Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,267, for John Thurman, Georgia
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Service - Ga. 
Thurman, John
Deborah
Number W.6267
B.L.Wt. 27565-160-55
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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
22300
323
Kentucky
John Thurman
of Green Co in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the [illegible] comma
by Captain Ellsbery of the regt command
by Gen Clark in the Georgia 
line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum.
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Oct
1833 and sent to Wm. 
Willis Greensbury
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 33 $ 100
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 32 $ 20
$120
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 29
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Act Mar. 3/55
73.799.
Apl. 16/55.
Deborah Thurman wid of 
John Thurman, [Soldier] [crossed out] Pri 
Revolutionary Pension
Widow has been pensioned 
under act. 30 Feb. 1853
no. 639.
19 Feby 53 -639
Boynton
Ad: 160 Act May19/56
Boynton
R
S. A. Spencer,
Greensburg Ky
Civ. S. A. Spencer Oct 28/55
Vol S1. Page 79
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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
639
Kentucky
Deborah Thurman
widow of John Thurman
Geo
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
[4th day of March, 1848.][crossed out] 
3 February 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the 
7th day of June 1853
and sent to 
S. A  Spencer
Greensburg Ky
Recorded on Roll of Pensions under act 
[29, 1848,][crossed out] page 178 Vol. A
1832
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State of Kentucky Green County Sct
On this 27th day of February 1833, personally 
appeared in Open Court, before the Green Circuit Court, now sitting, (which is a Court of Record) John Thurman, a resident of Green County and State of Kentucky, aged sixty six years, on the 20th of next April, who being 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 under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.  He states that he was born, as he has been informed by his parents and as it also appears, from the family register of his Father on the 20th of April  1767, in the County of Buckingham and State of Virginia, that he removed with his Father & family to the County of Wilkes in the State of Georgia, when he was about seven years of age, or rather when he was in his seventh year. That as as well as he can recollect the time, in the Spring of 1782, and he thinks, in April of that year, but it may have been in Spring 1781 but he can not state confidently either the month or the year; he joined as a volunteer, a company of rangers
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or mounted men, in the service of the United
States. commanded by Capt Ellsberry, whose christian name, he does not recollect. When he so entered the service, he was living with his Father, in the County of Wilkes & State of Georgia, who then lived within in about nine miles of Petersburgh & within about fifteen miles of Washington (the County seat). He entered for no particular period of service. He started in company with other men who had joined the company aforesaid, for Knox's fort, which was situated about twenty five or thirty miles of Washington. Whether any officer was in company with them, on their way to sd [said] fort, he does not recollect. On their arrival at the fort he found there his Capt Ellsberry, and Genl Elijah Clark, who was the commanding Officer - Brigadier Genl. John Clark, son of sd [said] Elijah Clark was also there, who has since been governor of the State of Georgia. The place was calld a fort, but there was no stockading when he arrived, but the soldier were employed shortly after his arrival at that place he putting up stockading to guard aga [against] the attacks of Indians, who were then trouble. The very night after he arrived at sd [said] fort
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the Indians stole a parcel of horses, belonging to the men at the fort & that the applicant with
about forty or fifty other solders the next day
pursued them towards the Creek nation, whither they had fled; they overtook them, in about thirty miles on the waters of Oconey [Oconee] River, and a battle or skirmish ensued, in which three Indians were Killd and a white man, one of Ellsberry's company by the name of John Pope. Captain Ellsberry who was present then returned with the portion of his company, which was with him (for the others
had been left to guard the fort) to the said fort. About ten or twelve days, after the return to the fort, the Indians again made an incursion into the County and killd a brother of Capt Ellsberry, on his own farm, within a few miles of the fort. Capt. Ellsberry with a portion of his company, of which portion the applicant was one again pursued & overtook the Indians and one Indian was killd Genl Clark & Son had in the mean time, left the fort and gone home and in their absence Captain Ellsberry was the commanding officer - After staying at the fort for some time, for perhaps between one and two months, he this applicant was permitted by his Captain to return to his home, which he did for a few days, when he again returned to the fort. Some short time after his return to the
Fort Captain Ellsberry & Company & another
company commanded by Capt John Freeman
was by the order of Genl Clark, marched in a direction to the Country of the Cherokees
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Genl Clark had understood that the Indians
were about to march into the white settlements in Georgia, and make a formidable attack, and the object of marching the above named companies, was to guard the frontier settlements & check their intended invasion. The companies marchd with their officers headed by Genl Clark, this applicant being with them. They crossd the Oconey [Oconee] river & at about which was called the five islands, they crossd Oakmulge [Okmulgee] river-- They did not go to the Indian towns, because it was believd that the companies were not sufficiently strong to justify such a course. On the return they came a different route crossing the Okmulgee river at its junction with the Oconey, [Oconee] having been engaged in the expedition  about sixteen days. On the return to the settlement, the men engaged in said expedition, were permitted to return to their
