Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6448, Thomas West, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
West, Thomas Ann
No. 6448. B.L. No. 31777-160-55
CONTENTS
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This Envelope Includes FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER Received from GAO

Alabama (D.) 31.473
Thomas West of Limestone Co. in the State of Alabama who was a private in the camp commanded by Captain Soaper of the regt. commanded by Col. Marshall in the Massachusetts line for 12 mos. private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Alabama (D.) at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of July, 1838 and sent to Hon. J. L. Martin, H. R.
Arrears to the 14th of March, 1838 $280:00 Pension allowance ending 4 Sept. " 20:00
$300:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 28, 1838 }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott, Clerk, Book L 2 Vol. 8. Page 112

3226
Alabama Huntsville
Ann West widow of Thomas West who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Decr 53 and sent to
Thos H Hobbs Athens Ala
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 157 Vol. A
32
1858 April 20 - Duplicate issued and sent to Hon. G. S. Houston, H. R.
1825/2

182.512. Vet. Mar. Sp. 1
July 1. 1/11
Ann West widow of Thomas West Soldier
Ann wid. Thomas West,
1831/11/11
Rev. West Recd. Pension Certificate dated Dec. 15. 1853
No 53-3226
ad: 11/11/53
Signature
Thomas H. Hobbs Athens Alabama
Vol 11-1-91

Act of Feb. 3. 1853.
Claim of Ann West widow of Thomas West
Thomas H. Hobbs Atty for claimant Athens Alabama

State of Alabama County of Limestone
On this 11th day of November, 1853 personally appeared before the Probate Judge of said county and state, Ann West a resident of said county & state, aged 62 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Thomas West who was a private in the Revolutionary War ; that at the time of his death on the 19th day of November 1840 he was a pensioner, and received his pension at Huntsville Alabama ; that the service he performed will more fully appear from the papers on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions and upon which his pension was issued as aforesaid.
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas West on the 4th day of November 1806 that her said husband died on the 19th day of November 1840 that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January 1800 but at the time above stated - She further declares that she is now a widow
Ann West
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before Thomas G. Foyes, the Honorable Judge of the Probate Court of Limestone county Alabama, and ex officio clerk of the same - In token whereof he hath signed his name and affixed his official seal hereunto.
Thomas G Foyes J.P.

State of Alabama Simson County
On this 31 st day of October 1853 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and State, Robert C. David , aged 50 years a resident of said county and State who being duly sworn declares that since the year 1820 he has been acquainted with Mrs Ann West , the deponent of the foregoing affidavit; that he knew Mr Thomas West from the same year until his death, and that he and the said Ann always during that time lived as man and wife and were so regarded by this community . He further declares that the said Ann West is still a widow .
R. C. David
Sworn to and subscribed in my presence the day & year aforesaid. Jno Lurrentino J.P.
State of Alabama Simson county.
On this 11th day of November 1853 personally appeared before me the Judge of Probate for said county & State a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and State, Thomas West aged 51 years a resident of said county and State who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a son of the late Thomas West who was a pensioner of the United States and that his said father died on the 19th day of November 1840 leaving a widow who is the Ann West whose affidavit is given above - and that she is still a widow
Thomas West
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid.
And I Thomas G. Tyus Judge of Probate Court in and for said County and State and ex officio Clerk of the same do hereby certify that John Lurrentino whose genuine signature appears above is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace

in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified and that full faith and Credit are due to all his official acts as such. And I further certify that said Court of probate is a court of record.
In testimony Whereof I hereunto set my name and affix the Seal of said Court at my office in Athens this 12 th of November A D 1853 and the 78 th Year of American Independence Thomas G. Hayes Judge

Widow's Claim
Ann West
widow of Thomas West.
Claim forwarded by Thomas H. Hobbs
Athens Ala.
182.5-12

