Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7330, Benjamin French, Va.

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French, Benjamin                                                                                                                                       
Catharine

W. 7330 
B.L. Wt. 34,815-160-55

This Envelope Includes
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

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(left panel)
Alabama
Benjamin French
of Limestone in the State of Alabama who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Valentine of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Green in the Virginia line, for the term of 18 months from the year 1780 to the year 1782.

Inscribed on the Roll of Alabama at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 day of Oct 1818 and Certificate of Pension issued the 6 of June 1820 and sent to Judge Hughes Huntsville Alabama. 

Restored to the Roll on 19th day of January 1830 and notification sent to Hon John McKinley Senate U. States Pension commencing on the 8 of January 1830. 

Amount due on 4th of 
March 1830

$7.22

Revolutionary Claim 
Acts March 18, 1818
May 1, 1820.
March 1823

See letter May 22, 1832 to Hon L. Cap 
"       "        "     15, 1855  " " Geo S Houston

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(left panel)

6024 

Alabama,Huntsville
Catharine French
widow of Va Benjamin French who served in the Revolutionary War, as a private 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. 
Certificate of Pension issued 30th day of January '57 and sent to Hon G.S. Houston
H of R 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 157 Vol. A

Letter to Hon G.S. Houston
14 Sept 1858
Date of Death not on A.B.

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(left panel)
180615     Act 3 [torn]
 June 29/55

Catharine French wife of Benjamin French, pr

Private Va. Troops


Revolutionary War 
Revolutionary Prisoner
Certificate dated 6 of June 1820
No. 17.417

Letter Mar 1818-SW
Sus Feby 53

[illegible] 160 was July 21/56
[illegible]

Wm B. Allen

Athens Ala

(right panel)
Vol.  F 136

(written vertically)
No 34.813 pri July 23/56

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Decl'd
Benjamin French 
private
Col Jno Green Regt
1780-18 monthly

(written vertically)
The declaration should have been made before a Judge or court of record of County, state or territory, in which the applicant resides, setting forth &c" a form is forwarded for a new declaration.

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Decl'd
Benjamin French 
private
Col Jno Green Regt
1780-18 monthly

(written vertically)
The declaration should have been made before a Judge or court of record of County, state or territory, in which the applicant resides, setting forth &c" a form is forwarded for a new declaration.

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State of Tennessee
Giles County

I Henry Hagen, Clerk of the Circuit of Giles County, do hereby certify that Alfred M. Harris whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of the State of Tennessee.

In Testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal (there being no seal of Office) at Office in Pulaski this 28 day of October 1818. 
(seal)
       H. Hagen Clk 

Mr. French, living in the Alabama State, I do not consider it my duty, according to my instructions, to do anything more with this claim. I therefore deliver it to him to be carried  to a Judge of the Alabama State. 

Alfred M. Harris

26th Oct 1819

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This day appeared before me Alfred M. Harris one of the Circuit Judges in and for the State of 
Tennessee, the undersigned Benjamin French who being first solemnly sworn deposeth & saith that he is a citizen of the United States of America and Resident in the County of Limestone in the Alabama Territory.  That he did about the 1st of September in the year 1780 in the Revolution in the County of 
Culpeper in the State of Virginia, enlist as a private in a company of Continental troops commanded by Captain Valentine Harrison in a Regiment Commanded by Colonel John Green and in a Brigade commanded by General Huger.  He enlisted and served for the term of 18 months faithfully against the common enemy during the Revolutionary War in said Company, Regiment & Brigade on the 
Continental establishment, till the end of his term of enlistment was in the battles of Guilford, Eutaw Springs & siege of Ninety Six and was honorably discharged by General Nathaniel Greene, which said discharge he hath destroyed, it was dated the 23rd day of January 1782.  He is now about 53 years of age & in indigent circumstances not having any other mode of obtaining a subsistence but by his 
opponent manual labor: he thinks the stands much in need of assistance from his country for

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a support.  He has never received any pension from his government & hereby releases his claim to all pensions by the laws of the United States heretofore granted him, except the one hereby prayed for.  He hopes that he may be placed on the pension list conformably to the provisions of a late act of Congress in such case made and provided 17th Oct. 1818. 
                      Benja. French  (seal)
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 17th of October 1818 
               Alfred M. Harris, Judge &c.

Also personally appeared before me Alfred M. Harris Judge & the undersigned Nancey Kimbro, who being sworn saith that she is acquainted with the above mentioned Benjamin French, that she saw him in a soldiers dress on his return from the army in the war of the Revolution, and that it was generally understood that he had been in the Service of the United States against Great Britain & she believes it to be true.  
17 Oct. 1818
                      Nancy X Kimbro (seal)
                        (x her mark)

Subscribed & sworn
to before me 17th Octo. 1818
Alfred M Harris
Judge &c.

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State of Tennessee
   Sixth Judicial Circuit
     To the Honorable the Secretary of the war department for the United States of America.
      I Alfred M. Harris Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of the State of Tennessee, do hereby certify, that the foregoing affidavits of Benjamin French and Nancey Kimbro were taken before me this day and that I am satisfied that said Benjamin French did service in the war of the Revolution against the common enemy, in manner, and for the term mentioned in his said affidavit.  in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 17 Octo. 1818.
         Alfred M. Harris Judge (seal)
         of the 6th Judicial circuit of
         the State of Tennessee

State of Tennessee (illegible)
     To the honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States of America.
     I Alfred M. Harris, Judge of the 6th Judicial Circuit of the state of Tennessee, do hereby certify, that the foregoing name of Benjamin French (who has petitioned for a Pension under the act of Congress of 18th March 1818) is, & was at the time of making the foregoing affidavit, in indigent circumstances & stands in need of assistance from his country for support.  
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 5th July 1819.
                 Alfred M. Harris (seal)
                 Judge of the 6th Judicial Circuit of 
                 the State of Tennessee

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Benja. French
To Schedule

Huntsville, Alabama.

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County Court of Madison County November Term 1820 District of Alabama 
     On this 27th day of November 1820 personally appeared in open Court being a court of record for the County of Madison, Alabama Benjamin French aged 56 years tomorrow resident in the County of Limestone in said district who being duly sworn according to law on his oath declares, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: he enlisted between the middle & 19th of September 1780 was mustered in service under Valentine Harrison Commanded Colonel John Green was in the battle at Guilford, the battle of Camden, Siege of 96; Battle of the Eutaw Springs; besides many skirmishes – his pension certificate bears date the sixth day of June 1820     
      17417 
                      Benj. French 

I, Benjamin French, do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or otherwise disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provision of an act of 
Congress entitled “an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war” passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property, or securities, contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed (to wit) one 
mare & colt, 20 hogs, nine head of cattle, & one half quarter section of Land at $6.50 per acre on which the first installment only has been paid to the general Government.  That he is a planter 56 years old tomorrow that he has a wife and three children living with him the whole females, wife about 54, Anna, about 15, Frances about 14, Jinney about 12 years old. 
                         Benj. French

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State of Alabama 
Madison County

I Thomas Brandon Clerk of the county Court for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the minutes of said Court.
          In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name at office in said County the 5th day of December 1820 and of our Independence the 45th year.
                       Tho. Brandon   C.C.C.
(seal)   

State of Alabama
Madison County
I Saml Chapman Judge of said County do hereby certify that the value of the property in the within schedule is about $240 and that Thomas Brandon was at the time of making the above certificate Clerk of said County & still is.
     Given under my hand & seal the 31st day of Jany. 1822.
                         Saml Chapman
                         (seal)

