Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1604, Thomas Wood, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Ua,
Wood, Thomas
S. 1604
carded
CONTENTS

22. 167
West Tennessee
Thomas Wood
of Wilson Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Brossier of the Regt commanded by Col. Ennis in the Va. Militia line for 2 Years from 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 80 Dollars and Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Oct 1833 and sent to R.M. Burton Lebanon Tenn
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 33. $200.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34. 40.00
$240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm H Wilson Clerk,
Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 99
Date of death not in acc

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
State of Tennessee } S.S. Wilson County }
On the 19 th day of Septm r 1832 personally appeared, before me James H. Davis Justice of the peace for Wilson County, Thomas Wood Sen r a resident of said County and State of Tennessee, aged Eighty nine years the 11 th of next Sunday; being born January the 11 th 1744. as appears by the family register. 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 June the 7 th 1832.
That he is not at this time on account of infirmity of body, able to attend at the Court-house of this, or any other County of the State, to make out this declaration.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he entered the service, as a private soldier, in the year 1776, in the County of Henrico State of Virginia, as a volunteer, under Captain Thomas Prosser, Lieutenant William Barton and Ensign Thompson Owen, and was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Ennis and Major Seldon, a part of the time under General Nelson, and a part under DeFray-
zelle. That he continued by intervals until the close of the war, during which time he served as much as twelve or fifteen hours, of two months or more each; making in all more than two years.
That he served at and about Richmond City in Henrico County, at one time being sta- tioned twenty miles below Richmond, intelligence was received that the British under the command of Lord Cornwallis, were a few miles up the river on the opposite side, we were immediately ordered
13.804

to march up the river, and in a short time came opposite to where they were encamped; when they commenced firing on us with their Cannon which continued for some time; they killed one of our men and crippled two others; the British then marched up the river, to Manchester, and we pursued them, there they burnt some ware houses and tobacco; General Lord Graydon & Col o Dicks were then stationed near Richmond with two thousand regulars; the British after burning the warehouses &c. went down the river again and crossed five miles below, stayed a few hours and recrossed; they then marched down the river again and crossed some distance below and marched up the country as far as Charlottesville we followed them sixty or seventy miles, they then turned and marched to Richmond without opposition. They stayed there of few days and then marched to Little York we followed them to the lower part of New Kent County and then returned to Richmond.
That he was in several skirmishes, but no general engagement. That he recollects of no change of officers while he was in service; except Capt. Prosser was promoted to Major and Lieutenant Burton to Captain.
That he knows of no person whose testimony can be procured, who can testify to his service.
He hereby He hereby relinquishes every claim, what ever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any state.
Interrogatories &c.
1 st . Where and in what year were you born?
Ans. I was born in Henrico County in the State of Virginia on the 11 th of January 1744.
Where were you living when called into service? Where have you lived since the revolutionary war?

and where do you now live.?
Ans: I was living in Spencer County Virginia, during the war; the fall after the war I moved into Halifax County, Virginia remained there twenty six years then moved to Wilson County Tennessee where I now live. —
How were you called into service?
Ans: I was a volunteer. —
State the names of some of the regular officers that were with the troops where you served.?
Ans: I recollect Genl. La Fayette, and Col. Dick who commanded the regulars near Richmond.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service?
I do not think I ever received a written discharge, our Captain always marched into Richmond, and there discharged us.
State the names of persons to whom you are known, in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your service as a soldier of the revolution.
William Gray Esqr. Major Richard Saunders and my neighbors generally I believe can testify to these facts.
Thomas Wood
We Marcus C. Henderson a clergyman residing in the County of Wilson, and state of Tennessee and Henry Burke, residing in said state & County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Wood Esqr. who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Eighty nine years old this 11 th of next January, that he is reported and 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 this 19 th January 1832.
Marcus C. Henderson Henry Burke

And I the D. James H. Davis an acting Justice of the peace in and for the D. County of Wilson & State aforesaid do declare my opinion after the investigation of the Matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named Applicant, was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states also that the D. Applicant is unable to appear in court by reason of bodily infirmity. Also that Marcus C. Henderson who has assigned his name to the above certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County and State aforesaid & a near neighbour to D. Applicant. And that Henry Coake, who has also assigned the same is a resident in the County and State aforesaid & is a credible person & that there statement is entitled to credit. I the D. James H. Davis do further certify that I have been intimately acquainted with the above Applicant during his residence in the County & State aforesaid that his character for veracity is not to be doubted & that full faith & credit should be given to all the allegations set forth in his declaration. Given under my hand and Seal the day and date first above written
James H. Davis
for Wilson County
State of Tennessee Wilson County I Josiah M. McLain Clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that James H. Davis Esq. whose name is officially subscribed to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the peace in said County Commissioned & qualified as such & that I believe his entire signature true. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office this 26 th Sept. 1852
J. M. McLain Clerk
State of Tennessee Wilson

