Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31235, for Thomas Massie, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Massie Thomas
S 31235
CONTENTS

7938 Illinois. 1838
Thomas Massie.
of Sangamon in the State of Illinois who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Captain Adams of the Regt commanded by Col Lynch in the Virginia line for 7 months
$23.33/100
Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of Augt 1833 and sent to Edw. Jones Springfield. S.C. Illinois.
Arrears to the 4th of March. 1833 - 46.66.
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th of March, 1833, 11.67.
$58.33.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. Palmer Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 8 Page 59
Rate of death ann. on Ag.

State of Illinois County of Sangamon } ss.
on this ninth day of October A.D. 1832. personally appeared in open Court. Before the County Commissioners Court for the County of Sangamon. now sitting Thomas Massie a resident of the County & State aforesaid. aged seventy three 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 act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
I was born in the year 1759 in Buckingham County Virginia I have a record of my age. copied from that of my father, I served two terms of service. The first term I volunteered; the second I was drafted - When I first entered the service I resided in Campbell County Virginia. & the second term I resided in Washington County - In the year 1795. I removed from Washington County to Montgomery County Virginia where I resided thirty five years - thence to the County of Sangamon. Illinois. where I have resided for the last forty years. I volunteered in the first instance in the early part of September 1780. The volunteer Regiment known as the Sixth Virginia Regiment to which our Company belonged rendezvoused at Reeds Tavern. I was in Capt. Robert Adams Company. The Regimental officers were Col. John Lynch. Lieut. Col. Charles Lynch Major Carraway - I volunteered for three months. From Campbell Co. our regiment was marched to Petersburg & reviewed by Baron Steuben. I believe he is the only regular officer of whom I had any knowledge. He belonged to Genl. Robert Lawson's Brigade. I remained during the three months at Petersburg. I received a discharge. but have since lost it - On the 12 th day of May I was drafted for three months & was attached to the Company of Capt. Cowin to serve as an Indian Spy. We were

Stationed in the valley of Clinch River and acted as Indian spies the whole of that campaign. Serving two weeks longer than the time for which I was drafted. The whole of our duty was performed in the Clinch Mountains. The Shawnees were the principal tribe with which we were at war. I received a discharge which I have since lost.
I have no documentary evidence of my service nor do I know of any person whose testimony I can procure who can testify to my service.
Mr William Sims and Mr Joel Moseley have been long acquainted with me and can testify to my character for veracity & their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution. William Sims Joel Moseley
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn & Subscribed this ninth day of October A. D. 1832
Thomas Mays
We William Sims a chrysyman residing in the County of Sangamon. State of Illinois - and Joel Moseley residing in the same county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mr Thomas Mays - who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be sixty three years of age, that he is a man of truth & that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & Subscribed this ninth day of October A. D. 1832.
William Sims
Joel Moseley

Thor. Magnus 21290
Rec d 23 rd Nov r 82,

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the in- terrogatories required by the War Department. That the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that William Sims is a clergyman resident in the County of Sangamon. & that Joel Massey is a credible person resident in the same County. & that their statement is entitled to credit -
County Commissioners of The County of Sangamon { Josiah B Smith Reuben Waldrison Thomas Moffett
I Chas. R. Matheny, Clerk of the County Common- Pleas Court for the County of Sangamon do hereby cer- tify, that the foregoing contains the original proceed- ings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Mrs. Massey for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this ninth day of October A.D. 1832.
C. R. Matheny B/C

21290 7938 Thomas Maple Sangamon Co Illinois
Adv for 6. Months & 14. days from 1780
C. B. Matheny clerk Sangamon Co Illinois Springfield

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement,  showing the Service of Thomas Masie. Sangamon Co. Illinois.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Sept. 1780 " 3 " Precap Ad Capt. Ad Col Lynch L. C. Chaplin Lynch Major Barazway None Virginia 73 years Camp Hill Co Va. Traditionary   May 1781 " 3 14 " Capt Coon None " Shuyin Bluer mountains Washing Co Va.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. 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 services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 that 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Joseph Rowen Ex. 6K

