Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 402, James Bright, Md.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE  Md
Bright, James
Sarah
NUMBER W. 402
CONTENTS

[stamped imprint]
This Envelope Includes FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO
[penciled] H.J.
Page 2

18.834
East Tennessee
James Bright
of Sullivan Cy in the state of E. Tennessee
who was a Private in the 5th Regiment commanded by
Colonel [blank] of the Maryland 
line, for the term of 3 yrs from 1777 to 1780

Inscribed in the Roll of East Tennessee
at the rate of 8 dollar per month, to commence on 
the 22 of February 1822

Certificate of Pension issued 24 of Dec 1822
and Sent to John Blair Esq
Jonesboro Ten

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1822   51.6
Semi anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1823   48
$99.6
[math calculation 6mo x 8 = 48 + 3.6 = 51.6]
7/28 4/30

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818]

May 1 1820

Let to Hon A Johnson
May 6th 1844
[illegible marking]
Page 3

1996
Tennessee Jonesboro
Sarah Bright
Widow of James Bright
who served in the Revolutionary
Md
war as a private

Inscribed on the Roll 
at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank]  
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the 
12 day of Sept 1848
and sent to
Hon. A Johnson
M C 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners unde[clipped]
February 2, 1848  Page 283  Vol

Rept
Death date not shown on A.B.
Page 4

[image of the title page of the New Testament]
[penciled] THE [illegible
THE NEW TESTAMENT
[penciled] Isaac Brashes the Son
OF OUR
[penciled] of Sampson Brashes was
LORD AND SAVIOR
[penciled] born Jun 3 1818
JESUS CHRIST
TRANSLATED OUT OF THE
ORIGINAL GREEK
AND WITH THE FORMER
TRANSLATIONS
DILIGENTLY COMPARED AND REVISED
[penciled calculations] 13  1844-1789=0066  11+44=55
PHILADELPHIA
PRINTED BY WILLIAM YOUNG, BOOKSELLER, BO, 23
SECOND STREET, THE CORNER OF CHESTNUT STREETS

M,DCC,XCIV
Page 5

Jany 1816
Bright born March 11 day
Elijah Bright born July 8th 1789
Prichet Bright born Feb 15th 1791
Elizabeth Bright born June 25, 1794
Ansel Bright born March 10 1796
Peggy Bright born August 23 1798
Eliza Bredin Born Oct 30th 1814
Page 6

1st qr, 1850
Sarah Bright
Receipt & Voucher
for pension paid
from 4th March 1849
to 2nd June 1849
To Adm'l Crawford W Hall
$19 55/100

No 1
2 Feb 1848
Page 7

Treasury Department
Third Auditors Office
February 11th 1850.
Sir
I return the vouchers
in the case of Sarah Bright dec'd
received from you under date of
the 29th inst upon which you state
the agent has refused to make
payment & requests instructions
from this office. In reply I have
to state for the information of
the Agent that, without intending
to release him from his just
responsibility in making payments,
 the vouchers would pass
the examination of this Office on
payment being made if accompanied
 by the original pension
certificate
Very respectfully
Your obt servant
Jno S. Gallaher
Auditor
Samuel Rhea, Esq.
Blountville Tenn
Page 8

James Bright
Declaration

Jno Blair agent
Jamesboro E Tenn
Page 9

Tennessee State
Sullivan County
February Sep 1822

Personally appeared in open Court the subscriber
James Bright aged about seventy a resident
citizen of the County of Sullivan and State aforesaid
and being desirous of availing himself of the
provisions of the act of Congress relative to indigent 
military of the Revolutionary war and
after first
being duly sworn according to law made
following declaration to which he was sworn
& which he subscribed in open Court
to wit
that he the said James Bright in the County of
Dorset State of Maryland in the Town of Cambridge
enlisted into the continental line of troops in the
Revolutionary war for the time of three years
under Captain John Lynch a Captain of the fifth
Regiment of Maryland Troops commanded
by
General William Smallwood and was marched from
the place of enlistment to Annapolis and continued
in service the full period of enlistment to wit three
years and was at the expiration of his servitude of
three years honourably discharged at Annapolis
which discharge he kept of many years untill
in removing from place to place he has by casualty
lost the same and cannot now produce it and was
during the period of his enlistment in the Battle of Brandywine, Germantown, Stony Point and
Monmoth as general engagements together
with many other engagements of less celebrity
that the heavy hand of affliction the lapse
Page 10

of time and his very advanced age in life
has [illegible] from his recollections the time
of enlistment & discharge but the severity
of his throughgoings, during his three years service
and the many privations and perils which
he encountered not having been obliterated by the
hand of affliction, enable him positively to
state that he enlisted as aforesaid served as
before stated for three years in succession in defence
of that liberty which he is now enjoying in union
with the other citizens of the United States and
which he hopes will not be lost sight of by those
who are now administering that happy government which he [illegible] his life to establish
he states further that the rolls of the aforesaid
Regiment will if in existence prove the
verity of his foregoing statement he further states
that he has not been owing to afflictions, and
old age been able to put himself on a fine
for twelve months past, and has no family
but a superannuated wife about of his own
age likewise infirm & helpless, and for want
of necessary means and inability to aid in
supporting himself is compelled to ask either
the benevolence of his neighbours or the grateful
remembrance of that government to which he devoted
the prime of his life to serve to interpose and
exempt him from sufferance for but a short time
which he in the course of nature seems destined
to require aid & support, he further states
Page 11

that he never has applied for a pension before and
would he now but for the necessity he is under of
support that he has resided within the bounds of
the United States ever since his discharge from service
and has resided the last twenty two years in Sullivan
County Sworn to & subscribed in open Court this
22d July 1822
James Bright
and I the said James Bright do further more solemnly
swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States
on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since
that time by gift sale or in any other manner disposed
of my property or any part thereof with intent thusly to
diminish my property as to bring myself within the
provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to
provide for certain
persons engaged in the land &
naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war
passed on the 18th March 1818 & that I have not
nor has any person in trust for me any debts property
contracts or securities, nor have I any income other
than what is contained in the following schedule
& by me subscribed 
to wit
140 acres of hilly poor and unproductive land without
improvements and without a house sufficient to shelter from the storm worth not exceeding (of any thing) $140
4 indifferent cattle 2 grown  15
1 old mare and colt   20
1 sow & 3 pigs   4
some little draper ware &c   5
$184
an old decrepit wife, the whole of which property above
would not procure their support for one year
Sworn to in open Court Feby 22nd 1822 
James Bright  his mark
Joseph C Rhea  J.C.
Page 12

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County Court 
Feby Sessions 1822
then was the foregoing declaration sworn to & subscribed
in open Court and the schedule thereto exhibited in
open Court to gather with proof of the value of the property
therein contained and the Court being satisfied, that the
property as extended in the schedule is valued at
a higher rate than intrinsically worth, it was thereupon
ordered by the Court that a second be
made thereof
and that the same be certified to the Honorable
the Secretary of war accordingly

In testamony [sic] whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal of office this
23 Feby 1822.
Richard Netherland Clk
By Joseph C Rhea D.C.
Page 13


