Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3889, Thomas Townsend, S.C.
Page 1

SC
Townsend, Thomas
Susannah
W 3889
Page 2

[left side of page]

Snt 14 Jany 1835 - J. Marshall
"[Snt] "[14 Jany 1835] - Thos J. Rush
"[Snt] "[14 Jany 1835] - J. J. Field - T. Goodwin
"[Snt] 4 March 1836 - Secy of War
"[Snt] 16 April 1836 - Hon. T. Glancock)
"[Snt] "[16] "[April 1836] - J. Marshall P. Agt)
"[Snt] 14  Nov. "[1836] - T. Wright
"[Snt] 22 June 1842 to Hon. Alex. Cooper
"[Snt] 31 Dec: 1842 "[to Hon. Alex. Cooper]
"[Snt] 2 Feb 1844 to Hon. H. Cobb

[right side of page]

Georgia
16.481
-
Thomas Townsend
of Habus in the State of Geo
who was a Priv. in the...commanded
by Captain...of the Reg commanded
by Col. Sumpter in the So Ca
line for 2 years
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Augt 33
and sent to Thos. J. 
Ruth Clarkesville Ga
---
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 160
Sem-anl. . allowance ending 4 Sept. 40
$200-
---
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nath: Rice Clerk
Book E Vol. 6  Page 104
Page 3


1358.
Georgia
---
Susannah Townsend,
widow of Thomas Townsend,
was a private.
in the South Carolina line.
---
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the
17 day of Oct. 1845
and sent to
J. H. Kilgore.
Monroe
Ga.
---
(Act of March 3, 1843.)
& 7 June, 1844

Recorded in Book A

Vol. 2
Page 176.
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of
Congress of the 4 July 1836,
State of Georgia)
Gilmore County)  S.S.
On this eighth day of April 1844 personally appeared before
me the subscriber  a Justice of the Inferior Court in and for the County and State 
aforesaid the same being a Court of Record, Mrs Susanah Townsend a resident of
said County and State aged ninety five years who being first duly sworn according  to
law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain
the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836.
That she is the widow of Thomas Townsend of the County of Lumpkin
and State aforesaid the identical person who was a pensioner of the United States
under the act of 7 June 1832 in Hablersham County State of Georgia
at the rate of $80.00 per annum that the said Thomas Townsend was dropped
for from the pension list and reinstated before his death. That the said
Thomas Townsend was a private and served in the War of the Revolution
in the South Carolina Continental line and for proof of his services
She refers to the evidence on which he drew his pension. And this deponent
further states that she was married to the said Thomas Townsend on the 16th day
of December Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight by John Lusk a Justice
of the Peace in Abbinville District South Carolina where they resided for the space
of 12 years and removed to York District where they resided 3 years and removed
to Georgia Jackson County from thence to Morgan from thence to Franklin
from thence to Hablersham when her husband was pensioned from
thence to Lumpkin County State of Georgia where her husband the
aforesaid Thomas Townsend died on the 17th day of February Eighteen
hundred and thirty six leaving her as his widow. That she has no
Documentary evidence of their having been married as aforesaid their
family
Page 5

family record having been burnt some years since with their
house for proof of the marriage she refers to the Certificate of the
Court forwarded to receive the arrearage due her deceased husband that
he proved to the satisfaction of the Court that she was legally married to
the said Thomas Townsend (as above stated) and obtained a certificate to
that effect since which time the said witness died that she knows of
no person now living who could testify to the fact unless William or
Archibald Hamilton is alive. That she has remained a widow ever since
the period of her husbands death all of which will more fully appear by
reference to proof hereunto annexed
Susanah her mark [hand written X] Townsend

Swon to and subscribed on the day and year first above mentioned before
me a Justice of the Inferior Court of Gilmore County I further Certify
that from Bodily infirmity Mrs Susanah Townsend is unable to attend
Court In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 8 day of April 1844.
Larkin Stephens J.I.C.

State of Georgia Gilmore County) SS

Be it Known that on the 8th day of April 1844 before me
Justice of the Inferior Court of Gilmore County personally appeared Miss Martha
Alexandre a resident of said County and State who being first duly sworn
doth on her oath state that the aforesaid Thomas Townsend died on the 17
day of February 1836 in Lumpkin County Georgia leaving Susanah
Townsend the above declarant as his widow and that she is still his
widow and resides in Gilmore County State of Georgia.
Martha her mark [hand written X] Alexandre

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above ) 
written before me & I further Certify that Miss Martha)
Alexandre is a respectable person of creditable witness
this 8 April 1844,
Larkin Stephen J.I.C.
Page 6

State of Georgia  
Gilmore County
Be it Known that on the 8th day of April 1844 before
me Larkin Stephens a Justice of the Infenor
Court of said County and State personally appeared
James Sutton a resident of Murray County and State aforesaid who being
first duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with the
aforesaid Thomas Townsend who was a pensioner of the United States in
Hablersham County State of Georgia and Susanah Townsend the declarant
for the space of Thirty five years or more past that they have been living
together peacebly as man and wife from and before his first acquaintance
with and were always respected as such. And this deponent further saith
that the aforesaid Thomas Townsend died on the 17th day of February 1836 in
Lumpkin County Georgia leaving the aforesaid Susanah Townsend as his
widow and that she is his widow still and resides in Gilmore County Ga
James F Sutton

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above
written before me I further certify that Mr James
Sutton is a respectable person and a creditable witness
this the 8th day of April 1844.
Larkin Stephen J I C

Explanatory of the foregoing Declaration
I Susanah Townsend certify that at Seventeen years of age I was married to John Stephens
by whom I had five children and that my husband the said Stephens was killed by the Indians
three years after which time I was married to Thomas Townsend on the 16th day of December
before the Seige of Charlestown it being ten years from the time I was married to
Mr Stephens until I was married to Mr Townsend makes my age about ninety five. I
have no documentary evidence of my age or marriage but from events arive at date &c.

Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 8th day of April 1844
Susanah her mark [hand written X] Townsend
Larkin Stephen J.I.C.
Page 7

April the 9th day 1844
State of Georgia)
Gilmer County)

Called Special Court
The Declaration of Mrs Susanah Townsend for a
pension under the act of 4 July 1836 duly certified by Larkin Stephens a
Justice of the Inferior Court on the 8th day of April 1844 having been
submitted to the Court it doth approve his acts and proceedings and here
by direct the Clerk to endorse this approval on the papers.
Attest Bailey Bruce Clk

Benjamin Johnson J I C 
B B Quillan M. J I C
Larkin Stephen J. I. C.

