Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,610, Thomas Clark, S.C.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
S.C.

Clark, Thomas

NUMBER
S. 31610

CONTENTS

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16329
Georgia
=======
Thomas Clark
of Franklin in the State of Geo
who was a pri in the ___ commanded
by Captain Finster of the Regt commanded
by Col. Brown in the So Ca
line for 13 months
=======
Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 43. Dollars 33 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
=======
Certificate of Pension ifsued the 30 day of July "33
and Sent to
J R Stanford, Carnesville
=======
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 86.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 21.66
==
$108.32
==
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by N Rice Clerk
Book E Vol. 6 Page 87

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Thos Clark
10373

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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congrefs pafsed June 7 1832
State of Georgia}
County of Franklin} S.S.
On this Tenth day of September in the year Eighteen Hundred and thirty two personally appeared before the Inferior Court now sitting for Ordinary purpose Thomas Clark a resident of Capt. Adam's District in the County and State aforesaid aged Seventy one years, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congrefs pafsed June 7 1832
That he entered the service of the United States, in Camden District in South Carolina in the militia of that State in the monh of March 1779 was drafted under Capt. Joseph Feenster or Finistre, and Col. Joseph Brown, was marched to Columbia and remained there sometime, and marched from there to Orangeburg + shortly afterwards marched to Charleston into which city we were chased by the British, was detached on a party to James Island, returned from there to Charleston and was discharged after having served four months and a few days over. Recollect Talaski a commander of Horse at Charleston.  Returned from Charleston to Camden + was again Drafted in the winter of 1780-81 at Camden aforesaid under Capt. John McCool and was marched under Col. Brown + joined Genl. Sumpter at Orangeburgh, had no fighting except a little skirmish at Geisentiner's on Edisto river, and was discharged by Genl. Sumpter after a two months service, Capt. McCool was not out with us, but was commanded by Lieutenant Hezekiah Love, returned to Camden, and in the course of the summer of 1781,
was drafted in Camden aforesaid under Capt. John McCool + was marched to join Genl. Henderson at Orangeburg. Col. Brown commanded the Regiment and was marched to a station on Edisto river remained there until he was discharged for a two month Tour what he served out + returned home
Remained at home four months and was drafted again under the last mentioned officer + was marched to the same station on Edisto river, remained there until

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he served out his two months and was discharged
Served regularly as aforesaid ten months, and afterwards served three months irregularly as a volunteer after the Torries + marched under Capt. McCool and Col. Hopkins through different parts of Camden District aforesaid
Does not know any person living in Georgia by whom he can prove his service, nor any one living elsewhere unlefs Thomas Sanders is yet alive in Chester District South Carolina
1 Was born in Granville County North Carolina 22 July 1761
2 Does not know that there is any record of his age
3 When he entered the service he lived in Camden District (now Chester) South Carolina. Since Peace was made he lived he lived two years in Rutherford County North Carolina + then removed to Jefferson County Georgia + from thence to his present residence, where he has lived for the last thirty five years.
4 When he served he was drafted except the last three months or more he was a volunteer
5. Does not recollect Continental officers except Talaski at Charleston
6. Received no discharges in writing.
7. Is known to Matthew W Vandiver a preacher of the Gospel and to George Garner who resides in his neighborhood and who can testify to his character for veracity and to their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of any agency in any state within his knowledge or belief
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year first above written
Thos Clark (his x mark)
Thos King Clk

We Matthew Vandiver a clergyman, resident in the County of Franklin, County of Franklin State of Georgia, And George Garner resident in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Thomas Clark, who has subscribed + sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy one years of age, that he is reputed

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and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn + subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
M W Vandiver
George Garner (his x mark0
Thos King Clk

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 Matthew Vandiver who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the County of Franklin, + that George Garner who has also signed the same, is a resident in the neighbourhood of the said Thomas Clark and is a creditable person, and that their statement is entitled to Credit -
William Turk J.J.C.
Robt Pallion J.J.C.
Charles D Jenkins J.J.C.
Thos King Clk

I Thomas King Clerk of the Court of Ordinary, do hereby certify that, the forgoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Thomas Clark for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand + seal of office this 12 day of Sept 1832
Thos King C.C.O.

