Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5,918, Thomas Bryan, Va.
Page 1

VA Bryan, Thomas W.5,918
or Brian B.L.W.A. 26,487-160-55.
Margaret
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Georgia 12.845
_________________________
Thomas Bryan
of Laurens in the State of Georgia
who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Patterson of the Regt. commanded by Col. Taylor in the Virginia line for 8 months 21 days-
_________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia 
at the rate of 29 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
_________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of June
and sent Danl. M. Neil
Dublin C. H. Ga
_________________________
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 58
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 14.50
$72.50

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 6 Page 86.

Paid at the Treasury under the Acts of the 6th April 1838 from 4th Sept 1837 to 4 March 1838. Agt notified 25 Jany 1839.
_______________________________
Paid as above from 4 Sept 1838 to 4 Sep 1839 Agt notified 8th Oct 1840
_______________________________
Letter to Thomas Holcombe & Pension Agent. 17. Feb 1843
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Thomas Bryan
Claim for pension
25152
Page 4

Georgia 
Laurens County

On this the fourth day of February 1833, personally appeared in open court before B.M. Hampton H.B Hathaway H.C Ferquay & Lewis Maddox Justices of the Inferior? Court of said County now in Superior Thomas Bryan a resident of said county of Laurens and state aforesaid, aged sixty nine years on the 19th day of next April who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States as a militia man under the following named officers. He entered the service as a drafted man at the age of seventeen years - for three months - he entered this service in Chesterfield County Virginia (where he then resided) under the Command of Capt. David Patterson and Col. Robert Goode - and was marched by them to South Carolina to join Genl Gates but he was defeated before we got there and we went no farther than Dunwoody Court house in Virginia - then returned to Petersburg, and was disbanded.- after being drawn in service three cooks and a few days some short time after the word of this service (illegible crossed out) in the same dates he was again called into service from Chesterfield County in Virginia - and was under arms in service mostly in Chesterfield County - five months & this use under the Command Col. Robt Goode, and + part of this last service under Capt David Patterson - a part under Capt. William Smith and a part under Capt Aby Smith - this last service was performed as a drafted man - Shortly after this last service which terminated in the year 1781 as well as he recollects - He again entered the service - and served a three months tour in (Chesterfield crossed out) Gloucester County County Virginia under the Command of General Madern Col. Taylor and Maj. Campbell - during these serves he was in tow or three little skirmishes with the British - and patroling at a place in
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called the hundred on James River, between Richmond and Petersburg in Virginia - and that this last service was performed as a substitute - all this time his place of Residence was in Chesterfield county Virginia and all the foregoing  service ^ all making nine months were performed in that States - And furthermore the said Thomas Bryan says he has no other pay - no documents - or documentary evidence - and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - and that he hereby relinquishes all and ^scary (?) claim or claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension rolls of the agency of any State - Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written
Thos Bryan
Georgia}
Lewis County} Mr. Lemuel Johnson &Thos. Moore Residing in the County aforesaid do hereby certify that we have been well acquainted with Thomas Bryan, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be of the age therein set forth - that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that belief.
February 4, 1833      Lemuel Johnson
                                 Tho. Moore
And the said court do hereby (certify crossed out) declare their opinion after an investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant is a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies that it is known to them that Lemuel Johnson and Thomas Moore who have signed the foregoing certificate are both aged men - of high character
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and standing and that their statements are entitled to the fullest credit- 
Benj. W. Hampton I.I. C. & L. C.
W. B. Hathaway I. I. Cty Lan Coty
H. C. Ferquay J. J. Cirt
Lewis Maddux J.J.C.
I Thomas Moore clerk of the court of Ordinary do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the Matter of the application of Thomas Bryan for a pension._
LS  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private Seal there being no SEal of Office this 4th day of February 1833.
Tho Moore Clerk of the Court of Ordinary of Laurens County Georgia
I hereby certify that Dd Thomas Moore is as he represents himself to be "Clerk of the Court of Ordinary of Laurens Co State of Georgia
G M. Nouss
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W M Varnum
June 16 1833=
Young. I. Anderson July 9 1855

