Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6218, Thomas Burch, N.C.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
N.C.
Burch, Thomas
Sarah
NUMBER
W. 6218

CONTENTS
Page 2

6227
North Carolina, Fayetteville

Sarah Burch widow of Thomas Burch NC who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 41 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of March /54 and sent to S. Godwin
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 196 Vol 1

Letter to J. B. Woodfin
Aug 10 1854
same, Aug 4 1855
Page 3

10958

Sarah Burch
N.C.
Act 7th July '38
Page 4

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes }
On this 22nd day of February 1844 personally appeared before me one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County. Sarah Burch the widow of Thomas Burch Decd. a resident of North Carolina and the County of Wilkes aged Seventy Eight (78) 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 act of Congress passed the July 7th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. - That she is the widow of Thomas Burch who was a private in the Revolutionary war and enlisted in the year seventeen hundred & Eighty (1780) as a soldier under Lieutenant James Hawkins in Capt Stallings Company of horse and served for three years, a part of the time in the State of Georgia and returned home to his fathers house in Surry County North Carolina Sometime in the winter of seventeen hundred & Eighty three (1783). And that in the Course of one year or upwards after his return, she declares that she was married to the sd Thomas Burch in the month of October 1785 Seventeen hundred and Eighty five being old and infirm she cannot recollect the precise day, that the said Thomas Burch was addressing her previous to his entering the service and that she was married by Wm Cook who was a Justice
of the peace to the said Thomas Burch at the time above Stated. She further declares that she was married to the Said Thos. by publication which was the custom of the Country at that day and that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Burch died in the month of February Eighteen hundred and Twenty Eight (1828) that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & ninety four and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband that aforesaid Thomas Burch, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed. She further declares
Page 5

that from old age and bodily infirmity she cannot go safely to the Court House to file her declaration
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written.
Sarah Burch her X Mark

W.W. Peden J.P.


States of North Carolina
County of Wilkes }

I do hereby certify that Sarah Burch who hath this day sworn and subscribed the foregoing declaration before me is a creditable person and to be believed on Oath-
I also certify that she is by reason of old age and bodily infirmity unable to attend Court to make her declaration.
I further certify that is now a widow and ^ has never Since married.
Given under my hand and seal This 22 day of February 1844
W. W. Peden J.P.
Page 6

State of North Carolina }
County of Wilkes. }
On this 22d February 1844. personally ^appeared before me one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said county. Thomas Carlton of the County and State aforesaid aged fifty four years and made Oath in due form of law. That he is well acquainted with Sarah Burch and Knows That she has remained a widow ever Since the death of her husband The aforesaid Thomas Burch, and he further States that he is a creditable person and to be believed on Oath. That her bodily infirmity is such that she cannot safely go to the Court House to make her declaration

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year above written.
S/W. W. Peden J.P.
S/Thomas Carlton


State of North Carolina } ss
Wilkes County }
I William Mastin Clerk ^of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions, opined & held for said County according to law, on the fourth Monday in April 1844, Do Certify that the court that orders, that satisfactory evidence was this day introduced, that the declaration over Sarah Burch's signature is genuine and that she is the widow of Thomas Burch Dec'd and that they were legally married, and lived together as man and wife up to the day of his death, and that she is a respectable person and to be believed. and that her bodily helth [sic] is such that she cannot leave her residence to go to the Court House to make her declaration.

I further Certify that William W. Peden, whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit, is and was an acting magistrate & that due faith and Credit ought to be given to his official act as such. - 

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 2 day of May 1844 ~
W Mastin C.C.C.
By J. E. Mastin D. C.
Page 7

Betty Hardman.
Deposition
Page 8

State of Georgia }
Elbert County }
Before me William H Edwards a Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said County. Personally came Betty Hardman, formerly Betty Burch, and being duly sworn deposeth and Saith that She was born in the County of Caroline in the State of Virginia in the year Seventeen hundred and Sixty three, according to the Record of her birth in the family Register, now in the possession of Mrs Elizabeth Burch in the County of Elbert and State of Georgia first aforesaid.

That she was living in the County of Halifax State of Virginia, when Thomas Burch was first called into service, that the said Thomas Burch went from the place of his residence to Norfolk in said State of Virginia and served three Months, but does not know whether he was drafted or volunteered, nor the officers under whom he served, during that tour of duty.

This deponent further state that she resided in Surry County State of North Carolina in the year Seventeen hundred and Eight, and that in the latter part of the year last aforesaid the said Thomas Burch, enlisted as a soldier under Lieutenant James Hawkins, in Captain James Stallings Company of horse, for the term of twelve Months, and that he served the tour in Georgia in the company in which he Enlisted. Under the Command of Colonel James Jackson. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty sixth day of August 1844
S/William. H. Edwards J.I.C
Betty [X her mark] Hardman
Page 9

State of Georgia }
Elbert County }
I William H Edwards a Justice of the Inferior Court in and for Said County do hereby Certify that Betty Hardman whose name appears to the foregoing deposition is a woman of undoubted veracity and integrity. That she is a respectable person, and that full faith and credit ought to be had and given to her deposition as such.

