Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,244, Peter Finn, Md. N.C.
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(3-1776)

SERVICE
Md. 
N.C.

Finn, Peter

NUMBER
S. 32,244

Contents
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Lett 5 June 1837 Pen Agent: -
printed
Transfered to Illinois from
4th September '36 - June 28' 37.
Illinois
25, 977
Peter Finn
of Sumner Co. in the state of Tenn
who was a    pr    in the Company command by Captain Murry of the Rgt. commanded by Col Thompson in Maryland
line for 6 Months
6 Mo. Pr $20.00
Inscribed in the Roll of W. Tenn 
at the rate of 20  Dollars -  Cents per ann. to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of July and sent to 
'34 J. Ferguson, Carthage Ky
Arrears to the 4th of Mch '32            60.00
Semi-anl, allowance ending 4 Sept.  10.00
$70.00
{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J T Sprague Cler
Book C2 Vol. 7 Page 90
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Peter Finn
Transfer
21, 027
see Kentucky roll
A. Ferguson
Carthage Tenn
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State of Tennessee }
Sumner County }
I Samuel Davis one of the actin Justices of the peace in and for the county and state aforsaid [aforesaid] do hereby certify that I am well acquanted [acquainted] with Petter [Peter] Finn and that the foregoing contains a correct account of the original proceeding in the matter of the application of said Petter [Peter] Finn for a pension.  I do further certify and declare my oppinion [opinion] that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.
I do further certify that I am well acquanted [acquaineted] with Sam Brown and George C. Marcum whose names are subscribed to the above certificate Sworn to before me that they are respectable citizens the county and State aforesaid and that their Statement is entitled to credit
Saml Davis JP
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee }
Sumner County } 
I Samuel Davis one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the State and county aforesaid do hereby certify that Petter [Peter] Finn personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of law that he is unable to attend the court house of his county in order to have the necessary interrogatories put and that I have caused them to be put in manner following to wit. 

Question:
1st  Where and in what year were you born
Ans. I was born in Maryland, County of Baltimore in the year 1750 and as well as I can recolect [recollect] from information of the records on the 2.d day of July of that year.
Ques 2.d Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
Ans. My age is recorded in a bible owned by a Brother of mine it was recorded by my guardian in Maryland I being left an orphan it has been some 30 years since I saw it
Ques 3d Where were you living when called into service where have
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you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live
Ans. I lived in Maryland Baltimore county when called into service I then after my first tour moved with a family that I lived with to Watanya then North Carolina now Tennessee and from there to Kentucky near the Tennesse line and then move a short distance into Tennessee where I now reside
Qes 4 How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I volunteered for twelve months in my first tour of service I served nine month was sick on furlough three month making in an twelve months.  I volunteered also the next three months tour and also the last three months when I went o Kings Mountain I never was a substitute for any man nor was ever drafted always prefering [preferring] to be a volunteer in service of my country
Ques 5th State the name of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; Such Continental and militia regiments as you can recolect [recollect] and the general or circumstances of your services.
Ans. I have state in my foregoing Declaration my Captain and Colonels name.  The Marquis De Lafayette was at Valey [Valley} Forge the short time I stayed there and at the battle of Monmouth the whole American Army and Gen. Washington at there head were present. and the soldiers thought General Lee who commanded the front acted badly  I believe he was broke or suspended by a court martial General Maxwell Dickerson Cadwalader I followed after after the Battle at Princeton.  In my first tour from Holsten East Tennessee My Colonels name was Saviere and also my Captain. And in my last in the battle of Kings Mountain were command by the same officer.
Ques 6 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it
Ans. In my first tour of 12 months I received a furlough at the end of nine months to go home as I before stated and was taken sick on the way home which sickness increased and confined me to my bed the greater part of the ballance [balance] of my time I got a friend to write to my commanding officers about my situation and received orders from him not to come until I was fit for duty.  When I got well I asked Gen Buchanan what I must do and he told me I need not go as my time had expired.  I have lost the furlough and never applied for a discharge believing it
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unnecessary and of no consequence as I had been a volunteer. I never demanded any in my two volunteer trips with the Holstein troops. 
Ques. 7 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood [neighborhood] and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution
Ans I have lived in this neighbourhood [neighborhood] for 25 or 30 years I think my character ought to be well known in that time  I will name Robert Holmes an old and respectable man of my neighbourhood [neighborhood] and who is also a pensioner under this law and who has with great freedom sworn and signed one of the annexed certificates Samul Davis the Justice of the peace Dans Brown George C. Marcum and Edmond Waggoner the Clergyman.

