Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16806, Alexander Ford, Md.

Page 1

Service                                     Number
Md.            Ford, Alexander     S.16806

                                                Carded

Page 2

30, 151
Missouri
Double Line
Alexander Ford
Ralls Co in the State of Missouri
who was a Private in the company commanded
Captain Young of the regt commander
Col: Stephenson in the Maryland mis(torn paper)
for six months
Double Line
Subscribed on the Roll of Missouri
the rate of 20 Dollars ---  Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of Mar, 1831.
Double Line
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of Sept
1835 and sent to L. W.
Watkins, New London.
Double Line
Arrears to the 4th of March 1835 $ 80.
Semi-anl. allowance ending (?) Sept 1835 $10.
Double line
 $90
Double line
{Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act Jun 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm L Allison  Clerk,
Book E.-2  Vol. 9  Page 57

Page 3

let Hon W. A. Ashley
ly [illegible] 1836, let: 11 Sept
1837 Hon A.G. Harrison;
Letter to Pen Ag 01 May 1838.
Dead-let to Hon T. H. Benton
feb 17 1841.
______

Letter to Hon T. H. Benton and
3d Auditor 17 July 1841.
______

Dead

Paid at the Treasury under
the Act of the 6 April
1838 from 4 Sep 1836 to
2d Nov. 1838.  Agt. notified
2d Oct 1841
_______

Page 4

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress passed June the 7th 1831

State of Missouri }
County of Ralls } Sct

On the 10th day of February 1834 personally
appeared in open court before the County Court
in and for Ralls County Alexandria Ford
aged Eighty years who being first duly sworn
according to Law doth on his oath made the
following declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832
that he entered service of the United States under
the following named officers and served as herein
stated________________________________

A Statement Showing the Service of Alex Ford of Ralls City Missouri
__________________________________________________________
[Table with seven columns and information contained in the seven columns]

[From left margin-first column]

Period of
enlisting service
______________
April
1781
1781
1782

[Second column]

Years
_______

"
"
"

[Third column]

Months
_______

6
3
3

[Fourth column]

Rank
Claimant
_________

private
"
"

[Fifth column]

[illegible] Rank
of the field Compy
officers under
Claimant served
_____________

Capt Young
Col Stephison
General Arnold
Capt Harvey

[Sixth column]

Age at present
& place of
[illegible] when
entered service
_____________

80 years
Sulivan
Cty State
of Maryland

[Seventh column]

Proof by which this
declaration is supported
____________________

Traditonary

Page 5

and the said court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after
putting the Interrogatory prescribed by the war
department that the above named applicant
was a revolutionary solider and served as he
states and the court further certify that
it appears to them that Jeremiah Vardiman
who has signed the preceding certificate
is a Clergyman resident of the County of Ralls
and State of Missouri and that Walter
Caldwell who has also signed the same is
a resident of the County & State aforesaid and
is a credible person & that their statement is
entitled to credit.

{ Seal [encircled]
{ Richard Boyce Seal [encircled]
Justices County { John Chitwood Seal [encircled]
Court Court }
Ralls County Mo }

State of Missouri County of Ralls } Sct  I Charles Glacock Clerk
of the County Court in and for said County and State do hereby certify that the
foregoing contain the original proceedings of the Said County Court in the matter
of the application of Alexander Ford for a pension.

[Blurred seal of County clerk]

In Testimony whereof I the Clerk aforesaid, had hereunto set
my hand and affixed my official seal at office in New London
the tenth day of February A.D. 1834.

Charles Glascock Clerk
By his Deputy
Harrison Glascock

Page 6

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 [word struck out] any state or territory.

Sworn to and subscribed this day and year
Chas. Glascock Clerk Ct Ct R. C.  Alexander Ford
By his Deputy Harrison Clascock

and the said Court do hereby declare their
opinion that the above named applicant was
a revolutionary soldier and served as he states

Seal [encircled]
{ Richard Boyce Seal [encircled]
Justices of { John Chitwood Seal [encircled]
the County Court {
Ralls County {
Mo

We Jeremiah Vardiman and Walter Caldwell
the former a Clergiman residing in the county
of Ralls & State of Missouri do hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with Alexandria
Ford who has subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration that he believe him to
be 72 years of age that he is believed 
turn over

Page 7

reputed in the neighbourhood where he resides
to have been a soldier of the revolution and
that we concur in that opinion. J Vardiman
Walter Caldwell

