Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31022, Samuel Farra, N.C. Penn. Privateer

Page 1

(3-1776)

Service
N.J.
Penn.
Privateer

Farra, Samuel

Number
S.31022

Page 2

13,538
Kentucky
Samuel Farra
of Shelby Co in the State of Kentucky
ho was a privateer in the company commanded
by Captain Johnson of the Reg commanded [on the right side Date of death not  on [illegible]]
by [illegible] Dells in the Penn [illegible]
line for 6 months
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 20 Dollars 0 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of May
1833 and [illegible] Samuel
S Whitaker Shelbyville
Arrears to the 4th of March 40.00
Semi-ani. allowance ending [illegible] 10.00
50.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk
Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 9

Page 3

[left side vertical] Samuel Farra  [illegible]
State of Kentucky
Shelby County Sct[?], On this 2nd day of 
January 1833, personally appeared before me William Shanks one of the Commonwealths Justice of ^the^ peace in and for the County of Shelby aforesaid, Samuel  Farra aged Eighty four years on the 23rd day of March last, Who being first duly Sworn according to law, doth on his Oath make the following declaration in Order to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he was born in the County of Chester and
State of Pennsylvania on the 23rd day of March 1748 as appears by a copy of his Fathers Register now in his possession. At the age of Six Years he was removed by his parents to the County of York in the  State aforesaid, where he resided until the fall of the year Seventy-Nine.  In the year Seventy five he was appointed a Captain of a Company of [illegible] in the Fifth Battalion of the York County Militia and the applicant now has in his possession a Captains
Commission Bearing date May 23rd 1776 Concurring[?]  in these words viz Signed by  Order of the Assembly John Morton Speaker. In the Month of July Seventy six there was five Companies of Col Mathew Dallis[?] Battalion Called into Service and that Commanded
by this applicant was one for the  Term  of three
months, and on the 24th day of July 1776 these troops commenced their March for Trenton by way of Philadelphia. Thence to Amboy, to Woodbridge, to Newark to Hackensack & [illegible] Ferries, thence to Burgan and [illegible] Thence to Forts Washington and Lee
at which latter place this Battalion was discharged by Genl Robedoe[?]. After two Months Service. This Battalion having furnished from each Company a Certain

Page 4

quota to compose a Company for the Flying Camp service. Procured to it a credit for a full Tour of three months. In the Fall of the Year Seventy eight a Committee of Safety for the County of York levied a Contribution of the Citizens for the purpose of procuring clothing for the Army and this applicant paid the sum of thirty five Dollars thereto. And he further states that in the year 1780 he was [illegible] to visit the State of North Carolina and in the Neighborhood of Hillsborough he entered the Service as a private and as a substitute for a Certain Michael Sherlock in a Company commanded by Captain Johnston of Genl Butler Brigade for a term of three months. Marched on the 20th day of August and joined Genl Gates at Rutledges Mill, was rauted and the Militia dispersed. This applicant returned to the place from whence he had marched and remained untill the 3rd day of September following when [illegible] from the dispersed situation of the militia. together with the lop of arms & another appearing no probability of being again organized he considered himself Discharged and set out for his Native State he states further that he obtained a note of hand from the above named Sherlock payable within three months for a stipulated sum which was never paid to him -- He further states that on the 7th day of October 1781 he entered as a Marine on Board the ship Patty a letter of Marque carrying Twelve Years belonging to Philadelphia and [illegible] and to Havanna. On the voyage she was attacked by a Brittish privateer who after receiving the third broadside bore off and we proceeded to the place of destination. Returned to the United States and on the 24th day of Jany 1782 was duly discharged at Williamsburg Virginia. The above named Ship was commanded by Captain Mathew Strong. John Willett first Mate,

