Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 71, William Brandon, N.C. Penn. S.C.

Page 1

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[3-1776]

SERVICE
N. C.
Penn.
S. C.

Brandon, William
Jane

NUMBER
W.71

CONTENTS

Page 2

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

7088
Nashville Tennessee

Jane Brandon
widow of William Brandon. 
Capt Thomson NC
who was a Private 
in the Revolution
---------------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
40 Dollars -----
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.
--------------------------------------------------
Certification of Pension issued the 24th  day of June 1845 and sent to A. Ferguson, at Carthage of  Tennessee,
--------------------------------------------------
[Acts of March 3, 1843.] & June 17, 1844 
Recorded in Book A, 
Vol.  2  Page 189

Page 3

State of Tennessee} 
Smith County} On this 20th day [of] May in the year 1837 personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County Jane Brandon a resident of Smith County and State of Tennessee aged Seventy-Seven years who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of William Brandon who was a private and Ensign in the Army of the Revolution and served three several tours of Service his first tour was in the State of Pennsylvania he lived in York County in said State his Captain's name was Thomson he was in the Army of General Gates [Horatio Gates] was at the battle of Saratoga he was a volunteer in a tour of service and served nine months he got a discharge but when he moved to this country he burnt it with a great many other old papers. He volunteered again for nine months and Joined the Army of General Washington, he was at the battle of Brandywine [September 11,1777] and at Chadsford [Chadds Ford] also the battle of Germantown [October 4, 1777] she cannot State the particulars of this campaign as it was before her marriage She was married under the old fashion by proclamation of Bann at Manacháin Meeting House it was during this tour that he acted as Ensign. He served this tour nine months and was regularly discharged but burnt it with other papers. He entered the Service again as a volunteer and the reason was he preferred that Situation rather than suffer to be drafted he was a rifleman and mounted in the horse troops as a private under Major Kirkpatrick and under General Morgan [Daniel Morgan] he entered the Service this time after Charleston was taken [Charleston South Carolina fell to the British on May 12, 1780] and continued in the Service until after the battle of King's Mountain [October 7, 1780] he was at the battle of Guilford [March 15, 1781].

Page 4

The name of Brandon was well known among the Tories his Colonel['s] name was Brandon [Thomas Brandon] and he continued longer in the Services than usual as it was unsafe to pass out of the army he had many skirmishes with the Tories but this affiant cannot recollect at this distance of time he was discharged this time for a tour of twelve months but burnt his discharge with other papers as above Stated. 
He got paid in the old Continental money this affiant has a great deal of it on hand and sends a Specimen of it to the War Department and says that her husband always thought Congress would make some arrangement to pay it she has a great many bills of it of which her husband was paid for his Services. She further declares that from the distance she lives from the Courthouse and old age and bodily infirmity she cannot travel to the Court to make this declaration. She further declares that she was married to the said William Brandon on the [blank] day of May 1781 and that her husband the aforesaid William Brandon died on the 10th March 1818 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. 
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 20th day of May 1837.
Jane [her X mark] Brandon 
Patrick Ferguson, {JP} 
Justice of the Peace 

State of Tennessee} 
Smith County} On this day personally appeared William D. Brandon Son of William & Jane Brandon and made oath in due form of law that he is according to the record of his father kept in a book forty-eight years of age. That his oldest Brother yet lives in South Carolina and he being the oldest son living in this Country Deposeth and says that when his father was about starting from South Carolina to move to this Country in 1817 he

Page 5

he made this affiant collect all his old papers Stating that he could not live long owing to a hurt he got in the last tour of Service and made this affiant first read them over and then burnt them believing that they were useless this affiant recolects [recollects] very well of burning three discharges and also a great many papers or furloughs he recollects very well of reading them over there was two for Services in Pennsylvania each time of Service was for either six or nine months. But he distinctly recollects the last discharge was for twelve months and the reason was he continued in Service as a volunteer from the time that Charleston fell into the hands of the British until after the Battle of Guilford he recollects that one of the discharges was for Ensign this was one of the tours in Pennsylvania he further States that from tradition of the County his father was born in Pennsylvania but his father was formerly from Ireland and when this affiant read over the certificate of protection the old man said he would keep it to show his children also be has preserved a great many bills of the old currency in which he was paid. This affiant recollects frequent conversations between his father and Colonel Brandon in South Carolina heard them speak of all the services particularly the last tour in South Carolina Colonel Brandon lived a close neighbor was a relation to his father and one or more of the furloughs were given by Colonel Brandon. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of May 1837. 

