. (illegible), Page 157
(Arrangement of 1870.)

July 23, 1912.  History to Hon. Jas. T. Lloyd, for Mrs Julia A. Gray. F W
1931 - April 2 - Hist. to Mrs Jas. R Kyle - E E L.
1932 - Feb. 9 - Hist. to Memorial Branch, Wash. D C - Tombstone data - E E L
1932 - Feb 15 - Ad. Adj. Gen that ap. for headstone was inadvertently left out of (illegible) of Feb 9 1932 & is forwarded herewith {initials illegible}
1939. Apr. 4, hist. to Mrs James R Kyle. M C S
1939 Apr. 4, hist. to Mrs C. N. Sanders. M C S.
1939 August 5, hist. to Virginia Johnson M C S.
1939 Nov. 16, hist. to Annie E. Aunspaugh M C S
Page 41

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
March 22, 1842.
Sir:
Under the date 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," The Executor of Michael Graham, dec'd, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond Va. Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1833, to the 18th May 1834.
       Respectfully, yours,
       Albion K. Parris
       Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
       Present.
Page 42

Hs. Rep. Feb'y 5th 1842
Sir,
When I came to the pension (illegible) of Congress I brought some papers from Mr. T R Clayton of Bedford relative to the claim of the heirs of Exs. of Mr Graham and to the arrears of  a Pension, which (illegible) definition - I returned them to him and the enclosed are now sent - You will see I (illegible) a letter (or copy) on file from you to me pointing out the (illegible) - He should have returned I presume the papers some time to me, with the enclosed - If you need them please inform me and I will write him - If however you can pay the little pittance another time, I shall be pleased to receive it
       I am yr. ob.
       Respectfully
       W. L. Goggin
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Page 43

11 Feb 1842
Hon W L Goggin
G.C.
Page 44

Pension Office
11th Feb 1842

Sir

The papers in the case of Michael Graham decd and hereunto returned. The enclosed provided instructions should her strictly complied with, and when the soldiers shall have been prepared they should be forwarded to P. Hagner Esq Third Auditor of the Treasury
I Have HC

Hon W.L. Goggin
House of Reps.
Page 45

The National Archives
Form VAM-51                     12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
Bounty Land Warrant Record Card*

Name Graham, Moses     Grade Private 
Line Maryland
Warrant Number 11275       Acreage  100
Issued  June 11, 1795 to Samuel Johnston, 
                                            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 subsequent 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.