Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5,657, for Benjamin Ray, Virginia

Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
VA
Ray, Benjamin
Wray   Frances
NUMBER
W. 5657
B.L. Wt. 26263-160-55
CONTENTS

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4304
Virginia
Benjamin Ray of Franklin in the State of VA
who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Davis in the Virginia line for 9 months from 1778.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Jan 1833 and sent Hon W. Claiborne, House of Reps.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $45
Semi-annual. allowance ending 4 Mar. 1833 $15
$60
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nathan Rice, Clerk,
Book D, Vol. 7, Page 113

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See letter to J. Roberts acting P. At. 20 Sept. 1834
Died 28 January 1841
Letter to Hon. A. S. Fulton Feb. 7th, 1849 
3rd Auditor

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] Restoration 2986

Virginia
[Tennessee crossed out] (Nashville)

Frances Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray, who served in the Revolutionary War, as a Private. 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars  -- cents per annum, to commence on the 4th March 1861. 

Certificate of Pension issued 1st day of August 1866 and sent to Hugh Nelson, Rocy [Rocky] Mount, VA

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 256, Volume H.

[right side] 1867 April 9 Transfd [Transferred] to Richmond Va. from 4 March 1861

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[left side] 87497 act 3rd March/55 Apl [April] 21, 1855. 
Francis Ray, widow [of] Benjamin Ray
Pensioner, June 1832, Virginia
26263 isd [issued] May 24/56

Revolutionary War
VA Feby 53-2986

Av: 160 Acres May 20/56
Boynton
M

H. G. Faut
Present

[right side] cir HG Faut Nov. 19/55

Page 6

Virginia Franklin County Sct 
On this 1st day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the justices in the County Court of Franklin now seting [sitting] Benj’m [Benjamin] Ray a resident of Franklin County born on James River Va. aged as he believes seventy five year’s who being first duly sworn according to 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 That during the War of the revolution he entered the service of the United States, under the officers hereafter named and served faithfully as herein stated – that in the early part of the war he was drafted into a company of militia and marched under the orders of a Captain Davis from Bedford to cross the mountains to Salem in Va. At Salem he with three others were left to guard the place – while Davis and the residue of the company marched as he understood & believes to [?]king [probably Sinking] Creek Va. This applicant remained about six weeks at Salem when he was discharged. This applicant was then repeatedly called out and marched against the tories [Tories] on the Carolina line in the mountains where they sought shelter that in these repeated expeditions against the tories he was invariably under the imediate [immediate] orders of Captain Thomas Arthur who afterwards rose to the rank of Colo. that in these various expeditions he says on his oath that he was in actual service six months. This applicant in 1781 was drafted in a company of riflemen commanded by Captain Jonathan Richardson [Jonathan Richeson] and marched from Bedford his place of residence into North Carolina and joined the Army commanded by Gen’l Green [General Nathanael Greene] – that the company he belonged to was attached to that portion of the army commanded by Colo --

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[William] Washington that he was in the battle of Guilford [Guilford Courthouse 15 Mar 1781] and did his duty as a faithful soldier that he continued to serve under Washington after the battle – that was in pursuit of the British from Guilford over Deep river and never left the army till he was regularly discharged in writing – that this discharge the only one he remembers to have received in writing – he has lost or mislaid. this tour in North Carolina under Gen’l Green [General Greene] – must he thinks have lasted fully three months — he remembers Gen’l Green Colo [Henry] Lee his brave commander Colo Washington and many other officers – in the Southern Army – many of his neighbours [neighbors] yet living know that he was a Whig and a Soldier & that he was frequently out on service in the field — John Campbell his near neighbour and a respectable man & patriot knows it. The Brother of this applicant James Ray [James Wray, pension application S5971] knows it – and he has no doubt Captain Greer Sen’r. [Moses Greer S8609] justice of Franklin County court and an active officer of the revolution knows it – and to them he refers for this proof of his services and his character for veracity. He has resided ever since the War in Franklin County Va. and is known to many very many – who he believes will unite in testifying to his character for veracity. This applicant files herewith the testimony of John Wright [S6449] if not sufficient others he believes can be procured – he has no documentary evidence — This applicant can read a little but cannot write — He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever – to a pension or annuity except the present – and declares that his name is not on the pension