July 17, 1939
Mrs. F. K. McGinnis 5215 Monticello Avenue Dallas, Texas
BA-J/AWF AWF Thomas Massie S. 31235
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Massie, of Goochland County, Virginia, later lived in Kentucky. You state that you do not wish the record of Thomas Massie, of Nelson County, Virginia.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S.31235, based upon service of Thomas Massie in the War of the Revolution. This record and the record of Thomas Massie (Massey) of Nelson County, Virginia, pension claim, W. 7403, are the records of the only Thomas Massie (Massey) found on file in the Revolutionary War pension records of this office.
Thomas Massie was born December 26, 1759, in Buckingham County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not given.
While residing in Campbell County, Virginia, Thomas Massie volunteered sometime in September, 1780, served three months as private in Captain Robert Adams' company, Colonel John Lynch's Virginia regiment, was stationed in Petersburg, Virginia. While residing in Washington County, Virginia, he enlisted May 12, 1781, served as private in Captains George Crabtree's and James Cowin's companies, under Major Lewis; this service was in the Valley of the Clinch River in pursuit of

the Shawnee Indians, was discharged the latter part of September, 1781.
Soon after the close of the Revolution Thomas Massie moved to Montgomery County, Virginia, then to Kentucky, and about the year 1827, moved to Sangamon County, Illinois.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, then living in said Sangamon County.
One Joel Massey or Maxey was living in 1832 in Sangamon County, Illinois; it was not stated that he was related to the soldier.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data relative to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data-
Thomas Massie Certificate #7938 Issued August 14, 1833 Rate $23.33 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Illinois Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

May 18, 1936
Thomas Massie-S.31235 BA-J/AWF
Mr. B. J. Walter American Legion, Wabash Post #423 Mt. Carmel, Illinois
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Massie, born 1759, died about 1835 in the State of Illinois.
The Revolutionary War record of Thomas Massie furnished herein was obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 31235, based upon his service in that war.
Thomas Massie was born December 26, 1759 in Buckingham County, Virginia, names of his parents not given.
While residing in Campbell County, Virginia, he volunteered sometime in September, 1780 and served three months as private in Captain Robert Adams' company, Colonel John Lynch's Virginia regiment, was stationed at Petersburg, Virginia. While residing in Washington County, Virginia, he enlisted May 12, 1781, served as a private in Captains George Crabtree's and James Cowin's companies, under Major Lewis; this service was in the valley of the Clinch River in pursuit of the Shawnee Indians; and was discharged the latter part of September, 1781.
Soon after discharge, moved to Ky where he He moved from Washington County, Virginia in 1795 to Montgomery County, Virginia, where he lived about thirty-five years and moved to Sangamon County, Illinois.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
Entered 1827

October 9, 1832, then a resident of Sangamon County, Illinois.
It is stated that the soldier, Thomas Massie, at one time lived in Kentucky.
One Joel Massey maxey or Massie was living in 1832 in Sangamon County, Illinois; his relationship to the soldier is not given.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
July 21, 1931
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF
W. P. Lamar 43 Muscogee Road Atlanta, Georgia.
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31235, that Thomas Massie was born December 26, 1759 in Buckingham County, Virginia.
While living in Campbell County, Virginia, he enlisted in September 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain Robert Adams' Company, Colonel John Lynch's Virginia Regiment.
While living in Washington County, Virginia, he enlisted early in May 1781, served as a private in Captains George Crabtree and James Cowen's (Covin) Companies under Major Lewis in the Virginia Troops, and was discharged the last of September 1781.
In 1795, he moved from Washington County, Virginia to Montgomery County, Virginia, where he lived thirty-five years, then moved to Sangamon County, Illinois. It is also stated that he at one time lived in Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, then a resident of Sangamon County, Illinois.
There are no data as to his family.
There is no charge for the enclosed records, and they are the histories of the only Thomas Masseys (Massie) that are found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

