Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 647, Thomas Forster, Continental (Va.)
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Continental (Va.)
Forster, Thomas
or Foster
NUMBER
W 647
B. L. Wt. 36501-160-55
Mary
or Polly
CONTENTS
Page 2

[Page 1]
2405
North Carolina
______________________
Thomas Forster. -
Brincomb in the State of N. Carolina he was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain McGive of the Regt commanded by Col. Grayson in the Virginia line for 2 years from 1777~
______________________
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 80- Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
______________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 - day of Nov. '32 and delivered May S & S.
Hardy, Agt.
______________________
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 -               120-
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33  40
                                                           $160.-
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book D Vol. 8. Page 30 -

[Page 2]
Pay Sent? 19 march 1835
"Contd 3 apr."
Page 3

1839
North Carolina Ashville
Polly Forster widow of Thomas Forster who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Virginia Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on Febry 3, 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Septr/53
and sent to
John H. Robeson
Ashville
N.C.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
Page 134 Vol. A
Febry 3/53
1832

[Vertical]
212688
Page 4

606. Forster
Polly
Widow of Thomas Forster decd. 
Priv.
Pension
Polly wid. Thomas Forster.
Revolutionary
Priv
refers to from papers

Recd pension
Feby 53 1859
W: 160 acr July 24/56
Boynton

John H. Robeson
Sandy Hook

Vol. F. 1021
Page 5

Thomas Forster's Declaration

from 1777 private
2 years
$80.

on. Roll

Maj Handy
Page 6

State of No. Carolina
Bun Combe County} Court of Pleas and Quarter Session October term 1832
On this 17th day of October personally appeared in Open Court before the justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session of Bun Combe County State of North Carolina Now Sitting. Thomas Forster a resident of Said County and States his age 82 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 To wit that he was born on the 22nd day of Jayn. in the year 1757 in the State of Pennsylvania. his Parents removed to Frederick County in the State of Virginia when quite young He lived in Frederick County untill he was 24 or 25 years old, He moved thence to Augusta County in Said State. He here enlisted in the year 1777. for the term of three years under Leftenant Bell in the continental army. He marched us to Winchester where he joined his Capt. John W. Gwinn. His Capt marched to Dumfries where they joined Col Grayson. 16th Virginia Regiment. he Commanded He marched to Potomac River and crossed at George Town He then marched to Baltimore remained there a few days and took shipping and landed in Philadelphia and sailed up to Trenton. He marched to head quarters in New jersey and joined the main army Commanded by Genl. Geo. Washington. He was here under the French deciplies by Stub and He marched to Trenton back and thence to Philadelphia and crossed the Schuylkill River on a Marking
Page 7

Bridge - He went on the Battle of Brandywine and He was here in the battle. He marched then back to Philadelphia or in 5 or 6 miles of Philadelphia and was then in battle at German Town. He stayed here and went to the Valley Forge winter Quarters. He next went after (winter Quarters) to the Battle of MonMouth He was here detached from his regiment and joined the Lt infantry Commanded by Genl Scott. He next day joined the same Company Capt. McGuire - He marched and crossed the north River and was made Wagon master and was in that state on untill he received his discharge. He received his discharge in Philadelphia after serving his 3 years from Genl Mhulenburg at the Barax. Here it was enjoined to march some British Prisoners to Maryland which he did and returned hom to Virginia where he lived untill 40 years old and moved to So. Carolina stayed 8 or 10 years thence to Bun Combe County State of No Car where he resides now and has for 30 years. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State and the only evidence he has of his Virginia enlistment is in the Office of the war department
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thos Forster
x his mark
Page 8

We Nathan Harrison & Saml W. Davidson residing in the neighbourhood with Tho Forster hereby certify that we are well acquainted with him, that we believe him to have sworn to the Declaration through pure motives.  We further believe him to be 82 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion.  Sworned to and subscribed day and year aforesaid
Saml W. Davidson 
Nathan Harrison

