Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8572, for Thomas Ramsey, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Ramsey, Thomas
R 8572
CONTENTS

Revolutionary Claim. Act June 7 th 1832.
Joseph Eddle. Administrator of Thomas Ramsey dec. a Sergeant in Virginia Militia in the Revo- lutionary War P.V.
This declaration has been delayed for additional evi- dence &c.
A. H. Markland Petitioner

Know all men by these presents that we Joseph Edds and Theodoric Ramsey are held and firmly bound unto William B. Giles Esquire Governor of Virginia in the sum of One hundred and fifty Dollars to which payment when of well and truly to be made to the said Governor and his successors. We bind ourselves and each of us, our and each of our heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated this 19 th — 1827
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Joseph Edds lately has obtained from the Clerk of the County Court of, Franklin a license for his intermarriage with Frances C. Ramsey of this County. Now if there shall be no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage then this obligation to be void otherwise in full force & virtue.
Witnesseth
H. S. Lee
Joseph Edds Theodoric A. Ramsey
State of Virginia, County of Franklin } To wit.
I Robert A Scott Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the bond presented by Joseph Edds upon his obtaining a license for his intermarriage with Frances C. Ramsey, which said bond is now on file in my office. And I further certify that there is no other record evidence on file in my said office of the marriage of the said Joseph Edds and Frances C. Ramsey. And I do also further certify that. At a Court held for the said County of Franklin at the Courthouse on the 21 st day of January 1831. On the motion of Joseph Edds who made oath and gave bond and security com-

delivered according to law certificate was granted him to obtain letters of Administration on the Estate of Thomas Ramsey Dec d in due form.
In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court this 4 th day of January A.D. 1854 in the 78 th year of the Commonwealth. Rob. A. Scott clerk
(C.) Seal & Certificate of Rob. A. Scott Esq r Clerk of the C. C. of Franklin, as to the Marriage of Joseph Eddo, with Francis C. Ramsey - & Administration on the estate of Thos Ramsey dec d .

And I do further certify that satisfactory evidence was adduced before said Court that Thomas Ramsey a late Revolutionary soldier of said County died in said County on the 7 th day of October in the year 1814 leaving no widow surviving him; but that he left the following named children surviving him viz: Sally Ramsey, Theodore Ramsey, Elizabeth Ramsey (now Elizabeth Williams) and Frances Ramsey (now Frances Todd), and that Theodore Ramsey, Elizabeth Williams and Frances Todd are the only children now living - And that said evidence is based upon the affidavits of Michael Zeigler and Charles L. Pollar two highly respectable citizens of our said County, made and sworn to before our said Court.
In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office on this 2 nd day of March in the year 1854.
Ro. A. Scott colr.

Application Thomas Ramsey for pension act 7th June 1832 Virginia—
(Original Case)
A. H. Markland

Thos Ramsay died 24 Octo 1824
Healy Ramsay  1
Theodora A Ramsay 1 Elizabeth Williams 2
Frances C Edds 3
Joseph Edds Adm

Washington City Sept Sept 4th 65
Dear J. Minot, Council of Pension
I enclose, herewith, the declaration & evidence of services of Thomas Ramsey, of Virginia act 1832, also the Certificate of showing the day of the death of David Thomas Ramsey, the appointment of Administrator and names of surviving children, I ask a speedy Examination of the case
I am sincerely Respectfully Yours Obdt Servt
A. H. Markland

(A) Joseph Edds Administra- tor of Thos Ramsey and Reuben Declaration for a Pension — duly authenticated
October 1811
the Government
Attest

