Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11554, for John Stafford, Maryland
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Service: MD

Stafford, John 
Number W.11554

Stafford, Mary J.
B.L.Wt. 50888-160-55

[Comments: none]
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NJ4.895. Acc/mas 3/5

Mary stafford wid
John Stafford did
DIv.
Private
Md Mild
hel 53-5259
Rev. War
Pensioner
Ad. 160 ac's Dec 22/56
Dodge
Hacoltwin Davidson
Huntington
Tenn.

[Opposite page]
End P
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[tear on corner] dec 16. Letter
for return[?] of Bones[?]
Corp. 
Gueds of leg alt.
1871 Feb 17. Letter from ev.d-of identity  P.V.
Ad.
1871 April 29th Restored at $20.00/100 per Annum from Meh 4/61.
Letters to P.U. Pensioner

[Next column on page]
5259
Kentucky
Mary Stafford
widow of John
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 dollars ----cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 7th day of June 1855. and sent to H A Kemble Canfield
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26743
Kentucky
John Stafford of Graves Co. in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the [unreadable] commanded by Captain Robson of the regt commanded by Col Goldsbarry in the Maryland line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 20 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of May 1854 and Hon 6 [undecipherable] H R
Arrears to the 4th of March 60.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 10.00
$70.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Danl Boyd, Clerd, Book E Vol 7 Page 48
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State of Kentucky}
Graves County     } Seal

On this 14th day of April 1834 personally appeared in open court before the honourable Rezin Davidge [word underlined] Judge of the Graves Circuit court and now sitting John Stafford aged 67 years a resident of the said county of Graves and state of Kentucky, 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 Congress passed June 7th 1832--that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer, and served as he reinstated (cwd).
He states that he was born in Dorchester County Maryland on the 21st day of March 1767 he has a record of his age which proves this fact, and that he first entered the service of the United States, in the said county of Dorchester  and state of Maryland as a private Militia man in the month of January 1781 and joined a company of volunteers [word underlined], under the command of captain Joseph Robson with whom and under whose command he was stationed on Taylor's Island about 40 miles below Anapolis on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay;  he states that a marauding party of the enemy landed on Taylor's Island [named underlined] as above early in the month of January 1781 and burned and otherwise destroyed a large amount of property in consequence of which General (or Colonel) Goldberry of the Maryland militia orders the above named Captain Joseph Robson to raise a company of the adjacent militia and station himself & company on Taylor's Island for its protection. This was the company your declarant joined in the month of January 1781 and this was the manner of his joining to wit he was in his 15th year and was of course under his father he states, that Captain Robson was his mothers brother [mothers brother underlined], and he declared, father had joined said company and after having joined; him do merleck [?] himself, called him home and he sent your declarant to serve in his place & he your declarant was accepted by captain Robson as a substitute for his father he would state that he wasweld grown & performed the duty of a soldier promptly and Capt Robson stated that he would prefer him to his father [statement underlined] he would state that his father as well as captain Robson lived on Taylor's island near the station, and that your declarant first entered [unreadable] above State to wit in January 1781 for the term of three months in his fathers placed that he served the whole of that period which expired in April 1781 at which period the demand for
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The services of the company were if possible more pressing than when they first entered the service in the preceding January. The enemy now in Great force had entire possession of the lower part of the Chesapeake and the several rivers by which it was watered and were committing the most horrid ravage upon private property under the state of things and the  term of captain Robson’s company having now expired. (General or Col) Goldsberry ordered him to cause another company to serve for six months and to station himself on Taylor’s Island at the same place The  order was complyed with  by captain Robson in April 1781 and your declarant joined this company to be more practical and your declarant entered the service of the United States the 2nd time in the month of April 1781 on Dorchester Counts  Maryland (by leave of his father) as a private volunteer Militia man he was stationed on Taylor’s Island under Captain Joseph Robson under whom and at which place he served  six months in this 2nd time and was discharged by captain Robson late in the month of october 1781 after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at yorktown he does not recollect whether his discharge was written or not  If written he states he has lost it he would beg leave to present his services in one view (re’g) January 1781 entered in his fathers place on or volunteers under capt Joseph Robson by order of Genl Goldsberry for three months stationed on Taylors Island served the time out but was not discharged because the enemy being now in possession of eastern parts of Virginia & no prospect of getting rid of them under six months caps Robson was again ordered to cause another company for the period of six months and your declarant joined cast Robson now to wit April 1781 (without ever quitting the service for another term of six months which he served out & was discharged about stated in October 1781 and thus oaths he served this nine months under two engagements yet the service was one continued service  at the same station and under the same officer told Capt Joseph Robson who was the commanding officer at the station during the  whole time  hence in your declarants declaration which he presents at this
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was depantment[?] in February 1834 he did not mention the two separate engagements your declarant would state  in conclusion that the enemy approached our station in or Carge[?] at one time with the intention  it was supposed of  landing but were quickly repulsed by our fire
Your declarant test explicitly that he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no living witness by whom he can prove his services he states that he moved in the year 1886 from Dorchester County Maryland to Caldwell County North Carolina and fro there  to Smith CountyTennessee in 1797 and from there to Dickson County Tennessee in 1811  and from there to Graves County Kentucky in 1832 where he has resided ever since & where he at present resides he states that William T Anderson Benjamin Gilbert John Moore and Amos  A Atkinson are his neighbors who  will be ample testimony to his character for veracity on on to his reputation of having been a revolutionary soldier he hereby  relinquishes  every claim to a pension or annuity except this present and declared  that his name is not not the pension roll of the agency of any state or territory whatever

