Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9838, Thomas Donoho, N.C.

Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE N.C.
Donoho, Thomas
Keziah
NUMBER W. 9838
B. L. Wt. 608. 400. Major
Issued May 3, 1796.
No papers
CONTENTS

Page 2

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

North Carolina 3258 
Keziah Donoho, 
widow of Thomas Donoho, dec [deceased] 
who died on the 2d day of April 1825,
of Caswell Co in the State of North Carolina 
who was a Cap. & Maj. in the Company commanded by Captain Donoho of the Brigade commanded by Genl Green [General Nathanael Greene] in the N. C. Contl [Continental] line for 9 mo 13 ds [9 months 13 days] Capt. [Captain] 14 " 17 " Major
 
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina 
at the rate of 552 Dollars 83 Cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of March 1840, & sent to and Hon. B. Brown, 
Senate, U.S. 

Arrears to the 4th of March 1840 $4975.47 
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 40 276.41 
$5251.88 

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 4, 1836,}
{Section the 3d [3rd]}
Recorder by D. Mc Curdy Clerk 
[paper torn] A. Vol. 2. Page 171

Page 3

Let to [illegible] Apl 20 1840
R. Randolph
May 9/65
Let Geo. Little Jul 16/51

[written vertically on right margin]
date of death no on AB

Page 4

[this is a duplicate of the prior image rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise to align with marginal comments

Page 5

V [or check mark]
4634
Declaration of
Keziah Donoho
Thomas's widow
N. C. act July 4 1836

Page 6

Declaration of Keziah Donoho
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 4th day AD 1836.

State of North Carolina}
Caswell County} Court of pleas & Quarter Sessions July Term 1839.

Be it remembered that on this the 4th day of July AD. 1839, personally appeared before the Justices of the Court aforesaid. Keziah Donoho, a Resident of the County of Caswell [word struck out] and State of North Carolina, aged Eighty four 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 Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.

That she is The Widow of the late Major
Thomas Donoho who, in the Month of April 1776 at Halifax in No Ca [North Carolina] Volunteered and entered the War of the Revolution returning home in a short time, bearing the office and Commission of Lieutenant, he enlisted a Company of
Soldiers, and in May of the year aforesaid (as well as she now recollects) he marched his Company to the Town of Wilmington N.C. and joined the Regiment Commanded by
Col Lytle - in the fall of the same year he returned home on furlough and in a short thereafter received a Captains Commission immediately after which he repaired To his station at Wilmington aforesaid. - Said Donoho was in the Battle of Eutaw Springs South Carolina, and likewise in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse Under the Command of General Green, [illegible] short time after the Battle of Eutaw Springs he was promoted to the office of Major as will more fully appear by reference to the Certificate of the Secretary of State of N. Carolina herewith transmitted and marked A. She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Donoho on the 3d
day of December AD 1774 - and that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Donoho died on the 2d day of April AD. 1825, and

Page 7

that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed and contained in Certificates marked B[?] - C.

Keziah [her X mark] Donoho

Sworn to & Subscribed on the}
day & year above written, before}
The Justices of the Court aforesaid}
in Open Court.}
Geo. Williamson Clk [Clerk]

I George Williamson one of The Justices of Courts of pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Caswell and State of N. Carolina do Certify Certify [duplicate original] that I have
been long acquainted with Mrs. Keziah Donoho the widow of the late Major Thomas Donoho; and the Mother of the late Major Sanders Donoho of the U.S. Standing army who was shot at or near Pensacola by a Refractory Soldier, that said Keziah Donoho is a lady of high Character, Maintains an elevated standing in The Community in which she resides, and is Worthy of full Credit. Given under my hand at Yanceyville in the County aforesaid this the 4th day July 1839.

Geo. Williamson Chairman

Page 8

State of North Carolina 
Caswell County.
Court of pleas & Quarter Sessions
July Term AD. 1839

S.S.

I Paul A. Harlson Clerk of The Court aforesaid do Certify That George Williamson Esq. whose Certificate appears on the Preceding page is and was at the time of making Said Certificate a Justice and Chairman of the Court aforesaid
which is a Court of Record - and his signature annexed to his Said Certificate is his genuine Signature.

In Testimony of all which I Paul A Haralson Clerk as aforesaid have herewith set my hand and affixed my official seal, at office in Yanceyville in the County aforesaid - The 4th day of July 1839.

