Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16,553, for William Tilford, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Va.
Jilford, William
S. 16, 553
carded
CONTENTS

13864 Indiana
William Tilford of Tippecanoe in the State of Indiana who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Moore of the 2d Inf t commanded by Capt. Boyers in the 1st line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of June 1833 and South Co Catherine Madison
Arrears to the 4th of March 40 C Semi-ant. allowance ending 4/1/32 10 C
50 C
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Dan Boyers Clerk Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 131

State of Indiana
County of Jefferson ss On this 15 day of August 1832, personally appeared in open court, before Joseph G. Marshall Judge of the Court of Probate for the County and State aforesaid, now sitting, William Telford a resident in the County of Jefferson and State of Indiana, aged 81 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, dith on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers, and served as herein stated - was drafted sometime in January 1781 by Capt! Andrew Moore, under Col. John Bowyer, was drafted for 4 months and served his time out - resided in Rockbridge County Virginia when he entered the service - Marched to Edmunds Hill near the North Carolina line & marched from thence to Colonel Gregorys Camp, of which he thinks but is not certain Genl. Mullenbrugh had the command - That he was drafted again in the Fall of 1781, by Capt! Gray forgets what Colonel recollects a Major Gaines - Marched then two or three miles below Williamsburgh and remained there until Genl. Washington & the French army came up - was with a detachment that engaged with the British near Little York and took their trench -
Applicant also states that he volunteered in June 1774 with some forces under Col. Andrew Lewis & Capt! Samuel McDowell, that went out for the purpose of fighting the Indians at Chillicothe Ohio - and was in an engagement at the mouth of the big Kenhawa

on the 10 th of October 1774 - was six months in the service and was Sergeant of Capt. McDowell's company - That he has no documentary evidence, and does not know that there is any body living whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever 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 -
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid -
William Gilford. (Seal)
We Amos Chitwood a clergyman residing in Jefferson County Indiana and R. B. Talbott residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Gilford, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 81 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 -
Amos Chitwood (Seal)
R. B. Talbott (Seal)
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 Amos Chitwood who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the County of Jefferson.

and State of Indiana, and that R. C. Talbott who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and State, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit -
Yos G Marshall
Judge - - - - -
I, R. C. Talbott, clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court of the application of William Talford for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 15 th day of August 1832
R. C. Talbott Clerk
Jefferson County } State of Indiana } Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, William Talford who being duly sworn, deponeth 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 services, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades: For two Six months in the year 1781, I served as a private soldier; For Six months in an Indian Campaign in 1784, I served as a Sergeant; and for such service I claim a pension -
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23 rd day of
Jany 1833 -
John T. Wilson J. Peace
William Talford
(Seal)

State of Indiana Jefferson County ss J. R. C. Galtott Clerk of the said Circuit Court within and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John F. Allison who has taken and signed the within affidavit was at the time of taking thereof over since hath been and now is an acting Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that to all his acts as such full faith and credit are and every right ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 28th day of January 1833 J. R. C. Galtott Clerk
2270 Declaration of John F. Allison

2270
William Telford Lafayette Indiana.
from 1781 prints. 6 notes. 5. $20 - 63
moor Boyer N o
Nov-16-1832 6 cashing Madison Ind a

BRIEF in the case of  William Telford  of Jefferson County in the State of  Indiana.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In open court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 81 years.
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Drafted sometime in 1781 Jan'y 4 private Gen. Col: John Bowyer, Capt Andrew Moore   Drafted again in the Fall of 1781 " Major Gains, Capt Gray   Volunteered in June 1774 serv't 6 Sergeant Colo Andrew Lewis, Capt Saml. McBride  
5. In what battles was he engaged? in an engagement at the Mouth of the Big Kanawha
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rockbridge County, Virginia
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Examining Clerk.

February 6, 1939
Mr. Frederick P. Baoker 2601 S. Figueroa Street Figueroa Los Angeles, California
BA-J/AWF William Tilford S. 16553
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Tilford, who drew a pension while living near Kent, Jefferson County, Indiana.
The data which follow concerning William Tilford were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S. 16553, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and Place of birth of William Tilford, and names of parents were not stated.
While a resident of Rockbridge County, Virginia, William Tilford volunteered sometime in June, 1774, served about six months as sergeant in Captain Samuel McDowell's company, in Colonel Andrew Lewis' Virginia regiment, was in pursuit of Indians, and was in the battle at the mouth of Big Kanawha, October 10, 1774. He enlisted sometime in January, 1781, served four months as private in Captain Andrew Moore's company, Colonel John Bowyer's Virginia regiment. He enlisted in the fall of 1781, served two months as private in Captain Gray's company, under Major Gaines, and was in an engagement during the siege of Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application ex-

outed August 15, 1832, at which time he was aged eighty-one years, and living in Jefferson County, Indiana.
The papers on file in this claim contain no discernible data in regard 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, this city, and furnish the following data-
William Tilford Certificate #13864 Issued June 29, 1833 Rate $30.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Indiana Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

