Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3501, Edmond Ferguson, Va.

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(8-1776)
Va. Ferguson, Edmond or Edmund R.3501
Elizabeth

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5
Cert. of marriage of Edmond Ferguson & Elizabeth Ferguson

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Intermarried on the 23rd day of April 1782. (Twenty third day of April Seventeen hundred and eighty two) by the Rev^d Christopher McRae. Edmund Ferguson and Elizabeth Ferguson both of Littleton Parish:
State of Virginia Cumberland County to wit.
I Miller Woodson clerk of the county court of Cumberland in the state of Virginia, do hereby certify that the above is true copy of the marriage of Edmund Ferguson and Elizabeth Fuqua with the exception of the date written, which is in fair and legible figures, taken from the record of my office. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court this 4th day of April 1842
Miller Woodson Clk. [underlined]

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See 8226
Declaration of Elizabeth Ferguson for a Pension under act of July 7th 1839 [initialed]

Referred under The will to The Com: on Revolutionary Pensions 
April of 1846 Referred to the Com. on
Revolutionary Pensions.
Aug. 8 1846 Ref [illegible] 1335
[double line break]
E. W. Hubard.
[following text very light] The evidence not sufficient [illegible]

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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled, An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows 
State of Virginia, Buckingham County to wit:
On this second day of [February is crossed out] March 1842 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid Elizabeth Ferguson a resident of said County and State, aged eighty years; who being firm duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838 entitled, an Act. granting half pay and pensions to certain widows
That she is the widow of Edmond Ferguson late of the said county and state, who was a Regular in the continental and militia service in Virginia in the War of the Revolution. She declares, then she knows nothing personally in regard to the services of her late husband in the War of the Revolution, having married him subsequent to the expiration of the last period of his service. She has often heard him speak of his services, and also others who served with him, and that he was in actual service a considerable length of time, and was engaged in several battles, and suffered and endured many hardships and privations - all of which she honestly believes to be true and correct - That from bodily infirmity, old age and the consequent loss of memory, she cannot call to recollection the particulars of her husbands services as detailed by him in his lifetime: She therefore prefers to depend on

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The statement of competent and credible old soldiers who served with him, to any statement that she could make on the subject, that for the same reason, she cannot state precisely how long he was in actual service altogether but suppose that he served at the least five years as a Regular and three months as a militiamen, for she has frequently heard him say that he was in the battle of [illegible] for which length of time she claims a pension, in support of her claim she refers to the Army Records of the Pension and the accompanying certificates.
 She further declares that she was married to the said Edmond Ferguson on the 23rd day of April 1782; that her husband the aforesaid Edmond Ferguson died on the 26th January 1828. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1796 to wit at the time above stated. [signed with X] Elizabeth Ferguson her mark. Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and state aforesaid, this 2nd day of [February crossed out] March 1842 Benj. D. Anderson J.P.
Virginia: Buckingham County to wit I do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth Ferguson, widow of Edmond Ferguson decd. and do consider her from old age bodily infirmity and other causes unable to attend

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the County Court of Buckingham in order to make the foregoing Declaration - I further Certify that she is a credible person and her statement entitled to full confidence - Given under my hand this second day of [February crossed out] March 1842

Benj. D. Anderson J.P.

Virginia Buckingham County to wit:
We do hereby Certify that Edmond Ferguson late of said County, departed this life about the 26th day of January 1828 leaving at the time of his death his widow Elizabeth Ferguson, who is still a live resident in said County and that she has never married.

William Masey
George Chambers

Sworn to and subscribed before me. I further 
certify that they are credible persons and their statements entitled to full confidence. Given under my hand this the third day of [February crossed out] March 1842.  John Ayers J.P.

I Rolfe Eldridge clerk of the county court of Buckingham in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that Benjamin D. Anderson and John Ayers before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavit in support of it, were sworn to are acting justices of the peace in & for the County duly commissioned & qualified according to law & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office this 14th day of April 1842.
R. Eldridge CBC

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At a Court held for Buckingham County at the Courthouse on Monday the 11th day of November 1844
The declaration of Elizabeth Ferguson widow of Edmond Ferguson decd claiming a pension under the act of the 7th of July 1838 and sworn to before Benjamin D. Anderson a Justice of the peace in and for said county was presented and read to the Court, and approved, and the Court doth order the same to be certified, that the proceedings had before the single Justices, Benjamin D. Anderson and John Ayers are regular & doth further order the same to be certified to the secretary of war.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 12 day of November 1844
Rolfe Eldridge BC

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3501.
P.O. Elizabeth Ferguson
Service: wid of Edmond
[stamped] REJECTED
Enlisted:, 18
Discharged: , 18
Application filed: , 18

Alleges:

Re-enlisted:

Attorney:
P.O.