State of Alabama County of Limestone On this 21st day of June A.D. 1855. personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the county and State aforesaid Ann West aged about sixty five years a resident of said county and State, who being duly sworn accordingly to law, declares that she is the widow of Thomas West, who was a Revolutionary Soldier but in what company or regiment she is not informed; she believes however that this will fully appear by reference to the files of the Department because her said husband was a pensioner of the United States and that after his death, and under the act of February 3. 1853 she was granted a pension, and that said certificate of pension is dated December 15. 1853 and is made payable at Huntsville Alabama.
She further states that she was married to the said Thomas West in the State of South Carolina. on the 14th day of November 1806. by one Hollingshead a minister of the Gospel and that her name before her said marriage was Mrs Ann Morgan and that her said husband died at Limestone county Alabama on the 19th day of November A.D. 1840 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. Ann West
We William D. Hays and Thomas F. Goble residents of Limestone County and State of Alabama upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by the said Ann West in our presence; and that we believe from the appearance and statement of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
William D. Hays Thomas F. Goble.

We Sids Malone and Thomas G. Byrd residents of Limestone county and State of Alabama upon our oaths declare that we were for many years acquainted with Thomas West and Ann West of said county and State; that up to the day of his death he lived with the said Ann, who made the foregoing declaration, as her husband and recognised her upon all occasions as his wife.
Sids Malone Thomas G. Byrd
The foregoing Declaration and affidavits 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. Given under my hand at office on the day and year above written
Jno. Turpin
Justice of the Peace
The State of Alabama I Thomas G. Byrd Judge of the Probate Court Limestone County of said County, and ex officio Clerk of the same hereby Certify that John Turpin whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate, is now, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly Com- missioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his Official acts as such. I further Certify that said Probate Court is a Court of Record.
In Testimony Whereof I herewith set my name and affix the seal of said Court at my Office in Athens this 21 st day of June A.D. 1855
Thomas G. Byrd J. P.

Thomas West
20452
Linnstown City, Ala.
1 - 8 Ref.
C C Clay
M

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832
of the State of Alabama Circuit Court of Limestone County 355
On this third day of September 1832 personally before the judge of the said Circuit Court in the said County of Limestone State of Alabama now sitting in open Court, Thomas West a resident in said County aged seventy two years, who being 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 7. 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1777 for the term of three years in the regiment of horse or dragoons of the Massachusetts Line as well as he recollects, under the following named officers, Captain Soaper commanding the company when he joined the Army, but that said company was afterwards commanded by Captain Marshall, said Regiment to which said company belonged was commanded by Colonel Marshall. said Marshalls were brothers but he has now forgotten their Christian names, the Brigade to which he belonged was commanded by General Patterson. When the said Regiment of Artillery joined the troops of the Connecticut line said Regiment was commanded by Colonel Sheldon. That he served out the full term of said three years under the above named officers. That at the time of his enlistment in entering the service he resided about ten miles from New Bedford at a place called New Free Town in the State of Massachusetts, That he was at the

Battle of Still Water or Breyman's heights, & at the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga. That at that time General Gates was his commander in chief though he was also under the command of General Arnold. That he was also at the Battle of Brandywine on the 26th of which place he was wounded in the head & leg & can now show the scars - & That he was at various skirmishes, at White Plains, Ferry Farm, Horse Neck Pine's Bridge etc - That after the capture of Burgoyne he was ordered to West Point where he remained from thence in the summer following he made frequent marches against the enemy to King's Bridge, Horse Neck etc. the following winter he was stationed at Valley Forge & upon the retreat of the enemy from Philadelphia he accompanied the main army in pursuit through New Jersey & was on duty mostly in the neighbour- hood of West Point until he was discharged. That he received his regular discharge signed by General Patterson, but lost the same in the year 1804 when the Savannah Packet which he then com- manded was lost off the Georgia coast. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State -
Thos West
Sworn to and subscribed to a true and correct copy 1832. Frank Ford Clerk
And the said board do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I Francis H. Ford Clerk of the aforesaid board do hereby certify that the foregoing contains

the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas West for a Pension
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 14th day of September 1832 (Donald Sora clk ce)
The State of Alabama 3 ss I John White Judge of the Circuit Court in for the County of Limestone State of Alabama do hereby certify that Francis H. Ford whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the time of subscribing the same Clerk of the Court aforesaid and that said certificate is in due form Given under my hand Seal this 14th Sept: 1832.
John White