Paul A Haralson Clk [Clerk]

Page 9

State of North Carolina
Caswell County

This day appeared before me Kesiah Donoho, who resides in the County of Caswell aforesaid and made oath that this leaf hereto appended
is the family register cut from a large family Bible which was left in my possession by my husband Thomas Donoho at his Death  _ which I believe to be  in the handwriting of William Donoho a Brother of Thomas Donoho aforesaid. Sworn to and subscribed before me George Williamson a Justice of the peace
for the County of Caswell aforesaid on this the 13th day of November 1839.
Test.
Geo. Williamson J.P.
Kesiah [her x mark] Donoho

I George Williamson a Justice of the peace aforesaid & Chairman of the County Court of Caswell do hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Kesiah Donoho whose certificate appears above & that said Kesiah Donoho is entitled to the fulest [fullest] Credit _ Given under my hand this the day and date above written.
Geo. Williamson J.P

State of North Carolina}
Caswell County}

This day appeared before me John Johnston who resides in the County of Caswell aforesaid
and made oath that he has been intimate with the family of Maj. Thomas Donoho for forty years and that this leaf hereto appended was cut from a large family Bible which Contains the births of the Children of Thomas Donoho and Kesiah Donoho which was left by said Thomas

Page 10

Donoho at his Death in the possession of his widow
Kesiah Donoho. Maj. Thomas Donoho was an indeferent scribe.
I believe the ages of the Children wrote by William Donoho
a Brother of Maj. Thomas Donoho. This affiant further
States that Maj. Thomas Donoho never did to his knowledge
apply for a Pension _ Sworn to and subscribed before
me George Williamson a Justice of the peace for the
County of Caswell aforesaid on this the 13th day of November
1839.
John Johnston
Test.
Geo. Williamson J.P.

I George Williamson a Justice of the peace and
Chairman of the County Court of Caswell do hereby
Certify that I am well acquainted with John Johnston
whose Certificate appears above and that Said John Johnston
is entitled to Credit. _ Given under my hand this 
the day and date above Written.
Geo. Williamson J.P

Page 11

State of North Carolina
Caswell County

I Paul A Haralson Clerk of the County
Court of Caswell aforesaid, do hereby Certify that George
Williamson whose name is Signed to the foregoing or within
Certificates is and was at the time of his signing the same
an acting Justice of the peace and Chairman of the County
Court in an for Said County of Casweel duly commissioned
and Sworn according to Law and as Such due faith
and Credit Should be paid to his Official acts and that
his Said Signature is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I Paul A
Haralson Clerk of the Court of Caswell
have hereunto set my hand and affixed
my Seal of Office at Yanceyville on
this the 11th day of December AD 1839
Paul A Haralson Clk

Page 12

Certificate of
Mildred Brown

Page 13

State of North Carolina
Caswell County

This day appeared before me Mildred Brown who residing
in the County of Caswell aforesaid and made Oath that
she became acquainted with the late Major Thomas Donoho
[word smeared] years before the Revolutionary War. That she recollects
to have seen said Tho Donnoho when he was on his way
to be married to Keziah Sanders which was alas before the War [illegible] - 
She was not present
at the Marriage - nor does she know of any person
now alive who did Witness the Marriage Ceremony -
but she this affiant has no doubt of the fact that
Said Thomas Donoho and Said Keziah Sanders were
legally married for it was so said and generally understood
in the neighborhood that they were married on this
occasion on which she saw him on his way to be
married, as aforesaid. She further swears that she has 
known the said Major Thomas Donoho and the said Keziah
his wife as aforesaid from early life until the death of
said Thomas which occurred in the Spring of the year 1825 ("2" is smeared]
and the said Keziah until the present time, that they
have always been recognized as man and Wife in their
neighborhood County - and that said Keziah has remained
a Widow from the death of her husband aforesaid in the year
1825 until the present time. Sworn to and subscribed
before me David Montgomery a Justice of the peace for 
the County of Caswell aforesaid on this the 3rd day of
July 1839.
Mildred her X mark Brown
Witness
D.Mtrgomery J. P.

I David Montgomery Justice of the peace aforesaid to
Certify that I am acquainted with Mildred Brown whos
Certificate appears above - and that said Witness is
entitled to Credit - Given under my hand the 3rd day of
July 1839 - D. Mtgomery J. P.

Page 14

State of North Carolina
Caswell County
Court of Pleas and quarter sessions
July Term of 1839
SS
I Paul A Harrrison clerk of the Court aforesaid do Certify
that David Montgomery Esq whose Certificate is herto annexed
is and was at the time of making said Certificate an acting
Justice of the peace for the County of Casewell aforesaid and 
that Signature annexed to his Said Certificate is his genuine
Signature.

In Testimony of all which I Paul A. Harrison Clerk
as aforesaid have hereunto set my hand and affixed
my official Seal of office in Yanceville in  the County
aforesaid - the 4th day of July 1839
Paul A Harrison

Page 15

[This is the title page from a printed book with added handwriting indicated in parens
The reverse of this page is the following image]

THE NEW
[THE NEW]
TESTAMENT
[The new Testament]
OF OUR
LORD and SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST
[JESUS CHRIST,]
TRANSLATED OUT OF THE
ORIGINAL GREEK;
AND WITH THE 
FORMER TRANSLATION 
DILIGENTLY COMPARED AND REVISED,
By His MAJESTY'S Special Command
Appointed to be Held in Churches.