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Roll of the agency of any state. 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
Benj [his X mark] Ray

Virginia 
Franklin County Sct 
We, Moses Greer Va. Clergyman residing in Franklin County Virginia and Nathaniel H. Claiborne residing in same County & State, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Ray who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him be seventy five years of age - that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid. 
Moses Green 
Nathl H Claiborne 

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, the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states; and the Court further certifies that Moses Greer Jr. who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman residing in the said County of Franklin, and that Nathaniel H. Claiborne who has also signed the same, is a resident of the same County and is a credible person, and that then statement is entitled to credit.

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Virginia to wit,
I, Caleb Tate, Clerk of the County Court of Franklin do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Ray for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said Court the 24th day of October 1832, in the 57th year of Independence.
Caleb Tate, ck [Clerk]

[written sideways] 16863
Benj Ray’s Decl.

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

CLAIM FOR BOUNTY LAND. 
STATE OF Virginia}
County of Franklin} SS.
On this 3 day of April A. D. 1855, personally appeared before me, [blank] within and for the County and State aforesaid, Frances Ray aged 60 years, a resident of said County of Franklin in the State of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law, doth declare on oath that she is the widow of Benjamin Ray – deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain [blank] in the [blank] regiment of [blank] commanded by [blank] in the war of the Revolution - he was pensioned under act of 7 June 1832 at $30 per annum &c – that her husband --- at ---- on or about the day of [blank] A. D. for the term of [blank] and continued in actual service in said war for the term of [blank] and was honorably discharged at [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank]. 
She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Ray County of Franklin, Virginia – on the [blank] day of [blank] A. D., by one Moses Green -- , a minister of the Gospel,  and that her name before her said marriage was Frances Hartwell – ; that her said husband died in Franklin County Virginia on the [blank] day of [blank], A. D. and that she is now a widow. 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855; and I hereby authorize Patrick M. Henry of Washington City D.C. to act as my Attorney to prosecute my claim and receive my land warrant.
Francis [her X mark] Ray {SEAL}
We, Daniel Weaver and Abram Angle, residents of Franklin County in the State of Virginia upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Frances Ray -- in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. 
Daniel [his X mark] Weaver {SEAL}
Abram Angle {SEAL}
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year 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. 
R. M. Taliaferro, J. P. {SEAL}

State of [blank] of [blank] I, [blank] Clerk of the [blank] Court, in and for the [blank] and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that [blank] whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration and affidavit is, and was, at the time of signing the same, a [blank] in and for the [blank] and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such, are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid [blank] Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction. Given under my hand and the seal of my office at [blank] this [blank] day of [blank] A. D., 185 [blank] 
Clerk.

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State of Virginia}
County of Franklin}
On this 3 day of April 1855 personally appeared Frances Ray widow of Benjamin Ray well known to me and produced open surtificate [certificate] -- in the following 
I certify is a true Coppy [copy] Department of interior widows pension. I certify that in conformity with the 2nd Section of the Act of February 3 1853 - Frances Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray, who was a Private in the Revolutionary War, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty dollars per annum, commencing on the 6 day of February 1853 and continuing for life unless she should again marry in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this twenty third day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
R. McCleland
Secretary of the Interior
Examined and countersigned.
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

And I certify that she is the Identical person who made the within Declaration for Bounty land and is always known as the widow of Benjamin Ray who was said to be a revolutionary solder.
R. M. Taliaferro, J.P.

State of Virginia}
County of Franklin} To wit
I, Robert A. Scott, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Richard M. Taliaferro whose genuine signature appear within and above, is and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that all his official acts as well entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 6th day of April A.D. 1856
R. A. Scott clk [Clerk]

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Declaration of Frances Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray, for a Pension for a Pension as the widow of Rev. Soldier.

Presented by Wm. L. Goggin
Otter Bridge, Bedford Co, Va.

