Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8080, for William Pelham, South Carolina
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE
S.C.

Pelham, William 
Martha 

NUMBER
R. 8080

CONTENTS
Page 2

26692
2669

West Tennessee 

William Pelham
of Warren Co. in the State of Tennessee 
who was a private in the com commanded 
by Captain Gordon of the regt commanded 
by Col Brandon in the So. Carolina 
line for 9 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee 
at the rate of 30 Dollars -- Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Nov
1834 and Hon J. B. 
Forrester Nov 16

Arrears to the 4th of March 90.00
Semi anl. allowance ending 6 Sept 15.00
$105.00
======

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7; 1832. }

Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk, 
Book 3, Vol. 7, Page 92
Page 3

my hand and affixed the seal of my 
office as clerk of the County Court of 
Camen County, the 4 day of July 1850
R. Fowler Clk
[Blurred seal of office]

[Written vertically from right margin]

No 1th
___
759
Martha Pelham.
Wm.
To { Declaration 
Pension JW
Page 4

State of Tennessee } On this the 1th day of July 1850 
Cannon County } personally appeared before the under 
signed Charman [Chairman] of the County Court of Cannon County 
and State aforesaid, Martha Pelham, a resident of 
said County and State, aged 83 years who being duly 
sworn according to law, doth on his oath make 
the following declaration in order to obtain the 
benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress [Congress] 
passed July the 4th 1836 entitled an act granting half pay 
and pensions to certain widows.  That she 
is the widow of William Pelham dcd, who was 
a Revolutionary soldier, and pensioner of the United 
States at the time of his death, who was private in 
the Company commanded by Capt James Dillard 
in the Regiment commanded by Col John Williamson 
under the command of Gen Andrew Pickens, that 
owing to her age and infinity she does not now 
remember the time he enlisted, nor the place of 
enlistment nor the time and place he was 
discharged, that he was marched to the seat of 
war in the State of South Carolina, and did actual 
service in said war, that he was in the battle 
called Muslgroves Mills, which battle was commenced 
at what was called Irvin Rocks and that he was 
wounded in the right shoulder in said battle, 
and in consequence of said wound he was disabled 
from maul [manual] labor through life, he was honoble [honorably] 
discharged at the end of the was (which discharge 
is now lost) by reason of the expiration of 
his term of service, at the close of the Revolutionary 
War.  She further declares that she was married to the 
said William Pelham on the 10 day of Janny 1798 
in the County of Roane State of Tennessee, by John 
Caston Esq for said County of Roane, and there is 
no record of this marriage, that her said husband 
William Pelham dcd, aforesaid died in Cannon County 
Tennessee in the month of September 1836 and that he 
was drawing a pension at the time of his death, and 
that he left at his death the following named nine 
children and but nine children (vis [viz]) Rebecka aged 
51 years, Fanny aged 48 years, Polly aged 45 years, 
Susan aged 39 years, John aged 36 years, Tempsy 
aged 34 years, Levi aged 32 years, Alexander aged 
28 years, and William aged 26 years.  She further
Page 5

declare that the family record which contains the marrige of herself and her said husband, William Pelham decd, is destriyed so that it cannot now be had. She further declares that she is now a widow, and that she has never before made any application for a pension
Martha Pelham X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me in open court this 1 day of July 1850
Benjeman Allen 
Charman of the County Court of Cannon County Tenessee

State of Tennessee I Reasir Fowler Clerk of the County Court of Cannon County Tennessee do hereby certify, that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matters of the application pf Martha Pelham for a pension as widow of William Pelham dced In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as County Court Clerk of Cannon County at office in open court this 1 day of July 1850
R. Fowler Clk.