Subscribed and sworn to in open court the day and year aforesaid

Attest 
 Jno Anderson

We Jeremiah Adams—a clergyman resident in  the county of Graves and state of Kentucky and John Sullivan a resident of the said County and state hereby certify that we  are well acquainted wth John Stafford who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we  believe him to be about 67 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in the opinion not having any doubt whatever of his having been Leseh[?]

Subscribed and sworn to in open court county this day and year aforesaid

Jno Anderson

Jeremiah Adams

Jonn Sullivan
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and I the undersigned myself of the said court do hereby certify et[?] to be my opinion after the imenty[?] now of the matter and after putting the inenog[?] aloines[?] presented by the com[?] department that the above named applicant was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states and i do find the certify that it appears to me that the said Jeremiah Adamswho has signed the preceding certificate is a clergy man and residing in the said county of Graves and that John Sullivan—who has signed the same certificate is also a resident of the same county and state and is a creditable person and that their statements are antilled[?] to credit.

Given im[unreadable] my hand this 14th day of April1834

Rezin Davidge

State ofKentucky
Graves County 	Seal

I John Anderson clerk of the circuit Court for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing four pages contain the the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Stafford for a pension

Testimony whereof  I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 14th day of April 1834
Jno Anderson

In this case the  original information not having been tactonned[?] but requested by the Department, law[?] the next of this applicant. I am authorised to say a rulif[?]  [unreadable] for 6 months would be preferred to the delay Chilva[?] Taylor 
May [unreadable]
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27476
John Stafford 
Ken 

e. j

is my nols[?] at the end of the [unreadable]
			Lyon
from 1780 puCn[?]
$20


Na C. Lyon
N.R
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War Department 
Pension Office.
Oct 20 1834

Sir: the evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined and the papers are herewith returned. The following is your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following  riles 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. These points to to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked int he 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 John Stafford

Period when the service was rendered……1781

Duration of the claimant’s service
Years…………[empty]
Months………9
Days………….[empty]

Rank of the claimant……..Prv
Name and rand of the Field officers under whom he served……Cap. Robson
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service…..67  Md
Proof by which the declaration is supported…..Traditionary

The applicants claim for nine months services and one engagement cannot be allowed unless he produces proof of said engage services.

The original declarationheeto in every case be returned to this officer in order to a favorable decision. The services performed by the  by the applicant was a “minuteman”. He remained stationed at the place. His rendered object to do duty ends when the presence of the enemy Nat.[?] regard it, not, more than one month can be allowed
May 7, 1836

I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James L Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
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REGULATIONS UNER 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			} ss.
	On this		day of		personally appeared (a) before
		A. B. a resident of (b) of 		in the county of 		 and State, Territory or District of 		aged (c)		years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the ear (d)	, with 		and served in the 		(e) regiment of the 		line, under the following named officers:
	[Here set forth themes 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 sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

	He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of 		
	Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 			A. B.

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

	And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary solder, and served he states.
	I				of the Court of 		do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of 		for a pension.	
		In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this 		day of 			&c.

	If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
	Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers  or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and state Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following addition, viz:
	(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the 		and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with			, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 		years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a 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 he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the 		and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the			and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
	I, 		Clerk of the Court of 		 do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of		for a pension.
					In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand 								and seal of office, this	day of 		&c.
	Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
	If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of 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 ere 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 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 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 that 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 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 certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
	Whenever any official 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. 
	No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the 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, deposits and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For ——— year ——— months, and —— days, I served as a ————. For ————- months and ———— days, I served as a ———; and for such service I claim a pension.”
	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 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 give 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 wells 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.
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State of Kentucky