4551
Georgia
Margaret Brian
widow of Thomas.
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
subscribed on the Roll at the rate of 29 Dollars no- Cents per annum, to commence on the (4th day of March , 1848. crossed out)
3d, February, 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of Octr. 1854 and sent to Young J. Anderson
Dublin Laurens Co. Ga.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February (2, 1818, crossed out) 3 1853. Page 149 Vol. A,
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a
Declaration
In order to obtain the renewal of the half-pay provided for the the 1st section of the act of February 3d, 1853, and to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of 4th July 1836, extended by the act of 21st July, 1848, and further extended by the act of 22 February 1849.

Georgia
Laurens County} ss. On this the twenty-sixth day of August, A.D. 1854, personally appeared before me William H. Darsey: a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Margaret Bryan, a resident of the county aforesaid, aged about eighty-seven or eight-eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed the 3d February 1853, granting the renewal of half-pay to certain widows and orphans, as well as the benefits of all preceding acts granting Pensions to the widows of Revolutionary soldiers; that her maiden name
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was Margaret Simpson; that she was married to Thomas Bryan in the county of Richmond and state aforesaid, by one Ambrose Hunter, a Justice of the Peace about sixty five years ago; that she knows no living witness to their marriage; that the said Thomas Bryan died in the county of Laurens and state aforesaid on the 13th of May, 1844; that he was a Private Soldier in the Revolutionary War, and a Pensioner under the law of the 7th of June, 1832; that he received his pay at the Pension Agency in the city of Savannah, Georgia; that his pensions were Twenty-nine dollars per annum; that he drew his last claim on the 4th of March 1844, and that nothing has since been drawn for her or in her name, She further declares that she is still a widow, and has remained such ever since the death of the said Thomas Bryan.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. William H. Darsey JP
              Her
Margaret  X  Bryan
             mark
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Cri: W. H. Varnum, Mch: 19/56
147.166 Act March 0/55
May 25./55
Margaret Bryan Widow of Thomas Bryan
Pri:
No. 26487 iss May 27 /56
Revolution
Pensioned. Act Feby. 2, 185?
Geo July 48-1195
W: 160 Ac May 23d. 756
Bryan
[illegible]
W M. Varnum
Dahlonegan
[illegible]
Vol. B2-69.
Page 11

Extract from Record in Bible furnished in the case of Margaret Brian for Pension, and which Bible was returned Feby. 9. 1861
Bennet Bryan was born February 2nd 1795- 
Son of Thomas & Marget Bryan
James Bryan, Son of Thomas and Margot Bryan was born 2d. day of Oct. 1796.
Mary Ann Bryan was born 6th July 1796
Elizabeth Bryan was born January 20 day 1800.
Page 12

State of Georgia}
Laurense County} On this the 14th day of May 1855 before the subscriber personally appeared Margaret Bryan aged 86 years a resident of said County and after being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Thomas Bryan deceased who was a Revolutionary soldier and a Pensioner as such on the Georgia Roll at the rate of twenty nine dollars per annum; she further states that she applyed (applied) for & received a Pension as the widow of said the soldier under Act of Congress passed the 3rd February 1853 at the same rate of her deceased husband the said Thomas Bryan. She therefore makes the foregoing declaration fur the purpose of obtaining a Bounty of land under the act of Congress passed the 3d of March 1855 for proof of her marriage she refers the Commr. of Pensions to the proof on file in the Pension Office she further states that she has not received nor applyed for Bounty Land under any other Act of Congress and that she is still a widow.
               her
Margaret  X  Bryan
              mark
We Thomas Bryan and Saray Bryan residents of Laurense County in the State of Georgia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged in our presence and that ^we know the statements of the applicant are true and that she is still a widow of the identical
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Thomas Bryan deceased} Sworn to and subscribed before me the day & year above written}  Thomas Bryan
        her
Sarah  X  Bryan
        mark