And the said Court do hereby delcare 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 Saml W. Davidson and Nathan Harrison and their statement entitled to credit.  I, John Miller, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding in the matter of the application of Thomas Forster for a pension.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 17th day of October 1832.
Jno Miller Clerk
Page 9

It being inconvenient for me to transact my business in order to obtain a pension, I do hereby authorise and constitute Maj. Henry S. Handy my lawful agent to transact the business aforesaid which I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day Oct 1832
Thos Forster
X his mark

Personally appeared in Open Court before the Justices now sitting Thos Forster and acknowledged Maj Henry S. Handy to be his agent in full to transact his business as petitioner for a Pension and the above to be his signature.  Certified by John Miller Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Buncombe now sitting day and year aforesaid
Jno Miller Clerk
Page 10

Claim of Polly Forster
to Bounty Land

Act of March 3d, 1855

Revolutionary War
No.212.688

Presented by John H. Robeson
Sandy Hook, N.C.
Page 11

State of North Carolina}
Buncombe County }  SS

On this 7th day of September One thousand eight hundred and fifty five Personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace with in and for the County and State aforesaid, Polly Foster aged 70 years, a resident of Buncombe County in the State of North Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Thomas Foster deceased, who was a private in the Revolutionary War and in proof thereof she refers to all the evidence on file in the Pension Office in support of her claim to a pension, upon which evidence she received a Pension Certificate No. 1859 under the 2d section of the act of February 3d, 1853 bearing date at the Department of the Interior 12 day of September 1853.  She also refers to her declaration filed under the aforesaid act for evidence of the time of her marriage and her said husband's death.  She further declares that she is still his widow and has never received bounty land under any act of Congress.  She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3rd 1855"
Polly Foster
X her mark
Page 12

We   J.W. Harlein and H.M. Robeson residents of Buncombe County in the State of N. Carolina upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Polly Foster in our presence;  and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
J.W. Harlein
H.M. Robeson

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written;  and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons;  that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
A.H. Robeson J.P.

Know all men by these presents that I Polly Foster of the County of Buncombe and State of North Carolina have constituted and appointed John H. Robeson of the county and state aforesaid my true and lawful attorney irrevocably for me and in my name to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land Certificate or warrant due me under the existing laws granting Bounty Land for service rendered in the United States in the different wars and to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this     day of Sept. A.D. 1855
Polly foster
X her mark
Page 13

The foregoing Power of Attorney was acknowledged  set and subscribed before me on the day and year above written.
A.H. Robeson J.P.

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County

I R.B. Vance Clk of the County Court of said county do hereby certify that A.H. Robeson Esq. who signed the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of doing so a Justice of the Peace duly qualified and commissioned and ?? the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of office this 18 day of Sept 1855
R.B. Vance Clk.  D CC
Page 14

"State of North Carolina}
Bun comb County} Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Forster and Robert Brank are held and firmly bound until William Hiller Esquire, Governor of the State aforesaid & to his successor in office, in the just sum of Five Hundred pounds; void on condition that there be no lawful objection why Thomas Forster & Polly Robertson may not e joined Together man & wife in the holy estate of matrimony. Witness our hands & seals This 16th day of May 1815
Thomas Forster (Seal)
Robert Brunk (Sea)
Witness Jno Miller Clk:

State of North Carolina}
Bunecombe County} I Robert B. Vance, clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in aforesaid County & State, certify the above to be a correct copy of the license bond of Thomas Forster & Polly Robertson, according to the files of my office.
Given under my hand & seal of office at office in Asheville the 23rd June ad 1853.
R. B. Vance Clk
Page 15

[Page 1]
Pension Claim Of
Mary Foster

[Page 2]
415 Mar 5/52
Polly Forster
Widow of Thomas,
N.C.