County of Graves
On the 13 day of June A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me H. M. Morse a justice of the peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths for general purposes. Mary Stafford aged sixty three years old last February the 9th and a resident of Graves County and State of Kentucky  The[?] first being duly sworn according to law says on her oath that she was Married to John Stafford on the 5th day of December A.D. 1822 in Dixon County and State of Tennefsee. That [unreadable] to her marriage her name was Mary Gillied that her said Husband John Stafford Was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and actually Six months or more in the said War And drew a pension at the rate of twenty dollars per Annum That she is the identical Mary Stafford Who now draws a pension payable in Louisville Kentucky at the rate of twenty dollars per Annum and dated this 9th day of June 1855 under the Act of Feb 3, 1853 and No. 5.259 that she has not again Married but continues the Widow of the above named John Stafford. As is now a Widow that she has no record proof other marriage but depends on the papers now on file in the Pension office for proof of her husbands military services.And the Capt’s name under Whom he served that she makes this declaration in order to obtain the bounty land to Which she may be entitled under the acts of the Congress approved 3rd day
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for March 1855 an additional Act. that she never has received Any land Warrant under Any Act of Congrefs Whatever And this the first Application under this or Any Other Act of Congrefs sworn to And Subscribed the day And date first above Written 
: N.M. Morse op			Mary her x mark Stafford


State of Kentucky
County of Graves On this 13 day of June A. D. One thousand eight hundred And Fifty six personally appeared before me N. M. Morse a justice of the peace in and and for said County duly Authorized by law to administer oaths for general purposes John B. Anderson and Oliver H. Perry two credible Witnefs and residents of Graves County andState of Kentucky say upon their oath that Mary Stafford the subscriber to the foregoing declaration Was duly sworn an did subscribe her name to the foregoing declaration in their presents that she is the identical Woman Who now draws a pension as set forth by her that she is now a widow. Sworn to And subscribed the day And date first above Written Before me And I further certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim
N. M. Morse op

J B Anderson
O H Perry
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State of Kentucky 
County of Graves seal
I William Beadles clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that N M Morse whose name is signed to the within certificate is & was at the time of signing the Same an Acting Just of the peace within & for Said County That full faith & credit are due all his official acts as Such, & that his Signature is genuine
Witnefs my hand & Seal of office at Mayfield, This 13 day of June A. > 1856
Wm Beadles Clerk
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Mary Stafford
her Declaration
Pension


Witnefs
A. A. Kemble
Mayfield
Kentucky
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State Of Kentucky}
Graves County      } seal

On this 18th day of September 1834 personally appeared before the county court for the county of Graves & State of Kentucky it being a Court of Record. Mary  Stafford a resident of Graves County in the state of Kentucky aged about sixty years, who first being duly sworn according to the following declaration on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the actor Congrefs on the 3rd Feb 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War:
that she is the widow of John Stafford who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War but in what company or Regiment she is not informed she only knows that her said husband was a private soldier in said war & that before  and at his death herded a pension for his services in said war: she here refers to the evidence an file with his  appreciation for a pension & relies on it to prove his service in said war. She further declares that she was married to the said John Stafford on the day of 1822 eighteen hundred and twenty two that her said husband and on the 28th  day of March 1845 that she was not married to him prior to  the 2nd January 1800, but the time above stated. Se further declares that she is a widow
Mary Stafford S.S.
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II

Sworn to and subscribed before me in open court by the applicant Mary Stafford to me well known and we certify that I am satisfied she is the identical widow of John Stafford who was a solder in the Revolutionary war & that her declaration is thus: Given under my hand this 18th day of Sep 1854		ABBoon P Helele

Kentucky Graves County SS
On this day personally came before me Charles Gilbert and John Sullivan and first being duly sworn declare that they are personally acquainted with this applicant Mary Stafford, & were, before his death that they knew she (the applicant is & has been since the death of her husband John Stafford, a widow. That her said husband was the  identical John Stafford who before his death drew a pension for services as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. They further state that they have no interest in the bounty or pension sought by the applicant
		Charles Gilbert SS
		John Sullivan SS

Short to and subscribed before me and I certify that we the above named Charles Gilbert and John Sullivan are residents of Graves county Kentucky and to me personally known and that they are worthy of credit on oath,
Given under my hand
this 18th day of Sept 1854
ABBoon P Helele
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State of Kentucky}
County of Graves } seal
	I William Beades clerk of the county court for the County aforesaid do certify that A R Boon whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate was on the day it bears date the presiding judge of said County Duly Elected. Commissioned & qualified, and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such
		Witnefs my hand and seal
		 of office at Mayfield This 22nd day
		of February 1855

			Wm Beadles clerk
Page 20

March 12, 1940
BA-J/AWF
John Stafford 
W. 11554

Mrs. Grace C. Metcalfe
1221 College Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana

Dear Madam:

	Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of the following soldiers:
	John Stafford served in Maryland militia, pensioned while living in Kentucky;
	Benjamin Perry, private in the Virginia Line, pensioned while living in Kentucky;
	James Perry or Berry, Captain Holder’s company.

	Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request which requires so ,much time and research.

	The date which follow were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W. 11554, based upon the military service of John Stafford, in the War of the Revolution.

	John Stafford was born March 21, 1767 on Taylors Island in Dorchester County, Maryland, about forty miles below Annapolis. The names of his parents were not given.