Given under my hand and seal this twenty Sixth day of August, Eighteen hundred and forty four.
S/William. H. Edwards J.I [private seal]


Georgia }
Elbert County }
I William B Nelm, clerk of the Inferior Court for said County do hereby certify that William H Edwards whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit as a subscribing witness, and also to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the Inferior court for said County and that full faith and credit ought to be had and given to his attestation and certificate as such, and that the same is in due form.

[seal] 
Given under my hand and seal of office this the twenty sixth day of August Eighteen hundred and forty four.
S/William B. Nelms. Clerk
Inferior Court. Elbert County Georgia
Page 10

Georgia }
Elbert County }
I William H Edwards one of the Justices of the County & state aforesaid do Certify that William B Nelms whose name appears to the foregoing certificate, is clerk of the Inferior Court for said County, and that full faith and credit ought to be had and given to his attestation as such, and tat the same is in due form.

Given under my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of August Eighteen hundred and forty four
S/William H Edwards J.I.C. [private seal]
Page 11

Elizabeth Burch Daughter ^to Thos. Burch & Sarah his wife was Born 1st of August 1786 -
=
Eunice Burch Daughter to Thos. Burch & Sarah his wife was Born. 16th March 1788 -
=
Jane Burch Daughter to Thos. Burch & Sarah his wife was Born 18th May 1790 -
=
Ruth Burch Daughter to Thos. Burch & Sarah his wife was Born 11th July 1792 -
=
Keziah Burch Daughter to Thos. Burch & Sarah his wife was Born 18th May 1795 -
=
Benjamin Burch Son to Thos. Burch & Sarah his wife was Born 21st November 1801
=
James Jr Burch Son to Thos. Burch & Sarah his wife was Born 24th May 1804.
=
William Stapleton Burch was born on the 14th June 1809.
Page 12

Blessing to those that fear God. CHAP IV. The Study of the law recommended.
[in margin:  Before CHRIST cir. 397.]
16 ¶ Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another; and the LORD hearkened and heard it: and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD and that thought upon his name.
[in margin: Or, special [illegible]]
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts in that day when he makes up my || jewels; and I will [illegible] then, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
CHAP IV.
1 God's judgement of the wicked, 2 and his blessing on the good. 4 He exhorteth to the Study of the law, 5 and telleth of Elijah's coming and office.
FOr, behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be [illegible]: the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 
2 ¶ But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings, [in margin: a Luke 78.] and ye shall go forth, and grow up as [illegible] of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
4 ¶ Remember ye the b law of Moses my servants, [in margin: b Exod: 20. 3] which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgements.
5 ¶ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet [in margin: [illegible]] before the coming f the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
The End of the OLD TESTAMENT.

Thomas Burch Son of Benj'm. Burch & Jane his wife was born 20th January 1757 -
=
Sarah Burch wife of Thomas Burch & Daughter of James Jones & Eliz'th. his wife was born the 5 of January 1766 -
=
And was married by William Cook Esqr. the 18th October 1785 -
=
Page 13

√ 10.958
____
Sarah Burch
N.C.
~
Susp'd

Rec'd,
Letter to Hon. D.S. Reedsville, [illegible] June '44. 
 "  to A.A. Scroggs Dec'r 11th '44
 " to A.A. Scroggs Dec 18th  44
 to same Sept 18. 45.
to Hon. D. S. Reid Jany 28. '46.
G. C. Amer. June 22/52.

Act 7th July 3
Page 14

√ 10.958
_________________
Sarah Burch
widow of Thomas N.C.

Hon D.S. Reid June 26 1844
A.A. Scroggs Dec 11 1844
same Dec 18 1844
same Sep 19 1845
Hon D.S. Reid Jny 28 1846
G.C. Ames June 22 1852
same Ap 11 1853
same Sept 5. 1853
Page 15

11.630
Fayetteville
North Carolina,
_______________
Sarah Burch
widow of Thomas who died on the ~ of ~ in the State of N.C. who was a Private in the ~ commanded by Captain ~ of the ~ commanded by - in the Revolution [crossed out: line] for 1 year 9 months
_________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville at the rate of 41 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
___________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of March 1854 and sent to S. Godwin
____________________
Arrears to the 4th of    Present
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]
_________________
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838. }

Recorded by H.R. Weightman Clerk,
Book D.    Vol. 1.    Page 285
Page 16

Received of John B. Woodfin of Burnsville N.C. Six hundred and fifty dollars in full of the Pension due me as The Administrator of said Sarah Burch under the Acts of 1838, 1844 and 1848 which is payable to me as the Administrator of said Deceased Pensioner. This 8th day of July 1854

Witnesses
S/J. H. West
S/Samuel Johnson
S/Thomas Carlton sr. Adms.
Page 17

House Representatives,
Washington, Jan'y 23, 1846.