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The State of Alabama, Limestone County 
    In the circuit Court aforesaid County it being a court of record created so by statute having 
jurisdiction unlimited in amount & power to fine and imprison &c the honorable Richard Ellis Presiding  on the 7th day of September 1824 came Benjamin French aged about 60 years a resident of said County personally into open Court being first duly sworn according to law made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress of the 18th of March 1818 & 1st May 1820 & the first March 1823 that he the said Benjamin French in September 1780 he enlisted in the State of Virginia in the company commanded by Captain Valentine in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Green in the line of the State of Virginia on the Continental establishment that he served faithfully in the said time from the time of his enlistment till they 22nd January 1782 when he was discharged from said service at Salisbury in the State of North Carolina that his name has been placed on the pension list and dropped therefrom on account of his property and in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May 1820. The said Benjamin French made oath further that he was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that he has not since that time by gift sale or in any other manner disposed of his property or any part thereof with intent thereof so to diminish it as to bring himself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that he has not nor has any other person in trust for him any property or securities contracts or debts due to him nor has he any income other than is contained in the schedule

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hereunto annexed & by him subscribed that since making his former schedule one of the horses therein mentioned died & the other 10 with the hogs and cattle, except a few hogs killed for family use have been sold by the Sheriff of Limestone County on and execution in favor of Thompson Wilson against Benjamin West and said Benjamin French his security that said West gave up the land bought from Ashe McClusky to him as indemnity but land had fallen so much that he could only get a mare and $20 for the certificate and the mare died shortly afterwards that he yet owns his behalf quarter section of land mentioned in his former schedule which was purchased from the US at six dollars & $.50 an acre and one installment only paid further credit being taken for the other three installments that his wife aged about 50 his daughter about 22 & his son about 10 years are all the members of his family that live with him that he and his wife are about as stout and healthy as is common for persons of their age to be that he has no hope of ever being able to pay the balance due on his land unless he shall be replaced on the pension list that he has no property or means of support except that is fully disclosed herein unless it be his bidding and wearing apparel. 
    Sworn to in open Court 7 September 1824,   
                                  Benja. French 
   W. T. Gamble  
                                 Schedule 
Rent corn due this fall from Jesse French 28 Barrels worth   
2 Barrels an acre for about 14 acres     
Crop of corn at home a rented place supposed 
to be equal to 50 Barrels      
Crop of cotton not exceeding 2500  [illegible] 
in the seed worth not exceeding $3 pr cent 2500 cent.  
28.00 
50.00 
78.00
75.00

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2 Ploughs worth 4 each & 2 hoes worth $1 each     
1 Jointer 1 fore plain worth $1 each          
1 Jack plain & 1 smoothing plain worth $75 cents each     
1 Rabit beading & plowing plain worth $25 cents each         
1 old hand saw & 1 old tenant saw worth       
1 Turning laith & chisels & 2 ploughs       
1 Axe worth about          
not exceeding 10 debts due from persons able to pay    
           He owes 
1st Rent for the place he lives on at $2 
an acre for the cleared land about 14 acres    
2 To Dr. Davie for medical Services      
3 About $60 to other persons       
10.00 
 2.00 
 1.50 
   .75 
 2.00 
 2.25 
 1.50 
10.00 
$183.20 
28.00 
12.25 
60.00 
$100.25 
     Sworn and subscribed to before me this 7 September 
    1824 in Open court. 
W. T. Gamble, Clk Circuit Court &c   
                                       Benj. French 
Benjamin West of (illegible) came also personally to open court & being sworn in all form made oath that he was the principle on said note on which said Thompson Wilson recovered judgement again him and said French and on which the property of said French had been sold that the said note was given to one William McClusky for some purchases by the defendant and that said French was in security therein and received no consideration whatever, that the deponent being unable to pay for the land bought from McClusky gave up the certificate to said French but land had fallen in price that said French was only able to get a mare and twenty dollars for it as he has understood & believes the mare died shortly afterwards being the same mentioned in the foregoing schedule of said French was made out.  That he is acquainted with the circumstances of said French & believes the schedule now filed

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to contain a fair and full account of his property.
                       Benja. West
     Sworn to in open court the 7 Sept 1824
                       W. T. Gamble Clk

     All which was ordered to be spread on record at length & the same was accordingly done whereupon it was ordered to be certified to the war department on the opinion of the court that the said Benjamin French did serve in the army of the revolution agt. the common Enemy and stated in his said declaration that the personal property mentioned in said schedule is worth eighty three dollars & five cents more than the debts were from said French to the other persons.

     I William T Gamble Clerk of the circuit court of Limestone County and State of Alabama do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a true copy of the record in my office, relative to said schedule.
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal (there being no seal of office) at office this 16 day of November 1824 & 47th year of American Independence.
        William T Gamble CCCLC (seal)

(written vertically)
Recd Dec 17 1824
William Kelly

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State of Alabama
Limestone County
     On the 7th day of June 1855 personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace in & for aforesaid County & State, one Catharine French resident of aforesaid county & State, aged 78 years, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of congress passed on the 3rd of February 1853, granting pension to widows of persons who served in the revolutionary war;  that she is the widow of Benjamin French a revolutionary soldier & pensioner, as the pension roll will show, his pension first drawn at Tuscaloosa & then at Huntsville - his rank she thinks was a private, he was in service about five years, the time not remembered nor are the names of officers  remembered & his pension certificate is number 17.417 and bears date at the war office the 6 day of June 1820 & signed by John C. Calhoun the then secretary of war.
     She further testifies & declares that she was 

(written vertically)
Geo S Houston
Alabama

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married to the said Benjamin French in or about the 10 of November 1822 in aforesaid state & county & died in Lauderdale County & state of Alabama in March 20 1848.  That she was not married to him prior to 2nd of January 1800 but at the time above stated.
     She further declares that she is now a widow & resident of Limestone County & state  of Alabama.
          Catharine X French
              (X her mark)
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & date above written before me.
                 John A. Johnson, J.P.

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181615

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The State of Alabama 
Limestone County Sc
     I Thomas G Tyus a judge of the Probate court of Limestone County State aforesaid and Exofficio Clerk of said Court, hereby certify that John A Johnson whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is now, and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that faith and Credit are due to all his official acts as such and that said Probate Court is a Court of Record.
     In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affix the seal of said Court at my office in Athens this the 18th day of June A.D. 1855.
                      Thomas G Tyus Judge
                      Probate Court

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State of Alabama
Limestone County SS
     On this, 6th day of June, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Catharine French, aged seventy-eight years, a resident of limestone county, in the State of Alabama, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Benjamin French, deceased, who was a private in the army of the Revolution, and whose name is inscribed on the pension roll in Washington, and who received a pension certificate numbered 17.417, and bearing date at War office the 6th day of June 1820, and Signed by John C Calhoun, Secretary of War - that her said husband enlisted (the place not recollected) and continued in actual service in War for the term of (not recollected) and was honorable discharged at (the place not recollected) and the (time not recollected), but all of which will fully appeared by reference to the muster rolls and lists of pensions now on file in the pension office.
     She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin French in Limestone County, Alabama, in the fall of eighteen twenty-two by one Albert Higgins, a Justice of the Peace, that her name before her said marriage was Catharine Shoemaker;  that her said husband died in Lauderdale County, Ala. in or about the day of March 1848, or 1849 and that she is a now a widow.
     She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act

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approved the 5th day of March 1835.
     We, Richard Shoemaker and John R Y Shoemaker residents of Limestone County, in the State of Alabama, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declarations were signed and acknowledge by Catharine French in our presence; and that we believe, from this appearance and statements of the applicant; that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.  
                            Richard Shoemaker
                            John R Y Shoemaker

     The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and yar above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
                                  John A. Johnson, J.P.