Wm D. Brandon {Seal}

Patrick Ferguson, JP}
Justice of the Peace} 

State of Tennessee} 
Smith County} On this day personally appeared John Brandon nephew of William Brandon the husband of the above applicant before me Patrick Ferguson one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County who being duly Sworn according to law makes oath that he is Seventy-two years of age and recollects the Services of his uncle in the War of the Revolution his first tour of Services was in Pennsylvania. He believes the captain’s name was Thomson, he knows in the second tour of Service that he was an officer and held the office of Ensign he believes his Captain's name was

Page 6

name was Irwin he was at the battle of White Plains [October 28, 1776] and was out all the winter when the battles of Brandywine and Germantown was fought. This affiant distinctly recollects of hearing him relate during the tour of Service in the winter of his Company or detachment encamping at Pemberton's Wood and was detached from the Army of Washington on small parties sometimes in New Jersey and sometimes in Maryland; but thinks his two tours of Service were but six months each and is unwilling to state his time to be longer that is two tours of six months. This affiant States that after the fall of Charleston and the British were approaching to Ninety Six that his uncle William Brandon entered the Service as a light horse troops and was used upon reconnoitering and light Services. This affiant lived in Camden District South Carolina and when his uncle could make it convenient he would Stay all night and Join his company in the morning. Sometimes the whole Regiment would camp close by his mother's; their Colonels' names were Moffet, Neil and Brandon, this was during what was called the “Bloody Sumer [Summer].” He believes that he served more than twelve months but will not say how much longer. This affiant was frequently with him in camps. He further states that William Brandon and Jane Dodds were legally married in Pennsylvania at the time she states and before the last term of her husband's services expired and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of May 1837. 
John Brandon {Seal}
Patrick Ferguson, {JP}
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee} 
Smith County} On this day personally appeared George Paterson before me Patrick Ferguson one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said county and made oath that he saw William Brandon a short time after he came to this county and shortly after his death he has no hesitation in saying that he and his present Widow Jane Brandon

Page 7

2055
Jane Brandon
Tennessee

Page 8

were legally married and that at the time she states also she has lived close by this affiant ever since that period and has still remained a widow He further makes oath that he is well acquainted with William D Brandon son of William Brandon and John Brandon who makes the foregoing affidavits. That they are men of Respectability and truth and that full faith and credit are due to their statements. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st May 1837 
Patrick Fergusson {JP} 
Justice of the Peace
George [his X mark] Paterson {seal}

I Patrick Fergusson one of the acting Justices of the Peace for the county of Smith and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with George Paterson who subscribed to the above affidavit before me sustaining the character and standing of William D. and John Brandon That said Paterson is a man of the first character and standing in his own neighborhood and county and that full faith and credit are due to this statements Given under my hand and seal this 22nd day of May 1837 
Patrick Fergusson {JP} 
Justice of the Peace

Page 9

State of Tennessee} 
Smith County} I John J Barnett Clerk of Smith County Court hereby certify that Patrick Fergusson before whom the foregoing proceedings [illegible] had was at this time the same purports to bear date and now is one of the acting Justices of the Peace for said county duly commissioned & qualified as the law directs 
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office this 23rd day of May 1837 & the 61st year of our independence 
John J Barnett clerk 
of Smith County Court

Page 10

[Bible birth record:]
John Brandon was born April the 3rd 1786
Polley Brandon Born December the 10th 1787
William Brandon Born September 17, 1789
Alexander Brandon Born September 6, 1791
James Brandon Born April the 1st 1793
Catherine Dodds Brandon Born May 6 1795
Jonathan Brandon was Born May 15 1797
Jane Brandon was Born March 28, 1799
Jonathan Brandon was born May 15 [Illegible] 
Jane his Brandon
James Brandon was Born March the !!?!?!! 1171199; March the
Thomas Hart was Born february [February] the 26 1813
Jonathan Brandon Hart was Born July the 10 181[?2]
1797} [Illegible]

Page 11

[written on page of Bible of the MACCABEES - END OF THE APOCRYPHA.]

1746
and Dyed [died] March the 10, 1818
he was Seventy Two years of age
Jane Brandon his wife was born february [February] the 12 - 1760
Derinda Brandon was Born January the 1 1821

Page 12

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Rev.&1812 Wars Section    MMHF Own
W 71 

August 17, 1925

Major C. M. McCorkle 
Washington, D.C. 

Sir: 

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 71 it appears that William Brandon was born May 23, 1746 in Pennsylvania. His father, whose name is not stated, was from Ireland.
 
While a resident of York County, Pennsylvania said William enlisted, the date not stated, and served nine months as private in Captain Thomson's Pennsylvania Company and nine months as Ensign in Captain Irwin's Pennsylvania Company, and was in the battles of Chadd's Ford, Brandywine, Germantown, Saratoga, and Monmouth. 