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Virginia County of Franklin to Wit
On this 27th day of October in the year 1853 personally came before me Jonathan H. Merriel, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Frances Ray widow of Benjamin Ray decd [deceased] aged 59 years and upwards and made oath in due form of law to the following declaration Viz, that she was married on the 7th day May in the year 1832 to Benjamin Ray late of said County, in the said County of Franklin in Virginia, by one Moses Greer a Baptist Minister and that her name before her marriage as aforesaid was Frances Hartwell, that there is a record of her marriage license, and perhaps of the marriage itself in the Clerks office of the County Court of the said County of Franklin as she presumes - but if there is not she knows of no record of her said marriage down here. That the said Benjamin Ray was a Revolutionary Soldier as will appear by his declaration on file in the war department at Washington he having obtained a pension under the Act of Congress of -- 1832 and to that she refers from a statement of his services, as well as to a declaration made by her during the present year as his widow to enable her as such to draw certain arrears of pension due him at the time of his death aforesaid if the same be not on file at the agency in Richmond where the said arrears were payable and to that she refers also - that the said Benjamin Ray her husband died in the said County of Franklin Virginia on the 16th day of April in the year 1849. 
She makes this declaration to enable her to receive the pension to which she

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may be entitled under the provisions of any or all the Acts of Congress making provisions for the payment of pensions to the widows of Revolutionary soldiers. 
Frances [her X mark] Ray 

And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Francis Ray and I know her to be the widow of the said Benjamin Ray decd. who was, as I have always understood, since my acquaintance with him which existed for many years before his death, a Revolutionary soldier and who died in the County of Franklin in Virginia about the time stated in the foregoing declaration. I further certify that the aforesaid Benjamin Ray and Frances Ray his wife who subscribed the foregoing declaration always after my acquaintance with them lived together as man and wife and reputed to be and also by those who know them. I never heard the fact questioned. 
I further certify that the said Frances Ray answered with her mark the forgoing declaration on this day and year as first mentioned in the caption of the preceding page. Given under my hand on the same day 
Jonathan H Merriel, J. P. 

Va. Franklin County to Wit 
On this 27th day of October in the year 1853 personally came before me Jonathan H. Merriel a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County and State Abram Angle to me

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well known as a man whose statements are entitled to credit and made oath, that he is well and intimately acquainted with Frances Ray who has subscribed the foregoing declaration - that he lives in the same family with her and that they both, as is known to me, reside in the aforesaid County of Franklin Virginia and the said Angle further said that he is of the age of 44 years, that he knows the said Frances Ray is the widow of the late Benjamin Ray decd. for the reason that he saw the said Benjamin and Francis Ray then Frances Hartwell married as man and wife by one Moses Greer a Baptist Minister on or about the 7th of May 1832, in the said County of Franklin Va. That the said Benjamin Ray died as he knows in said county on or about the 16th of April 1849. That the said Francis Ray is the same person who is the widow of Benjamin Ray deceased lately received same arrears of pension due the said Benjamin as a Revolutionary soldier. That after her marriage with the said Benjamin she the said Francis continued to live with him as his wife til [until] the date of his death and that she the said Francis is a widow at this time. 
Abram Angle 
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day and year full aforesaid. 
Jonathan H Merriel, J.P.

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I do hereby certify to the Clerk of County of Franklin list of Marriages celebrated by me in the County aforesaid in the year ending on the 21st of December 1832. 
April 7 Benjamin Wray To Frances Hartwell. 
Given under my hand this first day of January 1833. 
Moses Greer Jr.

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State of Virginia
County of Franklin To wit
I, Robert A. Scott, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Jonathan H. McNeal whose genuine signature  appears within is and was at the time of signing the Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit. And I further certify that hereto attached is a true copy elders from the time of Marriages celebrated by Moses Greer in the year 1832 which [was sent to] my office
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 2nd day of November 1853, in the 78th year of the Commonwealth.
R. A. Scott, Clerk

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June 5, 1931
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
Mrs. W. H. Shumaker
Lock Box 420
Three Rivers, Michigan

Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5657, that Benjamin Ray or Wray was born in 1757, on the James River in Virginia,
While residing in Bedford, Virginia, he enlisted early in the war and served six weeks as private in Captain Davis’ Virginia company. Soon after this, he was called out at various times and served in Captain Thomas Arthur's Virginia company, and served in all six months, no dates given. In 1781 he served three months in Captain Jonathan Richardson's company, and was in the Battle of Guilford. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 1, 1832, while a resident of Franklin County, Virginia. 
He died in Franklin County, Virginia, April 16, 1849.
The soldier married, May 7, 1832, in Franklin County, Virginia, Frances Hartwell. 
She was allowed pension on her application executed October 27, 1853, while residing in Franklin County, aged fifty-nine years. 
Her son-in-law, Abram Angle, was referred in 1856. The name of his wife is not given.
The names of the soldier's parents are not stated and there are no further data as to family.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] 1915 – Apr. 23 Hist. to Ruby H. Beatty 
1925 Apr. 16. Hist to Jason Wray awz.
1930-  Oct. 15 " " Alice C. Moore awz.
1931 – June 5 " " Mrs. W. H. Shumaker Awz.
Letter in case of Abraham Abshire, S. 6459
1936 Dec 4 hist. to Hon. Wm. L. Nelson awz
See all evidence in John Padgett W. 2331

[right side] Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 5657
Frances Ray 
Widow
Benjamin Ray 
Pri, [Private] Rev. War
Act Feb. 3, 1853
Index:–Vol. M, Page 148
[Arrangement of 1870.]

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] 2986
Virginia, Richmond
Frances Ray, widow of Benjamin, who served in the Revolutionary War, as a Private. 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3rd February, 1853. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of Nov. 1853 and sent to Hon. Wm. L. Goggin, Otto Bridge, Bedford Co., Virginia.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under Act February 3, 1853, Page 129, Vol. A.

[right side] H. Nelson Apl. [April] 2, 1866

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Pension Office
November 17. 1853
Sir,
Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pensioner; also if the arrears have been drawn and by whom and whether or not, there is any evidence of the death of the widow on file in your office.
Respectfully,
F. Burt, Esqr. [Esquire]
3rd Auditor 
Present

Boynton
For Comm.

(See other side)

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Benjamin Ray Act 1832 $30.00 per annum.
Died 16th April 1849, Paid to his death: Arrears paid to Wm Bell, attorney for Frances Ray, the widow of Benj Ray, decd.
Saml. S. Rind, 
Acting Auditor

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26,263
[Illegible]

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Application No 
Certificate No. 
Name of Soldier 
Co. Regt. 
Residence 
P. O. Address 
Name of Heir 
Guardian Name 
Exr 
Agent or other person 
Information desired 

To be transferred from Nashville Ten. to Richmond Va. from date of commencement
Mr. [Stricker?] says no payment had been made

Page 25

Restoration Pension certificate of Mrs. Francis Ray of Rocky Mount Va. was issued in July or August 1866 and made payable at Nashville Tenn. the pension Agent at Nashville wrote that he had rec’d orders not to pay any Pension. Can the Pension be paid at any other place.
Paid by Hugh [Illegible] 
Rocky Mount Va.
To wit Henry Walker 
City
I Am

[written sideways] 2986

Page 26

Franklin County and State of Virginia to wit: 
This day came John Wright came before me, Moses Greer Jr., a Justice of the peace in County and State aforesaid, and made oath that Benjamin Wray who is applying for a pension did serve several towers after the Torys [Tories] and that the said Benjamin Wray stated to the Battle at Gilford [Guilford Courthouse] in North Carolina and believes that the said [Benjamin Ray] was in the said Battle as he was gone sometime and further saith that he believes that the said Wray must have served six months in all. 
John Wright
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of October 1832. 
Moses Greer Jr.