Sir, 
I am requested to ask of you the grounds upon which the application of Mrs. Sarah Burch of Wilkes Co: N.C. was rejected, and what proof is wanting! 

I am very respectfully
Your obt sert [obedient servant]
David S. Reid



Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington.
Page 18

Washington Oct 23 1852

James E Heath Esq
Sir
I transmit herewith Additional evidence in support of the claim of Sarah Burch widow of Thomas under the act of 7 July 1838.

In her declaration Mrs Burch claims for service rendered by her husband under Capt Stallings, and Lieutenant Hawkins - The testimony now presented, shows that Claimants husband was always regarded as one who had served in the War of the Revolution, and further that Lieutenant Hawkins belonged to the same County, in which Burch resided at the time of his entering the service - which Identifies him with the soldier to whom the service Indents, as appears from the Comptrollers Certificate, were issued.

The Marriage has already been admitted to be satisfactory.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert [obedient servant]
Geo. C. Ames
Page 19

Washington June 30 1853
Sir.
I Enclose herewith some additional evidence in support of the Claim of Sarah Burch widow of Thomas, of NC Act 7 July 1838.

In Mrs Burches Original declaration she Claimed that her husband served under Capt Stallings & Lieut Hawkins. and that he entered the service from Surry Co the place of his then residence.

Evidence from the Comptrollers office heretofore filed Shows several payment to Thomas Burch for Militia Service - and the testimony of a number of witnesses who appear to have been well acquainted with Burch and with some of the officers under whom he served proves clearly that Burch had always enjoyed the reputation of having served in the War of the Revolution for a considerable length of time, and also that the officers or a part of them at least belonged to Surry County - I now present another Certificate from the Comptroller showing that Thomas Burch to whom the several
Page 20

payment referred to in a former Certificate was made, was paid by the Auditors of Salisbury District, of which District Surry County was a part, which points very clearly to Mrs Burche's husband as the identical soldier to whom there [sic] Certificate were issued

Upon a Careful examination of all the evidence now on file in Connexion [sic: connection] with this Certificate now present, I feel satisfied that it will be found sufficient to remove all the objections heretofore raised to the Admission of this Claim.

[note: Testimony]
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sert [obedient servant]
Geo C Ames



Hon L. P. Waldo
Comm'r of Pensions
Page 21

Breif [sic] in the case of Sarah Burch widow of Thomas. 
Wilkes ~ County and State of North Carolina.
act 7th July 1838. ~
_______________________________
Claim, ("original," [crossed out: or "for increase"]) [blank]

Proof exhibited, (if original.) [blank]

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Thomas Burch a private for one year and nine days - presented by Certificate of Comptroller of North Carolina, David Cockerham, Thos. Ayres &c.
Thomas and Sarah married in 1785. proved by family record, Thomas died in 1828 - proved by Thomas Carlton &c. Sarah now a widow - proved by Thomas Carlton, order of Court and John Carlton.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed sine the admission of the claim? If so, what?
[blank]



Name and residence of Agent
S. Godwin Eqr.
Washington D.C.

Charles H Rhett
Examining Clerk.
Page 22

Burnsville Yancy [sic: Yancey] Co N.C
22d July 1855

Sir
On 11 Feby 1854 I filed a Power of Attorney in the name of Shimuel Godwin from Sarah Burch widow of Thomas & in March you issued a Pension Certificate for forty one dollars per annum under act 7 July 1838. As Burch claimed to have served three years as an enlisted soldier, I could never see the grounds upon which this case was not $80 per year, I find in Raleigh numerous payments to Thomas Burch for his revolutionary services. It may be that this was not all found. You will please therefore inform me the number of pounds (₤) in the Comptrollers Certificate, in your office, Also the length of service claimed in the old ladies declaration. She told me that he was first an enlisted soldier for three years then served as a Malitia [sic] man. Was it for the Malitia [sic] Service you granted the Pension? John Carlton swore that he heard Burch Say
Page 23

that he served three years as an enlisted soldier & also that he was in the Malitia [sic] 

It may be that for this enlistment there has been no proof of service filed.

These facts when communicated will enable me to determine whether it be necessary to prosecute the claim further.

I am Sir
Your very obt servt [obedient servant]
John B Woodfin



Hon. L. P. Waldo
Washington City D.C.
Page 24

Milledgeville Geo: 12th August 1844

Dr. Sir,
Yours of the 31st Ultimo came to hand by due course of Mail. I have made diligent search for the desired information but find no record of either of the five names furnished in your communication.