Page 16

[This is the reverse of the preceding image of the title page of The New Testament
with handwritten notes on children]

The age of Thomas Kizze Donoho [illegible]
Betsey Donoho was born the 9[?]th Day of September 1775
Hirim Dohoh was born the 7th Day of 
February 1777
Salley Donoho was born the [illegible] Day of
September 1779
Francis Donoho was born the 7th Day of
December 1781
Sanders Donoho was born the 12th Day of 
January 178[?]
Susannah Donoh was born the 26th Day of 
January 1787

Page 17

September 12, 1936

Thomas Donoho-W.9838
BA-J/AWF
Anne Fitzgerald
7 Greenough Avenue
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Dear Madam:

The [smeared] furnished herein were obtained
from papers on file in pension claim, W. 9838, based upon 
the service of Thomas Donoho in the Revolutionary
War.

The date and place of birth of Thomas Donoho 
are not shown, nor are the names of his parents 
given.

Thomas Donoho volunteered in Halifax, North 
Carolina, sometime in April, 1776 and was a Lieutenant, 
in the 6th North Carolina Regiment, was commissioned, 
September 10, 1776, Captain in the 6th, was in the
battles of Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs, 
and on October 13, 1781, he was commissioned, Major, 
and continued in the service until January 1, 1783, a
part of the time he was in Colonel Lytle's North Caro-
lina Regiment.

Thomas Donoho married December 3, 1774, Keziah
Sanders. The date and place of birth are not shown, 
nor are the names of her parents stated.

Thomas Donoho died April 2, 1825. The widow, 
Keziah Donoho, was allowed pension on her application
executed July 4, 1839, at which time she was aged
about eighty-four years and a resident of Caswell
County, North Carolina.

The names of the children of Thomas Donoho and

Page 18

his wife, Keziah:

Betsey born September 2, 1776
Hirum born February 7, 1777
Salley born September 16, 1779
Francis born December 7, 1781
Sanders born January 12, 1784
Susannah born January 26, 1787

The daughter, Betsey, was a widow in 1839 and
living with her mother, Keziah Donoho; name of Betsey's
husband not shown, and no details as to her marriage.

Reference was made in 1839 to son, Sanders
Donoho, as "the late Major Sanders Donoho of the
United States Standing Army, who was shot at or near
Pensacola by a refractory soldier".

In 1851, Thomas D. Johnston of North Carolina
referred to the widow, Keziah Donono, as his grand-
mother; names of his parents were not designated.

Reference was made to William Donoho, brother of 
Major Thomas Donoho of the Revolutionary War.

The papers in this [illegible] contain no further
reference to family.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Page 19

September 11, 1936

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/EEL

Anne Fitzgerald
7 Greenough Avenue
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the 
Revolutionary War records of Majaor Thomas Donoho, whose widow,
Keziah, was living in Caswell County, North Carolina, in 1840;
of Caleb Anglen, of North Carolina, and William Goodridge, of
Albermarle County, Virginia; you request, also, the War of 1812
records of Caleb Anglen, Thomas Fitzgerald, James Grant, James
Powell and any soldier with surname Worsham, all of Caswell County,
North Carolina.

There is no claim for pension on file based upon services in
the Revolutionary War of a William Goodridge or Goodrich, who 
served from Virginia, or who applied for pension while residing
in that state, nor of a Caleb Anglen or similar spellings: the War 
of 1812 records do not shown claims for pension were ever made to
the United States based upon the service in that war of Thomas 
Fitzgerald, James Grant, James Powell, or of any soldier with surname
Worsham, who served in the North Carolina Troops or of Caleb 
Anglen. Such claims are the source of the data furnished by this 
office.



It is suggested that as a possible means of obtaining information
in regard to the military service of these soldiers, you apply 
to The Adjutant General, War Department, this city, who is custodian 
of military records.

The record of Major Thomas Donoho has been found and his history 
is furnished you herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

Page 20

Rev. and 1812
War Section. 


June 27, 1924.

Helen Richards,
115 E. 40th St.,
New York City.
 
Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in
the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 9838, it
appears that Thomas Donoho enlisted April 1176 in
Halifax, North Carolina, and served as Lieutenant 
in Colonel Lytle’s North Carolina Regiment, 
September 10, 1776 he was appointed Captain in the Sixth
North Carolina Regiment, was in battles of 
Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs, and on October
13, 1781, he was appointed Major and served until
January 1, 1783.