homes, but in a few days were again calld
out, by the directions of Genl Clark and several
companies, (Capt Ellisberry being one of them, & this applicant being still a soldier in that
Company) were marchd in nearly the same directions as on the other trip. When Gen. C. Clark, with his men had arrived within about forty miles of the Towns of the Indians, it was
ascertained that a large body of Indians had marchd toward the white settlements. Their route was ascertained & the general immediately directed that pursuit should be
made, which was accordingly done; and
on the waters of the Oconey [Oconee] River, they were
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overtaken, and a severe battle ensued. It commenced at about ten oclock in the forenoon, & ended at about dark. The Indian force, as near as could be ascertained
consisted of about one hundred & forty and Clarks forces of about one hundred men. About eighty Indians were killd, and six of Clark's men were killd on the field & five only wounded. Of the killd was Captain Ellsberry. The present applicant was in the action & fought throughout the battle. After that battle by permission of Genl Clark, the men were
permitted to return to their homes but without
any regular or written discharge. In four or five days the applicant was again calld out, by the order of general & they were marchd to the battle ground and this applicant having been placed in Freeman's company buried the dead, from thence they ranged up and down the Oconey, [Oconee] guarding the frontier settlements. The applicant was out on another trip for a short time, previous to Captain Ellisberry's death, which he has omitted to mention. The applicant can not state with
precision the time that he served under Ellsberry & Freeman, but can state with confidence, that amounted to at least fifteen months. After having been engaged for some time as above stated, in guarding the frontier settlements under Captain Freeman, he was marched to Knox's fort & there discharged by order of Genl Clark. He receid [received] no written discharge. He can not state the time of his said discharge
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He was young and inexperienced and did not
anticipate the necessity or propriety of procuring a written discharge or of preserving the testimonies of even a verbal discharge. He recollects that Genrl Clark & his Son Brigadier Genl. Genl. John Clark were in the fort at the time, when all the men this applicant among others were discharged, by a verbal permission of the General. Some short time after said discharge in the fall of the year, not long before the treaty of Shoulder Bone, the applicant was drafted as a militia men for three months as being then one of the Company
of Captain Wiley Pope, of Wilkes County, in Georgia and was marchd to the point where said treaty was expected to be made & was afterwards concluded. He marchd under sd [said] Pope, Genl Clark, being still the superior officer, to said point, and the applicant was there when said treaty was concluded. The object, he supposes, in marching the forces of Genl. Clark there, was to guard the Whites from any outrages of the Indians, of whom a great body was collected at the treaty, on the Oconey [Oconee] river. Major Graves he recollects was there and commanded a portion of the forces. He was from near Augusta. The applicant served out his term of three months,
and was at the end of the term aforesaid
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verbally discharged, on the early ground, with the [whole][crossed out] the greater portion of Genl Clarke's men some of the militia however remained; how long, he does not know on the ground, under the command of Graves. That closed the service of the applicant & although
he is not able to give the date of it, he supposes that the date of the treaty is known; Nor is he able to state whither sd [said] three months service was after or before the treaty of peace between the United States & Great Britain. The applicant removed to the State of Kentucky in the year 1794 & has resided therein ever since. There is no person, that he knows of, in the State by whom he can prove his aforesaid services. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity, except the present, & he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
John Thurman
We John Howe a Clergyman residing within about the County of Green & within about eight & a half miles of the residence of the above named John Thurman and John Barret Clerk of the Green Circuit Court & Richard A Buckner, do certify, that we are well acquainted with the said Thurman, and that we do not doubt from his appearance, that he is of the
age stated in the above declaration. We do not know how far his services as above stated, have been spoken of in the neighbourhood, 
But from his high reputation and respectability of Character, we do not hesitate to declare it as our opinion, that his
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statements are entitled to the most implicit
confidence; and from his statements we do not
doubt that he has correctly stated his services as far as can recollect them
John Howe
John Barret
Richard A Buckner
I At a circuit court continued and held for the Green circuit at the courthouse in Greensburgh on the 28th day of February 1833. On the application of John Thurman to be placed on the pension list roll under the act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832, who filed his declaration and made oath to the same for that purpose, the certificate of
the Reverend John Howe, Richard A. Buckard [Buckner] and John Banit [Barret] which accompanies the above declaration
was sworn to in open court by the said Howell a clergyman, Buckner & Banit [Barret], whereupon it is ordered to be certified as the opinion of this court, that the said applicant
as well as the said Howe, Buckner & Banit [Barret] are men of high respectability and varacity [veracity], and that said applicant served as stated in his said declaration all which is ordered to be certified to the secutary [secretary] of the war department. I John Barret Clerk of the Green circuit court certify that the foregoing in the original proceedings had the matter of the application of John Thurman for a pension. In Testimony where of I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of my said office
in Greensburg this 25 day of March 1833
John Barnt [Barret] SC