FINAL PAYMENT RECEIVED
Received of... CAC
No 1. Thomas West. decd A/c 28 June 1838
£ 10

State of Alabama } ss Be it known that before Limestone County } me James Thompson a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid person- ally appeared Ann West and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of Thomas West the identical person who was a pensioner and is now dead and to whom a certificate of pension was issued of which the following is a true copy: The original pension certificate being here with surrendered.
"War Department Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 28 th June 1838 Thomas West of Alabama who was a private in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive forty dollars per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 and payable semiannu- ally on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year.
Given at the War office of the United States this seventh day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, J. R. Poinsett Secretary of War.
Examined and counter signed J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
(Endorsed) "Payment to be made at Decatur by "Horace Green Esq. Agent for paying pensioners "in the Agency of Decatur Alabama. "Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E 2. "Vol 8 Page 112 by S. A. Elliott Clerk (numbanded) "31.473.25 that the deceased pensioner resided in Limestone County in the State of Alabama for the space of twenty three years before his death and that previous thereto he resided in the City of Charleston South Carolina Given and subscribed this 10 th day of April 1841 before me James Thompson J.P. Ann West

Know all men by these presents that I Ann West of the County of Limestone and State of Alabama the widow of Thomas West deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States do hereby constitute and appoint Zebulon P Davis my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in Huntsville State of Alabama the balance of said pension from the 4 th day of March 1840 to the 19 th day of November 1840 being the day of his death. Witness my hand and seal this 10 th day of April 1841
Sealed and delivered in presence of
Ann West
John N. Malone
Robt Montgomery
Be it known that on the 10 th day of April 1841 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared the above named Ann West and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned
James Simpson Justice of Peace
State of Alabama } ss Be it known that on Limestone County } the 10 th day of April 1841 - before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Zebulon P Davis the Attorney named in the foregoing power of Attorney and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the pension or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him
Zebulon P. Davis
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me
James Simpson Justice of Peace
State of Alabama } set I Robert Austin Jr Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that James Simpson is a justice of the

peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified; That his Commission was dated on the 18 th day of March 1841, and will expire on the first Monday of March 1844. And that his signature above written is genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said County this 10 th day of April 1841
Robert Austin D. Clerk
State of Alabama } County of Limestone } ss I Robert Austin D. Clerk of the County Court held at the Court house in the town of Athens on the 10 th day of April 1841 in and for said County of Limestone do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Thomas West deceased was a prisoner of the United States at the rate of Forty dollars per annum during his natural life; was a resident of the County of Limestone in the State of Alabama; and died in the County of Limestone in the State of Alabama in the year 1840 on the 19 th day of November; that he left a widow whose name is Ann West. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Athens in the said County of Limestone this 10 th day of April in the year of our Lord 1841. Robert Austin D. Clerk of the County Court of the County of Limestone
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAB

To the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Athens, Ala. Nov. 12. '53
Enclosed please find the papers to sustain the claim of Mrs Ann West for a pension under the Act of Feby 3. 1853. I have given but two affidavits as to her marriage to the deceased pensioner, but if the Dept. would like more, any number of our citizens will testify to the fact. As the old Lady is in great poverty, I hope the Dept will examine as soon as possible and if entitled forward the pension at once to her attorney and
Your ob t Servant
Thomas F. Hobbs.
att y for Ann West.