Act Feb 3rd 1853

John H. Robeson,
Asheville,
N.C
Page 16

State of North Carolina}
Buncombe County} ss.
On this 15th day of February AD 1853, Personally appeared before me George Debord a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths Mary Foster, aged 66 years, a resident of Buncombe County N.C. who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Thomas Foster Decd a Soldier of the revolution, to whom a Pension certificate issued under the act of Congress
She further declares that She was married to the said Thomas Foster on the 23rd of May AD 1814
That her husband the aforesaid Thomas Foster died on the 12th day of September A.D. 1839 at Turkey Creek, Buncombe County N.C. She further Swears that she is now a widow and has never made any application for a Pension
Mary Foster {Seal}
x her mark 
attest George Debord JP
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Pension to which the late act of Congress entitles her and I hereby certify that I know her to be the widow of the above mentioned Thomas Foster and that he was in the receipt of a Pension up to the time of his death. 
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written.
George Debord {J.P.}
Page 17

State of North Carolina}
Buncombe County} On this 16 day of Febry. AD 1853 Personally came George Debord a Justice of the Peace for said County Alexander Robeson, a minister of the Gospel of unblameable reputation and to me well known: who makes oath in due form of law and states that he was present at the Marriage of the Claimant Mary Foster and the before mentioned Thomas Foster Dec,,d, and witnessed the Celebration of the rite of Matrimony between them. and that he knows the said Mary Foster to be the widow of the identical Thomas Foster described in the foregoing Declaration. Alexander Robeson {Seal}
Sworn
Sworn to and Subscribed before me, the day and year above written.
George Debord J.P.
Page 18

State of North Carolina}
Buncombe County} I R. B. Vance Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that George Debord whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Declaration affidavit & Power of attorney, is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn: that all his official acts as such are entitled in full faith and credit: and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of record having general Jurisdiction
Given under my hand and seal of office at Asheville
this ____ day of February AD 1853-
Page 19

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

March 14, 1925.
[Handwritten:] Thos. Forster
[Handwritten:] W. 647

Mrs. S. I. Narnell,
305 Houston St.
Chattanooga, Tenn.

Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 647, it appears that Thomas Foster or Forster was born January 22, 1751 in Pennsylvania, when he was quite young, he moved with his parents, whose names are not stated, to Frederick County, Virginia.
While residing in Augusta County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1777 and served as a private in Captain John McGuire's Company, Colonel Grayson's Virginia Regiment, he was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, soon after the latter battle, he was made Wagon Master and served in all about three years.
He was allowed pension on his application ex
Page 20

cuted October 17, 1832, while a resident of Buncombe County, North Carolina and he died September 13, 1839 at Turkey Creek, Buncombe County, North Carolina.
Soldier married, bond issued May 16, 1815, Mary or Polly Robertson, she was allowed pension on her application executed February 15, 1853, while a resident of Buncombe County, North Carolina, aged sixty-six years.
Respectfully,

Acting Commissioner.
Page 21

Hon J Minot,
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

[Vertical]
No 212.688.

[Stamp 1]
ASHEVILLE
SEP
13
N.C.

[Stamp 2]
FREE
Page 22

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

[Stamp 1]
ASHEVILLE
JUL
13
N.C.

[Stamp 2]
FREE
Page 23

Pension Office
Sept. 5 1853

Sir,
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was last paid - and (if within your power) the date of his death
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt

S. Cole
Acting Commis'r.

F. Burt Esq}
3d Auditor}
Present}

(See other side.)
Page 24

Thomas Forster, Act 1832, $80. p. an.
Paid to 4th Sept. 1839 - no date of death on our Books.

F. Burt
Auditor.
Page 25

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be fond on file in the archives of many of the original States.

L. W. B. 
W. 647.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D.C.,

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

March 11, 1898.

Sir:-
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Thomas Foster made an application for pension on October 17, 1832, at which time he was 82 years of age and residing in Buncombe County, N.C., and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a private in the Virginia troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. McGuire and Col. Grayson. He enlisted in Augusta Co., Va. His widow, Mary, to whom he was married May 23, 1814, made an application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.