	While residing on Taylors Island, John Stafford served as substitute for his father, from
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2-

sometime in January, 1781, nine months as private in Captain Joseph Robson’s company, Colonel Goldsbury’s Maryland company, wase stationed on Taylors Island, and in a skirmish with the “enemy”.

	John Stafford moved in 1786 from Dorchester County, Maryland to Caswell County, North Carolina, in 1797, moved to Smith County, Tennessee, in 1911, to Dickson County, Tennessee, and in 1832, to Graves County, Kentucky.

	He was allowed pension on his application executed April 14, 1834, then a resident of Graves County, Kentucky. He died March 28, 1845.

	John Stafford married December 5, 1822, in Dickson County, Tennessee, Mary J. Gilbert. The date and place of her birth and names of parents were not stated.

	The widow, Mary J. Stafford, was allowed pension on her application executed September 18, 1854, at which time she was about sixty years of age, and living in Graves County, Kentucky. She was allowed, also, one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on her application executed June 13, 1856, still living in Graves County. She was living in 1872, in Mayfield, Graves County, Kentucky.

	It was stated that John Stafford and his wife, Mary J., reared a family of children, no names were given.

	The Captain Joseph Robson, under whom the soldier, John Stafford, served, was his mother’s brother.

	In 1854, Charles Gilbert a resident of Graves County, Kentucky, stated that he was well acquainted with both the soldier and his wife, Mary J., and in 1855, Catherine Gilbert stated that at the time of
Page 22


3-

the marriage of John Stafford and Mary J. Gilbert, she (Catherine Gilbert) was living in Dickson County, Tennessee, and was well acquainted with both of them. No relationship was shown.

	The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible family data.

	In order to obtain the last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Mary J. Stafford, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data.

Mary Stafford  (as pensioned), widow of John Stafford
Certificate 5259
Issued May 8, 1872
Rate $96.00 per annum (increase)
Commenced July 27, 1868
Act of July 27, 1868
Kentucky Agency.

	If you desire the location of the bounty land referred to herein, it is suggested that you apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and cite the following data:

Warrant #50888- 160 acres- Act of 1855.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator
Page 23

2’du[dec?] Feb 3, 1853 d
13th du[dec?] Act of July 27, 1868

War of the Revolution

CLAIM FOR INCREASE OF WIDOW’S PENSION.

Supplemental to case in which certificate No. 5,259 was issued June 9th, 1855.

BRIEF in the case of Mary Stafford, Widow of
John Stafford a Private in the Revolutionary War.
Resident of Graves County, and State of Kentucky.
Post Office address: Mayfield, Graves Co, Kentucky.

DECLARATION AND IDENTIFICATION IN DUE FORM	 April 15, 1872
PROOF EXHIBITED.
		|A pensioner as the Rolls of Kentucky of $20.00 per annum.
		|Paid to June 4, 1871 Certificate [undecipherable)
		|She applies for increase pension as provided 
		|in 13th Sec of the Act of July 27, 1868
		|Identity Shown
		|
Agent,		|H. M. Carr
and his P.	|Louisville—
O. address	|Ky			Fee $10.
		|
		|	Issue certificate for Eight dollars per month, under acts of June 3, 1858 and July 				|27, 1868,
		|commencing July 27, 1868, deducting former payments. Suice
		|				W. E. Trask, Examiner.
		|	Passed May 1, 186872
		|Approved: May 2, 72
		|GASM.
Page 24

Payment to be made at Louisville,
	by
J.[?] B. Kin[unreadable] Esq

Agency for paying Pensioners in the 
Agency of
	Kentucky

Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the 
Roll of Pensioners under act February 
3d, 1853, Page 179, Vol. A

G. T. Getty Clerk.
Page 25

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

WIDOW’S PENSION

——————

I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Mary Stafford
widow of John Stafford
who was a private
in the of revolutionary war, 
is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of twenty
dollars and -  -  -  -  cents per annum, commencing on the
3d 2d of February, 1853, and continuing for life unlefs she should
again marry: in which case the Pension is not payable upon the time
of such marriage.

	Given at the Department of the Interior
		this Ninth day of June,
		one thousand eight hundred and fifty five

			[name undecipherable]
			Acting Secretary of the Interior

Examined and countersigned.

[Name undecipherable]
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 26

State of Kentucky	} Seal.
Graves County 	}

	The affidavit of Mary Stafford shows that some time since perhaps in January or February last she caused her application to be made out and forwarded to the Pension office at Washington City D.C. for the purpose of claiming the amount of Pension money she may be entitled to as the widow of John Stafford.
	She now states that she is unable to file in the Pension office Record evidence of her marriage to John Stafford for the reason that the only record evidence of that fact was destroyed by a storm which blew over and destroyed the County Court Clerk’s office in which the record was kept in Dixon county Tennessee. This storm destroyed all or nearly all the papers in the office. She has caused said office to be examined and notice of this record is to be found but none[?] was destroyed by said storm
Page 27

she says however that she was married to the said John Stafford as stated in her application above alluded to.
She makes this affidavit for the purposes in connection with the application aforesaid, ob obtaining the pension money to which she may be entitled as the widow of John Stafford
					Mary X Stafford

Sworn to and subscribed before
Mary Stafford
me this 19th May 1855.