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State of Georgia}
County of Franklin} Ss.
On this Sixth day of May 1833 personally appeared before the Inferior Court of said county now sitting for ordinary purposes Thomas Clark who has heretofore subscribed and sworn to the original Declaration to which this is annexed, and who being duly sworn according to Law on his oath makes the following addition and amendment to said original Declaration. viz
V. That in 1779 he served four months as a private under Col. Brown. In the winter of 1780-81 he served two months as a private under Col. Brown.
In the summer of 1781 Served two months more as a private under Col. Brown.
In the Winter of 1781-2 he served another tour of two months as a private under Col. Brown.
In 1782 he served three months as a private under Capt. McCool + Col Hopkins.
Served altogether thirteen months as a private + has stated the particulars of each time in his original Declaration as far as he recollects
(2) There is no record of his age within his knowledge
XVI. That he knows of no person now living by whom he could prove his service and that he was in the field or in Garrison the whole of the time stated above, and was not employed any part thereof in any civil pursuit + for said service he claims a pension.
Thos Clark (his x mark)
Thos King C.C.O.

I Thomas King clerk of the court of the court of Ordinary, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the additional original proceedings in the matter of the application of Thomas Clark for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 6th day of May 1833
Tos King C.C.O.

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Thomas Clark
Georgia

Admit as a private
13 mo. $43.33

5.16

Rev

P. 332

12 April
J R Stanford
Agent
Carnesville

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BRIEF in the case of Thomas Clark County of Franklin in the State of Georgia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? in court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 71

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
=======
Period.
-----
March in 1779 drafted
1781 "
" "
" "
Served Regularly
and then irregularly
=======
Duration of Service.
-----
Years. | Months. | Days.
- | 4 | -
- | 2 | -
- | 2 | -
- | 2 | -
- | 10 | -
- | 3 | -
=======
Rank.
-----
private
"
"
"
=======
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
-----
Gen.
Cap Finster, Col Brown
John W Cool " "
" " " "
" " " "

5. In what battles was he engaged? a little skirmish

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Camden South Carolina

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? tradition

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? neither the periods nor exact length of service are precisely stated

X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Taylor Examining Clerk.

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March 26, 1937.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ow

BA-J/ady 
Thomas Clark
S. 31610

H H West
214 South Hill Street
Los Angeles, California

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter relative to Thomas Clark, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S. 31610, based upon the military service of Thomas Clark in that war.

Thomas Clark was born July 22, 1761 in Granville County, North Carolina. The names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of Camden District, later Chester District, South Carolina, Thomas Clark enlisted in March 1779 and served four months as private in Captain Joseph Feenster or Finistre's Company, Colonel Joseph Brown's South Carolina Regiment. He enlisted in the winter of 1780 and 1781, served two months as private under Lieutenant Hezekiah Love and Captain John McCool in Colonel Brown's South Carolina Regiment and was in a skirmish on the Edisto River. He enlisted in the summer of 1781 and served two months as private in Captain McCool's Company, Colonel Brown's South Carolina Regiment. He enlisted in the winter of 1781 and 1782 and served two months as private in Captain John McCool's Company, Colonel Brown's South Carolina Regiment. He enlisted in 1782 and served three months as private in Captain McCool's Company, Colonel Hopkins' South Carolina Regiment.

After the Revolutionary War he lived in Rutherford County, North Carolina, two years, then moved to Jefferson County, Georgia, and then to Franklin County, Georgia.

He was allowed pension on his application executed

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September 10, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Franklin County, Georgia, where he had lived thirty-five years.

There are no family data.

[Written in pencil.]
Date of death not on A.B.

Very truly yours

A D HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION
S.F. 31610
3-525
----------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., ___, 19__

In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Clark a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
==========
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
----------
March 1779
Winter 1780-1781
Summer 1781
Winter 1781-1782
1782
==========
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
----------
4 mos.
2 mos.
2 mos.
2 mos.
3 mos.
==========
RANK.
----------
Pvt.
"
"
"
"
==========
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RNDERED.
----------
CAPTAIN. | COLONEL.
----------
Joseph Feenster or Finistre | Joseph Brown
John McCool | Brown
John McCool | Brown
John McCool | Brown
McCool | Hopkins
==========
STATE.
----------
S. C.
==========
Battles engaged in, ___
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Camden Dist (Chester) S. C.
Date of application for pension, Sept 10 1832 His cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Franklin Co. Ga.
Age at date of application, b. July 22. 1761 in Granville Co. N. C.
Remarks: He lived 2 years in Rutherford Co. N.C. after Peace was declared then moved to Jefferson Co. Ga. and then to Franklin Co. Ga. where he resided in 1833.
No data as to family

Page 13

November 18, 1914.