State of Tennessee
Sullivan County  
To Crawford W Hall Citizen of
Sullivan County 
It appearing to the County Court of
Sullivan County that Sarah Bright late of said County
is dec'd having left a will and your right to administration
with the Will annext not being disputed and bond and
security being given and oath taken by you as the law
directs the court ordered that Letters of Administration be issued to you with the will annext
These are therefore to authorize and empower you the
said Crawford W Hall to enter upon the administration of all and singular the goods chattles rights and
credits which were of the said Sarah Bright with the will
annext at the time of her death and to administer
the same according to law with the will annext requiring
you to make and exhibit an inventory and an account
of sales and to make settlement of said Estate according to
law with the will annexed 
Witness Thomas P. Ford Clerk of
said Court at office the 7th day of January 1850
a true copy
Test  Tho P. Ford - Clerk
By John C Rallodge DC

State of Tennessee Sullivan County, County Court, Monday
morning 7 day of January one thousand Eight hundred
fifty Court met according to adjournment present
William Houley, R. P. Rhea, A.J. Hick James Crokett
Erwin, Crumby, James E. Webb, Silas Crockett, A J Clover
Satisfactory evidence was produced to the Court
by the oaths of John Hickam and John Green James J.
Hughs & E H. Butter that Sarah Bright was a pensioner
of the United States at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum
was a resident of the County of Sullivan and State of Tenn
and died in the County and State aforesaid on the second day
of June one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and
Page 14

[stamped imprint]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

left four children (viz) Ansel Bright, Elizabeth Broaden, Brazel P Bright, and Margaret Brashears 

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County      ⎬
I Thomas P. Ford Clerk of the
 County Court for said County do
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Record
in this case and also of the letters testamentary issued
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of
my office at office in Blountville the 14th
day of January 1850 
Tho. P. Ford Clk
Jno C Rutledge DC

The word taken underlined
by me before signing
J C Rutledge DC          ⎬ 

State of Tennessee 
Sullivan County      ⎬

Be it known that on this 9th day of January
1850, before the subscriber an acting Justice of
the peace in aforesaid County & State personally appeared Crawford
W. Hall, administrator of Sarah Bright Decd. and made oath in
due form of law, that he is the administrator of said Sarah Bright Decd who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United states
and who was the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession of which (I certify the following is a true copy
War Department, Widows Pension
I certify that in conformity with the act of Feby 2d 1848
Sarah Bright, Widow of James Bright who was a private in
the revolutionary war is inscribed on the Pension list at
the rate of eighty dollars per annum commencing on the
4th of March 1848, & continuing for life unless she should
again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such Marriage - Given at the war office of the United States this 12th day of September one
thousand eight hundred and forty eight
Examined and countersigned
J.L. Edwards Commissioner of
Pensions by F. S. Evans
J. G. Mason, acting Secretary of War

That the said Sarah Bright was entitled to the
pension as above stated, that she did not inter
Page 15

marry, but continued the widow of the said
James
Bright to her death - that she resided
Sullivan Cty, at the day of her death and
had there resided, as he is informed and believes
more than fifty years and previous thereto, she lived
as he is informed in Washington Cty Va and that
she had not been, as he believes, employed or paid
in the army navy or marine service of the United States
since March 4, 1849.
Sworn and subscribed the day & date first above written to
the best of his knowledge, information & belief, C W Hall Adm
 [handwritten seal] of Sarah Bright Decd

Daniel Rogan
Know all men by these presents, that I Crawford W Hall
adm of Sarah Bright Decd. who was the widow of
James Bright Decd. a revolutionary pensioner of the
United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Andley Anderson my true and lawful attorney for me and
in my name to receive from the Agent of the United
States for paying pensions in Jonesboro, Ten. the arrears
of pension due to the said Sarah Bright Decd from
the 4th of March 1849 to the second day of June
1849. (forty nine) being the day of her death - 
Witness my hand & seal this
9th day of January 1850
C W Hall [handwritten seal]
Adm of Sarah Bright Dec

sealed & delivered in
presence of Daniel Rogan  Saml Rhea

State of Tennessee Sullivan County
Be it known that on this 9th day of January
1850 before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in
& for said County and State personally appeared
Crawford W. Hall above named and acknowledged
the above power of attorney to be his act &
deed for the purposes therein named
In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal the day & date first above written, Robt P Rhea [handwritten seal]
Justice of the peace
Page 16

State of Tennessee Sullivan County.
Be it known that on this 9th day of January
1850 before the subscriber an acting justice of the
peace in & for said County & State, personally
appeared Audly Anderson the attorney named in
the foregoing power of attorney and made oath that
he has not any interest in the monies authorized
to be received by him by virtue of said power of
attorney by reason of any pledges Morgage [sic] sale, assignment or transfer thereof nor does he know or believe
that the same has been so disposed of to any person
whatever- Sworn and subscribed before me the
date first above written
Robt P Rhea J. Peace seal Audly Anderson

I certify
that the words in the close of the foregoing
affidavit "to the best of his knowlege [sic] information
and belief, were entered before sworn
to -
Robt Rhea I. Peace
State of Tennessee
Cullman County    ⎬ 
I. Thomas. P. Ford Clerk of the County Court in and
for said County & State, certify that R. P Rhea
Esq whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit
acknowledgement of power of attorney and
oath of attorney and certificate, is now
and was at the time of signing the same
an acting justice of the peace in & for said
County & State, duly commissioned and
Sworn and that his signatures appear to be
in his own proper hand writing - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal of office at Office in Blountville
this 14th day of Jany 1850. The Figure
14 in this my certificate was defaced by myself before
signing
Tho. P. Ford Clk
By John C. Rutledge D.C.
Page 17

 6280 [overwritten by] 187  6183
Declaration
Mrs Sarah Bright
Widow of [something ovewrittebnby] James
Page 18

In order to obtain the benefit of the third Section
of the act of Congress of the 4 July 1836
State of Tennessee
Sullivan County 
on this 15th day of August 1844 personally
appeared before the Subscribed a Justice of the peace for the
County and State afforesaid [sic]  Mrs Sarah Bright a resident of
the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee aged Eighty nine some
time in September next 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 the 4th 1836 that she is the widow of the late
pensioner James Bright who was a Soldier in the Regular service of
the United States in the war of the Revolution in the Maryland line for further proof she would refer the department
to the pension list and the proof that the afforesaid James
Bright drew his pension on of 96 dollars per annum
under the act of Congress made and provided in such
Cases she further declairs [sic] that she was married to the above
mentioned James Bright in the month of December in
the year of Seventeen hundred and seventy five for further
proof of her marriage she refers to the affidavit of John and
Sarah Carrothers and her son Elijah Bright which is here
to annext she further declares that her husband the above
named James Bright died on the third day of July one
thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven that she has Ever
since remained the widow of James Bright
Sarah Bright
her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year last above
written before me a Justice of the peace for the County afforesaid [sic] and I further certify that the afforesaid [sic]
Sarah Bright is from bodily infirmity unable to attend  
court and that full faith and credit is due the
Statements of Sarah Bright in witness whereof I have here
unto set my hand and seal this 15th day of August 1844
Rice Duncan [handwritten seal]
-
Justice of the peace for Sullivan Cty
Page 19

we B L Dulaney & Jacob J Messick both being Residents of
of Sullivan County and State of Tennessee do hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with Sarah Bright who has
Subscribed and sworn to the within declaration that she
is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where the
resides and that we concur in that opinion sworn to and
Subscribed this 31 day of August 1844 
B L Dulaney [handwritten seal]
Jacob T. Messick [handwritten seal]