					J B Anderson JP

The affidavit of Catherine Gilbert  shows that at the time of the marriage of John Stafford to Mary Stafford the applicant. She was a resident of Dixon County Tennessee, and was being within lefs than one mile of the place where the marriage took place she was well acquainted with the applicant Mary Stafford and her husband John Stafford bothe before and after their marriage she knew of the marriage at the time it occurred but was
Page 28

not present she was well acquainted with both John and Mary Stafford from their marriage until the death of John Stafford in March 1845. 
She knows the parties lived together and recognized each other as man and wife from the time of their marriage until the death of John Stafford. 
She further states that although she was not present at the marriage yet she can say that she has not the least doubt of its having taken place as stated. She being a close neighbor and on intimate terms with the parties at the time and almost at the time since. She knows the clerks office in Dixon County Tennessee  in which the record was kept was blown down and most of the records destroyed since said married 
					Catherine X Gilbert

The foregoing affidavit of Catherine Gilbert was this day subscribed and sworn to before me an dI certify that the officiant[?] is a credible person and that I have no interest in this claim.

J.B Anderson J.P
Page 29

State of Kentucky 
County of Graves seal 
I William Beadles Clerk of the County Court for the aforesaid, do certify that J. B. Anderson whose name is signed the within Certificate is  & was at the time of Signin the Same an acting Justice of the peace within & for Said County, that full faith & credit are in his official acts as such, & that his signature is genuine—
				Witnefs my hand & seal of 
				of office at Mayfield. The 9 day of May A. D. 1855
						Wm Beadles CGleC
Page 30

[DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
STAMP HERE]

N.

DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION
Under section 13, act of July 27, 1868
										
Mary J Stafford
Widow of John Stafford
Private Revolutionary
War————-
Pension Certificate
No 5259


										

FILED BY
H. M. Carr, Atty
Louisville
		KY

										

[half page next]

Car[?[ called for 
Ap 27, 1872
Page 31

N.
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OFPENSION.
Under Section 13, Act of July 27, 1886

State of Kentucky	}
COUNTY OF Graves 	} SS.

ON THIS TENTH DAY OF 	April, A. D. 1842, personally appeared before me, a County Court Clerk within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs. Mary J. Stafford, aged 89 years, a resident of Mayfield, in the State of Kentucky, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that She is the identical Mary J. Stafford to whom was granted Pension certificate No 5259, payable at Louisville Ky, at the rate of 20 dollars per month, annum issued under the act of 29 July , 1848; that She makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which She is entitled under the thirteenth section of the act of July 27, 1868.
	My Post Office address is as follows: Mayfield, Graves Co. KY.
	And She hereby constitutes and appoints H. M. Carr of Louisville Kentucky her Attorney, to present and prosecute this claim, and authorizes him to receive and receipt for any certificate that may be issued for the same, and to do any other act or thing necessary or that She might do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose.
U. N Sulivan
Alex Tucker		Signature of Claimant
Mary J her + mark Stafford

Also personally appeared  U. M. Sulivan and Alex Tucker, residents of Graves Co. KY, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Mary J. Stafford sign her name {make her mark} to the foregoing declaration: and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person She represents herself to be; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. 
Signatures of Witnesses. { U. M. Sulivan
						{ Alex Tucker

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10 day of April, A. D. 18672: and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

Signature of Judge or other Officer:
C. J. Whitterman Clerk
Graves County Clerk
Page 32

Louisville KY
April 12 1842
Hon. J. H Baker
Commr of Pensions
Sir:
I have the honor to respectfully transmit herewith the application of Mrs. Mary J. Stafford tor increase of pension . Certificate Widows No. 5259 under the provisions of Sec. 13 Act July 27, 1868.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
H. M. Carr
Atty for Claimant
Page 33

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
APR 15 1872
PENSION OFFICE
Page 34

rief in the case of Mary Stafford widow of John.
Graves County and State of Ky:
act 3rd Feb. 1853.

Claim, (“original,” or “for increase.”)

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, supported by rolls?

Husband was pensioned under the Act of 7th June 1832 at the rate of $20. Per An: Three witnefses testify to general reputation of marriage & cohabitation & tho the partie’s raised a family or Children. Pensioner died 28 March, 1845, as per the Affidavits of two witnefses, & first of the {undecipherable) Anderson. Widowhood identity is established by the Affidavits of two Credible Affiants.

(If for increase.)
	Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so what?

