Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8404, Thomas Elsey, Va.
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(3—1776) 
Service Va.
Born in Md.
Elsey, Thomas 
Number S, 8404
Page 2


Ohio .222
26.222
Thomas Elsey
Fairfield Co. in the State of Ohio was a P [Private] in the Company commanded by Captain Dixon in the Regt. commanded by Col Dabner in the Maryland* line for 2 Ys P $80.00
* Va. Line. Records corrected. Oct. 4, 1904.
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of April and Sent to D2H Hon J. Chaney, HR [House of Representatives.]
Arrears to the 4th of Mch 1834 $240.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Spr 40.00
$ 280.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J.T. Sprague  Clerk,
Book G  VOL. 8  Page 7
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State of Ohio  County of Pickaway } Sc
On the tenth day of August one thousand eight
hundred and thirty two personally appeared before 
the Hon. David Kinnean, Thomas Reniak, and Samuel Sygbrand Associate Judges
of the Court of Common pleas of Pickaway County. And of Pickaway County,
Thomas Elsey a resident of Walnut Township   this the 
County of Pickaway and state of Ohio aged 72
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, replaced with:] engaged in the state troops of
Virginia in the service of the United States 
some time in the fall of the year he thinks in 
October 1780. with Captain Abner Crump.  He served as
a Lieutenant for Benjamin Phillips & from that
time to the close of the war, in the regiment of
regular Virginia state troops, commonly called
the Virginia State Legion under the following
officers.  to wit Charles Dabney Colonel of the
regiment, Captain Brown Major Abner Crump 
Captain of the companies. Slaughter Lieutenant Ensign.  He was a minor at the time
of this enlistment:  his parents resided in
Augusta County in the state of Virginia.
He left then and went to Richmond where 
he enlisted - was sent to Little York where
the Regiment was then lying under the command
of General Nelson.  The first year after
his enlistment, they were stationed along the
[illegible] and against the British.  From 1781
they were marched through Richmond up to the
point of Fork, where they both on [illegible] of
Cornwallis' troops and followed them into 
Yorktown.  There was no [illegible: command?] battle; there were occasional
skirmishes on the way.  He remained
at Yorktown after the surrender of Cornwallis
until the close of the war, except once when he
was sent to Richmond to guard prisoners on the
term of three months.  He left the service in
March 1783.  the precise day he does not recalled.
It was at the time that the enemy was disbanded.
he hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a 
pension or annuity, except the present, and
he declares that he is not on the pension 
roll of any agency in any state.  Sworn to and
subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Andrew Austin deputy clerk.  Thomas Elsey
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.