Page 27

Washington City 
John Wright is considered a respectable man and man of truth & the writing is the same writing of Moses Greer Jr. as Justice of the Peace for Franklin County Nathaniel H. Claiborne 
Member of Congress

[written sideways] B. Wray

Page 28

Boynton

Page 29

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Treasury Department, 
Third Auditor's Office, 
July 25th, 1866 

Sir, 
In reply to your iniquity of the 23rd inst. I have to inform you that the pension of Mrs. Frances Ray, (on Richmond Va. roll under 2d sec. of Act 3 Feby 1853) appears by the books of this Office to have been last paid to 4th March 1861. 
Very Respectfully 
John Wilson 
Auditor

Hon. Jos. H. Bassett 
Com’r [Commissioner] of Pensions

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Increase 2956
Brief in the case of Frances Ray Widow of Benjamin Ray, Private Rev. Rocky Mount Franklin County and State of Virginia Richmond
Act 2d Sec. Feb. 3 1853

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE.
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Pensioner at $30. per annum Certificate returned. Claims increase pension by 18th Sec Act July 27 1837
Personal identity as continued widowhood therein

Admitted April 16 1869 to pension at $96 per annum, to commence July 27 1868 deducting payment since

W. E. Trask
Examining Clerk

Name and residence of Agent.
Francis Ray
Care R. H. Maury
Richmond, VA

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No. 87497
Act March 3d 1833
Frances Ray, Widow of Benjamin Ray deceased, a late Revolutionary Pensioner under act June 7th 1832. @ $30 per annum Virginia.

Hamilton G. Faut
Washington
D. C

Page 32

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Payment to be made at Richmond by M. D. Newman, Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Virginia.

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March.

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 129. Vol. A
H. R. Weightman

[stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MAR 26 1866 PENSION OFFICE

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of Feb 3, 1853.
Frances Day, widow of Benjamin Ray, who was a Private in the Revolutionary War, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty dollars ---- per annum, commencing on the 3rd of February 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this twenty third day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.

R. McClelland
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned.
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Payment to be made at Nashville by P. W. Maxey Esq. Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Nashville, Tennessee.

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March.

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 256 Vol. [H or L]
E. D. Collier, Clerk

[stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MAR 26 1866 PENSION OFFICE

Page 35

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOWS PENSION.
2986 Restoration
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, --  Frances Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray, who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Thirty dollars and -- cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March 1861, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.

Given at the Department of the Interior, this First day of August one thousand eight hundred and sixty six.
W. T. Otto, 
Acting Secretary of the Interior

Examined and countersigned
Joseph H. Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 36

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Nashville
Brief in the case of Frances Ray, widow of Benjamin, for restoration
Franklin County and State of Virginia
Act 3 Feb 1853, the 2nd section
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Claimant was pensioner on the Richmond, Roll at the rate of $30.00 per annum. Widowhood identity and loyalty is shown by two credible affiants,
Original Cert. of Pension is Surrendered.

The Third Auditor reports that the pension was last paid March 4th 1861.
Claim is allowed at the rate of $30.00 per annum, commencing March 4th 1861 & to continue during widowhood.
July 30th ‘66

Boynton
Examining Clerk

Name a residence of Agent.
Hugh Nelson, Esqr [Esquire]
Rocky Mount, Virginia

Page 37

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Brief in the case of Francis Ray, widow of Benjamin Franklin County and State of Virginia
act of February 3 1853

Claim, (“original,” or “for increase.”)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the evidence.
Husband a private in Virginia line 9 mos [months] under act of June 7, 1832 at $30 per annum & paid to his death April 16 1849.
Allowed $30 per annum, to commence Feb. 3/53

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by clergyman’s word. Death proved by auditor’s report. Identity & Widowhood proved by credible witness.

Name and residence of Agent
William L. Goggin
Otter Bridge
Bedford County
Va.

Examining Clerk.
J. L Gray

Page 38

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Office of R. H. MAURY & Co.
BANKERS AND BROKERS,
No. 1014 E. Main Street,
Richmond, Mar. 19 of 1869

ROBERT H. MAURY
JAS. L. MAURY
ROBERT T. BROOKE

Mr. [Illegible] 
Com. of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Dr. Sir At the request of Mrs. Frances Ray, we enclose her application for an increase of her pension under the law of July 27th 1868.
In Reply
R H Maury

Page 39

[illegible stamp]

Page 40

Joseph H. Barrett Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir,
Inclosed [Enclosed] I send you the former Pension Certificate of Mrs. Frances Ray of this County, with her application for a renewal of the certificate.
Please send the New Certificate to me, with full information as to when and how the money owing to her can be collected, at your earliest convenience and oblige.
Your Obt. Sert [Obedient Servant]
Hugh Nelson