Recognized. Contra
 Cert. of Dis. Searched for , 18

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State of Virginia
County of Buckingham, S.S.

On this thirteenth day of February AD one thousand & eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me John C. Ferrier a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and state aforesaid Thomas Ferguson a resident of the county and state aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares: That he is lawfully one of the heirs of Edmond Ferguson dec^d a Revolutionary soldier whose widow, Elizabeth Ferguson made an application for a pension in her lifetime and was rejected. That his father and the said Elizabeth had nine children towit Inda Joel Nancy Edmund Benjamin Ryal Mary Wm. S and Thomas this deponent, That there are now only five of them living total; Nancy Griggle who was Nancy Ferguson Ryal Ferguson Mary W Taylor who was Mary W. Ferguson, William S. Ferguson and Thomas Ferguson. This deponent as aforesaid all of whom are now the surviving children of the said Edmund and Elizabeth Ferguson, Revolutionary soldier as he doth verily believe and as his mother set forth in her declaration
but in what Company or regiment he served he is not able to say but believe he served in Captain Ballow and Shelby's Company

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aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares: That he is lawfully one of the heirs of Edmund Ferguson dec'd a Revolutionary soldier whose widow, Elizabeth Ferguson made an application for a pension in her life time and was rejected, that his father and the said Elizabeth had nine children towit Inda Joel Nancy Edmumd Benjamin Ryal Mary Wm S. and Thomas the deponent; That there are now only five of them living total: Nancy Grizzle, who was Nancy Ferguson, Ryal Ferguson Mary W. Taylor who was Mary W. Ferguson, William S. Ferguson and Thomas Ferguson the deponent as aforesaid all of whom are now the surviving children of the said Edmund and Elizabeth Ferguson That the said Edmund Ferguson was a revolutionary soldier as he doth verily believe and as his mother set forth in her declaration but in what Company or regiment he served he is not able to say but believe he served in Captains Ballow and Shelby Company for over three years: He however believes that his mother set forth more minutely the service in her declaration for a pension than he could unless he had the aid of the roll, which will were clearly set forth his service and upon which he places such reliance - He further states that his mother, the said Elizabeth departed this life on the 16th day of May 1847 evidence of which is herewith accompanied of respectable witnesses, who saw her die and were present at her burial, He makes this declaration for the purpose of Obtaining the pension due the children of the said Edmund Ferguson dec'd by virtue of the service he rendered his country in the Revolutionary War and desires that the application in his own right and on behalf of others shall be filed under such act a act as my attorney shall think advisable to obtain the full and complete [illegible] interested.

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and would now particularize the the act of the 4th of July 1836 under which they claim subject to such other subsequent acts as his said agent and attorney may sue under.
Thomas Ferguson

Sworn and subscribed to before me in due form of law on the day and year mentioned in the foregoing declaration. And I hereby certify that I well know Thomas Ferguson who executed the said declaration and know him to be one of the children of Edmund and Elizabeth Ferguson dec'd.
Jno C. Turner J.P.

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State of Virginia, Buckingham County, to wit:
I Rolfe Eldridge clerk of the county court of Buckingham in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that Fred. B. Scruggs before whom the affidavit of Thomas Meader & Thomas Johnson were made in support of the foregoing declaration of Thomas Ferguson and John C. Turner before the said Ferguson declaration was sworn^to were at the date of their certificates, and still are acting justices of the peace in & for the said county duly commissioned & qualified according, and that their signatures to the said paper are genuine -
Given under my hand & the seal of the said County Court this 27th May 1854
R. Eldridge CBC