State of Georgia )
Gilmer County )
Bailey Bruce Clerk of the inferior Court
in and for the County and State above
written do certify that Benjamin Johnson
B B Quillen and Larkin Stephens are Justices
of said Court duly commissioned and qualified
that the foregoing signatures of theirs are genuine
and in testimony whereof I have hereunto [illegible]
my name and affixed my private seal there being no seal of office seal this 10th day
of April 1844
Bailey Bruce C.I.C. (Seal)

Georgia

I certify that Baily Bruce is Clerk of
the Inferior Court of Gilmore  County and
I believe the above to his signature
5th July 1845.
Howell Cobb
M.C
Page 8

State of Georgia)
Habersham County) SS
 
On this first day of July Eighteen Hundred 
and thirty three, personally appeared before the Honorable the
Inferior Court, Thomas Townsend a
resident of said County, aged eighty years, who being 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 in the year 1775 he
served in the army of the United States as a volunteer private
for the term of six weeks, under Captain John Wallace.
The general & field officers were Genl Richardson and Col.
Neil, that he was engaged in a skirmish with the tories
on Rudy River at a place called the Big Cane Brake and
that he marched from the Congaree River up the County, through
through the Dutch fork to Rutledge Big Survey on Duncans
Creek, thence to Robins Creek, near which the company was
dismissed. That afterwards in the years 1776 & 1777 he served
fourteen months as a private, having enlisted in 1776 with
Capt. James Duff to whose company he belonged. that he
was attached to the second regiment of Riflemen, but the
regiment was afterwards changed and he forgets the number of
it. The company officers were, Captain James Duff, first
Lieutenant George Duff, second Lieutenant James Hawthorn &
ensign Lacy. The General and field officers were General
Lee, Col. Sumter, Major Henderson and Adjutant Redmond. 
During this term declarant was engaged in a
skirmish with a party of the British at Boltons Landing
man Charleston So. Ca. and a Battle with the Indians
at a place called the Black Hole or Horse shoe in the
Cherokee Nation, he marched from Camden District to
Charleston So. Ca. thence to Sullivans Island Haddols
point and Boltons landing, back by the same route to
Charleston through South Carolina to the Cherokee Nation
at Seneca Fort thence to Tennessee Valley and the
Valley towns, thence to the Tessensee Towns in Georgia
down the Tennessee to the Chisholm river down said river
to the Chattahoochee, through Suwannee Town, thence 
to the Etowah (Hightower) river up said river and back  to
Tipinton old Town, thence to Nancoochy to Turrow[?]
Chattooger [illegible, back to Seneca Fort, than to to Ninety
Page 9

six, thence to Ripleys Fort on the frontiers, thence to Tuccaw
Swamp near Santee River, ordered thence to Fort Barrington
on the Altamaha, marched as far as Savannah when he was
taken sick and sent round to Charleston, from whence he
was carried home, when he recovered and rejoined his regiment
at Tuccaw swamp man Santee River So. Ca. and was then
discharged by Col. Thos Sumter on the 7th day of June 1777
That afterwards in the year 1778 he volunteered as a private
and served two months and ten days under Col. Samuel
Watson. The general and field officers were, Genl Williamson
-
Col. Watson, Col. Few, Col. Marby and Major Ross. From
Liberty Hill, when declarant joined Col Watson, he marched
to Waynesboro Geo to Rock Lord on the 1
in the archer, to Bryn
Creek and ask back to Liberty Hill, thence back again
to Rocky Comfort in Geo. when he was engaged in a skirmish
with the Creek Indians, thence to August and then discharged
by Col. Walson. That afterwards in the year 1780
he served three months as a private, volunteer. The
company officers were, Captain Can, who, being killed
the first night declarant joined him, was succeeded by
Captain Siddle. The General and field officers were, it
Sumter and Col. Clark and McCall, also Col. Folig
this term he was engaged in the battle of Fish Dam
Ford on Broad Rive To C. Blackstocks on Sign River
Rutledge Ford on Saluda Linn and Rudy Branch on
on Long Cane, at which last engagement Col. Chandler
was in the field. The marches during this tour may be
inferred from the above battle ground. That afterwards in
the year 1781 he was drafted and served two months
and ten days as a private in Captain Chambers Company,
1
under General Henderson, Col Bratton & Moffat and
Major Hannah, that he was not engaged in any battle
during this term of service, having been stationed at
Orangeburg to which place he marched from Camden
district the was, as he believes discharged by General Henderson
. That afterwards in the same year 1781 declarant
volunteered and served one month as a private. His company
officers were first Captain Chambers and afterwards Captain
Anderson and Lieutenant Flemming. The general and field officers
were General Greene and Sumter Col. Moffat and Major Hannah
that during this term he was engaged in the battle of Bigham Church
Page 10

New Monks corner, and of Huges Bridge, and marched from landing
District to Orangeburg months corner, and Hugh Bridge, thence
Santee River and thence home. And declarant further state
from the last mentioned period to the end of the war he
often in service as an irregular volunteer for short time
Genl Lacy, Col. Hawthorn & Hill, Major Hannah & Captain Anderson, sentries under one and sometimes another
chiefly against the town of Mobley settlement, and Little
River in South Carolina. And Declarant, in answer to
the interrogations of the Court further saith that he was
1
born in Augusta County, Virginia, in the year 1753 that
he has no record of his age, the family record having been
carried by his brother into Tennessee many years ago. that
he resided when called into service in Camden District
1
till the year 1778, when he moved into ninety six district
and remained about two years and a half then back into
Camden till the end of the war; after the war he moved to
Abbeville District and thence to Oglethorpe County in Geo
thence to Jackson County thence into Morgan County thence
into Franklin County and thence into Habersham County
when he now lives. His answer to the fourth interrogations
is believed to be fully answered by his declaration. In addition to
the officers already mentioned, the following are among the
officers who were with the troops when he served, General
Marion, Col. Washington and Col. Hampton also Capt. Henry
declarant recd a discharge from Col. Thomas Hunter on
the 7th day June 1, 1777, but lost it by fire at the burning
of his house many years ago. In answer to the seventh
interrogatory he refers to Nathaniel Adams, a clergyman
Joseph Sitton, John Tate, Saml Tate, William Nix and
many others to tedious to mention. He hereby relinquished
every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except
the present, and declares that his name is not on any
Pension Roll of any agency in any State.
Andrew M Norris G.
his
Thomas Townsend
mark
Page 11

Georgia
Habersham County 

We, Stephen Poe, a clergyman, residing in
said County and State and William Longstent residing in the same
place, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
Thomas Townsend, who has subscribed and sworn to the within
Declaration, that we believe him to be eighty 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 to and subscribed
Stephen Par
the day and year aforesaid before
William Longstent
Absalom Holcomb J J.C
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after
putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department &
a fair investigation of the matter, 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 she Stephen Poe who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman
, resident in the County aforesaid and that William
Longston who has also signed the same is a credible person,
& that their statement is entitled to credit
Absalom Holcomb J.J.C.
Ben Chastain J.J.C.
John H. Jones J C

I, Andrew M. Norris Clerk of the Interior Court of
Habersham County State of Georgia do hereby certify that the
forgoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court
in the matter of the application of Thomas Townsend for a
Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and seal of office this first day of July 1833
there being no Seal of office
this 11th July 1833
Andrew M Norris C
Page 12