Rocky Mount
Franklin County
Virginia
21 March 1866

Page 41

Joseph H. Barnett, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 42

Joseph H. Barrett Esqr 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sir, 
On 19th March last I sent you Mrs. Francis Ray's application for renewal of her Pension Certificate and restoration to her place upon the Pension Rolls. 
On 7th April I received from you a letter dated 2nd April, calling for additional testimony. 
On 10th April I sent you the additional evidence indicated namely “The certificate of the Justice before whom the declaration of 19th March was made, that the contents thereof were made known to the applicant before signing, and the affidavits of three credible witness showing the manner in which applicant was supported during the war, and testifying that the claimant did not in any manner encourage the rebels or manifest any sympathy in their cause.” 
On yesterday I received a copy of your letter of 2nd April which seems to indicate that mine of 10th April covering said additional evidence has not been

Page 43

received or has been overlooked by you 
I respectfully request that you examine into the fact whether or not the additional testimony sent you on 10th April has been received at your office, and if you find that it has not, please do me the favor to inform me thereof immediately that I may again supply it.
If it can be found, it will save this poor old woman Considerable trouble. and some expense, which she is ill able to incur. 
By letting me hear from you at your earliest convenience, you will very much oblige her and 
Yr. Obt. Sert. [Obedient Servant]
Hugh Nelson
Rocky Mount Va}
3 July 1866}

Page 44

State of Virginia County of Franklin SS. 
On this 25th day of February 1869 personally appeared before me George H. T. Greer a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid Frances Ray aged 74 years a resident of the County of Franklin in the State of Virginia being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the identical person to whom was granted pension certificate No 2986 payable at the Agency at Nashville Tennessee and dated the 1st August 1866, and makes this declaration in order to obtain the arrears under the act of Congress approved the 27 July 1868 to which she is entitled. 
Frances [her X mark] Ray 

Post office address is as follows 
Rocky Mount 
Franklin County Virginia 

Also personally appeared Davis Ayres and Abram Angle, residents of the County of Franklin in the State aforesaid, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being duly sworn by me, say that they were present and saw Frances Ray make her mark to the foregoing declaration and they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. 
Davis Ayres 
Abram Angle 
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 25th day of February 1869 And I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim. 
G. H. T. Greer, Notary Public, 
Franklin County, Va.

Page 45

Virginia 
Franklin County to wit
I, Robert A. Scott, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Franklin in the State of Virginia, do certify that George H. T. Greer whose genuine signature appears to the writing within, is now and was at the time of signing the same a Notary Public for the County aforesaid, that his Commission as such is dated the 25th day of October 1865, and that he is duly sworn and qualified, and that his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at the Courthouse this twenty fifth day of February 1869.
Robert A. Scott, Clerk

Page 46

Frances Ray
Franklin County
Virginia
Additional Testimony

Page 47

Virginia
Franklin County to wit
I, Courtland Cabaniss, Justice of the peace for the County of Franklin in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that I am the identical Courtland Cabaniss, Justice of the Peace as aforesaid, before whom Mrs. Francis Ray, a citizen of said County, Widow of Benjamin Ray deceased, on the 19th day of March 1866, made a declaration for the purpose of having her name restored to the pension rolls, and of obtaining a new pension certificate, and before whom the said Frances Ray Subscribed her name to said declaration by making her mark, and swore to the same and I also further hereby certify that she for the said Frances Ray so subscribed and sworn to the said declaration it was read to her in my presence and hearing, and I verily believed then and believe now that she fully understood the contents of the said declaration before she so Subscribed and sworn to the same. 
Given under my hand this 10th day of April 1866.
Courtland Cabaniss, Justice of the Peace for Franklin County VA

State of Virginia
Franklin County Court
On this 10th day of April 1866. James O Fisher Daniel Weaver, and Abram Angle residents of Franklin the State of Virginia, persons whom I hereby certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, personally appeared before me Courtland Cabaniss a Justice of the Peace