After this he lived in Camden District, South Carolina and in North Carolina, and served as a private at various times during the years 1779, 1780 and 1781, about twelve months in all. He served under Captains Jamison, Wilhouse, Barnett and McCool and Colonels Thomas Brandon, Mofat, Neil, Sumter, Hawthorne and Watson. He was in the battles of Buford's Defeat, Hanging Rock, Camden, Kings

Page 13

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Mountain, Fish Dam Ford, Cowpens and Guildford. 

In 1817 he moved from South Carolina to Smith County, Tennessee. He died March 10, 1818. 

Soldier married in May 1785 at the "Monachan Meeting House" in Pennsylvania, Jane Dodds  born February 12, 1760. She was allowed pension on her application executed October 26, 1840 while a resident of Smith County, Tennessee. Their children were:

John........... born April 3, 1786, living in South                                               Carolina in 1837. 
Polley........   " December 10, 1787.
William D. .... " September 17. 1789, living in Smith County Tenn. in 1837.  
Alexander ..... " September 6, 1791. 
James ......... "April 1, 1793. 
Catherine Dodds "May 6, 1795.
Jonathan ...... "May 13 or 15, 1797.
Jean or Jane   "March 28, 1799. 

Respectfully, 

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

He had a bro. [brother] John killed in a battle with Inds [Indians] father [Illegible] settled in S. C. in 1776 or 77. Was under Genl [General] Williamson said John had son Arthur & four other child. [children] 3 boys, 1 girl

Page 14

[Border]
Jane Brandon

One Dollar
[Image]

Printed by HALL and SELLERS. 1779. 

[Border]

Widow F. 71

Page 15

[Border]

No. ONE DOLLAR. 
The Bearer is entitled to receive ONE Spanish milled DOLLAR or an equal Sum in Gold or Silver, according to a Resolution of CONGRESS of the 14th January, 1779.
ONE DOLLAR. 

P Fenall

Page 16

W.F. 71

William Brandon 
Pa. & N.C.

Page 17

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

York County in Pennsylvania, ss.  
I DO herby certify, that William Brandon..  hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity, as directed by an ACT of GENERAL ASSEMBLY of Pennsylvania, passed the 13th Day of June,  A.D. 1777. Witness my Hand and Seal, the Twenty Ninth Day of August  A.D. 1777 

No. 24                   Andrew Thompson {L. S.}

Page 18

[typed form, with handwritten responses]                                       

[right side] 71
Revy  WIDOW, &c.
----------------
File No. ...............................................................
Jane Brandon 
Widow
William Brandon
Priv. Rev. War

Act: Mch. [March]  3rd 1843.
Index :--- Vol. p l. , Page 80

[Arrangement of 1870.]

(written vertically)
1925-Aug.17-Hist. to Major CM McCorkle - His letter incl - S.7951 of John Willfong - MMHF

Page 19

Jane Brandon
of William 
Tennessee
Suspended
See let 23 Nov 
1840 A. Fergusson 
let to do 10 Apr. 
'41, let to do. 8 Oct 41
let to A. Fergusson 16th Nov. 41


Act 7 July 1838

Page 20

William Brandon decd [deceased]
Tennessee
Suspended

let 3d December 1834 to W.M. Blackm
" 30 March 1841 to E Jones
" 12 June 1841 to A. Fergusson
"21 Augst [August] 1841 " " "
" 8 Oct 1842 " " "
"30 May 1843 " W.E. Jones
"17 July 1844 " Hon. J. H Peyton
Let. to J. W. Head Feb 20. '45

Act June 7 1832

Page 21

Jane Brandon
Tennessee
Rejected 
See letter 6
July 1837 A. Fergusson
do 19 Agt 1837.

Married after termination of her husbands services

Act 4 July 1836

Page 22

Carthage Tennessee 
6th September 1841 
Sir 
Inclosed [Enclosed] you will find an additional affidavit supporting the claim of Mrs. Jane Brandon widow of William Brandon deceased the record I have at the request of Mrs. Brandon got Mr. Arthur Brandon of Kentucky to come to Smith County Tennessee to make a statement of what he recollected of the service; and you will see from his affidavit he had as good an opportunity as most of men living at that day to know about the services of said William Brandon But he was not old enough to be in service consequently he could not state particulars but state a great many things that show exclusively he knows and has a personal knowledge of the service this taken in connection with the great mail of testimony heretofore at various times made and also with the record evidence per neither you from South Carolina mentioned in part of your letters of 10th April last will certainly procure her a handsome pension. You cannot expect each witness to give the same statement of last to exactly as to be the same more especially at this distant period of time, therefore I insist that the testimony should all be taken together and if you to do so I am confident you will allow the claim, surely the rules of evidence under which you act are not more rejected than the common law requires and if they were I cannot see how you could object to the giving her a

