Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5,655, for Frederick Ray, Virginia

SERVICE
Var.
Ray, Frederick Nancy
NUMBER
W 5,655
BL. No. 38580-160-55
CONTENTS
[Lined area with a large bracket on the left side]
[Lined area]

Alabama 1950
Frederick Ray
Muscogee in the State of Alabama who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Fred Gill of the Regt commanded by Col Glyn in the Virginia line for
"Eleven months."
Inserted on the Roll of Alabama at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 d day of April 1833 and sent to G. Shorridge, Muscogee, Ala
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1833 73.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 18. Sept. 1833 18.33
$91.65
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Wm P. Palmer, Clerk, Book E Vol. 8. Page 50

1218 Alabama                      Sus
Nancy Ray, widow of Frederick Ray who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private ,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 66.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of June 1856. and sent to
John G. Barr, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1848. Page 157. Vol. 4. July 29. 1848.
Deering & John G Barr Aug 7 1856-
230361

230. 361
Oct March 3.
Oct. 31.
Nancy Ray, wid.
Frederick Ray, wid.
Very, war.
Per. Oct 7. June 1832 Tuscaloosa Agree.
July 28-1215
AD: H. O. McC. Aug 14/56 Blyth
John G. Barr, Tuscaloosa,
Ala.
Vol No-8

No. 1
Declaration

State of Alabama County of Tuscaloosa } ss.
On this 2 nd day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and fifty-two, personally appeared before me, an ac- ting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Nancy Ray a resident of the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law under oath declares that she is the Widow of Frede- rick Ray who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and who drew a pension from the United States, at Tuscaloosa Alabama. That her said husband died in Tuscaloosa County, and State of Alabama on the seventeenth day of June A.D. 1837. That she is still a Widow. That her name before marriage was Nancy Harville. That she was born in Brunswick County in the State of Virginia, on the eleventh day of June A.D. 1770, and that she was married to the said Fre- derick Ray in Pittsylvania County in the State of Virgin- ia on the first day of April A.D. 1786. That she had by Frederick Ray, seventeen children, seven male and seven female: of whom of whom are now living, to-wit: Anderson Ray aged about sixty years: Nathaniel Ray aged about fifty-eight years: James Ray aged about fifty-six years: Frederick Ray aged about fifty-four years: Martha Ray, now Martha Byers, aged about fifty years: Mary Ann Ray, now Thompson aged thirty three years: John Wesley Ray, aged about thirty one years: That after she removed from Virginia she settled in North Carolina, where she lived with her

husband about ten years: After which time they removed to the State of Georgia, where they resided for twenty-two years: and then removed to Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, where she has resided thirty-four years; and where she now resides:
That she makes this affidavit for the purpose of obtaining from the United States Government whatever money, pension, or lands may be due her in accordance with the acts of Congress in such cases made and provided:
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of February A.D. 1852: J H Green
Nancy her + Ray mark
Justice of Peace
The State of Alabama I. Mass M c Guire Judge of Probate for Tuscaloosa County, do hereby certify that the John W. Green whose Genuine Signature appears to the foregoing declaration and affidavit, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such are entitled in full faith and loyalty - And that the aforesaid Probate Court is a court of Record having General Jurisdiction
Given under my hand and seal of office at Tuscaloosa Alabama This 10th day of February A.D. 1852 M c Guire
Judge of Probate

Fredrick Ray
Declaration for Prison
22492

State of Alabama Tuscaloosa county } 3/4 pct.
On this 10 th day of December 1832 personally ap- peared in Open Court before Marmaduke Wil- iams Judge of the Court for the County aforesaid S t Frederick Ray resident of the State & County aforesaid, age 73 years who being first duly sworn, according to Law oaths on his oaths make the following declaration in order to ob- tain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and service as herein after stated
That he was born in the County of Brunswick in the State of Virginia, the time not particularly recollection as the family register is lost, but from a calculation of events and constantly keeping in his mind his age each year he believes he was born in the year 1759 - he resided in Brunswick until called into the service of the United States which entered for eight months as a Militia Man, or as one of the State Troops he does not know which, under Col. G. L. Green Major his name not remembered - Captain Thom- as Thredgill - Lieutenant, & Ensign the names not remembered - From Brunswick they marched to Oconee Hills where they joined General Greene - at that place a detachment was formed of which your affiant constituted one of 200 Men, to go to Little Pedee scouting after the Tories at that place but few of them however were found and

They were marched back to join the Main Army when they got back General Greene had left Chesapeake, & was on his retreat back to Virginia - The troops to which your affiant belonged were marched to Hillsboro, & there took charge of about 200 British prisoners, to be con- veyed to Virginia, these prisoners were taken to Petersburg Old Court-house - at which place your affiant's term of service expired, & he was honorably discharged & returned to his home in Brunswick, his discharge was in writing but he has lost the same - In the Spring afterwards of the same year he was drafted for a service of three months, his Captain was Laurence House, the Lieutenant & Ensigns names not recollected; the Col Com- manding was named Tucker a remarkably large man - This expedition was directed northwards to meet the British in Virginia - at Carter's Ferry he was taken sick & placed in a hospital there, while the Army marched on and completed the siege of Little York, at which place he would have been had it not been for his sick- ness aforesaid - at Carter's Ferry your affiant was discharged & when well enough returned home - his discharge was a written one, but it is not now in his power to find it - This forms all the service he performed during the war - From Brunswick Virginia shortly af- ter the war was on he removed to North Carolina Greene County, from there to Hancock County