The Record of the Officers of the Revolutionary War are I doubt not verry [sic] incomplete & there is no Record of the names, or the services, of the Privates in the office; I also examined the Record of the Executive Department and find neither of the names on record there. the fact is, there is not one ^name out of, perhaps one thousand, who make application to the departments which can be found, owing it is thought to the circumstance of the fire which occurred some years since in the Capitol and the derangement, and destruction, of the papers & records of the department in removing them out to save them from a total loss -

Fee 5$ ~ 

Your obt and Humble Servt
N.C. Barnett
Page 25

Secretary of State's Office
Milledgeville Geo: 12th Augst. 1844

I hereby Certify there is no evidence in Record in my office of the Services of Thomas Burch as a Revolutionary Soldier. ~

Given under my hand and Seal of Office.

S/N.C. Barnett
Secretary of State
Page 26

{ State of North Carolina
{ Comptroller's Office
I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office, that Captain James Little and Captain Shadrach Stallings, were officers in the Militia of said State in the Revolutionary War.

[seal] 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 22d day of November A.D. 1852.-
S/Wm. J. Clarke Compt'r.
Page 27

[illegible]
Washington, May 14, 1844.

Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose you the Pension Declarations of Mrs. Sarah Burch and Martha Laws which I hope you will pass upon as soon as you conveniently can, and let me know the reult.

I am Very respectfully,
Your obt. sert.
David S. Reid



J. L. Edwards,
Com. of. Pensions
Page 28

Wilkesboro No Ca Augt 4~/45

Mr. J. L Edwards
Dear Sir
In obedience to your instructions under date 18' Decr last, I have the honor herewith to transmit the Certificate of The Comptroller on the Case of Thomas Burch. - . having ^only lately prepared The records of his Office for reference I could not furnish the proof required Sooner. -

I have the honor to be very
Respectfully -
Your Obt Sert [obedient servant]
A.A. Scroggs
Page 29

Washington March 8. 1852.

James E Heath Esq
Sir
Enclosed you will find Power of Attorney in the Case of Sarah Burch, widow of Thomas, an applicant for a pension under the act of 7 July 1838.

In this case the evidence now on file I understand has been deemed sufficient to establish the marriage, and the Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, and of the Auditor of Virginia will Cover a period of service as a private of Cavalry of More than 18 months.

Upon a reexamination of the Claim I hope the proof furnished will authorize its allowance -

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sert 
Geo C. Ames
Page 30

9.500
Fayetteville North Carolina
______________________
Sarah Burch
widow of Thomas who was a private in the Revolution
_______________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 41 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
_______________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of Mch 1854 and sent to S. Godwin
Present
______________________
[intentional brackets as printed]
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2,     Page 264
Page 31

State of No. Ca }
County of Wilkes }
I John Barnes an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with Thomas Carleton sr. and John Carleton whose names appear to the foregoing affidavits and that they are both residents of Wilkes County and that they ^are respectable hones Creditable persons and as such full faith and Credit may be given to Their Statements.

Given under my hand and seal This 24th day of October 1844
S/John Barnes JP [private seal]


State of No. Ca }
Wilkes County }
This day came before me and of the acting. Justices of the peace in and for said County Sarah Burch a resident of Wilkes County State aforesaid aged 78 Years who after being duly sworn deposeth and Sayeth that she was Married to the aforesaid Thomas Burch in October 1785 in the County of Surry No. Ca by Publication. by one Wm. Cook as before stated. and she further sayeth that ^she has no license nor living witness to prove her marriage but that the family record hereto attached  is the only record or proof she has or can produce to prove that event. she further says that ^the aforesaid record is the true and only family record That was ever Kept in the family. or that she ever seen.

Sworn to and Subscribed on this 24~ day of October 1844
S/John Barnes JP
Sarah [X her mark] Burch
Page 32

State of No Ca }
County of Wilkes }
I John Barnes an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do Certify that Sarah Burch whose name appears to the within affidavit is the widow of Thomas Burch and is a respectable Creditable person and to be believed on Oath. I further Certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence that the family record hereto attached is genuine.

Given under my hand an seal This 24th day of October 1844
S/John Barnes JP [private seal]


State of No. Ca }
County of Wilkes }
I Wm. Mastin clerk of the County Court of Wilkes County State aforesaid do hereby Certify that the magistrate John Barnes whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits and Certificates is and was, at the time of testation an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and as such full faith and credit may and ought to be given thereto.

[seal] 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at office this 25th October 1844
Wm. Mastin C.C.C
By J.E. Mastin D.C.
Page 33

This is Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 1st day of July 1784, in the name of Thomas Burch as a Soldier of Infantry for £19.12.0, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to --- John Harris -- and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.

p335. {No Seal of Office.} Given under my hand, at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 4th day of March 1844.