Tennessee Cannon County 
On this 4 day of July A.D. 1850 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said County and State, William Travis and Archa Prator two credible witnesses, who being duly sworn according to law, declare that Martha Pelham is the widow of William Pelham Dcd, who was a Revolutionary soldier, who was a pension of the United States at the time of his death, who was a private in the company commanded by Capt. James Dillard in the Regiment commanded by Col. John Williamson under the command of Gen. Andrew Peckins who was general of the South Carlina troops. That he enlisted some time in the year 1778 for the term of (illegible)
Page 6

the war with England, the place of enlistment not 
now remembered, that he was marched to the seat of 
war and did [illegible] service in said war in South 
Carolina, that he was in the battle called Mustgroves 
Mills, which battle was commenced at what was 
called Irvin Rocks, and that he was wounded in 
the right shoulder in said battle, which wound 
disabled him from manul [manual] labor through his life, that 
he was honobly [honorably] discharged we think at Charleston (S.C.) 
at the close of the war, we know he served from 
the time of enlistment to the close of the war, which 
discharge is now lost so that it cannot be found, that 
the said Martha Pelham widow of the said William 
Pelham dsd was married to the said William 
Pelham on the 10th day of Janry 1798 in Roane 
County Tennessee by John Caston a Justice of the peace 
for said County of Roane, and that they were present 
at the marriage, and that the record of the said mar
riage they beleave [believe] is now lost or destroyed, that the 
said William Pelham died in Cannon County Tennessee 
in the month of September 1836 and that he was a 
pensioner at the time of his death, and that he left 
at his death the following named nine children and 
[repeated: and] but nine children, who are all now living, vis [viz],
Rebecka aged 51 years, Fanny aged 48 years, Polly aged 45 
years, Susan aged 39 years, Isham aged 36 years, Tempsy 
aged 34 years, Levi aged 32 years, Alexander aged 28 
years and William aged 26 years; that they have lived 
from their boyhood days near the said William 
Pelham, they knew him while in the army in 
South Carolina, also when his [illegible] closed, and 
have been living in the nayhhood [neighborhood] when the said 
William Pelham dsd died for the last 55 years, and 
have known him as the husband of the said Martha 
from the time of their marriage to the time of his death 
that the said Martha is now a widow and that she 
has never before any application for a pension.  They 
further declare that they are wholly disinterested in 
the application of Martha Pelham for a pension, widow 
aforesaid
Sworn to and subscribed befor [before] } Archa Prater 
me this 4 day of July 1850 } William Travis
John Teague [encircled JP]
for Cannon County
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State of Tennessee } I John Teague a Justice of 
Cannon County } the peace in and for said County 
and State do hereby certify, that William Travis 
and Archa Prator are personally known to me 
that they are two credable [credible] witnesses as much as any 
in the County of Cannon, and that the statements 
above made by them are entitled to full credit 
and beleaif [belief] this 4 of July 1850
John Teague [encircled JP]
for Cannon County

State of Tennessee } I Reason Fowler Clerk of the County 
Cannon County } Court of Cannon County, do hereby 
certify that John Teague Esqr. whos [whose] name appears to 
the forgoing [foregoing] affidavit, was at the time of so doing 
an acting Justice of the peace in and for said 
County and State, duly commissioned and sworn 
and that the signature above purporting to be his 
is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and affixed the seal of my 
office as Clerk of the County Court of 
Cannon County, the 4 day of July 1850
[Blurred seal of office] R. Fowler Clk
Page 8

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

[Written vertically]

I certify Wm Edmondson is the 
clerk of the County Court of 
Warren County Tenn and that 
his signature on this record 
is genuine April 22nd 1834
John B Forester 
In Congress

[Right panel]

William Pelham,
Declaration to pro
cure a Pension under 
the Act of Congress 
June 7, 1832.

30629

Hon. J. B. Forester
Page 9

[Duplicate of prior image]

[Two panels] 
[Left panel]  

I certify Wm Edmondson is the 
clerk of the County Court of  
Warren County Tenn and that  
his signature on this record  
is genuine April 22nd 1834 
John B Forester 
In Congress  

[Right panel]  
[Written vertically]

William Pelham, 
Declaration to pro 
cure a Pension under  
the Act of Congress  
June 7, 1832.  