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Mrs. Deborah Thurman
Widow of
John Thurman
Revolutionary Claim
act of Feby 3 1853
S. A [illegible] atto
Greensburg Ky
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State of Kentucky 
Green County  Set.  On this 16 day of March 1853. personally appeared before me the undersigned Presiding Judge of the County Court holden in and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs. Deborah Thurman age eighty two years a resident of Taylor County Kentucky who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 3rd day of February  1853. that she is the widow of John Thurman dec'd who was a Revolutionary soldier and Pensioner and who drew a Pension from the Government of the United States at the rate of Forty Dollars per annum which he drew Semi - Annually from the Pension agency at Lexington and Louisville that he resided for many years in the said County of Green and died there on the 16 th day of October 1845 and left her the said Deborah Thurman his widow who is still a widow and was a widow at the passage of the said act and has never intermarried since the death of her said husband John Thurman. That she was married to the said John Thurman in the County of Washington and State of Kentucky on the 25th day of January 1810 by me John Chandler a preacher of Baptist persuasion and her name before marriage was Deborah Rhea or Ray  She knows of no record of her marriage or whether any was even kept or processed . She will procure if to be had a Copy of the Record of marriage & file herewith . She has never heretofore made application for a Pension if she was Entitled to any , she was ignorant of it and did not know that she could draw one under any previous laws . She states that she has in her possession none the original certificate which was granted to her said husband John Thurman
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under which he drew his Pension aforesaid which bears date at the War office of the United States 21st of October 1833 & signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War which certificate She herewith files as part of her Declaration  having never surrendered said certificate nor has she ever drawn the fraction of Pension to which she as widow was Entitled  She further declares that she is in bad health  and that from age and bodily disease and infirmity she is unable to attend Court for the purpose of making her Declaration in Court. She resides some distance from the Court House and near the line of Green County . Deborah Thurman 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day & year first shown written and I certify that the said Deborah Thurman is the widow of John Thurman decd who was a reputed Revolutionary soldier That she is a widow and has not intermarried since the death of her said husband John Thurman. I further certify that she is a person of credibility and truth and that I have no interest in the claim of said Deborah for a Pension and am not concerned in its prosecution the name Ray or Rhea interlined before signed or sworn to. Thomas R. Barnett  P.J.&C.C         
State of Kentucky  Green County Set  
On this 16 day of March 1853 personally appeared Jane Vance  and L. R. Thurman before me the Presiding Judge of the County Court in & for the County aforesaid and being duly sworn doth on their oath state that they are well acquainted with Mrs. Deborah Thurman and know her to be the widow of John Thurman Decd They now well acquainted with said
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John Thurman in his lifetime and for many years before his death and up to the time he died he was a Revolutionary Pensioner and drew a Pension from the United States they believe at the rate of $40,00 per annum. That said John Thurman is dead and died in Green County at the place where his said widow now lives  which is now imbraced in the now County of Taylor he died on the 16th day of October 1845 and left the said Deborah Thurman his widow who is still living a widow and has never intermarried since the death of her said husband John Thurman. Said John Thurman  & said Deborah were married many years ago in the County of Washington & State of Kentucky as we are informed and believe. They lived together in Green County for upwards of 30 years as man and wife. Claimed each other as such and were so recognized by all those to whom they were known and raised a family and one child the eldest & only of whom is upwards of 40 years of age [and the youngest is upwards of 40 years of age][crossed out] They state that the name of said Deborah before her said marriage was Deborah Rhea or Ray That they have no interest whatever in the claim now set up by the said Deborah for a Pension and are not concerned in its prosecution. 
L. R. Thurman  Jane Vance 
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that L. R. Thurman  & Jane Vance are credible witnesses the words one child & only interlined before signed also the erasure of the lines above. Thomas R . Barnett  P.J. & C.C.
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State Kentucky Green County Set
I Robert Marshall Clerk of the County Court in and for said County Certify that Thomas R. Barnett is the Presiding Judge of the County Court of the said County of Green and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn that his
Commission is dated the 20th of May 1851 and continues for the term of four years and untill his succesion is duly Elected and quallified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine In Testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of said County Court this
17 day of March 1853 at Greensburg
Kentucky
Robert Marshall es
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73799
Bounty Land Claim
of 
Deborah Thurman
widow of John Thruman
Revolutionary widow
Act 3d March 1855
Presented by
S A Spencer of
Greensburg Ky.
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State of Kentucky County of Green
on this 30 day of March 1855 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said County Deborah Thurman aged 83 years a resident of Taylor County Kentucky residing near the line of the said County of Green who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare that she is the widow of John Thurman Decd who died many years ago in the said County of Green leaving her the said Deborah his widow