Ja E Heath, AUDITOR.
Page 34

{ State of North Carolina
{ Comptroller's Office.
I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, having charge of the record of payments to Revolutionary soldiers, made by said State, do hereby certify in explanation of my certificate heretofore given in the case of Thomas Burch who received Indents or Army Certificates issued by the Auditors of Salisbury District, that Surry County composed a part of said District of Salisbury -

[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 16th day of June 1853 -
S/Wm. J. Clarke, Compt'r.
Page 35

State of North Carolina }
County of Wilkes }
On this 24th day of October 1844 personally appeared before me, Thomas Carlton Sn'r. aged 88 Years. who after being sworn by me, an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid deposeth & sayeth that he has lived a neighbour [sic] with Thomas Burch up to the time of his death a period of upwards of Thirty Years. and that he has oft. heard the aforesaid Thomas Burch relate events and incidents which transpired during the Revolution. and he believes he the aforesaid Thos. was the only man by the name of Thomas Burch, that was in the war! and he further says that his Brothers John & Ambrose Carlton were both in the war of the Revolution. and he has oft. heard them speak of the aforesaid Thomas Burch, as being with them. especially in the battle near Savannah in Georgia under Col. Jackson the Captains name he does not mind - and he further sayeth that having Known the aforesaid Thomas & Sarah Burch for upwards of thirty Years, he believes him to have been in the war as he stated and that he was believed and reputed to have served in the revolution by the neighborhood wherein he lived and further that She is his identical widow, and that their marriage was never ^been doubted by any person and that he the aforesaid Thomas Carlton sen'r. has every reason to believe that they were married legally as authorized by the Custom of the Country at that day;

Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and Year above written
S/John Barnes JP
Thomas [X his mark] Carlton Sen'r.
Page 36

State of No Carolina }
County of Wilkes }
On this 24th day of October 1844 personally appeared before me one of he acting Justices of the peace in and for said County - John Carleton aged 66 years a resident. of the County and State aforesaid who after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and sayeth that he has lived also a neighbor to the aforesaid Thomas Burch for a period of upwards of Thirty Years and during This period he has oft heard him talk of scenes and circumstances which he was engaged in and ^an eye witness too [sic] while he was in te war. & he further says that the aforesaid Thomas Burch was universally reputed and believed to have been in the war of the Revolution by neighborhood and he believes so also.

he further says that during the above period of Thirty Years the aforesaid Thomas and Sarah Burch lived together as man and wife and that the legality of their marriage was not, nor has not been doubted by any person - . and he further says that the aforesaid Sarah Burch is the widow of the identical Thomas Burch for whose services she is now applying for a pension and that she is still a widow.

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and Year above written.
S/John Barnes JP
S/John Carlton
Page 37

Raleigh N. C
Compt office

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that the name of Thomas Burch, appears of Record in this office, as having had issued in his favor the following Specie Certificates for Military Service, (Viz) one for Sixteen Pounds (₤16) see Book D No 18 page 41 another for Thirteen Pounds Ten Shillings (₤13.10) see Book No 23 page 146 and another in favor of T. Burch for Three Pounds Seven Shillings and Six pence (₤3.7.6) see Book No 24 page 33 given under my hand and seal this 29th day July 1845
[seal]
S/Wm. Collins Compt
Page 38

Comptroller Genls office
Milledgeville Augt 3d 1852

Dear Sir
Yours of July 18" came to hand & I have Examined the Records & can not find the name of Thomas Burch if there Ever was any Evidence here of his Service it has been Sent to the war Department I find the name of Charles Burch

Yours &c
E S Candler


S.A. Betts Esqr
Morganton NC



PS After writing ^several times I succeeded in getting a similar letter from South Carolina 
SAB
Page 39

Revy WIDOW, &c. 
___________________ om
File No. 6218
Sarah Burch
Wid:
Thos. Burch
Pvt. Rev: War
_________________
Act: Feby. 2nd/48
Index:- Vol. A,     Page 101

[intentional brackets as printed]
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 40

Sarah Burch widow of Thomas. 
N.C.

Admitted.
Act 7th July 1838.
1 year and 9 days private at $41. ~ per annum from 4th March 1836, excepting two years.




Pay to,
Sarah Burch, widow.