[illegible]


30629  

Hon. J. B. Forester
Page 10

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of 
the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

State of Tennessee 
Warren County 

On the eighth day of April 
AD 1834, personally appeared in open Court, before 
Wm. McGregor, Frances Smartt & Philip Hoodenpile 
Esquires --- the Court of Pleas & Quarter 
Sessions for Warren County now sitting, William 
Pelham, a resident of Warren County in the State 
aforesaid, aged about eighty years, who first 
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 Viz

That he entered the service of the United States 
under the following named officers & served as herein 
stated Viz. He entered the service in the spring of 
the year 1778 (the precise day nor month recollected)
by a draft of three months.  The company to which 
he was attached was commanded by Capt. William 
Gordon, Given Gordon the brother of the Capt
was [word struck out] Lieutenant & Thomas Browman & Brandon 
his Cue Commandant.  During the 3 months draft 
very little service was rendered being the whole 
time stationed on Tiger [Tyger] River in South Carolina. 
At the expiration of the 3 months draft he vol
unteered for the term of 12 months. At this 
time & when he was drafted he lived in [word struck out]
what was then called Union County in South 
Carolina & was then about 23 or -4 years old 
At this time he was transferred to another compa
ny of which George Avery was Captain & 
Thomas Woods, Lieutenant & Thomas Brandon & Brow
man his Cue Commandant.  About this time, the 
Tories & Indians were committing and had committed 
great depredations on the citizens of South 
Carolina & his company was ordered by Genl
Page 11

Sumpter to be stationed at some point on the In
dian line to protect the frontiers.  His company 
was accordingly stationed between the mouths of 
the Tiger [Tyger] & Broad Rivers near to a place known by 
the name of Attensons Station.  His company 
was engaged in actual service on the scout  
marching back & forth on the line sometimes 
within the Indian borders and sometimes on the 
South Carolina side for the space of 9 months 
& was on the scout when Forgerson or Furgerson 
was defeated on Kings Mountain.  On one of these 
scouting expeditions he was struck by a Tory or 
Indian, about one mile from Attensons Station 
in the right shoulder whilst swimming the 
Tiger [Tyger] River.  The company was surprised by a 
larger company of Tories & Indians whilst asleep 
on a bend of the River.  The wound was a 
severe one & had nearly proved fatal.  He was 
disabled from service for several months, recov
ering which time he was left at the Station 
As soon as he was able to carry his musket 
again he joined the same company again which 
in the mean time had still been on the scout 
He was never in any regular engagement 
His whole service consisted in such skirmishes 
with the Indians & Tories as were incident 
to guarding the frontiers of South Carolina 
About 3 months after his return to the compa
ny he was discharged by his Capt. His whole 
term of service lasted about 12 months. He has 
lost or misplaced his discharge. He never supposed 
it would be of any value to him & therefore 
did not take particular pains to preserve it  
Nor has he any other documentary evidence of his services 
nor does he know of any person who can testify 
to his services. He has [illegible] about several times 
since & he supposes his comrades in arms are 
nearly all, if not quite all, dead.  He hereby 
relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension on
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annuity, except the present & declare that his name 
is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any 
State.  Sworn to & subscribed the day & year 
above written.  
William his X mark Pelham
William Edmondson Clk [word Seal encircled]
[word Seal encircled]
[word Seal encircled]

Interrogatories propounded by the Court.

Intgr 1.  Where & in what year were you born?
Answer:  I was born in Big Pedee in 
South Carolina near to Anson Court House 
about the year 1750.

Intgr 2.  Have you any Record of your age. If so, 
where is it?
Answer.  I had a Record of my age in a Testament 
but I lost it together with my disch
arge.

Intgr 3.  Where were you living when called into ser
vice.  Where have you lived since the Revo
lutionary War & where do you live now?
Answer.  I was living in Union County in South Caro
lina when called into service.  I moved 
thence & settled on Ecusto River in the 
same State not far from my former 
residence about 8 years.  Soon after the war 
was over I moved from there back to Union 
again.  Thence to Burke Cty in North Carolina 
& thence to Warren County where I live at 
this time.