I Samuel S. Dinny Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Pickaway do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings to the said court in the matter of the application of Thomas Elsey for a pension.
In testimony whereof I heave hereunto set my hand and seal of office on this 10th day of August 1832.
Samuel S. Dinny  Clerk
By Andrew Huston  deputy clerk
[seal affixed]
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State of Ohio Fairfield County } S.S.
Personally appeared before the Honorable the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, now in Session, Thomas Elsey, a resident of Violet Township in said County, aged seventy three 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 7, 1832.
That he was born in the State of Maryland the 16th day of May AD 1760 as he believes and as appears from a written record in his possession and which was transcribed by him his Fathers family Bible.  That he removed with his Father while just a child to Faquair [Fauquier] County in the State of Virginia from where at the age of ten years he again removed to Augusta County State last aforesaid.  That in the County last aforesaid he entered into the service of the United States on or about the 1st day of September A.D. 1780 in a Company commanded by Captain McGill for a term of eighteen months where he remained until said term was completed.  He so entered and served as a substitute for one Benjamin Irvin, who had been drafted for a less term, but in consequence, as deponent understood, of an attempt to evade the service by concealment, had his term enlarged to that of eighteen months as aforesaid.  The said Company during said period of time was attached to the Virginia Regiment or Virginia State Regiment which was commanded by Gen. Nelson, Col. Charles Dabner [Dabney] & Major Brown.  From Faquair [Fauquier] County, the place of entering the service he marched to Alexandria, and stationed a short time at Falmouth, York, Hampton and Norfolk respecting.  When the Army of Lord
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Cornwallis was about entering York Town, Deponent fell in with the American forces at a place called the Point of Fork and marched down to the Sige of the Town.  he was in several of the skirmishes that ensued and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis, acting under the command of Nelson.  After the surrender aforesaid he was joined to the detachment that conducted the prisoners to Winchester where he remained as one of the Guard till the end of his aforesaid Term of 18 months.  
In March AD 1782 and immediately on being discharged as above, he accepted a proposition from John Dennison to serve as a substitute for him, in a drafted company commanded by Capt. Mann, which Dennison had been drafted for a term of six months.  He accordingly entered the service of the United States in the said company at Richmond, where he was stationed and served out the said Term of 6 months, Thomas Fletcher was the orderly sergeant, same officers as before.  
In November A.D. 1782 on being discharged from the above service, he agreed with one Benjamin Phillips to serve as a substitute for him at York in a company commanded by Captain Crump and Lieutenants Wyot [Wyatt] and Slaughter.  Said Phillips was enlisted to serve during the continuance of the War, and being sickly, this deponent took his place on receiving a certain compensation.  He, this Deponent continued in the service as aforesaid at York untill the termination of the war, in the spring of the year 1782 when he was regularly discharged.  
That he received a written discharge signed and delivered him by Capt. Crump which was since lost — perhaps 30 or 40 years ago, not supposing it would ever be of any value to him.  That he has no documentary evidence of
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of his aforesaid services, nor does he now know of any person living by whom he can prove the service, other than the certificate herewith presented.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State to his knowledge.
Thomas Elsey  
Sworn to and Subscribed this 1st day of March 1834.  
Attest N. Z. Kraider.  Clk. 

 We Elijah Spurgeon a Clergyman residing in the County of Fairfield in the State of Ohio, and Thomas Simms Esq, Elias Williams and Patrick Elsey the three last residing in the Town of Pickerington Fairfield County aforesaid, hereby certify that we are all acquainted with Thomas Elsey who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age.  That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.  Elijah Spurgeon.  
Thomas Simms  
Elias Williams 
Patrick his x mark Elsey  
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid  
Attest  M. Z. Kreider, Clerk  

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary (over)
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revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Elijah Spurgeon who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Fairfield County and that Thomas Simms, Elias Williams and Patrick Elsey who have also signed the same are resident in the County aforesaid and are creditable persons and that their statement is entitled to credit 
 I M. Z. Kreider, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Fairfield, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Elsey for a Pension. 
 In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this first day of March AD 1834.  
M. Z. Kreider,  Clerk 
 [seal affixed]
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March 24, 1939

BA-J/AWF
Thomas Elsey
S. 8404

Mrs. Kenneth C. Hogate
30 Murray Hill Road
Scarsdale, New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Thomas Elsey, born August 16, 1760, served in the Revolutionary War, and was pensioned while living in Fairfield County, Ohio.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S. 8404, based upon the service of Thomas Elsey in the War of the Revolution.

Thomas Elsey was born May 16, 1760, in the State of Maryland; names of his parents are not shown. Thomas Elsey moved, with his father to Fauquier County, Virginia, and thence to Augusta County, Virginia.

While residing in Augusta County, Thomas Elsey enlisted September 1, 1780, served as private in Captain McGill's company, Colonel Charles Dabney's Virginia regiment, was in several skirmishes around Yorktown, at the surrender of Cornwallis, and guarded prisoners to Winchester, length of service eighteen months. He served from sometime in March, 1782, six months in Captain Mann's Virginia company, stationed in Richmond. He served from sometime in November, 1782, until sometime in March, 1783, in Captain Crump's Virginia company, stationed in Yorktown.

Thomas Elsey was living in 1829 in Violet Town-
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ship, Fairfield County, Ohio.

Thomas Elsey was allowed pension on his application executed August 10, 1832, at which time he was living in Walnut Township, Pickaway County, Ohio.