Certificate to, 
S. Godwin Esqr.
Washington.
D.C.
Page 41

Georgia }
Elbert County }
Before me Zachariah Smith a Justice of the peace in & for said County personally Came & appeared Betty Hardman who after being Sworn in due form of law deposeth & saith that she was present when Thomas Burch was married to Sarah Jones in Surry County & State of North Carolina in the fall Season of the year Seventeen hundred & Eighty five, & to the best of deponents recollection in the Month of October, & at said marriage deponent was one of the waiters
S/Z. Smith JP
Betty [X her mark] Hardman


Georgia }
Elbert County }
I William B. Nelms Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that Zechariah [sic] Smith whose name appears to the above affidavit as a subscribing is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace and that full faith and credit ought to be had and given to his attestation as such - 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this the twenty second day of April Eighteen Hundred and Forty Two
[seal]
S/William B. Nelms. Clerk 
Inferior Court Elbert County Georgia
Page 42

Georgia }
Elbert County }
I Robert Hester one of the Justices of the Inferior Court of said County do certify that William B Nelms Esq whose name appears to the within certificate is Clerk of the Inferior Court of Said County. and that full faith & credit ought to be given to his certificate & attestation as such

Given under my hand this 22nd day of April 1842
S/Robert Hester J.I.C.
Page 43

Burnsville Yancey Co N.C.
27 July 1854

Sir
Enclosed I send Thomas Carlton Sen Administrator of Sarah Burch deceased widow of Thomas Burch both of Wilkes County N.C. which I wish you to have filed in your Office with the original papers, so that if meddlesome slanders should again write to your office that I have Kept old Pensioners money you can then see for yourself that it is fols. [sic: false]. Hon T. L. Clingman knows these parties witnesses and all & can answer you that all is properly gotten up.

You may think strange of me regarding this, but lying tongues have caused me to pay out over three thousand dollars through malice and your Department not knowing they were false acted upon them, when if they had, had all before them it would not have been done. My business in the future shall as far as possible be above suspicion. I have also filed a copy of this receipt at Fayetteville N.C The Agency where the claims were paid. Those let me know if this receipt is received & filed.

I have the honor to be sir
Your Ob't Sev't [obedient servant]
John B. Woodfin


Hon L.P. Waldo
Com'r of Pensions
Page 44

Washington July 13. 1854
Sir,
I enclose additional evidence in the case of Sarah Burch, N.C. Act 38 - It is proven that her husband was universally reputed to have been a soldier in the N.C. Militia from Surry County, that some of the witnesses recollects his return from war, and that a Thomas Burch record contain payments for military service in the District of which Surry was a part - If this be not sufficient proof, I cannot properly wish testimony - 

Very Respy
F F C Triplett


The power of Attorney is in my name but I employ Capt Triplett generally, because he understands the business well, and will ^not say a case is a good one unless it is.
S. Godwin
Page 45

State of North Carolina }
Surry County }
On this 13th day of September 1832 personally appeared David Cockerham before me H C Hampton clerk of Surry Superior Court of Said who is personally known to me to be a highly creditable witness and made oath in due form of law. that. he is now about ninety years of age that he was a revolutionary soldier and receives a pension, - That he knew Thomas Burch well who formerly resided in Surry County, that said Thomas Burch married Sarah Jones. [illegible] Surry County. That he lived for several years a near neighbor to the said Thomas Burch That it was generally ^understood and believed that the said Thomas Burch was a revolutionary soldier and served for a considerable time in said war. ^he thinks for a time of nine months the said Thomas Burch many years ago removed to the adjoining County of Wilkes where he is informed and believes he died some years ago. he further states that he does not now remember the name of the officer under whoom [sic] said Burch served 

Subscribed before the signing and qualification
David [X his mark] Cockerham

Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 13th day of September AD 1852

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at office this 13th day of September 1852
S/H C Hampton Clk
Page 46

State of North Carolina }
Surry County }
On this 6th day of September 1852 personally appeared before me, H C Hampton Clerk of Surry Superior Court of Law Jane Roberts a credible witness and made oath in due form of law. that she is now about Eighty years of age that she has resided in Surry County N Carolina ever since her infancy. that many years ago she lived in a few miles of Thomas Burch who family lived in said County of Surry that of her own knowledge she knows nothing of said Burches services in the revolution, but that she knew said Thomas Burch well that shortly after the close of the war she often heard it said that said Thomas Burch had served for a considerable time in said war. that it was the generally received opinion and common report in those days that said Thomas Burch and his brother William had been for a long time engaged in the service in the revolutionary war. That after the close of said war the said Thomas Burch was married to Sarah Jones of said County of Surry with whoom [sic] she was well
Page 47

State of North Carolina }
Surry County }
This 8th day of September 1852 personally appeared before me H C Hampton Clerk of the Superior Court of law for Surry County Susannah Wellborn who is personally known to me to be a highly credible witness and made oath in due form of law that she is now about Eighty five years of age. that she has resided in Surry County during the revolutionary war. that she knew Captain James Hawkins who resided in Surry County during said war. and that he was a captain in said war. the said Captain James Hawkins was at her Fathers residence after the close of the war. The fact of James Hawkins having served as a captain in the revolution was never questioned in those days She further states that she was well acquainted with Thomas Burch who lived in Surry County during the revolution, that se well remembers the time when the said Thomas Burch and his brother William returned from the war, that on their return home they were met by their friends and acquaintances and welcomed home by the fireing [sic] of guns and great rejoicing. and were highly applauded by the whole community by which they were surrounded on account of their services in said war. That after the close of the war the said Thomas Burch married an acquaintance of hers whose name was Sarah Jones. That many years ago the said Thomas Burch removed from the county of Surry since which time she knows nothing of him
Susannah [X her mark] Wellborn

