Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2,655, for Thomas Jones, Maryland
Page 1

[handwritten on pre-printed card]
SERVICE    NUMBER
Md.   Jones, Thomas.    S. 2,655
carded
CONTENTS
b. Jan. 26, 1756 in Washington Co. Md. & res there at enl [enlisted], 
res [resided] after Rev [revolution] in Pa & Ky.
res [residence] in 1832 Clermont Co. Ohio
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[handwritten on pre-printed form]
Let Hon M Hoagland, April 10/50
Ohio 13.299.
Thomas Jones, of Clermont County in the State of Ohio who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Captain Clapsaddle of the Regt. commanded by Col: Williams in the Maryland line for 8 1/2 months. 
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio, at the rate of 28. Dollars 33. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of June, 1833, and sent to, J. D. Morris. Batavia Clermont Co. Ohio,
Arrears to the 4th of March 33, [$]56.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 33: [$]14.17
[Total] $70.83
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by [signed] Wm R. Palmer Clerk, 
Book E Vol 8 Page 13
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18610/3.299
Thomas Jones
Ohio
[crossed out Return 5.11.12.16]
Adm 8 Months & 15 days.--
[signed] J. D. Morris Clk
Batavia Ohio Cler[illegible]
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[handwritten on pre-printed form]
BRIEF in the case of Thomas Jones County of Clermont in the State of --Ohio
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [no recorded answer]
3. How old is he? 75
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period| Duration of Service.| Rank.| Names of General Field Officers under whom he served|
| | Years, Months, Days. | As a | Gen. |
enlisted in 1778 -- " to serve in the flying" "Comp so long as it lasted"
he appears to have been discharged about the time of the battle of Trenton
Gen. Bell
Capt: Clapsaddle, Col. William
5. In what battles was he engaged? White plains
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Washington Co. Md:
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidece, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witness & traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not poperly attached -- no clergyman
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
[signed] Chrls. W Forrest
Examining Clerk.
Page 5

State of Ohio Clermont County ss.
On this first day of November in the year 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Geo P Torrence Rest. Judge and John [illegible], Stuart Whitaker and Robert Haines Eight Associate Judges of the Court of Com. Pleas of Clermont County now sitting Thomas Jones a resident of Washington township Clermont County State of Ohio aged seventy five 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 act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein Stated. He was born in Washington County in the State of Maryland on the 16th day of January in the year 1756 as appears by a record of his age which deponent has now with him, cut by himself out of his fathers family bible which he verily believes to be correct. He Enlisted into the service of the United Sates in said Washington County a month or two after the date of the accompanying document dated February 16th 1778 and Signed by Henry Schnebely Esq. to serve in the [fly crossed out] Maryland flying camp so long as it lasted under the Command of Captain Daniel Clapsaddle. Robt. [Robert] Williams was Colonel Commandant, and [Daniel crossed out] Henry Schriock was Lieutenant Colonel . . . Maurice was a Major of the battalion to which deponent belonged. Frederick Nichodemus was 1st Lieutenant and David Harry 2d Lieutenant. Mathias Hickman was Ensign. Benjamin Price was orderly Searjeant and Martin Harry 2d. do. Captain Reynolds commanded
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a Company in the same regiment to which deponent belonged Captain Hines also commanded a company in to same regiment and Captain Hovely commanded another company in the same regt., The whole was under the command of Ge'l. [General] Bell. He Enlisted in Hagerstown in said county mustered there twice a week for three or four weeks until the company was full and marched from there to Little York in the State of Pennsylvania and from there to Lancaster, from thence to Philadelphia towards the fall of the year he arrived at the last named place - Staid [Stayed] in Philadelphia about ten days and marched from there to Trenton staid [stayed] at Trenton about twenty four hours and marched from there to Amboy from thence marched Elizabeth Town after having remained at Amboy about ten days. At Elizabeth Town the regiment was divided into scouting parties some of which were sent to the White Plains, some to Staten Island and some to Long Island. Deponent was sent to the White Plains under the command of a Lieutenant who belonged to another company from that to which deponent belonged -- deponent has forgotten his name. The company under the command of said Lieutenant consisted of about thirty or forty men and had at the White Plains a skirmish with a party of the British said at that time to consisted of five hundred men. The Americans in the skirmish were defeated, ^was killed^ one many and four men wounded including deponent who received a slight flesh wound on left leg just above the ankle he was not disabled from it -- from duty. The party retreated from the White Plains to fort Constitution which was near fort lee and both of them were in sight of Fort Washington. The regiment that had been divided into scouting parties at Elizabeth Town met again at Fort Constitution and Ge'l. [General] Bell (or Beall) still commanded it about three days. After this the British took Fort Washington
Page 7