3. and 1812 Wars Section MMHF/eel
Copied from letter - Dec 2, 1924 MMHF
March 6, 1930
Mrs. M.A.Ryan 2266 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.31235, it appears that Thomas Massie was born December 26, 1759 in Buckingham County, Virginia.
While living in Campbell County, Virginia he enlisted in September, 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain Robert Adams' Company, Colonel John Lynch's Virginia Regiment.
While living in Washington County, Virginia, he enlisted early in May 1781, served as a private in Captains George Crabtree and James Cowen or Cowin's Companies under Major Lewis in the Virginia Troops and was discharged the last of September 1781.
In 1795, he removed from Washington County, Virginia, to Montgomery County, Virginia, where he lived thirty-five years, then removed to Sangamon County, Illinois. It is also stated that he lived in Kentucky at one time.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832 while a resident of Sangamon County, Illinois.
There are no data as to family.
No charge is made for this service.
Very truly yours
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

AMMAYE
December 2, 1924
Mrs. C. W. Jack 122 West Pine Springfield, Ill.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31235 it appears that Thomas Massie was born December 26, 1759 in Buckingham County, Virginia.
While living in Campbell County, Virginia he enlisted in September 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain Robert Adams' Company, Colonel John Lynch's Virginia Regiment.
While living in Washington While living in Washington County, Virginia he enlisted early in  early in May 1781, served as a private in Captains George Crabtree and James Cowen or Cowin's Companies under Major Lewis in the Virginia Troops and was discharged the last of September 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832 while a resident of Sangamon County, Illinois.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Date of death not on file
Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Massie a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. J. 31. 235.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Sept. 1780 3 mos. Pvt. Robert Adams. John Lynch 99 Va.   May 12 1781 Sept. 1781 2nd Hvy George Crabtree Major Lewis   James Conner or Gwin      
Battles engaged in, None! Residence of soldier at enlistment, Campbell Co. Va. Date of application for pension, Oct 9. 1882. His claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Springfield Co. Ill. Age at date of application, 7 Dec. 26. 1759 in Buckingham Co. Va. Remarks: There is no family data on file.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

LOUIS LUDLOW 7TH DIST. INDIANA
COMMITTEES: WORLD WAR VETERANS' LEGISLATION LIBRARY INSULAR AFFAIRS
Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, D. C.
check # 79-L - $1.20
October 31, 1930.
here were mailed Oct 29 '30 -
My dear Mr. Morgan:
I am enclosing my check for $1.20 to pay for photostatic copies from Revolutionary War pension claim records of Thomas Massie.
Very truly,
E. M. Ruffle
Secretary.
Hon. E. W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
MHF
October 29, 1930.
Honorable Louis Ludlow, 511 Chamber of Commerce Building, Indianapolis, Indiana.
My dear Mr. Ludlow:
You are advised that photostatic copies from Revolutionary War pension claim of Thomas Massie have been mailed to you today.
The cost is $1.20. When making your remittance kindly have check or money order drawn to the order of the Commissioner of Pensions.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

Rev.&1812 Wars Section. Bureau of Pensions,
September 29, 1930.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War claim for pension of Thomas Massie, File No. S.31235.
Actual 1 of each page
$1.20.....8 pages
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

September 29, 1930
Hon. Louis Ludlow Member of Congress 511 Chamber of Commerce Building Indianapolis, Indiana
My dear Mr. Ludlow:
Reference is made to your letter, requesting information in regard to photostatic copies of original papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Thomas Massie (S. 31235), of Sangamon County, Illinois.
You are advised that the copies are being made and, upon completion, will be mailed to you.
The number of pages to be copied is eight. The cost is fifteen cents a page.
In making your remittance, by check or money order, kindly have same drawn to the order of The Commissioner of Pensions.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Rev. and 181: Wars Section MMHF:MLB
COMMITTEES: WORLD WAR VETERANS' LEGISLATION LIBRARY INSULAR AFFAIRS
Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, D. C.
511 Chamber of Commerce Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. September 16, 1930.
Dear Mr. Morgan:-
Kindly have your office send to me if practical, a photostat copy of the Pension Certificate of Thomas Massie, who lived in Sangamon County, Illinois about 1835.
I will send check for the cost of this photostat as soon as I hear from you.
Very sincerely yours,
Harris Ludlow
Hon. E. W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.