Reference is made to brothers of the soldier, Thomas Elsey, only name stated was, Edward Elsey (Elzy) who served in the Virginia troops, at the siege of Yorktown, and married shortly after the close of the war.

One Patrick Elsey was a resident of Pickerington, Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1834; it was not stated that he was related to the soldier, Thomas Elsey.

The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data relative to the family of Thomas Elsey.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data-

Thomas Elsey
Certificate # 26222
Issued April 8, 1834
Rate $80.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Ohio Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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Thos Elsey
O.

Returned 3334
Examine Va Rolls
Dabney Col
Crump Cap

[STAMP]
Circleville
O
Febr. 12

[STAMP]
FREE

Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Care of J.L. Edwards Esqr
Washington
Dist. Columbia
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Circleville 9th Feby 1833

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Sir
I again enclose the declaration of Thomas Elsey, with the best proof he could procure of his service.  He is very infirm and all those who knew him in the service are dead.  His father and other relatives are dead, who were acquainted with his revolutionary services.  
He says that his name was found in the War Department in the pay-roll, a few years since, as he was informed, by our representative in Congress, at that time.  He being a substitute for Benjamin Philips (whose name probably appears in the enlistment), his name would not be there found.  If however the pay-roll , or the roll of those discharged from the Virginia line, be found, his name will very probably appear on that roll.  I have no doubt whatever of his service & he is really needy.  He applied under the act of 1818, supposing the state troops were provided for in that act, through Judge Thompson, the representative from this district at that time & it was then he says his name was found on the roll in the Department.  If it would be of any service, we can prove the truth of his father & relatives, whose statements are referred to in the affidavits enclosed.  If an examination of the pay-roll & roll of discharge his name cannot be found on the Virginia line & the Affidavits are insufficient;  we will endeavor to get any corroberratory evidence deemed necessary;  short of proving direct and absolute services  Direct any communication or papers to me at Circleville Ohio
G.W. Dow
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The State of Ohio
Franklin County SS
Personally came before me this 22nd day of  January 1833 George Seamore who is well known to me as a credible citizen of Franklin County in said State of Ohio and entitled to full belief when under oath who after being by me duly sworn Deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Thomas Elsey from my youth who is a resident of Pickaway County and from statements made to be by father and brother of said Thomas Elsey I do firmly believe that served in the Revolutionary War and this Deponant saith that he believes the applicants own Declaration to entitled to credit and further saith not
George Seamore  X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
Wm Patterson JP

The State of Ohio 
Franklin County SS
Also on the same day personally came before me John Hanson who is well known to me as a credible citizen of Franklin county in said state of Ohio and entitled to full belief when under oath who after being by me duly sworn, Deposeth and saith that when he was about nine or ten years of age he was acquainted with Thomas Elsey who is now a resident of Pickaway County and from what he heard the father and brother of said Elsey relate he believes he did serve in the Revolutionary war and this deponant further believes that the statement of said Elsey is still entitled to credit.
John Hanson
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above writen
Wm. Patterson JP
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Executive Office }
Columbus Ohio }

I Robert Lucas Governor and Commander in Chief of the State of Ohio hereby certify that William Patterson before whom the foregoing depositions were made and subscribed now is and was at the date thereof an acting justice of the peace in and for the County of Franklin in the State of Ohio duly commissioned as such and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as well in courts of virtue as thereout.


[Seal affixed]  In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and caused the great Seal of the State of Ohio to be hereto affixed at Columbus, this 24th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.

By the Governor    Robert Lucas

M A Kirby
Secretary of State
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3334   REJECTED

P. O. ___________
Thomas Ellsey
Service: _____________

Enlisted: _______________, 18
Discharged: ____________, 18

Application filed: ____________, 18
Page 16

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF:MLB

July 15, 1930

Corrinne Elsea

Atlanta, Missouri

Dear Madam:

You are advised that this bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolutionary War unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of his services.

A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of Thomas Elsea, Elzy or Elzea.