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third
Section of the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836
State of Georgia
County of Lumpkins
in the year Eighteen Hundred and Forty two
personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said State and County
Mrs Susannah Townsend, a resident of said
County of Lumpkin in said State, aged Eighty
nine years who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on her oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit
of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4th, 1836:

1. That she is the widow of Thomas
Townsend who was an enlisted soldier a private in the Revolutionary War, and who drew a pension
from the United States Government for his services
in said War, up to the time of his death. she
further declares that she was married to the
said Thomas Townsend on the
day of November
Seventeen
in the year Eighteen
Hundred and Seventy nine
That her husband the aforesaid Thomas Townsend died on the seventeenth
day of February in
the year Eighteen Hundred and thirty six
and that she has remained a widow ever
since that period, as will more fully appear by
reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed
before me on the day and
year above written
Susannah Townsend
mark
Josephus Rhodes J.P.
Page 13

State of Georgia)  
Lumpkin County)
I Joseph Rhodes an
 acting Justice of the Peace
in and for said State and County that Mrs
Susannah Townsend, widow whose name
appears to the foregoing declaration & who signed
the same, is unable from old age and bodily
infirmity to appear in Court to make said
Declaration In Witness my hand and private
seal, there being no seal of office this
26th day of August 1842.
Josephus Rhodes J.P. (seal)

Georgia)
Lumpkin County) 
 I Milligan P. Quillian
Clerk of the Superior Court of said County do
hereby certify, that Joseph Rhodes whose
signature appears to the foregoing certificate
was at the time of signing the same
an Acting Justice of the Peace in &
for said County, and that his signature
annexed is his genuine signature.
Witness my hand & private seal, there
being no seal of office, this 18th
day of January 1843.
M.P. Quillian Clk (seal)

Georgia)
Lumpkin County) 
I Milton H Gaithright Justice
of the Inferior Court of said County do
hereby certify that Milligan P. Quillian
whose name appears to the foregoing certificate
is Clerk of the Superior Court of said
County of Lumpkin, and that the
signature thereto annexed is his genuine
signature. Witness my hand & private
seal there being no seal of office, this
18th Jany 1843
M H Gathright J I C
Page 14

Thomas Townsend
Georgia
No 17845
Admit a private
2 yr $80.
E. M
Thos J. Rusk
Clarksville Habersham Co.
Georgia
Page 15


WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
April 16 1833
Sir
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

Statement, showing the service of Thomas Townsend

Period when the service was rendered.
1775 vol
March 1776
Vol.
about [illegible]
Duration of the claimants service
Years
Months
14
2
about 12 mos.
3
2
1
24
Days
10
10
2
Rank of the claimant
Pri.
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Capt. Jas. Wallis
Col. Sumpter
Capt Jas. Duff
Capt. Saml. Carr
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant engaged.
Fish dam
ford
BlackStock
Reedy
Branch on Long Cane
Country through which he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period
77 years
Camden District So. Ca.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Witnesses

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 16

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first in
stance, 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.
of
On this
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
Serity, or
County of
day of
A.B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)
with andserved

in the
(e) regiment of the
Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
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.
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
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.
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
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C. D. residing in (the same)
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 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 by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
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.
1
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
& 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
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 17

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?
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.
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?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
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 he 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 be
fore 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.
The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
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.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
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
loss of memory, state precisely how far he served, he should amend all
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
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
recollect, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, and
days, I served as and for such service I claim a pension."
in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
the name of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
the duration of each term of engagement;
that by some
pursuit.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must fix 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 pubdeemed

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.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses,
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the
nesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule is
note applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written and sent to the War Department with the declaration
Page 18

Georgia
Hall County
Personally appeared before me
James McCloskey and after being
duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was acquaint
ted with Thomas Townsend in the in the State of
South Carolina in the time of the Revolutionary War
and that he was a soldier in the service
of the United States and was with him in an
Engagement against the British and very at the
Rudy Branch under the command of Color
Clerk and fell in the year seventeen hundred
& Eighty, Sworn to and subscribed before me this
17th September 1832
Jas M Cleskey
Thad Clerkey J P
George
Hall County
Personally appeared before me William
Fleming and after being of duly sworn
saith that he was well acquainted with Thomas Townend
in the Revolutionary war and knew him to be a soldier
in the service of the United States we were parted
I was with him in no engagements sworn to &
subscribed before me this 17th of September 1832
Philip M. Byrd
Wm Fleming
Georgia ⎬ I John B Nichols Clerk of the infirm
Court
Hall Court of the County aforesaid do certify that Tholen
Markey & Phillip Bird who was attested the above
affadavits an
ting Justices of the Peace for said County
and that due credit ought to be given to their attestation
as such Given under my hand and seal of office this
17th Sept. 1832
John B. Nichols Clk
Page 19

SC
Townsend, Thomas
Susannah
W3889
Page 20

Townsend Thomas
Susannah
W3889
SC
Page 21

Townsend Thomas
Susannah
W3889
SC
Page 22

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
State of Georgia
SS On this sixth day of
act of Kinguss passed June 7 1832
Hale and County personally appointed in
the Eighteen hundred and thirty two
of said Court now sitting Thomas Townsend
Court before the Court of Ordinary
resident of said County and State
aged seventy nine 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 he in stated
that he entered the service in Camden district South Carolina in 1775 as a volunteer
under Captain John Wallis he secord about six weeks and was discharged
he again entered the service in near 1776 in the Continental in the State of
South Carolina under Captain James Duff in the second Regiment it was
afterwards attended but to what number he does not recollect the Regiment ┃
was commanded by Colonel Sumter he served under that engagement fourteen
months and was discharged by Colonel Sumter he again entered the service
under Captain Samuel Cane as a volunteer he was again under the command
of Colonel Sumter he served about twelve months and was dismissed he was
in the battle at Fish dam for he was also in the battle at Blackstocks on Tege
River he was in a skirmish at Rutledge Ford on Saluda he was also in a
battle at Reedy Branch on Long Cane he was born in Augusta County
beginning in 1753 after the close of the war he resided in South Carolina
the he removed to Georgia when he has resided ever since he has lost all
his discharges and has no documentary evidence to establish his swells
he could run to many person who could testify as to their belief of his
services but as be submits other evidence he does that we were pay
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or thirty
except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension
Roll of the agency of any State Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
aforesaid
Janathan D Chastain E.C.
his
Townsend
he open Court personally appeared
deposeth and saith on oath that he
William Thompson who being duly sworn
Law Thomas Townsend above namedbequently

in the service of the said State, in the Revolutionary War
and that he was in the battle with this deponent at the Rice
branch on long came in the said was sworn to and subscribed in
open Court this date above written
Jonathan D. Chastain or
Wm
And the said Court do hereby declare this opinion after the investigation of the
mated after putting the interogatores prescribed by the War Department
and after examined the above and annexed affidavits of credible persons
declare that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
and served as he states
Elijah Starr O
John Starritt J. C. O.
I Jonathan D Chastain Clerk of the Court of Admary of Habersham
County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original
procedings of the said Court in the matter of the application
Thomas Townsend for a Pension
of office
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this Sixth day of November 1832
Jonathan D. Charles C. Cor
Page 23