I Samuel Davis one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the said county do hereby declare may 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 I further certify that Edmond Waggoner is a regular minister of the gospel and that Robert Holmes is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit 
I do further certify that Danee Brown and George C Marcum are respectable citizens of the neighbourhood [neighborhood] and, that full credit is due to their statement Saml [Samuel] Davis Justice of the Peace
Witness my hand and Seal this 18th day of March 1834

PS he service in first 9 months
in the next three months 3
and three in the last as an orderly sergeant 
9
3
3___
15 months
State of Tennessee
Sumner County I Alfred H. Douglass Clerk of the County Court of Said county hereby certify that Samuel Davis is (was at the time of signing the above) a Magistrate as above & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony where of I hereunto set my hand & affix my Seal of Office the 9th day of April AD 1834 & 38th year of American Independence A. H. Douglass Clerk
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21.027
Peter Finn
Tennessee
;
for 1779 per 6 mo 
$20
see Kentucky index.

Can only allow or above without [] proof.

A Fergusson Carthage Tenn
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, April 29, 1834 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 shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus:}). You will, when you return you papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.             
A STATEMENT, shewing the Service of Peter Finn             
Period when the service was rendered.    1777  Duration of claimant's service     9 Months    Rank of the claimant    Pr.    Names and rank of officers under whom he served    Capt Murry   Col. Thompson   Age at present   84    and place of abode when he entered the service.   Va & N. C.   Proof by which the declaration is supported.     
Period when the service was rendered.   1779  Duration of claimant's service   3 Months      Rank of the claimant    Pr.      Names and rank of officers under whom he served    Cap. Sevier   Col. Sevier    Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.  Proof by which the declaration is supported.     
Period when the service was rendered.    1780  Duration of claimant's service    3 Months    Rank of the claimant   Pr.   Names and rank of officers under whom he served   some officer  Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.  Proof by which the declaration is supported.     
From the services stated in his first tour it is believed that he belonged to the Quarter Master Dept.. His service : this tour should be proved by at least one witness who had a personal knowledge of said service, otherwise he can only be allowed for the two last tours                   
I am, respectfully,                 
Your obedient servant,              
JAMES L. EDWARDS             
Commissioner of Pensions.                      
It should be explained here this claim was heretofer made for Kentucky.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUEN 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 of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as person 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 Services.
4 Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th 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 severed as he states.
I      of the Court of      do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings for the said Court in the matter of the application of          
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       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 the 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. 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 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
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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 corroboration the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be atlempted [attempted] : and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{ Did you ever receive a commission, and, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And hte Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry 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, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of hte proper Clerk of 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 hte neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
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Finn