who is still a widow and has never since the death of said John her husband intermarried. She states that her said husband John Thurman was a Revolutionary soldier and as such was a Pensioner of the United States and drew a Pension and was drawing the same up to the time he died at the rate of $40. per annum. That after his death some years she made her application and filed her Declaration and proof of her marriage with said John and of his death, and identification of herself as his widow, in the Pension office at Washington and under the act of February 3d 1853 a Certificate of Pension was granted to her, and she was placed upon the Pension list as the widow of said John Thurman at the late [rate]
of $40 per annum which sum she now draws at the Pension agency at Louisville Ky. The Certificate of Pension under which she draws is now in her possession and [illegible] date at the Department of the Interior the 7th day
of June 1853 and is No 639. She refers to her said Declaration and proof there filed as evidence for her in this application She has never heretofore applied for or received any bounty land for said services or otherwise
nor did her said husband ever apply for or recieve any She makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be Entitled under the act of Congress passed the 3d day of March
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1855. granting bounty land to the soldiers of the War of 1812 and their widows and to the widows of the soldiers of the Revolutionary War and She respectfully requests the Commissioner of Pensions to issue to her the warrant for the bounty to which she may be Entitled under said act
Deborah Thurman
attest L. R. Thurman 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day & year first above mentioned and I certify that said Deborah Thurman is personally known to me and that she is the widow of John Thurman Ded She is still a widow and has never intermarried since the death of the said John Thurman and she is the identical person who now draws her pension at the date stated by her as the widow of said John Thurman and in right of his services as a soldier of the Revolutionary War. I further Certify that I am in no mind interested in her Claim for bounty land or pension money
John Bloyd JPJC
We Samuel A Spencer and Obadiah Chaney residents of Greene County Kentucky on our oaths declare that we are well acquainted with Deborah Thurman above named who has signed the foregoing declaration.  We were also well acquainted with her husband John Thurman in his lifetime. he died many years ago in the County of Green being the said Deborah his widow who is still a widow. Said John and Deborah lived together and claimed each other as man & wife up to the said John's death and were always taken and received as man and wife by all persons to whom they were known  We know
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said Deborah Thurman is the identical person who in right of the services of her said husband  (who was a Revolutionary Pensioner) made her application to the United States for a Pension under the act of February 3, 1853. and to whom a Certificate issued [illegible] her to draw her Pension at the rate [illegible] here and she is now drawing her Pension and we further state that we have no interest in the claim of said Deborah for her Bounty Land Given under my hand this 6th day of April 1855.  
S. A. Spencer 
Obadiah Chaney  
The foregoing Declaration and affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me the day & year last shown written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons That the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim 
John A Adair   JPCC
State of Kentucky Green County  
I  Robert Marshall Clerk of the County Court in and for said County certify that John Bloyd  and John A. Adair whose genuine signatures appear to the foregoing Declaration and affidavits and Certificates are now and were at the dates and times of signing their names thereto Justices of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit is due to all their official acts as such In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court this 7th day of April 1855 at Greensburg  Kentucky. Robert Marshall  C.&C
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Know all men by these presents that John Thurman and Lloyd Ray are held and firmly bound into his Excellency Charles Scott Esqr. Governor of Kentucky in the sum of fifty pounds current money the payment of which well and holy to be made to the s'd [said] Governor or his Successors we bind ourselves our heirs & Jointly & Severally , firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated this 24th day of January 1810 The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage Shortly intended between the above bound John Thurman and Deborah Ray for which a license has issued now that there be no Lawful cause to obstruct said Marriage then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue in Law. 
John Thurman 
Lloyd Ray 
Witness  H. Parrott 
The Commonwealth of Kentucky
Washington County Set
I John B Starr Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid certify that the foregoing is a true and correct transcript of a bond which
appears to have been Executed by John Thurman and Lloyd Ray as is therein stated and now on file in my office and I further certify that after a diligent search among the marriage returns I am unable to find any certificate or return of the Marriage of said John Thurman and Deborah Ray among the Records in my office. I further state that marriage returns of that date were father lowly kept and that there is no Index to them
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the Seal of said
County Court at my office in
Springfield this 2d day of March AD 1853
should be April
John B Starr Clerk
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N 1004 
John Thurman 
Kentucky  
amended see written  
from 1782 first 
1 yr $40 
Can only allow for one
the applt [illegible] [illegible]
as it is more than
probible 
in apl 1782   
Wm T. Willis 
Greensburg 
Jn Banet Clk
Gransburg Ky
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office
183
Sir:
     The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in tabular form.  On comparing those papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, 
(thus: }).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them, and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of John Thurman
Green County Kentucky