The only similar name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau is Thomas Elsey whose record is as follows:

From September 1, 1780, eighteen months in Captain Mc Gill's Company, Colonel Charles Dabney's Regiment, and was in the battle of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis; from March, 1782, six months, in Captain Mann's Company; from November 1782 to March, 1783, in Captain Crump's Company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 18, 1828, while a resident of Violet Township, Fairfield County, Ohio.

It is not stated that the soldier was married.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of the person paid, and possibly the date of death of the pensioner, Thomas Elsey (S. 8404), you should apply to the Comptroller General,
Page 17

General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., citing all of the following data:-

Thomas Elsey, Certificate No. 26222, issued April 8, 1834, rate $80.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Ohio Agency.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

- 2 -
Page 18

July 14, 1930

Mrs. O. V. Rhodes

Wayland, Missouri

Dear Madam:

You are advised that this bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolutionary War unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of his services.

A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of Thomas Elsea, Elzy or Elzea.

You are furnished herewith the history of the only Thomas Elsey found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau:

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 8404, it appears that Thomas Elsey was born Mary 16, 1760 in Maryland, and that he moved with his father (name not on file), while a child to Fauquier County, Virginia, then to Augusta County, Virginia, when ten years old.

While residing in said Augusta County, he served as a private in the Virginia Troops, as follows:

From September 1, 1780, eighteen months in Captain McGill's Company, Colonel Charles Dabney's Regiment, and was in the battle of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis; from March, 1782, six months, in Captain Mann's Company; from November, 1782 to March, 1783, in Captain Crump's Company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 18, 1828, while a resident of Violet Township, Fairfield County, Ohio.

It is not stated that soldier was married.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of the person paid, and possibly the date of death of the pensioner, Thomas Elsey (S. 8404), you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., citing all of the following data:- Thomas Elsey, Certificate No. 26222, issued April 8, 1834, rate $80.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Ohio. Agency.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
Page 19

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
EEL

December 5, 1929

Mrs. V.D. Gordon
Box 73
Atlanta, Missouri

Dear Madam:

I advise you that on March 18, 1926, you were furnished the history of Thomas Elsey, S. 8404, and due to the great pressure of current work, the history of a soldier of the Revolution is furnished only once to each inquirer.

Very truly yours,

EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
Page 20

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

March 18, 1926

Mr. V. D. Gordon
Atlanta
Mo.

Madam:

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 8404, it appears that Thomas Elsey was born May 16, 1760 in Maryland, and that he moved, with his father (name not on file), while a child to Fauquier County, Virginia, then to Augusta County, Virginia, when ten years old.

While residing in said Augusta County, he served as a private in the Virginia Troops, as follows-

From September 1, 1780, eighteen months in Captain McGill's Company, Colonel Charles Dabney's Regiment, and was in the battle of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis.

From March 1782, six months in Captain Mann's Company.

From November 1782 to March 1783 in Captain Crump's
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Company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 18, 1828, while a resident of Violet Township, Fairfield County, Ohio.

It is not stated that soldier was married.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the pensioner Thomas Elsey (S. 8404), you should apply to the Record Section, Civil Division, General Accounting Office, 1800 E St. N. W., Washington, D. C., citing all of the following data- Thomas Elsey, Certificate No. 26222, issued April 8, 1834, rate $80.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Ohio Agency.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 22

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.  3—525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., [blank], 19__
S. F. 5404
In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Thomas Elsey a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
Sept. 1. 1780
Mch. 1782
Nov. 1782
LENGTH OF SERVICE
18 mos.
6 mos.
Mch. 1783
RANK
Pvt
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
McGill
Manns
Crump
COLONEL
Charles Dabney
STATE
Va.
Battles engaged in, Yorktown & Surrender of Cornwallis
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Augusta Co Va.
Date of application for pension, Nov. 18. 1821. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Violet Twp. Fairfield County. Ohio
Age at date of application, born May 16, 1760 in Maryland
Remarks: moved with his father while a child to Fauquier Co. Va. then back to Augusta Co. Va. when ten years old.  Name of father is not stated.
Respectfully, 
Commissioner.
6—2856
Page 23