Mr. Thomas W. Foster,
Burlington, Kansas
Page 26

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be fond on file in the archives of many of the original States.

L. W. B.
W. 647.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D.C.,

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

March 23, 1897.

Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning the military record of Thomas Foster, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on October 17, 1832, at which time he was 82 years of age and residing in Buncombe County, N.C., and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a private in the Virginia troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. McGuire and Col. Grayson. He enlisted in Augusta Co., Va. His widow, Polly, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.

Mr. Thomas W. Foster,
Burlington, Kansas
Page 27

Chattanooga Tenn
Feb 4 - 1925

Dept of the Interior Bureau of Pensions -
Will you please give me record of pension papers of Thomas Foster, of Frederick Co Va - He was Revolutionary soldier. Please give dates names - full record of papers -
May thanks & hoping to hear from you at once -
Sincerely Mrs S. I. Narnell
305 Houston St

[Stamp]
PENSION
S
FEB
U. 6 S.
OFFICE
Page 28

O. W. & N. Div.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington D.C. Fby 3 1897
Respectfully returned to the writer, who is requested to furnish, for purposes of identification, as much as possible of the information called for herein.
[signed] D. F. Murphy
Commissioner

Full name of soldier:
Thomas Foster
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Can not state definitively as to Town or Co but think Orange Co Va or Wilks Co NC
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
same as above as near as I know
Date of death (as near as possible):
do not know
Christian name of widow:
Frances Foster
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
do not know
Remarks: He was Born & raised in Orange Co Va & afterward I think removed to Wilks Co N.C. but whether before or after the War I do not know Neither do I know whether he joined the Revolutionary army from Va or NC but think from Va.
Your name and address:
Thomas W Foster
Burlington
Kansas
Page 29

M.A.CROUSE, Pres't T.W.FOSTER, Vice Pres't A.P.BRIGHAM, Cashier M. F. BROWNE, Ass't Cash'r.

CAPITAL AND SURPLUS
$80,000
STEPHENS LIMTD & ENG. CO. ST. LOUIS.

THE Peoples National Bank
BURKINGTON, KANS.

March 3rd, 1898.

Hon. H. Clay Evans,
Commissioner of Pensions.,
Washington, D.C.        F

Dear Sir:
I wish to ascertain if possible, from the records of your office, the date of birth and death (day, month & year) of Thomas Foster, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who applied for pension on October 17, 1832.
Also like dates and date of her marriage, and maiden name, of Polly Foster, his widow, who applied for and received a pension for his services. Also whether or not she was his second wife.
Thanking you in advance, I am, Very respectfully,
[signed] Thos W. Foster
Page 30

M.A.CROUSE, Pres't. T.W.FOSTER, Vice Pres't. A. R. BRIGHAM, Cashier
THE Peoples National Bank
CAPITAL AND SURPLUS
$75,000
BURLINGTON, KANS. Feby 11th 1897
Hon D J Murphy, Commissioner
Washington DC
Sir
In compliance with your letter of 3d inst I herewith enclose slip with such data as I am able to give in regard to the name of Thomas Foster, my Great Grand Father who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War
I also enclose my former letter of inquiry. Thinking it might also be of use in looking the matter up
Very Resply
T W Foster
Page 31

M.A.CROUSE, Pres't. T.W.FOSTER, Vice Pres't. A. R. BRIGHAM, Cashier
THE Peoples National Bank
CAPITAL AND SURPLUS
$75,000
BURLINGTON, KANS. Jany 7th 1897
Hon Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Dear Sir
I wish to ascertain from the Records of your Office whether one or more Persons by the name of Thomas Foster received Pensions for services in the Revolutionary War & if so the states from which they enlisted or any information in regard to them as the Records show that would enable me to Identify my ancestors
Also the same information as to Nathaniel Vannay, the latter was a soldier in Col Clevelands Regiment these were both my Great Grand Fathers & both were Revolutionary soldiers. Any information you may be able to give me, will be greatly appreciated. Very Resply
T W Foster
Page 32