in Georgia — from there to Jasper County in the same state, from there to the State of Alabama Tuscaloosa about 13 years ago at which place he yet resides: He has no documentary evidence of any kind, nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure, to testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that he is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to & subscribed in open court December 10th 1832 Frederick H Ray John Edwards Clerk of the County Court
We Thomas A Smith a clergyman residing in the county of Tuscaloosa and Levin Powell residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Frederick Ray who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 78 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed
the 10th day of December 1832
Thos A Smith Levin Powell
John Edwards Clerk of the County Court
And the said Court does hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the questions 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 Thomas A Smith who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county of Linnalooza and that Severn Powell who has also signed the same is a resident of the same county & is a credible person & that the statement is entitled to credit.
W. D. Williams Judge of Court
I John A Hodges clerk of the County Court for the County of Linnalooza do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Frederick Roy for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 28 th day of December 1832
John A Hodges clerk

No. 230.361 Bounty Land claim, Nancy Ray, Widow of Frederick Ray, deceased. Act of March 3 rd 1855.
Revolutionary War.
Filed by John G. Bart. Tuskaloosa, Ala.

State of Alabama, Tuskaloosa County 3ss.
On this 20 day of December A.D. 1855, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, on oath and for the County and state aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, Nancy Ray, aged ninety-five years, a resident of Tuskaloosa County, State of Alabama, who being duly sworn, according to law, under oath declares that she is the Widow of Frede- rick Ray, who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War from Brunonick County in the State of Virginia. That she does not know the name of any of the officers, under whom her said husband served, nor whether he was in the Virginia State line or the Continental Army; but knows that he did perform a tour of service, and that she was married to him prior to his leaving home to do so. That her said husband did during his lifetime establish, to the satisfac- tion of the Pension Department, his Revolutionary services, and that he drew a pension, under the Act of the 7 th of June A.D. 1832, as a private soldier in said War; and that he reg- ularly received his pension at the Tuskaloosa Pension Agen- cy up to the 4 th of March A.D. 1837.
She further states that her private family record has been lost, that she has not been able to obtain any public record of her marriage, but that she was married to the said Frederick Ray, in Brunonick County, in the State of Virgin- ia, in the month of May A.D. 1774, by one John White, a Bap- tist preacher; and that her name before marriage was Nancy Havill, and that her said husband died in Tuskaloosa Coun- ty, State of Alabama, on the 7 th day of June A.D. 1838, and that she is now, and ever since his death, has been, a Widow. She makes this declaration to obtain the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under Act of March 3 rd 1855: never having received any Bounty Land. And appoints John G. Barr, of Tuskaloosa Ala, her Attorney, to apply for and receive her Warrant.
Nancy Her Ray mark

We, James Pierson and Robert Boyd The Undersigned, residents of Tuscaloosa County, in the State of Alabama, under oath, declare that, from living neighbors, for a great many years, to Frederick Ray and his wife Nancy Ray, we know that they lived together as man and wife, that they were universally known, recognized and reputed as such, and raised a family of children, some of whom are still living in the County and State aforesaid, and are recognized as legitimate children of Frederick Ray and Nancy Ray aforesaid; that Frederick Ray, with his wife Nancy came to this County nearly 37 years ago, - that from this time or thereabout, deponent's acquaintance began with them. That they always heard Frederick Ray had been a Revolutionary soldier and believe that he was in receipt of a pension; That he died in Tuscaloosa County, State of Alabama, on the 7 th day of June A.D. 1838. That Nancy Ray, who is now applying for Bounty Land, under Act of 1835, is said Frederick Ray's Widow, and that she is now a widow; that her name before marriage was Nancy Harrill; that we believe her to be fully 95 years of age; that the foregoing Declaration was signed by making her mark and acknowledged to be her signature by the afore-mentioned Nancy Ray in our presence; that we know from long personal acquaintance that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that we have no interest whatever in this her claim
James Pierson
Robert Boyd
The foregoing Declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year first herein written: and I certify

that I know affidavits to be credible and respectable persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
George Collins Justice of the Peace.
State of Alabama, Tuskalooza County. On this 21 st day of December, A.D. 1855, before me personally came James H. Dearing, who being duly sworn under oath declares, that from the within evidence and other testimony he believes the within named applicant Nancy Ray is the widow of Frederick Ray, deceased, who was a pensioner, under Act of 7 th June 1832 and on the roll of the Tuskalooza Agency.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
J. H. Dearing Pension Agent
L. G. Skinner Justice of the Peace
State of Alabama, Tuskalooza County. 321.
I, Moses McGehee, Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for the county, and state aforesaid and ex-officio clerk of said court, do hereby certify that George Collins Esqr, and L. G. Skinner Esqr, whose genuine signatures appear respectively to the foregoing affidavits, each of them are now and both were at the time of signing the above signatures, Justices of the Peace, within and for the county and state aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 21 st day of December A.D. 1855
Moses McGehee Judge of Probate

no 22492 79 50
Frederick Ray Fuscaloola County State of Alabama
Adm for 11. Months from 1781. —
E. Shortridge agent Fuscaloola. Alabama

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
183
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 show what is necessary to be done. These 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 text is handwritten: A Statement, showing the Service of American Ray Tuscaloosa Co. Alabama
   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.     17 81 Claim not stated 3 Private Capt. Tho. Threlkill Capt. Law Sergeant House Col. Glenn Major Genl. Green Col. Tucker None stated From Bragg's Creek to Chocawatta Little Pedee to Hillsboro Pocahontas Old Fort Chillicothe 73 years Birmingham Country Traditionary   Draft. " 3 "  
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.
L,                      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 [i] 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.