September Term County Court 1844
the declaration of Sarah Bright certified on the 15th day of
August 1844 by Rice Duncan a Justice of the peace for Sulivan
County being submited [sic] to the Court the said Court doth approve
his proceedings and acts in said case and hereby direct the
clerk to endorse the approval on the papers

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County 
I Jacob T Messick Clerk of the County Court of Sulivan
County do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings are the original proceedings had and approved of by the County Court of
Salvan County at its September Term 1844 Relative to the
declaration of Sarah Bright to obtain the benefits of the acts
of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensioners and I further certify that the afforesaid Rice Duncan is and was at the time of
signing the within declaration a Justice of the peace for said County
duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that the 
Signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affix my seal of office at office in
Blountvill [sic] this 9th day of September 1844
Jacob T Messick Clerk
I Benjamin L yoakly Chairman of the County court of Sulivan [sic] County do
hereby certify that Jacob T Messick is clerk of the County Court of Sub
in County duly commissioned and qualified according to [law] and
that the signature purporting to be his is genuine this the [illegible] day 
September 1844
B L Yoakley
Chairman of the County Court of Sullivan County
Page 20

June 11, 1940.

Mrs. James B. Patton
2215 Bryden Road
Bexley,
Columbus, Ohio.

BA-J/ILL
James Bright
W. 402

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request
the Revolutionary War record of James Bright, who served from
Maryland and whose widwo [sic] applied for pension.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on
file in pension claim, W. 402, based upon service of James Bright
in the Revolutionary War.
James Bright enlisted in May or June 1776, in Cambridge,
Dorchester County, Maryland, and served nine months as private
in Captain Burk's company of the Maryland Flying Camp. He enlisted
June 14, 1777, served as private in Captain John Lynch's company,
5th Maryland regiment, was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown,
Monmouth and Stony Point and was discharged May 14, 1780 at Annapolis,
Maryland.
James Bright was allowed pension on account of his service
in the Revolutionary War on his application executed February 22,
1822, at which time he resided in Sullivan County, Tennessee; he had
resided in that county for twenty-two years. He gave his age then
as seventy years but did not state the date and place of his birth,
nor the names of his parents. He died July 3, 1837.
James Bright married "on or about December 18, 1775" in
Dorchester County, Maryland, Sarah, who was born in September 1755; her
maiden name and the place of her birth were not given. Sarah stated
that they rode across the river to Parson Cain's, were married, came
back to James Busick's and had their wedding dinner.
Sarah Bright, this soldier's widow, was allowed pension on
Page 21

application executed August 15, 1844, at which time she resided
in Sullivan County, Tennessee. She was living there in July 1848.

The following family data are shown
Elijah  ...  Bright born July           8,1789
Pritchet      "       "      February 15, 1791
Elizabeth    "       "      June        25, 1794
Ansel          "       "      March     10, 1796
Peggy         "       "      August    23, 1798

Eliza        Bradin   Born  October 30, 1814
James     Bradin     "      March     11, 1816

Isaac Brashes or Brasher, son of Sampson, born June 3, 1818.
-
In 1844, Elijah Bright, the son listed above, resided in Sullivan
County, Tennessee. He stated that he was the second son of his parents,
that his brother was three years older than he was also that said
brother was deceased, but he did not state the name of that brother.
In 1845, Ansel Bright, the son listed above, resided in Sullivan County,
Tennessee; he stated that his parents has four children older then himself, namely, James, Elijah, Bazel and Elizabeth.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of
person paid and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you
should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
this city, and furnish the following data:
Sarah Bright, widow of James Bright,
Certificate #1996
Issued September 12, 1848
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator,
Download

2.
Page 22

WIDOW &c
Revy

File No. 402
Sarah Bright.
widow.
James Bright.
Priv. Rev. War.
Act: Feb 2, 1848
Index:  Vol A   Page 80
[Arrangement of 1870]

1912 Febry Hist to Mrs Franklin V. Webb V.L.U.
1912 Feb 12 Mrs Frances B Webb infd of rate of pension & that wife's maiden name is not stated  AW
1912 Feby 24 Mrs Francis B Webb furnished hist of service at request of Mr L E Rogers
1917 June 13 Hist to Mrs L E Walker
1920 Apr 6 Hist to Jessica Stewart
1938 June 3 Hist to Mrs Genevieve Gorley [illegible mark]
1939 Nov 25 Hist to Mrs H. E. Roether [illegible mark]
1940 June 11 Hist to Mrs James B Patton J L L
Page 23

7604
Tennessee
Sarah Bright
widow of James Bright
who was a private
in the Maryland line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
[blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
4 day of March 1846
and sent to Honr. A Johnson
HR

[Act of March 3, 1843]
& 17 June 1844
recorded in Book A
 Vol. 2  Page 189
Page 24

9891.
Tennessee
Sarah Bright
Widow of James Bright,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18
and who died on the 3d July, 1837-
of Sullivan (in the State of Tenn
who was a private in the
commanded by Captain [blank] of the
[blank] commanded by [blank]  in
the Maryland line for 2 years
-
No 439

Inscribed on the Roll of Jonesborough
at the rate of
80 Dollars [blank]
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of
March, 1846 and sent to Hon. A.
Johnson, H. R.
---
Total amount,
$400.00
---
[Act July 7, 1838]
& the Resolution of Jany :45
Recorded by Wittenast  Clerk,
-
Book D Vol. 4 Page 341
Page 25

No 6182
Sarah Bright
Ten

Let to Rice Duncan 11 Nov 1844
  "    "     do    do      May 9 '45
  "    "     "       "        July 15 '45

act 4 July 1836
Page 26

Jan 30. 1912.
said record of
W. 402.
Sarah wid of John
Bright born about 1740
probably enlisted in Va.
to
Mrs Frankie V. Webb
R.R. 28
Southport Ind.
 personal inquiry
Page 27

James Bright Tenn. Act 18 March 1818
at $96 per ann
To what time was he last paid
G.C.A.

Pension Office
March 2d 1846⎬

Died 3 July 1837 pd to the day of his death
Wm Tyson
Page 28

Auditor's Office, Annapolis, June 26th 1822
I hereby certify, that it appears from the muster rolls remaining in
the Auditor's Office, that James Bright

enlisted as a private
in the 5th Maryland
Regiment, on the 14th day of June 1777
and was discharged on the 14th day May 1780
Thos Karney Auditor General
State of Maryland.
In Capt Lynch's Compy
Page 29

No
Sarah Bright
Widow of James
Ten
Act 7 July 1838 and pmt
resolution of the 23 January 1845
Admd 2 years pri
$80  per ann
from 4 March 1836
Admd Act 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$80th per ann
Hon Andrew Johnson
House of Reps
Page 30

$80/44

Payment to be made at Jonesborough
by William K. Blair  Esq
Agent for paying Pensioner, in the
Agency of Tennessee
Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
2d, 1848, Page 283 Vol. 3
Geo. Jenkins  Clerk

Washington Cty Va 51 years Sept
1847.
Page 31

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848,
Sarah Bright
widow of James Bright
who was a private n the revolutionary war,

is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty
dollars [crossed out and    cents] 
per annum, commencing on the
4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such
marriage.