19th [] 1832

C. Tompkins
Page 12

State of Kentucky     
County of Allen} ss    this the 19th day of November 1832 personally, appeared before the Allen County Court, Peter Finn a resident citizen of the County and State aforesaid aged 82 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth saith under oath the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 That he entered the service of the United State as a waggoneer in the Continental army under General Thompson company General of the Continental army at the [unreadable] in Pennsylvania in the spring of the year 1778 for the term of one month   that he enrolled bis name in the waggon department with Potter – he thinks his given name was Thomas 76  who conducted the waggons to head quarters at Valley Forge in said State the same was under the command of Gen. Washington [unreadable] went thence with the army across the Schuylkill River in pursuit of the enemy  [unreadable] battle with us and [unreadable] the battle waggons were engaged in carrying the wounded of army to [unreadable] from Princeton we [unreadable] to Egg Harbour for supplies for the army after we went to Princeton we went with the army to the White Plaines in N. York from there we were sent to New Hampshire
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2      
for provisions for the army [unreadable] wagon once the fleet was loaded with [unreadable] after [unreadable] to the army    two or three of us went with the troops that guarded the prisoners taken under Burgoyne to New Windsor and then [unreadable] river. We went into winter quarters at [unreadable]  4 months in New Jersey where I got a furlough to go home in the month of January before returned to the army I was taken sick & remained sick unable to return to my duty until my term of service was expired I consequently never returned to get my discharge. I have either lost or mislaid my furlough I do not know of any person still living by whom I can prove my services   I was paid $10 per month for the time I was in the service 
That he again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer soldier for the term of three months near Bundy’s Mill on Wutaugua River in Washington County North Carolina now Tennessee, under the command of Capt. [unreadable] Sevier regiment commanded by Col Carter Lieut Col. John Sevier who he thinks was afterwards governor of Tennessee   the troops marched aways Yellow Mountains, through Brenham County to Ransours Mill where we had a battle with the Tories we defeated them  we then returned to Bundy’s Mill  the place of rendezvous where we were disbanded and returned home   He then states that he again entered the service he thinks at the same place
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as is a volunteer soldier in the horse service at Bundy's Hill under the command of some officers he recollects an regiment of Virginia Troops commanded by Col. Campbell an other regiment [unreadable] which was commanded by Col. Cleaveland marched from said Hill to place of rendezvous to Kings Mountain we marched together by the way of CornWallis where to British & Tories were posted but they had fled before we arrived there we pursued them to Kings Mountain crossing a broad river I recollect we there [unreadable] discovering the enemy were prepared for battle on the mountain we were ordered to remain at the foot of the mountain as our troops surrounded the mountain in this order the battle commenced we defeated the enemy our watch word was Bluford Col. Campbell was officer of the day I do not now recollect who was our commander in Chief. The enemy having surrendered themselves prisoners of war we guarded them at the mountain that day   After the next day we marched them to what I think was called Col Hills old place on [unreadable] Creek where eight forces were living I think by order of a court martial some other circumstances might be named but it is thought to be unnecessary we then returned back to the place of rendezvous at said Bundy Hill where we were discharged   I was appointed and served through this campaign a first sergeant [unreadable] Capt Sevier Company
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[unreadable] of the last named company [unreadable] with many of the soldiers written discharge 
[unreadable] not thought necessary I do not know of any person now living by whom I can [unreadable] of my service the first time I entered the service as Waggoneer my [unreadable] was in the County of Baltimore in the State of Maryland & when I entered [unreadable] with two [unreadable] Companies my residence was in the County of Washington State of North Carolina
(now Tenn).   Test H. Grider   Peter Finn his mark
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension [unreadable] or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension rolls of any agency or State 
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid 
John Ceole 
Test H. Grider   Peter Finn his mark
[unreadable]  with the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Peter Finn and we believe him to be 82 years of age and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid –   
John Cole   
Thomas Dalton
Page 16

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories proscribed 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 [unreadable] who has approved the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the county aforesaid and state aforesaid and that Thomas Dalton who has also signed said certificate [unreadable] and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.       
I David Walkin clerk of the [unreadable] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Peter Finn for a pension.  
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office  this [unreadable] of November 1832  
David Walkin
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories proscribed 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 [unreadable] who has approved the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the county aforesaid and state aforesaid and that Thomas Dalton who has also signed said certificate [unreadable] and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.       
I David Walkin clerk of the [unreadable] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Peter Finn for a pension.  
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office  this [unreadable] of November 1832  
David Walkin
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Rev. and 1812 Wars Section          mmttF

         November 8, 1923

Mrs. Non B. Evans
Mount Zio, Lock Box 15
Ill.

Madam: 

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S.3224 it appears that Peter Finn was born July 2, 1750 or 1751 in Baltimore County, Maryland.

While a resident of said county he enlisted March 31, 1778 and served as a wagoner under Captains John Murry and Thomas Potter and Colonel Thompson for nine months; was in the battle on Monmouth.
While residing in Washington County, North Carolina (later Tennessee) in the Summer of 1780 he enlisted and served three months as a private in Captain Valentine Sevier's Company, Colonels Carter and Robertson's North Carolina Regiment.
In September 1780 he enlisted and served as First Sergeant three months in Captain Valentine Sevier's Company, Colonel Jon Sevier's North Carolina Regiment
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and was in the battle of Kings Mountain.