He died April 2, 1825

Soldier married December 3, 1774, Keziah Sanders,
she was allowed pension on her application executed

Page 21

July 4, 1839, while a resident of Caswell County,
North Carolina, aged eighty four years.

Their children were-
Betsey born September 3, 1776.
Hirum born February 7, 1777.
Salley born September -- 1779.
Francis born December 7, 1781.
Sanders born January 12, 1784,
Susannah born January 26, 1787.

Son Sanders Donoho, was Major in the standing Army 
and was shot at Pensacola by a refractory soldier, date
not stated but he was dead in 1839.

In 1851 a grandson, Thomas D. Johnston is referred
to, the names of his parents not designated.

Respectfully,

Commissioner

Page 22

O.W.&N. Div.
F.S.
W.E.C

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D.C., 

APRIL 28, 1894.

Sir:- 

Referring to your communication of March 26th, addressed to 
Hon. C.A. Swanson and received in this Bureau yesterday by his 
reference, in which you request the military history of certain 
officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War, I have the honor 
to advise you that a search has been made and no records found of 
Col. Archibald Murphy and Major Oliver Porter. The data given 
concerning the soldiers bearing the surnames of Saunders and 
Saffold is not sufficient to enable the Bureau to make a 
satisfactory search for their services.

From the Revolutionary pension records of this Bureau it is 
shown that Keziah Donaho, widow of Major Thomas Donaho, was granted 
a pension for his services on that war for the period of nine 
months and thirteen days [underlined: actual service] as a Captain, and for 
fourteen months and seventeen days [underlined: actual service] as a Major. 
In her declaration she states that he entered the service in the 
month of April, 1776, at Halifax, North Carolina, and returned 
home in a short time bearing the office and commission of 
Lieutenant; that he then enlisted a company if soldiers and in May of

Page 23

the same year marched his company to the town of Wilmington, 
North Carolina, and joined the regiment commanded by Col. Lytle; 
in the fall of the same year he returned home on furlough and in 
a short time thereafter received a commission as Captain, and 
immediately repaired to his station at Wilmington; that he 
participated in the battles of Eutaw Springs and Guilford C. H., and 
that a short time after the battle of Eutaw Springs was 
commissioned a Major. The details of his services are not given other 
than as above. 

From other papers on file in the case it appears that he was 
commissioned Captain of the 6th North Carolina regiment on 
September 10, 1776, promoted to Major, October 13, 1781, and “deranged” 
the 1st day of January, 1783.

On July 4, 1839, the date of the widow’s application for 
pension, she was residing in Caswell County, North Carolina, and 
eighty-four years of age. She was married to the soldier on 
December 3, 1774, and he died April 2, 1825. 

Very Respectfully,


Commissioner.

James G. Penn, 
Danville, 
Va.

Page 24

7 Greenough Avenue
Jamaica Plain, Mass.
July 30, 1936

Veterans' Administration 
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

I shall be very grateful if you can send me information as to any of the following, particularly the names of children, wives, brothers and sisters, or parents, dates, etc.:

Maj. Thomas Donoho, whose widow was living in Caswell Co., N.C. in 1840. Her name was Kesiah. (There are a lot of papers about the pension claim of her daughter Elisabeth, widow of Capt. John Watlington, in the course of which Kesiah Donoho speaks of her late husband as having served in the Revolution. If there is anything regarding Thomas Donoho, a reference to John Watlington might prove of interest and use to later searchers).

Was there a Thomas Fitzgerald from Caswell Co., N.C. in the War of 1812?

Did James Grant or James Powell or Caleb Anglen of Caswell,N.C. serve in the war of 1812?

Was there any Worsham from Caswell, N.C. in the war of 1812? I am trying to trace Thomas Worsham, born about 1830, whose father may have served. His eldest son was named John, so father may have been John or Thomas Worsham.

Did Caleb Anglen serve in the Revolution? (There seem to have been two generations bearing this name. One lived in Caswell Co., N.C. in 1810, the younger in Rockingham Co., N.C. in 1830.

Have you any record of William Goodridge of Albermarle Co., Va. in the Revolution? I doubt if he ever applied for a pension, as I think he was quite well to do.

I shallbe very grateful for any assistance which you can give me in this matter.

Sincerely yours,
[handwritten] Anne Fitzgerald

[round stamp, arrow pointing to 01]
RECEIVED
AUG 1 1936
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETs ADM
[illegible] 10

Page 25

[printed letterhead, handwritten letter]

Sunday, May 25 1924

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:- I understand
that Major Thomas Donoho of
the Revolutionary Army received
a pension. Could you send me
word if this is the case and also
the name of his wife or children
Very Sincerely
Helen Richards
Registrar, Daughters of the [illegible

Page 26

Frankfurt, Ky. April 6th 1913
Bureau Pensions
Washington D.C.