Intgr 4.  How were you called into service, drafted, 
volunteered, or a substitute.
Answer.  I was first drafted for 3 months & after 
wards volunteered for 12 months.

Intgr 5.  State the names of some of the Regular
Page 13

officers who were with the troops where you ser
ved.  Such Continental & Malitia [Militia] Regiments as 
you can collect & the general circumstances 
of your service?
Answer.  In addition to those mentioned in my Dec
laration, I knew Genl Sumpter & Genl Green. 
The facts of my knowing no more officers 
& being unable to speak particularly of 
Continental & Malitia [Militia] Regiments is expl
ained by the additional fact that 
my whole service was confined to scout
ing & spying & guarding the frontiers 
at a distance from the main Army. 
The general circumstances of my service are 
detailed above in my Declaration.

Intgr 6.  Did you ever receive a discharge from 
the service, & if so, by whom was it given 
& what has become of it?
Answer.  I did receive a discharge from Capt 
George Avery as before states & lost 
or misplaced it as before stated.

Intgr 7th.  State the names of the persons to whom 
you are known in your neighborhood 
& who can testify as to your character for 
veracity & their belief of your services as 
a soldier of the Revolution?
Answer.  William Travis, James Ussery, John Smith
son, James Lance & others-the whole neigh
borhood.

We Archelaus Prater a clergyman & 
William Travis both residents of Warren County 
in the State of Tennessee hereby certify that we 
are well acquainted with William Pelham 
who has subscribed & sworn to the above Decla
ration. That we believe him to be eighty years 
of age-that he is reputed & believed [words struck out]
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in the neighborhood where he resides to have been 
a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in 
that opinion.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year 
aforesaid.
Archelaus Prater | William Edmondson Clk 
Wm. his X mark Travis

And the said Court do hereby declare 
their opinion after the investigation of the matter 
& after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the 
War Department, that the above named appli
cant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he 
states. And the Court further certifies that it ap
pears to them that Archelaus Prater who has 
signed the preceding certificate as a clergyman 
resident in Warren County & that William Trav
is who has also signed the same is a resident of 
Warren County & is a credible person & that their 
statement is entitled to credit.
Wm W McGregor [word Seal encircled]
Frank Smartt [word Seal encircled]
Philip Hoodenpyle [word Seal encircled]

I William Edmondson Clerk of the 
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Warren 
County in the State of Tennessee do hereby cer
tify that the foregoing contains the original 
proceedings of the said Court in the matter of 
the application of William Pelham for a 
Pension.  In Testimony whereof I have hereto 
set my hand & affixed my private there being 
no public seal at office this day of April 
Anno Domini eighteen hundred & thirty four.
William Edmondson Clk [word Seal encircled]
Page 15

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

30,629

William Pelham 
Tennessee 

from 1778 for 9 mo
$30

[struck out: Return]

Hon J. B. Forrester 
House of Representatives

[Right panel]

I will accept 
for nine months 
and relinquish 
the balance for 
the present Apr 
26th 1834
John B Forester
[illegible]
Page 16

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 William Pelham
===================================================================
Period when the |
service was |
rendered. |
______________ |
1778
Duration of the |
claimant's service. |
________________ |
Years. | Months. | Days. |
___________________ |
 | 3 |


1 | 
Rank of |
the |
claimant. |
________ |
priv |


" |
Names and rank of the Field of |
ficers under whom he served. |
__________________________ |
Cap. Gordon |
Col Brandon |
Cap. Avery |
Same Col |
Age at present |
and place of abode |
when he entered |
the service. |
______________ |
80 years |
Union |
County |
So. Ca. |
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
______________________________________
Traditionary

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 

JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

The Militia were not in service one year under 
one draft or voluntary enlistment.  See Note e.
Page 17

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 and 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 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, 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 ser
ved 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 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 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 solider 
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after 
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revo
lutionary 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 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 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 or commis
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
vices 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
Page 18

3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person 
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 at
tempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex
pected.  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 giv
{ en, 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 tes
tify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier in 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 pro
cure, 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 fol
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not 
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom her 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."