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 19, 1832 while a resident of Allen County, Kentucky.  In 1837 he had moved to Sumner County, Tennessee to Marion County, Illinois to live with his youngest sone whose name is not stated.  There is no further family data on file.  The date and place of his death are not stated.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.
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32244
REvy INVALID.
File No. 32, 344
Peter Finn
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7 32"
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1916 July 20 Hist. to Georgia L. Osborne
1920 May 29 Hist. to Abram J. Estes
1923 - Nov, 8- Hist.: to Mrs. Kora B. Evans. MMNF
1929- Oct. 21 - Hon Wm. N. Arnold/adv. for Dr. W. L. Finn [unreadable] name of wife & date of Mar. are not shown. MMNF
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   Application for a transfer

County of Marion (State of Illinois)

On this 25 day of April 1837 before the subscriber a Justice of hte Peace for the said County of Marion personally appeared Peter Finn who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain John Murry in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Thompson in the service of the United States that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Tennessee from whence he has lately removed, that he now resides in the State of Illinois where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future the following are his reasons for removing from Tennessee to Illinois that he broke up house keeping in Tennessee and he came to Illinois to live with his youngest son. in order that he might support and maintain him Sworn and Subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid 
Peter Finn his mark


Josiah Svk JP
In presence of Daniel Hay

State of Illinois Marion County svt
Be it known that on the 25 day of April 1837 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Jonathan Williams know to me to be a person of veracity, and made oath that he is well acquainted with the above Peter Finn who has taken the above oath, and that he knows him to be the person described in the affidavit Sworn and Subscribed the day and year above written

Johnathan Williams
his mark
Josiah SvK JP
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State pf O;;ompos}
Marion County} I Wm N Dobbins Clerk of County Commissioners Court for the said County of Marion do certify that Josiah Syke was an acting Justice of the Peace at the time of assigning the above certificate & that his Signature is genuine in testimony where of I have hear unto set my privat [private] seal there being no official Seal prepaired [prepared] for me & Subscribed my name as Clerk of the said Court done at Salem this 18th day of May 1837
Mr. N. Dobbins Clerk 

I certify that Mr.. N Dobbins is Clerk of hte County Commissioner Court of Marion County as above

Daniel hay
Pen agent
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Matthew Mellolon [] 
crop of the left & 8 under bits right

Peter Finn West Tennessee No. 26,977
Page 24

State of Tennessee} 
Sumner County}
This day personley [personally] appeared Peter Finn before me Samuel Davis an acting Justice of hte peace in and for the County of Sumner and made oath that in his first declaration Major John William of Simson County Kentucky knew and was personley [personally] acquainted with this affiants services he served in the said company and was with him in the all the first tour and gave his Certificate on oath to that amount and was sint [sent] to the war office from Allen County - Kentucky as he believed and was informed Major Williams was always the personal frend [friend] and intamate [intimate] acquaintance of this affiant and as he the said Williams lived in Simson County Kentucky this affiant thought proper with the advise of his frinds [friends] to move in the County of Allen in Kentucky and make his application in that State but after that his frind [friend] Major John Williams his frind [friend] departed this life somtime [sometime] earley [early] as it fall so that he is deprived of geting [getting] his testimony any more this affiant heard the papers has come back and that is all the information but that is all he know about him he resides now in Sumner County where he has thougt [thought] proper to make the last aplication [application] he can state a number of persons that is acquainted with his services and veracity but as that has already been proven by Danc Brown and George Marcum he deems it unnssary [unnecessary] to produce any further testimony of the kind any more
Sworn to & subscribed this thirtieth of May 1834}  Peter his mark Finn {seal}
Saml [Samuel] Davis JP}
Justice of the Peace}
Page 25

State of Tennessee}
Sumner County:
I Alfred H. Douglass Clerk of the County Court of said County hereby certify that Samuel Davis is a Magistrate as above & that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix my Seal of Office at office in Gallatin the 10th day of June AD 1834
A.H. Douglass Clerk
Page 26

State of Tennessee}
Sumner County:

This day personally appeared Petter Finn a resident of the State and County aforesaid before me Samuel Davis one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for Said County and made oath in due form of law that he is eight four years of age on the 2d day of July last.  That he is from body by infirmity unable to travel to the courthouse without endangering his live in order to make the necessary declarations (in order to obtain his pension) in open court.  And now at this day to wit being the 18th day of March 1834 at the house of Samuel Davis int he neighbourhood [neighborhood] of this applicant he being one of hte acting Justices of said county and this applicant being also a resident of the state and county aforesaid who being first duly sworn upon the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God the truth to speak oath on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832  That he volunteered in the service of the United States under the command of Capt. John Murry in the county of Baltimore in the State of Maryland  They were mustered into service in the city of Baltimore and went by watter [water] from thence up some distance from the Point as it was then called and their [there] they were marched to the head of Elk River and there stationed sometime  rifling and mustering he was then transferred to the company of Captain Potter their Collonels [Colonel's] name was Thomson he acted some times as Commissary General He them was marched to Valey Forge and there  stationed at Valey Forge some time The time he volunteered was the last day of March 1779 He was then Marched to Monmouth at time of the battle and was present at that battle but was engaged during the action.
Page 27

in guarding the baggage wagons he was then with others detailed to carry the wounded to to Princeton Colledge [College] which was converted into a hospital he then was marched to Egg Harbour from thence back to Princton H an thence across to the North River to White Plains from white Plains New Fairfield from there back to White Plains again from thence thence to Albany to carry provisions to the prisoners taken from  Burgoive  he assisted in guarding them to New Windsor his Regiment took up winter quarters at Midlebrook [Middlebrook}]and Ambrook, He then was to go home and got a furloigh [furlough] from there commanding officer he thinks was Colonel Thomson but he has lost hte furlough and as this distance of time he cannot tell but it was the commanding officer he served nine months this time commencing at the last day of march and continuing until the first day of January following the time he received his furlough after he went home he was taken sick and continued so until the time of his services expired which was April following being twelve months the time he volunteered for but was in actual service but nine months and three months upon furlough after he got well he asked General Buchanan what he must do and the General told him that as he was sick until expiration of the time and also that fact was know to his officers he need not return he was told afterwards that he had or could get a discharge but never applied for one.
He volunteered again under the following circumstances his former Guardian Nicholas Hale hired him to go with him to Lexington Kentucky but as the Indians were hostile on the way they changed their direction and went to Watauga North Carolina now east Tennessee and there he  volunteered as above state at Bundys mill and was
Page 28

marched to Ramseours Mill on the watters [waters] of Broad River but was not imediately [immediately] in the action owing to his sickness his Captains name was Valentine Sevier his Colonels name was John Sevier their Ensigns name was Thomas Talbot who was slightly wounded in the back of the head.  They were marched back to Bundys Mill on Watauga there verbally discharged he served out three month then this was the year after his first tower [tour] which thinks must have been in the year 1779 or 80.
He would here state that he sent on his declaration last year by an agent but his agent was a man of different politicks and was he had told his agent that he believed all that was apposed to the present administration he supposed it were Tories he thinks.
He volunteered again Shortly afterwards as there was a call to go against the tories in North Carolina he volunteered this time also for three months under the same Captain Valentine Servier and Colonel John Sevier and Colonel Campbell of East Tennessee  Troops then North Carolina Holsten troops he was marched to Kings Mountain and was in that remarkable engagement  he was appointed after he was mustered into service in this tour an orderly of first sergeant and acted as such the whole time of service at the battle of Kings Mountain he acted  as commander of the company and led them up the hill to the charge he reclects [recollects] in the commencement of the action that an Irish soldier Patrick Murphy was slightly wounded in the throat he cried out they have gullitted me yes old man said but never mind they cannot kill you he was present when Fergusson was shot down he could detail many of the circumstances of this stupendous action bet deems it unecessary there were eight forces hang after the battle where he was comanding [commanding] guard.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or anuity [annuity]except the present and he declares that his mate is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any state or teretory [territory] within the United States
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this Peter his mark FInn
{seal} This 18th March 1834 Saml [Samuel} Davis JP Justice of the peace
* he could never get am account from his agent nor would be give him any []
Page 29