MRS. KENNETH C. HOGATE - 30 MURRAY HILL ROAD - SCARSDALE, NEW YORK

STAMP
RECEIVED
FEB 18 1939
MAIL SUB.DIV
VETS ADM
READER #15

Mr. A. D. Hiller
Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir -

Will you please send me a copy of the pension record of Thomas Elsey, Pickaway Co. Ohio - Maryland Militia - pension asked for from Fairfield Co. - Violet Township? He was born Aug. 16, 1760.

I think his pension number is S. 8404.

I believe this Thomas Elsey is my great, great great grandfather and I would appreciate your help in verifying this.

Thanking you, I am
Very truly y ours

Anna S. Hogate
Feb 11, 1939
Page 24

Commission of Pensions
Dept Interior Wash D.C.
Rev. Records Section

STAMP
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
JUL 2 1930

Dear Sir:

Please send me statement of the service rendered in the Revolution and all dates of birth death and marriage, and any information as to the name of wife or any family history given in the application of Pension made by Thomas Elsea of Fairfield Co. Ohio. If date is not given when was his last payment of this pension made and to whom. Did the widow apply for a pension after his death?

These facts are needed for my acceptance as a member of D.A.R.

Yours Truly,
Corrinne Elsea
Atlanta Missouri
Page 25

Wayland, Mo.
May 28, 1930

The Department of Pensions.
Washington, D. C.

Will you please send me the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Elsea (Elzy or Elzea) a resident of the State of Virginia.

Thanks.

Respectfully
Mrs. O. V. Rhodes
Wayland, Mo.

STAMP
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
JUN 2 1930
Page 26

Commissioner of Pensions
Dept. Interior Wash, D. C.
Rev. Record Section

Dear Sir, -

Please send me a statement of the service rendered in the Revolution, and all dates of birth, death, marriage and any information as to the name of wife or any family history given the application of Pension made by Thomas Elsea, of Fairfield Co. Ohio. If date of death is not given when was the last payment of this pension made and to whom and did his widow apply for a pension after his death. These facts are needed for my acceptance as a member of the D. A. R. Please be as prompt as possible.

Respectfully Yours,

Mrs. V. D. Gordon,
Atlanta, Mo.

Oct. 18 '29

STAMP
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
OCT 21 1929

B473
Page 27

V. D. Gordon
Notary Public
Real Estate, Loans and Insurance
OFFICE GROUND FLOOR ATLANTA STATE
BANK BUILDING
Long Distance Telephone Connection

STAMP
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
FEB 5 1926

Commissioner of Pensions
Dept Interior
Wash. D.C.
Rev. War Records Section.

Dear Sir,
Please send me a statement of the service rendered in the Revolution and all dates of birth death and marriage and any information as to the name of wife or any family history given in the application for Pension made by Thomas Elsey of Fairfield Co. Ohio.
If date of death is not given, when was the last payment of this pension made and to whom.  Did his widow apply pension after his death.  These facts are needed for my acceptance as a member of the D.A.R.  Please be as prompt as possible.
Yours truly
Mrs. V.D. Gordon.
Atlanta, Mo,

Feb. 2. '26
Page 28

New London
Ma.

Commissioner of pensions
Can you give me the war record of Thomas Elsea (or Elzea)  If so I would certainly be very grateful.  Said Thomas Elsea was my great grandfather, And my daughter wishes to join "Daughters of American Revolution" and in order to do so we want Great Grandfathers war record.  All we know about it is that he fought in War of Revolution.  My father died when I was only a small child there fore I know very little of his family and am trying to learn all I can,
Any information you can give me of said Thomas Elsea or his family or place of residence at time of enlistment will be gratefully recieved
Respt
Mrs. Geo. T. Brown
New London,
Ma.