A. A. Kemble, Esq.
Mayfield, Ky:
Name and residence of Agent

S. C. Boynton,
Examining Clerk.
Page 35

This day W. H. Mills and Charles Gilbert Personally Appeared before the  undersigned an Acting Justice of the Peace for county of Graves and state of Kentucky And Made Oath in all form of Law that they have been acquainted with Mary Stafford for the last twenty Years and that we the Said Mills and Gilbert were with or near her before the Last civil War and Near her during war and up to the resent time and do State that Mary Stafford mentioned certificate No 5259 was Loyal to the U, S,  Government Leaving the last Civil warned is up to the present time given under our hands & Seals
January 7th 1871 Charles Gilbert
W.H. Mills
Sworn to before me by Charels Gilbert and W. H. Mills who are personally known to me as being creditable witnefses  given under My hand
January 7th 1871

P, L, Talbert justice of 
the peace for the County of Graves

State of Kentucky }
County of Graves  }  Seal
I C. J. Whittemore  clk of the  County aforesaid
certify that P L Talbert whos name is
attached to the foregoing certificate 
is and was at the time of Signing
Page 36

the same a Duly Commifsioned and Qualified Justice of the Peace in & for Said County and that his commifsion was Dated on the 16 day of May 1867 and will Expire on the 16 day of May 1871 and that all of his official Acts as Such are Entitled to full faith & credit.
Given under my hand & 
official Seal Done at office
in Mayfield Kentucky US
January the 7th 1871.
C. J. Whitmore GCC
Page 37

Respectfully 
Return to the
Court of Pensions with the njunst 
that he was given the
matter a favorable & prompt 
Consideration
Your Truly L S Trimble
Page 38

Mayfield Ky July 13 1870

Hon L S Kimble
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you pension papers of Mrs Mary Stafford widow of a Revolutionary Soldier. please present items  at the proper office and have her name enrolled, and then have same enrolled at the Louisville agency. her papers got lost during the war and were recently found in the old safe of Thomas & Mays. When enrolled at Washington please insert your name in the power of attorney and draw the money. The old lady is very old, and [undecipherable] waits. No news allwill, Serve are your making it
Your friend
Emir Anderson
Page 39

M	M
DEPOSITION OF TWO WITNESSES THAT WIDOW OR MOTHER HAS NOT REMARRIED.
*Insert the name of pensioner.
+Insert “widów” or “mother.”
++Insert the name of late husband or son.
We, P L Talbert and H L Anderson, of the Town of 		,  County of Graves, State Kentucky, do solemnly swear that we are neighbors of * Mary Stafford, who is the +widow of ++John Stafford deceased, on whose account she receives a Pension (Certificate number 5259), and that for the past two, to ten, years we have been well acquainted with the said *Mary Stafford; that from our frequent intercourse and conversations, an from other circumstances, we have every reason to believe, and we do both believe, that the said *Mary Stafford has not remarried since the death of the above mentioned ++John Stafford. Further, we say that if she had remarried, we have reason to believe that we should have known it.
(Two witnesses if mark is made.)

P. L. Talbert
H. L. Anderson

State of Kentucky, County of Graves, ss.
On this 9 day of July 1970, personally appeared before me the above-named P. L. Talbert and H. L Anderson, whom I have reason to believe are credible persons, and after the above statement had been carefully read and explained to them, made the oath to the same in  due form of law.
W W Roberson Hslele
(Adding his official character.)
Page 40

Department of the Interior
Pension office
Washington, D.C. Dec 16. 1870

Sir
In the restoration pension in claim of Mary Stafford No. 5159 you will please transmit her pension certificate.
She will also furnish evidence of her loyalty to the US government during the late civil war. 
Very respectfully H Van Aernan
Commissioner
E Anderson Esq
Mayfield
Ky
Return this letter
H 48
Page 41

E	E
REVOLUTIONARY WIDOW.	
	The pledging or transferring of a pension, or of a pension certificate, or advancing money on vouchers is prohibited, and the latter must be shown to the magistrate. Vouchers, must be executed on of after the day to which payment is claimed, and if the power of attorney is not presented within three months, a new one will be required. Erasures and interlineations must be specifically noted. The official character of a commissioner of deeds to be certified to:also, that of notary public (although using a regular seal) whenever required by a pension agent, (Form N.) Vouchers executed before a U. S. Consul, or having his certificate of the official character of a foreign magistrate, are sufficient. Death or remarriage terminates a widow’s pension, and arrears due are immediately payable to her loyal children on surrendering the pension certificate. If no children, the arrears can then be paid to an administrator, with proof that he is properly interested, or collects them at the request of the heirs. When an army pension remains unclaimed fourteen months, application must be made to the Third Auditor, with the usual vouchers. A pension is no part of the assets of pensioner’s estate or liable for his debts. A pensioner dying prior to the date of his or her pension certificate, no payment will be made, except in particular cases of invalids provided for by acts of June 6 and July 25, 1866. The christian names in signatures must be written out in full.