Page 5

John Campbell Second, and Joseph Wood Gunner the discharge was signed by John Willett, this Applicant further states that he does not now know of any living Witness by which his Services can be proven.  he states further that he has lived since the revolutionary war in the State of Virginia and Kentucky, and now resides in the latter named State and County of Shelby--
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity Except the present amt Declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any State.
Samuel Farra [signed]
Mr John Dale a clergyman residing in the County of Shelby and State of Kentucky. Levi Collins and Henry Crawford residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the above Applicant Samuel Farra, who has Subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration. That We believe him to be Eighty-four 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
[signed]  John Dale
               Levi Collins
               Henry Crawford
And the aforesaid Justice of the Peace does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after pulling the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Solder ^and Marine and Served as he states and the aforesaid Justice & further certifies that it appears to him that John Dale who has signed the preceeding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the aforesaid County of Shelby  and that Levi Collins and Henry Crawford who has

Page 6

who signed the same, are residents of the same County, and are Credible persons, and that their Statement is entitled to Credit---and he Further Certifies that he seen the Commission mentioned in the Forgoing declaration, the Discharge from the Ship Patty.  Together with some ^copies of General Orders under the signature [crossed out] signed by Mathew Dell Cole and moreover that this applicant appears to labor under bodily infirmity so as to render him unable to attend Court.
[signed] Wm Shanks J.P.S.C.

[different handwriting]
State of Kentucky Shelby County Sct

I James S Whitaker, Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do Certify that Wm Shanks Esq before whom the foregoing affidavitt was made, now is and was at the time of Doing the same one of the Commonwealths Justices of the Peace forsaid County duly commissioned and qualified according to Law and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such.
In testamony where of I have herewith to set my hand and affixed the Seal of the County of Shelbyville this 8th day of January 1838 and in the 41st year of the Commonwealth
[signed] Att James S Whitaker &
              By Geo N Robinson DC

Page 7

Samuel Whitaker [crossed out]
Kentucky [crossed out]
Samuel Farra:
Kentucky
from 1776 private
6 months
$20.

Sam^l S. Whitaker
Clk.: Shelby County,
Kentucky

Page 8

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 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 show 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. 

A Statement, showing the Service of Samuel Farra, of Shelby Cy., Ky.
[in columns]
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service. 
  Years Months Days
Rank of the claimant.
Names and Rank of the Company officers 
under whom he served.
Name and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
_____________
[--- denotes blank column for each period of service listed, and | denotes column separation line]

Called into serv. in '76 | 3 [months] | Captain | --- | Col. Matthew Dells | --- | Trenton and Philadelphia; from thence to Amboy, to Woodbridge, to Newark, to Hackensack, and Piasack[?] ferries: from thence to Fort Washington and Fort Lee | York County, Pennsylvania. | Traditionary

Sub. in 1780, for one Michael Sherlock | 3. [months] | Pr. | Capt. Johnston | Gen. Butler, Gen. Gates | Camden | --- | --- | ---

Served in 1782 | 3 [Months] 17. [Days] | Marine. | Capt. Mathew Strong. | --- | --- | --- | --- | This service not allowed.

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J.L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 9

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been constructed 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 to those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies. 

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claim-
ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first in-
stance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

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 } ss.

On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of ______ and State, Territory, or District of ____ aged (c) ________ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United State in the year (d) ______, with ______ and served in the ________ (e) regiment of the ________ line, under the following named officers:

[the following paragraph is set in brackets]
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; the time he left the service; (and if the served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [symbol of a hand with pointer finger extended] This form is varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-
sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _________
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
A. B. 

[the following text is set in brackets]
[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 __________ of the Court of ________ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _______

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ______ day of _____ &c. 

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce 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 subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ______, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the day and year foresaid.

[the following text is in brackets]
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. __________ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ______ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _________ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, __________ Clerk of the Court of ________ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of __________ for a pension. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal __________ of office, this ________ day of _______ &c. 