State of Virginia
County of Franklin 388
On this 16 th day of February in the year A. D. 1854 before the County Court of the said County, now sitting, personally appeared Joseph Addo a resident of said County, aged _____ years, who being first duly sworn according to law makes the following Declaration on oath in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 7 th June 1832 viz:
That he is the Administrator of Thomas Ramsey, deceased, who was a Revolutionary Soldier, and resident of said County. That he has been informed that said Thomas Ramsey was engaged in the service of the United States or Colonies in the war of the Revolution, and served in the Virginia Militia in said war for about two years and six months as follows—That in the latter part of the year 1778 or first part of the year 1779 when the British General Mathews fleet, and army, was expected to invade the Chesapeake and James River Country, and the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Petersburg and Richmond, the Militia were called out, and he volunteered for a tour of 9 months, and marched to the protection of the cities, and Country on tide water, which was kept in a constant state of alarm, by the threats of invasion, by the British, who had uncontested command of the Chesapeake and the navigable streams that entered into it. General Mathews expedition did not reach the State as early as was expected, but appeared in the Chesapeake in the Spring of the year, when he established himself at Portsmouth, and from that point sent out his forces, by land & water, to sack the towns, murder and plunder the defenseless inhabitants, and destroy with fire and sword, every article of property, that he could not carry off. He has often heard Thomas Ramsey tell of his having marched to Portsmouth with the Militia which was collected as speedily as possible, and sent to drive Mathews from his position: and of the calamitous condition of such of the inhabitants, of the tide water Country, as had not been able to fly at his approach. He said the British plundered every thing of value—burnt their houses, with their contents—and drove off their stock of every kind, or shot them down, in their presence. He said he had often wept at witnessing the sufferings and destitution of women & children, whose houses had been burnt, and they plundered of everything. The soldiers he said, would strip the clothing off their own backs, to cover the nakedness of those poor creatures. He declares that he has often heard the deceased Thomas Ramsey say, that he then resided in the County of Pittsylvania, in the State of Virginia, and when about the latter part of 1778—or first part of the year 1779, a portion of the Militia were called upon to march to meet the invaders, he volunteered his services, at the place of Rendezvous, called "The Widow McDaniels" in said County, for a period of not less than 9 months, and that he served, for said term of 9 months, as a private in a Company commanded by one Captain Roberts, of Pittsylvania in a Battalion commanded by Colonel Lucas. That having faithfully performed this 9 months term of service, he was discharged and returned home, in proof of which, he (the declarant) refers to the Certificate of Captain Smith, herewith annexed, & to other proofs herewith presented.
That from what he has heard the said Ramsey say, on his death bed, and from the information of others, who had often conversed with him he has heard and verily believes, that he again entered the service, and served as follows—in the year 1780, when the British Armies were invading the Southern States and carrying on a barbarous war in South & North Carolina, & Georgia, threatening

the subjugation of the whole Country - Soldiers were again called for, and a very heavy draft was made, at the Rendezvous called "The widow M c Daniels", from the Pittsylvania Militia, early in that year (it is believed in February) who were held in readiness, to join such forces, as it was well understood and reported, would be marched from the North, under the command of experienced officers. The draft was made, and the soldiers were placed under the command of Captain William Dix and John Wilson and Perkins and Col  under whom they were marched to the Lower Country for the purpose of being armed, and prepared to join the Northern Army, whenever it should arrive, on its march South. He joined those troops, being then under the command of Captain William Dix and Col and Brigadier General Stephens. He was present in the unfortunate action at Camden South Carolina, Maj Genl Gates being commander in chief, when the Virginia Militia, harassed by sickness (Dysentery) and worn down by marching through the pestilential swamps of that country; and nearly famished for the want of food, found themselves suddenly confronted by the flower of the British Army, led by Lord Cornwallis, and supplied with every means. They were unable to withstand the shock of the battle. They broke, and fled from the field. A portion of them were rallied, and Thos. Ramsey among them, and were marched to a place, in Halifax Co, where there was a Commissary Store, and a Rendezvous for troops. That place was near Dan River, but its name is forgotten. There they remained a considerable time, in the most miserable condition - their clothing having nearly all dropped off of them: at length they were ordered to march to a place then in Halifax, now in Pittsylvania, called "Old Town", and being on the route they were overtaken at Banister River, in Halifax, by an Express Rider, sent by Genl Lafayette, by whose orders they were discharged for that tour, about the last of Sept r or the 1 st October, having then been in service upwards of nine months. It is believed that Thomas Ramsey discharged the duties of a Sergeant during this tour, as he was often spoken of under the appellation of "Sergeant Ramsey".
That the said Thomas Ramsey, as he has very often heard him say, when he  and as he verily believes to be true, also served a third tour of duty under Captain William Dix - a patriot and gallant officer, who, when  carrying on the war, (after the defeat at Camden) in North Carolina,  a call was made for troops, to join General Green, who had been sent by General Washington to take command of the Army, stepped forth and volunteered, with a company of about 80 men, who volunteered under him, and joined General Green's Army in the County of Halifax Va. Thos Ramsey volunteered under Capt Dix, who marched with Genl Green into North Carolina, about the last of December 1780 or 1 st January 1781 and was with him, and fought bravely, under the immediate command of Genl. Lawson, at the battle of Guilford on the 15 th March 1781. That the said Sergeant Ramsey, continued with the Army, until the 30 th day of that month, when he was discharged, (at a place called Ramsays Mills), in North Carolina, where Genl Green halted his army, and declined pursuing the retreating Army of Cornwallis any farther. This last tour could not have been less than 3 months - so that, adding the three services together it is evident the said Thomas Ramsey, served, as a Sergeant, not less than the term of 18 months. Viz from 1 st Sept 1778 till 15 th June 1779 as a