The foregoing declaration was sworn to and affidavits subscribed before me on the day and year last above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that this claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim
Wm. H. Darsey JP

Off: Chr of Mag Certified in case of Rachel Hinson wid Char Act 55 for services in open 1836   B O Upton

W. M. Varnum
Dahlenega Georgia
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No 25/52
Thomas Bryan
Laurens Co- Georgia-
Admit as private
8 mo. 21 days
$29.00
Daniel McNeal
Dublin
Laurens Co
Georgia
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus:  } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.  
Georgia
A Statement, shewing the Service of Thomas Bryan Laurens Co.-

(table with columnar headings)

Period when the service was rendered
Drafted --ditto  1784
Sub  --

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years 

Months
indefinite 
(7 crdossed out) 5
3
8

Days
21
he states his whole service definite at nine months 

Rank of the claimant
Private

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Capt. Patterson
Col. Goode Capt. Smith
Generl Headon
Col. Taylor

Age at present, and place of abovde when he entered the service
69 years
Chesterfield Co Virginia+

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditional evidence certified credible by the court.

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
Regulations under the Act of June 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers,: all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. [Et cetera] Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. [Et cetera] Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of 
County of
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion [provision] made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank] , with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers: [blank]
(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he [entered] the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c. [Et cetera] )
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the da and year aforesaid. A. B.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c. [Et cetera]
If on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscr9be a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: [blank]
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. [blank] who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c. [Et cetera]
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 17

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition,, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service' were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a soldier: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
6. To an Officer: Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these [persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other person, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party, And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court of County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[THE FOLLOWING (d) IS {BRACKETED} FOR MORE INFORMATION NECESSARY]
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. [Et cetera] . A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank] . For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank] ; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase "about three or four months", is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. [Et cetera] without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service, This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[THE FOLLOWING (i) IS {BRACKETED} FOR MORE INFORMATION NECESSARY] Private seal
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

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

(3-1776) SERVICE NUMBER

Va.  Bryan, Thomas or Brian, Margaret 

W. 5,918
B.L. Wt. 26,487-160-55
CONTENTS
Page 19

Mary Ann  born July 6, 1798
Elizabeth " January 20, 1800.
In 1855 the following children testified in the case: Thomas, Elizabeth, Sarah and Martha. There are no further data as to children.
Very truly yours
E.W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
-  2  -
Page 20

1.
Revolutionary Pension Claim
of
Margaret Bryan.
Georgia}
Laurens County } Ss.
Know all men by these Presents, That I, Margaret Bryan, of the State and county aforesaid, widow of Thomas Bryan, late of said county deceased, who was a Private soldier in the Revolutionary War, and a Pensioner at the time of his death, hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Young J. Anderson Esq. of the aforesaid State and County, my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute my claim for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all papers and documents in relation to said claim on file in the Departments at Washington City,
Page 21

or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to secure the certificate which may be issued for said claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally ^present. Hereby satisfying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises, and revoking all former powers.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal; this the twenty-sixth day of August A.D. 1854.
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of William H. Darsey JP
              Her
Margaret X  Bryan  L.S. (circled)
              mark
Page 22

Georgia}
Richmond county, }
I, Leon P. Duglas, Ordinary in and for the Said County in Said State. Do Hereby Certify that the records of Marriage Licences (Licenses), or Certificates of Marriages does not extend any of other back then (than) (1806) "Eighteen Hundred and Six, - And I Do further Certify that I have examined the Records in my Office and find no Certificate of the Marriage of Thomas Bryan and Margaret Simpson
Witness my hand and Seal of Office. This Fifteenth Day of August, Eighteen Hundred and Fifty four,
Leon P. Duglas
Ordinary
Page 23

3
Affidavits,
Georgia}
Laurens County} Ss.
Personally appeared before me, William H. Darsey a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Frederick Faircloth (illegible crossed out) and David Braswell, both residents of the State and County above written, both of whom being duly sworn, deposeth and saith on oath, that they knew Thomas Bryan and Margaret Bryan for many years; that they were reputed man and wife, that they lived together as man and wife, and that they were never questioned to be man and wife by their acquaintances; that the said Thomas Bryan departed this life in the county aforesaid on or about the 13th of May 1844, and that the said Margaret Bryan has since remained unmarried.  Fred Faircloth
           His
David  X  Braswell
             mark