Please give me information concerning
the following persons. Soldiers in 
the Revolutionary War Col. Armistead 
Watlington, and Thomas Donoho, (an
old letter in the family says the latter
was in Greern's Army.) Also William and 
John Strode of Virginia who were soldiers 
in Revolution War.

Mrs. Caswell Bennett
Frankfort Ky.
Cor Main & Washington.

The Strodes were from Virginia and 
Col. Armistead Watlington and Thomas 
Donoho from Halifax Co. Virginia and Caswell Co. N.C.

Page 27

Shreveport, La.
546 Egan St.
July 17th 1908

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Kindly inform me of the record of Thos. Donoho
who served as a major in the 4th North Carolina Regiment Revolutionary war. The adjutant
general suggests that I write to you for further 
information I would like to know when & where he

Page 28

enlisted, how long he served,
and his age at the time he
enlisted. If he or his wife
ever received a pension.
Did he hold a commission for any other office 
except Major?

Very truly,
Mrs. Thos. A. Jordan
546 Egan St.
Shreveport La.

Page 29

St. Louis Mo. 10th 1903
Pension office
Washington D.C.

Please send me the military record
of Major Donahue in the Revolutionary
War. If he was a pensioner in
the Rev. war? When was his application 
filed? Thanking you in advance for
a speedy reply, [illegible] stating. I want
information for the sole purpose of 
verifying family records. Major 
Donahue being my gr. grandfather

Mrs Victoria Helen [or Alden] Conklin-Whitney
411 Olive St
St Louis Mo

[ink stamp] 
OLD WAR & NAVY
NOV 14 1903
FILES.

[ink stamp]
U.S.
PENSION OFFICE
NOV 12 1903

Page 30

[This is a very dark scan making it very difficult to read]

[cannot make out line]
[cannot make out line]
[cannot make out line]
Keziah Donoho
Wid.
Thomas Donoho
Major Rev War
[cannot make out line]
[cannot make out line]
[cannot make out line]

Page 31

[This is a very dark scan making it very difficult to read
I cannot actually make out any printing or writing on this image]

Page 32

4634
Keziah Donoho
wid of Thomas
NC
Act July 4 1836
Married 1774
died 1825
Was a
Capt. 9 mo 13 d 188[illegible]
Major 14 " 7 - 364.16
[illegible] $552.83
NC Cont line

Hon Bedford Brown
USS

Page 33

[This is a very dark scan making it very difficult to read
I cannot make out any printing or writing on this image]

Page 34

Respecting the righ[page torn]
of Mrs Kiziah
Doniho to pension

Richard Randolph
Washington

[upside down on the bottom of the sheet:]
Jany 23
[illegible]

[crosswise apparently under other writing:] 
For/ 
The Commissioner of Pensions

Page 35

4634
Keziah Donoho - widow
of Thomas - N.C.
Act 4 July 1836
Let to Hon Bedford Brown
Senate U.S. 9 Mar 1840

Page 36

Kizsy Donoho,
Widow of Thos. Donoho
N. Carolina Cav
See letter to Hon R. M.
Saunders, Aug. 6. 1839

Page 37

[This is an envelope]

Yanceyville NC
July 17th
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
Washington City

[written counter and over the address:]

4634
July 19
N.C.
July 4 1836
Keziah Donoho
Wid of Maj Thomas

Page 38

Caswell Cty. July 16th AD 1839

Sirs
I hereunto transmit the papers of Mrs.
Keziah Donoho the widow of the late Major
Thomas Donono. The Evidence on regards her
claim on government pens act of Congress. The
person who joined them together in wedlock has
long since died. There is no person alive that witness
the marriage Ceremony within the recollection of 
the widow. So Her son is the best witness [illegible]
as regards the knowledge of her marriage to Tho. Donoho.

Very Respectfully
Your obt [paper torn]
Wm. Lea [paper torn]

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions

Proof of [illegible]
Identity

Page 39

[This is an envelope]

Yanceyville NC
Decr 14th
Free

J.L. Edwards Esq Comr of Pensions
Washington City

[written across the envelope:]

Dec 18
N.C.
Addl proof
Keziah Donoho

Page 40

Yanceyville Dec, 11th 1839.
J. L. Edwards Esq

I have the honour to acknowledge the
receipt of your favour of the 9th September last.
I here enclose additional evidence in establishing
the claim of Mrs. Keziah Donoho. I hope the widow
has complied with your requisitions

Very Respectfully
Your obt. Servt
Wm. Lea.

Page 41

C
Certificate of
Betsey Lea

Page 42

State of North Carolina
Caswell County
Court of pleas & quarter session
July Term AD 1839

I Paul A. Harrison Clerk of the Court aforesaid do certify
that David Montgomery Esqr whose certificate is hereto Annexed
is and was at the time of making said certificate a Justice
of the peace & that signature annexed to his said certificate
is his genuine signature.