Period when the service was rendered.
Vol 1781- time not distinctly stated

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Capt Ellsberry
Genl Clarke-
Capt Freeman

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
66 year,
Wilkes County State of Georgia

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
[illegible]
Evidence
No colonel given in 
Either tour of service

Period when the service was rendered.
draf 1782 for 3 months

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Capt Pope
Gen Clarke
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

     The following regulations have been adopted:
     This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every brank of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but no those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Stare Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
     Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
          1.  The Regular Troops.
          2.  The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
          3.  Persons employed in the Naval Service.
          4.  Indian Spies.
     As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim-ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
     In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of }ss.
     On this      day of       personally appeared (a) before     A. B. a resident (b) of     in the county of      and State, Territory or District of     aged (c)     years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.  That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)     , with      and served in the      (e) regiment of the      line, under the following named officers:

     [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.  This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)

     He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of     
     Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.     
A.B.

     [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
     
     And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolu-tionary soldier, and served as he states.
     I      of the Court of        do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of     for a pension.
     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this     day of     &c.
     If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declarations, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the role given in note (j) points out.
     Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
     (k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the      and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with     , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be      years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
          Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
     [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
     And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revo-lutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
     I,     Clerk of the Court of     do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of     for a pension.
                    In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set m hand and seal
of office, this     day of     &c.
     Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or sommis-sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser-vice of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
     If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 26

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex-expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from delay so by reason of bodily infirmity, in which case the declarant will for on the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the person or persons of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words
 "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For----year---months, and ----days, I served as a ---For---months and ---days, I served as a ---;
and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the other for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c, without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed, that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must as was the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] Is a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in the affidavits the tree of the claimant's staring the service, and the pain and manner of his leaving the same, as well at the regiment, company, and but to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the and the state character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary death is indispensable is militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, a declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with  the declaration.
Page 27