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power, This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known in the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

Page 10

3

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 propoand the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants or 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 where 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 a service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmary, 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 or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who many have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

-------------------
[the following text is of a smaller font] [the letter before each new line is set in italics and is bracketed]

[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.
[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. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and with, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the 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 ____ year _____ months, and _______ days, I served as a _______. For _______ months and ________ days, I served as a ______: 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 of four months," set in italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years to the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is largely 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.
[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. 

[the following text is in a larger font and is set in italics] 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 the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 

[the following text is in a larger font and is set in italics] 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 affidavit 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.
[symbol of a hand with pointer finger extended] 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 to note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This [possibly: 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. 

[handwritten signature] W R Turner.

Page 11

June 5, 1940


xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


SAMUEL FARRA
S. 31022
BA-J/MLB

[handwritten note in pencil, unintelligible]

L. V. Farra
79 Washington Place
New York City


Dear Sir: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of the following soldiers with surname Farra - Amos and Atkinson, sons of Samuel and Hannah Farra, who lived in Delaware, Chester or Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Isaac, Aaron, and John.

A careful search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and the only record found of a soldier with surname Farra (exact spelling) was that of Samuel Farra, of Chester County, Pennsylvania. His record follows as found in the papers of pension claim, S. 31022, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Samuel Farra was born March 23, 1748, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. At the age of six years, he moved with his parents, whose names are not shown, to York County, Pennsylvania.

While a resident of York County, Pennsylvania, Samuel Farra was appointed in 1775 captain of a company of Associators, Colonel Matthew Dill's Fifth Battalion, York County militia, commission dated May 25, 1776, was called out in July 1776, and served two months. While visiting in the neighborhood of Hillsborough, North Carolina, he enlisted August 10, 1780, served as private in Captain Johnston's North Carolina company and was in the battle of Camden. October 7, 1781, he entered as a marine on board the letter of marque "Patty", Captain Matthew Strong, was in a skirmish with a British privateer and was discharged January 24, 1782. 

After the Revolution, the soldier resided in Virginia for a time then moved to the state of Kentucky, where he was allowed pension while a resident of Shelby County, that state, on his application executed January 2, 1833.

Page 12

There are no family data in the claim. 

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of Samuel Farra, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Samuel Farra, certificate No. 13538, issued May 16, 1833, rate of $20 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Kentucky Agency.

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator





- 2 -

Page 13

[left side]
1924, june 20 - Hist.to Mrs.
Joes S. Versailles [Versailles is circled] ?
1925-June 23 - Hist to A.H. Swimford [initials UM above the H] [initials MH after Swimford]
1934 Apr 11- Hist to Mrs. Bertha E McGeehan MLB 
1940 June 5 - Hist to L V. Farra. - MLB.
[right side]
31022
Revy INVALID.
File No. 31022
Samuel Farra 
Pri Rev War
Act; June 7th 32
Index:-Vol. 2, Page 131
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 14

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Will you please inform
me what you have on file concerning
Samuel Farra - there
were two men of this
name who served and
I am trying to identify each - one
lived in Shelby County

Page 15

Ky. and drew a pension
The other [illegible]
Jessamine County, Ky
and did not draw
a pension. Thanks
Mrs. Arno Hamon Swinford
607 Price Ave
Lexington,
Ky

Regent
Cynthiana Chapter
N.S. D.A.R.

Page 16

MRS. JOE S. JESSE
VERSAILLES
KENTUCKY

Pension Office -
Will you please send me the complete record of
Samuel Farra a Revolutionary
Soldier who enlisted in Militia
of the County of York Penn-
He served as Lieutenant or Private
and is recorded in Penn. Archives,
6th Series, Vol 2 Page 416.
He was born in 1734, and 
had five children  viz - Amos,
Isaac, Aaron, Atkinson, and 
James. Please give me the date
of his death, [underlined] and his complete

Page 17

MRS. JOE S. JESSE
VERSAILLES
KENTUCKY
2.
Service. Hoping a very early
reply. I am Sincerely-
Mr. Nancy McLouey Jesse
Versailles -
Kentucky -