War Department Pension Office
January 25, 1837
Sir,
In answer to your letter respecting Thomas West I can only state to you, so far as the papers presented here will permit me to state, that I have not the least doubt that he was with the Army, and served as a waiter; but not having been a regularly enlisted soldier, his case is not provided for by any existing law.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obet. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Hon. J. L. Martin House of Representatives

West- Thomas West Alabama abt 1832 susp. see letter March 1836 to Hon. J. L. Martin
do. to Secy of State, Boston, 8? May April 1836 - [when we receive an answer, write to Hon. J. L. Martin.]
See letter 6 Jan. 1837 to Hon. J. L. Martin, do. to same 25 Jan. 1837.

202452
Th West.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comp. Pensions Washington
Thomas West, Alabama, Decatur roll - act June 28 1838 - $40 per annum, Com d 4 March 1831, Send Certificate to
Hon. J. L. Martin H. R.

Washington July 5. th 1838.
Sir
Your note is recd. Mr. Franklin the clerk of the House will furnish you this day, with the papers & proofs upon which the bill granting a pension to "Thomas West of Alabama", was passed.
I do not know the form necessary to be presumed in the certificate which you require of me, prior to the issuance of the certificate. I will state here however, that I am personally & intimately acquainted with Thomas West to whom this pension is granted by the bill, & know that he resides in Limestown Co. Alabama. I know of no other individual of the same name, in that part of the country.

I know also that the Thomas West for whom I make this application, is the identical individual to whom the proof upon which the bill was founded applies; and that he made the declaration which will be found in the papers sent you by the clerk.
I hope this may be found sufficient if not, I am able to do so, & will obtain further proof from Senators & Representatives who are personally acquainted with him.
With great respect.
Your obedient
J. L. Martin
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm. Pensions

— N. J. L. Martin

Charleston S. Carolina Nov: 22 1836
I, the here by certify that I became acquainted with Capt Thomas West in Providence at Rhode Island soon after the revolutionary war, in year 1783, 84, and that he had just returned from the united States Army, where he had been as I always understood for 3 years I also believe he enlisted for in the town of New Bedford and joined the army and remained there till his term expired when he returned again to Providence Capt West has been known to me ever since, and as to his character, I have found to be in all his dealings of veracity and sobriety, and one who would might be depended on, and that was his general character and I have not the least doubt that what I have stated is strictly true
Oliver Fuller
Sworn to before me this 12 th day December 1836 Thomas Lechie Ordinary C.T.D.
I certify that I have known Capt Thos West for many years & believe him to be a man of truth and that his service in the Army of the U.S. is matter of fact - I can produce many witnesses of his honorable character
Yours H. Billingsworth
Sworn to before me this 12 th day of Dec r 1836 Thomas Lechie Ordinary C.T.D.

25th CONGRESS, 2d Session
H. R. 204.
Priv 97
DECEMBER 22, 1837.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. SIBLEY, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:
An Act
A BILL
Granting a pension to Thomas West, of Alabama.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be required to place the name of Thomas 4 West, of Limestone county, Alabama, upon the roll of revo- 5 lutionary pensioners of the United States, and pay him forty 6 dollars per annum during his natural life; to commence and 7 take effect on the fourth of March, eighteen hundred and 8 thirty-one: Provided , That the said Thomas does not already 9 receive a pension from the United States.
Approved, June 28 th 1839.
A true copy compared with the Roll in this Office.
Dept. of State,
Stair

H. R. 204.
Rev 97
DECEMBER 22, 1837.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. SIBLEY, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, re- ported the following bill:
An Act
A BILL
Granting a pension to Thomas West, of Alabama.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be required to place the name of Thomas 4 West, of Limestone county, Alabama, upon the roll of revo- 5 lutionary pensioners of the United States, and pay him forty 6 dollars per annum during his natural life; to commence and 7 take effect on the fourth of March, eighteen hundred and 8 thirty-one: Provided , That the said Thomas does not already 9 receive a pension from the United States.
Approved, June 28 th 1839.
A true copy compared with the Roll in this Office.
Dept. of State, June 30 th 1838.
A. Hall Chief Clerk

31.777
{ Rev. Aug.