Page 23

[This page was difficult due to bleed through from the backside of the paper.]

a pension more especially when I reflect that under act of 7th June 1832. Revolutionary Soldiers were often pensioned on their own Statements corroborated with residential popular opinion of the neighbourhood nor was this [Illegible] of testimony at all at variance with the sheet rule of Justice because the popular opinion as to whether an old Solder served or not in the revolution was always [Illegible] to be known by his neighbours. I hope therefore you will be so [Illegible] as to do justice to the widow whom I am confidant lacks nothing but what is here and further I am confident she would be one of the last persons in the United States to ask or receive a dollar out of the treasury if she was not certain. She had entitled to the same & with this statement I subscribe the claim to you most favors all judgement not doubting most you will allow it. 
Respectfully
A H Fergusson

[Illegible] the character of John and Anthony Brandon the [Illegible 3 words] are of the last and impeachable none of the people stand higher in their neighborhood 
Respt [Respectfully]
AHF

James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Page 24

Carthage Tennessee 
29th October 1841 

Sir, 

Yours of the 8th instant is now before me informing me that the claim of Mrs. Jane Brandon widow of William Brandon had been examined and that the various statements made by the claimant and the witnesses were & contributory as to prevent a pension being granted unless further proof. In reply I have to state that I think I can account satisfactorily for a part of the contradicting statements; and first as to her first Declaration the same was drawn up with very little attention as to dates nor was I at that time so well acquainted with the Pension laws and the rules of your office and I think I now am if I had and could have seen the bible record last sent I certainly would have advised her. She could not have obtained a Pension under act of July 4th 1836. A further investigation however convinced me that she was entitled under Act July 4th 1836 now as to the (illegible) statements. It has been my uniform practice to give the facts as witnesses related them withholding nothing even if it was contradictory in order to give you the true state of the case and I would here respectfully ask whether any other course would be acceptable as I have not even kept notes of what one witness did swear in order to compare with the statements another in after time might think proper

Page 25

to give thus the claims have been presented to you in the most summary way leaving it to you to judge of the justice of each claim. If I understand rules granting Pensions under existing laws much allowances are made to witnesses who are generally called upon to state circumstances and facts transferred some sixty years ago and I think you will admit that no two witnesses will give statements alike each one gives it as he understood it or now understand it. 
There has been 3 or 4 years since the statement of the first witness and I do not expect if now interrogated he could say what precisely he did state on that reason more than that William Brandon served a considerable time and in delaying the particular tours might even contradict what he did state, but one thing he would be sure to state that William Brandon served as long as he there stated. If it takes two witnesses to substantiate every fact as stated by the claimants declaration and also if their statements must corroborate exactly no matter how long the interval between the time each one states why then one half of the claims of those who live in the West will have to be rejected and of course Justice cannot be done there. Such rules might well answer the old states more especially where the theatre of war was in time of the Revolution for there the most of the old soldiers lived and there the records are at all to be found, but here no such circumstances

Page 26

can the referred to. I am indeed to believe that from the best recollection of the statements of the witnesses William Brandon served more than one year and I was in hopes if all his services could not be allowed that a year would at least be acknowledged and in order to be rid of it I would like for you to allow for what you are convinced must be the amount of service. Should you however prefer further proof. Please let me know the points and facts that will strengthen and if in my power I will try and furnish it at sometime or other but I am convinced in my own mind that William Brandon served more than twelve months in the War of the Revolution, and could you hear the old Lady talk you could not but be of the same opinion. I hope you will therefore either allow the claim for what you think would be certain or make some make some specific points so that I can get at the true course to be pursued. Please inform me of the course you will prefer to take. 
Respectfully, 
A. Fergusson

Page 27

                              Carthage Tennessee
                               4th May 1837

Dear Sir,
     Inclosed you have the application of Jane Brandon for a pension also her husbands certificate of his taking the oath of allegiance;  at her request also I send one of the old continental money Bills in which currency she has stated her husband was paid for his services.  These are the only documents she is able to furnish in the way of documentary evidence.  From what has been sent from this quarter you will discover the very great difficulty in proving testimony as most of the Revolutionary soldiers have died and the greatest part of them within the last few years.
                       Very Respectfully,
                             A. Fergusson