[Vertical]
Address
N. B. Tapscott
atty
General P.O.
Buckingham
Va

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The affidavit of Bartholomew Cyrus of Appomattox County State of Virginia (aged Eighty years) who states that he enlisted in the Regular Army in the Virginia line on Continental establishment either in the year 1776 or 1777 in the month of September and served under Capt. Sand. Woodson and first belong to the 15th Va Regiment and then attached to the 2nd Va Regiment, and Edmund Ferguson belong to the same Company and acted as Sergeant this affiant went from the county of Chesterfield and said Edmund Ferguson from either Powhattan or Cumberland Virginia: in the latter part of the winter 1779 or the first of the winter 1780, this affiant was left behind at Fredericktown State of Maryland, to bring up some of the sick while the other part of the Company including the said Edmund Ferguson, marched to the South the said Ferguson was attached to Genl. Woodford's Brigade, which was marched to Charlestown State of South Carolina to the aid of General Lincoln, this affiant was not there at the time Charlestown was taken by the British, but was still behind with the sick but the company to which said Ferguson belong was taken prisoners and said Ferguson was included. This affiant knew said Ferguson in the army about three years during which time he acted as Sergeant
Bartholomew Cyrus
x his mark

State of Virginia Appomattox County, to wit
The foregoing affidavit of Bartholomew Cyrus was sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid in due form of Law, I further certify that he Bartholomew Cyrus is a creditable

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person and that his statement is entitled to full force and credit - Given under my hand this the 19th day of May 1845
Wm Trent J.P.

Virginia
I John T. Bocock Clerk of the Court of Appomattox County, do hereby Certify that William Trent before whom the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal this the 19th day of May 1845
J. T. Bocock CAC

I John T. Bocock Clerk of the Court of Appomattox County, do hereby certify there is no official seal belonging to my office - Given under my hand this 19 day of May 1845
J. T. Bocock CAC

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State of Virginia
County of Buckingham} s.s.

Be it known, that on this Fourteenth day of January A.D. 1854 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared: Thomas Ferguson Ferguson, administrator of the estate of Elizabeth Ferguson resident of _________ said County, and made oath according to law that he is one of the legaties of Edmund Ferguson who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who ^ as widow has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of _____________
That he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint N. B. Tapscott of Washington City, my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of a Edmund Ferguson dec'd for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D.C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present.
Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Thomas Ferguson
Sworn to, Subscribed, and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Thomas Ferguson to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party herein alleged.

Jno C. Turner J.P.

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51243 [may be 11293]
Elizabeth Ferguson
Va

Jno H. Routon 11 Sep 1844
same Dec 23 1844
same Aprl 4 1845
same July 12 1845
same Sep 1 184
Hon E. W. Hubbard Feby 10 1846
Geo D. Saunders 14 June 1853
N. B. Tapscott 9 June 1855
same June 9 1855
Hon. J. W. Forney June 9 1855

See claim Stephen Garrett
3501 R. 3924

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Newston 29th Augt. 1845

Sir
I must respectfully beg leave to call your attention to the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Ferguson widow of Edmond Ferguson dec^d which stands on your pension Roll - I forwarded to you some time in June last the affidavit of Bartholomew Cyrus in support of said claim, which I think is nearly three months and not having received any answer, I thought it reasonable to presume that the affidavit had miscarried. You will please inform me upon the subject
I am very respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
John H Rowton

To
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

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The affidavit of John Fuqua of Fluvanna County Virginia (taken in Buckingham County Va) aged 77 years to establish the Pension claim of Elizabeth Ferguson the widow of Edmond Ferguson who states that he knew said Ferguson before he enlisted in the Revolutionary War he then lived in the County of Cumberland Virginia. The said Edmond Ferguson enlisted in the army of the United States for five years and this affiant believes he enlisted in the year 1777 and is Certain that it was either in the seventeen hundred and seventy seven or eight, this affiant had a brother entered the service about the same time Though as a drafted Militia man and said Ferguson did not return until after the siege at Charlestown in South Carolina and was taken prisoner at that place and this affiant believes he returned in the year 1787 - and was afterwards married to this affiant's sister the present widow of Edmond Ferguson in some short time after his return from the army -
John Fuqua

Virginia Buckingham County, to wit.
The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and state aforesaid in due form of law, I further certify that he (John Fuqua) is a creditable person and that his statement is entitled to full credit. Given under my hand this the 29th day of January 1845
William Woodson J.P.

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Virginia
I Rolfe Eldridge Clerk of the Court of Buckingham County do hereby Certify that William Woodson before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of office and Subscribed my name this 4th day of Feby in the year Eighteen hundred and forty five -
Rolfe Eldridge CBC

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[Vertical]
Nov. 18 1844
Amended dec of fly: Ferguson
July 7 [illegible]
Va

[Horizontal]
FREE

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City 
D.C.