Gel. [General] Bells regiment fired cannon and threw bombs across the North river at the British while they were attacting the Fort - but the distance was too great for them to take effect. After the battle at Fort Washington the regiment under the command of Ge'l. [General] Bell staid [stayed] about three days at Forts ["Washington" crossed out] Constitution & Lee and were then drawn out to fight a battle, but a Scouting party of said regiment that had been out returned before ["the" crossed out] any agreement commenced and info'd. [informed] them that the British out numbered them five to one The regiment withdrew and went across a river x called second river and tore down a bridge over it - so that the British could not follow them. Staid [stayed] on the river about four days - the British being on the other side and occasionally coming in sight. From second river marched to Kingston and from there to Trenton and from there to Philadelphia - Where the regiment to which deponent belonged was discharged - deponent had a written discharge which was signed he thinks by the 1st Col of the regiment - he had the discharge about twelves years ago - thinking then that it was of no value - he ["had" crossed out] did not take care of it and has lost it. He was discharged just before the Hessians were taken at Trenton - a brother in law of deponent named Abraham Fisher who was out in the same regiment and discharged when deponent was at Philadelphia hired there as a substitute and was as he after wards informed deponent and as deponent verily believes - Engaged in said battle of Trenton - returned home to Washington County. Md. and arrived there about six weeks after deponent had got home - deponent left Philadelphia as soon as he was discharged and got home in four days after he left the last named place.
Page 8

He lived in said county of Washington until about two years after the revolutionary war and then moved to Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. lived there about sixteen years and then moved to Mason County Kentucky where he lived three years and then moved to the farm on which he now resides and has ever since he moved from Ky. continued to reside in Washington township Clermont County Ohio -- being about thirty six years in the last named place
He knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes ever claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
his
Thomas X Jones
mark.
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 6th day of November 1832. 
[signed] J D Morris Clerk
Mr Thomas Buckanan residing in the township of Washington and Thornton Rush residing in the same township -- County of Clermont State of Ohio hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Jones who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy five 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 that opinion
[signed] Thos. Buckanan
[signed] Thornton Rush 
Sworn and subscribed in open court the 5th day of November 1832
[signed] J D Morris Clerk
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[handwritten on pre-printed form]
Rev War
2655
INVALID.
File No. 2655
Thomas Jones 
Privt Rev War
Act: June 7, 1832
Index:--Vol. A, Page 194. 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 10

23.
Hoagse Repros.
Febry. 27/50 [1850].
Thomas Jones 
Revolution 
Hon: M. Hoagland
for information
Respectfully referred
to the Comsn'r. of Pensions
and the writer so informed.
Als Office, March 1/'50 [1850]}
[signed]Th [Thomas]. Jones
[illegible]
Feby. 28/50
Page 11

House Rep.
Washington, 27th Feb. 1850
Sir, 
Permit me to ask an examination of the Rolls of the Revolution in order to ascertain if the name of Thomas Jones private, appears thereon.
Respectfully,
[signed] M. Hoagland
Gnrl R. Jones,
US Army.
Page 12

Enlisted about 18th of March.
discharged about the 10th or 12th of December in the same year.
Page 13

[Boldface, Typewritten]BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of [hand signed] Thomas Jones [Boldface Typewritten] which require further proof or explanation.

[Boldface typewritten question] I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? [handwritten answer] yes

[Boldface typewritten question] II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? [handwritten answer] yes

[Boldface typewritten question] III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [no answer]

[Boldface typewritten question] IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? [handwritten answer] yes

[Boldface typewritten question] V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determined to what amount of pension he is entitled? [handwritten answer] No

[Boldface typewritten question] VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? [handwritten answer] yes

[Boldface typewritten question] VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? [handwritten answer] yes

[Boldface typewritten question] VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? [handwritten answer] yes

[Boldface typewritten question] IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? [handwritten answer] yes

[Boldface typewritten question] X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? [handwritten answer] yes
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[Page number] 2

[Boldface typewritten question] XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? [handwritten answer] No

[Boldface typewritten question] XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? [handwritten answer] No

[Boldface typewritten question] XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [no answer]

[Boldface typewritten question] XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? [handwritten answer] No
[Boldface typewritten sub-question] If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? [handwritten answer] No
[Boldface typewritten sub-question] Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? [handwritten answer] No

[Boldface typewritten question] XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? [handwritten answer] Yes

[Boldface typewritten question] XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [handwritten answer] No

[Boldface typewritten question] XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? [handwritten answer] 6. 7.

[Boldface, typewritten]EXPLANATORY NOTES.

[Boldface, typewritten] * QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
[Indented about 5 spaces]"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades;   For ---------- year ---------- months, and ---------days, I served as a ----------    For --------- months and ---------- days, I served as a ----------; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 15

[Page number] 3

[Indented 3 spaces] It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [italicized] about three or four months [normal typeface] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &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 shewn [sic.] 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.
 †QUERE XIV. [italicized typeface] Proof of Service.
[Normal typeface, indented 3 spaces] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. [italicized typeface] Mode of authenticating papers.
[Normal typeface, indented 3 spaces] In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[indented 3 spaces] ☞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 accompany the papers.
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V [Roman numeral five]