Sworn to and subscribed before me on this
Page 48

the 8th day of September AD 1852
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office this 8th day of September AD 1852
S/H.C. Hampton Clk.
Page 49

State of North Carolina }
Surry County }
This day personally appeared before me H C Hampton clerk of Surry Supr Court Thomas Ayres who is Known to me to be a credable [sic] witness and made oath in due form of law. that he is now Eighty years of age. that he has resided in the County of Surry during the year 1780. that for several years he lived at and near Surry Court house, That there then lived in Surry County a man by the name of James Hawkins who was called Captain James Hawkins. who it was said had served as a captain in the revolutionary war. this he verily believes to be the fact as it was universally said and believed in those days, and he never heard it questioned. He further states that he was well acquainted with Thomas Burch who formerly lived in Surry County and who was said to have been a revolutionary soldier. The said Thomas Burch was generally regarded as having served for a considerable length of time in the revolution. that he was frequently called b his acquaintances in those days by the name of revolutionary Whig, 76 Whig. &c he further states that the common report through the neighbourhood [sic] in which said Burch lived soon after the close of the war. was that Thomas Burch and his brother William Burch both were in the service during the revolutionary war for a considerable length of time. under the said Capt James Hawkins. That the said Thomas Burch many years ago removed to the adjoining County of Wilkes where he has understood he died some years since
Thomas [A his mark] Ayres

Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 1st day
Page 50

of September AD 1852.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office this 1st day of September. 1852.
S/H. C. Hampton Clk.
Page 51

Wilkesboro No. Ca, Nov 4th. 1844.

Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find the deposition of Betty Hardman which should have been sent with My Letter some time back in the case of Mrs Sarah Burch. but was misplaced and forgotten. I now inclose [sic] it so that You may have all her proof before you

Respectfully
Yours.
A.A. Scroggs
Page 52

Janes L Edwards
Commissioner Pension
City Washington 
D.C
Page 53

Wilkesboro No. Ca 25th Oct. 1844

Dear Sir.
In Compliance with Your instructions to Hon. D. S Reid of the 26th June last. in the case of Mrs. Sarah Burch. I have the honour [sic] herewith to transmit You the required proof or near as practible. [sic]

The department is well aware no doubt of the great difficulty there is in obtaining unequivocal positive proof of service or marriage or indeed ^of almost anything. applicants therefore who have not This kind of proof embrace as their only hope of establishing their Claims - That portion of the Law which declares. "That in the absence of direct proof the best attainable Evidence should be obtained." - and when they submit their claims authentified [sic] so far as is possible or attainable all they ask is that the department should act upon their claims with reference to that fact. such is the Condition of Mrs. Burch and such is her Prayer.

I have the Honour [sic] to be 
Your Obt. Sert [obedient servant]
A.A. Scroggs
Page 54

State of North Carolina } 
County of Wilkes } SS
On this 11th day of February AD 1854 personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State John Carlton aged seventy five years a resident of said County of Wilkes, a credible and disinterested witness, who being by me first duly sworn according to Law, depose and says on his oath that he knew Thomas Burch the husband of Sarah Burch who both lived in this county for a great number of years, and that she was considered to be the wife of said Thomas Burch. Deponant [sic] further days that he became acquainted with said Thomas Burch about forty years ago, and was intimately acquainted with him from that time until the death of said Burch: That he has heard Burch often talk about his services in the Revolutionary war and about the different battle he was in, and the narrow risks he run at times of being Killed.

Deponent further states that he heard said Thomas Burch tell about being in a fight with the British at one time and the Americans had to retreat and that he Burch fell in with a British soldier who was also on horse back and that he encountered the British soldier, and after several efferts [sic] he (Burch) succeeded in cutting his hand nearly off with his sword, and that said soldier fled, and that Burch said this occurred in the state of Georgia while he was an enlisted soldier. That at an other time they were under Col Jackson (as horsemen) and being near where the British were forted the Americans wished to distroy [sic: destroy] a quantity of rice stacks the British had and that some volunteered to do it, and when they were set on fire in the
Page 55

night that they could see the light for several miles, and that Burch said they with Gen Wayne at different times during the service.

Deponent further states that he has heard said Burch say he was an enlisted soldier he thinks for three years and belonged to the Dragoons, and that he was in a great many battle with the British, Tories and Indians: That said Thomas Burch said he was also at the Battle of Kings Mountain but at that time he was not an enlisted soldier, but belonged to the Malitia [sic] of North Carolina.