No 5
affidavits of persons living names and ages of children

State of Alabama Tuskaloosa County 3 rd .
Before me an acting Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Thomas P. Thompson aged Forty-one years and David Thompson aged Thirty-two years, both citizens of this County, and both known to me to be persons of undoubted veracity, and made oath that they were well acquainted with Frederick Ray, who was a revolutionary pensioner, and who died in said County on the seventeenth day of June A. D. 1837, that to their knowledge he lived with Nancy Ray as her husband for twenty years prior to his death, and raised a large family of children; that there was, in existence at one time a family record but it has been destroyed. The names of said children and their ages are as follows: Anderson Ray, the eldest, being about seventy years of age, now living in the state of Georgia; Bartlett Ray about sixty-eight years old; he died in Tuskaloosa County, Alabama in October 1837; Patsy Ray, aged about sixty-six, now residing in Pickens County, Alabama; Elizabeth Ray, aged about sixty, when she died in Tuskaloosa County, Alabama, in 1849; Nathaniel Ray, aged about fifty-eight years, now living in Tuskaloosa County; James Ray aged about fifty-four, now living in the state of Mississippi; Nancy Ray, aged about fifty years, and died in Tuskaloosa County in 1845; Catherine Ray

aged about twenty-five when she died in Tuskaloosa County: Frederick Ray aged about forty-five years, now living in the state of Texas: Reuben aged about thirty when he died in Arkansas: Mary Ann aged about thirty seven, and died on the 3 rd of July A.D. 1853, in the County of Tuskaloosa: John Wesley Ray, aged thirty-four, now living in Tuskaloosa County; Mor- new Ray, aged about sixteen years, when she died in Tuskaloosa County many years ago: and Teresa Ray who died in Mississippi in the year 1833. That Nancy Ray is the Widow of Frederick Ray, that she is now living at a very advanced age, and that she is com- pletely bedridden: that she is now, as they understand, ap- plying for a pension: and that they are disinterested witnesses therein and subscribed before me this 12 th day of
July A.D. 1853. } Thomas J. Thompson Seal David Thompson his mark Seal
G. S. Skirvin Seal Justice of the Peace
State of Alabama } Tuskaloosa County } ss.
I, Moses McGuire, Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that E. S. Skirvin Esqr, before whom the foregoing Affidavit was made, is and was at the time of signing the same, an Acting Justice of the Peace, within

and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit - that his signature is genuine - and that the aforesaid Probate Court is a court of record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at the City of Tuscaloosa, this 12 th day of July A.D. 1853.
Mose M c Guire Judge of Probate Judge of Probate

Ray  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5655
Nancy Ray William Frederick Ray Priscilla Ray
Act: July 29, 1848
Index:—Vol. 86 , Page 148
[Arrangement of 1870.]

2 38,580
[Large cursive flourish] Newbury

No. 14936. Nancy Ray Widow of Frederick Ala
A. M. Ganger Sep 10 1853 A. H. Brown 20 th June 1854. Ind. G. Barr Jan 10 1856- Same May 6. 1856 No 1449.
Act July 29/48.
Act July 7 1838

James Ray - Frederick
Mar 29/88
FREE
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D.C.

PHB
230.361
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D.C.

Nancy Ray, widow of Frederick Ray Alabama - Tuscaloosa Co
Admitted
Act July 29th, 1848
11 months Private
at $36 \frac{66}{100} per annum, from March 4th, 1848
Attorney
John G. Barr
Tuscaloosa
Ala.

No 3
Inability to appear in Court

State of Alabama } County of Tuscaloosa } ss.
On this 19 day of April 1852 before me personally appeared H. B. Green of the city of Tuscaloosa in said county and made oath that he is an acting justice of the Peace in and for said County that on the 9th day of February last he took the deposition of Nancy Ray widow of Frederick Ray deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner which deposition he understands has been sent on to Washington for the purpose of procuring a pension for said Nancy Ray that the said Nancy Ray was at the time of taking said deposition and is now bed-ridden and wholly unable to go out so as to appear in open court and give testimony, and that deponent was obliged to go to her bedside to administer the oath.
- Sworn to and subscribed } the day and year first above } written. } L. J. Shinn } J. of the Peace }
H. B. Green
State of Alabama } County of Tuscaloosa } ss. I, Moses M. Guire,

Judge of Probate for said County, do hereby Certify that S. H. Green who made the foregoing af- fidavit and L. P. Skinner before whom the said affidavit was made were at the time of ma- king the same and still are Justices of the Peace in and for said County and state, and that full faith and credit are due to all their official acts. I further Certify that I have made inquiry respecting the facts set forth in the said affidavit, and am satisfied of their truth in all respects.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said County, at Tuscaloosa, Ala- bama this nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
MacLure Green Judge of Probate

Relative to Revolutionary pension claim of Nancy Ray, Widow of Frederick Ray, deceased
Jno. G. Barr, Attorney, Tuskaloosa, Ala.

