Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8794, Henry Turney, N.C.
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SERVICE N.C.
Turney, Henry
Nancy
NUMBER W.8794
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[unknown] 31656
Henry Turney, decd [deceased] of Smith Co in the State of Tenn. who was NC private in the Company commanded by Captain Hampton of the siege commanded by Col Tutt in the N.C. line for 8 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 26 Dollars 65 Cents per annum to commence of the 4th day of March, 1834 and on the 4 Febry 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of September 1839, sent to A. Fergusson Carthage, Tennessee
Arrears to the 4th of Feby 1838 $184.44 Semi-annual allowance ending
Amount to be paid to Nancy Turney, the widow of said decd.
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D McCurdy, Clerk,
Book E2 Vol. 7. Page 107.
Letter A. Fergusson, dec 21, 1839.
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26.601
Henry Turney decd
Smith Co. Tennessee
Admitted as Private
8 month $26.66
Col Tutt Cap N.C. Wile
Certificate issued to Nancy Turney the widow under Act 7 June 1832 from 6 March 1831 to 4 February 1838
A. Fergusson
Carthage 
Tennessee
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These 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 [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Henry Turney
Period when the service was rendered. 1777
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. [blank] Months. 1, 9, 3 Days. [[blank]
Rank of the claimant. Cap., ", "
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Col Tutt
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 80 N.C.
Proof by which the declaration is supported. Tradition
The applicant showed herein that he was Commissioned as a Captain and from that he served in that capacity.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions.
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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 Revolutionay War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides, And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of ss.
County of
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] 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 75h, 1832. That he enlisted int he 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: [blank]
[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 officer;) the town or county also State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the county 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 day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed the bye 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 t hem that A. B. 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 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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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?
{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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can 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 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 his 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 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 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 as 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 fond 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 is note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] The 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 declaration.
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Tennessee
Smith County
On this day personally appear William Exum before me John Landcaster one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that he was and has been an acting Justice of the Peace for the last eight or nine years. That shortly after he was appointed a Justice of the Peace, he celebrated the rights of matrimony between Henry Turney and Nancy Jones. The marriage was a legal one and this affiant returns the License to the clerk of Smith County court. He thinks Mr. Pickett the clerk was in the habit of drinking at and about the time of returning the License and thinks he kept his papers somewhat carelessly. This affiant from his best recollection for he kept no record of it says that he joined them the said Henry Turney and Nancy his wife in the Holy bonds of matrimony some time in February eighteen hundred and thirty one and that afterwards the License was returned as above. States he was an acting Justice of the Peace at the time and further this deponent saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of September 1838
John Lancaster - JP for Smith County
Wm. Exum
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State of Tennessee
Smith County
I John Lancaster one of the acting justices of the peace in and for said county, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the William Exum Esqr who has this day made the forgoing affidavit before me that he is a man of respectability and truth and that full faith and credit are due to his statements