	Be it known, That I, Mary Stafford, do solemn swear that I am the identical person named in an original certificate in my possession, which certifies: No 5759. That Mary Stafford widow of John Stafford who was a private in the Revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension Roll at the rate of twenty dollars 	 cents per annum, commencing on the 3 day of February, 1853, to continue during life, unless she should again marry.
*
	Dated this 9th day of June, 1855 and signed by Geo C Whiting acting Secretary of the Interior, and by L D Waldo.

	That I have not intermarried, but continue the widow of the above-mentioned John Stafford that I have resided in 		. (No. 		Street,) in County of Graves, State of Kentucky, for 32 year past. ALSO, I do hereby constitute and appoint + 		 my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in Washington City, State of 			, my pension from the 4 day of February, 1861, to the 4 day of February, 1870. Witness my hand and seal, this 9 day of July 1870.

her
Mary X Stafford		LS
mark
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of—
H. L. Anderson
P. L Talbert			Post Office address, 

State of Kentucky, County of Graves, ss:
	Be it known, That on the 9 day of July 1870: personally appeared before me the above-named Mary Stafford, and exhibited her pension certificate, dated June 7, 1855, and made oath, in due form of law, to the truth of the foregoing statement subscribed by her, and acknowledged the above power of attorney to be her free act and deed.
WW Roberston jlslele
(Adding his official character)

State of Kentucky, County of Graves, ss:
I C. J. Whittemore , Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify theat W. W Robertson is presiding Judge of the Graves County Court, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 		 day of 		, 18	, and will expire on the 		 day 		, 18	; and that his signature above written is genuine,
GIVEN under my hand and the seal of said County, this 9th
day of July 1870.
C. J. Whittemore, Clerk

	*When a duplicate certificate, insert “original certificate dated		, “ and also add a copy of any writing in latter part of certificate 
	+Write no name in power of attorney unless the attorney named will go in person to the agency.
Page 42

Do not fill up this oath of Attorney before it to the Attorney or Agency.

State of Kentucky, County of Graves, ss:

	Be it known, that on the 9 day of July, 1870   before me
		, personally appeared		
the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that he has no interest whatever in the money he is authorized to receive by virtue of the foregoing power attorney, by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment, or transfer, and that he does not know or believe that the same has been so disposed of to any person whatever.

Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above named, before me.
PENSION AGENCY,
No.
$
, 186,
Received of		Agent for paying
for 		monts’		days pension due to 		, from
the 		day of 		, 186	, tot he 		day of 		, 186	,
for which I have signed duplicate receipts
(One witness when mark is made.)


Army No
Revolutionary Widow. 
Act 
		186	.
Page 43

State of Kentucky Graves County SS.
Mary Stafford states, upon oath that about 4 Month 1865 she left her certificate entitling her to a pension with Ernie Anderson to have papers prepared to claim the [undecipherable] here to h her [undecipherable] to date and he was unable to prepare the same in that day-this was during the war, that she applied repeatedly to S Anderson—afterwhich who repict[?] that her certificate was lost or mislaid, that same two or tree weeks, such she learned that said certificate was found. She states that she has been trying from the state nemco[?] as far as she [undercipherable] him to  obtain her said certificate and obtain her pension. Gven under my hand July 1870.
her
Mary X Stafford
mark

Sworn to before me July 9 1870
WW Robertson Judge Graves
County hennet[?]

State of Kentucky County of Graves SS.
I, C. J Whittemore, clerk of the county court of the county where the aforesaid of here certify that W W Robertson is presiding Judge, of		, court and that his expiration above is sincere,  leave[?]
Signed and the seal
of said county, this 9 day of July 1870
C J. Whittemore, clerk
Page 44

[Very lightly written and hard to read]

3ntoreftco:[?] as form: cbs:
2 8th Mch 45 wid: 2 wit:repath[?] Genatly,[?]
2 non’l[?\ given

B Brittn,[?]
Page 45

26743
Mary Stafford 
wid
John

Mayfield Ky
February 27th 1855

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Businefs

Boynton

Recd. March 5 1874 Fwd
Page 46

Mayfield Ky					Free
May 29th, 1853	

Official Businefs	Commission of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 47

Charlotte Tenn
Apl 23				s

A. A. Kemble
Mayfield, KY
Page 48

Charlotte Tenn
Apl 23				s

A. A. Kemble
Mayfield, KY
Page 49

Charlotte Tenn. Sep 22

A. A. Kemble Esq.

Dear Sir your letter of the 15th inst. is before me; I have examined for the money.Licence of John Stafford by they are out to be winery See the you . See the your 1830 a tot storie popey through Thy Town & Been down the Court. Never any the principle part of the papers, any Record, was destroyed  any I suppose the leaves Refering to away. There I pusee me there surgery persons in this Couty, that Could prove the Marriage. I enten you the Dalton sent.
Yours &c
Tho. McWilly
Page 50