Page 48

the peace for the said County of Franklin, in my said County, and they having been by me duly sworn according to law, the said James O. Fisher says that he has lived within one mile of Mrs. Frances Ray widow of Benjamin Ray deceased during the last nine years, the said Daniel Weaver says that he has lived in the same house with and within half a mile of the said Francis Ray during the last seven years, and the said Abram Angle says that he has been living in the same house with the said Frances Ray during the last seventeen years, and the said James O. Fisher, Daniel Weaver, and Abram Angle further say that during all the times aforesaid they have been well acquainted with the said Frances Ray, and that they verily believe that the said Francis Ray did not in any manner encourage the rebels or manifest any sympathy with their cause; and they further say that during the rebellion the said Frances Ray has been supported by her own labor and by the help of her son in law the said Abram Angle, and they further say that they have no interest in the prosecution of the claim of the said Francis Ray for restoration to the pension roll.
James O. Fisher
Daniel [his X mark] Weaver
Abram Angle
Sworn to and subscribed by the said James O. Fisher, Daniel Weaver, and Abram Angle before me on this 10th day of April 1866, and I hereby certify that before the above affidavit was signed by the said witnesses, it was read over to them in my presence and hearing and that they

Page 49

were fully acquainted with the contents thereof, and I further hereby certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of the Claim of the said Frances Ray.
Given under my hand this 10th day of April 1866.
Courtland Cabaniss, Justice of the Peace for Franklin County VA

State of Virginia}
County of Franklin} To wit
I, Robert A. Scott, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do certify that Courtland Cabaniss whose genuine signature appears above and within, is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly Commissioned and qualified, that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 10 day of April AD 1866 in the 90th year of the Commonwealth.
Ro. A. Scott, Clerk

Page 50

Frances Ray
Franklin County
Virginia
Declaration to obtain renewal of Pension Certificate

Agent for applicant
Hugh Nelson
Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia

Page 51

State of Virginia
County of Franklin SS
On this 19 day of March 1866, before me Courtland Cabaniss a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Mrs. Francis Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray deceased, aged sixty nine years, a resident of the County of Franklin in the State of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the identical Francis Ray who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at Richmond Virginia, and whose pension certificate is herewith returned that she has resided since the first day of January A.D. 1861 in the County of Franklin in the State of Virginia, that during this period her means of subsistence have been derived from the labor of her own hands and that she has not born arms against the United States Government, nor has she in any manner encouraged the rebels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause, and that she was last paid her pension (she thinks) on the 4 of September 1860.
This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension rolls and of obtaining a new pension certificate such as she may be entitled to under existing laws, reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the pension office, to substantiate her original claim.
Francis [her X mark] Ray

Also personally appeared Cornelius Kinsey and Abram Angle residents of the County of Franklin in the State of Virginia, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn say that they were present and saw Frances Ray make her mark to the foregoing declaration, and

Page 52

they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the applicant, and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and further swear that she is still a widow, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Cornelius Kinsey
Abram [his X mark] Angle
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19 day of March 1866, and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
Courtland Cabaniss, Justice of the Peace

Virginia
Franklin County to wit
I, Francis Ray, do Solemnly swear, in the presence of Almighty God that I will henceforth faithfully support protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of the States thereunder, that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves. So help me God.
Francis [her X mark] Ray
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of March 1866
Courtland Cabaniss, Justice of the Peace for Franklin County Va.

Page 53

State of Virginia
County of Franklin To wit
I, Robert H. Scott, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do certify that Courtland laborers whose genuine signatures appear within, is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly com and qualified that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 21st day of March AD 1866 in the 90th year of the Commonwealth.
R. A. Scott, Clerk

Page 54

Real soon.
Very Truly,
Mrs. Ruby Hartwell Beatty 
Crawford, Nebraska
April 15, 1915
Box 243

Page 55

Will you please give me information concerning Benjamine [Benjamin] Ray, a soldier of the Revolution War & whose wife Frances Day was pensioned. They were from Franklin Co. VA and she died about 1878.
May I hear from you

Page 56

Rt. #7 Fremont, Mich
February 23, 1925.