[STAMP]
U.S. Pension Office
D
May 11 1915
Page 29

1915 May 13 Hist. to Mrs. Geo.  T. Brown.  V.L.M.
1926 Mch. 18. Hist to Mrs. V.D. Gordon auf.
1929 Dec 5, Mrs V.D Gordon advised hist. furnished only once.
1930- July 14. Hist to Mrs. C.V. Rhodes auf
1930. July 15. Hist to Corinne Elsea awf
1939. Mch 24. hist to Mrs. Kenneth C. Hogate auf.

8404 INVALID. Rev War
File No. 8404
Thomas Elsey
Ohio  Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:— Vol. 1st, Page 112
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 30

Thomas Elsey-Pvt-
Va. line-
Not allowed 
Oct 1828
Ohio
Ref. file no 3,334
OK
Page 31

 a deccleration of 
a number of Citizens
who is well acquainted
with Thomas Elsey
Page 32

We the undersigners do hereby certify that we have been well acquainted with Thomas Elsey for many years and we consider him a man of common truth and further we have always understood that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war
Given under our hands this 5th day of March 1834

John Ricketts
James Hilan
Evin Bowers
Jas. O Kane
William Sparks
John Farmer
Hedgmon Jeffries
W. Brown
John Eyer
Jacob Pickering
Thomas Simms
Page 33

Thomas Elsey
Ohio

Adm 2 years

Hon Jno Chaney
Ho of Rep
Page 34

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

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 a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is 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
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant’s service. Years. Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 35

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 branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered wand who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store 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 classes 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 its officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. 
County of 
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 persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ________
 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 revolutionary 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 declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A.B., 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 Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the 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 my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of __________ &c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge of commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration , (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 36

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 if 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 subscribed and be sworn to, one of the declarations also 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 to 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 examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
 ______________________ 
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declaration must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continual officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:-For ____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a ________. For ______ months and _______ days, I served as a _______; and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid reconciling to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [italicized] about three or four months, is to indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; 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 pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as not to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
Proof of Service. 
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
[pointing finger icon] The notes from [a] t [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 37

Hon. J. Chany
Jn chany


1834
1760
74
Page 38

State of Ohio
Fairfield County
Before me Thomas Simms a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally came Loammi Moaers of Violet Township in Said County who being duly Sworn according to law deposeth and sayeth that he has been acquainted with Thomas Esey a number of years before the taking efect of the act of Congress passed in the year 1831 or 1832 for the benefit of Revolutionery Soldiers and this deponant sayeth that he heard the said Thomas Elsey say that he was a soldier in the army of the united Stats and that he was generally believed to be as such and that he heard said Elsey say he was in the Battle of Yorktown Va, and further this deponant sayeth that he believs the said Thomas Elsey to be a man of truth and verasity and further this deponant sayeth that from bodily infirmity that he is not able to go before the Court of Common pleas of said County to depose and further this deponant sayeth not
Loammi Mooers
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th dayof February A.D. 1834
Thomas Simms J.P.
Page 39

Before me Davis Francis a Justice of the Peace in the County of Franklin and State of Ohio personally appeared J. C. Smith the attorney named in the attached power of attorney and made oath that the same was not given him in search of any transfer or of any attachment, levy, or Seizure, by any legal process whatever of the pay therein authorized to be received but that the said pay is intended to innure wholly to the perennial benefit of the person by whom the said power was executed.
Witness my hand and seal this 4th day of October in the year 1829
Davies Francis  Clk {nat}

Know all men by their presents that I John C. Smith do hereby Substitute David Smith Esquire my true and Lawful attorney to receive from the United States the pay due Thomas Elsey whose claim and power of attorney executed once are hereunto attained.
Witness my hand and Seal this 4th day of October 1829
John C Smith  {nat}

In presents of Davies Francis Jno Branson}
State of Ohio Franklin County} Ss
Personally appeared John C Smith who executed the above power of attorney and acknowledged the same to be his per act and deed
Witness my hand and seal this 4th day of October 1829
Davies Francis  J. Peace
Page 40