Given at the War Office
of the United States
this 12th day of September
one thousand eight hundred and
forty eight.
J.J. March
acting Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned.
J. S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
By F. S. Evans
Page 32

Cambridge,
Dorchester County, M?
March 28th 1845
Sir
There is no record of Marriage License
in my office, anterior to the year 1780.
Previous to that time, I believe it was the custom
to record marriage among the archives of the Churches
of the different Parishes in the Province. Whether
these records are still preserved, and to be come at, I cannot inform you
Respectfully yrs
Sml Jackson Clk
Dorchester County Court
Page 33

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County     ⎬ 
On this 28th day of August 1844 personally
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and
for the County and State afforesaid Mr John Carrothers and
Mrs Sarah Carrothers both Residents of the County of Sullivan and
State of Tennessee Mr John Carruthers aged 90 years some time in
December next and Mrs Sarah Carrothers aged 75 the 15th of January
and after being first duly sworn according to law doth on
their oath make the following affidavit
that they are both well
acquainted with Sarah Bright and was well acquainted with
her husband James Bright up to the time of his death affiants
further declares that they have known the above mentioned
Sarah Bright and James Bright to live together as husband and wife
previous to seventeen hundred and seventy nine and that they sell
lived together and was recognized as husband and wife up to the time
of the above named James Bright death and they further declare
that they have often heard the above mentioned Sarah and James Bright
say that they were married in the year seventeen hundred and
seventy five and from the acquaintance they have with the children
of Sarah and James Bright and their ages they feel confident that the
marriage must of took place some time about 1775 and they furthor declair [sic] that the above mentioned Sarah Bright still remains
the widow of James Bright and that full faith and credit ┃
is due the statements of Mrs Sarah Bright

John Carrothers  his mark
Sarah  Carrothers   her mark
Page 34

Credit is due the statement of John Carruthers and Sarah
Carruthers in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my have
and seal this the 28th day of August 1842
Rice Duncan  [handwritten seal]
J. Peace

We B. L. Dulany & Jacob T Messick Residents of Sullivan
County and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with John Carrethers and Sarah Carrethers who
has subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit that they
are reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where
they reside, and that we concur in that opinion Sworn to
and subscribed before me this 31 day of August 1844
Rice Duncan J Peace
Jacob T Messick   [handwritten seal]
B L Dulaney   [handwritten seal]
Page 35

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County
On this 13th day of May 1849
personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the
peace for the County afforesaid Mrs Mary Gaines a
resident of the County and State afforesaid aged
Seventy five years in december next who being first
duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make
the following affidavit that she is well acquainted with
Sarah Bright a resident of this Sullivan County and
was well acquainted with her husband James Bright
up to the time of his death and she further declares that
she has known the the above mentioned James Bright
and Sarah Bright to live together as husband and
wife upwards of fifty five years ago and that they
lived together as husband and wife and was recog
nized as such in the neighbourhood where they resided
up to the time of the death of the above
named James Bright and that she never heard
the marriage disputed of the above mentioned
James Bright and Sarah Bright and she further
declare that she has lived in the same neighbourhood
with James Bright & Sarah Bright and that why
she firs got acquainted with above named James
Bright and Sarah Bright that the oldest children must of
been eight or ten years old affiant is positive that
James Bright and Sarah Bright were recognized as husband
and and wife
previous to ninety four from the fact of
Page 36

of affiant having record and knowing the ages
of her own children and that the afforesaid
Sarah Bright is the widow of the above named
James Bright who was a pensioner and as affiant allways
understood of the Maryland line
Mary Gaines

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me a Justice of the for the County afforesaid and
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with
Mrs Mary Gaines and that full faith and credit is
her statements in testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand this 13th day of May 1845
Rice Duncan
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County      ⎬ Be it known that before me Rice Duncan
a Justice of the peace for the County afforesaid personally
appeared Mr Barbary Fitch a resident of this Sulivan
County aged seventy one years who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on her oath make the following
affidavit that she is well acquainted with Sarah Bright
a resident of this Sullivan County and was well acquaint
her husband James bright up to the time of his death and that
she has known the above named James Bright and
Sarah Bright to live together as husband and wife
and were recognized as husband and wife in the
neighbourhood where they resided previous to seventeen hundred and ninety
and from the knowledge that she has of the ages of the Children of
Page 37

Children of the above named James Bright and
Sarah Bright that they must of been marred previous
to the year of Seventeen hundred and ninety four
and that they lived together as husband and wife
and was recognized as such up to the time of the death
of the above named James Bright and that affiant
is positive that Sarah Bright is the widow of the
late pensioner James Bright and that she never heard
the marriage disported of the above named James Bright and
Sarah Bright
Barbary Fitch

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me a Justice of the peace for the County afforesaid
and I further certify that full faith and credit is due
the Statement of Barbary Fitch in witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this the 14th May 1845
Rice Duncan
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County 
on this 14th day of May 1845 before the
subscriber a Justice of the peace for said County personally
appeared Mr Henry Maggart a resident of this Sulivan
County aged fifty Eight in October next who being first duly
sworn according to law doth on his oath make the
following affidavit that he is well acquainted with
Mrs Sarah Bright at this time a resident of this Sullivan
Page 38

County and was well acquainted with her husband
James Bright up to the time of his death and
he further declairs that he has known the afforesaid
James Bright and Sarah Bright lived together as husband
and wife and was recognized as husband and wife
in the neighbourhood where they resided previous to seven
teen hundred and ninety four affiant is positive from
the fact that James Bright
and Sarah Bright
oldest children were older than affiant and that the
afforesaid James Bright and Sarah Bright lived
together as husband and wife and was recognized as
up to the time of the death of the death of the
above mentioned James Bright death and that
affiant never heard the marriage of the
above named James Bright and Sarah Bright disputed and that Sarah Bright is the widow of
the late pensioner James Bright of the Maryland line
Henry Maggart

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above
written before me a Justice of the for the County
afforesaid and I further certify that the Statements of Henry Maggart is Entitled to Credit
in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
this 14th day of May 1845
Rice Duncan
Justice of the peace
Page 39

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County ⎬ SS
to the Hon house of
Representatives in Congress assembled your petitioner
Sarah Bright begs leave to represent to your Hon body the facts of her application for a Pension in
Wright for services rendered by her husband James
Bright a soldier of the war of the Revolution who
died July 3d 1837 for particulars she refers the Committee to her Declaration under the act of Congress
of July 4th 1836 she further declairs [sic] it is impossible
for her to get the proof of the marriage previous to the
termination of her husbands last services your petitioner
therfore [sic] begs leaf of your Hon body to place her
on the pension Rolls under the act of July 7 1838
and the joint resolution of January 13th 1845
she further declairs [sic]  that the family record attached
to her former declaration now on file with the Commission
of Pension is a true record of the Children births
born to her and her husband the aforesaid James
Bright she also refers to the affidavit of Mrs
Polly Gains and others recognizing them as man
and wife and the letter of the Clerk of the County Court Clerk of Dorchester County Maryland
wich [sic]  is also on file with her declaration at which place in said
County she was married
Sarah Bright X
Page 40