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Buckingham C.H. 13th Nov. 1844

Sir
Enclosed you will receive the Declaration of Elizabeth Ferguson widow of Edmond Ferguson died, which was returned for the approval of the Court, which requisite has been duly complied with - and is respectfully submitted to your decision and ask an answer as early as convenient - directed to the New Store Post Office Buckingham County Virginia
I am very respectfully
Yr. Obt Servt
John H. Rowton

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State of Virginia
County of Buckingham} S.S.
On this sixteenth day of February AD one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before Frederick B Scruggs a Justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid Thomas Johnson who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he well knew the 'late Elizabeth Ferguson widow of Edmund Ferguson dec'd: that he lived a near neighbour to the said Elizabeth Ferguson when she died: that from the best of his recollection she died on the sixteenth day of May 1845.
he knows she died in the year of 1845 but he might be mistaken as to the precise day having kept no minute of it - although he was at her burial -
He further deposeth and saith that he well knows Thomas Ferguson Ryal Ferguson and knows them to be truly the children of the said Edmund and Elizabeth
He further deposeth and saith that he is in no way interested in the application which the heirs are now making for a pension -
Thomas Johnson

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Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year mentioned in the foregoing affidavit. And I hereby Certify that I well know the said Thomas Johnson who is a highly respectable citizen and whose testimony is entitled to the fullest credit.
Fred B. Scruggs, JP

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State of Virginia
County of Buckingham} S.S.
On this sixteenth day of February AD. one Thousand and eight hundred and fifty-four personally appeared before me Frederick B Scruggs a Justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid James Meadows aged sixty nine years who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he well knew the late Elizabeth Ferguson widow of Edmund Ferguson dec'd that he lived a near neighbour to the said Elizabeth Ferguson when she died; that she died on the sixteenth day of May in the year Eighteen hundred & forty five that he was present at her burial and saw her a corpse a few hours after her death -
He further deposes and says that he well knew and now knows Thomas Ferguson and other children of the dec'd widow and knows them to be truly the legal children of the parties aforesaid - He further deposes and says that he is in no cause interested in the application of the heirs of the dec'd, fathers for a pension.
James Meadow

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Sworn and subscribed to before me this day and year mentioned in the foregoing affidavit - And I hereby certify that I well know the said James Meadows who is a highly respectable citizen whose testimony is entitled to the fullest credit
Fred B Scruggs J.P.

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Affidavit of
Hopper Ward &
John Fuqua
for
Elizabeth Ferguson

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The affidavit of John Fuqua of the county of Fluvanna state of Virginia (aged 74 years) who states that he was well acquainted with Edmond Ferguson, who enlisted in the Regular army during the Revolutionary war this affiant does not recollect the precise date at which he enlisted but distinctly recollects about the time he returned; he also had a brother in the service with him and then he was gone some time, and he always understood that he enlisted for four or five years and that he served out the whole time of his enlistment, he enlisted in the county of Cumberland and always understood that he was an orderly Sergeant while in the service 
Edmond Ferguson married the sister of this affiant and that she is now living and a widow John Fuqua

State of Virginia Fluvanna County, to wit,
The foregoing affidavit of John Fuqua was sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid in due form of Law: I further certify that he is a creditable person and that his statement is entitled to full force and confidence - Given under my hand this the 22nd day of February 1844
T,W,Omohundro J.P.

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The affidavit of Hopper Ward of the County of Fluvanna State of Virginia (aged ninety two years) who states that he enlisted in the Regular army in the Virginia line on continental establishment, and first served under Capt. Samuel Woodson, then under Capt. Nathaniel Morris and was taken prisoner at Charlestown South Carolina and Edmund Ferguson was a Regular in the same Company and was taken prisoner at the same time and place acting as Sergeant.
Hopper Ward
x his mark

State of Virginia, Fluvanna County, to wit
The foregoing affidavit of Hopper Ward was sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid in due form of Law, I further certify that he is a creditable person and his statement is entitled to full credit - Given under my hand this the 23rd day of February 1844
W. B. Shepherd J.P.

Fluvanna County
State of Virginia} &c:
I Abraham Shepherd Jr. Clerk of the County Court of Fluvanna County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that T. W. Omohundro and Martin B. Shepherd are and were at the time of signing the foregoing certificates, Justices of the Peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified as such, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be paid to all their Official acts.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of my Office, this 26th day of February 1844, and in the 68th year of the Commonwealth
Abra: Shepherd J.C.C.