Tusculum Alabama, April 10 th 1856,
Sir:
In reply to your favor of the 10 th February last, requiring, in the event of an unsuccessful search in the records of the office of the Clerk of the County Court of Brunswick County, Virginia, for the proof of date of marriage of Frederick Ray, late a Revolutionary pensioner, to Nancy Harvill, his Widow, who is now applying for a continuance of pension - a showing that no such evidence exists of record, I herewith enclose the certificate as required.
You also, in same favor, inform me that Nancy Ray, alias Harvill, in her former application, drawn up by myself, stated that she was born in 1770 and married in 1786 - and that she now says she was born in 1760 and married in 1774.
The discrepancy herein noted is explainable readily, when it is remembered, as stated in the affidavit of witnesses, which please refer to, that she is very old, with fading physical powers - and mind decaying, wandering and fast verging on second childhood; and therefore her case, in which there can be no suspicion of fraud, would seem to demand less definiteness and particularity of proof than would in ordinary instances be required by the Department.
In making out her claim the first time,

it was only at intervals of relief from pain that she could be brought to tell anything concerning her early life - and it was very difficult to keep her mind on the subject. This was, as well as I remember in July 1853; - soon afterwards, it was thought she would die, and the purpose to procure her a continuance of her husband's pension was abandoned; contrary to expectation she still survives, and though very feeble in body, occasionally manifests an elasticity and strength of mind, which I had not observed in my visit to her in 1853. She now narrates with more definiteness and distinctness the events of her early days than heretofore. One fact she seems to remember with entire clearness, and that is, that she was just 14 years old when she married, and also that her oldest child, not now living, was born before her husband "went to the War;" - thus making it, if living, about 81 years old. Her oldest child now living in this county is a very old man and seems to be full 75 years old. She is clear also as to the name of the parson who married her and relates many circumstances connected with that person and the Baptist sect of that early day, in strict conformity with history, the which taken in connexion with the fact that she is wholly unlettered, strengthens materially her general evidence.
Her oldest neighbors in this county date their acquaintance with herself and husband back some 35 or 40 years. In addition to the evidence already sent on, if it is necessary, these neighbors - some half dozen if desirable - can be brought to open Court in this

place, and will add their testimony to that already filed, Though it will be at much inconvenience and trouble.
I must further add that the pension Agent at this place, - James H. Dearing, - who paid the pen- sion, during Fred. Roy's lifetime to him and knows of his death, also personally knew that he lived as man and wife with claimant - was universally reputed to be married and never heard her marriage questioned.
If rigid exactness of proof be required in this case to the exclusion of this old revolutionary mother's name from the pension rolls, I believe a crying and griev- ous injury will be done to one whose claim is as just and righteous as any on the rolls of the Department.
Very respectfully
Your oft. Servant, Ino. G. Barr.
Hon. J. Menot Com. of Pensions Wash. City D.C.

Alabama, Tuscaloosa, June 15. 1874.
Dear Sir:-
I have been requested by Nancy Ray, the surviving wife of Asahel Ray, formerly a resident of this County to address you in reference to a pension which she thinks is due her from the government by reason of public services performed by her husband in the war of his country.
She states to me that her husband, during his life, (which ended about eighteen or twenty years ago) received a pension of something more than ninety six dollars from the government, by the law then in force. That since his death she has drawn no pension, but some more than twelve months she procured Capt. Geo. G. Barr of this city to interfere with the government in her behalf. That he accordance with his instructions all the proof deemed necessary by him was regularly obtained and sent to the department. That, in due time thereafter, the said Capt. Barr

Received a communication from the Department stating that the proceedings had been regular and satisfactory; and that the pension would be forth- coming, as soon as that one could be reached. Yet, strange as it may seem, although she has often inquired of Capt. Burr, he invariably states that he has heard nothing more about the pension. This strange enigma she can not solve, and she has procured me to address you with a view to obtain information in regard to it. Be pleased, Sir, to reply at your earliest convenience.
Very respectfully, To Genl' pension Comr. } Yours & sister Washington City      Newton H. Brown. D. G. L.

Nancy Ray, widow of Frederick died July 29, 1848
Brief
Dodge

Brief in the case of Nancy Ray , widow of Frederick Tuskaloosa County and State of Alabama act July 29th, 1848
Claim, ("original," for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Frederick Ray was pensioned under the act of June 7, 1832 at $36.66 per annum for 77 months service in He died June 7, 1838.
Marriage proved by parole to have taken place at before Jan'y 1, 1800. (and probably before 1794, but as the exact date was not satisfactorily established, the claimant consented to take her pension under the act of
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
July 29, 1848, instead of the act of 1838, under which she had applied
Widowhood and identity established by parole proof
Name and residence of Agent
John G. Barr Tuskaloosa Ala.
S. G. Hodges
Examining Clerk.