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Charles Glascock Clerk Cty Ct. R.C.
By Harrison Glascock Deputy Clk

Answers to the Questions put by the court
I was borned in the State of Maryland Sulivan County
I was borned in the 1754.
I have no record of my age more that my father record
[Written in left margin 29.877]
I lived when called in to the service in Sulivan City Md.
I have lived since the Revolution part of my
time in the State of Tenisee & part in 
the State of Missouri where I now live
I was a volunteer
I never had any commission I was a sergt the
last Tourer I served
I don't recollect the names of any regular officers
I Received a discharge but the same is lost
my discharge was signed by Lieut Col Stephenson
I am acquainted with Dabny Jones & Walter
Caldwell who lives in my present neighborhood
who can testify as to my veracity &
character and their belief of my services
as a soldier of the revolution.

Page 8

and the said William Laughton one of the Judges of the Cty
Court in and for the County of Ralls does declare his
opinion after putting the Interrogatory prescribed by
the war department that the above named applic-
ant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states and
he does further certify that it appears to him that
Jeremiah Vardiman who has signed the preceding
certificate is a Clergiman residing in the county of
Ralls & state of Missouri & that Luke W. Watkins
who has also signed the same is a resident of the said
county of Ralls and is a credible person and that
their statement is entitled to credit

Page 9

[Columnar headings of the table are not available]

1780 " 3 " " Capt. Stokeley Westmoreland
" " 6 " " Capt Casiday County
1781 " 4 15 " Capt Smith [illegible]
" " 2 " " Lieut Perry
" " 1 15 " do

Page 10

29.877

Alexand[ er has been inserted and ria has been struck out] Ford

Missouri
allow for six
months. $20
[illegible]

[The following has been struck out]
Hon John Bull
Ho of Rep

Page 11

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
22d March 1834

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will,  when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
__________________________________________________
A Statement, showing the Service of Alexandria Ford
[double underline]
[Table with six columns and information in each column]

[Left margin-first column]
Period when the
service was
rendered.
________
1781.
"

[Second column]
Duration of the 
claimant's service.
________________
Years.| 

Months.| 
6
3
Days.
___________________

[Third column]
Rank of
the 
claimant.
___________
Priv
"

[Fourth column]
Names and rank of the Field of-
ficers under whom he served.
________________
Cap. Young
[illegible]

[Fifth column]
Age at present,
and place of abode
when he entered 
the service.
_______________
80 years
Sulivan
County
Md

[Sixth column]
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
___________________
Traditionary

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

The regulations as pointed out in the
latter part of of notes etc must be strictly
complied with.

Page 12

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been constructed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers &c. Teamster, &c. Boatmen &c. Persons who served on board private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols or were engaged in guarding particular places as night, and were not recognized as being actual military service
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. Regular Troops
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies
As rolls of the regular Troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim-ing the benefit of this laws as officer, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION: 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
[Italicized] State, territory, or district of Count of }ss. 
[Not italicized] On this [added space] day of [blank space] personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of [blank space] in the count of [blank space] and State, Territory or District of [blank space] aged (c) [blank space] years, who being the first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the Unitied States in the year (d) [blank space], with [blank space] and served in the [blank space] (e) regiment of the [blank space] line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he wanted the service; the battled, if any, in which he was enraged, and the country through which he marched. [small graphic of hand pointing right] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the case of officers and persons who belonged to the militiamen volunteers, navy, [illegible] ]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declared that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank space] A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby decalare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolu-tionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [Blank space] of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony of whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (I) this
[blank space] day of [blank space] &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of the applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and Sate Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B, a Clergyman residing in the [blank space] and the C.D residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank space], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank space] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
         Sworn and subscribed the days and years aforesaid
    [And they will follow the certificate of the 
    Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revo-lutionary Soldier, served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears the them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificates is a clergyman, residents in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I [blank space] Clerk of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of 
for a pension.
  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank space] day of [blank space] &c.

[Added by hand a vertical squiggle drawn in black ink in the margin reaching down the whole  following paragraph. Similar black ink underlines the first sentence] Every applicant will produce the best proof in his powers [underlining ends]. This is the original discharge or commis-sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under the oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser-vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 

[Added by hand a vertical squiggle drawn in black ink in the margin reaching down the whole  following paragraph.] If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he [slash of black ink goes through the "w"] will [Underlining in black ink; added by hand on following sentences] also, whether he produce such evidence of not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

Page 13

3

alleged service, as they are known in this Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. [previous sentence underlined] The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by who was it given, and what has become of it? {To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by who was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to who you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

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

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

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

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

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under who he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and 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."