July 21, 1936
BA-J/ady
John Thurman
W.6367
Mr. Samuel R. Edington
1012 Penn Place
Tucson, Arizona
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the record of John Thurman, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim, W. 6267, based upon the military service of John Thurman in that war.
John Thurman was born April 20, 1767, in Buckingham County, Virginia, and when in his seventh year moved with his father (name not given) to Wilkes County, Georgia, where he resided during the War of the Revolution.
He enlisted in the spring of 1781, and served
fifteen months as private in Captains Ellsberry's and John Freeman's Companies, Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment against the Indians and was in a skirmish, and one severe battle, both on the Oconee River. He enlisted in the fall of 1782 and served three months as second sergeant in Captain Wiley Pope's Company, Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment. In 1794 he moved to Kentucky. He was allowed pension on his application executed February 27, 1833, while a resident of Green County, Kentucky. He died October 16, 1845, in Green County, Kentucky.
Soldier married January 25, 1810, in Washington County, Kentucky, Deborah Rhea or Ray. She was allowed pension on her application executed March 16, 1853, while
a resident of Taylor County, (the same place where the
Page 28

soldier died, but then in Green County), Kentucky, aged eighty-two years.
They reared a large family of children, no names
given.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 29

1926 Sept. 13. - Hist. to A. D. [illegible]
1933 Jan. 17. Hist. to Sara. W. [illegible] 
1933 Jan . 26. Hist. to L.E. Bris [illegible] A. 
1936 Jan. 20. Hist. to Hil [illegible] E. Boyd. See his letter [illegible] clm. of Edw. Lyon , S. 387 [illegible]
1936. July 21. Hist. to  Mr[illegible] Samuel R. Edington [Illegible]                                             ( MMH )
[preprinted for with handwritten answers] 
Revy WIDOW, & c.  
File No. 6267 
Deborah  Thurman 
wid. 
John Thurman  
Pvt. Rev : War 
Act : 1832 
Index : - Vol. M , Page 269 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 30

Appl. of Deborah  No 878 Thurman widow of John Green County Ky :  22300 Act 3rd Feby : 1853 Revy : Admitted $40 per annum  Commencing 3rd February 1853. S. A. Spencer Greensburg Ky :   
[*DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR , Pension Official Business*]
Page 31

Thurman
Page 32

Brief in the case of Deborah Thurman , widow of John Thurman, Green County and State of Kentucky. act 3rd February 1853. 
Claim ("original," [or "for increase."][crossed out]  Proof exhibited , (if original.) Is it documentary, traditionary , or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Husband was a Pensioner under Act 7th June. 1832. Marriage proved by parol testimony (there being no record proof) - and witnesses certified to be credible.  (If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?     
R Gidder Examining Clerk.  
S,A, Spencer Esqr 
Greensburg 
Name and residence of Agent Ky
Page 33

22.300 Payments to be made at Lexington Kentucky by the Pres  MNB Bank  Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Kentucky   John Thurman  Recorded in the Pension Office , in Book E Vol. 7 Page 29 by  Danl Boyd Clerk.
Page 34

WAR DEPARTMENT. REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. I certify that , in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, John Thurman of the State of Kentucky who was a Private in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Forty dollars per annum , during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March  1831, and payable semi - annually on the 4th of March,  and 4th September, in every year. Given at the War Office of the United States this 21st day of Oct one thousand eight hundred and thirty three Lew Cass ( signed ) Secretary of War.  { Examined and Countersigned. } Geo. Wm Crump ( signed )  Actg Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 35

( post mark ) [ GREENSBURG KY APR 6 ]          free    Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D C ( vertical across address )   S B Mayor ( ? ECS Initials )
Page 36

Greensburg Green County Kentucky  April 4 1853. To the Hon Coms of Pensions Washington City, D C  Sir Inclosed you will find the claim of Mrs. Deborah Thurman ( underscored ) widow of John Thurman  dec'd  a Revolutionary Soldier attached to her Declaration is the Marriage Bond & certificate of the Clerk as to the marriage etc.  I also send the original Certificate under which   John Thurman drew his pension in his lifetime which his widow gave up and filed it with his Declaration etc., Please send me her certificate as early as it may be convenient to do so. I have the honor to be very respectfully your obdt Servt S. A. Spencer ( signed )
Page 37