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 16th day of September 1838
John Lancaster JP for Smith County.
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State of Tennessee
Smith County
June Session of the county Court 1836
Personally appears in open court Nancy Turney widow of Henry Turney a resident of Smith County aged [blank] years who being sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July the 4th. 1836 That she is the lawful widow of Henry Turney deceased who died 4th. February of 1838. That in the month of March 1777 as well as she now recollects he entered the Service of the United States as a Captain of a Militia Company of Volunteers under the Command of Colonel Tutt or Tate and Major Thomson but does not recollect the name of the regiment (if it was known by and name) he joined Colonel Tutt in Mecklenburg County in North Carolina from there they marched to Cross Creek now Fayett ville [Fayetteville]. They were stationed there a few days and marched back to his own county under orders of his colonel to be ready at a moments warning he continues there three or four weeks at the expiration of which time he received orders to march with his company against the British and Torys. They were marched through South Carolina to Savanah River on the borders of Georgia he was in a severe battle at Kettle creek with the Tories in which forty nine of the Torries were killed and thirty eight of the Whigs were also killed. General Pickens commanded our troops and had a horse shot under him. The tories were beaten and put to the rout. From there they were marched to Augusta Georgia and there stationed four months at the expiration of which time they were marched to briar creek  [Brier Creek] in Georgia he her husband was in a battle against the British
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in which battle the British were victorious and from there they were marched back to Augusta and continued there a few days at the expiration of which time he marched to a river called Stone at which place he was in that celebrated battle called the battle of Stone. The Americans lost a great many of our men who were Militia and taken from thence he marched to Charleston in South Carolina and continued there about one month at the expiration of which time he marched from thence and went to the Eutaw Spring and continues there about four weeks at the expiration of which time he was directed to return home. 
His second tour of Service was nine months and during the nine months aforesaid he became acquainted with General Wade Hampton who was as he believed a Continental officer with General Count Pulaski. I can not recollect whether Count Pulaski was or was not of the Continental troops but is informed that he was of the regular army Colonels Tutt and Porter have Militia officers as were Major Hampton he was acquainted with Captain Porter, Beufleuant, Withers all Militia officers. There was never any general with the hoops until the battle of briar creek [Brier Creek] and one General Ash or Nash commanded. About ten days after he returns he went out again in Services of the United States as a Volunteer and was a Captain of a Company and Serves this tour three months. He went out again as a Militia Captain under draft and was commanded by Colonel Porter. They went against the Cherokee Indians. Adam Hampton was Major they were marched from his own house in Buncombe County North Carolina to the head of Broad River in the same there range along the line near the Cherokee Nation where he was in a battle with them under General Williamson who commanded and his aide de camp whose name
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he does not now recollect was killed but the whites were notorious. From thence he marched back to the North Carolina line and continued there a very short time and then was discharged by Colonel Porter. That his third tour was three months that during his third tour he became acquainted with Genl Williamson a Militia General with Colonel Porter with Capt Porter Major Hampton all Militia officers.
The he served in all thirteen months. That after he volunteered and went out the first time into Service his colonel Porter gave him a commission as Captain and in the year 1828 his house was robbed by some person in his absence and took off a great quantity of his property and either took away or destroyed his commission which he had preserved until then and he has never seen it since nor does he know where it is. He has no documentary evidence left since his oath in the possession of this applicant nor does she know by whom she can prove the above facts. She further makes oath that the annexed Declaration of her husband so far as she believes to be true as she has heard him repeat in his life time frequently the last therein contains. She prays therefore that the XX in said Declaration of her husband be made part of this her Declaration in every particular in as full and complete a manner as if the same interrogation were put to him and she compelled to answer there and further she makes oath that she believes them to be true and adopts them as her own.
her
Nancy Turney
mark