Mr James L Edwards
     Commissioner of Pensions
          Washington City

Page 28

Carthage Tennessee
20th February 1841

Sir    Inclosed [Enclosed] are four certificates two for William Love, one for Fielding Curtis and one for William Brandon.  I have procured said certificates from the Comptroller General of South Carolina at the request you made in your letter of 25 November 1840 and also in another same date.  These copies cost $11.00 dollars besides postage.  You will file them with the applications for pensions heretofore sent to you namely the papers of Mrs. Brandon, Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Love the latter I think were sent last to your office.  I have the most sanguine hopes that you will find no difficulty in allowing Pensions to these applicants and the sooner you act the better as I believe, as they are all needy and are pressing through their friends every argument to induce me to make known their situation.  They are all of good character and as far as I am acquainted with them are entitled to full credit.  Please send on their certificates as soon as practicable to me at this place.
                     Respectfully,
                          A. Fergusson 


James L. Edwards Esq
      Commissioner of Pensions
           Washington

Page 29

Carthage Tennessee 
5th November 1841

Sir 
I renew the application of Mrs. Jane Brandon widow of William Brandon deceased for a Pension. In your letter of the 6th July 1837 you state that the marriage having taken place after the battle of Guilford "the 3d section of the act of 4 July 1836 provides for none who were married after the termination of their husband's services" and that the claim has been rejected &c Upon calling upon her and making a more minute [Illegible] as well as continually asking I think certainly she would be entitled to the benefits of the Pension made by the act of Congress passed July the 7th 1838 and have asked her to make a Declaration in conformity with that act. I am convinced of this fact by examining the record of the ages of her children kept in the family Bible also the same leaf contained on the outer side the ages of the William Brandon and Jane "his wife". I do not believe that any other testamony [testimony] is necessary to the support of her claim as she has proved her husband to be in Service when she made her former Declaration under act of July the 4th 1836 which is referred to in this application I think as well as I recollect Services were proven by witnesses as well as documentary that William Brandon was in Service a considerable time how long I

Page 30

I do not now recollect distinctly but believe that they amounted to somewhere about 14 months cycles solely of the Service in Pennsylvania of which I do not know what was its Period. I am inclined to believe that no difficulty will appear in allowing this claim. The only discrepancy between her former Declaration and the latter appears to be that in her former declaration and the last she appears to be mistaken in the date of marriage. The first Declaration having stated the marriage to be in 1781 and the latter states it to be 1785 a year or thereabout before her first child was born this she accounts for in her last Declaration. I have no doubt but the last Declaration is correct. I hope you will feel authorized to give the most favorable decision in this case and if there are parts of the Services unobtainable proof I think there are other witnesses brothers to John Brandon whose testamony [testimony] can be procured by they live at a distance and of course they are inconvenient to the applicant without incurring additional expense. 

Respectfully, 
A Fergusson 

James L Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington

Page 31

Nashville Tennessee 
17th May 1845 

Sir 
I have procured the record of Services from the Comptroller of North Carolina in the following claims heretofore sent you namely Precilla Cotton widow of Thomas Cotton for the highest rate of Pension as a Captain. Also Jane Brandon Private, Lydia Ray, Catharine Cobb and others. You will please suspend any action on the above mentioned claims until the records are sent you as you cannot do Justice to the claims sent until the proof is before you. I contemplate visiting your city as expected in the letter I inclose [enclose] with this but will determine in a few days and should I fail in going I will then inclose [enclose] the whole to you with such information as may be requisite. You will also please recollect that I have full authority to receive the Pension certificate in the case of Precilla Cotton widow of Thomas Cotton for the pay of a Captain and to act exclusively in this claim Messrs. Guild Esqr [Esquire] and Walton who presented the Claim having conducted to date. 
Respectfully, 
A Fergusson 

James L Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 32

Comptrollers Office, Raleigh N. C. 
March 24, 1845 

I William F. Collins, Comptroller of Public Accounts, do hereby certify, that it appears of record in my Office, that the following certificates were issued: in favour [favor] of William Brandon (Private), for military service, viz.: one for five pounds, eight shillings (£5.8.s) found in Book F, No. 2, page 68: and another for eighteen pounds (£18.), found in Book F., No. 2, page 79, another for ten pounds, ten shillings (£10.10) found in Book No. 25, page 24: 
Given under my hand and seal this 24th day of March 1845. 
Wm F. Collins, Comptr. [Comptroller]

Page 33

Jane Brandon 
Memorandum  of 
This claim last filed 
By A Fergusson
June 18th 1845

Page 34

Washington June 19th, 1845 

Sir 
On yesterday I filed the record evidence of the Service of William Brandon as a Private in the application of his widow Jane Brandon for a Pension the record shows service in Nouth Carolina heretofore furnished. This claim ought to be allowed Jane Brandon as her husband William Brandon is a different person from Captain William Brandon who applied in his own right. There is also filed on yesterday an amended Declaration showing that Service was performed in North Carolina as well as South Carolina and proof of this service accompanying it. I hope you will look well into it and not pass lightly over this testamony [testimony] and in so doing I am certain you will allow the claim. 