State of Tennessee}
Sumner County}
We Edmond Waggoner a Clergyman and Robert Homes both residents of the County of Sumner and State aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Petter [Peter} Finn who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaratin [declaration] for a pension That we have resided in the same neighbourhood [neighborhood] with him for upwards of twenty five years  That we believe him to be eighty four years of age  That he is reputed and believed in the neigrbourhood [neighborhood] where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that oppinion [opinion]  and belief we also know him to be a man of truth and veracity and believe he served as he sates.
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 18th March 1834
Saml Davis JP Justice of hte Peace
Edmond Wagoner {seal}
Robert Holes {seal}

State of Tennessee}
Sumner County{
This day personally appeared Dance Brown and George Marcum two respectable freeholders and citizens of the county and state aforesaid before me Samuel Davis one of the acting Justices of hte Peace in and for the county aforesaid and made oath that they are aquanted [acquainted] with Peter Finn that they believe him to be a man of truth and veracity  They are acquanted [acquainted] with the circumstances of his service in the revolutionary war as he has stated in his declaration and have no hesitation in saying that he served as he has stated and precisely as there set forth
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of March 1834
Saml Davis JP Justice of the Peace
Dance Brown {seal}
George C Marcum {seal}
Page 30

Commissionee}                         Free
20th May

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.
[]  Evans {}
Page 31

[] Ill

Pension Agents Office
18th May 1837
Sir
Peter Finn a pensioner under the act of 1832 has removed from Tennessee to this state and he has applied to me to aid him in being transferred to this agency - enclosed is his application. if all is correct which I assume it is you can direct to me at this place

Yours with Respect
Daniel Hay

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 32

State of Kentucky } SS
County of Allen}

On this 8th day of July 1833 personally appeared in open court before William Coneth, Will Fitzpatrick, Sam Hurslow & His []
    Justice of the County Court in and for the County of Allen State of Kentucky in the Courthouse of said County then in Court sitting 
Peter Finn a resident of said County, who being duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following amendment to his declaration made in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.  That he enlisted in the service of the United States as a private at the Head of Elk in the year 1778 and served as such as stated in his original declaration for not less than nine months when some time in January 1779 at middle Brook and Bambrook in New Jersey be obtained a furlow from Colo Thompson and in virtue thereof returned home to Baltimore Maryland, whilst on his return he was taken sick and that remained untill the time for which he enlisted had expired.  That in the Fall of the year 1779, he removed to Washington County then North Carolina, now, Tennessee.  That in the summer of 1780 in the said County of Washington where he then lived he again entered into the service of the United State a volunteer private in the Company of Horsemen commanded by Capt. Val. Sevier and in the regt. of Horse commanded by Colo Robertson.  That he served as a private in said Company and Regiment for not less than three months.  That in the Fall of same year (1780) as is his best recollection in September he served as a Sergeant in the Company of horse commanded by Capt. Val. Sevier in which he was a volunteer, and in the Regt. under command of Colo. John Sevier, for not less than three months.  His declaration upon his said Oath says that by reason of Old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection and as he verily believes he served not less than the periods mentioned above and in the grade & times regiments and companies above stated which he recaputates and sums up as follows.  For Nine months I served as a private of Regulars in Colo. Thompsons Regt being employed in a part of the time driving a waggon.  For these months I served as a private of volunteery in Captain Sevier's Company and Colo. Robertson's Regt of Horse.  For three months I served as a Sergent in Capt. Seviers Company Regt. commanded by Colo. John Sevier, Making in all one year and three months service, and for such service I claim a pension.
To the 1st and 2nd Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department not heretofore satisfactorily answered this declarant & states that he was born in the County of Baltimore in the State of Maryland in July 1751 as is informed and believes.
Page 33

That he has no Register of his age and knows of
now. Peter mark Finn, sworn to and subscribed the day  and year afore said.