Application of Nancy Ray, Widow of Rev. Soldier, to be paid pension money, by her Attorney,
John G. Barr, Tuskaloosa, Alabama.
Act of July 29 th 1848

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, July 11 th 1856,
Sir:
Enclosed please find Nancy Rays application to be paid the pension money due her under her certificate of Pension, from Mar 4 th 1848 up to Mar 4 th 1856.
The pension agent, at this place, absolutely refuses to pay any more pension, - alluding that he intends (or has) given up the post. Now, in making an application to obtain a pension Certificate for Nancy Ray, I made out the papers under the old Act, by which, if she could establish the fact of her marriage prior to 1800, additional pay, beyond what is now granted, might I learn, have been secured for her; but whilst this fact was certain, the delay which must have been incurred in an attempt to prove it, would, in all human likelihood, have prevented her from ever reaping any of the benefits of a pension, in as much as her condition is such that she cannot, in the nature of things, live much longer; I, therefore, first obtaining her consent to the change, amend the application under the Act of 1848 - for the reason that she might be receive some of the benefits of her pension before she died. Her health is so bad - she is so old and infirm, that it is my firm belief, that she will not live another year, - and unless her pension money be paid at Washington, according to the request herein contained, she will not perhaps, reap any of the benefits of the pension certificate now in her possession. I, therefore, if it is consistent with

The regulations of your office, that the money for which she has herein receipted - viz pay, at the rate of $36.66 per annum, from Mar 4, 1848 to Mar 4, 1856 - Eight years - and for which, as her Attorney, I herewith give my receipt, (unless a more formal one be required) - be forwarded to my address at this place.
Respectfully
Your obedt servt
Geo: G. Barr
Hon. J. Minor
Comt of Pensions
Washington City,
D. C.
[Handwritten scribble]

State of Alabama: § Tuskaloosa County § ss
Be it known, that before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Nancy Ray, to me well known, and made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical person named in an original certificate in her possession, of which I certify the following is a true copy: "Department of the Interior. Widow's Pension. I certify that in conformity with the Act of July 29, 1848, Nancy Ray, Widow of Frederick Ray who was a private in the Revolutionary War, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty Six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th of March 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this Twenty-sixth day of June, one Thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
Examined and countersigned J. Minot
R. M c Clelland Secretary of the Interior
Commissioner of Pensions."
"Payment to be made at Tuskaloosa, Alabama, by J. H. Deane Esq. Agent for paying Pensions in the Agency of Alabama. Payable on the 4 th September and 4 th March. Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensions under Act of July 29 th 1848, Page 157, vol. A. G. T. Gelly, Clerk." — That she now resides in Tuskaloosa County, in the State of Alabama, and has resided there for the last thirty seven years last past, To the truth of which statements I am fully satisfied. That she makes this declaration, being now helpless and bed-ridden, to enable her Attorney, hereinafter named to receive the pension money due her, under the Act passed July 29 th 1848, commencing on the 4 th of March 1848 and ending on the 4 th of March 1856,

And she further declares that she has made no other application than this, nor authorized any to be made in her name, either to James H. Deane, Agent at Tuscaloosa, or any other Agent of the Government - for the reason, that she is informed and believes that the said J. H. Deane has positively refused to pay any more pensions; that she therefore instructs her Attorney to apply to the Chief of the Pension Bureau for the payment of said pension.
Nancy Her  X Ray (Seal) Mark
Power of Attorney
Know all men by these presents That I, Nancy Ray of the County of Tuscaloosa, State of Alabama, a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint John G. Barr of the City of Tuscaloosa, State of Alabama, my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name, to receive from the Commissioner of Pensions or from such pension Agent as the said Commissioner may designate, my pension from the 4 th day of March 1848 to the 4 th day of March 1856.
Witness my hand and seal this 8 th day of July A. D. 1856.
Nancy Her  X Ray (Seal) Mark
We, James Pierson and William H. Pierson — the undersigned, residents of the County of Tuscaloosa, State of Alabama, upon our oaths declare, that the foregoing declaration and power of Attorney, was signed, (by her making her mark) and acknowledged by Nancy Ray in our presence; that she is personally well known to us, - that her statements in her foregoing ap-

fidavit and that we know she is the identical person she represents herself to be - that her helpless condition is such as is herein described - and that we have no interest whatever in her said pension.
James Pierson Seal William H Pierson Seal
The foregoing Declaration, Power of Attorney and Affidavit were sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged in my presence on the day and year the same bear date; and I certify that I know affiants to be credible and respectable persons; and that I have the most satisfactory evidence, viz a personal acquaintance of many years, in addition to the testimony above, that Nancy Ray who this day, in my presence, and confined by illness to her bed for the past ten or 12 years, took the foregoing oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension certificate, which she has exhibited before me, without number, and bearing date at the Department of the Interior the 26 th day of June 1856 and signed by B. M c Chelland, Secretary of the Interior
George Collins Seal Justice of the Peace.
The State of Alabama Tuscaloosa County } I, Moses M c Guire, Judge of Probate in and for the County and State aforesaid hereby certify that George Collins, whose genuine signature appears above, is and was at the time of signing the same, a duly qualified and Commissioned Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid. In Testimony Whereof I have