Sworn to in open court this 4th June 1838 and the word "June inserted instead of May in first line of 1st page before sworn to and signed and also the" 4th february 1838"
John J Burnett
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State of Tennessee
Smith County
June Sessions of the County court for said county
4th Jun 1838
I John J Burnett Clerk of the county court of said Smith County hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings in the matter of the amended Declaration of Nancy Turney widow of Henry Turney deceased were had in in open court and the original Declaration was attached to the same in my presence.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office in Carthage the day and year last above mentioned
John J Burnett Clerk of Smith Count Courts
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26. 607.
Henry Turney
Hon W.B. Campbell HR
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Henry Turney Declaration
Smith County court
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We. John Bransford a clergyman residing in the county of Smith in the State of Tennessee and William Exum hereby certify residing in the same county with Henry Turney who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty years four months and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion Sworn to and subscribed the day and year afore said.
J. Pickett
Jno. Bransford
William Exum

And the above court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed.
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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 John Bransford who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman & resident in Smith County in the State of Tennessee and that William Exum who has all so [also] signed the same is a resident in Smith County in the State last aforesaid & is a credible person and that their statement is  entered to credit
John Chambers
Exum Whitley Justice of the Peace
Solo Dibow JP
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I Jonathan Pickett Clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter Session of Smith County in the State of Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Henry Turney for a pension.
In testimony where of I have herewith to set my hand and seal of office this 29th day of May 1833.
J. Pickett Clerk
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Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1932
State of Tennessee
Smith County
On this 28 day of May 1833 personally appearing in the open court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Smith County before the worshipful Aaron Whitley John Chambers & Saloman Debo esquires members of the court aforementioned now sitting Henry Turney a resident of eighty  years, and four months and twenty-seven days. Who being first duly sworn according to law and on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7,  1832. 
That in the month of March 1777 as well as he now recollects he entered the service of the United States as a captain of a militia company (no [not] a volunteer) in the militia in the North Carolina Line that Tutt was his Cornel, Hampton was his Major does not recollect the number of the regiment that he joined Cornel Tutt in Mecklenburg County in North Carolina from thence he marches to a town called Crop creek now called
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Fayetteville in North Carolina continued there only a few days, from thence he marched back to his own house in Burke County in North Carolina (his colonel having directed him to go home and continue there till further orders and,  his first tour of service was one month, continued there three or four weeks wt [with] the expiration of which time declarant was called upon by his colonel to go out against the enemy again and he went out and from thence marched on and crossed Savener [Savanah] River and then on to Kittle [Kettle} Creek in Georgia & at Kittle Creek he was in a battle forty-nine of the tories, thirty-eight of the whigs were killed and in said battle General Pickens who commanded the whig had one horse shot down under him but the whigs were victorious in said Battle and from thence declarant marched to Augusta in Georgia and continued there three or four months, but owing to the great lapse of time and the loss of memory declares he does not recollect which, at the expiration of which time marched to Bryar [Brier] Creek in Georgia, at which place he was in a  battle against the British in which Battle the British were victorious and from thence he marched back to Augusta in Georgia
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and continued there but a few days - wt [with] the expiration of which time he marches to a river called Stono at which place he was in that cold water battle called the battle of Stono in which battle the Americans lost a large number of men who were killed and taken and from there he marched to Charleston in South Carolina and continued there about one month at the expiration of which he marched from there and went on to the Eutaw Spring in South Carolina and continued there about four weeks at the expiration of which time his colonel directed him to go home that his Georgia tour of service was nine months and during the nine months aforesaid he was acquainted with General Wade Hampton who was as he believed a continental officer with General Count Pulaski. He does not recollect whether Pulaski was a continental or a malitia [militia] officer with General Lyncoln [Benjamin Lincoln} who was a continental officer with Coronels Tutt and Porter both of whom were malitia [militia] officers with Major Hampton who was a malitia [militia] officer with Captain Porter who was a malitia [militia] officer with Lieutenant Withero who was a Malitia [Militia] officer likewise
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declarant states that there never was any general with him till the battle at Briar [Brier] Creek and in that battle one general Ash or Nash he does not now recollect which nor he does not recollect whether he was a continental or a Militia officer and about ten days after he returned home he went out again into the service of the United States as captain (being a volunteer) that he went out again of a malitia [militia] company in the North Carolina line being commanded by Porter his colonel to go out again at the Chirekee [Cherokee] indians that  Adam Hampton was his major and marched from his own house in Buncombe county in North Carolina to the bend of Broad River in Buncombe county in the state of North Carolina and from thence ranged along the North Carolina Line near the Cherykee [Cherokee] nation three months then marched to Synica [Seneca] Town in the Cherrykee [Cherokee] nation where he was in a battle with the Cherrykees [Cherokees] in which battle General Williamson commander and his Aidecamp [aid-de-camp] whose name he does not now recollect was killed but the whites were victorious and from thence he marched back to the North Carolina line
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and continues there a very short time and then he was dismissed by his Colonel Porter and went home. That his this Tour was three months. That during the three months aforesaid he was acquainted with General Williamson who was a Militia General with Colonel Porter who was was a malitia [militia] officer with Capt Porter who was likewise a Malitia [militia] officer and Major Hampton who was the a malitia [militia] officer that he served in all thirteen months that after he volunteered and went out the first time into service his Colonel Porter gave him a commission as Captain which commission he retained till the fall of the year 1828 when some person robbed his house in his absence and took of a great quantity of his property and likewise either took away, or destroyed said commission he never has seen it since nor does not know where it is at this time That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares
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Did you ever receive a commission if so by whom was it signed & what has become of it
Answer: I received a commission from my Colonel Robert Porter and I believed it was signed by him but said commission was taken out of my house or destroyed when my house was robed [robbed] in the fall of 1828.
7
State the names of persons to whom you know 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.
Answer: The Reverend Sanders Presley The Reverand John Bransford John Lancaster esquire Thomas Lancaster Willis Coggins William Exum & John Thurston 
Sworn in open court 28 May 1833
J. Pickett
his
Henry Turney
mark
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that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any state or Territory in the United States.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
J. Pickett Clerk
his
Henry Turney
mark

