Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 10187, for Thomas Lay, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
Nb
Lay, Thomas Polly
W 10187
CONTENTS

5737
Missouri
Polly Lay widow of Thomas Lay who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Aug t 1851 and sent to
S. G. Watkins Milan Mo
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 301 , Vol. 3 .

Mrs. David 19337
East Tennessee
Thomas Lay a laborer in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Gordon of the left commanded by Col. Lewis in the line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee at the rate of 40 Dollars & Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Sept 1833 and Walla R Evans Frazell
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 180.00 Sem-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar. 70.00 $120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 57
Letter to Rev. Agt. 14 Jan'y 1845. Letter to Rev. James H. Relf 11 Feb 1845.
To Missauri from H. March 1843. 18 th Feb 1845. Notifi- cation to Rev. Kerlsville Missauri
Paid at Treasury under act 6 Apr 1838, from 4 March '43 to 4 March '44. Agent notified 26 Mar. '46.

26. 6. 63
Major J. H. ...
...
...

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th. 1832.
State of Tennessee 3 Court of Pleas and quarter Clairborne County 3 Sessions, June Term 1833.
On this 18th day of June 1833, personally appeared in open Court, himself before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions, now sitting, Thomas Lay , a resident of said County in the State of Tennessee, aged about seventy 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 7th. 1832. He states that he entered the service under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he entered the service as a substitute in the place of Goldson Step, a private  private in the State Troops of North Carolina, under Major Joel Lewis and Captain Charles Beardsmore in the fall of the year 1780 and that he left the same in the fall of the year 1781. That the term of his service  engagement was for one year, and that he served to the full end of the said term - that at the time he entered the service he resided in Wilkes County North Carolina - That during his service he was never out of said said State nor did he ever change officers - that he was employed against the Tories in said State - That he was in several skirmishes against the Tories but was never in a regular battle, or any noted engagement - that he was kept some time at Galshury N. Carolina.

and was afterwards stationed at Wilcox's Mills in Said State under the same officers with whom he enlisted - that he was not connected with any of the Continental troops nor was there any general officer belonging to the detachment to which he belonged to the best of his recollection - that at the expiration of his term of service he received a written discharge from Major Joel Lewis and Captain Charles Gordon - That when he returned home he gave his discharge to some one of his family (being still under age) for safe keeping - that when he  returned left North Carolina he left his discharge since which time he has not seen or heard of it - that since his term of service he resided partly in North Carolina and afterwards in this State where he still resides - that he knows of no documentary evidence or any living witness by which he can prove his service - that Richard Harper and William McBee can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution and that there is no other  documentary evidence  other residing in his neighborhood  immediate vicinity  the testimony of which  establishes  establishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
That he has no documentary evidence of his age. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Thomas X Lay
Sworn to me this 18th June 1833 Henry Hilliard Clerk
We Richard Harper and William  McBee residing in the County of Claiborne in the State of Mississippi hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Lay

who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbour- hood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Sworn to and subscribed - Richard his Harper mark
in open court etc.
18 June 1833
Richd. Filleadelf
W m McCree
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 Richard Harper and William McCree who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in Claiborne County, Tennessee and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Benjamin F. Felson, clerk of the court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for said County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Lewis Loy for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal public seal of office, at office in Newell, the 26 th day of July 1833.
Benjamin Filleadelf

26.663
Thomas Lay Claybank Tennessee
from 1780 private 17 p 440.
Walter R. Evans. Tazewell, Tennessee

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 Lay
   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 1 Pc. Capt. Gordon Major Lewis 70. N. C. Traditionary.    
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 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 , in the militia, &c. without specifying the hours, 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 fix 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.
Note [j] applies to continental troops only. The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of Missouri } County of Adair } ss
On this 24th day of March A.D. 1880 thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared before me the justice of the peace within and for the St. Lawrence County aforesaid Polly Gay aged eighty four years a resident of Adair County in the State of Missouri, who being duly sworn according to Gay, declares that she is the widow of Thomas Gay deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States that the aforesaid Thomas Gay also, was the identical Thomas Gay whose name appears in an original Cer- tificate of his transfer by the Commission of Pensions from Knoxville Tennessee to the State of Missouri, herewith presented She further declares that she knows of no public nor private Records of her mar- riage existing that she was married to the said Thomas Gay in the State of North Carolina the County she has forgotten on the 25th day of February A.D. 1783
By me M c Kay Bennett a clergyman duly authorized to solemnize the rites of mar- rimony and that her name before her said marriage was Polly Laurence that her said husband died at his residence in Adair County in the State of Missouri on the fifteenth day of July A.D. 1834 thousand eight hundred and thirty six and that she is still a widow
She makes this declaration

