Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9851, for Henry Thomas, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Penn.
Thomas, Henry
Mary
NUMBER
W. 9851.
CONTENTS
Page 2

[left page]
25297
Indiana
Henry Thomas
of Ripley Co in the State of Indiana
who was a private in the regt commanded
by Captain Seagram of the regt commanded
by [blank] in the Penna
line for 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana
at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Decr
1833 and Stephen
Harding Versailles
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 58.33
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 11.67
$70.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E, Vol. 7 Page 131
27228

[right page]
E. Coffin, Richmond Agt. ordered to pay
July 25 1837.
Dead - Letter to Pen Agt at
Richmond Ind 10 May 1838.
Letter to Hon G. H. Dunn & 3 and
30 Jany 1839
Paid at the Treasury under
the act of the 6th April 1838
from 4th Sept 1837 to 14 Sept
1837, the day of his death. Agt
notified 22 March 1839.
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the 
act of the 6th April 1838 from 4th
March 1837 to 4th Sept 1837 - Agt
notified 19 April 1837
Page 3

[left page]
5571
Indiana, Madison
Mary Thomas
widow of Henry Thomas
Penn
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
23 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
5th dat of Feby 1837
and sent to T. S. S. Trabull
Present
Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 337, Vol. 3.

[right page]
Date of death [not sure, records?]
Page 4

Declaration of
Henry Thomas for a Pension
State of Indiana
Ripley County
On this 13th day of September in the
year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty
three personally appeared before the Honourable Joseph Robinson
one of the Judges of the Ripley Circuit Court in and
for the said County of Ripley Henry Thomas a resident of the
County of Ripley and State of Indiana aged 77 years (who
by reason of extreme bodily weakness and infirmity is unable to appear
in open Court to make this his declaration for a pension)
who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath
make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the act of Court passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of
the United States under the following named officers and served
as herein stated. In the month of September 1781 he entered the
service of the United States under Captain John Ingram and
Lieut John Shipman and served for the full term of seven
month in the capacity of an orderly sergeant. He left the service the month of March 1782.
When he entered the service he resided in Northumberland
County Pennsylvania. He was drafted. He was engaged in no
Battles. He marched from Sunsbury [Sunbury?] which stands on the bank
of the Susquehanah [Susquehanna] River to Coles Town about forty miles from
the former place, there he continued for some time as a guard
where he marched back to Sunsbury [Sunbury?] where he remain for a
short time, when he again marched to Coles Town, and
from thence again to Sunsbury [Sunbury?] and so alternately from one
place to another as a guard for the purpose of transporting
provisions and munitions of war to the main troops engaged
in the Continental service. for this tour of Seven months he
was an orderly sergent [sergeant]. Nine boats were employed in the
service of transporting the provisions and munitions for the
said troops which had to be strictly guarded to render the
transportation safe, this guard was commanded by Captain
John Ingram, and Lieut John Shipman (Ensign forgotten)
This applicant by reason of extreme mental and bodily debility
causes & a continuous sickness for years past cannot now 
recollect the names of any particular officers only those under
whom he immediately served but he immediately was commanded by a colonel who
was stationed at some distance from the place of where
his service was rendered during the services of this applicant (and
at the completion of the same) while at Coles Town in passing from
a boat to the shore, a hogshead water from the top of the bank and
Page 5

and passed over him bruising and mutilating his leg at a most
dreadful rate, so much so that he was fit for service no longer
and was discharged. In consequence of the said wound he has
been partially disabled ever since, and particularly of late years
a cripple for life. For many years past his leg has been an ulcer
of the most disturing kind, the muscles of the by are so much contracted
that is much shorter than the other, and he never
expects to have the use of it again, and it is the opinion of all
of his physicians who have ever attended him, that his present
afflictions proceed from the wound which he recd as afored [aforesaid]
in the service. He never recd. but three dollars for all of his services
and he further thinks it his duty to say to the department
that altho he was engaged in guarding and transporting Boats which
were loaded with provisions and munitions for the U.S. troops
yet he was not considered a Boatman but a soldier called
out by the proper authority of the County and had the duties of
a soldier to perform, has constantly armed with a Musket
other accoutrements and in every sense of the word was
under martial Law; he had his regular tours of duty as centry [sentry]
every night for the purpose of guarding the boats from the Indian
and Torys - several of the hands belonging to the Boats were killed
by them. He has said this much that the department may not
mistake the nature of his service. He has no writen or dockumentary
evidence and he knows of no person whose testimony
he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes
any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the
present and declares that his name is not on the pension
Roll of the agency of any State
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
afore-
his
Henry X Thomas
mark