[Braces begin here ]It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law 
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months, 
is 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 name 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 au
thority; 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.  [Braces end here]

[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 he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pub
lic 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 con
tains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must 
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses 
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well 
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the wit
nesses, and the official 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 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 19

Important
_____________
Index
No duplicate
Page 20

[Envelope with notes]
[Written vertically left margin]

Martha Pelham 
Wm. Ten dsd
Cole  29[illegible]

[Address]

Readyville Ten
March 9th 55

Official Business 
Free
Hon L. P. Waldo, Coms. of Pensions 
Washington City 
D. C.
Page 21

Readyville Tennessee 
March 8th 1855.

Dr. Sir, In 1850 we filed 
the Declaration of Martha Pelham, widow of 
William Pelham decd for Pension.  Since that 
She has died without receiving any Pension.

William Pelham who was a Pensioner under the 
Act of 1831 or 2 and the husband of Martha, has 
several children that are entitled to the Pension 
of their deceased father.  Therefore as the children 
of William Pelham are desirous to make 
application for Pension and cannot recollect to have heard but little in 
regard to his service, you would confer a 
favor by transmitting the Declaration &c of 
Martha Pelham, which is on file in your office, 
to us at this place.

Please inform us the date of William 
Pelhams, Pension Certificate, how much he was 
entitled to draw semi annually.  He died as 
we are informed some time in 1835.

Any information in regard to this case 
will be thankfully recd.

Very respectfully Your Obt. Servt.
Hon L. P. Waldo Coms. Pens. | Davis & Wood
Washingon
D. C.
Page 22

Martha Pelham 
To { additional proof 
Pension 

Mailed Dec 1st 1852

C.B.Davis att
for Declarant
Page 23

State of Tennessee 

I Austin L. Greene Clerk of the County Court of the 
County of Roane in the State aforesaid do hereby certify 
that I have examined the files in my office for the 
marriage license of William and Martha Pelham 
and have been unable to find on file any record 
of their marriage and I further certify that the records 
of marriage which took place at an early period say 
from the year 1838 back were very [very] loosely and in
accurately kept in said office
In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my 
name and affix the seal of said Court at 
[Blurred seal of Court] office in Kingston this 20th day of 
September A D 1852
Austin L Greene Clk
Page 24

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 25

Woodbury Janry 13th 1851

Dear Sir

We enclose to you the additional evidence 
required in the case of Martha Pelham widow 
of William Pelham dsd as exposed [espoused] in your 
letter upon that subject.  We made every effort 
to get record evidence in her case to pove [prove] her 
marriage but could find non, but we have 
poved [proved] by respectobal [respectable] authority that they have 
been living together as man and wife from 
the year 1799 to the death of her said husband, 
and we think the fact sufficiently poved [proved]. 
As these matters are likely [illegible] by the 
[repeated: the] Pension Laws govining [governing] such cases, we 
therefore hope you will examine the case upon 
the additional proff [proof] here with presented 
as soon as received an inform us as to the 
result if allowed direct the Certificate to 
Martha Pelham Woodbury Cannon County 
Tennessee to our care.

Yours Very Respectfully 

David & Wood
Atts for Claimant
Page 26

Woodbury April 2nd 1851

Dear Sir

We filed in the Pension Office the claim 
of Martha Pelham widow of William Pelham 
dsd for a pension.  Her declaration was mailed 
to your office August 9th 1850. We also 
filed additional evidence in the above case 
on Janry 13th 1851 from which I have had 
no information since the additional evidence 
was mailed at this place.