Mrs. R. B. Huddleston
260 Bloomfield Street
Athens, Georgia

Dear Madam

Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War
record of Thomas Townsend who received a pension while living in
Habersham County, Georgia.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in
the pension claim, W. 3889, based upon the military service of Thomas
Townsend.
He was born in 1753 in Augusta County, Virginia. The names of
his parents were not given.
enlisted and served as private with the South Carolina troops
as follows: in 1775, about six weeks under Captain John Wallace and
Colonel Weil and was in a skirmish at Big Cane Brake on Reedy River;
from March, 1776, until June 7, 1777, under Captain James Duff and
Colonel Thomas Sumter, was in a skirmish at Bolton's Landing near
Charleston and in a battle with the Cherokee Indians at Black Hole or
Horse Shoe; in 1778, two months and ten days under Colonel Samuel atson,
was in a skirmish with the Creek Indians at Rocky Comfort in Georgia; in
1780, about three months under Captains Samuel Carr and Liddle, was in
the battles of Fish Dam Ford and Black stocks, in a skirmish at Rutledge's
Ford and in a battle at Reedy Branch on Long Cane; in 1781, two months
and ten days under Captain Chambers and Colonels Bratton and offat; in
1781, served one month under Captains Chambers and Anderson and Colonel
of fat and was in the battles at Bigham Church and Huges" ridge; from
the last mentioned period until the close of the Revolution he was often
in service on short tours under Captain Anderson and Colonels Hawthorn
and Hill.
Page 24

He stated that when he enlisted he lived in Camden District, South Carolina
. In 1778 he moved to Ninety-Six District where he remained
about two and one half years and then moved back to Camden District
where he remained until the close of the Revolution. He then moved to
Abbeville District, South Carolina, then to Oglethorpe County, Georgia,
then to Jackson County, then to Morgan County, then to Franklin County,
then to Habersham County, Georgia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 6,
1832, at which time he was a resident of Habersham County, Georgia.
Thomas Townsend died February 17, 1836, in Lumpkin County, Georgia.
He married in November, 1779, or December 18, 1779, in Abbeville
District, South Carolina, Susannah Stephens. She stated that when she
was seventeen years of age she married John Stephens, that they had five
children (names not given) and that he was killed by the Indians and three
years after his death she married Thomas Stephens. Her maiden name was
not given.
She is the widow of Thomas Townsend, Susannah Townsend was allowed
pension on her application executed August 26, 1842, at which time she
was eighty-nine years of age and was a resident of Lumpkin County,
Georgia.
Thomas and Susannah Townsend had a large family but no names
were given.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 25

Rev. and 1812                 February 25, 1929
Wars Section
MCSeel

Mrs. William Wyatt
San Narcos
Texas

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, S.3889, it appears that Thomas Townsend
was born in 1753, in Augusta County, Virginia.
He enlisted and served as a private with the South Carolina
Troops as follows:
In 1775, about six weeks under Captain John Wallace
and Colonel Neil; he was in a skirmish at Big Cane Brake,
on Reedy River.
From March, 1776, until June 7, 1777, under Captain
James Duff and Colonel Thomas Sumter; he was in a skirmish
at Belton's Landing near Charleston, South Carolina, and
in a battle with the Cherokee Indians at Black Hole or
Horse Shoe
In 1778, two months and ten days under Colonel Samuel Watson; was in a skirmish with the Creek Indians at
Rocky Comfort, in Georgia.
Page 26

In 1780, about three months under Captains Samuel
Carr and Liddle; he was in the battles of Fish Dam Ford
and Black Stocks, in a skirmish at Rutledge's Ford, and
in a battle at Reedy Branch on Long Cane.
In 1781, two months and ten days under Captain Chambers
and Colonels Bratton and Moffat.
In 1781, served one month under Captains Chambers
and Anderson and Colonel Moffatt was in the battles at
Bigham Church and Huges Bridge.
From the last mentioned period until the close of
the Revolution, he was often in service, short tours under
Captain Anderson and Colonels Hawthorn and Hill.
He stated that when he enlisted he lived in Camden
District, South Carolina. In 1778, he moved to Ninety
Six District, where he remained about two and one-half
years and then moved back to Camden District where he remained
until the close of the Revolution. He then moved to
Abbeville District, South Carolina, then to glethorpe
County, Georgia, then to Jackson County, then to Morgan
county, then to Franklin County, then to Habersham County
, Georgia.
was allowed pension on his application executed
November 6, 1832, at which time he was a resident of
Page 27

Habersham County, Georgia.
He died February 17, 1836, in Lumpkin County, Georgia.
He married in November, 1779 or December 16, 1779, in
Abbeville District, South Carolina, Susannah Stephens.
She was the widow of John Stephens and they had had five
children; John Stephens was killed by the Indians about
three years before she married Thomas Townsend. She was
allowed pension on her application executed August 26,
1842, on account of the services of Thomas Townsend; at
that time she was eighty-nine years of age and was a resiident
of Lumpkin County, Georgia.
Thomas and Susannah Townsend had a large family but
no names are given.
This is the history of the only Thomas Townsend who
served with the South Carolina Troops during the Revolution
or War of 1812 and who applied to the United States
for pension on account of said service.
The records fail to afford any information in regard
to pension having been claimed for service in the Revolution
or war of 1812 by soldiers named Thomas William and
William Thomas Townsend.
in the papers of the
claim,
Page 28

in Townsend testified that he was with Thomas
Townsend at the battle of Reedy Branch of Long Cane but
did not state his relationship to the said William
did not apply to the United States for pension on account
of services in the Revolution or War of 1812.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 29

Georgia
Susannah Townsend

widow of Thomas Townsed,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 32,
and who died on the 17th. February, 186,
of Gilman Co in the State of Ga
who was a private in the
commanded by Captain
commanded by Subpethe
S. Carolina line for 2 years
of the
Inscribed on the Roll of Savannah
at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th. day
: 45- and sent to Kilgore
Morse, Ga
Total amount,
$400.00
Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded at
Book
Clerk
Vol. -- Page 325.
Page 30