Sworn to and Subscribed before me  W.Y.C. Darsey J.P.
August 26th 1854
Page 24

Certificates
Georgia}
Laurens county} Ss. I, William H. Darsey, a Justice of the Peace, and for said county do hereby ^certify that Margaret Bryan, who executed the foregoing power of Attorney is a respectable resident of this county, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.  William H. Darsey JP
August 26th, 1854.

Georgia }
Laurens County } Ss. I, Francis Thomas, Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that William H. Darsey, before whom the foregoing papers were executed (illegible crossed out) was at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name  thereunto subscribed is his signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal, this 26th August 1854
Francis Thomas Clerk I.C. L.C.
DH
Page 25

1195,
Georgia
Margaret Brian ^Bryan
widow of Thomas Brian
Va who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private Deducting former payments of any under act February 3. 1853
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 29 Dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Decr. 185[illlegible] and sent to W. M. Varnum
Dahlonaga Geo.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 149. Vol. A

Reg 3 m 55 - 147166

W. M. Varnum
Feb 10, 1861
Page 26

Dublin La. Sept. 16th, 1854.
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir: Inclosed you wind additional evidence in relation to the claim of Mrs. Margaret Bryan, Widow of Thomas Bryan late of this State and county deceased.
Yours respectfully
A.J. Anderson

To L.P. Waldo
Page 27

Dahlonega Nov. 27th 1855
Comr. of Pension
Will please find Mrs. Margar  Bryan Pension Certificate as required by lette
to me dated June the 16th 1855 which I hope will be responded to at an early day by sending me as her agent a certificate for arrears of Pension back to the death of her husband

Very Respectfully
Your obedient Servant
W. M. Varnum
Page 28

Brief in the case of Margaret BRian widow of Thomas
County and State of Georgia
act 29 July 1848
Claim, ("original," (or "for increase" crossed out))
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was a pensioner under the act of 1832 at $29 a year.
She was pensioned under the act of 1853 for want of satisfactory porof that she was married before 1800. though she claimed to have been married before 1792
((If for increase,) has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim: is so, what" crossed out) 
She now furnishes a family record sharing the birth of 3 children before 1800, Her case is accordingly admitted under the act of July 19 1848 Deducting what has been recd. under the Act of 1853.

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
W. M. Varnum, Esq.
Dahlanega Georgia
Page 29

Jan 5th 1861
Sarversville Twiggs Co. Ga.
Comr. of Pensions
Will please forward to me the family bible of Mrs. Margaret Bryan or Brian wid of Thomas Bryan who was a Rev. Pensioner of Georgia. I filed the Declaration of Mrs. Bryan and forwarded her family Bible to prove their marriage and neglected to bring back said Bible.
Very Respectfully
W. M. Varnum
Page 30

Georgia}
Laurens county} I William H. Darsey, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, before whom Margaret Bryan of the county aforesaid, made her Declaration in order to receive the benefit of the acts of congress granting pensions to the Widows of Revolutionary soldiers, do hereby certify that the said Margaret Bryan, being very old and infirm, who and is from bodily infirmity unable to appear before a Court of Record to make her said declaration. This September 16th 1854.
W. H. Darsey J.P.
Page 31

Georgia}
Laurens County}  I, William H. Darsey a justice of the Peace in and for said county, before ^whom Fredrick Faircloth and David Braswell both of the same place, made affidavit in relation to the Pension Claim of Margaret Bryan, widow of Thomas Bryan late of said county deceased, certify that the said Fredrick and David are personally known to me, and that they are creditable affiants.
September 16th 1854.
W. H. Darsey, J.P.
Page 32