We Meshach Hyatt, a Clergyman residing in the County of Ripley
and State of Indiana and Michael Castator residing in
the same County and State do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Thomas who has subscribed and sworn to the above
Declaration, that we believe him to be 77 years of age, that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been
soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year given
Meshach Hyatt
Michael Castetter
Page 6

And the said Joseph Robinson Judge of the Ripley Circuit Court afsaid [aforesaid] does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories presented by the Department that the said Henry Thomas the aforesaid applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, And the said Joseph Robinson further certifies that it appears to
him that Meshach Hyatt who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana, and that Michael Castator who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and State and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the said Joseph Robinson also certifies that the said Henry Thomas the applicant also is at this
time by reason of bodily infirmity unable to attend, and appear in open Court to make his declaration for a pension.
Joseph Robinson A.J. R. 66
[Hand drawn seal}

Answers to the Questions prescribed by the War Department.
Answer to 1st Quet: I was born in Tulpahocking County in the State of Pennsylvania on the 3d day of May 1756 
Answer to 2d question: I have no record of my age I only speak from what my parents have  told me. 
Answer to 3d Quest: I was residing at the time I entered the service in Northumberland
County Penna. Since the Revolution I have resided in the State of Tennessee for 26 years Then I removed to the state of Ohio, from thence I removed to the County of Ripley
 and State of Indiana where I now reside 
Answer to 4th Quest: I was drafted, Answer tor to 5th Quest I do not recollect the names of any Regular officers, continental troops
or militia companies, my memory is so much impaired. the general circumstances of my service are stated in this
Answer to 6th Quest. I was appointed 1st Sergent by Capt. John Ingrams
I never rcvd any other discharge than a verbal one
Answer to 7th Quest. Enquire of Robert Burchfild Michael Cantator William King and all who know me.
Page 7


State of Indiana
Ripley County
I David P. Shook Clerk of the Ripley Circuit Court do hereby certify that Joseph Robins [Robinson]
before whom the original proceedings of Henry Thomas for a pension were had, has signed the preceding certificate was at the time and now is one of the Judges of the Ripley County Circuit Court, duly commissioned and
qualified as such, that full faith and credit are due all of his official acts and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of September Anno Domini 1833
David P. Shook Clerk
27.228
Henry Thomas

Ste. Standing agent
Versailles Inda a
Page 8

9.373
Mary Thomas

Indiana
Act 7 July 38
Page 9


Jacob Thomas was born
October the 30th 1784
Henry Thomas was born
June the 17th [illegible, 17?6]
[illegible, Peggy?] Thomas was born
September the [illegible, 1st? 17?7]
Elizabeth Thomas was born
[illegible] the 9th 1790
[illegible, Barbara?] Thomas was 
born the [?] November 1792
[illegible] Thomas born
[illegible, September?] 1795
[illegible, George?] Thomas was born
[illegible] April [illegible, 179?]
[illegible, Sarah?] Thomas was born
[illegible, January?] [illegible, 15th?] 1804
[illegible] Elizabeth Thomas born
[last line illegible]
Page 10

State of Indiana
Rush County  SS
On this the 21st day of July 1843 Personally
appears before me Samuel McCorkle an acting Justice of the
Peace in and for the County of Rush State of Indiana Mrs Mary
Thomas a resident of the said County of Rush age above Seventy
Six years and who is by reason of bodily infirmity prevented from
appearing in open Court and who after being first duly sworn
according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by
the act of Congress passed the 7th day of July 1838 entitled
"An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows towit
that she is the widow of Henry Thomas deceased late of
the County of Rush and who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution
and served several months in actual service and she
thinks was a malitiaman and on account of his service in said
war he drew a pension under the act of 7th June 1832 which
was a small one and she since his death drew the arrears
of Pension due him up to his death. she further declares that she
cannot State the names of the officers under whom the service of her
said husband was performed but for their names as well as the
character of the service performed, its duration &c she will refer to
the evidence contained in the papers composing the matter of
the application of her said husband for the afsd [aforesaid] pension received
by him. she further declares that she has no documentary evidence in favor
of her claim except a record of the ages of her children. She further declares
that she was married to the said Henry Thomas in the month
June about sixty two or three years ago that her husband
the aforesaid Henry Thomas died on the 14th day of September
1836. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the
Marriage took place before the first day of January 1794, at the time aforesaid.
her mark
Mary [backward N] Thomas
her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year afsd [aforesaid]
Samuel McCorkle JPeace
Page 11