Respectfully 
A Fergusson 

J L Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 35

Comptroller Generals Office 
Columbia 23rd Dec. 1840 

Indent Book} 
X No. 715 Lib.} 
N1 

Issued the 23rd of September '88 to William Brandon for five pounds sixteen shillings & eight pence for Duty &c in 1779 per account audited 
No. 74 Principal £5.16.8 annual Jno. £ 0.8.2 

State of South Carolina 
To Wm Brandon – William Brandon Bill of charge as wagon Master from Augusta to Orangeburg N2. in the year 1779 from May 4th to May the 18th in all 14 days at $3 per day - -  42.00 pay 15 d 40 doll pr MO [dollars per month] 20 dollars or 4..13..4 Sf2

William Brandon’s Bill of charges riding express for Genl Williamson [General Andrew Williamson] from April 28th to May 8th in all four days at $ten dollars per day $40 Dollars 4 days say at 60/ £12 
say 5 days 4/8 £1..3..4 

State of South Carolina}
96 District} Personally came before me Wm Brandon & made oath on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God & saith that the above account as it stands dated against the State for a waggon [wagon] Master & riding express is just & true taken before me 
this 18th Nov. 1779.} 
I do certify that the express was}
 at Genl. Williamson's order & the time} 
of being waggonmaster [Wagon master].}

Thos. Brandon, Col.}

Wm Reneeday,
Lr. £5..16..8

Page 36

Comptroller Genl Office
Columbia 23d Decm 1840  

      I do hereby certify that the above memorandum No. 1 is a true copy taken from the margins of Indent Book X No 715 deposited in this office and that No. 2 is a copy of the account audited and for which the same Indent as issued 
                 Wm. E. Hayne
                           Compt. Genl
                   Wm. F. Arthur


(written vertically)
Wm. Brandon

Page 37

Jane Brandon 
Widow of William 
Brandon 
Private 12 months 
$40 per ann. 
Acts’ 38} 
43 &} 
44 } 1950 707

Tennessee Roll}
Nashville Agency}

Married in 1781
Husband died in March 1818

Cert to 
A Fergusson 
Present

Page 38

State of Tennessee} 
Smith County} On this day personally appeared Arthur Brandon aged 75 years and going in his 76th a Citizen of Kentucky before me Thomas Dotson one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that he was well acquainted with William Brandon he was his uncle and this affiant States that during the Revolution Say about the year 1776 or 7 his father John Brandon was killed in a battle with the Indians while under the command of Genl [General] Williamson in the place called the Middle Settlements and thus left himself and three brothers, a sister and his Mother in a helpless condition he being only about twelve or thirteen years of age: in a year or two say in 1779 the said William Brandon was in service in Pennsylvania and having served two Militia tours had heard of the death of his Brother this affiant's father and helpless condition came to South Carolina then Camden District but what is now called York District for the protection of his Mother and the children. The Tories was also getting to be very troublesome and required the attention of Some one to procure them something to live on and to eat from the best information this affiant could gather at that time said William Brandon Served two tours of three months in Pennsylvania or the tours might have been longer they were full tours of Service one tour was served in New Jersey another in Pennsylvania both under General Washington in one of the tours in New Jersey he was in the battle of Monmouth [June 28, 1778] and on another action he witnessed the battle at a place called White Plains or some such name the Position of the British were on one hill and the Americans were on another during the action three British officers rode between the contending parties one of whom fell to ride no more, Brandon was on one of the flanks and was not in the battle but saw it about the same time said Brandon saw another company of riflemen say one hundred others marched up a small Branch on one side of which lay a small party of British in a buckwheat field in charge of a cannon, they immediately commenced with their rifles and killed so many the balance of the British fled leaving their cannon which the Americans took possession of and fired after them as they retreated. The last tour was chiefly about Valley Forge. It was in cold weather all this information affiant got from said William Brandon immediately after his return Say in 1779 also a great many other circumstances too tedious to mention all of which this affiant believes to be true. After said