State of Tennessee Wilson County } William State Chairman of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county State aforesaid do hereby certify that Josiah J. McClain whose name appears to the annexed certificate now is and was at the time the said certificate bears date an acting Clerk of said Court elected and qualified as the law directs that his said certificate is in due form of law, and that his attestations are entitled to full credit. Given under my hand this 27 th day of Sept 1832
Wm Steele Clerk Wilson Cty Court

W. Tenn No 13.804 Th. Wood
" Wilson 60 Apr 1776 prints 2 yrs $80
5
R. M. Burt
Lebanon
Tenn.

BRIEF in the case of  Thomas Wood  senior of the County  of  Wilson  in the State of  Tenn.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Justice  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? bodily infirmity  3. How old is he?  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.      In 1796 was out during the war twelvemonth of fifteen tours of two months or more. In all in all more than 2  2 — Private Gen. Col. Ennis, Capt. Prosser  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Service by Va.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Tradition  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Regular 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Bell Examining Clerk.

No 13.804
Thomas Wood
R. M. Burton Esq.
Lebanon
Tenn.

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Thomas Wood which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? no V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

April 19, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dempsey Wood-S.47990
Thomas Wood-S.1604
BA-J/AWF
Mr. Walter A. Wood 1433-35 Junction Avenue Racine, Wisconsin
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War records of Dempsey and Thomas Wood.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers in pension claims, based upon the Revolutionary War services of Dempsey and Thomas Wood.
Dempsey Wood-S.47990
He was born October 15, 1737 in Bertie County, North Carolina and was reared in that county; the names of his parents are not given.
Dempsey Wood enlisted about the time the "British had possession of Charleston, South Carolina", served under Captains Joseph Hutson, James Gragg and Colonel John Baxter, was in a skirmish with the Tories on Santee in South Carolina, left the service after the "surrender of Cornwallis".
He was allowed pension on his application executed, November 27, 1832, then a resident of the Territory of Florida.
There are no data in the claim relative to the family of Dempsey Wood.

Thomas Wood-S.1604
He was born January 11, 1744 in Henrico County, Virginia; names of his parents are not given.
While residing in Henrico County, Virginia, Thomas Wood volunteered in the militia of that county, served as a private under Captains Thomas Prosser and William Burton in Colonel Ennis' regiment, as follows- three tours of two months each in 1776; five tours of two months each in 1777; three tours of two months each in 1778; two tours of two months each in 1780; two tours of two months each in 1781; he was in several skirmishes with the enemy around Richmond.
Thomas Wood moved the "fall after the War" to Halifax County, Virginia, where he lived about twenty-six years and moved to Wilson County, Tennessee. He was allowed pension on his application executed, September 19, 1832, then a resident of said Wilson County.
There are no data in this claim relative to the family of Thomas Wood.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Assistant to Administrator

February 6, 1908.
Hon. L. P. Padgett,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Padgett:
In reply to your letter dated the 3 rd and received the 4 th instant, requesting the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Wood, for the Hon. Wallus W. Goodloe of Nashville, Tennessee, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the claim Survivor File 1,604, it appears that Thomas Wood was born January 11, 1744 in Henrico County Virginia, where he was residing when he volunteered in the Militia of that County in 1776 as a Private and served under Captain Thomas Prosser and William Burton in Colonel Ennis' regiment as follows, 6 months in 1776, 10 months in 1777, 8 months in 1778, 4 months in 1780 and 4 months in 1781, he was engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy. He removed to Halifax County Virginia the fall after the War, remained there about 20 years, and then moved to Wilson County, Tennessee. He was allowed pension on an application executed September 19, 1832 while a resident of Wilson County, Tennessee. The date of his death is not stated, nor is there any data on file in regard to family.
For date of last payment of pension and probable date of death you should apply to the Auditor for the Interior Department, Treasury Department, citing the following data, Thomas Wood, pensioned under the Act of June 7, 1832, by Certificate # 22,167, issued October 15, 1833, paid at the West
Tennessee Agency
W. R.
Com. 1/10/08

Apr 13-1901 Genl Brown New London Conn
1908 Feb. 6. Hist. to Hon. L. P. Padgett 1938 Apr. 19 " " Walter M. E. & E. Wood See his letter in Dempsey Wood S. 47990 etc.
New Gen.
1604. ✓ INVALID.
File No. 1604 Thomas Wood, Pro. Va. Mil.
Act: June 7, 1892.
Index:—Vol. A, Page 414
[Arrangement of 1870.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WASHINGTON
February 3, 1908.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Enclosed I hand you letter of the Hon. Hallum W. Goodloe. desiring certain information concerning the record of a Revolutionary War soldier. I would be glad to have you furnish me all the evidence you can as to the record of this soldier so that I can send it to Mr. Goodloe.
Very truly,
J. P. Padgett
Letter of Hon. Hallum W. Goodloe. returned to Mr. Padgett. Feb. 6. 1908.