The State of Alabama
Limestone County
     Before me, John A. Johnson, an acting Justice of the Peace in and fore said County, personally came Susannah Holbert and Malinda E. Holbert, who make oath that they were well acquainted with Benjamin French in his lifetime, and with his wife Catharine, who is now his surviving widow.  We also know them to have been married sometime in the fall of 1822 and cohabited as man and wife and to be so reported that said Benjamin French died about the 26th day of March 1848 and we also know the same Catharine to be the surviving widow of the said Benjamin French.
                                     Susannah X Holbert
                                         (x her mark)
                                      Malinda X E. Holbert
                                          (x her mark)
                                  
     Sworn to and subscribed before me, the 6th day of June A.D. 1855.
                  John A. Johnson J.P.

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Catharine French
widow of
Benja. French

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The State of Alabama
Limestone County
     To any of the Judges of said State any Justice of the Peace of said county or any ordained Minister of the Gospel legally authorised.  These are to authorise you, or either of you, to solemnize the rites of Matrimony between Benjamin French and Catharine Shumaker of said county, agreeable to the Statute in such case made and provided.  Given at the Office of the Clerk of the County Court of said County, this 23rd day of September 1823.
                               John T Smith Clerk CC
                       Solemnized by
                               Albert Higgins J.P.

The State of Alabama
Limestone County
I Thomas G Tyus Judge of the Probate Court of said county and Exofficio clerk of the same, hereby certify that the above is a true copy and correct transcript of the marriage license of Benjamin French and Catharine Shumaker together with the endorsement of the Justice of the Peace who solemnized the Rites of Matrimony between the above married persons, as found in the Records now on file in my office.
                In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affix the seal of said court at my office in Athens this the 16th day of July AD 1855.
                Thomas G Tyus Judge
                & Exofficio Clerk

L.P. Waldo
Dear Sir, Please find that I have procured the proof required in the appreciation of Catharine French.
Very res of (illegible)
           BA Clin

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State of Alabama
Limestone County
Be it known that before me Robert W. Figg a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Catharin French and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of Benjamin French, the identical person who was a pensioner, and is now dead and to whom a certificate of pension was issued, which is herewith surrendered.  That the deceased pensioner resided in Lauderdale County, State of Alabama for the space of about ten years past, that person thereunto resided in said county of Limestone, and that persons thereunto resided in the state of Tennessee.
                     Catharin X French
                        (X her mark)

Subscribed & sworn before me this 29th day of April 1847.
      Ro. W. Figg J.P.
Witness
John Jackson

     Know all men by these presents that Catharin French of the County of Lauderdale, int he State of Alabama, widow of Benjamin French deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States do hereby constitute and appoint Amos French of said State and County of Limestone, my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensioners, in the Town of Huntsville, in the State of Alabama, the balance of said pension from the fourth day of March eighteen hundred and forty six, to the twenty first day of March, eighteen hundred and forty seven, being the day of his death.
     Witness my hand and seal, this the 29th day of April eighteen hundred and forty-seven.  Sealed & delivered in presence of
    John Macraw
    Thomas G Tucker 

Catharin X French
(X her mark)  (seal)

(stamp)
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

State of Alabama
Limestone County

Be it known that on the 29th day of April eighteen hundred and forty seven, before the subscribers, and Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Catharin French, above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney, to be her act and deed.

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In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last before written.
               Ro. W. Figg J.P.

State of Alabama
Limestone County
Be it known that on the 29th day of April eighteen hundred and forty seven, before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oats formally appeared Amos French, the Attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney, and made oath that he has no interest whatever in the money be it authorized to receive, by (illegible) of the foregoing Power of Attorney, either by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment, or transfer, and that he does not know or believe that the same has been dispersed of to any person whatever. 
                         Amos X French
                            (X his mark)

Sworn & subscribed this day and year last above mentioned, before me.
Ro. W. Figg J.P.  
     Witness
     John Jackson

State of Alabama
Limestone County

     I, Thomas G Tyus, Clerk of the county hereof said County, holden at Athens, in and for said County hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Benjamin French was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of eight dollars per month, was a resident of the County of Lauderdale in said State of Alabama, and died in the said county of Lauderdale and State of Alabama on the twenty first day of March, in the year, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, and that he left a widow whose name in Catharine French.
     And I further certify that Robert W. Figg, before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgement of Power of Attorney were made, is now and was at the date of the same, a justice of the Peace, in and for said County of limestone duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission is dated on the 29th day of March 1847, and will expire as soon after the first Monday of March 1850, as soon as his successor shall have been duly qualified, and that his foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto inscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County Court, at office, in the Power of Attorney, this eighth day of May one thousand and eight hundred and forty-seven.
          Thomas G. Tyus Clerk, C.C.

(stamp)
FINAL VOUCHER
Received from GAO

Page 28

No. 23
Benjamin French

(stamp)
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

Page 29

                   Huntsville, Alabama
                   June 5th, 1847

Received of W.H. Moore Agent for paying pensions, one hundred dollars and forty-seven cents, being for twelve months and seventeen days pension due to Benjamin French, from the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and forty-six, to the twenty-first day of March eighteen hundred and forty-seven, for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
$100.47
     Witness
     B.T. Moore

Catharine French
By her Attorney in Fact,
     Amos X French
     (X his mark)

Page 30

                       January 27, 1939.



Mrs. Benjamin Freeman       BA-J/ILL
2048 5th Street                    Benjamin French
Port Arthur, Texas.                W.7330

Dear Madam:
     Reference is made to your letter in which you state that the Benjamin French, in whom you are interested, moved from Warren County, Kentucky, in 1808 to Limestone Creek, Alabama, east of Athens, Alabama, where he died in 1840, aged more than ninety years.
     The record has been found of only one Benjamin French who lived Limestone County, Alabama, at the time he received pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War.  The data which follow are found in the papers on file in pension claim, W.7330, based upon his service in that war.
     Benjamin French was born November 28, 1764; the place of his birth and that names of his parents are not shown.
     He enlisted in Culpeper County, Virginia, served as private in Captain Valentine Harrison's company, Colonel John Green's Virginia regiment, was in the battle of Guilford, at the siege of Ninety-Six, in the battle of Eutaw Springs and in many skirmishes, and was discharged January 23, 1732 at Salisbury, North Carolina, having served eighteen months.  
     Benjamin French was allowed pension on his application executed October 17, 1818, at which time he resided in Limestone County, Alabama Territory, (later Alabama).
     In 1830, the soldiers family living at home with him consisted of the following: his wife, aged fifty-four years, and three daughters, Anna, aged about fifteen years, Frances, aged about fourteen years, and Jinney, aged about twelve years.  The name of this wife, the date and place of their marriage and the date of her death are not shown.  Benjamin French married September 23, 1825, Catharine Shoemaker, his second wife.  In 1827, Catharine's son, aged about twelve years, was living with

Page 31

January 27, 1939.