herunto set my hand and seal of office this July 11 th 1856 Moses M c Guire Judge of Probate
State of Alabama, } Tuskaloosa County } ss
Be it known, that on this 11 th day of July 1856, before me, Moses M c Guire, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared John G. Barr, the attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney, who is personally well known to me, and to whose credibility and disinterestedness I certify, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage, of the pension or arrears of pension, therein authorized to be received by him. And I further certify to the truth of the statements herein made in relation to the extreme in- firmity and precarious old age of the pensioner.
John G. Barr (Seal)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11 th day of July 1856.
In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at office in Tuskaloosa, Ala, the day and year above written.
Moses M c Guire Judge of Probate

Tuskawilla Alabama, May 19 th 1856,
Sir:
Your favor of the 6 th inst, suggesting, that in view of the unsatisfactory establishment of the precise date of Marriage of Frederick Ray, decd, late a military pensioner, under Act of June 7 th 1832, to Nancy Hanille, it would be best for "claimant to consent to receive a certificate of pension under the Act of July 29 th 1848," - has been received, and in reply I beg to state;
Considering the extreme old age, entire dependance and poverty of the claimant, there can be no question about the propriety of adopting your suggestion; and will not hesitate to accept, as her Attorney, for her the certificate of pension under the Act of '48. From the tenor of your letter, I do not perceive any additional proof can be necessary to perfect her claim under that Act. Though a discrepancy exists, as to the proof made in 1852 and 1855, relative to the particular year of her marriage, - a discrepancy which, I think, I accounted for satisfactorily in my last letter - yet all the proof unite in establishing the fact of Marriage before the year 1790, and the Act of 1848 only requires its establishment before the year 1800.
Unless what is done, be done speedily, it will not benefit the claimant, as she is sinking rapidly under the weight of old age and infirmity.
Very respectfully Your aff. serv Geo: G. Barr
Hon. J. Minor Comm'r of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Washington City D.C. July 19, 1853
Sir,
Enclosed you will find claim of Nancy Ray, Widow of Frederick Ray decd. who drew a Pension under Act of 1832, with proofs and Power of Att., viz: No. 1 Declaration of Nancy Ray " 2 Power of Attorney " 3 Testimony of Justice of inability to appear before Court. " 4 affidavits of Pierson and others " 5 do " Thompsons, giving names and ages of children
Be pleased to cause her claim to be acted on at your earliest convenience
Yours Truly
S. Brown
H.illyangener
Hon J. P. Waldo Com. of Pensions

Certificate of Clerk of Brunswick County Court, Virginia, relative to date of Marriage of Fred. Ray to Nancy Ray.

State of Virginia
Brunswick County, to wit: Seal
I, E. R. Turnbull, clerk of the County Court of Brunswick, in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify, that I have examined the records of said court, and am unable to find the certificate of the marriage of Frederick Ray to Nancy Hearnville.
In testimony whereof, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 28 th March 1856
E. R. Turnbull C. C. C. of Br. Cty

Tuscaloosa Ala, December 21 st 55
Sir:
I ask leave to file the within application of Nancy Ray, widow of Frederick Ray, deceased, for a pension, - and the arrearage of pension-money which may be due her since the death of her husband, which occurred on the 7 th June 1838.
The condition of Mrs Ray is one of great bodily debility and infirmity; any additional evidence required to establish her identity &c, short of bringing her to Tuscaloosa from her residence, a distance of 20 miles, will be promptly furnished.
Very respectfully Yours &c & etc
Hon. Com. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Thos. G. Kurt

No. 2
Power of Attorney

Know all Men by these presents, That I, Nancy Ray, Widow of Frederick Ray, deceased, a resident of Tuscaloosa County, in the State of Alabama, have constituted and appointed, and by these presents, do constitute S. J. Bowen of the City of Washington my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name, place and stead, to ask and receive of and from the United States, any Bounties, Land Warrants, pensions, or money that now is or may be due me, on account of services rendered in the Revolutionary War by my husband, Frederick Ray deceased: to give all necessary receipts and after sufficient discharged, and generally to do any and every other act, requisit and necessary, that I could do were I personally present: hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said Attorney may legally do by virtue hereof:
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, in Tuscaloosa County, and State of Alabama this 9 th day of February A.D. 1852. Nancy Ray Seal mark
Signed & sealed in presence of James Pierson Thomas P. Thompson 2 Witnesses State of Alabama Tuscaloosa County
Personally appeared before me, an acting Justice in this 9 th day of February A.D. 1852, Nancy Ray, who acknowledged the foregoing to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein contained. J. H. Green Justice of the Peace

The State of Alabama I. Moses McGuire Judge of Probate Tuscaloosa County for said County do hereby certify that J. H. Green whose Genuine Signature appears to the foregoing declaration and affidavit, is and was at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the County of Tuscaloosa and State aforesaid, duly Commissioned and sworn that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and the aforesaid Probate Court is a Court of Record having General Jurisdiction
Given under my hand and Seal of office at Tuscaloosa Ala- bama this 10 th day of February 1832
Moses McGuire
Judge of Probate