Voluntar, as is proved by the Certificate of Capt Ino Smith, hereto attached — 2 d Tour — from 1 st January 1780 till September 1780 — 9 months, of which proof will be furnished, and presented herewith. And also as a Sergeant 3 d Tour — from 1 st Jany 1781 till 30 th March 1781 — proved by his Discharge hereto annexed.
Hee, (the aforesaid Joseph Eddo) further declares that the said Thos. Ramsey Deceased, died at his own home, in the County of Franklin Va., on the 24 th day of October 1844 — and that he has often heard him speak of his revolutionary services; of his accidents & narrow escapes from death, by starvation, and the British bullets. Hee often expressed his intention to apply for a Pension — & for Bounty Land, but he was getting old and infirm, and kept putting it off from time to time , till death sealed his lips: but he put it off, principally, he believes, because he was separated from almost all of his old comrades, and because the "Oath of allegiance" and the two Certificates, of Capt Smith, & Capt Dix were mislaid, and supposed to have been lost. But he declares that they were recently found, among some old papers of his father, by his son Theodore A. Ramsey, in whose possession they were, and were delivered to him on the day of March 1853
Hee further declares that after the termination of the service above mentioned Thomas Ramsey did reside in the following named Counties viz In Pennsylvania in said state of Virginia & c., and that he finally died in Franklin 24 th day of October in the year 1844 leaving no widow surviving him, but that he left the following named children surviving him viz 1 st Healy Ramsey, now dead, leaving children in Pennsylvania 2 d Theodore A. Ramsey of Franklin, 3 d Elizabeth Ramsey, married Salisbury Williams, & residing in State of Missouri 4 th Frances L. Ramsey — married Joseph Eddo, the declarant, now residing in the County of Franklin.
Hee further declares that the name of the said Thomas Ramsey is not on the Pension List of any Agency whatever — that as his Administrator, he relinquishes every other claim to Pension — that this is the first and only application ever made in his name, and that as his legal Administrator, he now applies for whatever Pension may have been due said Thomas Ramsey, from 4 th March 1831 to 24 th October 1844 for the benefit of his surviving children above mentioned
Joseph Eddo Adm r . I sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid, and it is hereby certified that the Declarant, Joseph Eddo is a resident of the said County, and is worthy of credit
J. M. Sale aforesaid J. P. and Chairman of Court
Also, personally appeared in open Court Michael Gigler and Charles L. Potter two respectable residents of the said County, who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they personally knew Thomas Ramsey die a late Revolutionary soldier and resident of said County — that he was universally regarded as a Revolutionary soldier, in the community in which he lived, and served in the Revolution, as it was believed at least 2 years and 1 month. They de- clare that the said Thomas Ramsey died in said County on 24 th day of October 1844 — that he left no widow, but did leave the following named children surviving him, viz Healy Ramsey — (now dead) Theodore A. Ramsey, now residing in Franklin — Elizabeth Ramsey, who married Salisbury Williams & now residing in Missouri, and Frances L. Ramsey, married to Joseph

and now residing in the County of Franklin: and that their knowledge of Thomas Ramsey's death, was acquired in the following manner because they were near neighbors.
and they declare that they are disinterested M. Zeigler C. L. Potter
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid, and It is hereby certified by said Court that M. Zeigler and Charles L. Potter who have given the foregoing Affidavits are residents of said County, and respectable persons, & that their statements are worthy of credit, and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigating the matter, that Thomas Ramsey did was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as has been stated by his aforesaid Administrator.
H. M. Saliafero. I P re and Chairman of Court
Sess. of Virginia, County of Franklin } To wit:
I Robert A. Scott Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that at a Court held for the said County on the 6 th day of February 1854. The Declaration of Joseph Edds Administrator of Thomas Ramsey S d was made in open Court - and that the affidavits of William Zeigler and Charles L. Potter were also made in open Court - And I further certify that Richard M. Saliafero is chairman of the said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court this 6 th day of February A D 1854 in the 78 th year of the Commonwealth.
R. A. Scott Clerk
Writs and additional certificates here.

REJECTED
8572
P. O.
Thomas Ramsey
Service:
Thomas Ramsey
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contra
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

No. 39013 Thos. Ramsay
Dec o Virginie
A. Markland Sep. 8/55
8572
June 7 1832

2nd 1 st Ramsey's 43
Winners - Vig
1st Oath of Allegiance
2. Capt Ino Smith's Certificate
3 - his Discharge by Capt Wm. Din

March 30 th 1781
This is to certify that Thomas Ramsey a Sergeant hath Served a term of Service in Genl. Landon's Brigade in my Regt. as a Militia Man from Virginia to the State of North Carolina and is discharged from the same hereby by me Wm. Bird Capt
I do hereby certify that Tho s Ramsey of the N o 3 d did appear at the widow W m Daniel's and offered to march with the P enn sylvania Militia ordered to Hillsburgh Given under my hand this 12 th of June 1779 J. Smith Capt
Pennsylvania DO hereby certify, that Tho s Ramsey Jun r hath taken and subscribed the oath or affirmation of allegiance and fidelity, as directed by an act of General Assembly intitled An act to oblige the free male inhabitants of this state above a certain age to give assurance of allegiance to the same, and for other purposes. Witness my hand and seal, this forth — day of Oct r 1777
W m Mitchell