Interrogatories to Henry Turney
1. Where and in what year were you born
Answer. I was born in a town called Naneymam [Nanjemoy] in the State on the first day of January 1753.
2. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
Answer. I have not it was set down in my fathers family bible but when my house was robed [robbed] in the fall of 1828 it was taken of or destroyed and I know not where it is at this time.
3. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live.
Answer. When called into service I was
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living in Burke a county in North Carolina and continued there till the fall of 1779 then removed to Davidson County in the state of Tennessee & continued there about ten years they removed to Smith county in Tennessee where they now live.
4 How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute & if a substitute for whom.
Answer. I volunteered all three times
5 State the names of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served such continental and Malitia [militia] & the general circumstances of your service
Answer. General Lyncoln [Lincoln}, General Wade Hampton were continental officers & I recollect of no continental regiment nor of no Malitia [Militia] Regiment except the one in which I served during all the tours aforesaid and the general circumstances of my service are above stated
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6 Did you ever receive a commission if so by whom was it signed & what has becsme of it
Answer. I received a commission from my Colonel Robert Porter and I believed it was signed by him but said commission was taken out of my house, or destroyed when my house was robed [robbed] in the fall of 1828
7 State the names of persons to whom you know in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for services as a soldier of the Revolution
Answer. The Reverend Sanders Presley The Reverand John Bransford John Lancaster esquire, Thomas Lancaster, Willis Coggins William Exum & John Thurston
his
Henry Turney
mark
Sworn in open Court 28 May 1833
J. Pickett
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31656
Tennessee
Nancy Turner, widow of Henry Turney, deceased of Smith Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the comp commanded by Captain Hampton of the regt commanded by Col Tutt in the N. Carolina line for 8 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 & end on the 4th February 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Sept 1839 & sent to J Fergusson Carthage, Tennessee.
Arrears to the 4th of February 1838 $184.44 Semi-annual allowance ending
Total $184.44
Total $184.44
Revolutionary Claim, Act Jun 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. McCurdy Clerk, Book 62 Vol. 7, Page 107.
Page 28

state of Tennessee
Smith County
July term of the County court holden [held] at Carthage for the County of Smith 1839
Be it [unknown] above that on this day to wit the first day of July 1839 aforesaid that Willis Coggins appeared in open court and made oath in due form of law that Captain Henry Turney the husband of Mrs. Nancy Turney departed this life on the fourth day of February Eighteen hundred and thirty eight and that she the XX Nancy Turney has not intermarried since that period shell [she will] continue the widow of the above named Henry Turney
Sworn to in open court the date above
Willis Coggins Clerk
Sworn to in open Court 1 July 1839
Bennett Clerk
Page 29

State of Tennessee
Smith County
July 1st 1839 and the court here in consideration of the proof here before them are of opinion that the said Captain Henry Turney died on the fourth day of February eighteen hundred and thirty eight as states in the foregoing affidavit. Merit [unknown]John John Burnett clerk of said court and officer in Carthage the 1st day of July 1839.  
John J. Burnett 
Leroy H. Cage Clerk of South County Court