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 or four months [italics], is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that 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 shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed [sentence underlined from "it must"]; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by a competent authority; that he was either in field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

 Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must provide his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
[finger pointing right] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers or State Troops. The proof required by rule is [illegible] [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 14

Suspended 

See letter to 
Luke W. Watkins
New London
Ralls Co. Mo. 
24 March 1833
15 May 1835 G. G. Brewer
26 May 35 L.W. Watkins.

Page 15

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office, 
July 31st, 1841.

Sir: 
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Alexander Ford, decd, [handwritten] a Pensioner on the Roll of the Missouri [handwritten] Agency, at the rate of Twenty [handwritten] Dollars and          Cents [crossed out from "and"] per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 [handwritten], has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1836. [handwritten] to the 2d Nov. 1838. [handwritten]

Respectfully yours, 
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Page 16

H. [Unknown] 9th Sept 1837

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Cour. [Unknown]

Sir. I enclose you the application of Mr. Ford for an increase for an increase of his pension. Will you do me the favor to examine his papers, and see if he is allowed [crossed out] entitled to any increase?        I am, respectfully, yr. obt. svt. 
A.G. Harrison

James L. Edwards, Esqr. 
Cour. [Unknown]

Page 17

New London Ralls County Missouri

Dear Sir

Herewith I send you the evidences of
Alex Ford an applicant for a pension.
I have endeavored to arrange his papers
as near as possible to the instructions sent to
me in relation to his case and regret that
I have not been able [words blacked out] to have
arranged them to come within the rules
of the department but believing in the
correctness of his claim as I do you will
please excuse my repeated applications.
I have twice send to that department the
evidence of Abraham Billings an applicant
for a pension and was informed that the
first papers never reached there by your
letter and have not had any return
from the last sent.  You will please
inform me if they have not been 
returned whether they have reached
the department or not. Yours very
respectfully [illegible]]

{ Luke W. Watkins
{
{
Mr. James L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Page 18

Land Office Annapolis May 21st 1835

Sir,

Yours of the 15th Inst. was received, [word blacked out]
the declaration of Alexander Ford has been exami-
ned, he states that he served in a Company [word struck out]
of Militia, commanded by Captn. Young,--Upon the
rolls and Army Ledgers of the revolution, the name
of but one Captain Young appears, which is a
Captn. James Young of Baltimore County, he comm-
anded a Company in the "Flying Camp,"--I have
examined the Muster roll of his Company, and the
name of Alexander Ford is not on said roll,--
the rolls in this office therefore afford no evidence
of his service,--the declaration is herewith retur-
ned.

I am respectfully,
Yr. Obt. Svrt.
George G. Brewer

J. L. Edwards, Esqr.

Page 19

Fort Atkinson Wis,
Nov. 9, 1905

Head of Pension Dep't.
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,

I write you in
regard Alexander Ford
who fought in the Re-
volution.  I know he 
was paid at the close
of the war and I want
a record of his services.
He lived in Tennessee

Page 20

[at (struck out]) before and after the
war [but (struck out)] and then
moved to Pike County,
Missouri where he 
died.  I want to
prove myself eligible
to the D.A.R. and
can do so only thru
him.  Can you find
anything that will
be helpful? or can
you tell me to

Page 21

whom to write?

I will appreciate 
any suggestion.

Very truly yours,

Gertrude Boughton
Fort Atkinson
Wis.

[Updside down date stamp]
NOV 14 1905

Page 22

[Two columns]
[Left column]

16,806

INVALID.
[illegible]

File No. 16,806
Alexander Ford
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7th 32
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 441
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Right column]

1905 Nov 24.  History to
Gertrude Boughton. M.B.H.

Page 23

Alexander Ford. Missouri [illegible], Act of June 7.
1832. at $20 per annum.

Be pleased to say to what time pay-
ment was last made.