Page 18

MEMBER OF
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
THE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
THE INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN GENEALOGY
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
THE SWEDISH COLONIAL SOCIETY
GENEALOGIST OF
THE WELCOME SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

BELL TELEPHONE, PENNYPACKER 5652

MRS. BERTHA EDWARDS MCGEEHAN
GENEALOGIST
325 SOUTH TWELFTH STREET
PHILADELPHIA

[stamp] RECEIVED
APR 2 1934
MAIL SUB-DIV.
READER 18
VETS. AMD. [/stamp]

March 31, 1834.

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sirs:

Do your records contain any reference to a Samuel Farra, of Pennsylvania, who served in the Revolutionary War?

In the 3d Series of the Pennsylvania Archives, vol. 23, page 567, under the caption of Pennsylvania Pensioners, appears the name "Samuel Farra, M.P. May 16, 1833, 85," of ShelbyCounty, Kentucky.

I shall be very grateful if you will send me an abstract of any information you may have about him, such as his age, his place of residence, the names of his wife and children, date of his death, under whom he fought, etc.

Very truly yours,

[handwritten signature] Bertha E. McGeehan

Page 19

Apr. 21, 1940

Veterans Administration, 
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
Enlisted with the Pennsylvania Militia in the Revolutionary War were AMOS FARRA[underlined], born Aug. 23, 1756 and his brother, ATKINSON FARRA, b. Apr. 28, 1761. The parents of these brothers were SAMUEL FARRA and HANNAH FARRA, who lived in Delaware County, Chester Co. or Montgomery Co. Pa. at various times. In a family bible, which  Amos bought shortly before moving to Kentucky in 1787, his mother is listed as Hannah Atkinson[underlined] Farra, but we do not know whether Atkinson was her last maiden name or merely a middle name. 
I am listing below the information I desire, which I thought that might be available in your records, at least in part.
[in tabular format]
PARENTS    INFORMATION DESIRED
[checkmark] SAMUEL FARRA[underlined], Name of parents? Birth place?
HANNAH ATKINSON FARRA Name of parents? Birth place?
SONS
[checkmark] AMOS, born Aug. 23, 1756, War record?
[checkmark] ATKINSON, Apr. 28 1761, War record?
[checkmark] ISAAC, Jan, 23, 1757
[checkmark] AARON, Oct, 12, 1759
[checkmark] JOHN, Feb. 5, 1764
[above 3 names are collected in a bracket}] - Any information?
Incidentally, there are records of many Samuel Farras  during the 1700s, but it seems unlikely that more than one would have sons named Amos and Atkinson and wife, Hannah.
I assure you that I shall be most grateful for whatever assistance that you may be able to give me in this connection.
Very truly yours
L.V. Farra
79 WASHINGTON PLACE, NEW YORK, N.Y.

Page 20

[note in top margin]
Rec'd in Rev. & 1812 War Sect. 6/12/40
Request was answered June 5, 1940 MES
Cannot identify 6/4/40 DH
Cannot Ident 6/6/40 F. J.
[stamp] RECEIVED May 31, 1940 [illegible] Reader #22
[letter begins]
May 29, 1940
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I received your letter (Form 3158) of April 24, last, together with the return of postage I had sent to you with my request for information on Amos Farra, or rather on the parents of Amos Farra.
Thank you for your letter and the postage.
Since your letter said that my communication was being given attention then and since I have not heard anything further from you as yet, it occurred to me that your reply might possibly have gone astray, perhaps, while I was out of the City.  If you find that your reply was mailed out some time ago, I should appreciate your sending me a copy of the letter.
With sincere thanks
Very truly yours
L. V. Farra (L. V. Farra)
79 Washington Place
New York, N. Y.

Page 21

April 11, 1934

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SAMUEL FARRA
S. 31022
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Bertha E. McGeehan
325 south Twelfth Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information relative to Samuel Farra, of Pennsylvania, who served in the Revolutionary War.