State of Tennessee 
Sullivan County ⎬
this day came Sarah Bright the
 within named petitioner and made
oath that the declarations made in the foregoing petitions
are true as they are stated subscribed and sworn to before
me this 29th day of November 1845
Thos Fain
J. Peace
I certify that I would believe what the above named
Sarah Bright would say on oath
Thos Fain

State of Tennessee 
Sullivan County ⎬
I Jacob T Messick Clerk of the County Court for
 the County of Sullivan do hereby certify that
Thos Fain who name appeared to the above affidavid was an acting
Justice of the peace in and for Sullivan County and he was
duly Elected Commission and qualifyed according to law
and full faith and credit may be given to all his official
acts and his signature are genuine. Witness my hand and
Seal office at office in Blountville the 29th day of
November, A.D. 1845
Jacob J Messick Clerk C.C
Page 41


Pension Office
July 12 1845
Sir
The additional evidence in the case of
Sarah Bright widow of James Bright it not
sufficient to shew that their marriage took
place prior to the termination of said James
Brights service
such proof as has heretofore been required
on this point must be furnished before the claim
can be admitted
Rice Duncan Esq
Blountville
Tennessee
Page 42

Will Col Edwards please
inform me what has been
done in this case - the papers
were left with the com
before I left the city
A John

Blountville Ten
Spet 9
Hon Andrew Johnson
Greenville Ten
Page 43

Blountville Sept 7. 1848

Dear Sir

I sent you about 2 mo. ago
old Mrs
Brights old P certificate with her
Application to be continued on the roll
I have not heard from it - will
you please drop me a line and
inform me what you did with it
J.C

What think you? 
is not
the election between
Cap & Van
Buren-- It seems to me
that the old
Hero of Buena Vista & Regular of 40
years, ought to & will be continued
on the Roll of the Army
Is it not
a strange thing
under the sum that
a party should take a regular soldier
 and that only of the army and offer
him as a candidate for an office
of first magnitude
-- I tremble for
the President
Yrs truly
Saml Rhea

Hon A. Johnson
a line by next mail will much oblige
Page 44


[overwritten] Mrs Bright
Declaration

[imprinted stamps] KNOXVILLE TEN DEC 11 [and]  FREE

The petition of Sarah Bright  Jny  viz
a pension in consequence of services rendered 
in the Revolution war - case of Medmeier

Hon Andrew Johnson M..C

Washington City
DC
Page 45


Knoxville Tennessee Dec 9th 1845
Dr Sir
after my respect I enclose
you an affidavit of Mrs Sarah Bright
of Sullivan County in your district relative
to a pension I wish for you to bring the same before
Congress Mr Edwards the Com of Pensions has suspend
it for this reason Mrs Bright was married before
the termination of her husbands last service consequently she come under the act of Congress of 4th July
1836 and cannot prove the relation of man and
wife before the termination of her husbands last
service she now wishes to be placed on the Rolls
of Pensioner under the act of Congress of July 7th
1838 wich [sic] has requires the relation of husband and
wife before January 15 1794 now Mrs Bright
has on file with the Com of Pension the list to him
viz Mr Mary Gains Mother of Col Gains of Sullivan
County and others of equal verasity [sic] besides a good
family record showing the birth of a child before
1794 and I also send to the Clerk of Dorchester
County Maryland for her marriage and the Clerk
informed me by letter that in strict short he
could not find the bond wich [sic] letter is also in
file with his other papers I think it a very
hard if she proves the relation of husband & wife
for Jan 15 1794 although services were rendered after
Page 46

the marriage she could not state under latter
act then she must be [illegible] I hope
you will press this Claim Mrs Bright is very
poor
Hon A. Johnson
Yours with
Respect
Jacob Newman

Will Mr Edwards Please examine this mans papers
and vise me what steps to take + c
A. Johnson

No
Sarah Bright
Widow if James
Ten
Act 7 July 1838
one of James
married before 1794
husb died 2 July 1837
Page 47

State of Tennessee
Sulivan County

On this 13th day of May 1845 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said county Mrs. Sarah Bright a resident of this Sulivan County aged some where about eight-nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following affidavit that she has made application for a pension but for want of proof of the marriage the pension has been suspended. She further declairs (declares) that she is the widow of James Bright who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution in the Maryland line and that she was married to her husband the above named James Bright in the month of December in year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five by a parson by the name of Cain and that the marriage took place in the county of Dorchester and State of Maryland. She further declares that she has the records of the county court clerk's office to be examined but owning to the manner in which marriage records was kept in them days she has been unable to obtain any documentary proof of her marriage and she further declairs (declares) that she recollects very well that after she was married to her husband the above name James Bright that he then entered the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution and that she recollects yet who went with her husband after the
Page 48

marriage license his name was Thomas Calender and when they came back with the license, they then rose across the river to parson Cains and got married and then came back to James Busick's and took their weding (wedding) dinner and that she still remains the widow of the late pensioner James Bright.

Sarah Bright - Her X Mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me a Justice of the Peace for the county aforesaid and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Sarah Bright and that full faith and credit it is given to statements in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of May 1845.

Rice Duncan
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee
Sulivan County

On this 14th day of May 1845 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the said county personally appeared Mr. Ansel Bright a resident of Sulivan County aged fifty years past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following affidavit that he is the son of James Bright and his wife Sarah Bright and that
Page 49

the afforesaid James Bright and Sarah Bright
had four children older than affiant viz James
Elijah Bazel and Elizabeth all older than affiant
and his father and mother the afforesaid James
Bright and Sarah lived together as husband and
wife and was recognized as husband and wife
in the neighbourhood where they resided up to the
time of the death of the afforesaid James Bright
and that affiant never heard the marriage
disputed and that his mother the above named
Sarah Bright is the widow of James Bright
who was a pensioner at the rate of 96 per annum
for service done in war of the Revolution in the
Maryland line
Ansel Bright

sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me a Justice of the peace for the County
afforesaid and I further certify that I am acquainted with
Ansel Bright and that full faith and credit
is given to his statements in testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this 14th day of May 1845 
R. Duncan
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee
Sulivan County ⎬SS
 On this 14th day of May 1845 before the
subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County afforesaid
 personally appeared Mrs Katharine Krutsinger resident
of Sullivan County aged some where about Eighty years who
being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the
following affidavit that she is well acquainted with Sarah Bright
Page 50

a resident of Sulivan County and was well acquainted with
her husband James Bright up to the time of his death
and that she knew James Bright and Sarah Bright to live
together as husband and wife previous to seventeen hundred and
ninety four and that they were recognized as such in the neighbourhood where they resided up to the time of the death
of the above named James Bright and that affiant
never heard the marriage of the above mentioned
James Bright and Sarah Bright disputed and that
she is positive from the knowledge she has of the ages of
her own children and the children of the above
named James Bright and Sarah that they must of been
married previous to seventeen hundred and Eighty as
the children of the afforesaid James Bright and
Sarah Bright is Considerable older that affiants
Children and affiant was married some time in
the year of seventeen hundred and Eighty six or
Eighty seven she is not positive which and that Sarah
Bright is is the widow of the late pensioner James Bright
Samuel Ripley  Katharine Krutsinger-

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
me a Justice of the peace for the County afforesaid
and I further certify that the statements of Katharine Krutsinger is entitled to Credit and full faith is
given her statements in whereof I have hereunto set my
hand this 14th day of May 1845
Rice Duncan
Justice of the Peace
Page 51