and also came before me the Just subscribed magistrate Mrs
Margaret Mull a lady of respectability and who on oath states that
she is well acquainted with the foregoing declarant Mrs Mary Thomas
and that she knows her to be the widow of Henry Thomas
deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States
and died in the County of Rush She thinks in September 1836
and that she is also acquainted with some of the children
of the said Mary and said Henry and that their third child
is now one of her neighbors and the supposes that she
must be upwards of fifty five years of age and that
she knows others of the children that she supposes must
certainly be over fifty years of age for their children
being the grand children of said declarant must be
upwards of thirty five years of age. and deponent verily
believes that said declarant is the age seventy six
years and that she was married to the said Henry Thomas
in the State of Pennsylvania Sixty two or three
years ago,
and further deponent saith not
Magaret [Margaret] Mull
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this the 21st day of July 1843
Samuel McCorkle JPeace

And also come before me the just subscribed magistrate
Mr Eli Hill a Gentleman of respectability and who
after being first duly sworn according to Law deposeth &
saith that he is has been well acquainted with the foregoing
declarant Mrs Mary Thomas for the last past twenty five
or thirty years and that he was well acquainted with her husband Henry
Thomas late of the County of Rush. and that he was a
Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and that he deponent
is well acquainted with some of the children of said
Mary and said Henry and that he verily believes that their
Page 12

second child is as much as sixty years of age and that their
third child is between fifty five and sixty years of age
and that said Henry and said Mary lived as husband and wife
ever since deponents knowledge of them and deponent
verily believes that said Mary is the age she represents
and was married to the said Henry Sixty or three
years ago as stated by said Mary and that she is a
Lady of respectability and all her statements entitled
to credit - and that said Henry died in September 1836
he thinks. and further deponent saith not-
Eli Hill
Sworn to and subscribed before me
On the day and year afsd [aforesaid]
Samuel McCorkle Jpe.

And I the just subscribed magistrate certify that the
foregoing declarant is a Lady of respectability and all her
statements entitled to credit and the particular disability which
prevents the declarant from appearing in Open Court
is old age, consequent infirmity, and she confined to her room
and the county seat Eleven miles distant, and she as deponent
verily believes has correctly set forth her
marriage as well as every thing she has stated
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name this the 21st day of July 1843
Samuel McCorkle JPeace

I the above subscribed magistrate certify that the defason Just
above the name subscribed by Eli Hill, was made before said
Hill Signed the same - Samuel McCorkle JP
Page 13

State of Indiana
Rush County Set
I John Robinson Clerk
of the Rush Circuit Court hereby certify that Samuel McCorkle
before whom the foregoing declaration of Mrs Mary
Thomas was made and before whom the affidavits of Margaret
Mull and Eli Hill were taken is an acting Justice of the
Peace in and for the County of Rush State of Indiana duly
elected commissioned and qualified and to all his official
acts full faith and credit are due as well out of Courts of
Justice as therein and the foregoing signatures purporting to be
said Samuel McCorkle are his own genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixd
my seal of office and subscribed my name
at office in the town of Rushville on this
the 21st day of July 1843
John L Robinson clerk
Page 14

27.228
Henry Thomas
Indiana

from 1781 private
7 month
$23.33
ea

Stephen S. Harding
Versailles
Indiana
Page 15

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 shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Henry Thomas
[table column headings: Period when the service was rendered., Duration of the claimant's service. - Years., Duration of the claimant's service. - Months., Duration of the claimant's service. - Days., Rank of the claimant., Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served., Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service., Proof by which the declaration is supported.]
1781 | [blank] | 7 | [blank] | Sergt. | Cap Seagram* | 77 | Traditionary
[blank] | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | no Colonel | Pa. | [blank]
[blank] | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | *Capt Ingram | [blank] | [blank]
The applicant should prove that he was appointed
a sergeant and served in that capacity, otherwise he
 can only be allowed the pay of a [crossed out, sergeant] private.
Interlineations are inadmissible.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Versailles Inda Nov 18th 1833 -
Sir
Since the Recpt of this letter
I have had an interview with Henry Thomas the
within named applicant and as his agent am authorized
to say to the department on his behalf, that it is impossible at this remote time
as to prove by a living witness or by documentary evidence his services as a
Sergeant. He therefore waives his claims as a Sergeant and humbly requests the
department to issue his pension certificate for a Privates pay only. It is the necessity
of the case, which compells such waiver on his part. He hopes, and trusts that
this will prove satisfactory to the department without the expense attendant on the 
Judicial authentication of papers. Form ok &c.  Ste. S. Harding Agent
Page 16