We Edmund Waggoner a clergyman residing in
the County of Allen and state of Kentucky and William Mitchell and Drury Brown residing in the same, hear by certify that we are well acquainted
with Peter Finn who has subscribed and sworn to
the above declaration and we believe him to be eighty two years old, 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 day and year afore
said. Signatures are seen: Edmund Waggoner, William Mitchell, Drury Brown
And the said court do here by 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 [illegible] as he states.
And the said court further certifies that it appears to them that Edmund Waggoner who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the County of Allen and State of Kentucky and that William Mitchell and Drury Brown who have also signed the same are residents in the County and State last
afore said. That they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Signed on behalf of the Court: M Hamm JP presiding justice
I David Walker clerk of the County Court in and for County of Allen State of Kentucky do here by certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Peter Finn to
amend his declaration for a Pension.
In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and seal of Office this 10th day of July in the year 1833. David Walker Clerk of Allen County Kentucky
Page 34

Peter Finn
Ken
(14)

D. Walker Clrk
Scottsville Ken
Page 35

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Peter Finn which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
V. Has he mentioned 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?  NO
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a devise or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
Page 36

2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? No
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And if not, which of them is not so answered?

Quere V. 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 that 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.
Page 37

3

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 they served two years in the militia [] without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service/  The [] declaration is highly objectionable.  It must in every case be clearly shewn under what [] 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.
Quere XIV. Proof of Service
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 claimants 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.
Quere XVI. Mode of authentication 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has not 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.

The applicant should prove his full service by at least one witness certified to be credible, who had a personal knowledge of his service.
Page 38

{seal/stamp NASHVILLE June 16}   Free

June 27

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pension
Washington City
Page 39

Peter Finn
To } Amend Declaration
War Department
Page 40

Mr. JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 41

Carthage Jennifer
15th July 1834

Dear Sir,
I deem it my duty to inform you that after I sent to the neighbourhood [neighborhood] of Peter Finn and had his additional affidavit taken and duly authentication by the clerk of Sumner County I then sent a messenger to Scottsville Allen County Kentucky and with much search procured the original papers in the matter of application for a pension.
In order to show all the steps that have been taken as well as the testamony [testimony], they are most Respectfully submitted to your consideration with a sincere hope tat the evidence taken together will be satisfactory and an aged and infirm old soldier be relieved from procuring any further testamony [testimony].
Please direct the return as before to Mr. J. Pickett Clk or to myself

Respectfully 
A. Ferguson

Hon J S Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 42

Union Bank of Tennessee
Nashville  15th June 1837

JL Edwards Esqr.

Dear sir

Your returned favor of the 5th Instant requiring information to what time Peter Finn a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of the 7th June 1832 was last paid at this officer in duty to hand, and in reply have to say to you that Peter Finn as above and at the rates of $20 per annum was paid to 4th Sept. 1836 and agreeably to your institution will be marked on the rolls of this office as transferred to the Illinois Agency from said date Respectfully Sir
[] John M. Bass Prest.
& Pension Agent
By S. Cantrell
Page 43

Peter Finn's
P. Papers.
Page 44

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office
April 11th 183[]

Sir:
I return herewith the papers in support of the claim of the person whose name is hereto annexed.
These papers are in several respects defective.  This case is accompanied by a brief.  The objections are contained in the negative answer, in red ink, given to the questions.
Particular attention should be paid to the accompanying regulations and to the explanatory notes subjoined to the brief.
The extraordinary press of business in this office, arising from the great number of claims under the act of June 7, 1832, has hitherto prevented us form attending to the applications sent by you.  The investigation of the casers presented under this law has been difficult and laborious, and notwithstanding the greatest exertions have been made by this Department, an earlier attention to your business has been found impracticable.
The brief has been prepared to meet all cases, and thus to save the excessive labor which would otherwise be imposed upon the office, and which would consume so much time as to render the delay two fold greater than it now is in the investigation of claims and writing letters.  Each case is considered correct in all respects except in relation to those questions to which a negative answer is affixed.  No other alteration or addition will be required.

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,

JL Edwards

David Walker Esq}
Scottsville}
Kent [Kentucky]}

 Peter Finn
Page 45

OFFICE OF 
CHARLES  E HULL
SALEM, ILLINOIS   May 8, 1920.

Pension Commissioner,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir[]- I am a great grand son of {Rev ED} Peter Finn who was a Revolutionary pensioner living in Marion County, Illinois in about 1832-3.  I very much want to become a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and for that reason and others I ask that you give me his official military record on which his pension was based.