In Testimony of all which I Paul A. Haralson 
Clerk as aforesaid have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my official seal at office in
Yanceyville in the County aforesaid the 4th day
of July 1839.

Paul A Haralson

Page 43

State of North Carolina
Caswell County

This day appeared before me Betsey Lea who
resided in the County of Caswell aforesaid and made
oath in due form of Law. That Keziah Donoho is
the widow of the late Major Thomas Donoho. They
were married within a few miles of me, the day 
and year I do not distinctly recollect, but I know that 
was before our Revolutionary War. The legality of the marriage
I never heard it doubted, or called into question, it was
so believed and generally understood & recognized as man &
wife, they have lived together as such from that time
until the Death of her husband Tho. Donoho aforesaid,
which occurred in the Spring of 1825. She has remained
a widow ever since that period to the present time.

Sworn to and subscribed before me David
Montgomery a Justice of the peace for the County of 
Caswell aforesaid on this 3rd day of July 1839.

Test
D. Mtgomery J. P

Betsey her X mark Lea

I David Montgomery a Justice of the peace aforesaid
do certify that I am acquainted with Betsey Lea whos
certificate appears above and that saidwitness is
entitled to credit. given under my hand this 3rd day
of July 1839

Test
DMtgomery J. P.

Page 44

[This is an envelope]

[Stamped postmark:]

RALEIGH 
AUG 3 
N. C.

J. L. Edwards Esq
Pensioner Office
Washington City

[written crosswise over postmark:]

Augt 5

Page 45

[duplicate of the last image]

J. L. Edwards Esq
Pensioner Office
Washington City

Page 46

Raleigh Aug 2 - 39

Sir:- 
You have misunderstood the object of my letter & certificate.  The widow of Major Thomas Donoho whose name I believe is Kissy or Kissia Donoho is the applicant & the object of my certificate was to show they had a child born as early as 1775 - of course to prove before their [?] marriage before the close of the war.

So as to the other matter. Mrs Waddlington or Waltlington, wishes to know if she is the Widow of John Waltington who served in the Virginia Line is entitled. I must again refer you to my last letter.

Respectfully
R.M. (Illegible last name)

Page 47

State of North Carolina
Caswell County
October 4th 1839

Be it remembered that on this the 4th day of October
AD 1839 personally appeared before me David
Montgomery a Justice of the peace, in and for the County
of Caswell aforesaid, William Parker a Revolutionary
pensioner and made oath, in due form of law, that he
was well acquainted with the late Major Thomas Donoho
whose widow is Kesiah Donoho, is now an applicant
for a pension, that said Thomas Donoho was a Captain
and then Major in the war of the Revolution, in the
North Carolina Continental line, and to the best of his
recollections, was of the Sixth Regiment. This affiant
further swears that he never knew, or heard of any other
officer or soldier of the Revolution of the same name.
He further states that said Major Thomas Donoho never
did to his knowledge apply for a pension and perhaps for 
the reason that he was a man of good estate. This
affiant lived about Two Miles from said Major Thomas
Donoho for forty odd years & was well acquainted with
him from his youth. Sworn to and subscribed
before me David Montgomery a Justice of the peace for
the County of Caswell aforesaid On this 4th day of October
AD 1839

Test 
DMtgomery J. P.

William his X mark Parker

I David Montgomery a Justice of the peace aforesaid 
do Certify that I am well acquainted with William Parker
whose Certificate appears above and that Said witness is 
entitled to the fullest Credit. Given under my hand this
the 4th day of October AD  1839.

DMtgomery J.P.

Page 48

State of North Carolina
Caswell County

I Paul A Haralson Clerk of the County
Court of Caswell aforesaid do hereby Certify that
David Montgomery whoes name is Signed to the within
or foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of his
Signing his name to the Same, an acting Justice of
the peace in and for Said County of Caswell duly
Commissioned and Sworn according to Law and that
his said Signature is genuine and as Such due faith and
credit should be paid to his official acts.

In Testimony whereof I Paul A
Haralson Clerk of the Court aforesaid
have hereunto Set my hand and affixed
my Seal of Office at Yanceyville this
the 11th day of December AD 1839.
Interlined before signed.

Paul A Haralson Clk

Page 49

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office

I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the 
State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that the
name of Thomas Donoho does not appear on the 
musterrolls of the Continental line of this state in the
revolutionary war but once, and that is in the
6th Regiment, where it appears he was Capt on
the 10th of Septr 1776, Major on the 13th Octor 1781,
Deranged 1st January 1783.

Given under my hand
this 7th day of October 1839.
W Hill

Page 50

A

Certificate of
Secretary of State.