12
Revolutionary pension claim of Nancy Ray, Widow of Frederick Ray, died.
Filed by John G. Barr, Tuscaloosa Ala.

State of Alabama, } Tuskaloosa County }
On this 20 day of December A.D. 1855, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, Nancy Ray aged ninety five years, a resident of Tuskaloosa County, in the State of Alabama, who being duly sworn, according to law, under oath, declares that she is the Widow of Frederick Ray, deceased, who was a Soldier of the Revolutionary War and who received a pension, under Act of 7 th of June A.D. 1832, which pension was regularly paid her said husband until the 4 th day of March A.D. 1837. That she cannot furnish the proofs of her said husband's military services, but believes such proofs exist in the archives of the Government, in as much as her husband, during his lifetime, on application for a pension, must have established them. That she was married in Brunswick County, in the State of Virginia, in the month of May A.D. 1774 by one John White, a Baptist Preacher, that as far as she is able to ascertain there exists no public record of her marriage, and that her private family Bible record has been lost many years; that she was married at the age of 14 years, and that she was born in Brunswick County, in the State of Virginia, in the year A.D. 1760. That she is prevented by bodily infirmity from travelling to Tuskaloosa City and appearing before the Judge of Probate for the said County and State. And that for this cause, she has never been able to complete her application heretofore, to be paid the arrears of pension, due her said husband, Frederick Ray, deceased, or to apply in her own name for a continuance of the pension granted to her said husband, under Act of June 7 th 1832. That her said husband died in Tuskaloosa County, in the State

of Alabama, on the 7 th day of June A. D. 1838, and that she has remained a Widow ever since. That her oldest child if now living would be 79 years old, and that her oldest child now living is 75 years old and is a resident of Pickens County, State of Alabama. That she was named before her said marriage with Frederick Ray, deceased, Nancy Harvill; and that she has resided in Tuscaloosa County, State of Alabama, 37 years last past. That she is so infirm that she has been confined to her bed for many years, and subsisting on the bounty of her relatives and friends. That she resides 20 miles from the City of Tuscaloosa and cannot undergo the fatigue of being removed there to appear in open Court. That she has never received any Bounty Land, pension or money of any description or amount from the Government. Although desirous to apply for a pension and believing she was entitled to it, she has never been able to perfect her application heretofore begun. And now, cancelling all former Powers of Attorney, except the one, dated 5 th day of December A. D. 1855, and subscribed by me, to my Attorney John G. Barr of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, I now make this application, under the Act of June 7 th 1832 for the arrears of pension money that may have accrued between the date of the last payment to my deceased husband and his death; - also, whatever may, by said Act or any other Act of Congress, have accrued to me, as Widow of Frederick Ray deceased, from the death of my said husband until the present time, or until such time as I may be put upon the roll of widows Revolutionary Pensioners; and that my name be put upon said pension rolls.
Her Nancy F Ray Mark

The undersigned, residents of the County of Tuscaloosa, State of Alabama, being of the ages as follows James Pierson aged 61 years, Robert Boyd or Boid aged 74 years and William Kiziah or Hiziah aged 46. years, under oath, declare that for many years prior to his death we lived neighbors to in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, and were well acquainted with Frederick Ray; and know, of our own knowledge that the said Frederick Ray and Nancy Ray lived together as man and wife, and were universally recognized and reputed as such among their neighbors and acquaintances in said County and State. That said Frederick and Nancy Ray were living together in the relation of man and wife, in said County, at the time of the death of said Frederick, which took place, on or about the 7 th day of June A.D. 1838, in the County and State aforesaid. That they believed the said Frederick Ray to have been in the receipt of a pension as a revolutionary soldier. That the said Frederick and Nancy Ray raised a family of children, who bear their name and who now live in the said County and who are universally regarded and believed to be, the legitimate children of said Frederick Ray & Nancy Ray. That, before her marriage, we believe her name to have been Nancy Harvill; that from her appearance and statements, we believe her to be fully 95 years old, and that we believe her statements set forth in the foregoing declaration. That she is now, and has been since the death of her husband a Widow. That we are satisfied an attempt to remove her to the City of Tuscaloosa, a distance of about 20 miles, to appear in open court, would be fatal to her existence, so infirm is her condition. That she signed, by making her mark, the foregoing declaration in our presence, on the day on which the same bears date; and for the purposes therein contained. That we know her to be the Widow of Frederick Ray, deceased; and that we believe her statement

in regard to the time of her marriage; and, in fine, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that we make this proof of her marriage, in order to assist her in obtaining the arrears of pay due her as the Widow of Frederick Ray, deceased, and to enable her to be placed on the pension rolls, and that we have no interest whatever in this her application.
James Pierson
Robert Boyd
William his Hiziah mark
The foregoing Declaration and affidavit of were sworn to and subscribed in my presence, on the day and year on which they bear date. And I certify that affiants are respectable citizens of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, whose reputations for truth and veracity are wholly unimpeachable. That claimant and affiants are all well known to me and are my neighbors. That the claimant, Nancy Ray, who made her mark and acknowledged the same to be her signature, in my presence, is the identical person she represents herself to be; and that I believe her to be of the age, 75 years, as above stated; and I further certify that I believe any attempt to remove her to the city of Tuscaloosa, a distance of about 20 miles, would prove fatal to her existence; and further that I have no interest in this her application for a pension and arrears of pension money.
Given under my hand and seal the day and year first above written,
George Collins Justice of the Peace.