Mch. 23, 1897. History to
Mr Thomas W. Foster
Burlington, Kansas
Mac. 11-98. Thos. W. Foster
Burlington, Kan.
1925- Mch 14 - Hist to Mrs. S. J. Narnell. Aus. 
Revy
WIDOW, &c.
e No. 647
Polly Forster
Widow
Thomas Forster.
Priv. Rev. War.
Act: Feb 3, 1853
dex : - Vol. A, Page 245
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 33

36.501
No Aves
Page 34

Forster
Page 35

Brief in the case of Polly Forster, widow of Thomas,
Buncombe County and State of North Carolina
act 3d February 1853
Claim, (original,"
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Thomas
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner
under the act of 7th June 1832
Marriage proved by certified copy
of marriage bond, and parol evidence
certified to be credible
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
John A. Robeson Esqr
Asheville, N.C.
Name and residence of Agent
R Gerdes
Examining Clerk
Page 36

Mar. 5th 1853
415
Appl of Mary
Foster widow of
Thomas Foster.
Rec.
1833
Act 3d Feby 1853
Revolutionary
John H. Robeson
Asheville
N.C.
Page 37

Mar. 5th 1853
415
Appl of Mary
Foster widow of
Thomas Foster.
Rec.
1833
Act 3d Feby 1853
Revolutionary
John H. Robeson
Asheville
N.C.
Page 38

415
Polly Forster,
Widow of Thomas,
N.C.
Lot to Jno. H. Robeson, May 12/53
Act Feb 3d 1853
Page 39

Appl. of Polly
Foster, widow of
Thomas Foster
Buncombe Co.
N. Carolina
Act 3d Feb 1853.
Rev.
Admr $80 per annum
Commencing 3d Feby 1853
John H. Roberan
Asheville
N. Carolina
Page 40

Pension Claim of
Polly Foster
Page 41

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County
On this 12 day of July
A.D. 1853, Personally appeared before the
Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for Bun-
combe County N.C. Polly Foster a resident
of Buncombe County N.C. aged sixty six years
who being first duly sworn according to law, doth
on her oath make the following declaration, in order to
obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of
Congress passed 3rd of February AD 1853, granting pensions
to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary
Wars that she is the widow of Thomas Foster Dec
who was a Pensioner under the act of A.D. 1832
and was paid at the Agency of Fayetteville NC
(The rank held, and the service performed will appear
by reference to the evidence filed in the aforesaid
Thomas Foster application for a Pension)
She further declares that she was married to the said
Thomas Foster on the 23rd  day of May A.D. 1815: That
her said husband died at Turkey Creek Buncombe County N.C.
on the 12th day of September AD 1839. She further declares
that she is now a widow
her
Polly X Foster Seal
mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
N Burgin C C Cor
Page 42

Know all men by these present that I Polly
Foster of the County of Buncombe and State of
North Carolina have constituted and appointed
and by these present do constitute and appoint
John N. Robson my true and lawful attorney
for me and in my name to receive from the
United States the Pension Certificate or money
which may be due me an account of the military
service rendered my husband Thomas Foster in
the war of the Revolution. Also to do all the lawful
asto touching the premises. In testimony whereof
I have here unto set my hand and seal the 12 day
of July 1853
Signed in presence
of R. B. Vance Clk
her
Polly X Foster
mark

State of North Carolina ⎬ Court of Pleas and quarter
Buncombe County ⎬ Sessions July Term 1853
I, Robert B. Vance Clerk of our said Court certify that Jno Burgin Esqr, whose genuine signature
appears to the foregoing declaration, is an acting
Justice of the Peace & Chairman of our said Court
duly commissioned & sworn according to Law
and that said Court is a Court of record
Given under my hand & seal
of office, at office in Asheville
the 12th July 1853
R B Vance Clk