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County

known that on this 30th day of
August 1845 before me John W. Keith a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County personally appeared Mrs Susanah
Townsend a resident of said County and State who being
duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is the widow
of Thomas Townsend who was a Pensioner of the United States
under the act of Congress of 7 June 1832 at the rate
of $80 per annum in Habbersham County State of George
subsequently in Lumpkin County where he died leaving
her his widow that she is the identical person who
made application for a pension in Gilmore County
State of Georgia under the 3d Section of the act of
Congress of the July 1836. That she has no record of
0
the date of her marriage of the ages of her family
That she knows of no person living other than Archibald
Hamilton who could testify to the legality and date of
her marriage that she was of opinion when she made her
Declaration that William Hamilton Could testify to her marriage
But she is now informed that he was too young, at the time
to live a recollection of the event at this late period
That she is informed the affidavits of Archibald & William
Hamilton has been procured and filed in the Pension Office
proving the date and legality of her marriage And that the
proof is yet unsatisfactory
She now ask that the
allowance may be made her under the several acts of
Congress allowing pensions to Widows who were married prior
to the year 1794. he hereby relinquishes her claim to a
pension under the act of 4 July 1836
Sworn to and subscribed on this ⎬ Susannah Townsend
30th day of August 1845 before me
John W. Keith J. P.
Page 31

I further certify that Mrs Susanah Townsend the
affiant is personally known to me and that she is the
dentual person she represents herself to be in the
foregoing
affidavit In testing whereof I have
hereunto set my hand offically as Justice of the
Peace in and for the County of Lumpkin State of
Georgia on this 30th day of August 1845
John W. Keith J.
Genuine
State of Georgia M. P. Quillian Clerk of
Lumpkin County the Superior Court in and for said
County & State do hereby certify that John W Keith
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said
County duly authorized to administer oaths and
that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are
and entitled to credit
In testing whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my seal of
2
Office this ninteth of September
Eighteen hundred and forty five
M. P. Quillian Clk
Page 32

Washington City
15th February 1845


Sir
I return to you the
declaration of Mrs Townsend to be
placed upon file when the evidence
required shall have been furnished
I will then take steps to supply
the technical defect in the paper
Will you inform me at once if convenent
the name of the agent of Mrs Townsend
at whose request. I have corresponder
with you as I suppose such letter
must be with you as I make it or
rule to enclose them to you
I am my Respectfully
so be that
Nowell Cobb
L Edwards Esqr
Com of Pen
Page 33

5726
Susanna Townsend
Ga
Act 4 July 36
Page 34

House of Pen 29th June 1844
Sir
Will you be so good as to furnish
me the information asked for in
the following
extract of a letter from
a gentleman of S.C

I wish you to make application
Pension Office
at the
and ascertain whether a man
by the name of
Thomas Townsend is enrolled
Thomas what time he entered
the service
and whether he ever drew a pension
andif

he did at what time he ceased to order
the same and what amount he drew
annually and whether there has been
any application since of the same and
if there has at what time and by whom
whether the pensioner, himself or by any
other person and if by any other person by
whom the same was made & whether by a
regular power of Atty. and by whom said
power was made, and what time it was
made
By purnishing me with the devised
information you will much oblige
your salt not
Mr James L Edwards
Nowell Cobb
Pension Office
Page 35

Sept 23 1845
Savannah Townsend
Page 36

Pension Office
September 5. 1845.

The testimony
of Archibald Hamilton in the case of
Susanna Townsend is not sufficient to establish her claim under the
act of July 4th, 1836
It is only necessary for Mrs Townsend to waive her claim
1
under the act of 4th July 1836, in consequence of not being
able to establish the date of her marriage prior to the
termination of her husbands service to the satisfaction of
Department, and to make application for the benefit
of the act of July 7th 1838. she is not required
to swear that she was not married until after her husband left the service
I am, Very respectfully,
Bour W. Fast
J L Edwards
John H Kilgore Esq
Monroe
Walton Co. Georgia
Page 37

In very respectfully
Your Obt Servant
J L Edwards


H. Ridge Esq
Mance
of
Walton County
Georgia
Page 38

Pension Office
June 23rd 1845
Your letter of the 15th ultimo enclosing the negative Certificate of the Clerk of Abbeville District in the case
of Susannah Townsend, has been received and filed
The proof of marriage prior to the termination of the service of Claimants husband Thomas Townsend is still unsatisfactory
Name of the witnesses, who have testified, have been able
to show the state at which their marriage took place, or appear
to have had any sufficient acquaintance with the parties
to swear that they were recognized as husband and wife prior to 1781. This claim count be allowed under the Act
of 46 July, 1806, upon such evidence
The proof is sufficient to establish the marriage prior
January 1794, so as to bring her claim willin the
provisions of the act of July 7th 1838
My Townsend declaratin is herewith enclosed in order
that the official character of the Clerk, who are his private
Seal, may be certified to by the Secretary of State
or a member of Congress
Page 39

Washington City
House of Rep 4th Feb 1845


Sir
In answer to your letter
of the 29th Jan. on the subject of Mrs Townsend's claim for a pension. I have to state to you that I am not sufficiently acquaint
with the fact of Mr Bruce being clerk of
Court & to certify the fact. But should
this constitute the only difficulty in
the day of this claim it proven
the additional evidence require
on the point
If such be the case
be so good as to inform me of the fact
and also inform me of the name of
the indinance whose letter
accompanied the claim
I am by Respectifully
J L Edwards Esqr
your obe
Nowell Cobb
Page 40

Sir
Washington City
6th Feby '43
I send you again the papers in the
case of Mrs Townsend applicant for a Pension
Having sent them here with your
report as to the depots, & having had then
true to me I presence they are now
sufficient.

J. J.
Mark A Cooper
Edwards Esqr
Court Penning
Page 41

Dear Sir
Washington City
8th January 1844
I am requested by one of my immediate con
stituents to as certain whether the claim of Susanna Towns
and for a Pension as the widow of Thomas Townsend
a soldier in the Revolutionary war, has been received
at your Department of and if it has been
received what disposition has been made of the
claims by the Department my correspondent unter
from Lumpkin County. S. and it is therefore
prestable that this claimant resides in that County
your answer is respectfully requested at your
earlist convenince
Very Respectfully
your obt Servant
John H Lumpkin
Feb 16. 1842
Coope
Page 42

Washington City
House of Rep. 24th day 1845

Sir
I enclose to you the papers of Mrs Townsend with additional evidence of her marriage & the only evidence that can be produced under the
circumstances
If required
I will inform myself of the
correctness of the signature of
Mr Riley Clk of the Court
May I hear from you on
this subject at your early
convenience? 