The State of Ohio  Sct. To all whom it may concern.
Be it known that John Ricketts Esq. who takes & subscribes the foregoing affidavits & acknowledgement, and also that Davies Francis who takes & subscribes the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgement, was the former Justice of the Peace for the County of Fairfield and the latter a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Franklin at the Several dates of sd. affidavits & acknowledgements, each duly elected & commissioned as such and that full faith & credit is and of right ought to be given to each of their several doings and transactions.  done in that capacity, either in court or country.
[Seal stamped] In testimony whereof I Jeremiah McLine Secretary of the Said State of Ohio have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of my office. the 4th day of October 1829.
Jer. McLine
Page 41

Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Elsey of Violet Township in the County of Fairfield in the State of Ohio do hereby constitute and appoint John C Smith of Columbus my true and Lawful attorney with powers of substitution for me and in my hame, to receive from the United States the amount of pay now due to me, under the act entitled "an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution" approved 15th May 1828 as a Soldier in the fourth Regiment of the Virginia line of the army of that Revolution.
Witness my hand and seal this 2 day of October 1829
Thomas Elsey [seal drawn]
In presents of Abm Pickering Loammie Mooers}

Before me John Rickets a Justice of the Peace in the County of Fairfield in the State of Ohio personally appeared this day Thomas Elsey whose name is subscribed to the foregoing power of attorney, and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed, and also declared that the same was not given by means of any transfers or of any attachment levy or Seizure, by any legal process whatever of the pay therein authorized to be received but that the said pay is intended to inure wholly to his personal benefit.
Witness my hand this 23d day of October 1829
John Rickets JP
Page 42

Recd 10 Oct 1829
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the act entitled "an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution" approved on the 15th of May 1828 I Thomas Elsey of Violet Township in the County of Fairfield and State of Ohio do hereby declare that I inlisted into the continental line of the Army of the Revolution for and during the war and continued in its service untill its termination; at which period I was a Private in Cap. Crumps company in Col Davies or Dabnes [Dabney's] 4th Regiment in the Virginia line.  And I also declare that I afterwards received certificates for the reward of eighty dollars; to which I was entitled under the resolves of Congress passed the 15th of May 1778.
I further declare that I was not on the 15th of May 1828 on the pension list of the United States 
Witness my hand this 2d day of October 1829
Thomas Elsey

Before me John Ricketts, Justice of the Peace personally appeared Abraham Pickering and Loammie Mooers of the County of Fairfield and State of Ohio who did severally make oath that Thomas Elsey by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed is generally reputed and believed to have been a soldier in the Army of the Revolution in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand this 2nd day of October in the year 1829
John Ricketts  JP
Page 43

1353.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the revolution, approved on the 15th of May 1838  I Thomas Elsey of Violet township in the County of Fairfield in the State of Ohio do hereby declare that Benjamin Phillips enlisted in the continental line of the army of the Revolution for and during the war
That I Thomas Elsey by an agreement with the said Phillips and by the consent of his officers substituted myself and took the place of the said Phillips as a soldier for and during the war in the Company of Capt Abner Crump in the Regiment of Corps comonally called the Virginia Legion commanded by Col Charles Davenor
That this took place shortly after the surrender of Genl Cornwallis at Yorktown, That I was in service at that time as a militiaman, that as a substitute aforesaid I continued in its service until its termination at which period I was a private in the company & corps aforesaid, and was discharged by said Capt in Virginia which discharge is lost - And I also declare that by my agreement of substitution with said Phillips I was to receive all sums that were then due to the said Phillips for his service or that might become due for the remainder of the service  That at the time of his discharge he received one certificate for the payment of seventy five pounds payable as I believe in eight years with interest and a certificate for twenty five pounds for my own services
Page 44

and in silver about $13.00 estimated as two months pay - As to the receipt of a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, to which I was entitled to by or under a resolve of Congress passed the 15th of May 1778, I have no recollection about receiving it unless as above stated, or that I was entitled to the same and I further declare that I was not on the fifteenth day of March 1828 on the pension list of the United States
Thomas Elsey