Mrs. Benjamin Freeman BA-J/ILL
2048 5th Street Benjamin French
Port Arthur. Texas. W.7330

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you state that the Benjamin French, in whom you are interested, moved from Warren County, Kentucky, in 1808 to Limestone Creek, Alabama, east of Athens, Alabama, where he died in 1840, aged more than ninety years.
The record has been found of only one Benjamin French who lived Limestone County, Alabama, at the time he received pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War. The data which follow are found in the papers on file in pension claim, W.7330, based upon his service in that war.
Benjamin French was born November 28, 1764; the place of his birth and that names of his parents are not shown.
He enlisted in Culpeper County, Virginia, served as private in Captain Valentine Harrison's company, Colonel John Green's Virginia regiment, was in the battle of Guilford, at the siege of Ninety-Six, in the battle of Eutaw Springs and in many skirmishes, and was discharged January 23, 1732 at Salisbury, North Carolina, having served eighteen months.
Benjamin French was allowed pension on his application executed October 17, 1818, at which time he resided in Limestone County, Alabama Territory, (later Alabama).
In 1830, the soldiers family living at home with him consisted of the following: his wife, aged fifty-four years, and three daughters, Anna, aged about fifteen years, Frances, aged about fourteen years, and Jinney, aged about twelve years. The name of this wife, the date and place of their marriage and the date of her death are not shown. Benjamin French married September 23, 1825, Catharine Shoemaker, his second wife. In 1827, Catharine's son, aged about twelve years, was living with

Page 32

them; his name was not stated, nor the name of Catharine's former husband.
     Benjamin French, the soldier, died in Lauderdale County, Alabama; several dates of death were given - March 6, 1847, March 21, 1847, March 20, 1848, March 26, 1846, or in March 1849.
     Catharine French, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed June 7, 1855, at which time she resided in Limestone County, Alabama.  She was aged then seventy-eight years; the date and place of her birth and the names of her parents were not stated.
     In 1828, one Jesse French was a resident of Limestone County, Alabama; he did not state any relationship to the soldier's family.
   In 1855, Richard Shoemaker and John R.Y. Shoemaker resided in Limestone County, Alabama; one Mary Shoemaker resided there in 1856.  No relationship between those persons and Catharine French was stated.
     Catharine French was allowed 160 acres of bounty lane on warrant #34815, under the Act of March 3, 1855, on account of service in the Revolutionary War of her husband, Benjamin French.
     In 1855, Susannah and Malinda Holbert were residents of Limestone County, Alabama.  No relationship between them and the soldier's family was stated.
     If you desire information in regard to the location of the land which was granted on account of service on Benjamin French, you should address the Commissioner, General Land Office, this city, and cite the following:  bounty land warrant #34815-160 acres, Act of March 3, 1855.
     In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and cite the following:  Catharine French, widow of Benjamin French, Certificate #6024, issued January 30, 1857, rate $96 per annum, commenced February 3, 1853, Act of February 3, 1853, Alabama Agency.
                            Very truly yours,

                             A.D. HILLER
                             Executive Assistant to the 
                             Administrator

                              2.

Page 33

(left panel)
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7330
Catharine French
Wid"
Benjamin French
Pvt Rev War
Act:  Feb 3d 1853
Index:--Vol. A, Page 252
[Arrangement of 1870.]

(right panel)
1937 - Jan 1. Hist. to Mrs. Neva Katherine Keener - ILL
1939-Jan. 27 - Hist. to Mrs. Benj Freeman ILL
1939-Nov. 20 Mrs. Benjamin Freeman (illegible) only Benj. French of south - ILL

Page 34

Paper (illegible and faded)

Page 35

2 Witnesses in her Bounty Land application swear that they knew she was married to him, Bounty Law Acts of 1855.

Page 36

Suspended -

See letter of the 10th August 1824 to Archibald McRobert Esqr., Athens, Ohio.

See letter to Honorable W. Kelly, U.L.L.
Dec. 18, 1824.
See letter 2 Sep 1828 to Robert Austin Esqr.

Page 37

(left panel)
French
Let of Inquiry
from Hon. G.S. Houston
Boynton

(stamp)
ATHENS Ala
MAY

(written vertically)
Hon L.P. Waldo
Washington City
D.C.

(right panel)
Catherine French
wid of
Benj French
180615
AO34815
160
not found

Wm. B. Allen
Athens Ala

Page 38

                          Pen. Off. June 29 1855
Sir
     Benj French. of Ala Act 18 & 20 $96 annum, please inform me when he was last paid.
                    Very Respecty
                     S. Cole
                     C Clark

RJ Atkinson
3d Auditor

(illegible)

Page 39

Benjamin French died 21 March 1847. Paid in full.

June 29/55                           Saml L. (illegible)
                                             (illegible) Auditor



(Note:  the Archives list the Auditor's name as Saml. L. Ricud.  I don't think that is right.)

Page 40

34.815

(illegible)

Page 41

No 5844
Catharine Allen (crossed out)
Catharine French
Widow of Benjamin
Ala


WB Allen July 2, 1855
Jhn. A. Johnson, Sept 23/56
Same Nov 3, 1856.

B Allen Esq (crossed out)
Athens Ala (crossed out)
Hon G.S. Houston H of R
3d Feby 1853

Page 42


(left panel)
17.417
Alabama.

Benjamin French,
of Limestone Co. in the state of Alabama, who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel John Green, of the Virginia line, for the term of eighteen months.

Inscribed on the roll of Alabama at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 of October, 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6 of June, 1820, and sent to Beverley Hughes, Judge 
Huntsville, Alabama.

Arrears to 4th of March, 1820            $132.90
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4. Sept. 1820      48"

16 mo 19/31}                                       $180.90

{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March 1818.}

Discontinued

(right panel, written vertically)
Notification sent 5 Oct. 1822 to Thos Brandon, Huntsville Ala

Page 43

Know all men by these presents that I Catherine French of the county of Limestone & state of Alabama, a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute & appoint Wm B Allen my true and lawful attorney for me & in my name to receive from the agent of the United States paying pensions in Huntsville in said State of Alabama my pension from the 3d of February 1855 to the 7 of June 1855.
     Witness my hand & seal 7 June 1855
Sealed and delivered in presents of Richard Shoemaker, John R Y Shoemaker 
State of Alaba
Limestone Co.

Catharine X French   (seal)
(X her mark)

Best known that on the 7 of June 1855 before the subscriber

Page 44

an acting Justice of the Peace of Limestone county & state of Alabama personally appeared Catharine French above named & acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act & deed - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last above named.
                           John A. Johnson J.P.

The State of Alabama
Limestone County
I Thomas G Tyus Judge of the Probate Court of said County hereby certify that John A. Johnson  whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and Credit are due to all his official acts as such and that said Probate Court is a court of Record.
     In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court at my Office in Athens this the 18th day of June AD 1855.
                  Thomas G Tyus Judge
                   Probate Court

Page 45

State of Alabama, Limestone County
Benjamin French, of the County and State aforesaid did on this 7th day of September 1827 personally appear in open court (being a Court of Record) for the 4th Judicial Circuit of the State aforesaid a resident in said County aged sixty three years in November last, who being duly sworn according to law doth make the foregoing declaration in order to obtain the provision made by this act of Congress of the 18 March 1818 and the  first of May 1820;  that the said Benjamin French enlisted for one term of eighteen months, on the day of ___ in the year 1780 in the state of Virginia in the company commanded by Captain Valentine Harrison in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Green in the line of the State of Virginia on the Continental establishment that he continued to  serve in the said Corps until 22nd January 1782 when he was discharged in Salisbury in state of North Carolina that his name has been placed on the pension list and dropped therefore on account on his property and in pursuance of the act of the 1st May 1820.  I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on that 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to being myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval Services of the United States  in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18th March 1818" and that I have not, nor has any person in truth for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto, annexed, and by me subscribed, one horse worth fifteen dollars, two cows worth fourteen dollars. My occupation is a planter, I am old and much (illegible) and unable to (illegible) on it.  I have a wife aged about fifty seven years, a youth the son of my second wife aged about twelve years I enjoy, a good common health of person of her age.  That since the exhibition of my first schedule the foregoing changes have been in my property, to wit. 80 acres of land} sold to Jesse French} in the year 1821} Two cows and one horse and sixty dollars in Cash to pay a debt due to said Jesse French.