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 of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons 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 of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank]
A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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) [blank], with [blank]
and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] 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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank}
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank]
day of [blank] &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 [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank]
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank]
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank]
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank]
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or 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
Page 17

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 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?
6. To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
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 of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure
, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow
the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The 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 he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; - For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]. For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and
other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority
; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
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 witnesses
, 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 all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
[handwritten note at bottom]
* If it is positively necessary in every case where the party waives his claim
as an officer, and asks only the pension [afforded?] a Private, to swear to
[?] question to the department. will the department be so kind as to intimate
the same to me immediately. St. S. Harding, Agent
[vertical note in margin]
applicant cannot
prove his time as sergeant
and waives sergeant
pay
Page 18

November 5, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Henry Thomas-W.9851
BA-J/AWF
Mrs. C. C. Waltenbaugh
1249 - 11th Street, N. W.,
Canton, Ohio
Dear Madam:
The record of Henry Thomas which follows was
obtained from the papers on file in pension claim,
W. 9851, based upon his service in the War of the
Revolution.
Henry Thomas was born May 3, 1756 in Tulpehocken,
Pennsylvania, names of his parents not given.
While residing in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania,
he enlisted in September, 1781, served seven
months as orderly sergeant in Captain John Ingram's
Pennsylvania company.
After the Revolution Henry Thomas moved to Tennessee,
where he lived twenty-six years, thence to
Ohio, and thence to Ripley County, Indiana.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
September 13, 1833, then residing in Ripley
County, Indiana.
He married in June, 1780 or 1781 in the state
of Pennsylvania, Mary. Her maiden name is not given,
nor is it stated when and where she was born.
The soldier, Henry Thomas, died September 14,
1836 in Rush County, Indiana.
His widow, Mary Thomas, was allowed pension on
her application executed July 21, 1843, at which time
Page 19

time she was living in Rush County, Indiana, and gave
her age as about seventy-six years. In 1848 she was
still a resident of Rush County, and then gave her
age as about eighty-four years; no explanation given
as to the discrepancy.
The children of Henry Thomas and his wife, Mary:
Jacob born October 30, 1784
Henery " June 17, 1786
Peggy " September 1 or 21, 1787
Elizabeth " April 9, 1790
Barbary " November 16, 1792
Mary " September 7 or 27, 1795
George " April ---, 1798
Susanah " January 8, 1802
Ana Elizabeth " January 8, 1802
Reference was made in 1843 to the grandchildren
of Henry Thomas and his wife, Mary, but no names were
given.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 20

Nov. 29 -1902
Mary  Lott
Lehi Utah
Revy WIDOW, &c.
---
File No. 9851
Mary Thomas
Wid of
Henry Thomas
Pvt, Rev. War
-
---
Act: Feby, 2748
Index: - Vol. M, Page 270
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[vertical note in margin]
1931 Feb 20 - Hist to Mrs. Minnie E.
Wycoff awf
1934 Nov 5 - Hist to Mrs. C. C. Waltenbaugh
Page 21

8930
Indiana, Madison
Mary Thomas
widow of Henry Thomas
who was a private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
23 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
5th day of Feby 1837
and sent to
F. S. J. Trabue
Present
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
17 June 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 220
Page 22

11.031
Indiana Madison
Mary Thomas
Widow of Henry Thomas
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 14th Septr 1836
of Ripley Co in the State if Indiana
who was a private in the Company
commanded by Captain Ingram of the
Regt commanded by Cole in
the Penna line for 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Madison
at the rate of 23 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 5th day of
March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of
Feby 1837 and sent to
F. S. J Trabue
Present
Total amount, $[blank]
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by [HP Veightmane?] Clerk,
Book I Vol. 1 Page 431
Page 23

9373
Mary Thomas
Indiana
Set to C. H. Trabue Sep. 28 1843
let to Hon C. S. Morehead
November 4th, 48
Act 7 July 1838
Page 24