Georgia}
Laurens County}  Before me, William H. Darsey, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, appeared Berry Forest of the said county, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he is about sixty-two years old, that he knew Thomas Bryan late of the said County deceased and his wife, Margaret Bryan, and has known them for the space of about twenty years, that the said Thomas Bryan was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and that the said Margaret Bryan is his widow., that they lived together as man and wife, that they were reputed to be man and wife, and that they were never doubted to be man and wife by those who knew them, and moreover that the said Margaret  Bryan has remained a widow since the death of her said husband, Thomas Bryan.
Signed and sealed in the presence of W. H. Darsey JP
September 16th 1854
        his
Berry  X  Forest    L.S. (circled)
        mark
Page 33

Georgia }
Laurens County}  Before me, William H. Darsey, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Benjamin w. Darsey of said county, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is twenty-eight years old, that he has known Thomas Bryan late of said county , deceased, and his wife Margaret Bryan for the space of about twenty years, that the said Thomas and said Margaret lived together as man and wife, that they were known as man and wife, and never doubted to be man and wife by their most intimate acquaintances, that the said Thomas Bryan was Revolutionary Pensioner, that he died about ten years ago, that the said Margaret is his identical widow, and has remained unmarried since the death of her said husband. Signed, sworn to & sealed in the presence of W.H. Darsey JP
September 16th 1854

B. W. Darsey  LS (circled)
Page 34

Georgia}
Laurens County}  Before me William H. Darsey, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Daniel Roberts, who being sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that he is about sixty-two years old. that he knew Thomas Bryan late of said county deceased, and sill (still) knows his widow, Margaret Bryan of the same place, and has known them for the space of ^about forty years, that the said Thomas Bryan was a Pensioner as a Revolutionary Soldier, that he died about ten years ago, and that the said Margaret Bryan is the widow of the said Thomas Bryan, who was ^1 revolutionary Pensioner as aforesaid, and that she has remained a widow ever since his death.
Signed and sealed in the presence of W. H. Darsey JP
September 16th 1854
Danl Roberts  L.S. (circled)
Page 35

Georgia}
Laurens County} I, Francis Thomas, Clerk of the Inferior Court of said county, do hereby certify that I am acquainted personally with the foregoing affiants, to wit, Berry Forest, Benjamin W. Darsey and Daniel Roberts, all of whom are citizens and residents of the aforesaid county, and that each of them is a creditable affiant.
Also that Fredrick Faircloth and David Braswell are personally known to me, that they are citizens of the said county, and are creditable affiants.
September 16th 1854, 
Francis Thomas Clk
Infer. Court L.C.
Seal (circled)
Page 36

Dahlonega May 19th 1855
Commissioner of Pensions
Will find accompanying this the Family reccord (record) of Mrs. Bryan Widow of Thomas Bryan which you will please file with her declaration for a Pension under the several acts of Congress for the benefit of widows of deceased Rev. Soldiers.
I forwarded Mrs. Bryan's declaration last week to the Executive Office Milledgeville Georgia for the purpose of getting a certificate to the G. Pences Official capacity as it was 15 miles from where the old lady lives to Laurens Court house which made it impracticable to go or send there to get the Clerk to certify to his Official Capacity  L.C.
Please report to me to Dahlonega Georgia as soon as practicable.
Very Respectfully your obedient Servant
W. M. Varnum
Page 37

Dublin June 27th 1855
L.P. Waldo Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir: 
By a certificate issued from the Department of the Interior Oct. 4th 1854 to Margaret Brian, widow of Thomas Brian, a revolutionary soldier, "in conformity with the 20 section of the act of February 3, 1853, the said Margaret is authorized to draw upon the Pension Agency at Savannah "at the rate of twenty nine dollars per annum, commencing on the 3d of February 1853, Xc." Although her Declaration was made in conformity with said act and to secure the benefit of its provisions it was also made for the further purpose (and so expressed, as will be seen by a reference to it) of obtaining the amount of Pensions due her previous to that act; which under the former laws (and I do not understand that they are repealed or their force impaired by the new) was one half of the same due her husband, i.e. $14 50/100 per annum since the death of her husband, (which was alleged, and we supposed satisfactorily proven
Page 38