(A paragraph written by William T Gamble, Clerk of Court, is crossed out at bottom of page.)

Page 46

The State of Alabama
Limestone County
Personally appeared in open court Benjamin French & makes oath that the written statement is correct.
     In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal there being no seal of office this 21st day of September 1827 and of American Independence in 52 years.
                Wm. T Gamble Clk
(seal)

(written vertically)
B. French
Pensioner

I J Gayle Jr Judge of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that William T Gamble who signed the foregoing certificate is Clerk of the Court aforesaid and that his said attestation is in (illegible) of Court & is entitled to full faith & credit.  Given under my hand and seal this 14 Sept 1827.
                        J Gayle Jr     (seal)

Page 47

State of Alabama
Limestone County
     I Ruffin Coleman Sheriff of the County aforesaid for the year 1824, do hereby certify that by Virtue of an execution to me directed from the County Court of the County aforesaid directed to me against Benjamin West & Benjamin French in favour of Thompson, Wilson (illegible) on and sold two horses, ten herd of cattle and about fifteen herd of hogs, levied on as the property of said Benjamin French to satisfy said Execution, which said property sold for less than the amount of the execution.  Subscribed and sworn to this 22 day of November 1827.
                              Ruffin Coleman

The State of Alabama
Limestone County 

     I P. Hildreth an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Limestone aforesaid do hereby certify that Ruffin Coleman whose name is subscribed above personally appeared before me and acknowledges the above certificate to be his on 22nd day of November 1827.

                                         J.P. Hildreth  J.P.

Page 48

State of Alabama
Limestone County
I, Robert Austin Jr., Clerk of the County Court of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Ruffin Coleman was, at the time of subscribing the annexed certificate, Sheriff of the county aforesaid, and I do further certify that Paul Hildreth whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate, was at the time of subscribing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, and that full faith & credit are due his acts as such. 
     In testimony I have hereunto set my name and private seal (there being no seal of said court) at office in said county, this 12th day of August 1828 and of American Independence the 53rd year.
         Test Robert Austin Jr. Clk
(seal)

The State of Alabama
Limestone County SS

I Daniel Coleman Judge of the Court Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Robert Austin Jr. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the time of subscribing the same clerk of the Court aforesaid and that due faith & credit are due to his official acts & deeds as such and that the foregoing certificate is in due form of Law.  Given under my hand and seal this 11th August 1828.
                  Daniel Coleman  (seal)

Page 49

Catharine French
widow of Benjamin
Limestone Coy-Alabama
Admitted Act Feby 3 1833 
at rate of $96 per annum
Commencing at Rate of said Act.

Husband private infantry

Pay widow

Certificate to
Hon. G.S. Houston
(of Alabama)
House of Reps

Page 50

(Legal form)

Corrected Declaration

DISTRICT OF Alabama, ss.  
     On this sixth day of November 1819, before me, the subscriber, one of the Judges of the State of Alabama for the said district, personally appeared Benjamin French aged fifty four years, resident in the County of Limestone in the said district, who, being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:" That he, the said Benjamin French enlisted for the term of eighteen months in the month of September in the year 1780 in Culpepper County in the state of Virginia in the company commanded by Captain Valentine Harison of the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Green in the line of the State of Virginia on the Continental Establishment; that he continued in the service of the United States, until the 23rd day of January 1782, when he was discharged from service in Salisbury state of North Carolina that he was in the battles of Guilford, Siege of 96 & Eutaw Springs and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
     Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
                         Beverly Hughes, Judge
                         for the State of Alabama

     I Beverly Hughes, Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Benjamin French did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months at one time, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.  I am also satisfied that he needs the assistance of his country for support. I also certify the date of the forth declaration to be 17 Oct 1818.
                               Beverly Hughes (seal)

(imprinted)
SEAL OF THE COURT

Done by the Judge at his Chamber.
                       B. Hughes

Page 51

State of Alabama
Limestone County

I William Edmondson Clerk of the Superior Court of Limestone County do hereby certify that Beverly Hughes whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is Judge of the State of Alabama.

(seal)

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal (there being no seal of office) at office this 12th day of November 1819.
                Wm Edmondson Clk

Page 52

(left panel)
Act No. 23  1848
Benjamin French

Huntsville, Ala.
2 N. 1847
Box 18
C-18

(right panel)
(stamp)
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

Page 53

State of Alabama
Limestone County
     Personally appeared before me Paul Hildreth a justice of the peace of said county Robert Austin Jr. who is clerk of the county upon the Records of his office for any part of the North East quarter of section number 26 in Township number 2 of Range number 4 west in the District of Land offices for sale at Huntsville and from the certificate of further credit given by Benjamin I. Pope Register of the land office to the said Benjamin French dated the 25th day of September 1821 - be the said Austin is confident the land aforesaid has not yet been deeded or patented to the said French or any other person.
                          Robert Austin Jr.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of September 1809
   P. Hildreth JP

The State of Alabama Limestone County Sct
     I Robert Austin Jr. Clerk of the County Court of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Payl Hildreth whose name is signed to the foregoing certificate was at the date thereof the acting Justice of the Peace for said County and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts and deeds as such and that his said certificate is in due form of Law.
     In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Town of Athens this 10th day of September 1829 & 54th year of American Independence.
            Test Robert Austin Jr. Clk

Page 54

The State of Alabama
Limestone County Sct
     I William J Mason Judge of the County court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Robert Austin whose name is signed to the foregoing certificate was at the date thereof Clerk of the county Court of the County aforesaid and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts and deeds as such and that his said certificate is in due for of Law.
     Given under my hand and seal this 10th day of September 1829.
                    Wm J Mason (seal)

Page 55

(left panel)
Hon G.S. Houston of the H of R. says he has known the within named applicant for the last 15 years knows that she was formerly the wife & is now the widow of Benj French dec.
                            S. Cole CC

Pension Office
29 Jany '57

(right panel)
Catherine French
Pension 16

Addl Evidence

Geo S. Houston
H Reps

Page 56

The State of Alabama
Limestone County
     To any of the Judges of said State, any Justice of the Peace, of said County or any ordained Minister of the Gospel, legally authorised.
     These are to Authorize you, or either of you to solemnize the Rites of Matrimony between Benjamin French and Catharine Shoemaker of said County, agreeable to the Statute in such cases made and provided.  Given at the Office of the Clerk of the County Courts of said County this day of Sept 1823 
                           John T. Smith Clerk
Solemnized by Albert Higgins J.P.