You are furnished below the history of Samuel Farra as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 31022, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

He was born March 23, 1748, in Chester County, Pennsylvania; at the age of six years he moved with his parents, names not given, to York County, Pennsylvania. 

While residing in York County, Pennsylvania, he was appointed in 1775 captain of a company of Associators, Colonel Matthew Dill's Fifth Battalion York County, Pennsylvania militia, commission dated May 25, 1776, was called out in July 1776, and served two months. While visiting in the neighborhood of Hillsborough, North Carolina, he enlisted August 10, 1780, served as a private in Captain Johnston's North Carolina company and was in the battle of Camden. He entered October 7, 1781, as a marine on board the letter of marque, Patty, Captain Matthew Strong, was in a skirmish with a British privateer and was discharged January 24, 1782. 

Samuel Farra was allowed pension on his application executed January 2, 1833, while a resident of Shelby County, Kentucky.

There are no family data in the claim.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of this person paid and possibly the date of soldier's

Page 22

death, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:- Samuel Farra, Certificate No. 13538, issued May 16, 1833, rate $20 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act June 7, 1832, Kentucky Agency.

Very truly yours



A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator 







- 2 -

Page 23

[handwriting in blank ink] [possibly: MMHF]

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

June 23, 1925


Mrs. Arno H. Swinford
607 Price Ave.,
Lexington, Ky.


Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31022 it appears that Samuel Farra was born March 23, 1748 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

While a resident in York County, Pennsylvania he was appointed in 1775 Captain of a company of Associators, Colonel Matthew Dill's Fifth Battalion York County, Pennsylvania Militia, commission dated May 25, 1776, was called out in July 1776 and served two months.

While visiting in the neighborhood of Hillsborough, North Carolina, he enlisted August 10, 1780 as a private in Captain Johnston's North Carolina Company and was in the battle of Camden. 

He entered October 7, 1781 as a Marine on board the Letter of Marque, Patty, Captain Matthew Strong, was in a skirmish with a British Privateer and was discharg-

Page 24

ed January 24, 1782.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 2, 1833 while a resident of Shelby County, Kentucky.

There is no data on file as to his family.

Respectfully,

["Date of death not on AB" handwritten in black ink]

WILDER S. METCALF.
Commissioner

Page 25

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.


June 20, 1924.


Mrs. Joe S. Jesse
Versailles, KY.

Madam: 

I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.31022, it appears that Samuel Farra was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Marsh 23, 1748. While a resident in York County, Pennsylvania in 1775 he was appointed Captain of a company of Associators, Colonel Matthew Dill's Fifth Battalion York County, Pennsylvania Militia, commission dated May 25, 1776, called out in July 1776 and served two months. While visiting in the neighborhood of Hillsborough, North Carolina, he enlisted August 10, 1780 as a private in Captain Johnston's North Carolina Company and was in the battle of Camden. He entered October 7, 1781 as a Marine on board the Letter of Marque, Patty, Captain Matthew Strong, was in a skirmish with a British Privateer, and was discharged January 24, 1782. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 2, 1833, while a resident of Shelby County, Kentucky. There is no data on file as to his family.

Respectfully,


Commissioner.

Page 26

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51
12-5-41 BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*  
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Name Farraby, Richard Grade Private Line Maryland
Warrant Number 11230 Acreage 100 Issued November 29,1790
to James Ryon, administrator

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.

Page 27

(3-1776)
Service                                   Number
Navy       Farragut, George    R. 1172
_____________
CONTENTS

Page 28

No. 1172
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855 [MARCH 3, 1855 lined out with illegible note]

Navy
Lieut David G. Farragut
Son of
George Farragut
Master
U. S. Navy

Page 29

Lieut Farragut through Lieut
Gardner request to withdraw
his papers, filed in this depmt [department]
to obtain a pension on acct. [account]
of the death of his father.
By permission of the chief clerk
I have delivered them to Lieut
Gardner, withholding Lieut
Farraguts' letters to the Depmt [department]
in the case.
The claim was rejected as [[illegible 2 words],
Farragut did not die
in the Naval Service, Lee. Md Hardin's Register 
[underlined from Lee through Register]
Papers delivered to Lieut Gardner
Nov. 29th 1837.