to have taken place in the month of May 1844,) up to the 3d of February 1853.
The proof in relation to the fact of Thomas Brian's (or Bryan) death, and the time of its occurrance, is corroborated by the fact in the possession of the Government, to wit, his last draw upon the Agency having been on the 4th of March 1844.
As by the certificate now obtained the Agency at Savannah refuses to allow any Pensions to Mrs. Brian, anterior to the passage of the act of Feb. 3, 1853; the object of this communication is to inquire, if the proofs already submitted are not such as to justify the Government in issuing a certificate for the amount due under the former laws, wherein they are deficient, and if any other or further application is necessary on our part more than to refer the Department to the Declaration and Affidavits before filed.
Our Certificate if "recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 149 Vol. A."
Very respectfully
Z. G. Anderson.
Page 39

Payment to be made at Savannah, by
James S. Morel Esqr
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Georgia
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 149 Vol. A,
G. T. Getty Clerk
Page 40

Department of the Interior.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Margaret Brian,
4widow of Thomas Brian, who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed in the pension list at the rate of twenty nine, dollars (and cents crossed out) per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry: in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Cancelled
Given at the Department of the Interior, this fourth, day of October one thousand eight hundred and fifty fo9ur
R McClelland
Secretary of the Interior
Examined and Countersigned, 
S. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 41

State of Georgia}
Laurense (Laurens) county} On this 14th day of May 1855 before the subscriber personally appeared Margaret Bryan aged about 86 yeas (years) a resident of said County who after being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Thomas Bryan deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier and a Pensioner on the Georgia Roll at the rate of 29 dollars per annum under the Act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832 that her husband the said Thomas Bryan drew said Pension up to the 4th day of March 1844 that he died on the 13th day of May 1844 leaving deponent a widow that she has remained his widow ever since his death that some time last fall she through her Agent Young G. Anderson Esqr of Dublin applyed for an received a Pensions Certificate for a Pension under Act 3.d. February 1853 that she is informed and believes she is entitled to a Pension under Act of Congress passed the 7th July 1838 and under Act of congress passed the 2d February 1848 at the same rate she is now allowed a Pension as she was married to the said Thomas Bryan before the 1st. day of January 1794 that she was married to the said Thomas Bryan in Richmond county Georgia in the month of October 1792 by Ambrose Hunter Esqr that she has a Bible Record of the ages of
Page 42

her children except her first child which was stillborn which was born in nine months and a few days after her marriage to the said Thomas Bryan and that about 18 months intervened after the birth of her first child. to the birth of Bennett Bryan who was born on the 2d day of February 1795 which will be seen by referring to the Family Bible that accompanies this declaration which has been kept by her and her husband as a family reccord (record) ever since their marriage that said Bible was given to her by her Father Williams Simpson before her marriage that she knows of no loving person that saw her married and that she has been informed that the Public Records of Marriages has been burnt up or destroyed in Richmond county she therefore sends the family reccord to establish said marriage prior to the 1st of January 1794 as she knows of no other reccord of said event.
             her
Margaret  X  Bryan
             mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day before written and I hereby certify that from old age & infirmity that Mrs. Margaret Bryan cannot appear in open Court to make her declaration before the Court and I further certify that I have no interest in this claim and that I am fully sattisfied (satisfied) from the Mrs. Bryan statements and appearance & the old appearance of her family reccord that she was married to her deceased husband the said
Page 43

Thomas Bryan at the time she states and before the 1t day of January 1794
Wm. H. Darsey JP
We Thomas Bryan Elizabeth Bryan Sarah Bryan & Martha Bryan whose ages can be seen by referring to their Mothers Family reccord (record) upon our oaths declare that we have ever since our recollection understood that our Parents Thomas Bryan deceased and Margaret Bryan were married in Richmond county Georgia by Esqr. Hunter in October 1792 that their first child was still born and that Bennett Bryan their oldest brother was born some months 18 or 20 months. after the first child was born that we have no legal interest in this claim that the Bible sent on with the foregoing declaration of our Mother has been kept as a family Reccord ever since our first recollection
Sworn to and subscribed before me}
Thomas Bryan
              her
Elizabeth  X  Bryan
             mark
         her
Sarah  X  Bryan
        mark
           her
Martha  X  Bryan
          mark
I certify that the above affiants are respectable citizens of said County that their statements are entitled to full credit
Wm AH. Darsey J:


Thomas Bryan
Page 44

Executive Department
Milledgeville Georgia
I, SH Briscoe Secretary of Executive Department State of Georgia do certify that William H. Dorsey, whose genuine & official signatures appears to the foregoing declaration & affidavit was a t the date of said attestation a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Laurens and State of Georgia as appears from the Records of this Department, and is entitled to full credit as such
Witness my hand and Seal of the Executive Department this 21st of May May 1855
SH Briscoe
See Ex Dept.

W. M. Varnum
Dahlanega
Georgia
Page 45

Dublin Ga. Aug. 29th 1854
L. P. Waldo Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir: Inclosed I forward to your department the Revolutionary Pension claim of Margaret Bryan of this county, who through ignorance of her rights, has failed to make application at an earlier date.
Yours respectfully
Y. J. Anderson

To
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
P.S. 
Address
Y. J. Anderson
Dublin Laurens Co.
Georgia
Page 46

Geo 1433
Margaret Brian
widow of Thomas
Georgia
admd 29 July 1848
$29 a year from 4 March 1848
deducting what has been received under the act of Feby 3 1853
Cert to M U Varnum Esq
Dahlonega Georgia
Page 47

Pension Office
Sept. 27/54
U M L[illegible]
Sir:
Please report time of last payment to, or death of within named pensioner.
Yours &c. &c.
M Cole
for Counsel(?)

R. J. Athenson Esq,
3 Audr
Present

Thomas Bryan, paid to 4 March 1844
Rob. Johnson
Auditor
Page 48

BRIEF IN THE CASE OF Mrs. Margaret Brian widow of Thomas
Laurens County and State of Georgia
act of February 3, 1853
Claim ("original." or "for increase," ) Allowed $29 per annum to Commence February 3, 1853
Proof exhibited, (if original.) Documentary v. Parol.
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832, at $29 per annum & paid to March 4, 1844 & died Same Year
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by five credible witnesses (no record)
Death shewn by three credible witnesses.
Identity by Widowhood shewn by five credible witnesses.

Name and residence of Agent.
Young J. Anderson Esqr.  Examining Clerk
Dublin Laurens co. Ga.   J. L. Gray
Page 49

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second comptroller's Office;
January 14th, 1839
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Thomas Bryan, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Savannah, Georgia, Agency at the rate of Twenty nine Dollars (and Cents crossed out) per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1837, to the 4th March, 1838.
Respectfully, yours, 
Albion, K. Parris
Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 50

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
September 30th 1840.
Sir: 
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States,"  Thomas Bryan, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Georgia Agency, at the rate of Twenty nine Dollars (and Cents crossed out) per annum, under the law of the 7" June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1838. to the 4th Sept.  1839.
Respectfully your,
J. Seaver
acting Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 51

1910 Nov. 17. Hist to Mrs. H.O. Liggett 9
1931 - Jan. 12 hist to Lina R. Bryan AWF

Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 5918
Margaret Bryan
Widow
Thomas Bryan
Pvt. Rev: War
Act:  July 29, 1848
Index: - Vol. A. Page 83 
{Arrangement of 1870.|
Page 52

36 686 D. southerton
147166 M. Bryan
161098 M. Opkins AN
159421 M.D. Willebank
(stamp) DAHLONEGA MAY 16
Boynton
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
FREE
26487
Rev War
Page 53

(stamp) PENSION OFFICE JAN 12 1861
Margaret Brian
Wid. of Thomas Ga.
1853
Commr. of Pensions Washington City D.C. 
(illegible stamp)
Page 54