The State of Alabama
Limestone County
      I Thomas G Tyus Judge & Exofficio Clerk of the Probate Court of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a true copy and correct transcript of the Marriage License of Benjamin French and Catharine Shoemaker, together with the endorsement therein of the execution of the same, as taken from the records now on file in my office.
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court at office in the Town of Athens this 11th day of October AD 1856.
                  Thomas G Tyus Judge
For identity &c see bounty law papers

Page 57

Brief in the case of Catharine French, widow of Benjamin - 
Limestone County and State of Alabama
act February 3, 1833

Claim, ("original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
     Husband was a pensioner under act of March 18, 1818, at rate of $96 per annum, and died March 21, 1847, as shown by certificate of 3rd auditor.
     Marriage proved by certificate of County Clerk
     Identity of Claimant, and her present widowhood proved by 2 credible witnesses.
     Advance accordingly.

Hon G.S. Houston
(of Alabama)
Name and resident of Agent
House of Representatives

R Gedde
Examining Clerk.

Page 58

Additional Evidence

Page 59

                         Athens, Ala. Oct. 17, 1836.

Dear Sir:
     Enclose you will find the evidence necessary to substantiate the claim of Mrs. Catharine French, widow of Benjamin French, a Revolutionary soldier, to back pay or pension, together with the power of attorney authorizing me to act for her in the pension issues.
     The (illegible) of this claim was commenced by W.B. Allen in 1855 - as well as I recollect.  Since which time the said W.B. Allen has died and the old lady has requested me to attend to it for her.
     I will add that she is very old and frail and in indigent circumstances, and if the Department sees proper to allow her claim, it could not bestow in upon one more needy, and in my opinion better entitled to it.  That the facts are such as she represents, I have no doubt.
                Respectfully,  &c
                     John A. Johnson

Hon. J. Minott
(illegible)

Page 60

Additional evidence.

Case 180615
For Pension

Page 61

The State of Alabama
Limestone County
I Thomas G Tyus Judge and exofficio Clerk of the   Probate Court of said County hereby certify that William H Lentz whose genuine signature appears to this within certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned & sworn and that full faith and credit are due to all of his official acts as such.  I further certify that said Court is a Court of Record.
     In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court at office in the Town of Athens this 15th day of October 1856.
                      Thomas G Tyus Judge

Page 62

Know all men by these presents that I Catharine French of the County of Limestone and State of Alabama have constituted and appointed John A. Johnson of Limestone County, Alabama my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to prosecute and receive from the Government of the United States, the Pension or back pay, due me as the widow of Benjamin French ( a Revolutionary soldier) under act of February 3, 1853, and generally to do all acts and things whatsoever touching the pensions for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, such confirming all and whatsoever my said Attorney shall in my name legally do, or cause to be done, in the pensions.
     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 13 day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
                   Catharine X French    (seal)
                       (X her mark)

     Acknowledged and subscribed before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Limestone and State of Alabama on this 13 day of October 1856.
                       William H Lentz (seal)
                        Justice of the Peace

Page 63

The State of Alabama
Limestone County

Before me, William Lentz, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Richard Shoemaker and Mary Shoemaker who being duly qualified according to Law, state that they were well acquainted with Benjamin French in his life time, who died on the 6 day of March 1847, and also we are well acquainted with Catharine French who was the wife of said Benjamin French, and who is now the widow of said Benjamin French, who was a Revolutionary Soldier, according to the facts set forth in the application of said Catharine for Pension, now on file in the Pension Office. No 180615

                   Richard Shoemaker
                   Mary X Shoemaker
                       (X her mark)

Sworn to and subscribed before me the 13 day of October 1856.
                 William H. Lentz  J.P.

Page 64

                   Athens, Ala. Aug. 26, 1856

Dear Sir:
    I have sent several applications to your departments from which I have not heard.  Among the rest one in favor of Catharine French, a widow for Revolutionary Service performance by her husband - Back pay, pension &c.  I do not recollect the date of said application, but if there is any way by which you could come at it so as to facilitate an investigation it would be esteemed an especial favor - as the applicant is very old and frail, and needs the assistance due her.
                       Respectfully &c,
                            John A. Johnson

Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner

Page 65

D.S.  Since writing the within, a land warrant No 34.815 for one hundred and sixty acres has been received, but nothing has been said or done in regard to her pension, to which, as we understand the law she is entitled, as back pay, &c. &c.  Please look into the matter and let me know as soon as possible.  The application for said back pay was made out by William B. Allen who has since died.  If there is any other testimony required before the Pension can be granted, please let me know
                                 Respectfully, &c,
                                    John A. Johnson

Hon. J. Minot
          Comm.

Page 66

John A Johnson
Nov 3/56

Page 67

                  Pension Office
                        November 3, 1856.

Sir,
      In the letters from this office in relation to the claim for pension of Catharine French, record evidence of her marriage was required. If any is on file in the County Court of the County in which the marriage took place; or private record evidence, if she has any in her possession.
     The date of the Death of claimants husband as proved by the affidavit now received does not agree with the date certified by the 3rd district to which his allowance was paid.  The true date must be shown.
                  Very respectfully
                           &c

John A Johnson Esq
Athens, Alabama

Page 68

Cath. French 
Ala

WB Allen Agent
Athens 
Ala

Geo S Houston
Athens 
Ala

Page 69

             June 20 1855
             Athens Ala

Dr Sir
     Inclosed please find an application for pension & also for bounty land, under the acts therein referred to in favor of Mrs. French who is the surviving widow of Benjamin French a revolutionary pensioner & soldier.  She is so very helpless to inform that her recollection is not as distinct as is to be desiring reference to some material points in said application & therefore I send his own sertificate inclosed which you will be pleased after examining to return.  
             Very res
                   Wm B Allen

LP Waldo
Comm of
Pensions &c
Washington City

Page 70

                                Athens 5th May 1855

Dr Sir
     A Mr French (I have forgotten his first name) was a revolutionary pensioner in his lifetime and at the time of his death drew his pension at Huntsville Ala.  He died some six years ago, leaving a widow to whom he had been married some thirty years before his death.  She wants to know if she is entitled to a pension under the act of 1853 or any other law & if so, how much & from what period, her husband was a private & drew ninety six dollars per year.  Send me the necessary instructions & forms for her case.
                              (illegible)
                              Geo S Houston

Hon L.P. Waldo
Washington City D.C.

Page 71

                           Athens 8th Septr 1858

Dr Sir
      Catherine French a widow of ____in this county obtained a pension under the act of Feby 1853.  Since that time she died.  The Congress at its last session passed a law explanation &c of the law of 1853 by which it said that pensions under the act of 1853 should commence from 1848, thereby giving the widows embraced nearly five years back pay.  I ask the question --
      Is Mrs Frenchs children or her representative entitled to the back pay & if either which?  Also send me forms &c.

P.S.  My opinion is that her children are all of age.
                                        (illegible)
                                        Geo S Houston

Hon Geo. C Whiteing
Washington City D.C.

Page 72

Pension Office
8th Jan. 1830

(written upside down)
Pension
H McKinley Senate

(written vertically)
Hon John H Eaton
Secretary of War

Page 73

                              Washington January 7 1830

Sir
     The enclosed papers have been forwarded to me with a request that they should land before you.  From the letters received I presume there are other papers already in the proper office touching the claim of pensions & that these are intended to supply some deficiencies pointed out.
     I have to hear the case examined & the result was communicated to me.
                      Very Respectfully
                      Your obt svt
                                  J McKinley

Page 74

State of Alabama
Limestone County 

Before me Paul Hildreth a Justice of the Peace this day personally appeared Randolph Mitchell & Henry Holt who are also two acting Justices of the Peace in & for said County who being duly sworn depose & say that they have (illegible) the eighty acres of land sold by Benjamin French to Jesse French estimate it to be worth three dollars per acre & said land is the same spoken of & described in the papers now filed in the Pension Office by said Benjamin French.
                          Randolph Mitchell
                          Henry Holt

     Sworn and subscribed before me this 11th 
     September 1829
         P. Hildreth J.P.