State of Ohio Fairfield County SS
Before me Abraham Pickering a Justice of the peace in the County of Fairfield and State of Ohio personally appeared this day John Ranson and George Seymour of the Franklin County who did personally and severally make oath that Thomas Elsey by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reported and believed to have been a soldier in the army of the revolution in the manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand this 18th day of November in the year 1828
Abraham Pickering JP  [handwritten seal]

I Hugh Boyle Clerk of the Court of the County of Fairfield in the state of Ohio do certify that Abraham Pickering Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn was at the time a Justice of the peace and duly empowered to administer oaths.  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 25th day of November in the year 1828
Hugh Boyle  Clk
Page 45

Act June 7th 1832

Tho Ellsey states having served as a Substitute for Benj Phillips.  Upon examination it is found that B. Phillips servd his time out and received his pay.  The claim is therefore rejected and the papers are on file in this office
Page 46

1353.
Revolutionary Claims.
Treasury Department,
10 Oct 1829.

Thomas Elsey of Violet township in the county of Fairfield in the State of Ohio has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution," approved the 15th of May, 1828.  He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Private in captain Crump's company, in the fourth regiment of the Virginia line;  and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778;  and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing

The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By Order of the Secretary.
F.A. Dickins

Treasury Department,
Third Auditor's Office,
12th October 1829
It further appears that Thomas Elsey is not now on the pension list of any agency, and has not been so since the 3d March 1826.
The name of Thomas Elsey cannot be found among those of the Virginia line to whom Certificates for the gratuity of Eighty Dollars, were isued
Peter Hagner Aud.
Captain Abner Crump belonged to the virginia State line see state rolls in Pension Office.
(correct)
FA. Dickins.
Page 47

State of Ohio
Athens County Ss
Before me A.G. Brown a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally came Thomas Hudnall of Alexander Township in said County, late a soldier of the Revolutionary Army, in Capt Ambrose Bohannan's Co., Col Harrison's Artillery Regt. Virginia Line;  who being duly sworn according to Law deposes and says, that during the time he was in the service and says, he was acquainted with Edward Elzy, who was a soldier in what was called the Virginia Legion; particularly while the army were engaged in the siege of Yorktown:  that at the close of the war, the said Edward Elzey married a cousin of this deponent's wife;  that during the siege a brother of this deponent's wife named William Stricker was wounded by a cannon ball in his shoulder;  that he does not now recollect being personally acquainted with Thomas Elzey, the brother of the said Edward Elzey;  though he firmly believe and has no doubt, from circumstances related to him by the said Thomas Elzey, that he must have been a soldier of said Legion with said Edward Elzey, and present likewise at said siege of York Town, in the year 1781. particularly from his being acquainted with the circumstances and the manner in which said Wm Stricker received his wound:  that the said Thomas Elzey has correctly detailed to him this deponent the names of the Commissary, David Triplett, Sergeant Joseph Leplong of the Horse corps
Page 48

Capt. Kitron, and a number of other officers and privates, and many other minute circumstances of the service, which he is convinced the said Thomas Elzey could not do, after the length of time that has intervened unless he had been personally present & engaged in the service during the years 1780, 1781 & 1782.  That he does not recollect ever to have seen, or known anything of the said Thomas Elzey from the period aforesaid until the present occasion of his applying to this deponent for his affidavit as to his knowledge & recollections respecting his services:  that he cannot now state anything more positive on the subject that the foregoing expressive of his entire confidence & firm belief from the circumstances brought to his mind, that the said Thomas Elzey was a soldier of the Revolution in the Virginia Militia & State Legion
Thomas Hudnall
Sworn & subscribed before me this 17th dayof February 1834, and I hereby certify that the deponent Thos. Hudnall is a credible person.
A.G. Brown J.P.

State of Ohio, Athens County.  SS
I Henry Bartlett, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County hereby certify that A.G. Brown is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court his 18th day of February, 1834
Henry Bartlett Clerk