John Thurman : Amended Declaration [ For a pension ( underscored ) ]
Page 38

[ State of Kentucky Green County ] Set This day John Thurman of said County came before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid , and being by me duly sworn according to law, deposed and stated by way of amendment to his original declaration for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832. that from old age and the consequent loss of memory  he could not state  and swear positively to length of time he served as a soldier in the army of the United States during the American Revolution , but according to the best of his recollection  he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades . viz I served as a private soldier in a company of rangers  ( in he thinks 1781 ) commanded by Captain Ellsberry for fifteen months ( underscored ) which was his first tour - I served in the second tour being 1782 according to the best of my recollection three months in a company [In the first tour I served as a ranger mounted on my own horse in the second tour at the treaty of (? illegible )  bay I served ...(illegible ) ] commanded by Captain Wiley Pope the name of the Colonel who commanded the regiment to which Pope's company was attached was  Colonel Holeman  Freeman who was also at the fort spoken of in his original declaration , & commanded a regiment there to which Captain Ellsberry's company  was attached in like manner. Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the peace for said County this 21st day of August 1832.John Thurman ( signed )  Saml G Cook ( signed )  JPGC
Page 39

[ State of Kentucky Green County ] Set  I John Barret Clerk of the Green County Court do certify that Samuel G. Cook whose name is subscribed to the foregoing  affidavit of John Thurman is a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned  & qualified according to law & that his certificate is in due form of law & that full faith and credit is due to all his official acts as such . In testimony of all which thereunto set my hand  & the seal of my said office this 21st day of August 1833. John Barret ( signed / sealed )  Clerk of the Green County Court
Page 40

Jan 16 - 1933 Chicago , Ill                   Washington  D.C. Pension Dept. Veterans Adm. Dear Sir - Have you any data on record for john [Thurman ( checked and underscored ) ] - Green  Co., Kentucky - Rev. soldier was living in Kentucky from about 1780 to 1840 . I wish any information his record may contain about family , place ( underscored ) of birth, etc. Thank you L. E. Bristol  ( signed ) 6200 Kenmore Ave. Chicago , Ill.  am tracing ancestry & am his lineal descendant
Page 41

(post mark ) [ RECEIVED JAN 17 1933 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS. ADM. PENSION  #3]  3:45
Page 42

Tucson, Arizona.
1012 Penn Place,
June 22, 1936.

U. S. Pension Bureau,
Washington D. C.

Will you kindly send me a copy of Pension Statement of John Thurman who was granted Pension while a resident of Kentucky?

He was born in another State. I wish his service record, but I am equally interested in the date and place of birth;
date and place of marriage, wife's name; and date and place of
death, and any other genealogical material contained therein.

Very truly yours,
Elizabeth T. Edington
Mrs. Samuel E. Edington
Page 43

A. S. THURMAN
ATTORNEY AT LAW
MONTICELLO, GEORGIA

July 20, 1926.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Sir:

Will you send me a statement of the military history of John Thurman, Revolutionary Pensioner in Greene county, Kentucky, in 1840?

Respectfully,
A. S. Thurman
Page 44

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Office Secretary of State
Frankfort
Dec. 20st, 1932

Sara W. Mahan
Secretary of State

Veterans' Administration,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:-

Please send to me the pension record of John Crooke
who was a pensioner from Madison County, Ky., and that of
John Thurman of Green County, Kentucky, who was also a pensioner.
I hope also to have any family history given by them.
John Crooke's daughter married John Thurman, Jr., and I am anxious
to straighten out their relationship, and prove their lines.
I thank you in advance for this information.
Yours very truly,
Sara W. Mahan
Page 45

January 20, 1936.
XXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/ady
Mr. Hilary E. Boyd
Box 171
Gadsden, Alabama
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request
the records of John Thurmond and Edward Lyon, soldiers of
the Revolutionary War.
Their records are furnished you herewith on separate
pages, as found in the claims based upon service in the
Revolutionary War.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 46

January 20, 1936.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/ady
John Thurman
W.6267

Mr. Hilary E. Boyd
Box 171
Gadsden, Alabama

Dear Sir:
The data contained herein are obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim, W.6267,
based upon the military service of John Thurman in
that war.
John Thurman was born April 20, 1767 in Buckingham
County, Virginia, and when in his seventh year
moved with his father (name not given) to Wilkes
County, Georgia, where he resided during the War of the
Revolution.
He enlisted in the spring of 1781 and served
fifteen months as private in Captains Ellsberry's and
John Freeman's Companies, Colonel Holeman Freeman's
Georgia Regiment against the Indians and was in a skirmish, and one severe battle, both on the Oconee River.
He enlisted in the fall of 1782 and served three months
as second sergeant in Captain Wiley Pope's Company,
Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment.
In 1794 he moved to Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
February 27, 1833 while a resident of Green County, Kentucky.
He died October 16, 1845 in Green County, Kentucky.
Soldier married January 25, 1810 in Washington
County, Kentucky, Deborah Rhea or Ray. She was allowed
pension on her application executed March 16, 1853 while a
resident of Taylor County, (the same place where the
soldier died, but then in Green County), Kentucky, aged
eighty-two years.
Page 47