Mrs. D. C. Batson,
Gantts Quarry,
Alabama.

Madam:

In response to your letter of the 13" instant, you are herewith furnished the history of the only Thomas Clark, Revolutionary War pensioner, of North Carolina and Georgia, on file, and advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information relative to Thomas Parks or Parkes described by you.

Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.

Page 14

Agents for
BASCA MFG. CO.
SPRAKER RUBBER CO.
KARPEX MFG. CO.
EXCELSIOR LEATHER WASHER MFG. CO.
BRAGER BROS.
THE OHIO CARSON CO.
ATLAS PRODUCTS CO.

H H WEST CO.
Manufacturers' Representative
214 South Hill Street
VAndike 1818
Los Angeles, Calif.

March 3, 1937.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

THOMAS CLARK, born Granville Co. July 22, 1761; lived in Camden S.C., and moved to Franklin Co., Georgia, made application for pension for revolutionary war services, which was granted. Will you please give me abstract of this application, showing service, under whom, and any family references, and oblige. Information wanted for History of Hezekiah West, a Revolutionary soldier.

Yours very truly,
H H West.

HHW/M

[Round stamp mark]
RECEIVED
MAR 8 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV
VETS ADM.
READER 2

Page 15

[Oval stamp mark}
[illegible]
JAN 12 1922
DIVISION

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Rev Sct

B C TEASLEY, M. D.
HARTWELL, GA.

Jan. 9th. 1922.

Pensions Commissioner,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: -
Please send me Rev. War Record of Thomas Clark, William Allen, T W E Rucker of Franklin Co., Ga. who received pensions in Franklin Co. Ga. for services rendered.  Edward Clark of Elbert Co. Ga. Also want the names of their wives and children if they are on record.
Thanking you in advance for the above information, I am
Yours truly
B C Teasley, M. D.

[Round stamp mark]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
D
JAN
11
1922

T. C. S. C. July 30. 1833
W. A. " Sept. 23. 1819
E. C. Va Jany 31 1823

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W1 Two 1 cent stamped Env Recd W.
Stamped envelope retd.
ok
Rws

Pension Office
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir, -
Have you any record of a pension having been paid to Mr Thomas Parks or Parkes or his wife - He died near Woodruff Spartanburg Co. S.C. also one Thomas Clark who served from N.C. + died in Ga. Newton Co. His widow died later. In spite of

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the many calls on you for work of this kind I wish it will be convenient for you to assist me as I have no reference books what ever
Thanking you
I am
Yours Truly
Mrs. D C Batson
Gantts Quarry
Ala
Nov. 13

Page 19

[Left side]
31610
Revy INVALID

File No. 31610
Thomas Clark
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7 32"
Index: Vol. 2, Page 74
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Right side]
1914 Oct. 20 Hist to Mrs
Thos C Whitner Letter in S. F. 39333
V L M
1914 Nov. 18 Hist to Mrs D C Batson V L M
1922 Jany 30 Hist to Dr B C Teasley
-----
1937 mar. 26. Hist. to H H West 
ady

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Thomas Clark

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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Thomas Clark which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? no

V. *Has he mentioned 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 amout of pension he is entitled? no
[There is a "#" on the left side of this paragraph.]

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

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2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes

XIV. [Cross symbol] If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI. [Cross with a bar at the bottom symbol] Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes ext 2@

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
# *QUERE V. 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 saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ___ year ___ months, and ___ days, I served as a ___ For ___ months and ___ days, I served as a ___; and for such service I claim a pension.

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3

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 is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the situation 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. [There is a "#" on the left side of the above paragraph. There are also brackets on both side of the above paragraph.]
[Cross symbol] QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants 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.
[Cross symbol with a bar at the bottom] QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[Right pointing hand symbol] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.