State of Tennessee
Smith County
I John J Burnett clerk of the county court of said Smith County hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings were had in open court and that Leroy H Cage is chairman of said court and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testamony [testimony] whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said court at office in Carthage this 3rd day of July 1839 and of the independence of the United States the sixty third
John J Burnett of Smith County Court
Page 30

July Seven 1839
Court
Page 31

State of Tennessee
Smith County ⎬
July term of the
County Court holden
County of Smith 1839
Be it remembered that on this
day to wit the first day of July 1839
aforesaid that Willis originopen
Court, and made oath in due form
law that Captain Henry Turner the
husband of Mrs Nancy Tree
departed
this life on the fourth day John
by
and that he the said Nancy Turner
has not interman since that period
still continues the
widow of
but
above named Henry Dunn
the
Sworn to in open
Court the date above
Willis Coggefrom
to an open Court Jug 13
Benton
Page 32

Carthage Tennessee
3rd July 1839
Sir
Enclosed you will find the testamony [testimony] establishing the period of the death of Captain Henry Turney as directed in your letter of the [blank] day of [blank] 1839
I know a good many circumstances about Mrs. Turney since the death of her husband on account that she has had to be here frequently at court. She administered on her husbands estate and contested a nuncupation will in the circuit court at this place. So that anything about her or her husband is a matter easily investigated and proof of any circumstances is at hand
I feel therefore confident that this will prove satisfactory to you and I am requested by her respectfully to ask you to allow her claim as soon as convenient
Respectfully
A. Fergusson

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 33

Carthage Tennessee
16th October 1838
Sir
Enclosed you have the proof in regard to the marriage of Henry Turney and Nancy his wife now his widow In your letter of 22 June last you require that unless documentary or record proof be exhibited she cannot receive a pension at a higher rate than the pay of a private, and also that it should be established at what time she was married to him. I have made some effort to ascertain the fact and received from the Secretary of State of North Carolina that no rolls of the Militia existed in his office consequently if it be indispensable that record or documentary evidence be exhibited in support of a Captains pay I fear it will be impossible as those whom I have conversed with only say that they understood he was a Captain. The lines of the marriage although filed in the clerks office at this place has been lost owning to the very careless manner in which he kept his papers immediately before his death. We will therefore have to submit to your proposition intimated in your letter above mentions namely that of the pay of a Private if Documentary proof, should come to my hands showing that he was a Captain I can exhibit it hereafter. You will please allow the claim as soon as [unknown]
Respectfully
A Fergusson

James L Edwars Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 34

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 35

Carthage Tennessee
1st June 1839
Dear Sir
I have not recieved any information of the claim of Mrs Nancy Turney Widow of Capt. Henry Turney since 22nd June last and I am [illegible] again to address you on the subject of her claim. In your letter of that date you say that unless documentary or record proof can be exhibited you cannot allow the Pension at a higher rate than the pay of a Private and further that proof of her marriage should be exhibited. In answer to that letter I wrote you that she was willing to acceed [accede] to the preposition and would be satisfied with the pay of a Private as she was unwilling to undertake to obtain any further proof not knowing where to find it. I also forwarded to you the proof of marriage which was the affidavit of the matrimony [magistrate] who married them the year being lost. She is desirous of knowing as soon as convenient of the result. The claim of Mrs Mary Ann Gent widow of Jessee Gent
Page 36

was sent to you some time last year but has not been heard from yet. She requests me to inform you about it and to request your early attention to it. The claim I have a distant recolection [recollection] about it. The proof was made out clear and satisfactory and I have had no doubt will be allowed her our your examination. I hope you will allow these claims as soon as convenient.
Respectfully
A Fergusson

PS The claim of Mrs Mary Day widow of Philip Day has not been heard from the proof in [total] case was compleat [complete] and sent to you last year. yours R, A Fergusson

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 37

Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 8794
Nancy Turney
Wid
Henry Turney
Privt Rev War
Act: June 7 1832
Index:-Vol. M, Page 285
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 38