Mayfield Kentucky 
24th July 1855

Dear Sir

	I send the dators of Mary Stafford. I also the letter of  Clerk of County Court. of Dixon Tenn: also affidavits of the Kemble & Mayes.
	Should more strict proof of marriage be required or if there is any commission or unfamiliarity in the papers address, either myself  or  Mary Stafford at this place

Yours &c A. A. Kemble
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 51

Kentucky Graves County-Seal:
The affidavits of A. A. Kemble and R L Noyes show that they were in  his lifetime acquaintance with John Stafford and are now & were in the lifetime of John Stafford acquainted with Mary Stafford the applicant. They sore that the said Mary Stafford and John Stafford lived together and recognized one another as man and wife * were so recognized by their neighbors  & acquaintances & that they together raised a family of children. Thie said John Stafford is dead and Mary is yet living  and a widow
A. A. Kemble
R. L Mayes

Sworn to and subscribed before me and I certify that the above named A A Kemble  and R. L Mayes  hope are residents of Graves County Kentucky, to me personally known tand that they are worthy of credit in oath. Given under my hand this 10th day of September 29th  [struck through]day of February 1835
P.L. Talbert JP
Page 52

I William Beadles the Clerk of the Graves County Court in the State do certify that P L Talbert whose genuine signature appears  to the Pension Certificate. Was on the day  it bears date. An acting justice of the Peace in & for said County and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such.

Witnefs my hand & seal of office
at Mayfield this
February 1855
Wm. Beadles clerk
Page 53

5586
Mary Stafford
Widow of John
State of Kentucky  Mch:6/55

AA Kemble
Page 54

Increase 5259
Kentucky
Mary Stafford
Widow of John Stafford MD
Rank Private Rev. War
Company [left blank]
Regiment [left blank]
Louisville Agency
Rate permonth$ 96.00
Commencing July 27, 1868
Deduct payment made since
Certificate dated May 8/72
and sent to Pen Agent,
Atty H. M. Carr
Louisville, Ky
Act 14th July, 1862[Crossed out] Feby 3/534 July 17/18[undecipheralbe]
Book * Vol [left blank] Page 133
Page 55

Register  Office:
Jun 5th 1855

Sir Pleas certify the time reaches if how it and pension was paid oath date of Certificate
Very Respectfully, 
J P Waldo
Comm Pens.

N M 45

B Atkinson Esq
Hill to Febs
Page 56

John Stafford paid to March 1845
Rear pension
Hendctor[?]
Page 57

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.
Indianapolis, Indiana
1221 College Avenue
January 15, 1940
[stamp] RECEIVED  FEB 21 1919 MAU SUB-DIV [illegible]  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Dear Sirs:
Will you please send me the data on the pension claim of
John Stafford, private Maryland Militia who applied for pension
in 1834, age 87, while residing in Fayette Co. (not so sure of
county), Kentucky. I want his family data also to trace connection
to him, and name of his wife. In fact all the data you have
Benjamin Perry, private Va. line, applied for pension 1831,
aged 81, while residing in Henry Co., Kentucky. The Perry line is
also one of mine that I wish to trace. A copy of his entire data
will be gratefully received.
I have a notation of a James Perry, in Capt. John Holder's
company, Kentucky, but no further data in my notes. In Capt. John
Holder's Company, Madison Co., is the name of James Berry. That
may be the same man spelled differently by the copyist. At least
that notation gives the county, Madison, of Holder's company.
If you cannot give all these give preference to the first two
Thanking you kindly, I am

Very truly
(Mrs) Grace C. Metcalfe
[hand written] one
Page 58

50.888

Ples annct
Page 59

Much 5th 1855
Mary Stafford did of John. 
Graves Co: 
Ky:

Act 4
$20 pension”
Cbm: Feb 3d 1853

Renger[?]

A Kemble,
Mayfield 
KY

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office, Official Business,
Commissioner.
Page 60

Rev.
Character of pending claim, Widow
Claimant, Mary Stafford
Soldier 20 Sec Feb 3 1853

Pensioner now on Rolls Louisville Certificate No. 5259
Agency at which last paid, Louisville
Cause of termination, ——
Date Of Termination, —-
W. E. Traslk
Examiner, Room No. 42
Last paid to June 4, 71
as shown by the Records of Finance division complete up to 
Pge
Clerk
Forwarded to F. D., May 1 1872

Returned to Ex’r,
Page 61

1922 Apr 12. Data to hon A. W. Barkley. See lettin in Jno Brummage S 38568
1940. March 12. laid to Mrs. Grace C. Metcalfe.my.

Rev Widow, &c
File No 11554
Mary Stafford
Wid of
John Stfford
Prvt Rev War
Act: Feb 3d 1853
Index:—Vol M, Page 243
arrangement of 1870