For the purpose of obtaining the arrears of Pension money due her as the widow of Thomas Gay Jr., a Revolutionary Pen- sioner of the United States, from the 11 th day of March 1818 up to the 11 th day of March 1831
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the arrears of pension money due her in consequence of the death her husband Thomas Gay Jr., under the act granting pensions to the widows of certain Revolutionary Soldiers passed the 3 rd day of March 1828 and the several Acts amendatory thereto.
Dolly his Gay mark
David Wortman
Subscribed to
and sworn before me this day in a year above written,
Clinton Pierce L.L.D.

State of Missouri County of Adair 3 rd
On this 24 th day of March A D 1851 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid said Lewis Vay a resident of Adair (Vinn) in the State of Missouri, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he has known Thomas Vay whose name appears in an ori- ginal certificate of transfer purporting to be the transfer of Thomas Vay a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, which transfer is now and has been in the possession of Polly Vay the widow of said Vay deceased, for five years, and that he has known the aforesaid parties Thomas Vay and Polly Vay in the life time of the said Thomas Vay as said to live together as husband and wife for the term of forty years  there and that it was so reported, he further declares that he is eldest son of the parties aforesaid, in this case that they have sons and daughters born into them who have been so recognized by all who knew them he further declares that he has frequently heard his mother Polly Vay tell the manner or mode of marrying when she and his father, Thomas Vay was married, that it was done by giving notice at three places of publick worship, and at the third one was married, he further states he never heard the aforesaid Thomas Vay nor Mrs. Polly Vay speak of any Record of their marriage and that he believes that none exist or can be procured that Thomas

Very who. drew a Pension as a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States upon his cer- tificate of transfer from Senoerville Tennessee to that of Missouri, died on or about the 15 th day of July A.D. 1846 — leaving Polly Vay whose name appears in her application herunto annexed as his widow, and that the said Polly Vay is still a widow, of the said Thomas Vay deceased
Let it be So
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that the said Lewis Vay is a Credable witness
Austin Price J.P.

Rev. & 1812 Ware Section
MMHJ Am
July 17, 1926
Mrs. Arthur J. Burk 316 East Jefferson St., Kirksville, MO.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the

January 15, 1926
Mrs. James E. Jamison 802 Aeina St., Burlington, Iowa.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 10187 it appears that Thomas Lay while a resident of Wilkes County, North Carolina enlisted in the fall of 1780, served one year as a private in Captain Charles Gordon's Company under Major Joel Lewis in the North Carolina Troops, was in several skirmishes with the Tories and received wounds the nature of which is not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 18, 1833 while a resident of Claiborne County, Tennessee aged seventy years. Date of birth not stated. He died July 15, 1848 in Adair County, Missouri.
Soldier married February 25, 1783 in North Carolina, Polly Lawrence. She was allowed pension on her application executed May 24, 1851 while a resident of Adair County, Missouri aged eighty-four years.
They had sons and daughters, no names given except

that of Lewis Lay who was living in Adair County, Missouri in 1851.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

686 Missouri
Dolly Lay widow of Thomas who was a private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1846 1846
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Aug r 1857 and sent to
S. G. Watkins Milan Missouri
[ Acts of March 3, 1833, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2, Page 234

State of Missouri County of Adair 3 rd
On this 24 th day of March A D 1881 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Joab Capps and David Capps Res- idents of Adair County in the State of Missouri who being duly sworn according to law de- clare, that they knew Thomas Gay who lived a pension in his life time and have here known them the said Thomas Gay and Polly Gay his wife for the term of forty years and that the aforesaid parties live- ed together as husband and wife for the aforesaid term of years and continued to do so until the death of the aforesaid Thomas Gay and that they were so regarded as hus- band & wife by every person who knew them, they further state that they have been intimately acquainted with the aforesaid parties for forty years that they were their neighbors frequently visiting the house of the aforesaid parties in the State of Tennessee and after the said Thomas Gay and Polly Gay his wife moved to this state they the said Joab Capps and David Capps aforesaid also moved to the State of Missouri, to the same neighbor- hood of the aforesaid Thomas Gay and Polly Gay visit- ing them as husband and wife as before They further declare that Thomas Gay as was the identical Thomas Gay whose name appears in an original Certificate of trans- fer of him as a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States from Tennessee to Missouri