16553 INVALID.
File No. 16553
William Clifford & Sergt Pris Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index: — Vol. 1 , Page 445
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1923 May 31 - Relk to Mr. W.P. Oliver MMH 1924 Aug 7 " " P.S. Weather aut 1939-3086 " " Frederick P. Baker aut

Rev W
Shreveport Louisiana 29 Stamp April 12 1923
Pension Bureau Washington. D. C.
Gentlemen =
In applying for membership in D. A. R. am required to give statement from Pension Bureau of Revolutionary Ancestor, Private Wm Tilford, who enlisted with Va. State Troops. Wm Tilford died in Jefferson Co. Indiana in 1835.
Should the name of Wm Tilfords wife or date of marriage appear on your records please

include these in your reply.
Thanking you for prompt reply I am
Mrs G. L. Bline 223 Vine St Shreveport. La.

LOUISIANA SHOPE BRICK CO.
SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA.
July 8 1924
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Would like the Revolutionary record of my ancestor William Tilford who enlisted from Rockbridge Co. Va and died in Jefferson Co. Ind in 1835.
Thanking you for any help you may give I am Respt.
Mrs B. F. Kleopfer 2014 Southern Av., Shreveport Louisiana

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., May 31 , 192 3
In reply to your request of _____, for the history of  William Gilford , a soldier of the Revolutionary War, the following is taken from the Soldier's claim for pension.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 1774 6 mos. Lt. Samuel McDowell Andrew Lewis Va.   Jan. 1781 4 mos. Private Andrew Moore John Bowyer   Fall 1781 2 mos. " Gray ✓  
Battles engaged in: Point Pleasant, in an engagement during siege of Yorktown Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rockbridge Co., Virginia Date of application for pension, Aug. 15, 1832. His claim was al- Residence at date of application, Jefferson Co., Indiana Age at date of application, 81 yrs.
Remarks: There is no data on file relative to family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
This was Oct. 10, 1774  aw.

awf Rev. and 1812 War Section.
August 7, 1924.
Mrs. B. F. Kleopfer, 2014 Southern Ave., Shreveport, La.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 16553, it appears that William Tilford, while residing in Rockbridge County, Virginia enlisted in June 1774 and was a Sergeant in Captain Samuel McDowell's Company, Colonel Andrew Lewis' Virginia Regiment, was in the battle of Point Pleasant and served six months.
He enlisted in January 1781 and served four months as a private in Captain Andrew Moore's Company, Colonel John Bowyer's Virginia Regiment.
He enlisted in the fall of 1781 and served two months as a private in Captain Gray's Virginia Company and was in an engagement during the siege of Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 15, 1832, while a resident of Jefferson County, Indiana aged eighty one years. There is no family data on file.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

FREDERICK P. BACKER ATTORNEY AT LAW 2601 SOUTH FIGUEROA STREET LOS ANGELES
January 3rd, 1939.
Pension Bureau Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I am writing to you in the hope of obtaining information concerning William Tilford or Telford, born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in the year 1750. It is my understanding that Mr. Tilford fought in the Revolutionary War, following which he drew a government pension until he died in the year 1835. He is buried near Kent, Jefferson County, Indiana.
I am also particularly anxious to obtain any information you may have concerning his wife.
I believe that during the Revolutionary War Mr. Tilford was a resident of Virginia, and undoubtedly fought with their forces.
Thanking you in advance for any information you may be able to furnish, I am
Very truly yours,
Frederick P. Backer FREDERICK P. BACKER
FPB:JM

M rs Tiffords
purposely attached to the candidate.
have spread the word in spite of the cruelty of effort, so as to prevent any paper from being introduced that he intended to use as a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must be placed on the same sheet of paper which contains the candidate's name, or other paper authenticated, the latter statement above the candidate's name, and the latter statement of the paper is not
WILLIAM T. T. (Bishop of Middlesex) Boston
separated as above stated.
For the entire time of the candidacy of the candidate, and the applicant must be properly as well as the legitimate candidate, and then to apply for baptism. The magistrate who may administer the rite of the sacrament supporting the service, and the time and manner of the having the same, as must have the service of the two eligible witnesses who are required to be held in their affidavits.
In a case where none of the applicants is one found on the records of the Department, he WILLIAM T. T. (Bishop of Middlesex) Boston
residents, and all other persons who are called upon to be present at the
the Department, and the place of the meeting. The time of the business being after or before sunset is too
and the business must be held, and the place where the business is before sunset to the close of
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the reason for which the applicant arrives.

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

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

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and, the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
# Should state precisely how long he served in 1781. The time of entering and time of leaving the service in said town.