Mary Thomas Declar.
Act 1838 GC
C. S. Morehead
Page 25

State of Indiana Rush County Sct
On this the 19th day of September 1848 before me
Joseph Goddard an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the
County and State aforesaid Personally Appeared Mary Thomas
a resident of the County of Rush and State aforesaid aged about
Eighty four years who after being first duly sworn according to law
doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order in order to
obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress 7th July 1838. 3d March
1843 & 17th June 1844 & 2nd February 1848 and the Resolution
of the first day of July 1848 of Congress granting and continueing
allowances as pensions to certain widows of officers and
Soldiers of the Revolution Towit: That she is the widow of
Henry Thomas deceased who was as she verily believes a private
in the army of the Revolution and in consequence of his service
therein was allowed a pension under the act of Congress passed
7th June 1832 at the rate of $23.33 per annum that she was married
to her said husband previous to the first day of January
seventeen hundred and ninety four for the full proof of
which she most respectfully asks leave to refer to her former
Application in which she hopes that satisfactory proof has
been exhibited to the department, and which is now on file in
the office of the Hon Commissioner of Pensions
she further declares that she is still a widow never having
intermarried since the death of her said husband
That she now believing herself entitled to a Pension under the
five first mentioned laws in this Declaration at the
rate of 23.33 per annum most respectfully asks the Hon Commissioner
of Pensions to cause the allowances to be made
Page 26

and the Certifficates of Pension which may issue as
evidence thereof to be enclosed to her attorney C N Trabue
of Frankfort Kentucky and with him only does she wish
correspondence holden by the Hon Commissioner of Pensions
in reference to her said claims and such others
as he may authorise
her
Mary X Thomas
mark
Sworn to and subscribed before
me on the day and year afsd [aforesaid]
Joseph Goddard J.P.

I the Just subscribed magistrate certify that the
foregoing Declarant is personally known to me and known
to be the widow of Henry Thomas deceased who was a
Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the act of
Congress passed 7th June 1832 at the rate of $23.33 per annum
and that she is still a widow never having intermarried
since the death of her said husband
In testimony
whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name on this the
19th day of September 1848
Joseph Goddard JP
Page 27

State of Indiana
Rush County ss
I Pleasant A. Hackleman
Clerk of the Rush Circuit Court within
and for said County, do hereby certify
that Joseph Goddard before whom the above
and foregoing declaration of Mary Thomas
was sworn to, was at the time a Justice of
the pence and is now a Justice of the Peace in and for the
County of Rush, and that his commission
bears date September 30th 1844, and
will expire September 30th, 1849, and
that his signatures above written are genuine.
In testimony whereof I Pleasant
A. Hackleman Clerk of the Rush
Circuit Court have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of
said Court this 19th day of September
A.D. 1848
P. A. Hackleman, Clerk.
Page 28

Branch State Bank of Indiana
Richmond, 5th Mo. 1st 1838.
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Resp
I enclose herein the Original
Certificate of Henry Thomas, late a Pensioner
of this district, now deceased, together with the
vouchers of his widow Mary Thomas, and beg
leave to inquire whether, under the present rules,
payment ought to be made on these vouchers.
I also beg leave to inquire if John Rogers'
Pension, directed in thy favour of 11th ulto.
due for 7 years back, can be paid here; the
amt at $175 per year is $ 1225? and, can
it be paid at the Treasury Department if the
pensioner desire it?
Very respectfully
Elijah Coffin, Cashier
Acting for Samuel Merrill
Pens. Agt. Indiana.

John Boyer, Revy June 7, 1832  $175 pr. ann. due
from Mar. 4, 1831.
Page 29

Branch State Bank of Indiana
Richmond,
Jan. 17. 1837.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Resplid
I hand, herein enclosed, the
voucher of Henry Thomas a Revolutionary Pensioner
of this district, last paid to March 4, 1836, and
respectfully ask leave to pay the amount to which he
is now entitled
Respectfully
Elijah Coffin, Cashier
Acting for Samuel Merrill, Pens. Agt.
Indiana
Page 30

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office
March 4th, 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States," The widow of Henry Thomas,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Indiana Agency, at
the rate of Twenty three Dollars and thirty three Cents
per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1837.
to the 14th Sept 1837 the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 31

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
April 9th, 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States," The widow of Henry Thomas,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Indiana Agency, at
the rate of Twenty three Dollars and thirty three Cents
per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March, 1837,
to the 4th Sept. 1837.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 32