[illegible] Turney [illegible]
Tennessee
- Suspended
See letter 22 @
June 1838 [illegible] W. B. Campbell.
let 23 May  39 t
Ferguson do. 14
June '39
Act 7 June 1832
Page 39

War Department,
Pension Office,
August 29, 1837.
In order to prevent any mistake, or improper use that may be made of the affidavit of an officer who may have the custody of records, from which he may make transcripts of the record of a marriage, or birth, or the license to celebrate a marriage, the officer who may give his affidavit, will instead of copying the figures contained in the record, write the dates, and at the end of the extract from the record, certify "that it is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures, as follows:"- [Here copy the day, month, and year, in letters and figures, in exact conformity with the original. Then let him add the following words:]
"I, A.B. above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of   in the County, Town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said   with the exception above named, as certified by me.
 A. B., Clerk of the
Sworn before me, C. D., Justice of the Peace."
[Then will follow the certificate of the proper officer, under his seal of office, shewing that C. D. is a Justice of the Peace - Commissioner of deeds, Notary Public, or other officer, duly authorized by law to administer oaths.]
[Manicule symbol] The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The County Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayer, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
[Manicule symbol] In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers.
[Manicule symbol] Made of authenticating papers.- In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officers who authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small 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.
[Manicule symbol] No affidavit can be admitted as evidence, if not perfectly free from erasure, interlineation and every other alteration, unless the Magistrate who may administers the oath, gives a certificate, shewing that the alteration was made prior to the execution of the paper.
Page 40

State of Tennessee:
Smith County.
Be it known, That at a County Court Sessions, holden for the county aforesaid, at the court house in the town of  Carthage on the 5th day of March 1837 personally appeared in open court Willis Coggins and William Polly and Alexander Dillard all of said county, and upon their oaths have satisfactorily proved to the court here that she, the said Nancy Turney was the lawful wife of the late Henry Turney of said county, deceased, and that her said husband died on the 4th day of February 1837 and that at the time of his death [crossed out] he had been placed on the roll of Revolutionary Pensioners of the United stated, under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832 and further, that he was the identical Henry Turney named in an original certificate in his possession on the day of his death, and which is here shown to the court, and of which the following is a true copy:
War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the

Given at the War Office of the United States, this  day of  18  Secretary of War.
And she, the said Nancy Turney further testifies that her late husband, the said Henry Turney deceased, was entitled to a pension at the rate of  dollars per annum from the 4th day of March 1831 to which time her was last paid, to the 4th day of February 1837 when he died, on account of services rendered the United States during the revolutionary war, and that at the time of his death he resided in said Smith county, and had resided there for the space of thirty five years past; and previous thereto he resided in  North Carolina
Sworn to and subscribed in open court, here, the day and year first above mentioned.
John J Burnett Clerk of Smith County Court
her Nancy Turney [illegible]
Alex Dillard
Willis Coggins
Page 41

Know all men by these presents, that I Nancy Turney of the county of Smith and State of Tennessee, widow of Henry Turney late of said county, deceased, do hereby constitute and appoint [blank] my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions, at Nashville, in said State, the pension due to my late husband, the said deceased, from the 4 day or March 1831 (to which time he was last paid,) to the 4th day of February 1837 when he died.
Witness my hand and seal, this 5th day of March 1837
[illegible] Willis Coggins her, Nancy Turner [illegible]
Which said power of attorney was duly acknowledged here in open court, by her, the said Nancy Turney to be her act and deed. 
In testimony whereof, and of the foregoing proof before the court, I John Burnett, Clerk of said court, have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my seal of office, this 5th day of March -
John J Burnett
State of Tennessee, County, Sct.
Be it known, That on the   day of   183   before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for said country, personally appeared   the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer, or mortgage of the pension or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year last above mentioned, before me,   
Justice of the Peace.
Page 42

The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Bounty Land Warrant Record Card*
Division of Veterans' Administrative Archives
Name Turney, Toney Grade Private Line Connecticut
Warrant Number 6578 Acreage 100 Issued Sept. 20, 1790 to - not shown -
*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.