He further states that from what he has heard said Thomas Burch tell concerning the war and the many hardships he went through together with what other old soldiers said of Burch and his services he (deponent) never had any doubt but what said Burch did serve a long time in the Revolutionary as his character was good and his word never doubted. He further states that Sarah Burch is a very old woman and is of good character and that they lived together as husband & wife ever since he first knew them until the death of said Burch. Deponent further states that from his present recollection said Thomas Burch lived in the state of North Carolina when he first enlisted the service, but that a portion of his enlisted service was performed in N. Carolina and a portion in Georgia, but that Burch said his malitia [sic] service was all performed in N Carolina. He further states that he has no interest in this matter at present nor none in expectation:

That there were many old soldiers living in this country when deponant [sic] was a Young man who he has talking about the services of the said Thomas Burch and that all such spoke of him as
Page 56

a true Whig and faithful soldier during said war & that from their statements and Burches own he deponant [sic] always understood that Burch was in service pretty much through the whole war.
Attest Thomas. C. Carlton
S/John Carlton [private seal]

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that John Carlton is a man of good character and entitled to full faith and credit, and I believe disinterested. I further certify that I have no interest in this claim nor am not concerned in the prosecution of the same. In testimony whereof I have set my hand and seal
S/Pickens, Carlton J.P [private seal]


State of North Carolina }
Wilkes County }
I W Mastin Clerk of the Court of Peas and quarter sessions in and for the County of Wilkes in the state aforesaid do Certify that Pinkens Carlton is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his Genuine

Given under my hand and Seal of office February 14th 1854
S/W Mastin Clk
Page 57

Know all men by these presents that I, Sarah Burch of Wilkes County North Carolina, widow of Thomas Burch deceased who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war do hereby constitute and appoint Shimuel Godwin Esqr of Washington City D.C. and by these present do constitute & appoint Irrevocably, my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to receive from the Commissioner of Pensions the Pension Certificate due me under act 7 July 1838 under which I applied from this County several years ago, as the widow of said Thomas Burch, hereby granting unto my said Attorney full and ample power to do all things legally oppertaining [sic] to this my suspended claim, in as full and perfect manner as I could do were I personally present and acting for myself, and also revoking all powers of Attorney at any time executed by me, or by any one having or claiming to have the control of said case, and granting unto my said Attorney a reasonable time to prosecute this claim in, during which time I am not to employ or cause to be employed any other Agent or Attorney.

Witness my hand and seal this 11th day of February AD 1854
Attest Thomas. C. Carlton.
Sarah [X her mark] Burch [private seal]
Page 58

State of North Carolina }
County of Wilkes }
On this 11th day of February AD 1854 personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State Sarah Burch to me well Known and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her own act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned, and that the same was given of her own free will and accord: and I further certify that I have no interest in said Claim nor am not concerned in the prosecution of the same, and that she is the same widow who applied for a Pension some years ago and is still a widow. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above written.
S/Pickens. Carlton J.P [private seal]


State of North Carolina }
Wilkes County }
I W Mastin Clerk of the court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes in the State aforesaid do Certify that Pickens Carlton is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his Genuine

Given under my hand & the seal of said Court at Office Feby 13th 1854
S/W Mastin Clk
Page 59

Know all men by these presents, That I Sarah Burch of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, widow of Thomas Burch, an applicant for a Revolutionary Pension do hereby constitute and appoint Geo. C. Ames, Washington City DC My true and Lawful Attorney. for me, and in my name to prosecute my claim for a Pension due me on the account of the Revolutionary services of my late husband the said Thomas Burch, and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to Examine all papers and documents touching my claim on file in the departments at Washington or Else Where, and file any additional Evidence or arguments he may think proper to Ensure the recovery of the same, to receive a Certificate of Pension, and to do all things I might or could do were I personally present Hereby ratifying & confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises

Witness my hand and Seal this 26th day of January, 1852.
Signed & sealed in presence of 
Witness Pickens, Carlton J.P. }
Witness John Carlton }
Sarah [X her mark] Burch [private seal]


State of North Carolina }
County of Wilkes }
On this 26th day of January 1852, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Sarah Burch, above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her act & deed, for the purposes therein mentioned - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last above mentioned 
S/Pickens, Carlton J. Peace
Page 60

State of North Carolina
I, W. Mastin Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the county of Wilkes, & State aforesaid, do hereby Certify that Pickens Carlton before whom the foregoing Procedings [sic] have been acknowledged is & was at the time of the signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace as stated, and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine

[seal]
In Witness of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office at Office in Wilkesboro, This 28th day of February, 1852,
W. Mastin Clk
By H P Waugh D.C.
Page 61

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Burch, Warren
GRADE Private
LINE Massachusetts

WARRANT NUMBER  3804
ACREAGE [blank] 100 _______
ISSUED  Jan. 29, 1790 to ~~~ not shown~~~~
____________________
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.