Page 39

Said Brandon's return or about the time said Brandon came to South Carolina 

Times were very troublesome the Siege of Charleston commenced soon after and was taken the spring or summer following and from the fall of Charleston to the termination of the War said William Brandon was continually almost in Militia Service under Colonels Sumpter [sic, Thomas Sumter], Niell [Andrew Neel], Mofat [John Moffatt?], Hathron [James Hawthorn?], Watson [Samuel Watson] and others and under Captains Jamison [James Jamieson], Hilhouse [William Hillhouse], Barnett [Jacob Barnett] and McCool [John McCool]. The reason he left this affiant's Mother and went into the Service was that no man was safe unless he was in the Army and this affiant recollects that when said Brandon could get an opportunity he would come home on furlough or parole for a few days to assist them. After the fall of Charleston said Brandon was out a three months tour during which time he was in the Hanging Rock [August 6, 1780] at another time he was at the battle of the fish dams [sic, Fish dam, November 9, 1780] under Colonel Sumter said Brandon was out another three months tour in North Carolina and was at the battle of the Cowpens [January 17, 1781] at another he was at the taking of King's Mountain. In South Carolina he was at the Hanging Rock and Buford's defeat [May 29, 1780]. 
This affiant makes these statements from recollections of those Periods. York or Camden Districts was the Seat of War in South Carolina, William Brandon was also in the battle of Camden [August 15-16, 1780] but this affiant cannot State at this particular time the dates of the different tours of Service as he was principally at home and his uncle William Brandon so soon as one tour of Service was over he would enter again chiefly in tours of three and sometimes two months at a time. This affiant will sum up the Service and will safely state the Service of the said William Brandon during the year 1779, 1780 and 1781 at least to be twelve months and thus states on information performed in Pennsylvania at six months and further this deponent Saith not except the marriage between him and Jane Brandon formerly Jane Dobbs which took place a few years after the Revolution say in 1785 or thereabout. 
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 2d day of September 1841. 

Thomas Dotson, {JP} 

Arthur Brandon { }

Page 40

State of Tennessee
Smith County
     I Thomas Dotson one of the acting Justices of the Peace for the county of Smith and state aforesaid hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Arthur Brandon a citizen of the state of Kentucky who has appeared before me this day within the county and state aforesaid and made the foregoing affidavit 
     That he is a man of truth and veracity and full faith and credit are due to his statements.   I have known him upwards of ten years past.
               In testamony whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal this 2d day of September 1841.
                   Thomas Dotson    (seal)  JP
                   Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee
Smith County
     I John J. Burnett clerk of the county court of said Smith County do hereby certify that Thomas Dotson whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit and certificate was at the time the same  purports to bear date one of the acting Justice of the Peace in and fore the county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified to act as such and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to his official acts; and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
     In testamony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Carthage in said county the 6th day of September 1841.
                                           John J. Burnett Clk
                                           of Smith County Court

(faded seal in corner)

Page 41

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Repd [Reported]

708 

Tennessee 9444 
Jane Brandon 
widow of William Brandon 
who was a pensioner under the Act of 
and who died in the year 1818 
of Smith Co. in the state of Tennessee 
who was a Private in the company 
commanded by Captain Thomson of the 
regt. commanded by Gen Gates     in 
the          line for 1 year 

Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville 
at the rate of 40 dollars ---
Cents per annum to commence of the 4th day 
of March 1836 

Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of June 1845 and sent to A. Fergusson of Tennessee, Present 

Total amount $200 

[Act of July 7, 1838.] 

Recorded by D Brown Clerk 
Book D Vol 1 page 341 B

Page 42

State of Tennessee, Macon County 
On this day personally appeared Jane Brandon widow of William Brandon deceased who is a resident of the County of aforesaid before me James Patterson an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid who being duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following amended Declaration in addition to her former Declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the Acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 and 3rd of March 1843 and the act of 28 June 1844 continuing the Pensions of certain Widows. That since making her last Amended Declaration she has been informed & and now recollects and believes that her husband the said William Brandon Served Several tours of Service in the State of North Carolina and if the same has been omitted in her former Declaration she is now well convinced the same should have been mentioned. She accounts for such omission if the same does exist from the fact that she was only married to him as appears of record in the year 1785 or about that time, and consequently could not have known all the Services only as her said husband told her and as the proof is made out, her old age and bodily infirmity should also plead for such omission. She is informed and believes the information to be true that evidence of her husband's Services have lately been procured by Adam Fergusson from the office of the Comptroller of North Carolina which she has no doubt is correct as there was but two William Brandon’ s in the War of the revolution and there was a large connection of them some lived in North and some in South Carolina one of these was an officer a Captain or Lieutenant and the other was her husband. She well recollects her husband telling her of being in the battle of King's Mountain and Guilford Court House as well as many other places not now recollected.