and that Polly Gay whose name appears to the within declaration for allowances of Pension money as the wid- ow of Thomas Gay deceased is now dead was at the the widow of the aforesaid Thomas Gay deceased they the said Joel Capps and David Capps state they are not interested
Joel Capps David Capps
Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that the said Joel Capps and David Capps are credible witnesses
Austin Pierce J.P.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
Oct. 24, 1925.
Mrs. J. E. Jamison, Burlington, Iowa.
Madam:
I have to advise you, that in the Revolution- ary War pension claim, W. 10187, the date of birth and the names of the parents of the soldier Thomas Lay are not on record.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, 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 Gray a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. N. 3. 10 187
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Dec 1780 1 yr Pvt Charles Gordon Major Joel Green N.C.            
Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Wilkes Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, June 18. 1833. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Clairborne Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application, 70 years.
Remarks: He married in N.C. Feb. 25. 1783. Polly Lawrence, he died in Adair Co. Mo. July 15. 1846 and she was allowed pension on an ap. cv. May 24. 1857 while a resident of Adair Co. Mo aged 84 yrs. They had sons and daughters. Eldest son knows only name stated.
He said eldest in name.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

The Ann Haynes Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Kirksville, Missouri
May 22, 1926
The Pension Bureau Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir:-
Please send a copy of the pension record of Thomas Lay who was living at the time of application in Clayborne County Tenn. He died in Adair County, Mo in 1846. His wife's name was Polly Lawrence Lay. He enlisted in the Revolutionary War in 1780. After he died his widow was allowed his pension.
Thanking you for the courtesy, I am Yours very truly
Mrs. Arthur J. Burk 316 East Jefferson St. Kirksville, Mo.

"We stand upon the merit of our years"
ORGANIZED 1883
American Central Insurance Company IN SAINT LOUIS
THE GEO. S. JAMISON AGENCY, Resident Agents 212 Parsons Block Burlington, Iowa
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Mr. Winfield Scott, Commissioner.
Nov. 28, 1925
Dear Sir;
Will you please send me any data you have under the Revolutionary war claim, W. 10187 of Thomas Lay. Any information regarding him will be appreciated. We have that he applied for this pension on "June 18 th ", but the year is not given.
Very truly yours. Juanita Jamison (Mrs. Geo. E.) 602 Aetna St. Burlington, Ia.

The Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Burlington, Iowa September 18, 1925
Gentlemen:
I wish to ascertain if possible from your records the date of birth and the parentage of Thomas Lay a revolutionary soldier who enlisted in the Fall of 1780.
His date of application for a pension was June 18 th 1881(?) The pension was allowed. His residence at the time of application was Clayborn Co. Tenn. and his age at the time was seventy years.
He died July 15 th 1846 in Adair County Missouri and his widow who was formerly Polly Laurence of North Carolina was granted a widows pension on May 24 th 1851, while a resident of Adair County Missouri.

Answer questions only
It is the name of the parents and exact date of birth of the said Thomas Lay that we wish to obtain from your records. Thanking you for any information.
I am yours truly. (Mrs J. E) Juanita M. Garrison Registrar Stars & Stripes Chapt D. A. R., Burlington, Iowa.

Bozeman Mont July 20th 1922
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear sir Does the Records of your Office show the Revolutionary War Record of a man named Thomas Leigh or (Lay) in Europe his name was spelled Leigh But his Descendants Americanized it and spell it Lay we do not know whether he enlisted in Virginia or North Carolina after Revolutionary War he emigrated to Granger Co Tenn and from there to Adair Co Missouri in 1842 where he Died about the year 1845 aged about 50 years
yours respectfully George A Love
922 So 7th Ave
Bozeman
Mont

1514 Linwood Boulevard
REV SEC
1 FEB
Aug 11-1916 -
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C.
Dear Sir,
I am very anxious to have proof of the services of Comfort Ruggles - I am told that he was a member of the Boston Tea party - I shall appreciate any information you can give me - Also proof of the services of George M. Cathey - It's said that he was a Captain. Also information of the services of Thomas Lay - of Tenn - We are erecting a Memorial tablet to

The Revolutionary Soldiers of this State and of course Names are sent us that may not be correct, and history is valueless if not true -
Yours truly Mrs. Milton Welch & R. N. Welch.