Sarah Bright
Payment to be made at
Jonesborough
by
W. K. Blair
Agent for paying
Pensioners, in the
Agency of
Tennessee
Payable on the 4th September and
4th March.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in
Book A Vol. 2 Page 189
Mich Stuart
Clerk.
Page 52

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
-
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843, & 
17th June, 1844
Sarah Bright,
widow of James Bright,
who was a private
and died on the 3rd day of July, 1837
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty
dollars and [blank] cents per annum, commencing on the
4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4th March, 1848, unless
the Pensioner should marry or die before the last mentioned date; in
which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage
or death.
Given at the War
Office of the United States
this 4th day of March,
one thousand eight hundred and forty-six.
W.L. Marcy
Secretary of War.

examined and countersigned
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 53

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County ⎬ SS
I Jacob T Messick Clerk of
the County Court of Sulivan County do hereby Certify
that Rice Duncan Esqr whose name appears to the
affidavits hereunto annext is and was a Justice
of the peace for said County duly Commissioned
an qualified according to law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affix my seal
of office at office in Blountville
this the 5 day of June 1845
Jacob T Messick Clerk

State of Tennessee
Sulivan County SS
I Robert P Rhea Chairman of the
County Court of Sullivan County do hereby certify
that Jacob T Messick is clerk of the County Court
of Sulivan duly Elected and qualified according to law and that his signature is genuine
witness my hand this the 3 day of June 1845
Robt P Rhea
Chairman of the County Court
of Sulivan County
Page 54

Declaration
Sarah Bright

aa
Page 55

Decleration [sic] of Sarah Bright
State of Tennessee Sullivan County
On this 17th day of July 1848 personally appeared before
the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County
, Sarah Bright a resident of said County and State
aged about ninety years old, who being first duly
sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision
made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2nd Febry
1848, granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during
the revolutionary war; That she is the widow of
James Bright, who was a private in the army of the Revolution
, in the fifth Regiment of Maryland troops and
that she received an annual pension of eighty dollars
, up to the 4th March 1848, under the acts of March
3. 1843 & Jun 17th 1844
She further declares that she is still a widow
Sarah Bright  her mark

Sworn to & subscribed before me the day & year above written
Joseph Newland J. Peace

I certify that Sarah Bright the declarant
as above, is personally known to me,
Joseph Newland J. Peace

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County
 I Thomas P. Ford Clerk of the County Court
 of said County and State, do certify that
Joseph Newland whose signature appears to the above writing is and was at the time of signing the same, an acting  Justice of the peace in & for said County, and that his signature 
appears to be in his own proper hand writing
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my seal
of Office at Office in Blountville this
26th day of July 1848 
Th P Ford Clerk
of the County Court
Page 56

Blountville Septr 3rd 1844
Mr J. L. Edwards
Sir. Enclosed I
send you the declaration of Sarah
Bright - you will please examine
and when examined forward me a
Certificate   
V oblige  Yours Respectfully
Rice Duncan
Page 57

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County ⎬ SS 
On this 31 day of August 1844
personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of
the peace in and for said County Mr Elijah Bright
Resident of the County and State afforesaid aged
65 years the 8th day of July next who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on his oath make the following
affidavit that he is the second son of James Bright and Sarah
Bright his wife he further declairs that from the information from his father & mother his older brother which is now
dead was three years older that affiant and that he has
often heard his father the above named James Bright
say that his services were rendered to the united States in the
war of the Revolution after his marriage affiant further
declares that the above named James Bright and Sarah
Bright lived together as husband and wife from the
time of his first recollection up to the time of the said
James Brights death and that they were recognized as
husband & wife in the neighbourhood where they resided and
that his mother the above named Sarah Bright still remains a widow
Elijah Bright

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
last above written before me a Justice of the peace for
the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee and I further
Certify that full faith and credit is due the statements of
Elijah Bright in witness whereof I have hereunto set hand and
we B L Dulany & Jacob T. Messick Residents of the County
of the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee do hereby Certify that
we are well acquainted with Elijah Bright who has subscribed and
Sworn to the within affidavit that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides and that we concur in that oppinion
Sworn to and subscribed this 31th day of August 1844
before me  Rice Duncan

Jacob T Messick [handwritten seal]
B L Dulaney [handwritten seal]
Page 58


Blountville March
the 8 1845
Sir
I send you the declaration of Sarah
Bright which was filed in your office by the
Hon A Johnston
I did not retain it to deceive
the Department but thought in drawn
awkardly and under the wrong act of Congress
and did not expect that you would want it
I have got the seal of the Court thus attach
to it and probably the proff [sic] made and
to the other declaration [illegible] of their
Relation as husband and wife will be
sufficient to entitle her under the act of
1838

I am sir your obt servant
Rice Duncan
J L Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
Page 59

18,444
Additional Statement
of
James Bright
Page 60

James Bright the subscriber hereto personally appeared
by me Thomas Rockhold on acting Justice of the
peace for the County of Sullivan & made Oath
that since the time at which he made out his
Original declaration he has been enabled to remember
some facts omitted therein & which it appears
are required by the war office, and can now in addition to
the facts in the declaration stated further say
that in the spring of the year (either may or June) of
the year 1776 he enlisted into the flying camp under
Captain Burk in Cambridge Town Dorset County
State of Maryland for the time of nine months,
that he served out the period of nine months under
Capt Buck in the flying Camp commanded by Genl
Smallwood and their enlisted In the County & State
aforesaid in the manner represented in his said Original
declaration for three years into the fifth Regiment under
Captain John Lynch in smallwoods regiments being the said
5th of continental troops, in the spring 1777. towit in
May or June as well as now remembered and served the
said three years, and was in 1780 as well as now
remembered discharged at Annapolis in an honourable
manner- but cannot now positively state by whom which
discharge was disposed of in the manner stated in his foregoing
original declaration
sworn to & subscribed before me this 26th
Sept 1822
Thos Rockhold     James Bright   his mark


State of Tennessee
Sullivan County  ⎬ I Richard Netherland Clerk of the Court of pleas of Quarter
Sessions for Sullivan County Do certify that Thomas Rockhold Esq
whose name appears signed to the above Instrument of writing is and was at the
time of signing the same as acting Justice of the peace for said County and
[remaining line cut off]
Page 61

Captain [remaining cut off]
State of Maryland for the term of nine months,
that he served out a period of nine months under
Capt Buck in the flying Camp commanded by Genl
Smallwood and their enlisted. In the County & State
aforesaid in the manner represented in his said Original
declaration for three years into the fifth Regiment under
Captain John Lynch in Smallwoods regiment being the said 5th
of continental troops, in the spring 1777 to wit
in
may or June as well as now remembered and served
out the said three years, and was in 1780 as well as now
remembered discharged at Annapolis in an
honourable
manner-- but cannot now positively state by whom which
discharge was desposed of in the manner stated in his foregoing
original declaration sworn to & subscribed before me this 26th  Sept 1822
James Bright   his mark
Thos Rockhold J.P.