(stamp) VAN BUREN, ARK DEC 10 3 30 PM 1930

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
(Cancelled stamp)
(stamp) DISBURSING [ILLEGIBLE] DEC 13 1930
U.S. BUREAU OF PSNEIONS

War Department
Washington D.C. 
(stamp upside down)  30 13 12
30 13 12
Bureau of Pensions
Veterans Admin
Page 55

Dec 9 - 1930.
Will you please send me the pension record of Thomas Bryan, who drew a pension at the time he lived in Elbert County, Georgia - He lived in Elbert County in 1817 and following years.- i
Lina R. Bryan
11 Fayetteville St.
Van Vuren, Ark
(stamp) MAIL EARLY CHR[illegible]
(stamp) WASHINGTON DC DEC 13 5 AM 1830
Page 56

Aon 3-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Briefed by A. Mae S. 14/11'/10
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Augusta Co? Va.
Claimant
Soldier Thomas Bryan
Service Va. Additional Service Rev.
No   claim, State records  , 191 .
No claim, combination records   , 191  .
No inv. below exc ept 3,050 & Md. service REMARKS: res. Ohio
No fur any service from 36,000
" Win. " " 
"  Rej. atall
{There is Wid. 7. 5,918 { Va.
Brian  Ga.
G-1914    Chief Division
Page 57

Hampton
Hampton Iowa, Nov. 7 1910
Department of the Interior
Washington D.C.
Please send me the ^Rev. War history of one Thomas Bryan of Va. (perhaps of Augusta Co. Va.) and he also served in the Indian War (I think) at the battle of Point Pleasant.
Thanking you for any favor you may be able to grant me.
I am
yours respectfully
Mrs. H. O. Liggett
(stamp) U.A. PENSION OFFICE N NOV 12 1910
NOV 14 1910
Page 58

(stamp) SAVANNAH GEO JAN 28   
FREE

Mr. J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington DC
feb 2 '43.
No Evanj.
Page 59

Savannah  Hany 28, 1843
Sir
The agent for paying pensions here declines paying the within claim, because it was not presented within ninety days after its execution, - I will thank you to send me an order for its payment
Yr obt svt
Thos. Holcombe
un J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington
Page 60

Dahlanega May 16th 1856
Comr of Pensions
Will please take up the following suspended Bounty Land claims which were suspended for want of Record evidence.
No. 36.686 Isabella Sutherland Rev. Claim
No. 147-166 Margaret Bryan  "  "
No. 161. 098 Mary Jenkins  "  "
No. 159.421 Mary Willbanks  "  " 
Very Respectfully 
Will. Varnum
I have no report in claim No. 89.376 Nelley Mitchell. War of 1812
Will. V.
Page 61

In reply to your request of     received for a statement of the military history of Thomas Bryant a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you willl find below the desired information as contained in his ((or crossed out) & his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Only Thos. Bryan Va. troops  W file 5918
(table with columnar headings)
Dates of enlistment or appointment.
1781
1781
v

Length of service
3 wks
5 months
3 mos.

Rank

Officers Under whome service was rendered.
Captain
David Patterson
David Patterson
William Small 3
Alyns Smith 

Colonel
Robert Goode
"
Taylor

State.
Va.
 
Battles engaged in, ^war skir st at He [illegible]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Chesterfield Co., Va.
Date of Pplication for pension, Feby 4 1833.
Residence at date of application, Laurens Co. Ga.
Age at date of application, b Apl. 9 1764 Died May 13 1844 Laurens Co. Ga.
Remarks: Sol, m. Richmond Co. Va. Oct 0 1792 Margaret Simpson dau. William she peas. on her applic exec. Aug. 6, 1854 while 87 or 88 as resid. Laurens Co. Ga. 1" still born Ch. Bennet b. Feby 2 1795, James b. Oct. 2, 196 Mary Ann b. July 6, 1798 & Elizabeth b, Jany 29, 1800. 1853 ch. Thomas, Elizabeth Very respectfully, Sarah & Martha Bryan testified in case.