THOMAS WEST.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 204.]
DECEMBER 22, 1837.
Mr. SIBLEY, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Thomas West, of Alabama, for a pension for services in the war of the Revolution, respectfully report:
That this case was submitted to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions of the last Congress, which made the following report, which your committee beg leave to adopt; and report a bill accordingly.
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Thomas West, of Limestone county, Alabama, praying a pension for services in the revolutionary war, report:
That the petitioner alleges that, between the ages of seventeen and eighteen, he enlisted in the army of the United States for the term of three years, in the year 1777, in a regiment of horse or dragoons of the Massachusetts line, under Captain Soaper, who commanded when he first joined the army, but which was subsequently commanded by Captain Marshall, belonging to Colonel (brother of Captain) Marshall's regiment, General Patterson's brigade; that after said regiment joined the troops of the Connecticut line, it was commanded by Colonel Sheldon. He states that he served in the battle of Stillwater, at the surrender of Burgoyne, General Gates then commanding; that he served some time under General Arnold; that he served in the battle of Plymouth, where he was wounded in the head and leg, the scars of which still remain; that he was in various skirmishes at White Plains, Tarrytown, Horseneck, Pine Bridge, &c. After the capture of Burgoyne, he was ordered to West Point. He was at Valley Forge, and with the main army when pursuing the enemy through New Jersey. He served his time out, and received his regular discharge, signed by General Patterson, which he lost while on board the Savannah packet, (which he commanded,) in 1804, when the said packet was lost on the Georgia coast.
Oliver Fuller testifies that he became acquainted with the petitioner in 1783, soon after the war; that the petitioner had then just returned from the United States army, in which he had been (as was then stated, and as witness always understood,) for the space of three years.
Thomas Allen, print.

James Magood testifies that he has been acquainted with the petitioner for many years, and that his service and wound received in the army of the United States are matter of fact, and not doubted by any who know him.
The department does not seem to doubt the service. Mr. Edwards seems to think he served as a "waiter," and was not a regular enlisted soldier.

182. 51/2
Official Business  FREE
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6448
John West
Widow
Thomas West
Print Rev Par
— Act: Feb. 3 rd  1855
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 319
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rev. 1886
0. Thomas West
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
REJECTED
REJECTED

Pennon Office November 21/53
Sir Please report time of last payment to, or death of withold named pensioner
Respectfully &c H. Burt B. Hood 3 and Present. Jo. Cannon
Thomas West, est 1832 $40.00 p. annum. — Died 19 th Nov. 1840. Paid to death.
Samuel Rivers Actg Auditor.

No. 3.698
Ann West of Thomas
Set to Tho. McRobb
Athens
Alabama
Nov. 26. 1853
Act Feb. 3/53

State of Alabama Limestone county
I, John Turrentine, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and State before whom one Robert C. David not long since made affidavit touching the marriage of Thomas and Ann West, do hereby certify that the said David is a man of unimpeached veracity, and that I believe his statements in regard to this matter are entirely correct and reliable - That he is in no manner connected by blood or marriage with the claimant, nor interested in any manner in the claim, as I am informed and believe.
Given under my hand and official seal this 8th day of December 1853 at my office in the town of Athens Ala
Given under my hand and official seal this 8th day of John Turrentine J.P. Pres.
The State of Alabama Limestone County
I Thomas G. Tyner Judge and ex officio Clerk of the Probate Court of said County hereby certify that John Turrentine whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such. And I further certify that said Court is a Court of Record
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affix the seal of said Court at my office in Athens this 8 th Day of December A.D. 1853 and 78 year of American Independence. Thomas G. Tyner Judge

Ho of Reps. 19th April 1858—
Sir
Allow me to call yr attention to the enclosed afft and ask you to give it action as soon as you can properly do so—
I know the old lady well & she is much dependent upon the pittance to which the Certificate entitles her— Mr Hobbs is a man of high character & anything he may say you can rely upon
Yours & C Geo. Houston
Am S. Cole Pension Office D.C.