Page 43

recollected She therefore claims all benefit from this Service by her husband in the War of the Revolution in as full and complete a manner as if the same had been Stated before by her and she relies on said proof. She claims all benefit from the Services of her husband in Pennsylvania, South Carolina as well as North Carolina and for such services performed by her said husband in the war of the Revolution she Claims a full pension. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22nd day of May 1845. 
James Patterson, Justice of the Peace
Macon County Ten 

Jane [her X mark] Brandon

State of Tennessee Macon County 
On this day personally appeared James Brandon of the age of 77 years before me James Patterson one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid who being duly sworn as the law directs deposeth as follows towit that he was well acquainted with William Brandon the husband of Jane Brandon who made the above declaration he recollects of his serving in South Carolina and of his having to go to North Carolina when it got so troublesome that they could not stay any longer as the British and the Torys [Torries] had nearly took the country as all the Whigs had to leave the state able to bear arms this afiant [affiant] recollects the said William Brandon being in North Carolina about one year or thereabouts believes he served some tours of duty as he has often heard by

Page 44

Report of himself and the neighbourhood that they were not idle but in service this affiant further states further that as he was young and staying with his mother he recollects of William Brandon coming to his mothers towit this affiants mother on his return from North Carolina believes the War then was generly [generally] over and further this applicant sayeth not. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22d day of May 1845 
James Brandon 
James Patterson Justice of the Peace 
Macon County Ten 

State of Tennessee Macon County 
I James Patterson one of the acting justices of the Peace in and for said county hereby certify that I am well acquainted with James Brandon who has made the foregoing affidavit in support of the claimant Jane Brandon, that he is a man of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit are due his statements. In testamony [testimony] whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 22nd day of May 1845. James Patterson {seal} 
Justice of the Peace 
Macon County Ten [Tennessee]

Page 45

State of Tennessee Macon County 
I Thomas A. Williams Clerk of the County Court of said Macon County hereby certify that James Patterson is a Justice of the Peace as within expected and thus the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. 
In testamony [testimony] whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal having no Seal of office this 3d day of May 1845. 
{Seal} Thomas A. Williams Clk [Clerk]
By WC Williams Deputy Clk [Clerk]

[left side written sideways] Amended Declaration of Jane Brandon

[right side written sideways] June 20, 1845 Amended dec. Jane Brandon

Page 46

State of Tennessee Smith County 
On this the 26th day of October 1840 personally appeared before me Thomas Dotson one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said county & Jane Brandon a resident of the county of Smith and state of Tennessee aged eighty 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 pension made by the act of Congress issued July the 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pension to certain widows. That she is the widow of William Brandon who was a Soldier of the Revolution and served in manner and form as stated in her former Declaration under act July the 4th 1836 heretofore sent to the War Office and which she now prays may now be taken as part of this Declaration. 
She further Declares that she was married to the said William Brandon on the [blank] Day of May Seventeen hundred and eighty five, that she was not married to him prior to his service, that the marriage took place [Illegible] to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four to wit at the time she [affixed?]. She herewith annexed her family record which she did not know was necessary nor did she refer to it when she made her first declaration. It will be seen that she is now nearly eighty years of age and that her first born child was born after the marriage with the said William Brandon on the third day of April seventeen hundred and eighty six. This declarant recollects his telling her that his first service was in Pennsylvania. She will not say whether it was as an enlisted Soldier or Volunteer but he served about twelve months and he was at the battle of Brandywine, Germantown and School Hill. His service after he came to South Carolina was in tours of three and six months part in South Carolina and part in North Carolina as stated in her first Declaration. She finds another specimen of the Continental money No. 92335 which her husband was paid in for his services. She thinks his services in South

Page 47

and North Carolina was about fourteen months said William Brandon died on 10th March 1818 and she will not state particulars as she has stated the facts in her first Declaration. She has no further documentary evidence in support her claim. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of October 1840 
Thomas Dotson {seal| 
Justice of the Peace 
Jane [her X mark] Brandon

State of Tennessee} 
Smith County} I Thomas Dotson one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jane Brandon who has made the foregoing Declaration that she is a woman of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit are due her statements. I further certify that owing to old age and bodily infirmity she cannot appear at court to make this Declaration in open court. 
I further certify that the annexed record taken from the family bible belonging to the said Jane Brandon was this day cut out in my presence and learned to be the family record of the children of the said William and Jane Brandon. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 26th day of October 1840. 
Thomas Dotson {seal} 
Justice of the Peace

Page 48

No. 7454 
Jane Brandon
of William
Tennessee

Page 49

State of Tennessee Smith County
     I John H Burnett Clerk of Smith County Court hereby certify that Thomas Dotson before whom the foregoing declaration of Jane Brandon was made is now and was at the time the same purports to same date one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said Smith County, duly commissioned and qualified as the law directs and that full faith and credit is due and ought to be given, to all his office acts as such, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
     In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Carthage this 4th day of November 1840.
                          John J Burnett Clerk
                          of Smith County Court

(seal, now missing)