We also filed in the Pention [Pension] Office the claim 
of Pemeola Cooper widow of Christfer 
Cooper did. for a pention [pension] mild [mailed] here August 
9th 1850.  We also filed in said Pamela 
Cooper case additional evidence which was 
mailed here on the 17 of Janry 1851 which dates 
are [illegible] upon the [illegible] and additional 
evidence in both cases

We would be much pleased to 
have some information respecting the above 
claims just as soon as you reexamine them
it has now been nearly a year since we 
commenced the prosecution of the above 
claims we hope you will give us some 
information respecting the above claims without 
further delay

Your Respectfully

Davis & Wood Atty
for Claimants
Page 27

No 1

Martha Pelham
{
To { Additional 
{evidence

Pension

Mailed Janry 13th 1851

Davis & Wood Att
for Declarant
Page 28

Additional evidence in the case of Martha 
Pelham for a pension widow of Wm. Pelham, dsd.

State of Tennessee } On this 8 day of Janry one 
Cannon County } thousand eight hundred and 
fifty one, personally appeared before me a 
Justice of the peace in and for said County 
and State, David Edwards, William Travis 
Daniel Manus and John Compton who 
being duly sworn according to law declare  
that Martha Pelham is the widow of William 
Pelham dsd. That the said Martha Pelham 
and her said husband the said William 
Pelham came to and settled in affiants 
nayborhood [neighborhood] in the year 1799 as man and 
wife, and lived together as man and 
wife from that time untill [until] the death of 
the said William Pelham was on the 
18th day of September 1835.  That they were 
[illegible], esteemed, and reputed to be man 
and wife by affiants as well as all the 
naybors [neighbors] from the time they came to 
affiants nayborhood [neighborhood] aforesaid untill [until]
the death of the said William Pelham 
aforesaid.  Affiants further state that they 
were well acquainted with the said 
William Pelham in his life time, as well 
as the said Martha Pelham, and have 
no hesitancy in declaring that they were 
man and wife at least they knew them 
to live together as such for the time above 
stated, and they believe they were lawfully 
mared [married], but think that it was at a time 
place and under such circumstances
Page 29

that no record evidence can possabal [possibly] 
be had to prove the said marriage.  they further 
state that Martha Pelham is poor and needs 
all the help she can get.  They further state 
that they are wholy [wholly] disintered [disinterested] in this application 
for a pension
Sworn to and subscribed } David his X mark Edwards 
before me this 8th day } William his X mark Travis 
of Janry 1851 } Daniel Mannis 
John Teague [JP encircled] } John Coverton
for Cannon County }

State of Tennessee } I John Teague a Justice 
Cannon County } of the peace in and for 
said County and State do hereby certify that 
David Edwards, William Travis, Daniel Mannis and 
John Coverton are personally known 
to me that they are four credobal [credible] witnesses 
and that the statements above made by them 
are entitled to full faith and credit confi
dence and belief this 8th day of Janry 1851
John Teague [JP encircled]
for Cannon County 

State of Tennessee } I Reasie Fowler Clerk of 
Cannon County } the County Court of said 
County, do hereby certify that John 
Teague Esq before whom the foregoing 
affidavit was made and who certified the 
same, was at the time of so doing and acting 
Justice of the peace in and for said 
County and State duly commissioned 
and sworn and that the signature 
above purporting to be his is genuine
Page 30

In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand and seal of office 
[Blurred seal of office] as Clerk of the County Court of 
said County at office this 8th day 
of Janry 1851
R. Fowler Clk
Page 31

[Envelope with notes]
[Written vertically left margin]

Dec. 11 1852
____
Addl. evidence in case 
Martha Pelham 
widow of William 

759

C.B.Davis 
Woodbury 
Cannon Co.
Tenn.

[Address]

Woodbury Tenn
December 3d Official Business 

James E. Heath 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City 
(D C)

Cole [written across address]
Page 32

Woodbury Dec 1st 1852

James E Heath 
Commissioner of Pensions 

Dear Sir

Your communication of April 30th 1851 requiring 
further additional proof to sustain the claim 
of Martha Pelham who makes application 
for a pention [pension]by virtue of the servis [service] of 
her husband William Pelham in the
Revolutionary war.