My respectfully, 
Howell Cobb
J L Edwards
born of Pen
Page 43

Mr JL Edwards

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C

Clarksville GA July 2
Page 44

Clarksville Habersham Co Georgia
1st July 1833

Sir
I herewith enclose an
amended Declaration of Thomas Townsend. It will be
found much full them that formerly sent to the
Department. Should there appear to be any discrepancy
in the two declarations he directs me to say that the
former one was made out in great haste by the gentleman
who undertook it in the hurry of the Court and
in he had several other applications of the same sent
send forward, in consequence of which the former one
in accurate. It is returned to the Department because
all his evidence, afforded by witnesses, is appended to it
and he hopes there will be no objection to his present
declaration on account of his service the trouble and
expense of getting the same evidence over again. It
was once authenticated under the prescribed form and he
cannot suppose it necessary to go through the form again
were it necessary, he doubts if it would be now practicable
. He even venting to hope that a statement
so full and particular as he has made his will contain
intrinsic evidence of its truth. He begs me to urge
upon the Department a speedy attention to his claim
as he is old, infirm and very indigent. Facts that the
department need not doubt of
I have been appointed his agent for the management
of the business, and I respectfully but earnestly request
, that the amount that may be found to be due him
may be forwarded to me as soon as practicable, for I am
convinced of the justice of his claim, and know the presence
of his wants.
very respectfully
William Longstreet
Page 45

.L. Edwards Esqr
Comm of Pensions
Washinton Co
D.C.
Page 46

Copy

Pension Office
Sept 3d 1844

The additional evidence in the case of
Mrs Susanah Townsend widow of Thomas Townsend has been examined, but does not supply the
defunency in the testimony the Certificate of the Clerk ┃
of the County states the time at which the License
was granted - the Church registry or some document any evidence should be produced to ascertain whether
any service occurred subsequently
The papers are returned for proper authentication
where their is no seal of Office the official character of the Clerk may be certified by the Secretary of the
State or a member of Congress-
I am very respectfully your obedient servant

JL Edwards 
James Law Esq
Gainsville
Ga
Dear
Sir
The named papers-- was mailed the Hon Howell
Cobb in Jay-last with a request that he should
authenticate the papers-- if acquainted with the Clks
signature and fill the papers in your office
additional evidence also-forwarded at the same time
which I supposed would prove satisfactory I
address Mr Cobb to know if he give the required-
Certificate and filed the papers-- and he replied that
he has no recollection of the papers, and refers me to you
I now enclose you proof that diligent search has been
made for proof Documentary unless you require
every Church in South Carolina examine If so I hope
Page 47

you will grant the old lady a portion of her owed
pension to defray expenses - In Case Mr Cable
did not give the required Certificate please send me all the papers that I may have them attended to as required May 15 1843
your humble servant
JL Edwards Esq
John H Kilgore
Washinton City
address Monroe Walton County Ga
May 19, 1845.

S. Townsend
Page 48

Georgia
Lumpkin County
Before me James Cantrell
for said County
personally, came Susannah Townsend
wife of Thomas Townsend a Revolutionary
soldier late of said County
deceased who being duly sworn
deposeth and saith that she was
married to the said Thomas Townsend
in the month of November Seventeen
hundred and seventy nine in Abbeville District
South Carolina, and
that there was no record kept of
said marriage, which comes within
the knowledge of this deponent, (Except
a Bible which which belonged to
the family of the said Thomas Townsend
and in which the marriage was recorded) and this deponent further States
that said Bible was burnt in the
house of this deponent about fifty
years since together with all
her house hold furniture this deponent
further states that she and
the said Thomas Townsend were married
in the month of November
as aforesaid by the M Lusk, Esq
then of Abbeville District South Carolina
and who has as this deponent is in
armed and believes long since died
and that this deponent knows of
no evidence by which she can
Establish the marriage, her Bible
having ended in which it was
recorded having been destroyed by
five as above stated sworn to & subscribed
before me this 26th January 1843 Susannah Townsend
James Cantrell J.F.
2
Page 49

State of
Georgia
Lumpkin County

I Milligan P Quillian
Clerk of the Superior
Court of the County aforesaid being
certify that Esqr
whose name
the
ficate
the same an acting Justice
Court of said County of
Lumpkin and
that his signature to the above and foregoing
Certificate annexed is genuine signature
Witness my hand and private seal
there being no seal of Office this 30th
day of January 1843
State of Georgia
I Milligan P Quillian Clerk
Sumpkin County of the Superior Court of the
County aforesaid do hereby certify that James
Cantrell Esqr whose name appears to the
foregoing certificate is and was at the
time of signing the same an acting Justice
of the peace of and for said County of Lumpkin
and that his signature annexed is his gener
in signature Witness my hand and private
Seal there being no seal of office this 30th
day of January 1843
M. P. Quillian Clk S
State of Georgia ⎬ I Milton H Gathright Justice of
Lumpkin County the Inferior Court of said County
tify that Milligan P Quillian whose certificate
1
appears above is the Clerk of the Superior Court
of said County and that the said signature is his
genuine signature Witness my hand and private
Seal there being no seal this 30th
day of January 1843
M H Gathright J.J.C.
Page 50

5726
Susanna Townsend
GA
act 4 July '36
Rejected
Page 51

Georgia
Before me M H Gathright
Lumpkin County an acting Justice of the
Inferior Court of said County, personally came
Benjamin Cleaveland who being duly summ
deposeth and saith. That he is acquainted with
Mrs Susannah Townsend widow of Thomas
Townsend deceased, and that he has known
her intimately since the year Eighteen Hundred
and ten during which year he made her
acquaintance that she was then living with
the said Thomas as his wife, and continued
so to live with him up to the time of his
death that at the time he deponent became
acquainted with her and ever since as long as
the said Thomas lived, she was reputed and
esteemed to be the lawful wife of the said
Thomas and has always been so recognized
as far as deponent has ever heard or believes
That deponent believes that the said Susannah
Foremand now residing in the County of
Lumpkin, is the wife of the said Thomas
and is now his widow & that he does not ┃
believe she would make any statements
relative to her condition or claims that she
did not believe to be true-- for that she
has always bin a reputation unsullied-
This deponent further saith, that the said
Susannah is the widow of the said Thomas
who drew a pension from the United States
in the County of Habersham & after his
removal as he is informed and believes to them
County of Lumpkin
Sworn to subscribed
before me this 8th day of
October 1842.
Benja Cleveland
M H Gathright J.
Page 52

Georgia
Milton H Gathright
Lumpkin County an acting Justice of
the Superior Court of said County do hereby
certify that I am well acquainted with
General Benjamin Chareland the deponent
who subscribed the foregoing affidavit and
that his standing and veracity is
undisputed
Witness my hand & seal
this 8th day of October 1842
MH. Gathright

State of Georgia
County of Lumpkin 

I Milligan P. Quillian
Clerk of the Superior Court of the County
foresaid, do hereby certify, that Milton H.
Gathright Esq whose name appears to
the foregoing certificate, is, & was at the time
of signing the same an acting Justice of
the Inferior Court of said County of
Lumpkin, and that his signature to
the above and foregoing certificate
annexed is genuine signature-
Witness my hand and private
seal there being no seal of Office
this 18th day of January 1843 M.T. Quillian Clerk 
Georgia
January 18th 1843.
Lumpkin County ⎬ I, Milton H Gathright
Justice of the Inferior Court of said County do
hereby certify that Milligan S. Quillian
who certificate appears above, is the Clerk
of the Inferior Court of said County and that the
said signature is his genuine signature
MH Gathright Clerk
Page 53