Pension Office } p of. 4 Sept 1836
feb 17. 1841 } SH

Page 24

New London Ralls City Mos
April 10th 1835

Dear Sir

Yours of the 24th March 1835 has
come to hand from which I learn that
the papers of Alex. Ford has been examined
and filed with the suspended cases in
that office in consequence of his having
claimed for a Tour of six months
also that he did not before set fourth
said Tour in consequence of which from
your letter he will be required to address
some additional proof corroborating his
statement as to the additional six months
to which I have to state that upon examination
of the papers I cannot see that he ever
omitted to claim for six months.  But for
your further satisfaction on that subject
and agreeable to your request I herewith
send you his declaration returned of about
the date you refer to in your letter to me
you also remark that it would appear from
the brief in the case that the claim for
said Tour was originally for three months
and that the duration of said term has been
[illegible] in said brief from three to six months

Page 25

to which I would say that if there has
been such an alteration in his case I have
no knowledge of it.  But upon [word struck out] examin-
ing your printed letter accompanying the
return of the papers in the case of Joseph
Bell also a small part of his declaration
in tabular for which was taken from
the certificate of J. Vardiman and is
appended to the last papers sent to
that office it appears that the alteration to
which you allude was made in that case
which scrip and printed letter I herewith
send you. I have conversed with Mr. Ford
on the subject and he cannot state for
certain whether the six months service was
performed under one or two engagements
he is very old and incapable of recollecting
any thing more than he has stated with
any degree of certainty if he should be
entitled to a pension for the Two [illegible] three
months Tourers which I understand you to 
intimate that even would relieve him in
his present condition.  I have no doubt however
but he served as long as he states.  Enclosed you
will find all the matter in relation to that case
in my possession together with your letter  Yours
very respectfully.  Luke W. Watkins

Page 26

State of Missouri }
County of Ralls } Ss 

On this 5th day of [July (struck out)] August personally appeared the
undersigned Alexander Ford a revolutionary 
soldier aged Eighty Two years who being first
duly sworn according to Law in open Court
doth on his oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the provision made by the act of
Congress June the 7th 1832 that he entered
the service of the US in the year 1777
and served under the following [illegible]
officers to wit

I was commanded by Col. Joshua Stephison
and by Capt. Young the first tour and
by Capt Wiley the second Tour and by
Capt. Harvey the third Tour

I volunteered in the [Spring (struck out)] Summer of AD 1777 and
rendezvoused at Towsontown about Eleven
miles from Baltimore and marched thence
to Pennsylvania crossing [illegible] and thence
to Brandywine River and had a battle
and in which [illegible] our army was compelled
to retreat and the British march from thence
to Philadelphia and took positions at that
time.  We were stationed on a creek called
Shippack Creek Twelve or fifteen miles
from [Philadelphia (struck out)] Germantown

Page 27

where we received some reinforcements and from
thence the American Army was march to
Germantown in the fall and an engagement
took place at Germantown in which there
was a large number of the British killed
but notwithstanding we had to retreat
during this battle.  I was guarding the
baggage wagons. I was with my Company march
back to Baltimore and discharged of the first 
three months Tourer at the battle of Brandy-
wine I was guarding the baggage in hearing
of the battle but was not in it
The second Tourer I was under Capt. Harvey
in the Early part of the winter of 1777 I
entered the service for a three months
Tourer.  We rendezvoused at Baltimore and
was stationed at a house [illegible] of one
Hopkins about seven miles from Baltimore
during which Tourer I belonged to the Artillery
and we guarded Baltimore during that Tourer
[following sentences have been lined through:
during which Tourer dunmore attempted to take
Baltimore but was prevented by a chain at the 
[illegible] or at the mouth of the River]
and was discharged [illegible] at the place we
were stationed. The third Tourer I entered the
service in the spring of 1778 under Capt.
Harvey and was again stationed at the house
of Hopkins and during that Tourer Dunmore
attempted to take Baltimore but was
prevented by a chain that was stretched

Page 28

across the mouth of the river below Baltimore
and at the end of said three months I
was discharged.  Col. Stephenson discharged me
for the [illegible] first three months Tourers
and Capt Harvey gave me a discharge
for the last three months Tourer.  Capt 
Young was killed at the battle of Brandy
and William Norrell took Young [illegible]
home to his wife
I lived when I entered the service in Baltimore
County & State of Maryland
All my discharges are lost

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or an annuity except the present and he declares
that his name is not on any pension Roll
of any agency in any state or territory.

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Alex X his mark Ford

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
that the above named applicant was a revolution-
ary soldier and served as he states.