Enclosed you will find further evidence 
to sustain said claim.  You required the witnesses 
to state how they rember [remember] that William & 
Martha Pelham came to their nayhborhood [neighborhood]. 
they can remember nothing of note that would 
be satisfactory to you.  But they say it is so.
I have sustained them by proof of their 
credibility.  I also send a copy of the record 
of the Clerk of Roane County showing why 
their marriage does not appear.  I hope what 
I have done this time will be sifficent [sufficient] 
and that you will examine [illegible]
the proof I herewith send you and 
that you will issue her Pension 
Certificate and send it to me without 
any further delay

Yours Respectfully 

C B Davis Att
for Martha Pelham

Direct to Woodbury Cannon County Tennessee
Page 33

Augt 20/50

Wm. Pelham - Tenn adm

Mr Ames
___
xAlex Orr - Ten x
xNo declaration in [illegible]
letter on this case nor 
any thing in file [illegible]

Davis & Wood
Woodbury 
Tenn
Page 34

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City   D.C.
Page 35

Woodbury August 8th 1850

J. L. Edwards 

Dear Sir.

I enclose to the Declaration of Martha Pelham 
widow of William Pelham Dsd. who was 
a Revolutionary soldier and a pensioner of 
the United States at the time of his death  
You will please call upon the 3rd Auditor 
for his Pension Certificate which was returned 
there at his death, which will show the 
amount of his Pension &c.

Martha Pelham claims 
under act of Congress pased [passed] July 4th 1836 
you will please exanube her claim and if 
allowed send it to us at Woodbury Tennessee.

I trust that you will examine this 
case and report to us as soon as 
posibol [possible].

Yours truly 

Davis & Wood
attnys for Declarant 

I also send you the claim of Alexander Orr 
which you will please examine and report 
to us as soon as possobol [possible]
by attending to the above 
as requested you will confer a lasting 
favor on us as well as those claimants 
who are old poor and needy

Yours truly 

Davis & Wood
Attny for Claimants
Page 36

No 759

Martha Pelham 
Ten Wm.
Let Davis & Wood Augt. 24/50
Same Apl 30, 1851
" Davis May 12/53 
Davis Wood Mch 14 1855

8080
Act 24 July 48
Page 37

[Envelope with note]

[Address]

Woodbury Ten
13 Janry Official Business

Mr. J. L. Edwards Commissioner 
of Pensions, Washington City 
D.C.

[Illegible note written across address]

[Written vertically right margin]

Jan 22 1851
Addl. Evi. in case 
of Martha Pelham
__
wid of Wm
Page 38

[Words struck out]

REJECTED [stamp]

8080
P. O. ___
Martha Pelham 
Service: ___

Enlisted: ___, 18 _
Discharged: ___, 18 _

Application filed: ___, 18 _

Alleges: ___
Re-enlisted: ___

Attorney: ___
P. O. ___

___ Recognized. ___ Contract
___ Cert. of Dis. Searched for ___, 18 _
Page 39

Additional proof in the case of the application 
of Martha Pelham for a Pension.

State of Tennessee } I John Teague a Justice 
Cannon County } of the peace for Cannon 
County in said State, do hereby certify that 
I am well acquainted with William Travis 
Archa Prator, Daniel Manus and David 
Edwards, that they are now very old men 
and are among the first settlers in the 
State of Tennessee.  That they have lived [illegible]
do now for over fifty years in Cannon 
County Tennessee, and that they are men 
whos [whose] statements may be fully relied on as 
much so as any in the State of Tennessee. 
That they appeared before me in the additional 
evidence heretofore taken in this cause 
and deposed to the facts set forth in their 
affidavit. that two of them made their 
mark in my presence, and the other two 
requested that their names should be written 
for them which was done in my presence 
at their request.  I further certify that I have 
no dought [doubt] as to their statements about the time 
that William & Martha Pelham came 
to their nayhborhood [neighborhood] which was in the year 
1799 for I have been acquainted with the 
said William & Martha Pelham for about 
fourty [forty] two years, and they were then living in 
the nayhborhood [neighborhood] of the said witnesses at 
that time.  I believe that all of the ages stated  
in their affidavit, for I know they are now 
very old.  Witness my hand seal of office 
this 1 day of December 1852
John Teague [JP encircled]
for Cannon County
Page 40