State of Georgia
Carol County

Be it known that on 27 day of June 1844 before Martin Halcomb a Justice of the
Peace in and for the County aforesaid
personally appeared Archibald Hamilton
resident of said County and State
aged Seventy Nine years who being first
duly sworn according to law doth on
his oath make the following statements
that Thomas Townsend who was a
pensioner of the United States under the
Act 7 June 1832 in Habersham County State of
Georgia and Mrs Susanah Stephens
formerly. Now Townsend was legally
Married in December Seventeen hundred
and Seventy Eight by James Lusk Esqr
in Abbeville District State of South Carolina
and that he this deponent witnessed the
Marriage Ceremony Archibald Hamilton
Test
Walter R Webster
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above mentioned before me a Justice of the
peace of Carroll County State of Georgia & I further
certify that Mr Archibald Hamilton is a
respectable person and a creditable witness
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand this 27 day of June 1844
Martin Holcombe J.P.
I William L Parr Clerk of the Inferior Court
of Carroll County certify that Martin Holcombe is a
Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purpose
ting to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I have
hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and
Page 54

My name this twenty seventh day of June one thousand Eight hundred and forty five
Wm J Parr, Cl E, J, C
Page 55

LO

J L Edwards Esqs -
Commisioner [misspelled] of Pensions
Washinton [misspelled] City
D C

Aug 5, 1845
Amerdea
Tm. Townsend

[rubber stamp that says "M O N R O E AUG" date is illegible]
Page 56

Monroe Walton County Ga July 28th 1865

Sir
I enclose you the Declaration of Mrs. Susanah Townsend duly authenticated It is thought from your letter that the affidavit of
Archibald Hamilton which was mailed has been miscarried We have therefore sent   and procured it again I now enclose it to you and
hope the claim is Satisfactorily Sustained - if not it is all the proof that can be made. I read your Letter to Mrs Townsend she -  states She was married some time previous to her husbands last
service Consequently she cannot make the Declaration required under the act of 7 July 1838.
Please to give me an early return for the old Lady is in actual need of the Pension which the law allows her for support
Yours- very Respectfully
John H Kilgore
Page 57

J5

JL Edwards Esq
Secrctary of the P.O
Washington City
D C

[sideways next to JL  it says "Nov 17"]

[below Nov 17 , also sideways, it says "Eco."]

[rubber stamp over JL that says W E N S Nov". the rest is illegible]
Page 58

Athens Nov 2nd 1836

Dear Sir
You may remember that I transmitted to give a certified copy of of a record from the Comptroller grnl. of South Carolina, containing an account of Mr Thomas Townsend
services in the revolution and also
some other items of an act he has against the Government
I wish you to transmit it to me as soon as practible directed to me at Mile&grvila as it will be attached to a memorial of
Mr To  representatives -

Yours & c
James A Wright

Comptroller Arl. here that in ac aul nuta the state office, he was allowed fa duly in gold an auson iluth L70 - anunaly
1780 one nfli _____ 50
Only 70 days duty footman ____ 35
60 days a Horseman      65
The certified witness Mar 13 1836 as above legitimte
HHS

[sideways to the left of the bottom section of page are possible initials "Cyn"]
Page 59

18 [illegible]

Mr John Kilgore
Monor Wattons County
Georgia

[rubber stamp that says "Feb 17 S.C."
Page 60

Mirrth the 17 July 1845
Dear Sir:
Yours of 15 Jany came duly to hand and
than made some effect to obtain the information
you desired, but have been un able to ascertain nothing later for lots story. When is no evidence either in the Clerks office or fidcuary that a Liean[illegible] was obtained
Your [illegible]
Jno Livingston
Page 61

Thomas Townsend, Georgia Roll act June 7, 1832
at $80 per annum.
Be pleased to say for what period the last payment was made in this case, and up to what date.
Pension Office
Feb 2. 1844.
Died 17th Feb 1836 from /: 4 Sep 1834 to his death
JH
Page 62

J.L. Edwards Ebopar
Comm of Pensions
Washington City

Glascork  HR

abl 15-

Nbg.

Wm Townsend Eco.
Page 63

T Glascouts compliments to Mr Edwards, and will
be glad to hear from him in relation to Mr Townsends Pension so soon as [illegible]acts cable.
T[illegible] M[illegible]
16th April 1836
Page 64

State of Georgia
Carroll County
Be it known that on the 23 day of July 1845 before me Martin Holcombe
a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Archibald Hamilton a resident of said County and State aged Seventy Nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statement That Thomas Townsend who was a pensioner of
the United States under the act of June 1832 in
Habersham County Georgia and Mrs Susanah
Stephens formerly (now Townsend) was legally
married onorthire [misspelling? may be one another?] about Seventeen hundred and
Seventy Eight the day nor month I dont recollect
at this time, by James Luck Esqs in Abeeville
District South Carolina and that he this
deponent witnessed the Marriage Ceremony
Archibald Hamilton
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written before me a Justice of the Peace
of Carroll County & further certify that Mr Archibald Hamelton is a creditable witness in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
Martin Holcombe J.P.
Carrell County Georgia
Page 65

State of Georgia
Carroll County
I, William L Parr Clerk of the Inferior Court
in and for said County do hereby certify that Martin Holcombe whose name appears on the other side of this sheet is an acting Justice of the
Peace in and for Said County duly
commissioned and legally quallifid and that the foregoing signature pur porting to be his is genuine 
Given under my hand and seal at Carrolton
Carroll County Georgia on this 23 day of July 1845
Wm L Pall Clk
Page 66

Georgia
Longfellion County  
Before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally
appeared Absalom Wofford - who being
first duly sworn saith that she is acquainted
Mrs. Susannah Townsend, resident of
said County of Lumpkin in said State - that
she has known the said Susannah for forty
Six years -  and that the said Susannah
and Thomas Townsend, were then living
together as husband and wife, and that
they raised a large family of children
and that common report said that they
were married, and deponent further
States that the said Thomas Townsend
Susannah Townsend had children
who had arrived to the years of manhood or womanhood before he ["I" crossed out] become
acquainted with them, then said Thomas Townsend and Susannah
Townsend at the time deponet got
acquainted with them resided in the
County of Jackson and State of Georgia
they afterwards removed to Habersham
County & then to Hall County [unknown word crossed out] this deponent is informed the said
Thomas Townsend died in February
1836 in the County and State first
aforesaid and the said Susannah
Townsend now resides in said
County of Lumpkin, deponent
further states that the said Thomas
Townsend drew a pension for seven
at years before his death on account
of services rendered during the revolutionary war, and deponent
Page 67

further states that the said Susannah
Townsend has not married since
the death of her Husband.
Sworn to subscribed before me
this 26th August 1842
[illegible]
Absalom [illegible] Wofford

State of Georgia
Lusufflin County
I Josephus Rhodes as  an acting Justice of the 
peace in and for said County do certify
that Absalom Wofford whose mark
appears to the [illegible going affidavit is a respectable citizen and a man whose declaration are entitled to credit
Given under my hand this 26th day of August 1842 Josephus Rhodes IJ.