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County ⎬ I Richard Netherland Clerk of the Court of pleas of Quarter
Sessions for Sullivan County Do certify that Thomas Rockhold Esq
whose name appears signed to the above Instrument of writing is and was at the
time of signing the same as acting Justice of the peace for said County and
that full faith and credit are due his affidavit as such
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affix my seal of office at Office in Blountville this 26th day of September 1822
Richard Netherland Clerk
By G.W. Netherland D Clerk
Page 62

6188    6182
Sarah Bright
Ten
Act. 4 July 36-

Rejected

Hon A Johnson
House of Reps
-
Page 63

Blountville
Declaration
In order to obtain the benifit [sic] of the act of Congress of
the 7 July 1838 Entitled an act granting half pay and
Pension to certain widows and in order to obtain the-
Benefit of the act of Congress passed March 8th 1843
Granting years pay and a pension to certain widows

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County 
this 4th day of March 1844
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace
Sarah Bright a resident of the County and State afforesaid
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 provisions made by the
act of Congress passed July the 7th 1838 Entitled an act Granting half
pay and pension to certain widows and in order to obtain this
benefit of the act of Congress passed March 3d 1843 Granting one
years pay and pension to certain widows That she is the widow
of James Bright who was a soldier in the Maryland Regulars
in the war of the Revolution. That the afforesaid James Bright drew
pension under the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1832 of Ninety Six Dollars for his said services. She further declares that she
was married to the said James Bright on or about the 18th
of December 1775. and that the afforesaid James Bright died
On the 3rd day of July 1837. and that she was not married to
him prior to his leaving the servis [sic]. But the Marriage took place
prior to the first of January 1794 Viz, at the time above stated
Test
Thomas H Smith
Sarah Bright   her mark
Page 64

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me a Justice of the Peace for the County afforesaid and
I further certify that the said Sarah Bright is from bodily
Infirmity unable to attend Court. In witness whereof I have
here and to set my hand this 4th March 1844
William Newland
Justice of the peace

March Term 1844 County Court.
The declaration of Sarah Bright testifyed on the 4th March
1844 by William Nowland a Justice of the peace for said County
being submited to the Court. The said Court doth approve his
proceedings and acts in said case, and hereby direct the
Clerk to endorse them approved on the papers.

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County ⎬
 I Jacob T Messick Clerk of
 of the County Court of Sullivan County do hereby
certify that the foregoing proceedings had and approved of by the
County Court of Sullivan County at its March Term 1844. Relative
to the declaration of Mrs Sarah Bright to obtain the benefit of
acts of Congress relative to Revolution Pensions; and I further
Certify that the afforesaid William Newland is and was a
Justice of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned and
qualifyed according to law; And that the signature
purporting to be his is genuine 

In testimony whereof
I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal
this 6th day of March 1844. 
Jacob T. Messick Clerk
of Sullivan County
Page 65

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me a Justice of the Peace for the County afforesaid and
I further certify that the said Sarah Bright is from bodily
infirmity unable to attend Court. In witness whereof I have
here and to set my hand this 4th March 1844
William Newland
Justice of the peace

March Term 1844 County Court.
The declaration of Sarah Bright testified on the 4th March
1844 by William Nowland a Justice of the peace for said County
being submitted to the Court. The said Court doth approve his
proceedings and acts in said case, and hereby direct the
Clerk to endorse them approved on the papers.

State of Tennessee
Sullivan County 
 I Jacob T Messick Clerk of
of the County Court of Sullivan County do hereby
certify that the foregoing proceedings had and approved of by the
County Court of Sullivan County at its March Term 1844. Relative
to the declaration of Mrs Sarah Bright to obtain the benefit of
acts of Congress relative to Revolution Pensions; and I further
Certify that the afforesaid William Newland is and was a
Justice of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned and
qualifyed according to Law; And that the signature
purporting to be his is genuine In testamony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal
this 6th day of March 1844, Jacob T. Messick Clerk of Sullivan County
Page 66

I  B S Yoakly Chairman of the County Court
of Sullivan County do hereby certify that Jacob T
Messick is Clerk of the County Court of Sulivan
County duly Elected and qualified according to
law and that the signature purporting to be
his is genuine in testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand and seal this 6th January 1845
Benjamin S Yoakly Seal
Chairman of the County
Court of Sulivan County

[some math]
65

25
44
___
69
Page 67


Blountville
June the 3rd 1845
Sir
Enclosed you will find
the affidavit of Sarah Bright with several
others of old and respectful neighbours and
allso a letter from the Clerk of the County
Court of Dorchester County and
Consequently
there can be no documentary evidence
obtained in the case of Sarah Bright you
will please examine the enclosed of 
affidavits and report to me at this place
I am Sir your
Obt Servant
Rice
Duncan

J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
W.C
D. C
Page 68


Blountville. July 26. 1848.
Dear Sir
Enclosed is Mr Sarah Brights Pension
certificate and her application for a continuance
of the same - Will you please
present it to Col Edwards, and if all
right, get a certificate and send the same
to me by Mail

Nothing with
us very important -- Genl Arnold declined
his nomination as a whig Elector
and the Whigs meet [crossed out tomorrow] today in Jonesboro, to nominate again--
Yrs truly
Saml Rhea

Col A. Johnson
Please take good care of
the accompanying
Page 69

November 25, 1939.

BA-J/MMRF/ILL
James Bright
W. 402
Wyndle Bright -  see letter in this claim
W. 27861

Mrs. H. E. Brother
542 East Ind. Avenue
Perrysburg, Ohio.
Reference is made to your letter addressed to the
Veterans Bureau, Baltimore, Maryland, which has been referred
to this office for reply in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary War with the surname Bright; you state that you are a
direct descendant of a Major Bright who was born in 1777 in
Allegany County, Maryland, and settled later in Hancock County.
The records of this office have been searched in the
effort to find the record of the Revolutionary War soldier who
may have been the father of the Major who was born in 1777, but
without the full name of any particular soldier no records could
be identified definitely. The records have been found of two
Revolutionary War soldiers who at one time resided in Maryland.
Those records are furnished you herewith those of James and Wyndle Bright.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
did not help
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

She wrote again Jan. 8, 1940 & said
these 2 hists
did not help
her & wanted any Brights of
Southern Pa at the time of
the Rev. See reply under her 
name in the misc files June 18, 1940  --R
Page 70

Rev War
February 12, 1912.
Mrs. Francis B. Webb,
Cherry Hill Farm,
Southport, Indiana.


Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 6" and received
the 12" instant, you are advised that James Bright, Wid. No. 102,
Rev. War, was pensioned at $8. per month. The maiden name of
his wife is not stated.
The Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford information in regard to any soldier named Berryman.
In order to identify a Revolutionary War pension claim if on
file for William Webb, you should furnish some of the following
data; names of some officers under whom he served, places of
residence at enlistment and after discharge, approximate dates
of birth and death, given name of widow.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

sent in answer to a letter written to
Mr L. E. Rogers a clerk in Civil War
DW Pension Bureau, said letter returned
tp him
Page 71

November 25, 1939.

BA-J/ILL
James Bright
W. 402

Mrs. H. H. Roether
543 East Ind. Avenue
Perrysburg, Ohio.
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on
file in pension claim, W. 402, based upon the service of James Bright
in the Revolutionary War.
James Bright enlisted in May or June 1776, in Cambridge,
Dorchester County, Maryland, and served nine months as a private
in Captain Burk's company of the Maryland Flying Camp. He enlisted
June 14, 1777, served as private in Captain John Lynch's company,
5th Maryland Regiment, was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown,
Monmouth and Stony Point and was discharged May 14, 1750 at Annapolis,
Maryland.