State of Tennessee } I John Webb a Justice of the 
Cannon County } Peace in and for said County 
and State, do hereby certify that I am well 
acquainted with Archa Prator, William Travis, 
Daniel Manus & David Edwards that they are now 
vary [very] old men, and among the first settlers of 
this State that they are now about 75 or 80 
years of age, and that any statements that they would 
make are entitled to full faith and beleafe [belief], 
as much so as any men in the State, and 
that Archa Prator is a Minister of the Gospel 
in full standing in his church, and has 
been for many years, and I further certify 
that I beleave [believe] that William & Martha 
Pelham was married before the year 1800. 
from what I know of them for they were 
among the first settlers in this state.  Witness 
my hand & seal of office this 1 day of 
December 1852.
John Webb [JP encircled]
for Cannon County

State of Tennessee } I B F Allen a Justice of 
Cannon County } the peace for Cannon 
County in said State, do hereby certify that 
I am well acquainted with Archa Prator 
William Travis, Daniel Manus & David Edwards 
that they are now vary [very] old men and among 
the first settlers of the State of Tennessee that 
they are now about 75 or 80 years of age, and 
that any statements that they would make are 
entitled to full credit and beleafe [belief] as much 
so as any men in the State of Tennessee, and 
that Archa Prator is a Minister of the Gospel 
in full standing in his church and has
Page 41

been for many years.  And I further certify that I 
believe [believe] that William & Martha Pelham was 
married before the year 1800, for I have known 
them well for 45 years, and they were living 
in the nayhborhood [neighborhood] of William Travis, Archa  
Prator, Daniel Manus and David Edwards 
at that time and had several children, and 
from the sise [size] of their children then, they must 
have been married for several years before that 
time.  Witness my hand & seal of office this 
1 day of December 1852.
B F Allen [JP encircled]
for Cannon County

State of Tennessee } I D L. Elkins Clerk of the 
Cannon County } Circuit Court of Cannon County, 
do hereby certify that I am well acquainted 
with Archa Prator William Travis, Daniel 
Manus and David Edwards that they are now 
very old men and was among the first settlers 
in the State of Tennessee. that they are now 
about 75 or 80 years of age, and that any 
statements that they would make are entitled 
to full credit and beleaf [belief], and that Archa 
Prator is a Minister of the Gospel in full 
standing in his own church and that he 
has been a Minister of the Gospel for 
many years much respected by all who know 
him.  Witness my hand and official seal this 
[LS encircled] 1 day of November 1852
D. L. Elkins Clerk
Page 42

State of Tennessee} I Beackly Laiter Clerk of the 
Cannon County } County Court of said County, 
do hereby certify that John Webb Esq. John 
Teague Esq. B. F. Allen Esq. are acting Justices 
of the peace in and for said County and State 
duly commissioned and sworn, and that the 
signatures above purporting to theirs are genuine.

I further certify that D. L. Elkins whos [whose] [repeated: whos]
signature appears as above is the Clerk of the 
Circuit Court of Cannon County, and that the 
signature above purporting to be his is genuine. 

I further certify that I am well acquainted 
with Archa Prator, William Travis, Daniel Manus,  
and David Edwards, that they are now vary [very] 
old men, and was among the first settlers of 
this State. that they are about 75 or 80 years of 
age, and that any statements that they would 
make are entitled to full credit and beleaf [belief].

I further certify that I have been acquainted 
with William & Martha Pelham ever since 
the year 1803 and that they then lived in the 
nayhborhood [neighborhood] of William Travis, Archa 
Prator, Daniel Manus, and David Edwards. 
That they had several children then, and from the 
sise [size] of their children I would say that they must 
have been married before 1800, for their  
oldest child looked then like it must have 
been some 4 or 5 years old.
In testimony I have hereunto set my 
hand & seal of office as Clerk of 
[Blurred seal of office] the County Court of said County 
at office this 1 day of December 1852
B Laiter Clk