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen,
I am writing you for information concerning an ancestor of mine who was a Revolutionary soldier named Benjamin Ray or Wray who lived in Franklin County Virginia.
It is known his name was placed on the pension roll in January 1833 and that his pension began March 1831, his age given as 77.
I wish to know if you have any data on file there giving the dates of his birth and death. His father’s name and if he was in active service; time of same, and under what division & in what engagements if any. 
Any other information concerning him, that you might be able to give would be highly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Jason Wray

[stamp] PENSION OFFICE U. S. FEB 28 1925

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18 Fitzhenry Square
Revere, Mass.
Oct. 1, 1930

Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Please send me information regarding Benjamin Wray, who was receiving a pension for Revolutionary War service June 1, 1840 in Franklin County, Virginia.
I would like to know the date and place Of his birth, the Maiden Name of his wife and the Names of his parents and children.
Please tell me what service he gave in the war and the time and place of his death.
Very truly yours,
Alice C. Moore

Page 58

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION   3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C.,          , 19  

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Ray Wray a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [crossed out - (or his widow’s)] application for pension on file in this Bureau.

[column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. Captain. Colonel. STATE.
Early in war; 6 mos [months] Pvt.; [Captain] Davis; Va
Various times 6 mos [months] [Captain] Thomas Arthur
1781; 3 mos [months] [Captain] Jonathan Richardson 
Battles engaged in, Guilford
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Bedford Va.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 1 1832 his cl al [claim was allowed]
Residence at date of application, Franklin Co. Va.
Age at date of application, born 1757 James River Va.
Remarks: d. [died] Apr. 16, 1849 in Franklin Co. Va. He mar. [married] May 7, 1832 in Franklin Co. Va. Frances Hartwell who was al [allowed] pension on app. ex. Oct. 27, 1853 while a resident of Franklin Co. Va, aged 59 years.
her son in law Abram Angle in 1866 name of wife not stated.
brother James

Respectfully,
Commissioner

6-2856

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Rev. and 1812 
Wars Section
AWF: MLB

October 14, 1930

Alice C. Moore
18 Fitzhenry Square
Revere, Massachusetts

Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5657, that Benjamin Ray or Wray was born in 1757, on the James River in Virginia.
While residing at Bedford, Virginia, he enlisted early in the war and served six weeks as private in Captain Davis’ Virginia company.
Soon after this, he was called out at various times and served in Captain Thomas Arthur's Virginia company, and served in all six months, no dates given.
In 1781, he served three months in Captain Jonathan Richardson's company, and was in the battle of Guilford.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 1, 1832, while a resident of Franklin County, Virginia.
He died in Franklin County, Virginia, April 16, 1849.
The soldier married May 7, 1832, in Franklin County, Virginia, Frances Hartwell.
She was allowed pension on her application executed October 27, 1853, while residing in Franklin County, aged fifty-nine years.
Her son-in-law, Abram Angle, was referred to in 1866. The name of his wife is not given.

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The names of the soldier's parents are not stated and there are no further data as to family.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

Page 61

[Rev] and 1812 War Section. AWZ

April 16, 1933.

Jason Wray
Route 7
Fremont, Mich.

Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5657, it appears that Benjamin Ray or Wray, was born in 1757 on the James River in Virginia.
While residing at Bedford, Virginia, he enlisted early in the War and served six weeks as private in Captain Davis' Virginia Company.
Soon after this he was called out at various times and served in Captain Thomas Arthur's Virginia Company, and served in all six months, no dates given.
In 1781, he served three months in Captain Jonathan Richardson's Virginia Company, and was at the Battle of Guilford.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 1, 1832, while a resident of Franklin

Page 62

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

County, Virginia, [^ Par] he died there April 16, 1849.
Soldier married May 7, 1832 in Franklin County, Virginia, Frances Hartwell. [^ Par] She was allowed pension on her application executed October 27, 1853, while residing in Franklin County, aged fifty-nine years.
Her son-in-law Abram Angle is referred to in 1866, the name of his wife is not given.
The name of soldier’s parents are not stated. And there are no fur [further] data as to family.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.