REPLY CARD THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
INSUFFICIENT ADDRESS RETURNED TO SENDER BY D. I. S. DALLAS, TEX.
Veterans Administration Washington, D.C.

May 28, 1939
Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Will you please tell me if you have any records of a Thomas Massie, Goochland Co., Va., service in Revolutionary War? This Thos. is not the one of Nelson Co., Va. Thos. of Goochland Co. went to KY. He seems to have land issued to him and Isaac Winston in Mercer Co., Ky. I am trying to identify this particular Thos. Massie. There seems to be several of this name. (died about 1821) Very sincerely,
Mrs. F.K. McGinnis 5215 Monticello Ave., Dallas, Texas.

AMERICAN LEGION, Wabash Post No. 423
MT. CARMEL, ILLINOIS
B. J. WALTER. DEPT. OF MILITARY RECORDS AND GRAVES REGISTRATION
May 8th, 1936.
The Veterans Administration, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Please furnish the pension record and any other information available of a one Thomas Massie who served during the War of the Revolution.
This soldier was born 1759 in Albermarle County, Virginia and died about 1835 in the State of Illinois.
This information if available will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
B.J. Walter, Dept. Military Records and Graves Registration, American Legion, Wabash Post #423.

43 Muscogee Road, Atlanta, Georgia, July 12th, 1931.
U. S. Pension Department, Division of soldiers of the Revolution, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am anxious to obtain some data as to the parentage of a revolutionary soldier named Thomas Massie, who died in Rockingham County North Carolina, in 1817; having moved there from Virginia, Brunswick County (or Lunenburg or Mecklenburg County, formed from Brunswick) at some date, before or after the revolution.
His N.C. will is dated Jan. 8, 1817.
The 1790 census mentions, as resident of Rockingham Co., N.C., a Thomas Massie, with 9 slaves and 3 male, 6 female dependents. He is mentioned in such county as a resident in 1785. I also find reference to him, as a resident or visitor to Mecklenburg County, Virginia, in 1795 and 1800.
In addition to the date of his emigration, the name of his wife and children (or their number) and facts about his military career, what I especially want to learn is:
The date and place of birth of Thomas Massie.
The name of his parents and their residence or residences.
The names of the brothers and sisters of Thomas Massie's father.
The date and place of birth of Thomas Massie's father.
The date and place of birth of his paternal grandfather, Massie.
One difficulty in this matter is that a number of Thomas Massies of dates near the revolution, some of whom I will name as found from revolutionary records.
First, he almost certainly was not Major Thomas Massie of twice mentioned on the pages devoted to Capt. Th. Massie on page 2 herewith.
Nor was he Sergeant Thomas Massie of Rockingham County N.C., who died in 1778, but I would like to know more of him, as perhaps being a connection of the Thomas Massie wanted. He enlisted 1777 for 2 1/2 yrs in
Everett's Co. of 3rd Regt. from Roster of N.C. Cont'l line, 1783. See Col'l Records of N.C. See Sims, Franklin, Granvl & Chatham Co's. possible is quite probable that he was Ensign Thomas Massie of Goochland Co. Va., apptd by Co. Const. Ap. 21, 1778, from Va. Milit. of Rev'n, p. 206
If the latter died in 1817 in R----m County, N.C., and the name of his wife is correct, this will identify him.
I add, on page 2 herewith, a list of other Thomas Massies