Certificate of Character Thomas Jones
Page 17

We the undersigned citizens of the Township of Washington, in the County of Clermont & State of Ohio do hereby certify that we are personally acquainted with Thomas Jones of said Township, who is an applicant for the Benefit of the Pension Act, and that we consider him to be a Man of good moral character, and it is generally reported and believed that he served as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, We believe him to be about seventy six years of age as he states. He has uniformly been considered as a Man of Truth and veracity, and that full credit can be given to his Testimony.
Given under our hands this 7th day of September 1832.
[signed] Patrick Bennett [signed] Elijah Larkin
[signed] Frederick Sapp [signed] Thomas Morris
[signed] John fisher [signed] Joseph Guyries
[signed] David Wood Cur [signed illegible]  
[signed] John Cammrer S [signed] James Bennett
[signed] John Buchanan [signed] Richard Manning
[signed] Elijah Far [signed] Samuel Kennedy
[signed] William Penn [signed] Andrew Buchanon
[signed] John Tries [signed] Azarch Jarman
[signed] George Gregg [signed] W R Byrn
[signed] John Abraham [signed] J H Mitchell
[signed] Benj. Derrn
Page 18

The State of Ohio Clermont County } SS
[squiggle] Before me Joseph Gwynn an acting Justice of the peace in & for Said county personaly appeared Susanah Fisher aged seventy four years last March past Deposeth and saith on the wholly Evangilest of almity God that Thos Jones did inlist in United States Arme in the Revilution war Februry Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight said Jones inlisted during the term of flying camps of Maryland under the command of General Beal, and Said Thos. Jones is seventy six years of age on the 25 day of Jany x ^next^ 1833 Sworn to this 25 of October 1832
her
Susanah X Fisher [squiggle with illegible in center]
mark
[signed] Joseph Gwynn [squiggle with J P in center]

The State of Ohio Clermont county }SS
[squiggle] Before me Joseph Gwynn an acting Justice of the peace in & for said county personly Appear'd Andrew Buchannan and Thomas Fee and made that Susanah Fisher is a person of truth & verasity and in as good standing in socity as any we know of in the Neighberhood & Anither these deponents saith not sworn to this 25 day of October 1832
[signed] Andrew Buchannon [squiggle]
[signed] Thomas Fee [squiggle]
[signed] Joseph Gwynn [squiggle with J P in center]
Page 19

State of Ohio Clermont County Court of Common Pleas November Term 1832.
Clermont County. ss
On the fifth day of November 1832 personally appeared in open court Thomas Jones an applicant for the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 and the said Court do hereby declarr their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Thomas Buckanan who has signed the preceding certificate is a credible person resident in Washington Township Clermont County this and that Thornton Rush who has also signed the same is a Credible person resident in Said Township of Washington and that their statement is Entitled to Credit. And the said Court further certify that it appears to them that Susannah Fisher who has Signed the accompanying affidavit is a credible person and that her statement is Entitled to credit.
I Jonathan D Morris Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Clermont County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings ^of the said Court^ in the matter of the application of Thomas Jones for a pension. And I further certify that Joseph Gwynn before whom the affidavit of Susanah Fisher appears to have been taken is an [cred crossed out] acting justice of the peace in and for the County of Clermont, and that the signature there to which purports to be his and also the signature to the certificate are Each his genuine signature. In testimony
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said court at Batavia this 12th day of November 1832.
[signed] J. D. Morris Clerk 
Clermont Com Pleas
[small, square of white paper with embossed seal is attached to left margin]
Page 21

The State of Ohio Clermont County} SS
I Joseph Gwynn a Justice of the peace & for the County Afforsaid do hereby Certify that Susanah Fisher who have Sworn & Subscribed to the affadafate in Relation to the Milliatary Service of Thomas Jones in Revolution war is a Credible person and that her statement is intitld to Credit. Signed this 8 Novr 1832
[signed] Joseph Gwynn [JP encircled by squiggle]
Page 22

State of Ohio}
Clermont County}ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the above named County Thomas Jones who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grade.
For Eight months and fifteen days I served as a private and for such service I claim a pension I received a written discharge, but took no care of it and have lost it, so I have frequently made diligent search for it and have not been able to find it.
John Buckhannon, Elijah Larkin, William Curry and Dority Netter know me in my present neighbourhood and can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of my service as a soldier of the revolution. Elijah Fee who has signed the certificate ["mark" crossed out] endorsed (A) is a clergy man of Methodist Church. I did not know that the department required the testimony of a clergyman and Therefore did not request one to attend court for me. I live (what is said and I belive to be fifteen miles) from where the court is held and it would have been inconvenient for me to have returned ["have" crossed out] to my [illegible crossed out] immediate neighbourhood for a clergyman.
his
Thomas X Jones
mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th day of April 1833.
[signed] T. W Robinson J. P.
Page 23

The State of Ohio
Clermont County }ss I Jonathan D Morris Clerk of the Court of Common pleas within & for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that John W Robinson Esqr whose name is attached to the within affidavit of Thomas Jones was at the time of taking and subscribing the same and still is one of the acting Justices of the peace within and for said County duly Commissioned and sworn, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Common pleas at Batavia this 25th day of April AD 1833
[signed] J. D. Morris Clerk
[small, white paper attached to upper left margin]