Page 75

The State of Alabama Limestone County Sc
     I Robert Austin Jr. Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Paul Hildreth whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and was at the time of signing the same to wit on the 8th day of September 1829 duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such.
      In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affix the seal of said Court at office this 24th day of September 1829 and of American Independence the 54th year.
                            Robert Austin Jr. Clk

I William J Mason Judge of the County Court of the County of Limestone & State of Alabama do hereby certify that Robert Austin Jr. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is & was at the date thereof Clerk of the Court aforesaid, that full faith & credit are due his official acts as such & that his authentication is in due form of Law.  Given under my hand & seal this 29th of September 1829.
                        Wm. J. Mason Judge &c.  (seal)

Page 76

(left panel)
5696
Benjamin French,
Limestone Co:  Alabama
first declaration, dated
17. October, 1818.

Col: John Green's regt.
Virginia line, 1780
to 1782.-18 mo.

found on the rolls.
Admitted.

Beverly Hughes, Judge
Huntsville, Alabama,
recd. 31. January, 1820.

Page 77

(top of paper folded under)

Sept. 14

Page 78

                          Pension Office,
                              September 14, 1838

Sir,
     In reply to your letter of 8th inst. making inquiring in behalf of the children of Mrs. Catharine French, a deceased pensioner under the Act of Feby. 3d 1853, I have the honor to state that the bill proposing to extend the pensions under that act back to the 4th of March, 1848 did not become a law, having failed in the Senate.
                      I am, Sir, very respectfully,

                           Commissioner.

Hon. Geo. S. Houston
Athens,
Alabama

                                              Comm.

Page 79

This day personally appeared in open court Randolph Mitchell and Henry hold and state upon oath that the eighty acres of land sold by Benjamin French to Jesse French is worth three dollars per acre which estimate is the result of their examination of the land aforesaid which is one half of the North East quarter of Section number 26 in Township number 2 of Range number 4 West in the District of land and lying and being in the county of Limestone & State of Alabama offered for sale at Huntsville, whereupon it appears to the satisfaction of the court from the evidence adduced that the eighty acres of land aforementioned is worth the sum of three dollars per acre which will amount to two hundred and forty dollars and it is ordered by the court that this statement be issued upon the minutes and certified to the pension office of the War Department &c.

The State of Alabama 
Limestone County
I William T Gamble clerk of the circuit court of said county do hereby certify that the above foregoing is a true copy from the record in my office as of the statement of Randolph Mitchell & Henry Holt.
(seal)
     In testimony which I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my private seal of office (there being no seal of office) this 11th day of September in the year of our Lord 1829 and 54th year of American Independence.
             Will. Gamble clk

Page 80

I Sion L Perry now presiding Judge of the circuit Court of limestone county & State of Alabama, as hereby certify that William T Gamble whose name appears to the within certificate is & was clerk of the circuit court of said county at the time of his signature & that his certificate is in one form of Law. 
     Given under my hand & seal this 11th day of September 1829.

                              Sion L Perry   (seal)


338.

Page 81

The State of Alabama
Limestone County Sc
     Personally appeared before me Jesse M Isbell a Justice of the Peace in & for the county aforesaid Benjamin West maketh oath that in the year 1830, Benjamin French became security for this affiant in a note given by him to one William McClusky for value read by this affiant that afterwards law McClusky of signed said note to Nolin Chartan & said Chartan assigned it to one Thompson Wilson who sued this affiant said Benjamin French and on said note I received judgement that execution was issued on said judgement of the effects of said Benjamin French.  This affiant positively states that said French was only his security in the note of (smudged), which was given by this affiant for a certificate of Law which he was afterwards compelled to part with on reduced terms - and that said Wm. Mccluskey has long since left the state & he knows not whither he has gone -- 
                                    Benja West
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 12 day of March 1828.
      Jess M Isbell JP

State of Alabama
Limestone County
     I Robert Austin Jr. clerk of the county court of said county do hereby certify that Jess M. Isbell, was an acting justice of the peace for the county aforesaid at the time of taking the above acknowledgement, and that due faith & credit are to be given to all his acts & deeds and such.  
      Given under my hand and seal this 11th day of July 1828.
               Test Robert Austin Jr Clk    (seal)

Page 82

The State of Alabama
Limestone County Sc
     I Daniel Coleman a Judge of the Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Robert Austin Jr whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the time of subscribing the same clerk of the court aforesaid and that due faith & credit are due to his official acts and deeds as such and that the foregoing certificate is in due form of Law & I further certify that I am acquainted with the general character of the within named affiant Benjamin West & that from that character he is entitled to credit on oath.
     Given under my hand & seal this 11th day of August 1828.
                         Daniel Coleman          (seal)

Page 83

The State of Alabama
Limestone County
     This day personally appeared before me James Grigsbey an acting Justice of the Peace foresaid County William T Gamble & make oath that Benjamin French became indebted to him & James K Murrah partners trading under the firm & style of Murrah & Gamble (illegible) of Thirty Dollars for merchandise for the benefit of himself & family in the year 1822 and that said debt was paid therein by Jesse French.                     
                              Wm T. Gamble
Sworn to & subscribed this 13th Decr 1827 before me
James Grigsbey JP

State of Alabama
Limestone County
     I, Robert Austin Jr clerk of the county court of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that James Grigsbey was an acting justice of the peace for the county aforesaid at the time of taking the above acknowledgement, and that due faith and credit are to be given to all his acts & deeds as such.
    Given under my hand and seal this 11th day of July 1828.
             Test Robert Austin Jr. Clk  (seal)

Page 84

The State of Alabama
Limestone County Sc
     I Daniel Coleman judge of the county court of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Robert Austin Jr whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the time of subscribing the same clerk of the Court aforesaid and that due faith & credit are due to his official acts & deeds as such and that the foregoing certificate is in due form of Law and that I am well acquainted with William T. Gamble the within affiant & that he is entitled to full credit.   Given under my hand & seal this 11th August 1828.
                  Daniel Coleman (seal)

Page 85

The State of Alabama
Limestone County Sc
     Personally appeared before me Wm B Higgins acting Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid Jesse French sworneth oath that in the year 1825 he purchased of Benjamin French the certificate for the half of the NE quarter of Section No. 26 Township No. 2 & Range No. 4 and gave him therefore two cows, one horse and sixty dollars in cash, part of which has been allowanced said Benjamin French to satisfy an execution in favour of Thompson Wilson & part to pay Wm. T. Gamble.
                                 Jesse X French
                                   (X his mark)
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 14th day of July 18225.
     Wm B Higgins JP

State of Alabama
Limestone County Sc
     I Robert Austin Jr, Clerk of the county court of the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that Wm B Higgins before whom the above affidavit was made, is an acting Justice of the Peace, and that full faith and credit are due his acts as such.
     In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and private seal (there being no seal of court) at office this 12th day of August 1828 in the 23rd year of American Independence.
                      Test Robert Austin Jr.  Clk
(seal)