William S. Lofland Justice R.C.C.
French Glascock Justice R.C.C.

Page 29

Where and in what year were you born
Answer I was born in Baltimore County Maryland
and was born in the year [words struck out] AD 1754

2. Have you any record of your age if so where is it
Answer I had my age in my Fathers bible but it is gone

3. Where were you living when called into service  Where
have you lived since the revolutionary war and Where
do you now live
Answer I lived when called into service in Baltimore
County Maryland. Since the war I lived in Tennessee
and in Missouri where I now live

4th How were you called into service were you drafted did
you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a 
substitute for whom
Answer I volunteered [illegible] several Tours in the
service of the United States

5th State the names of some of the regular officers who
were with the troops when you served Such Continental
and militia Regts as you can recollect and the
general circumstances of your service
Answer I do not know of any regular officers where
I was stationed nor of any other Regts than the ones
that I belonged to and of no other general circumstan-
ces more than I have related above

6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service
and if so by whom as it given and what has
become of it
Answer I received three discharges from the service
all of which are lost the Two first was given
to my by Col Stephenson and the third by
Capt Harvey

Alexander X his mark Ford

Page 30

And the said Court do hereby declare their
opinion after the investigation of the matter
and after putting the interrogatorys 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 it
is not convenient to get the certificate
of a clergyman

William S. Loflan Justice R.C.C.
French Glascock Justice R.C.C.

State of Missouri } SS
County of Ralls } I Charles Glascock Clerk of the County
Court in and for said County and State Certify that the
above is the original proceedings in the application of
Alexander Ford for a pension & further certify that William
S. Lofland & French Glascock whose names are set to the
above certificates are now and were at the time of signing
the same two acting Justices of the County Court in and
for Ralls County & State of Missouri duly commissioned
[Blurred seal] and qualified according to Law.  In Testimony
of County clerk] whereof I the clerk aforesaid have hereunto
set my hand seal August 6th 1835.

Charles Glascock Clerk
By his deputy Harrison Glascock

Page 31

Declaration in order [page torn] the benefit of an
act of Congress of the [page torn] June AD 1832

State of Missouri }
County of Ralls } SS

On this 17th day of February in the year
of our Lord Eighteen hundred and Thirty five
personally appeared before me the undersigned presiding
Judge of the County Court of Ralls County Alexander
Ford aged Eighty one years who being first sworn
in due from of law doth on his oath make
the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832
and that he entered the service of US under the
following named officers to wit

When I entered the service I lived in Baltimore County
and State of Maryland.  I engaged in the service as a
volunteer also my four brothers volunteered at the same
time To wit Mordica Ford, Loyde Benjamin & Thomas
We belonged to Capt Young's Company was commanded
by Col. Stephenson also my brother in Law William
[illegible] was in the same company and at the battle of
Brandywine Capt Young was killed and my brother in law
took his neebuckles & sleeve buttons home to the Capts wife.
We marched through Pennsylvania to where the battle of
Brandywine was fought there I recollect seeing Genl Lafayette &
his army.  We was a small time at Forthampton in Pennsylvania
but not stationed long at any place but was generally
scouting from place to place.  We were marched home
again and I was discharged by Col. Stephenson for a 
Tour of six months Commencing in the fall of 1781
in the fall of 1782 after we made our crops I again
volunteered also my Two brothers Mordica & Thomas
under Capt. Wiley There was 12 of us together

Turn over in side of the sheet

Page 32

with a Corporal & Ensign designated to attend to the
magazine which was in Baltimore [words struck out] about 7 miles
from Baltimore Town this house we kept the magazine at
belonged to an old Quaker by the name of [word stuck out] Richard Hopkins
Col Stephenson was our Col while I attended the magazine
in the latter part of the fall of 1782 or first of the 
winter I was discharged for a three months Tour
by Col. Stephenson and in the following spring I
again volunteered for three months.  I was under
Capt Harvey the last there months that I served We was at a
little Town called Joppa about 20 or 30 miles from
Baltimore when Col. Dunmoore came to Baltimore [illegible] [29877 written vertically in right margin]
attempted to [illegible] but was prevented as I understood
by a large chain that was stretched across the River
during the last three months Tour under Capt Harvey
I was [illegible] Sergt we was discharged after we
was marched home by Col Stephenson and have
lost my discharges.  I was not personally in
the battle of Brandywine but was in hearing
of it guarding our baggage waggons.  I do not
recollect the names of any regular officers as we were
pretty much all volunteers unless Lafayette & his
army were regulars.