U.S. Pension Dept., Washington, D.C.
43 Muscogee Road, Atlanta, Ga., 7/12/1931.
Revolutionary soldiers of Va., main volume:
Capt. Thomas Massie, acct. Com. of Safety, 1775-6. 6 Lower? 2/74&19.
Also 59, 108 and 289
" " " , Capt. New Kent militia, See Va. Gaz. Sept. 16, 1775, 3.
Thomas Massie, B.W. War, 5, 123. Ditto C.S. 64, Chesterfield Supplement.
Supplement to main volume:
Capt. Thomas Massie. (6 V.R) W.D. 122, 1, W.D. 134 1, W.D. 143, 1.
War Dept. photos of payrolls of continental line.
Thomas Massie, Sect'y of War's Report, 1835, Pension rolls 3, Illor III 18.
Va. Militia of the Rev'n, Nath'l & Thos Massie, 1/264 (wrong page)
Index from Brunswick Co. (which sent 1200 soldiers), 181 & 214, which seem to refer to Augusta and Louisa Co. No other Brunswick ref'ce.
The dates and places of residence will identify, among these, the correct Thomas Massie. -----
If you are fortunate enough to find and send me the data I am seeking, will you kindly tell me what authority for statements as to his parentage you have. Whether the statement of the surviving revolutionary soldier himself, or his widow or children, or whose evidence is the basis for the facts given?
I am writing to you on the suggestion of a friend who was delighted at the fullness the data you sent him in regard to his greatgrandfather or other early relative.
With many thanks for your trouble and hoping that the dates and facts sent will correspond with those I have as to Thomas Massie,
Yours very sincerely,
H. P. Lame
P.S. Will you kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter. Also tell me whether there is any charge, if not please postpone beginning the search till you hear from me. Otherwise begin as soon as you please.
W. P. L.

Jan 11 th 30
Sir, Will you please send me a copy of Thomas Massies Revolution War Pension.
Thomas Massie of Sangamon Co Illinois. let me know the cost of same and I will return to you if I find obliged
Mrs M. A. Ryan Indiana Grove Ind. 1266 N Meridian St.

Nov. 14-1924
Pension Department Washington D. C.
Dear Sirs-
Please give me the records for the services of Thomas Massie who served in the Revolutionary War. Born in Virginia and at the close of the war moved to Kentucky, came to Illinois in 1828 and is buried here in Sangamon Co. Born Dec. 26, 1759- Died Aug 19-1835 Received a pension for services.
This pension was John, so I sent a negative for Mrs. G asked her to give info. re: to alleged John, and account etc. William Ralston Native of Virginia, present at the surrender of Cornwallis. Removed to Kentucky, came to Illinois in 1828 Born 1759 died July 1835. Buried in Sangamon Co. Received a pension Mrs. G. M. Jack 122 N. Pine Springfield, Illinois Jane Taylor Jack Descendant of the above

ORR, ROBINETT &amp; MASON
SUITE 500-506 EXCHANGE NATIONAL BANK BLDG.
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. Nov 29, 1914.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
SIR:-
Will you kindly furnish me with any record of the pension department showing whether Thomas Massie a revolutionary soldier and ancestor of mine, appears on the pension records.
Thomas Massie was born in Albemarle County, Va., 1759 and died in Sangamon County, Illinois, in 1835. I am informed by his grand son M. D. Massie that Thomas Massie drew a pension as a revolutionary soldier the last years of his life. An early reply will greatly oblige.
Very respectfully yours,
Mabel Shields Mason
2103 N. Nevada Ave.

31235 REV INVALID.
1914 Dec 4. History to Mrs. Mabel S. Mason. M.B.H.
1924 - Dec. 2 - Hist. to Mrs. J.H. Gack - MMH F.
File No. 31,235
1930 - Mar 6 - Hist. To Mrs. Dr. A. Ryan 1930 Sept. 29 Hon. Louis Ludlow adv. cost of photos. 1930 Oct. 29. Photos mailed to Hon. Louis Ludlow. His. ltr. mtd. 9/04.
Thomas Massie Rev Rev War
Nov. 8, 1930 when check was rec. from Hon. L. Ludlow. MMH F. 1931 - July 21 - Hist to W.P. Parnar avy.
Act: June 7 th 32
1936 - May 18 - Hist to B.J. Walter avy
Index: - Vol. 9, Page 236
1934 July 11 - Hist to Mrs. F.H. Mc Ginnis avy