Page 51

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office

I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State 
of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears
from the musterrolls of the Continental line of this
state in the revolutionary War, that Thomas Donoho
was commissioned Captain in the 6th Regiment on the
10th day of September 1776, promoted to Major on the 
13th day of October 1781, and deranged on the 1st day of January 1783.

Given under my hand at
Office in Raleigh this 1st
day of June 1839.
W. Hill

[notes in a different hand]
12 13 Oct 82
1
1 17
14 17 Maj
9 13 Capt
24

Page 52

[This is an envelope; handwriting bleeds through from the other side]

[Stamped postmark:]
RALEIGH
[month illegible]
26
N.C.

FREE

[Address:]
J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington City

[Written 180 degree rotation from, address:]
Betsey Donoho
Wid of Thomas
NC

[Written 270 degree rotation from address:]
July 29

Page 53

[this is a duplicate of image 52, rotated]

Page 54

[this is a duplicate of image 52, rotated]

Page 55

[This is very difficult handwriting]

Raleigh July 26th 39

Sir

In passing thru Caswell County the
other day I spent a night with Mrs Donoho
Widow of major Thomas Donoho who
informed me of her application for a 
Pension as I knew Majr Donoho & have
long known his widow. I [rest of line illegible]
[illegible line]
the only difficulty I take it is establishing
the fact of marriage [rest of line illegible]
family bible & altho there is no marriage
[line illegible]
[line illegible]
[line illegible]
to that effect
[line illegible]
[line illegible]
[line illegible]
[line illegible]
[line illegible]

Page 56

[second page of letter with very difficult handwriting]

was the following directions a
Betsey Waddlington or John
Waddlington or Watlington [rest of sentence illegible]
[except for a few words the rest of this letter is illegible]

respectfully
R. M. Saunders

Page 57

"Betsey Donoho was born on the 2d day of
September 1775"

State of N. Carolina

I certify I [illegible] the family bible
of the late Major Thomas Donoho
in the [4 illegible words] who
says [rest of line is illegible]
85 years of age so that the foregoing is
a true [5 illegible words] the birth of
the first named child. The names of
others following [rest of line illegible]
was personally [3 illegible words]  that
I believe the writing[?] to have been
[illegible] at the time it [rest of line illegible]
[5 illegible words]. 25 July 1939

R. M. Saunders

Page 58

p.15
Raleigh N. C.
May 31/51

George Little
Enc: application of 
Thomas D. Johnston 
for increase of pension
of Keziah Donoho

Cole

Letter to Mr Little
[illegible] 3/51

Ref to Commissioner of
Pensions
Dept Into
[illegible] 3/51

Page 59

Raleigh NC
31 May 1851

Sir

I am requested by Thomas D
Johnston esqr, a gentleman of great worth
and respectability in this State, to submit
for your consideration, the enclosed statement,
asking an increase of the pension 
of his grandmother, Mrs. Keziah Donoho.

With the hope you may
give the matter your earnest consideration,

I have the honor to be
very respectfully your
obt. servant
Geo. Little

Hon
Alex. H. H. Stuart
Secretary of Pensions
Washington City

Page 60

Washington 23 January 1851

Sir

Mrs Kiziah Doniho, of North Carolina, applied for
and obtained, a pension, under the act of 1836, as the
widow of Majr Thomas Doniho, who, had he been living
would have been entitled to a pension, under the act of
15th may 1828. The law, transfers the pension of the husband,
to his widow, and gives to her, the full pension, to which
her husband would have been entitled, had he been
living, when the act of 15th May 1828, passed. Majr
Doniho died in 1825 and, I claim for his widow
the full pay of a Majr from the 4th March, 1826.
Your predecessor, regardless of the just claim of the
widow; gave a prorated pension, under the act 7th June
1832 which enabled him to curtail the annuity of the
widow, and save, for the government, seventy seven dollars
per an. during the widows life. I hope Sir, that you,
will do equal justice; and not withhold from the claimant
any portion of the annuity which the law gives her,
and that you will permit her to elect the act of May
15th 1828 as the act under which her husband would 
have been entitled to the full pay of a Majr, and not
force on her, the act of 7th June 1832, which reduce her
stipend.