State of Alabama Personally appeared before Simsbury county me John Turrentine a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and State. Thomas H. Hobbs who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is the attorney of Ann West widow of Thomas West, who is a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of $40. per annum payable at Huntsville Ala- bama - that he the said Hobbs has posses- sion of a certain certificate of pension by which the said Ann West drew her pension, and that he same has been mislaid or lost, so that it can not now be found, and hence the said Ann West can not make the affidavit required by law and hence can not get the pension due her by law. The said Hobbs makes this affidavit for the purpose that the said Ann West may have granted her a duplicate of said certificate lost as aforesaid -
 John Turrentine J.P. } Thomas H. Hobbs Suborned & subscribed before me this { 12 th day of April 1858 { J. Turrentine J.P.

The State of Alabama Limestone County To Thomas G. Sykes Judge and Ex officio Clerk of the Probate Court of said County hereby Certify that John Turner whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly, Commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and Credit are due and ought to be given to all of his Official acts as such. I further Certify that said Court is a Court of Record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Athens this 13 th day of April A D 1888 Thomas G Sykes Judge

Brief in the case of Sunn West, Limestone County and State of Ala act 3 Feb, 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Duplicate, issued in lieu of one dated Dec 15, 1853, which has been lost, or destroyed
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Wm Geo S. Worsten, Name and residence of Agent H. of R
S. Cal Examining Clerk.

West

Brief in the case of Ann West widow of Thomas Limestone County and State of Alabama act of February 3 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a private in Mass line 12 mos A pensioner under act of June 7. 1832 at $40 per annum & paid to his death Nov. 19. 1840
Allowed $40 per annum to Jan. Feb 3 1853
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by R. C. David of said County, who is certified to credible
Death proved by Auditor's report.
Identity & widowhood "credible witnesses"
Name and residence of Agent
Thos H Hobbs Athens Alabama.
Examining Clerk.
J. H. Gray

Thos. Woodson 3 o
88
Ala
Wm. J. L. Edwards Comr. Pensions Pension office Washington City
L. M. Gordon HN

Washington Jan'y 1 st 1836
Sir
Enclosed send you the affidavit of Alvin Fuller of Charleston S. Carolina upon the subject of Capt. Thomas Wests application for a pension. I am aware that I have given you much trouble in this case, & I regret that I have now to add to it. I hope however you are satisfied, that I have not been willing at any time to give you trouble unnecessarily; but that my course has been induced from a conviction that the applicant is certainly entitled to the benefits of the act granting to the soldiers of the revolution pensions. and that if there is a defect in the showing it is his misfortune to be unable to show the facts which do actually exist. If the additional proof afforded by this afdt is not sufficient, please to send me either the original papers, or a copy of them to be presented to Congress.

My confidence in his statement is such that I feel bound to make every exertion for the success of his application; for that purpose must leave no chance for its unpayed. I must add a hope however, that the evidence afforded him by the afdt. coming as it does from a Revolutionary worthy will be found sufficient.
I have the honor to be respectfully
Your affec son
J. S. Martin
Hon J. S. Edwards Comp of Pension

Rep. Hall Jany 24 th 1837
Sir
I presented, & had referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, the petition of Thomas West of Summerton County Ala. whose application was rejected by you. Mr. Fry, one of that Committee to whom this petition is referred, & who is charged with the examination & report in this case had an interview with me, upon the subject, when I gave him my decided opinion in favour of the justice of the claim of the petitioner. and at the same time remarked to him that I was inclined to the belief, that al- though the showing to you, as Comt. of Pensions was not sufficient to authorise him to be placed upon the pension roll; that yet you believed from the showing made that the petitioner had served as he states, in the revolutionary war. Mr. F. remarked, that an expression of that opinion by you would have much might

in influencing the opinion of the Comtee. I am as you know, very solicitous for the success of Capt. West's application. & desire to do all, that I may properly do, to effect this object. Now if it is not improper for you to do so, & you do, as I have supposed, entertain a fa- vourable opinion upon this case, may I ask you to express that opinion in re- ply to this, which I will hand to the Comtee. or if it may be necessary that the Comtee make application to you for this opin- ion themselves, upon the receipt of that in- formation the application will be made by them.
I hope in this, I am not going beyond propriety - if I am however, I must beg that you will excuse an act, which great zeal in the cause of one whose claim I believe to be just, has in- duced me to perform, & that my apology will be then found.
I have the honor to be respectfully your affec Son
J. L. Martin
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commr. of Pensions