The Amended Declaration of Thomas Wood In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th A.D. 1832
State of Tennessee } Wilson County }
On this 5th day of August A.D. 1833 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for Wilson County duly commissioned and qualified to hold the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the said County of Wilson in the State of Tennessee - the same being a Court of record. Thomas Wood a resident of the said County of Wilson aged eighty nine years according to the family Register having been born on the 11th day of January 1744, who being duly sworn, dep- oseth and saith, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. That he entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war as well as he remembers in the year 1778 as a volunteer in the militia raised in Henrico County in the State

of Virginia in the year 1776 he performed three four tours of two months each making six months service under Captain Prosser Lieutenant William Benton and Hobson Other Ensigns and was attached to the Regiment of Cavalry commanded by Col. Ennis - a (distinguished lawyer in the State of Virginia) Miles Seldon acted as major - during these different tours of duty in 1776 - he was principally engaged in defending the City of Richmond it was in this year as well as subsequent numbers that they were forced to retreat by an attack made by Gov. Dunmore who came from Williamsburg with about one thousand Troops - in the year 1777 he served five tours of two months each making in this year a service of ten months - and was engaged in defending Richmond, Williamsburg and other places, - in the year 1778 he served three tours of two months - making a service of six months under the same officers and was engaged in performing the same service as stated above - in the year 1780 he served also  four tours of two months each making in this year a service of four months - and was

engaged in defending Richmond and the neighboring points where ever the British were expected to make an attack it was while he was engaged in defending Richmond in this year that Arnold entered the town and forced the militia to retreat declared in the year 1781 and two terms of two months each making a service of four months - at which time he was like else engaged at Richmond and Williamsburg in defending those places and pursuing the British - at various points until the siege of York - declarant was discharged having served two years - he has no docu- mentary evidence of his services - and must rest his claim for a pension alone on tradition - declarant was born in Henrico County Virginia - he moved from Va. to Wilson County Tennessee about twenty five years ago where he has resided ever since - a part of his service he was under the command of Genl. Nelson and Genl. Larosette - the officers - as other as the different periods of his service he has stated - as well as his memory will allow and must rest it with the Department for its action - he hereby relinquishes every - - - - - sure

claim whatever to a pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Army of any state in the United States.
Given to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Thos Wood James H. Lewis (Thos) next Wood for Wilson County.
Henry Cooke a resident of the County of Wilson aged sixty two years makes oath that he has known the applicant Thomas Wood for more than fifty years - he knew him when he lived in Henrico Co. Ct. Va. near to Richmond, often at that early day often heard the applicant speak of his revolutionary services - often knew most of the officers mentioned in appli- -cants declaration and knows that they were reputed to have served in the Revolutionary war applicant was reputed and believed by all who knew him in the State of Virginia to have been a soldier of the Revolution and such his been the opinion since - he has been in the State of Tennessee and affiant.

Concurs in that - opinion sworn to and subscribed to before me this 10th day of August AD 1833. James H. Davis (Ph) Henry Locke for Wilson County,
State of Tennessee Wilson County
I James H Davis an acting Justice of the Peace for Wilson County do hereby declare my opinion after investi- gating the matter and after putting the interrogatories - prescribed by the war department that the above applicant Thomas Wood was a Soldier of the Revolution and said as he states and I do further certify that it appears to me that owing to the bodily infirmity of said applicant he is unable to get to the Court house of the County - I do further certify that it appears to me that

Henry Cock who has signed the same is a resident of Wilson City and is a credible person - and his statement is entitled to full credit - Given under my hand I seal this 5th day of August 1833.
James H. Davis J.P.
State of Tennessee Wilson County ss. I, Joseph J. McClain clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that James H. Davis Esq. is an acting Justice of the peace of said court, the same having a court record, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 8th day of August 1833.
J. J. McClain

Thomas Wood Amended Declaration for a Pension Oct 21 Flann W.D.
FREE
L. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Agent Washington City
Mail

Lebanon August 8th 1833.
L. L. Edwards Esq.
Dr Sir
In closed I send you the amended declaration of Old Thomas Wood - there was but one objection to his original declaration - which has now be obviated - there will I suppose be no doubt of the favourable action of the Department He requests that you will make his certificate payable at Nashville - and forward it to my care - and I will see that he is speedily informed - of it
Very Respectfully
Robert M. Burton