Page 30

David G. Farragut
son of George Farragut
see Harpers Ency. Vol. 1 page 468.
Signature gone from letter dated Norfolk, Nov. 1, 1837
Dec. 21, 1911 A. E. P.

Page 31

Mr. Hardin
Please state his rank and date of G. Farragut's death
Noted on the Register
"Dismissed 25th March 18 [illegible]
LBH
George Farragut
Discharged Mch 25 1814.
Died 1816

Page 32

Norfolk Borough [illegible]
Personally appeared before me Thomas
Williamson an alderman for the borough aforesaid Thomas
[illegible] C. Jones and James Armstrong
and made oath that Lieut David Glasco Farragut
is the son, of George Farragut, late Master, in the 
United States Navy and furthermore to the best of their
knowledge and belief the said George Farragut died
some time in year 1816 leaving four children
Lieutenants William A. C and David and two 
daughters Nancy and [blank] all of whom they
understand are still living.  Given under my hand
and seal this 31 st day of March 1837.
Thom Williamson 
aldn [last 2 letters illegible]

Page 33

David Glasco Faragut

Page 34

The Hon. Secretary of the Navy
Washington
[vertically at bottom of page]
D. G. Farragut
ans 7 Octo. 1837
F 90 Nov 6 Regs
Patterson [illegible] information in [illegible]

Page 35

Norfolk Nov 1st 1837
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ult;
& in reply can only express my regret & mortification at the fact, & altho' I feel confident ^ that the Department is satisfied of my ignorance on the subject, from the simple fact of my making the application, for surely no man would incur the risk of bringing to light such disagreeable circumstances in con-
nection with his family, for the sake of a few hundred dollars - yet I deem some little explanation necessary to exonerate me from any suspicion of the kind - 
By reference to the letter I had the honor to addup the [illegible] [illegible] in Feb 7 last, in which I gave a

Page 36

brief sketch of my life, in support of my claims to promotion.  It will be seen that I left my Father's family in New Orleans sone time in 1810 with Con. Porter & did not return there until 1824, at which time I spent a week with one of my sisters, by leave of absence from the West India squadron.  I also saw my brother for 2 or 3 days at Key West about the same year.  This Sir comprises my whole acquaintance with my family since infancy.  I have also another sister residing on the sea shore of Mississippi, the mother of six children, whom I have never seen since she was six months old.  Thus, sir, you will perceive it is not strange matter that I should be ignorant of my father's leaving the Navy & what is most singular is that not one of the officers with whom I communicated on the subject, Con. Patterson, Con. Jones & Capt. Armstrong, ever gave me the slightest intimation of the fact & I doubt if they had any recollection of the transaction.
I will further remark, sir, that (altho' you have been kind enough to alter the phraseology of the record) my father was dismissed the Navy for incapacity when borne down by the infirmities attendant to old age.  Of this I know nothing, but I can only say, I have always

Page 37

heard him spoken of as one who had devoted his life to the service of his country, from the commencement of the Revolution, in which he lost the use of one of his arms by a gun shot wound, & he in like manner offered up his sons at the same shrine, one by one as they became old enough, & by reference to the official report of Con. Porter it will be seen, that on or about the very day, in which the son is reported among the wounded after a hard fought action in defense of his country, the father is dismissed from the Navy because he is no longer able to serve them.
I have the honor to be, with great respect your most obedient servant
[signature space of letter has been cut out & paper underneath shows through]
[different handwriting] Signed, D. G. Farragut Lieut. USN
To The Hon'l. Secretary of the Navy