Frankfort Kentucky
August 1st 1843
Sir
I herewith enclose you the declaration of Mrs.
Mary Thomas of Rush County Indiana under the act of
Congress passed the 7 day of July 1838 and the 3d day of March
1843 making application for the benefit of the said aid.
Please encase to me at
Frankfort Kentucky the Certificate of allowance
I am sir Very Respectfully
Your Obt Svt
C N Trabue

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D C
Page 33

Mary Thomas, wid
of Henry
Ind.
Act 7 July 1838
Act 7 mos pvt #$23.33
pr ann. from 4 Mch
1836 except 2 yrs
Certf [?]38
11.031
Cert sent to
F. S. J Trabue
Present.
Page 34

CHARLES C. WALTENBAUGH, M. D.
CANTON, OHIO
Canton O., Oct 14 1934
Gentlemen -
Will you kindly send me
pension applications for -
July 1 Pa. revo
Henry Thomas, Penn. - Revolutionary
Teeter Waltenbaugh, Maryland and Penn "
Reinhard Waltenbaugh, Penn. "
Adam Waltenbaugh, Penn. "
Adam Swinehart, Wash. Co. Penn. "
Was told when in Harrisburg
Pa in Historical Society rooms,
these might be had.
Thank you.
Very Truly
Mrs C. C Waltenbaugh
1249 - 11th St., N. W.
Page 35

Batesville, Indiana
Jan. 27, 1931
[postmark]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE JAN 30 1931
Manager of Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: As president of our county historical
society I am attempting to complete
records of Revolutionary soldiers who came
to our County, Ripley Co., Indiana, and
lived the rest of their lives here.
Among the names handed in locally
of John Signor. Can you send
us any information from your records
as to this man's Revolutionary service?
Also, our reports, so far on Henry
Thomas are very brief. It is this:
'Henry Thomas entered the service from
Pennsylvania in September, 1781 and served
7 months. Born 1766, died, 1836. Bureau
File W9851."
We will be most grateful for as complete
information of these two men as possible
to secure. (over)
Page 36

If any fees are needed to pay for
copies of records we will be glad to
pay them. Also, if any one in your
department could undertake to furnish
us with a complete list of Revolutionary
soldiers connected with our county,
so far as your records show, we shall
be glad to pay for whatever trouble it
may entail.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Minnie E. Wycoff
Pres. Ripley Co. Ind. Historical
Society,
Batesville, Ind.
219 Maplewood Ave.
Page 37

November 5, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS Our
Henry Thomas, W. 9851
Mrs. C. C. Waltenbaugh
1249 11th Street, N.W.
Canton
Ohio
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the records of Revolutionary
War soldiers, Henry Thomas, Teeter Waltenbaugh, Reinhard Waltenbaugh, Adam Waltenbaugh, and Adam Swinehart,
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained
from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land
based upon the military service of soldiers in that war. A careful
search of the records fails to show such claim on file on account of
the service of any soldiers named Teeter Waltenbaugh, Reinhard Waltenbaugh, Adam Waltenbaugh, and Adam Swinehart. For information in regard
to pensions that were paid by the State of Pennsylvania, it is suggested
that you address the Librarian, Pennsylvania State Library, Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania.
Your are furnished herewith, the history of the only Henry Thomas
who served with the Pennsylvania troops that is found in the Revolutionary
War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 38

February 20, 1931
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF: MLB
Mrs. Minnie E. Wycoff
219 Maplewood Avenue
Batesville, Indiana
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 9851, that Henry Thomas
was born May 3, 1756, in Tulpehocken, Pennsylvania.
While residing in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, he
enlisted in September, 1781, and served seven months as orderly
sergeant in Captain John Ingram's Pennsylvania company.
After the Revolution he moved to Tennessee, thence to Ohio,
and was allowed pension on his application executed September 13,
1833, at which time he was living in Ripley County, Indiana.
He died September 14, 1836 in Rush County, Indiana.
The soldier married in June, 1780 or 1781, in the State of
Pennsylvania, Mary, whose maiden name is not given.
She was allowed pension on her application executed July 21,
1843, at which time she was living in Rush County, Indiana, and
was aged seventy-six years.
Their children:
Jacob born October 30, 1784
Henery " June 17, 1786
Peggy  " September 1 or 21, 1787
Page 39

Elizabeth born April 9, 1790
Barbary " November 16, 1792
Mary " September 7 0r 27, 1795
George " April --, 1798
Susanah " January 8, 1802
Ana Elizabeth " January 8, 1802.
Grandchildren were referred to but no names given.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
- 2 -