They reared a large family of children, no names
given.
This is the record of the only soldier named John
Thurman, all spellings of the names searched, who served
from Georgia, that is found on the Revolutionary War
records of this office.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 48


January 26, 1933.
BA-J/ADY
John Thurman
W.6267
Mr. L. E. Bristol,
6200 Kenmore Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to one John Thurman, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim, W.6267, based upon his military service in that war.
John Thurman was born April 20, 1767 in Buckingham County, Virginia, and when in his seventh year moved with his father (name not given) to Wilkes County, Georgia, where he resided during the War of the Revolution.
He enlisted in the spring of 1781 and served fifteen months as a private in Captains Ellsberry's and John Freeman's Companies, Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment against the Indians and was in a skirmish, and one severe battle, both on the Oconee River.
He enlisted in the fall of 1782 and served three months as second sergeant in Captain Wiley Pope's Company, Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment.
In 1794 he moved to Kentucky. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 27, 1833 while a resident of Green County, Kentucky.
He died October 16, 1845 in Green County, Kentucky.
Soldier married January 25, 1810 in Washington County, Kentucky, Deborah Rhea or Ray. She was allowed pension on her application executed March 16, 1853 while a resident of Taylor County, (the same place where the soldier died, but then in Green County), Kentucky, aged
Page 49

eighty-two years.
They raised a large family of children, no names given.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 50

Copied from M. M. H. J. hist. Sept. 13 - 1926.
January 17, 1933.
BA-J/ADY
John Thurman
W.6267
Miss Sara W. Mahan,
Office Secretary of State,
Frankfort, Kentucky.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to one John Thurman, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim, W.6267, based upon his military service in that war.
John Thurman was born April 20, 1767 in Buckingham County, Virginia, and when in his seventh year moved with his father (name not given) to Wilkes County, Georgia, where he resided during the War of the Revolution.
He enlisted in the spring of 1781 and served fifteen months as a private in Captains Ellsberry's and John Freeman's Companies, Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment against the Indians and was in a skirmish, and one severe battle, both on the Oconee River.
He enlisted in the fall of 1782 and served three months as second sergeant in Captain Wiley Pope's Company, Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment.
In 1794 he moved to Kentucky.  He was allowed pension on his application executed February 27, 1833 while a resident of Green County, Kentucky.
He died October 16, 1845 in Green County, Kentucky.
Soldier married January 25, 1810 in Washington County, Kentucky, Deborah Rhea or Ray.  She was allowed pension on her application executed March 16, 1853 while a resident of Taylor County, (the same place where the soldier died, but then in Green County), Kentucky, aged eighty-two years.
Page 51

They raised a large family of children, no names given.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 52

MMHF
Rev.&1812 Wars Section
September 13, 1826
A. S. Thurman
Monticello, Georgia
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 6267 it appears that JOHN THURMAN was born April 20, 1767 in Buckingham County, Virginia, and when in his seventh year moved with his father (name not given) to Wilkes County, Georgia where he resided during the War of the Revolution.
He volunteered in the spring of 1781 and served fifteen months as a private in Captains Ellsberry's and John Freeman's Companies, Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment against the Indians and was in a skirmish, and one severe battle, both on the Oconee River.
He volunteered in 1782, in the fall, and served three months as second sergeant in Captain Wiley Pope's Company, Colonel Holeman Freeman's Georgia Regiment.
In 1784 he moved to Kentucky and was allowed pension on his application executed February 27, 1833 while a resident of Green County, Kentucky.  He died October 16, 1845
Page 53

in Green County, Kentucky.
Soldier married January 25, 1810 in Washington County, Kentucky, Deborah Rhea or Ray.  She was allowed pension on her application executed March 16, 1853 while a resident of Teylor County, (the same place where the soldier died, but then in Green County), Kentucky, aged eighty-two years.
They raised a large family of children, no names given.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.