1909 Feb. 4 Mrs. Mayme Foreman Tombstone etc. (See in Cur. file 19058) 1916 Aug 23 - history to Mrs. Milton Melch 1922 - Aug. 23 - Hist to Geo. A. Lowe. mmf 1925 - Oct. 24 - Mrs. J. E. Garrison info birth & parents not on record. aw 1926 - Jan. 15 - Hist. to Mrs. Jas. E. Reeves. mmf 1926 - July 17 - Hist. to Mrs. A. J. Duke. mmf
 Revolution.  South Carolina. 
WIDOW, &c.
10.187
File No. 10187
 Polly Lay  Wid. of  Thomas Lay  Sp. Res. War 
Act: Feb. 24/78
Index: — Vol. A , Page 418
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Dear
Aug 5.
Wayne Co } July 26 }
Dear
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of pensions Washington City.
Ms. A. 6. 6. 3

Tazewell, July 26 th 1833—
Sir - I enclose to you the declaration of Thomas Lays for a pension. if any corrections are necessary - forward it to this place
Respectfully yours &c. Walter R. Evans
J. L. Edwards, Esq.

Application of Hollcy Play His amendments due her as the widow of Thos Play etc,

Hon. Jas. E. Heath Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

No 749
Polly Lay, widow of Thomas Mo
act 17 June 1844
Married 1783 Hus d dec d  March 1846
? Adm rs 1 yr per annum coming $44 per annum coming 15 July 1846, 1st March 1846,
also
act 2 Feb 1848
S. G. Watkins Milan Missouri

Milan Mo July 15th 1851 Dear James E. Herath
Dear Sir Sir with enclosed is the application of Polly Gay for arrears of Pension Many due her as the widow of Thos Gay dec. Polly Gay you will see from her application is very old, and is in narrow circumstances and if it can be so, your immediate action upon her case is earnestly desired very Respectfully your Obedient Servant
J. L. Williams
P.S. If the title of the act referred to be wrong, can't attribute it to the want of facilities here in this back woods to get information J. L. W.

Missouri Roll, act 7 June 1832, Kansas Lay, pri. $44 per annum, To what time last paid?
Died 15 th July 1846 pa to his death,
Pension Office Col.
To 3 rd Auditor's Office
B. B.

Agents Office Knoxville Tenn. January 28 th 1845.
Dear Sir.
Tho. s Lay a pensioner on the roll of this Agency under the Act 7 th June 1832: was last paid at this Office, to the 4 th March 1843. —
Very Respectfully Your obedt Servt. John Sen King. Pm Agt
J. L. Edwards Esq m Comm r of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Brief in the case of Polly Lay, widow of Thomas Lay, Adair County and State of Missouri acts 17 June 1844 & 2 Feb 1848
Claim, ("original," or "for increase" )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under Act of 7 June 1832. at $40 per annum. Marriage proved by living witnesses Admitted at $40 per annum, commencing 4 March 1846.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
S. G. Watkins Milan,
S. Cole Examining Clerk.

Ho' of Representatives 12 th Feby. 1845
Sir
I had the honor of receiving your communication of yesterday in relation to the transfer of John Lay a pensioner, from the Tennessee to the Missouri agency. - ?
I find by inquiry of the delegation from Missouri that neither have any knowledge of the signature of David James the Clerk of Adair County. - They believe him to be the clerk of that County, and under the laws of Missouri is authorized and required to use his private seal, until, an official seal can be procured
I would therefore recommend that the Certificate of the clerk be acknowledged by you, and the transfer as requested be made, I herewith return the papers
Very respectfully
Yr obedt Servt
Agnes H. H. H. H.
J. L. Edwards Esqr Comm: of Pensions Washington City