Know all men by these presents, That I, Nancy Ray of the County of Tuscaloosa, and state of Alabama, have constituted and appointed and by these presents do constitute and appoint John G. Barr, of the County of Tuscaloosa, State of Alabama, my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, with power of substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, to ask and receive of and from the United States Government any Bounty Land, Pensions, Money or Moneys that now is or are due to me on account of my deceased husband Frederick Ray for services rendered, disbursements made, or expenses incurred by him while in the service of the United States, during the Revolutionary War, and in my name to give receipts and other sufficient discharges, for such Bounty Land, Pensions, Patents, Money due as aforesaid, and to attend to and prosecute any and all business of whatever nature I may have with or before any of the Departments of Government or Congress, and generally to do any and every other act or acts I might do now I personally present at the doing thereof; hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said Attorney, or Attorney under him, may do, in and about the premises by virtue hereof.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, in the County of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this 5 day of December A.D. 1855.
Nancy Ray Mark.
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Wm H. Pierson C. G. Pitchford
State of Alabama, Tuscaloosa County:
On this 5 day of December A.D. 1855, personally appeared before me, Nancy Ray, to me well known, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes therein contained: I certify that William H. Pierson and an credible & respectable witness.
George Collins Justice of the Peace.

The State of Alabama Tuscaloosa County  Court of Probate within And the for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that George Collins Esq. whose genuine signature appears within is and was at the time of signing the same a duly qualified and commissioned justice of the peace in and for said County and State
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe My name and affix My seal of office in the City of Tuscaloosa State of Alabama this 14 Dec A D 1853 Moses M c Guire Judge of Probate

State of Alabama, Tuscaloosa County
On this 21 st day of December A.D. 1833, personally came James H. Deanning, to me well known, who being duly sworn, according to law, un- der oath declares, that from the annexed evidence and from other satisfactory testimony, he believes the within named applicant Nancy Ray is the identical person she represents herself to be; that she is the Widow of Frederick Ray, deceased, who was a pensioner on the roll of the Tuscaloosa Agency, under Act of 7 th June 1832, and that said pension was regularly drawn up to the 4 th March 1837 by said Frederick Ray, deceased. That he makes this affidavit, disinterestedly, to assist the Widow Nancy Ray, to procure whatever she may be entitled to from government, in the way of Pension, pension money, arrears of pension &c.
J. H. Deanning Pension Agent.
Sworn to and subscribed in my presence on the day and year above written; and I certify that James H. Deanning who signed his name as above is a person whose reputation for truth and veracity is wholly unimpeach- able; and that I have no interest in this claim.
J. S. Skinner Esq. Justice of the Peace
State of Alabama, Tuscaloosa County
J. Morris McGinn Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County and State aforesaid and ex- officio clerk thereof, do hereby certify that

George Collins Esqr, whose genuine signature appears to the annexed affidavit, by me annexed, is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County and State, duly commissioned and sworn; - And ¶ I further certify that L. S. Skinner Esqr, whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified: and I further certify that from evidence had in my court, that I do not believe the applicant Nancy Ray, who lives a distance of 20 miles from the City of Tuscaloosa, can be removed to this place; so infirm is her condition of bodily health that she has been bed-ridden for many years.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at office, in the City of Tuscaloosa State of Alabama, this 21 st day of December A.D. 1835.
Moses M. Griffin Justice of Probate

No. 4
affidavits of Pier- son and others

State of Alabama } Tuskaloosa County }
On this 7 th day of February, A.D. 1852 personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, James Pierson, known by me to be a citizen of this County, who being duly sworn according to law, under oath declares, That he lived neighbor to Frederick Ray died from about the year A.D. 1830 until his death, and was well acquainted with him, and also with Nancy Ray his Widow. That the said Frederick Ray and his Widow Nancy, lived together during the time above specified; and raised a large family of children, many of whom are now living. That he is in no wise interested in the result of the application of Nancy Ray, widow as aforesaid, to the Government for a pension: but makes this affidavit, to assist with other neighbors, the Widow to prove her marriage, in order to enable her, now aged and infirm to obtain a pension.
Sworn to and Subscribed before me, the day and year above written J. J. Skinner J.P. }
James Pierson
(Seal)
State of Alabama } Tuskaloosa County }
On this 19 th day of April in the year A.D. 1852, personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, John Hargrove & Alap N. Hargrove two respectable citizens of this County, who being

duly sworn according to law under oath de- clare that they confirm the statements in the foregoing affidavit of James Pearson:
Sworn to and subscribed this 19 th day of April A.D. 1852.
John Hargrove Seal. H. H. Hargrave Seal
J. J. Skinner
Witness of the Seal
The State of Alabama I Moses M c Guin Tuscaloosa County Judge of Probate for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that J. J. Skinner Esq whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit and acknowledg- ments is and was at the time of so doing a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at office in Tuscaloosa Alabama this 26 day of April 1852
Moses M c Guin Judge of Probate