Jan 25, Moulton Ala.
69m-al-
Hon. J. Q. Adams Comr. Pensions Washington
J. Martin H.R.

Thomas West
Petition
Praying for a pension
January 16 1837.
Ref d to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
Feb. 1. 1837. Bill No 900
Dec. 4 1837
Ref d to the Com tee on Rec d .
Pensions —
Oct. 22. 1837. Bill No 204.
✓ Martin 207 Rev Pen

To the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled.
Your petitioner Thomas West of Limestone County Ala. would respect- fully represent, that he was a soldier of the Revolution, as is shown by his his application for a pension, herewith sent you, as part of this petition.
The application to the Court of Pensions was unsuccessful on the ground, that the name of your petitioner is not found upon the rolls of the army, in which he served dur- ing the revolution; & the inability of your petitioner to prove actual service by two witnesses. The inability of your petitioner to make the proof required by the Court of pensions is caused by the great length of time which has elapsed since his service was rendered; & his removal im- mediately of the to a distant part of the United States, where he has continued to reside ever since, by which he is unable to find, any of his fellow soldiers, by whom alone he could make the proof. That he has been able to prove by Alvin Fuller whose affidavit is herewith sent with whom he became acquainted at the end of his service, the fact that his term of service

was understood by the witness to have been three years, as stated in his application so understood by all who knew him, & that it had just ended, & your petitioner then discharged. & also the satisfaction of the witness that your petitioner had served as he states. Your petitioner would also state that his circumstances in a pecuni- ary point of view have been such, as to require his constant personal exertion to provide for his family; & that he has not at any time had the means to prosecute an enquiry for the witnesses, by whom he could prove his services. That from age, he is now rendered unable, not only to make the necessary exertion to obtain the proof, but even to make the necessary provision for his family's comfort. That but for his poverty, he would not press his Claims, (which he knows to be correct) upon the consideration of Congress; but would permit them to go with him to the grave, which must before long be provided for him. Your petitioner is able to give to Congress full proof as to his Character for truth, from any place in which he has resided since his services were rendered; & also

upon the subject of his reputation as a soldier of the Revolution. if this proof will have any influence upon his claim he begs that he may be informed of it through his immediate Representative in Congress Mr. J. S. Martin, & it will be supplied.
Your petitioner prays that he be allowed a pension under the laws now in force, according to his service to the And as in duty bound will ever pray the
Thomas West
I am well acquainted with Thomas West the above petitioner, & do not hesitate to say, that he is reputed by all who know him to be a man of undoubted truth, & honor. I have known him intimately for sixteen years living, most of the time, within one mile of him, & have never heard

even a doubt expressed by any, as to his services as a revolutionary soldier. His reputation is without the slightest blot of any kind, to which all his neigh- bours will at any time take pleasure in testifying.
J. L. Martin
Jany 16 th 1837.