Illinois 7938.
Thomas Massie of Sangamon in the State of Illinois who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Adams of the Regt. commanded by Col Lynch in the Virginia line for six months & 14 days.
$21. 55/100
Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois at the rate of 21 - Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of April and sent to C.R. Matheny. Springfield. Illinois
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $13.10
Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 1, 1833 $10.77
$53.87
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. Palmer Clerk. Book 6 Vol. 8 Page 59.
Date of death not on file

19. 6 88
Thomas Mapie Illinois
Adm J. Month
Edward Jones Springfield Sangamon Co. Ill. Illinois

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
22 July 1832.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Thomas Mafie
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1780 3 Prv Col. E. Lynch Col. P. Adams. 73 years   1781. 4. " Col. P. Adams. Col. B. Tree " Carran Major Lewis Comfble Co - Va  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. 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 services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the years, 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Declaration of Thomas Massie
Act 7 th June 1832.
Edward Jones Sangamon County Illinois

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act passed June 7 th 1832 I have of Morris Franklin County Pa.
In this 23 rd day of April personally appeared in open Court Thomas Masie before this Circuit Court in and for the County of said now sitting a resident of the County and State of said aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth in his oath make the fol- lowing Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he entered the service under the following named officers and served as he states. I was born on the 26 th of December in the year 1759 in Buck- ingham County Virginia. I have at my residence in this County a memorandum of my age taken from my Fathers Family Bible. I served two distinct and separate terms of duty. When I first entered the service I served in Campbell County Virginia and the second time in Washington County Virginia. Soon after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis I returned to Kentucky where I resided until five years since when I removed to this County. When I first entered the service I volunteered and the second time was drafted. In the first instance I volunteered in the Company of Capt. Robert Adams in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Lyons. Lieutenant Charles Lynch and Major James Calloway. We volunteered about the middle of September in year 1780 and the Regiment encamped at Mobbie's Creek where in Campbell County. The Regiment was then ordered to Petersburg where the army late in September and were mustered into service by Baron Steuben. At Petersburg as well as I can at this time recollect there were two other Regiments but I have forgotten by whom they were commanded. The Brigade was commanded by General Robert Lawson. The service at Petersburg in camp until our term of service expired which was a little before Christmas. We served three months. I received a written discharge which I have since lost. The second time I was drafted in the first week in May 1781 in the Company of Capt. George Crabtree and was attached to the Company of Captain James Cowen.

We rendezvoused at the House of Capt Bowen in Washington County. Our Company with two others were posted on the Creek Mountains to protect the frontier against the Shawnee Indians. One of these Companies was commanded by a Captain Baker and Major Lewis had the command of the whole. We were discharged in the latter part of September following. I received a written discharge but I have since lost this one also. I never was in any engagement and I had no opportunity of becoming acquainted with any of the Officers either of the Militia or those in the Regular Service that I have hitherto mentioned. I have no documentary evidence of my services either as I know of any person by whom I can prove it. The discharge that I received in the first instance was signed by Col. Sypher and Capt. Adams and the second by Capt. Bowen and Major Lewis. I refer the Court to the Rev. Mr. C. R. Matheny and also to Mr. Josiah Robeson residing in my present neighbourhood who can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier in the Revolution. I served altogether according to my belief about seven months. I served as a private.
I hereby relinquish any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year afore said.
The undersigned C. R. Matheny a Clergyman residing in the County and State aforesaid and Josiah Robeson residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Maple who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 years of age; that is reported and believe in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. C. R. Matheny. Josiah Robeson.

And the honorable the Circuit Court as hereby do close their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations inscribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states, and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Charles R. Matheny who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County aforesaid and that John Robson who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
James D. Lockwood Judge
I Charles R. Matheny Clerk of the Day and the Circuit Court do hereby cer- tify that the foregoing contains the true and full proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas McSpence for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 22 nd day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three. Charles R. Matheny clk