James Bright was allowed pension on account of his service
in the Revolutionary War on his application executed February 22, 
1822, at which time he resided in Sullivan County, Tennessee; he had
resided in that county 
for twenty-two years. He gave his age then
as about seventy years, but did not state the date and place of his
birth nor the names of his parents.

The soldier died July 3, 1837.

James Bright married "on or about December 18, 1775" in
Dorchester County, Maryland, Sarah, who was born in September 1755; her 
maiden name and the place of the birth were not given. Saran stated
that they rode across the river to Parson Cain's, were married, came
back to James Busick's  and had their wedding dinner.
Sarah Bright, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on 
her application executed August 15, 1844, at which time she resided in Sullivan County, Tennessee. She was living there in July 1848.
Page 72

The following family data are shown

Elijah Bright, born  July 8, 1789
Pritchet    "  "     February 15, 1791
Elizabeth   "    "  June 25, 1794
Ansel     "    "  March 10, 1796
Peggy    "    "   August 23, 1798.

Elisa Bredin  born October  30, 1814
James Bradin  " March 11, 1815.
Isaac Brashes, or Brasher, son of Sampson, born June 3, 1818.

In 1844, Elijah Bright, the son listed above, resided in Sullivan
County, Tennessee, and made affidavit in behalf of his mother's
claim for pension. He stated that he was the second son of his
parents, that his brother was three years older than he was, also,
that said brother was deceased; he did not state the name of that
brother. In 1845, Ansel Bright, the son listed above, resided in
Sullivan County, Tennessee; he stated then that his parents had four
children older than himself, namely James, Elijah, Basel and Elizabeth.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of
person paid and possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you
should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
this city, and furnish the following data:

Sarah Bright, widow of James Bright,
Certificate #1996
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Issued September 12, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Tennessee Agency

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 73

June 2, 1938
BA-J/ILL
James Bright
W. 402
Mrs. Genevieve Corley
905 Wabash Avenue
Mattoon, Illinois.
Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the 
Revolutionary War record of James Bright, who served from Maryland.
The data which follow are found in pension claim, W. 402,
based upon service of James Bright in the Revolutionary War.
James Bright enlisted in May or June 1776, in Cambridge,
and served nine months as a private in
Captain Burk's company of the Maryland Flying Camp. He enlisted June
[illegible] in Captain John Lynch's Company, 5" Maryland regiment; was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth
and Stony Point and was discharged May 14, 1780, at Annapolis, Maryland.

He was allowed pension on his application executed February
22, 1822, at which time he resided in Sullivan County, Tennessee; he
had been a resident of that county for twenty-two years.  James Bright
gave his age then as about seven years,  but did not state the date
and place of his birth nor the names of his parents.

James Bright died July 3, 1837.

He married "on or about December 18, 1775" in
Dorchester County, Maryland, Sarah, who was born in September 1755; her
maiden name and the place of the birth were not given. Saran stated
that they rode across the river to "Parson Cain's", were married, came
back to James Busick's and had their wedding dinner.

Sarah Bright, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on
her application executed August 15, 1844, at which time she resided in Sullivan County, Tennessee; she was living there in July 1848.
Page 74

The following family data are shown

Elijah Bright, born July 8, 1789
Pritchet " " February 15, 1791
Elizabeth " " June 25, 1794
Ansel " " March 10, 1796
Peggy " " August 23, 1798.

Elisa Bredin born October 30, 1814
James Bradin " March 11, 1815.
Isaac Brashes, or Brasher, son of Sampson, born June 3, 1818.

In 1844, the son, Elijah Bright, listed above, resided in Sullivan
County, Tennessee, and made affidavit in behalf of his mother's
claim for pension. He stated that he was the second son of his
parents, that his brother was three years older than he was, furthermore,
that said brother was deceased; he did not designate the name of that
brother. In 1845, Ansel Bright, the son listed above, resided in
Sullivan County, Tennessee, also. He stated then that his parents had four
children older than himself,; namely James, Elijah, Basel and Elizabeth.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of
person paid and possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you
should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division,
this city, and furnish the following data:

Sarah Bright, widow of James Bright,
Certificate #1996
Rate $80 per annum, Commenced March 4, 1848
Issued September 12, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Tennessee Agency

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 75

Brownwood, Tex.
June 3 - 1917.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir,

Please send me the Rev. Mar record of James Bright, served as a soldier in Capt. John Lynch's Company, 5th Maryland Regiment, commanded by Col. Richardson, Revo. War.

Thanking you kindly for any assistance in this matter, I am

Very truly
Mrs. L.E. Walker
1309 Fisk Ave.,
Brownwood, Tex.
Page 76


May 2nd
Mrs. James B. Patton
2215 Bryden Road
Bexley, Columbus, Ohio

Gentlemen
-
The "widow" of James Bright
(born 1752) applied for a pension.
James Bright was a private in the Maryland line during the American Revolutionary 
War.    I would greatly appreciate
if you will give me the
widow's name &
names of any children,
as recorded

Thanking you for as early a reply as is possible
Yours
Mrs James B. Patton
Page 77

NYE

Weber Springs, Ark.
March 16, 1920.

Com. of Pensions:
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,

If you have any word of a James Bright from the state of Maryland who served in the Revolutionary war, will you please send it to me.

I should like to know when he enlisted and when he was discharged and if he received an honorable discharge.

I think he was a member of Capt. John Lynch's company, 5th Maryland Regiment.

If there is any record of the wife of said James Bright receiving a pension I should be very glad to have that also.

Very respectfully,
Jessie Stewart.
Page 78

Mrs. Genevieve Corley

Mattoon, Illinois
May 12, 1938.

The Veterans Administration
Pension Department
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:-

May I please ask the following questions:

1. Is the James Bright listed in Vol. 18 of "Archives of Maryland" in A Return of Captain Marbury's Co. of Artillery", the same as the James Bright listed in "The Fifth Regiment of Maryland Troops, discharged by Col. Forrest? in the same volume.

2. Did he or either of them ever receive a pension?

3. May I have a copy of the application for Pension and a summary of any papers connected with it?

Very truly yours,
Genevieve M. Corley.
905 Wabash Ave.
Mattoon, Ill.
Page 79

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. James Bright W.L.T 402

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment:
May or June 1776
June 14 1777

Length of Service:
9 months
Mary 14 1782

Rank:
Private

Captain under whom he served:
Burk
John Lynch

Colonel under whom he served:
in Flying Camp
Fifth Regiment of MD

State
MD

Battles engaged in: Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth Stony Point
Residence of Soldier at Enlistment: Enlisted at Cambridge, Dorchester Co, MD
Date of application for Pension: Feb 22 1822 His et al.
Residence at date of application: Sullivan Co Tenn
Age at date of Application: about 70 years
Died July 3, 1837

Remarks: Soldier married in Dorchester Co. MD Dec 1775 - Sarah - she was born Sept 1755 & was allowed pension on an application executed Aug 15, 1844 while a resident of Sullivan Co Tenn. 

Children were Elijah born July 8 1789: Pritchet born Feb 15 1791; Elizabeth born June 28, 1794; Ansel born March 10, 1796; Peggy born Aug 23, 1798; James and Bazel.

Very respectfully.

Commissioner.