Page 86

The State of Alabama
Limestone County Sc
     I Daniel Coleman Judge of the County Court of the bounty aforesaid do hereby certify that Robert Austin Jr. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the time of subscribing the same clerk of the Court of Court are and that due faith & credit are due to his official acts & deeds as such & that said certificate is in due form of Law.  I further certify that I am acquainted with the character of the above named affiance Jesse French and that he is entitled to full credit on oath.  Given under my hand & seal this 11th August 1828.
                                       Daniel Coleman (seal)

Page 87

                                       November 20, 1939

Mrs. Benjamin Freeman            BA-J/ILL
1929 8th Street                         Benjamin French
Port Arthur, Texas.                     W.7330

Dear Madam:
      Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Benjamin French, whose record you requested about one year ago.
     The record of Benjamin French, Revolutionary War pension claim-W.7330, which was furnished you January 27, 1939, is that of the only soldier with that name of any southern state found in Rev. War records of this office.  As stated in that report, he resided in Limestone County, Alabama, at the time he received pension.  There are no further data regarding that soldier.
                                Very truly yours,

                                 A.D. HILLER,
                                 Executive Assistant
                                 to the Administrator.

Page 88

                                 November 21, 1938.

Mrs. Benjamin Freeman            BA-J/ILL
2048 - 5th Street
Port Arthur, Texas.

Dear Madam:
     Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin French.
     In order to identify the record of the particular soldier with the name Benjamin French in whom you are interested, it is essential that you furnish as much as possible of the following information:  approximate dates of birth and death, residences at enlistment and after service, and given name of wife or widow.
     Upon receipt of additional data, another search of the records will be made in your behalf.
          
                                       Very truly yours,


                                        A.D. HILLER,
                                        Executive Assistant
                                        to the Administrator.

Page 89

                                       January 14, 1937.

Mrs. Neva Katharine Keener     BA-J/ILL
Clarinda, Iowa                           Benjamin French
                                                  W.7730

Dear Madam:
     Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin French who served from Virginia in that war.  The data given herein were found in pension claim, W.7330, based upon his service.
     Benjamin French was born November 27, 1764;  the place of his birth and the names of his parents were not given.
    He enlisted in Culpeper County, Virginia, served as private in Captain Valentin Harrison's company, Colonel John Green's Virginia regiment, was in the battles of Guilford, the Siege of Ninety-Six and the battle of Eutaw Springs, also in many skirmishes, and was discharged January 23, 1782 at Salisbury, North Carolina, having served eighteen months.
     He was allowed pension on his application executive October 17, 1818, at which time he resided in Limestone County, Alabama.
     Benjamin French died in Lauderdale County, Alabama;  several dates of death were given, shown as follow - March 6, 1847, March 21, 1847, March 20, 1848, March 26, 1848, or in March 1849.
     in 1820, the soldier's family then living at home consisted of his first wife, aged about fifty-four years, and three daughters, Anna about fifteen years, Frances about fourteen years, and Jinney about

Page 90

twelve years.  The name of this wife was not given, nor the date of their marriage, or date of her death.  Benjamin French married September 33, 1823, Catharine Shoemaker.  in 1837, Catherine's son, aged about twelve years, was living with them;  his name was not designated, nor the name of her former husband given.
     Catharine French, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed June 7, 1855, at which time she was a resident of Limestone County, Alabama;  she was aged then seventy-eight years.  The date and place of her birth and the names of her parents were not given.
     In 1828, Jesse French was a resident of Limestone County, Alabama; he did not state any relationship to the soldier, Benjamin French.
     In 1855, Richard Shoemaker and John R.T. Shoemaker were residents of Limestone County, Alabama; one Mary shoemaker resided there in 1856.  No relationship between these persons and Catharine, the soldier's widow, was stated.
     In 1855, Susannah and Malinda Holbert, residents of Limestone County, Alabama, made joint affidavits in behalf of Catharine French; no relationship to the family was stated.
     In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and possibly, the date of death of soldier's widow, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:  Catharine French, widow of Benjamin French, Certificate #6024, issued January 30, 1857, rate $96 per annum, commenced February 3, 1853, Act of February 3, 1853, Alabama Agency.

                                           Very truly yours,


                                            A.D. HILLER,
                                            Executive Assistant
                                            to the Administrator.

Page 91

(letterhead)
Captain William Sanders Chapter
Daughters of The American Revolution
Port Arthur, Texas

                                          Nov. 12th 1939

Veterans Administration:
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs,
     Referring to File no. BA-J/ILL a year ago I wrote you about the record of Benjamin French.
     I find that he removed from Warren Co. Ky. to Limestone Creek nine miles east of Athens in 1808.  He brought with him to Limestone five sons, Jerry, Jessie, Samuel, Benjamin and Amos or Amous as the will says.  Six daughters, Miller, Jane, Ann, Polly, Sally and Frances - Jerry went to Lawrence Co. ala - where he died.  Jessie moved to Jackson Co. Ala & spent his days there.  Benjamin removed in his youth to Ky-

Page 92

his native state - Sam'l resided many years on Elk River In 1841, he moved to Bastro County, Texas where he soon died.  Amous married in Ky. in 1807 a Miss Sanderson.  This is about all I can find that might help you to place him, tho' I have much more on the children - I'm very anxious to clear up this record.

                                         Very truly,

                                          Mrs. Benjamin Freeman
                                          V. Regent Capt. Wm Sanders Chap
                                          D.A.R.
                                          1929-8th St. Port Arthur, Tex.

Page 93

                            Clarinda, Iowa, January 4, 1937.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
     Please furnish me with the Revolutionary War Record of Benjamin French who served from Virginia.
     If there is a fee in connection with this service kindly advise and I will remit promptly.
                                               Respectfully,
                                               (Mrs.) Neva Katharine Keener

(stamp)
RECEIVED
JAN 6 1937
(faded)

Page 94

                                Port Arthur, Texas
                                 Jan 19th 1939

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen,
     Referring to file B.A.-J/ILL I am sending as much data as I can get together at present on Gen. Washington.  He removed from Warren Co Ky. to Limestone Creek 9 miles east of Athens Ala in 1808 at which place he died in 1840 when over 90 years of age.
     He brought with him to Limestone Co. five son's - Jerry, Jessie, Samuel, Benjamin & Amous.  Six daughters - Milly, Jane, Ann, Polly, Sally and Frances.  Most all of the boys were in the war of 1812 & Battle of N.O. in 1815.
     Samuel was Capt in the war of 36 & was Col. of a regiment of Militia in Ala.  I am a descendant

(stamp)
REC'D
JAN 24 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS ADM
READER #4

Page 95

of Amous and have a copy of his will.  One of his daughters was Prudence - was my Grandmother.
     This data is all found in "The early history of Limestone Co" Ala.
     Jerry went to Lawrence Co. Ala. where he died.  Jessie went to Jackson Co. Ala.  Benjamin returned in his youth to his native state Ky.  Samuel resided in Ala on Elk River in 1841 he moved to (I think this is wrong) Bastro Co, Texas where he died.
     Amous married in Ky in 1807 a Miss Sanderson whose relatives still live in Elk Ky.  He died July 4th 1869. - 88 years old.
     This is all I have to establish the identity of Benjamin French and hope it will help me to find his record.
                    Very Respt-
                        Mrs. Benjamin Freeman
                        Registrar Capt. Wm. Sanders
                             Chap D.A.R.
                         2048 Fifth
                         Port Arthur, Texas