Richard Randolph

Page 61

[Written length-wise on envelope:]
For/
The Commissioner of Pensions

[written 90 degrees from above:]
May 13, 1851
Rel: To claim
of Keziah Doniho

Richd Randolph
Present

[written 90 degrees from above:]
[illegible] Triplett
Please answer
[illegible]

Page 62

[This is a higher contrast cduplicate of image 61]

Page 63

Washington 12th May 1851

Sir/

In reply to your letter of the 9th touching the claim of
Keziah Doniho, I ask the following questions.
Would Majr Doniho have been entitled to an annuity of
[illegible] hundred dollars, under the act of 15th May 1828, had he
been living when the act passed.
Judge [illegible] said (see [illegible] laws page 48) "The exclusive
words in the act of 7th June 32 applies to those who, being entitled to as much, under the act of 28 as they could receive under the act 
of 32, it was needless to provide for them again."
Was Majr Doniho excluded from the act of 7th June 32.
Can a widow be entitled to a pension under a law, from
which, her husband was excluded.
The act of 7th June 32 is "Supplementary." to the act of May 28
and is a part of it.
Does the law give pensions to widows who were married in 1782 to
officers who served two years, and deny it to Mrs Doniho,
who was married in 1775 to Majr Doniho, who was in
service throughout the war.

I salute you respectfully,
Richard Randolph

Comr of Pensions

Page 64

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of pensions

[written at 90 degrees from above:]
Mar 12 1840
N. C.

Hon Bedford Brown
Senate U.S.

Page 65

Washington City, 11th March 1840

Sir

I have on this morning received your letter
informing me that the additional testimony
alluded to in the letter of Mr Lea in
support of the desire of Keziah Donoho
to a pension widow of Thomos Donoho Decd
has been received and filed.

You inform me that you will consider
the evidence in this case complete if I will
State that I am satisfied from facts in
my own knowledge that Thomas Donoho
was an officer in the N.C. Continental
line and that he was so generallyreputed.

I was well acquainted with Thomas Donoho
for many years before his death and uniformly
understood from the old men of the county
many of whom were of the greatest respectability
that he had been an officer in

Page 66

the N.C. Continental line. Of this fact 
I have not the slightest doubt.
I will add further that I have not 
the least doubt of the entire justice
of the claim of the widow to a pension.

I remain very
respectfully

B. Brown

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Comm of Pensions

Page 67

[This is an envelope]

[Stamped postmark:]
YANCEYVILLE[?]
APR
16
N.C.
FREE

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of pensions
Washington.

[Written at 90 degree rotation from address:]

Apl 20.1840

Keziah Donoho
N.C. Wid

3258
Act 36

Page 68

Pension Office
Fayetteville April 14th/40.

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions

Application has been made
at this office for payment of amount [illegible] by th
Certificate to be due from the 4 March 1831 to
Kesiah Donoho widow of Thomas at $552.83
per ann the Certificate Number is 3258.

[generally illegible line]
to this Office.

[illegible] very respectfully
[illegible line]
Jnn Huske [?]

Page 69

Mrs Keziah Donoho, of North Carolina a pensioner
under the act of 1836 as the widow of Majr
Thomas Donoho. I wish to see her papers.
She receives $523. per ann when the pay of a majr is $600 per ann.

Richard Randolph

Page 70

[illegible] Cole
Jan 22 1851
[line illegible]
Jan 23/51

Page 71

Yanceyville No.C May 29th 1851

Sir

Thomas Donoho of North Carolina
received Bounty Land & commutation as a major in the continental
line to the end of the war, he died in 1825,
leaving a widow who obtained a pension under
act of 4 July 1836 at the rate of $553 83/100 per annum.

Major Donoho had he lived, would have been entitled
to an annuity of $600 per annum under act 
of 15 May 1828. Mrs Donoho claims the same
annuity to which her husband would have been entitled;
and her claim is rejected because her
husband did not serve two years as a major, then
assuming that he if living would have been a pensioner
under the Supplemental act of 7 June 1832. He
being provided for under Act of 15 May 1828 at as
high a rate as the law allows, was excluded from
the Supplemental act, unless he relinquished an annuity
of $600 per annum for one of $553.83

Does the act of 4 July 1836 compel Mrs 
Donoho to relinquish her husbands claim for $600
& take 4553.83? Attorney Genl Taney says "The
exclusive words in first section of act of 7 June 
1832 ought to be confined to cases in which the
party claims us the same character in which

Page 72

he is entitled under act of 1828". Thomas
Donoho could claim in no other character than
that of Major in the continental line, in that
character he is excluded from the Supplement. Does
the law give to Mrs Donoho the pension to which her
husband would have been entitled, or, is it denied to her,
because her husband who would have been an annuitant 
under act of 13 May 1828 is rated as under the
Supplement of 1832? Mrs Donoho is entitled to her
Husbands pension under act of May 1828? or she 
has no claim to a pension her husband being
excluded from the Supplement. I appeal from
the decision of the Commissioner & solicit your 
interference.

[illegible] this to you through my
friend Geo Little Esqr. I must ask
the favour of you to communicated your 
decision to me, through same chanel.

I am very respectfully
your obt servt
Thos D Johnston

Honl Alex HH Stuart
Secretary of Interior
Washington City