Alexander X his mark Ford

State of Missouri }
County of Ralls } Set

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace
in & for the county afsd Alexander Ford who being duly sworn deposeth & sayeth
that by reason of old age & 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 [illegible] mentioned above in the following
grades for 6 months as a private under Capt Young for 3 months as a private 
under Capt Wiley [words struck out] [page torn] under Capt Harvey as a
[illegible] Sergt and for such service  [page torn] Alexander X his mark Ford
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year [page torn] Justice of the Peace

Page 33

State of Missouri } SS..
County of Ralls }  I Charles Glascock Clerk of the County
Court in & for said County & State certify that William S.
Lofland whose name is set to the above certificates is now
and was at the time of signing the same an acting jus-
tice of the peace in and for Ralls County & State of Missouri
duly commissioned & qualified according to law & further certify
that William S. Lofland is now and was at the time of sign-
ing the above certificates Presiding justice of the county court
in and for Ralls County & State of Missouri duly commissioned
& qualified according to law.  In Testimony whereof I the Clerk aforesaid
have hereunto set my hand & affixed my of-
facial seal at office in New London this seventeenth
day of February A.D. 1935

Charles Glascock Clerk
By his deputy Harrison Glascock

Page 34

and I do hereby declare my opinion after investigation
of the matter and after putting the interrogatory prescribed
by the war department that the above named applicant
was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and I
do further certify that it appears to me that Jeremiah
Vardiman who has signed the preceding certificate
is a Clergyman resident in the county of Ralls and 
that Luke W Watkins who has signed the same as a
resident of said county of Ralls and is a credible person
and their statement is entitled to creditability and I do further
certify that from old age & infirmity that the said
Alexander Ford is unable to attend in open court.

I William S. Lofland Presiding Justice of the
Ralls County Court do certify that from
the statement of the aforesaid Alexander Ford
it appears to me that he is not able from old age and infirmity
to attend in open court--and I do further certify
that Jeremiah Vardiman is a Clergyman
residing in the said County of Ralls and has here
to fore signed two certificates similar to the one
above from information, but at this time
he has not been applied to, it not being convenient
to get him to sign this, or the above certificate
and that the said Luke W Watkins is a [illegible]
[illegible] of said County of Ralls and is a credible
person and that his statement is
entitled to credit.  Given under my hand
this 17th day of February A.D. 1835.

William S. Lofland Presiding Justice
of the R.C.C.

Page 35

he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity [words struck out] the present and he declares that his name
is not on the pension Rolls of any agency in any state or
territory  Sworn & Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid

Alexander X his mark Ford
Williams S. Lofland Presiding Justice of the
Ralls County Court

And I William S. Lofland Judge of the County
Court of Ralls County declare it to be my opinion that
the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served
as he states  Given under my hand and seal this 17th
day of February A.D. 1835

William S. Lofland Presiding [Seal encircled]
Justice R.C.C.

We Jeremiah Vardiman a Clergyman residing in the
County of Ralls and State of Missouri and Luke W
Watkins residing in the same County hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with Alexander Ford
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration
that we believe him to be Eighty One years old that
he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where
he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution
and that we concur in that opinion.

[Seal encircled]
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year  Luke W Watkins [Seal encircled]
aforesaid.  Wiliam S. Lofland Pres. SJ R.C.C.

Answer first I was living in the State of Md. [word struck out] Baltimore County
2 I was born in the year of our Lord 1754
3 I have my Fathers record of my age
4 I lived when called in to service in [word struck out] Baltimore Cty Maryland
5 I have lived since the war in Tennessee and now live in [illegible]
6 I was a volunteer
7 I never was commissioned but was a Segt the last Tour
8 I do not recollect the names of any regular troops and officers
9 I received a discharge but the same is lost
10 My discharge was signed by Col Stephenson Twice

Page 36

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*       
Division of Veterans Administration Archives

Name    Ford, Alexander[handwritten]  Grade Private [handwritten]
Line Pennsylvania [handwritten]


WARRANT 
NUMBER 9402 [handwritten]___Acerage____100_______issued July 30 , 1793 [handwritten]

to Francis Kirkpatrick , assignee  [handwritten]

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