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Buckingham Co,
June 1st 1854

Hon.
Com of Pensions

Sir
Enclosed you will receive the application of the heirs of Edmund Ferguson dec'd for a pension.
The widow Elizabeth Ferguson, filed an application for a pension in her life time but was for some cause which the children does not know denied it.
I think the heirs age entitled soon under the Act of 4th July 1836 When the case is taken up and disposed of please address me Glenmae PO, Buckingham Co, Va
Very respectfully
N. B. Tapscott

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New Store
Buckingham Va} 24 "Feby" 53

Dear Sir
A claim was presented to your Department sometime since in the name of Elizabeth Ferguson for a pension on account of the Revolutionary services of Edmund Ferguson her deceased husband. The agent who presented her claim, has gone to parts unknown, without giving her satisfactory information, which she desires now to get from the Department.
She thinks it more than probable the claim has been allowed and has required me to write to ascertain that fact, and if not, please inform me of any difficulty in the way. The claim is a meritorious one & I merely act as her friend -
If it is needful she will engage an agent at Washington -
Very Respectfully
Geo: D. Saunders

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New Store 20th May 1845
Sir
Enclosed you will receive the affidavit of Bartholomew Cyrus in support of the pension claim of Mrs. Elizabeth Ferguson widow of Edmund Ferguson. The county of Appomattox is a new County which was created at the last session of the Virginia Legislature which act took effect the first day of this month, and no official seal has as yet been furnished the Clerk. You will see that the Clerk has put his own seal and Certified the fact that there is no Official Seal belonging to his office which was all he could, all of which is respectfully submitted to your consideration and ask to be informed of the result thereof as early as convenient
I am very respectfully
Yr. Obt Servt
John H. Rowton

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New Store 5th Feby 1845
Sir
Enclosed you will receive the affidavit of Mr. John Fuqua to establish the pension claim of Mrs. Elizabeth Ferguson widow of Edmund Ferguson which I hope will be satisfactory -
The evidence of Hopper Ward identifies Ferguson and proves the rank which he held (Sergeant) in the arm, states the officers under whom (in part) he served but does not state the duration of service but testifies that Edmond Ferguson was with him under the same officers acting as Sergeant, and was taken Prisoner at Charlestown in South Carolina at the siege at the place which was in the spring (May) 1787. Mr. Fuqua now states that he [illegible] before he enlisted he lived in the County of Cumberland Va. which was entire in the year 1777 or 5 certain and that he did not return until 1787 and states other circumstances which clearly prove the distinctions of his recollection
I am very respectfully
Yr. Obt. Servt.
John H. Rowton

Commissioner of Pensions

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[Vertical]
Elizabeth Ferguson
Edmund -
Va Jus 1838

[Horizontal]
Free

Honbl. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

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Glenmore Post Office
Buckingham Co. Va
May 29th 1855

Honbl. Com. of Pensions

Sir
The application of the heirs of Edmund Ferguson dec'd a revolutionary soldier you say was rejected upon the grounds that no service could be proven and that the papers filed in behalf of his widow while she was alive, had been sent to the Honbl Edmund W.Hubbard MC, while he was a member of the house of Rep. & had not since been returned. Since receiving your letter I have seen Edmund W. Hubbard but he seems to have no recollection whatsoever of the papers. It is very much to be requested that the papers are lost from the fact that the application now filed in behalf of the widows children, contained such information as next past the memory of the family. All that the eldest son can recollect is that he thinks his father belonged to the Virginia Militia service and served under one Captain Ballow or Shelby
There is not the least chance to prove the service by any one at this late day although it seems to be perfectly understood by the oldest citizens that Edmund Ferguson was certainly a faithful old revolutionary soldier
The service must be some where rendered as the heirs for the last year have received letter after letter proposing to them to undertake the case.
Will you be good enough to have the will, diligently examined and see if his name is not found on the roll.
Very respectfully
Yr. Obt Svt.
N. B. Tapscott

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[Vertical]
Newton Va
March. 6th.
To the

[Horizontal]
March 9 1844
See N 8221
Rev Call
Elizabeth Ferguson
7 July 1838

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New Store. 4th March 1844.

Dr Sir
I enclose you – pension papers of Mrs Elizabeth Ferguson widow of Edmond Ferguson Deceased the Declaration was made about two years ago, but the proof was not obtained until recently and rather than travel over the same ground in taking the Declaration; I have taken the affidavit of her brother John Ferguson to prove that she is still living which I supposed would be satisfactory, all of which is respectfully submitted your consideration and ask an answer of the result as soon as convenient
I am very respectfully
Yr. Obt. Servt
John H. Rowton

To
The Commissioner of Pensions