Ans to letter of 11/18 Cut - care Thos West
Washington City Pension Office City of Washington

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, April 13 th 1836.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the rolls of Capt. Amasa Sopers' Company, in Col. Marshall's Regt. for services in 1776, and the rolls of Companies, in Col. Marshall's Regt. for services from Jan'y 1 st 1777 to December 31 st 1780, are found in this Office. The name of Thomas West is not borne on them.
John P. Bigelow Secretary

Ap. 2
The West
ala
Hon J. L. Edwards
Hon J. L. Martin
HR
Cour. of Pensions Washington
Stearns West

Washington April 1 st 1836
Sir
I have rec d the answer of Thomas West which I then enclose to you. You will see from it, the frank honesty of the man. True, I concluded from his most studious ly, the object and you will see from his answer, that you have the best if not of his memory, which as he remarks and as I know, to be true is fast failing; and that too, without an effort to misrepresent, of which I pledge myself, he is totally incapable. The names of those he remembers he has stated in his letter, being his mess mates. One of them you will see is called Antonio, who if I am not mistaken he informed me was a man of colour. The christian name of Burgoine he seems not to remember.
I do trust enough may be found from the showing made, to justify the grant to him of a pension. I will add here as I stated before to you, that if good Character

can have any influence, I can bring the testimony of every acquaintance he has, full to that point & for forty, yes fifty years past and each of the same witnesses will state, as I have no doubt, that they not only believe him to have been a soldier of the revolution, but that they never heard a doubt expressed by any one upon the subject. This I know can be done in his present neighbourhood, in which he has lived for the last sixteen years, within my own knowledge. I know of no other proof that the old man has in his power, save that which I have mentioned. Permit me to request that if that sort of testimony will be of any service, that you will inform me, & it shall be fur- nished, from any number of witnesses you may name; & from such too, as stand highest in my part of the Country.
I will add here that the statement may be in writing, that I have seen the scars of which he speaks, in his declara- tion, & believe them, from their appearance & his statement to have been produced from the cause he states.
I have the honor to be your
Abt. Hall
Sub
J. L. Martin
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Cour. of Sessions

Dear S. L. Edwards,
Post of Louisiana
Pension Office Washington

Washington Feby 28 th 1836
Sir
Permit me to request that you will give the enclosed application of Thomas West a reexamination. I would not make this request if in the neighbourhood of the applicant, one man could be found who entertains a doubt, as to his services in the war of the Revolution. On the contrary of this, all who know him believe from his high character for truth and honesty, that if there is any mistake, or untrue statement in his declaration, it is the result of failing memory, & not of any design. I have known him intimately for fifteen years, living within one mile of him for at least ten years of that time, & do not hesitate to say, that during that time, he has, without exception, conducted himself with the utmost propriety. Nor can I for one moment doubt, that he was as he states, a soldier of the Revolution. Since I have said that if proof of general character can avail any thing in this application, it can be readily had from the highest sources.

I have conversed with Capt West upon the subject of his claims to a pension & has find his account of it uniformly the same. He is unable to obtain the proof of two musters as to his actual service, or even of one muster. Although he recollects the names of some of his fellow soldiers, to wit Mr Porr, Andrew Billy Crank, & Manuel, or Emanuel Goonsoo o etc he cannot ascertain their residence, nor can he know that either of them is living. At After receiving his discharge from the army, he became a Sailor & went to the City of Charleston S.C. from which port he sailed as the commander of a vessel, or vessels belonging to that City for many years, until 1817. Most of the time in the employment of a Mr Magwood of that place. Since that time he has resided in Alabama. I have seen letters from Mr M. to Capt West in which he expressed the highest regard & friendship for him. His place (Charleston) being at so great a distance from the place of his enlistment & service, he was as he states, separated from the neigh- bourhood of his fellow soldiers, & never again heard of them. In the requisition of proof of actual service , cannot be obviated, in this case who I shall ever believe to have been a soldier of the revolution, must be deprived of the bounty of the Government. This I hope may not happen.
Permit me here to say that if any of the proof which I have stated to be within the power of the applicant to produce can change the result of his application, it shall be afforded to the fullest extent that may be desired for the last 35 or 40 years of his life.

I hope I may be excused for thus troubling you, when I assure you, that my solicitude proceeds from a desire to see justice done to one whose claim I believe to be correct and whose evening of life must be cold & cheerless unless this application succeeds.
I have the honor to be respectfully
Yours affec. Secy
J. S. Wadsworth
Hon. J. S. Edwards Court of Pensions