Very truly,
Abram Jasper Estes.
Salem Illinois.

{Stamp Pension D. May 12 1920 S. 1920 OFFICE}
Page 46

Mt. Zion, Ill
Sept. 30. '23

Pension Bureau.
Washington, DC.

Can you give me information of Peter Finn, a Revolutionary Soldier, Think he joined first in 1778
What services he rendered, When & Where he died, and where he was buried, Where he was married, Who his wife was, When & Where born.
Why I wish to know I want to join the DAR and he was
Page 47

my great, great, grand
Father
Thanking you kindly
hope to receive an
Early reply
Mrs. Nona Burt Evans
Mt. Zion
Ill.
Lock Box 15
[cancellation stamp:"Pension Office, U.S. Oct 1 1923"]
Page 48

[unknown word] Nov 8 1973
Mt Zion Ill
Oct. 16, 1923
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Can you give
me any information of
Peter From who was a
Rev. soldier
When & where he died
Services rendered
Thanks to you
Mrs. Nona Burt Evans
Mt. Zion
Ill
Page 49

OTTO L SCHMIDT, CHAICAGO, President
JESSIE PALMER WEBER  Springfield Secretary

Illinois Stater Historical Society
Springfield
                                              Rev-War[]

                                   July 7, 1916.

Director 
Pension Department,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,
Will you be good enough to give me the record of Peter Finn who served in the Revolution from Marion County, Illinois?  His last pension I think he drew while living in Marion County.
With kindest regards and thanking you for your attention to this matter, I am,

Yours very truly,

(Miss) Georgia L Osborne
Assistant Librarian
Illinois State Historical Library
Page 50

WILLIAM W. ARNOLD
23d Dist. Illinois

Home Address
Robinson, Ill.

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
                            October 17, 1929.

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

My dear Sir:

I wish to call your attention to the attached letter from Dr. W.L. Finn, Iuka, Illinois, regarding the record of Peter Finn, Revolutionary soldier, which is self-explanatory.

I will appreciate such assistance as your office may be able to give in ascertaining the maiden name of Peter Finn's wife, and ask that the letter of Dr. W. L. Finn is returned to me.

Very truly yours,
WW Arnold
Page 51

Re. &1812 Wars Section.
MMHF

October 21, 1929.

Honorable William W. Arnold,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.

My dear Mr. Arnold:

In regard to your letter of October 17, 1929 with one, herewith returned, from Dr. W. L. Finn, Illinois, I have the honor to advise you that in the papers on file in Revolutionary War Pension claim of Peter Finn(S.32244), the name of his wife and date of marriage do not appear.
Very truly yours,
Earl D. Church,
Commissioner.
Page 52

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3 - 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., [left blank], 19[left blank]
S. F. 3224

In reply to your request of [left blank]
received [left blank]
a statement of the military history of Peter Finn a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
file in this Bureau.

[column headings: ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. Length of service, Rank, Officers under whom service was rendered: Captain, Colonel, State]
-Mch 1778, 9 mos. Wagoner, John Murry Potter, Thompson, Md.
-Summer 1779 or 1780, 3 mos., Pvt., Valentine Sevier, Carter & Robertson, NC.
-Sept 1780, 3 mos. Sgt., Valentine Sevier, John Seiver.

Battles engaged in, Monmouth Kings Mountain

Residence of soldier at [added word:" 1st] enlistment, Baltimore Co. Md. Washington Co NC enlistment 2nd.

Date of application for pension, Nov 19 1832 His et. was al.

Residence at date of application, Allen Co. Ky
---
Age at date of application, b July 2 1750 or 1751 in Baltimore Co. Md

Remarks:
In 1837 Soldier had moved to Marion County Ill to live with his youngest son whose name is not stated. There is no other data as to his family

Respectfully,
Commissioner.
J -- 285C
Page 53

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51-
12 - 1041
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
Name  Finn, Thomas
GRADE Private
Line Virginia ( Lee's Legin)
WARRANT
NUMBER 12124 and 13945
ACREAGE 100
Issued September 24, 1789 to Mary Finn, widow

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