Georgia.
Lonflin County 
I William P. Sullivan [illegible] the Superior Court of said County do certify that Josephus Rhodes whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is from at the date thereof an acting Justice of
the bank of said County of the [crossed out]
Peace in for said County, and
that his signature thereto annexed is
his genuine signature Witness my hand official  seal, there being no seal
of Office - this 18th January 1843 -

[Sideways on left side it says "W 5726"]

[Sideways on right side it says "Hon. M.A CooperHR."]
Page 68

State of Georgia
Givninett County 
Be it known, that on the 20th day of July 1844, before me Joseph W Baxter a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared William Hamilton, a resident of said County and state, aged sixty seven years past, who [illegible] first duly sworn according to law, doth on oath make the follows statement Viz. That he has been personally acquainted with Thomas Townsend who was a pentioner
in Habersham County under the act of 7th June 18[illegible] and Susannah, the
widow of said Townsend, from his first recollection; that he has been
creditaby informed that he was at the wedding when they were married but was too young to recollect the time, though he well remembers that they were living in the neighborhood of his father when he first knew them
This defonent further states that they continued to live together as man & wife until the old mans death, having raised a considerable family
of children, the number at present, not known to said defonent-
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me a Justice of the peace for the County of Givinnette, and I do hereby certify that  the [the added above that]  [word crossed out] defonent William Hamilton is a man who's
statements and testimony is entitled to full credit, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this
Joseph W Baxter J.P.
William Hamilton
Page 69

6

John H. Kilgore
Monroe
Walton County
Page 70

State of Georgia
Lynett County 
I Rily G Baker Clerk of the Infens Court-of-said County certify that Joseph W
Banter is an acting Justice of the Peace duly
Commissioned and legally qualified and that the
foregoing signatures purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my seal of office and subs
led my name this 9th. Oct - 1844
Riley G. Baker C.J.C.
Page 71

[illegible]

act. 4. July. 36
Page 72

1929 Feb 25 - hist
Mrs Wm. A. Wyat
1936 Nov 30 hist.to Y
R.B. Huddleston

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3889
Susannah Townsend
Wid.
Thom. Townsend
Pvt. S.C. line
Act: Mch. 3"0/[illegible], June/[illegible]"/hh
Index:_Vol. M, Page 277
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 73

260 - Bloomingfield St
Athens, Ga.
Nov. 5, 1936

Commissoner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen,
Please send me the pension record of Thomas Townsend of Habersham County, Ga - who was a revolutionary solider - also send his war record. We found that he received a pension in Habersham County, Georgia.
Thanking you to send this as soon as possible.
Yours very truly,
(Mrs.) R.B. Huddleston. 

[above Thomas in a different handwriting is "OK MCS/RCC"]

[at the lower left hand side of the page below signature is an upside down rubber stamp with an arrow pointing to 3. It says "RECEIVED NOV 6, 1936 MAIL SUB [illegible] VETS [illegible] 30"]
Page 74

3 - 049.
Ex. MCS
Div. Rev. & 1812
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 28, 1929
The attached letter is respectfully returned
with the information that the data furnished is
not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below
as the information in your possession will permit,
and return to this Bureau.
Given name of widow
Mary Elizabeth Stapleton
Name of soldier Thomas William or William Thomas Townsend

Address of soldier at enlistment and after service 
State where enlisted
Date of birth
Date of death

If unable to furnish company and regiment
give names of commanding officers.

Return attached letter with reply.
Winfield Scott [handwritten in black ink "Winfield Scott"]
Commissioner.

6-2164
Page 75

American Legion Auxiliary
Unit No 144
San Marcos Texas

February 5, 1929
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir;
In reply to your letter or recent data concerning the record of Thomas William or William Thomas of the Wars of 1812 and 1776.
Some old records have been found among old family papers showing that one:
William Townsend served as private in the War of 1812 under Captain Sam Bigham's 5th Company, South Carolina Militia, he seved for six months in 1812 from June to December 1812.
Another record shows:
William Townsend served as private in the war of 1812 in Captain James Johnson's Company of Infantry in the 27 Regiment in Major Gasue Battalion od South Carolina Militia, he served for three months in 1814
The first William mentioned probably served also in the War of 1776 from South Carolina, as he was 88 years old at time of death which date I do not have, however it was after 1815. In Georgia, the second William mentioned is probably a son of first and a son of Mary Elizabeth Stapleton Townsend. However she may have been his wife.
Another old record give this:
Thomas Townsendd private Captain D Hamilton's Volunteer Troops,
Freemans Squadron, Georgia Cavalry, August 1813-1814. The mystery is which of these fellows is my gr-gr-gr grandfather and the husband of Mary Elisabeth Stapleton.  
Iwill greatly appreciate any data you give me on any of the names [added by hand at the bottom in blank ink. "Mrs Wm A Wyatt"]
Page 76

San Marcos, Texas
Jan. 12, 1929
Box 447
Commissoner of Pensions
Washington - D.C.
Sir:
Do you have my record showing that Thomas William or William Thomas Townsend drew a pension for service in the Revoultionary War. he lived in South Carolina and Georgia his wife was Mary Elizabeth Stapleton.
Do you have records showing what he drew on 1812 [underlined] War Pension? or what his wife drew ushu of alsue Pensions.
Please give me all date you have. This is for genealogical purposes only.
Yours very truly
Mrs Wm A Wyatt

[Two rubber stamps underneath. One stating Pension Office U.S. Jan 18 1929. The other states Pension Office U.S. Feb 8 1929]
Page 77

to
Susannah Townsend
widow of Thomas
Ga
act y July 1838 and
Toml Resolution of the 23 July 1845 - [all crossed out]
admo. Dyran for$80.00 per am
admo. 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844 $80.00 per am

J.H Kilgan
Manor Nucin co
Ga
Page 78

Susanah Townsend
widow of
Thomas Townsend
a private SC Lin Pesirner Hallersham
Lunrfelian Co Ga
asl-1832

[round rubber stamp, possible seal?, bottom middle of page]
Page 79

South Carolina
Abberville District
In the Court of Roinany. 
I do certify, that on examination as to the Evidence of the Marriage of Thomas & Susanah Townsend I can find no record, or entry in relation thereto.
Given under my hand and seal off office the 10 March 1865.
David Sesby
OASC.

[Round image, maybe a rubber stamp?, next to signature]

South Carolina
Abbeville District

Thereby certify that on Examination as to the Evidence of the Marriage of Thomas & Susanah Townsend I can find no record or entry in relation thereto in Clurts [courts maybe?] office.
Given under my hand & Seal of office this 10th day of March AD 1845
Jno L Livingston
C.C.P - J.L.