I now all men by these presents that I Polly Gay, widow of the late Thomas Gay deceased of Adair County and State of Missouri do hereby constitute and appoint Stephen G. Watkins of the County of Butler  Adair State aforesaid my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in the State of Missouri, all pension money due me as the widow of Thomas Gay deceased from the 11th day of March A.D. 1845 to the 11th day of March A.D. 1851 witness my hand and seal this 24 day of May A.D. 1851 Polly Gay
Signed & acknowledged in the presence of John R. Jenkins Austin Pierce
State of Missouri } County of Adair }
Be it Remembered that on this 24th day of May A.D. 1851 before me a justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Polly Gay widow of Thomas Gay who above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above written
Taken & subscribed
Austin Pierce J.P.
before me this day & year above written
State of Missouri
County of Adair
Be it Known that on this 24th day of May A.D. 1851 before the undersigned a justice of the peace.

a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Stephen G. Watkins the attorney named in the foregoing power of Attorney and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale transfer or mortgage of the premises or encumbrances of Pensions thereon authorized to be received by him
Stephen G. Watkins
Subscribed and sworn to the year and day above written
Austin Pierce
State of Missouri County of Adair } ss.
I David James Clerk of the County Court for and in the County of Adair and State of Missouri, aforesaid, do certify that Austin Pierce, whose genuine signatures appear to the foregoing Declaration and affidavits, is and was at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace in and for the County and State afo- resaid, duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit, and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having Superior jurisdiction, (
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the Seal of said Court, at Office this 30 th day of May A D 1851.
David James Clerk

Hipville Mo Dec 26
free
Jan 14 45 J. S. Edwards " " Commissioner of pensions Washington City District of Columbia

State of Misouri County of Adair 3 rd Be it known That before me William P. Linder a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Adair personally appeared Thomas Lay and made oath in due form of Law That he is the Identical Thomas Lay named in an original certificate in his pos- session of which I certify the following is a true copy—
— War department —
— Revolutionary claim —
I certify That in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832 Thomas Lay of the State of Tennessee who was a private in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Forty dollars and — cents per annum during his natural life commen- cing on the 4 th of March 1831 and payable Semiannually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year
Given at the War office of the United States This 20 th day of Sep- tember one Thousand eight hundred and thirty Three. Lewis Cass secretary of war —
Examined and { Countersigned {
J. L. Edwards commissioner of pensions
That he is entitled to a pension of Forty dollars per annum on account of wounds and disabilities received or of services ren- dered to the United States during the REVO- LUTIONARY War, payable Semiannually That he formerly resided in the State of Tennessee and Received his payments at Knoxville in said State of Tennessee That he removed

From Thence to Adair County in the state of Missouri where he now resides and has resided there for the space of about one year past and that previous thereto he resided in the state of Tennessee as aforesaid and that he now wishes to receive his payments Thomas his Lay in the state of Missouri Sworn and Subscribed to before me this 23 rd day of December A D 1844
William P. Linder J. P.
State of Missouri } County of Adair } Be it remembered that on this the 23 rd day of December 27 1844 before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Adair personally appeared William J. Brapfield and made both an oath of law that Thomas Lay the subscriber to the foregoing affidavit is the true and entire person that he represents himself to be that he formerly resided in the state of Tennessee and removed to this state as set forth in said affidavit
William his J. Brapfield
Subscribed and sworn to mark before me this 23 rd day of December 27 1844
William P. Linder J. P.
State of Missouri } County of Adair }
I David James Clerk of the County Court in and for Adair County and State of Missouri do certify that William P. Linder Esq. Whose name appears to the above & foregoing affidavits is now and was at the time of sign- ing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned & qualified as such and that his signature

appear to be in his own proper handwriting given under my hand and a private seal (there being as yet no official seal {seal} provided done at office in Kirkville This the 23 day of December 20-1844 David Haines Clerk
Kirkville Missouri
This 23 rd day of December 844
To the commissioners of Pensions sir - I wish the place of payment of my pension removed from Tennessee to the State of Missouri.. will you therefore be so good as to place my name on the list of pensioners for the State of Missouri that I may draw my pension from the agent for paying pensions in Missouri If the foregoing is not sufficient to authorize you to make the change please be so kind as to inform me what will be necessary for me to do & send me blank directions
Your obedient servant - Thomas his Lay mark

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
Feby. 13 th 1845
Sir:
In conformity with the regulations of this Department, you have this day been transferred from the Roll of Knoxville. Tennessee to that of Missour i to take effect from and after the 1 st March 1845.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr. Thomas Lay
U. S. Pensioner.
Kirksville
Missour i