Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,355, for Benjamin Ray, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.C.
Ray, Benjamin Nancy
N. 26,355- BLW 79035-161-55
CONTENTS

Virginia
14.660
Benjamin Ray
of Russell Co in the State of Virginia who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain Nash of the Regt commanded by Colonel Clarke in the N. Carolina line, for the term of eight years - from _____ 17 to _____ 17
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 5 day of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 21. day of Sept 1819 and sent to Henry Dr.kins Lebanon Russell Co. Va
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1819 ~ 128. 02 Semi-ant. all co ending 4 March 1820 48. 00
} }
$176 02
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818. May 1, 1820. March 1, 1823. }
Recorded Book H. vol. 7. page 110 by H. G. Endus. clerk

Letter to Hon G. H. Hopkins - 21. Dec 1838. Same person 27. Dec 1838.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept 1838 to 4 Sept 1838 Agt notified 19. Aug 1839
Paid as above from 4 Sept 1838 to 4 March 1839. Agt noti- fied 9. Dec 1839
Paid as above from 4 March to 4 Sep 1839. Agt notified 30 June 1840
Paid as above from 4 Sep 1839. to 4 March 1840. Agt Notified 16. March 1841.

1860 May 11 Set to J. F. McElhenny Grants " " " " "
Date of death not on a B
4433 Virginia Richmond Nancy Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray me who served in the Revolution- ary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00. Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 12 th day of August, 1854. and sent to
J. F. McElhenny Lebanon. Russell Co. Va.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under February 3, 1853, Page 129 Vol.

Cont 2
26263-160
Vol R. page 15.
286.698
Act March 3/58
Jan " 30/58
Nancy Ray wid of 25/11/58
Benjamin Ray Market 25/11/58
Col 79.035
Pensioner
Rev 533 No 4453
Ad: 16000 mch: 23,755
Bethlehem
Shel. B.
J. W Stevens Abingdon Va

Benjamin Pray North Carolina line St. Thomas - Col. Clerk Spring 1775 - War
Conway Pa

Virginia
At a Court held for Russell County the 5 th day of May 1818
Benjamin Ray who resides in the County of Russell in this State, wishing to become a pensioner pursuant to the provisions of an Act of the Congress of the United States passed on the 18 th day of March 1818 entitled, An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war, personally appeared in Court, and declared on oath that he entered the service of the United States as a private soldier in the Revolutionary War in the Spring of the year 1775, in the 6 th Reg t of the North Carolina line commanded by Thomas Clark & in Captain John Baptist Ash's company; and that the said Ray continued in the said service until the end of the war; and was discharged in Stafford County Virginia. And the said Ray further declared that he was in the battle of Brandywine and the battle at Germantown, the battle at Germantown commenced before day break, in which engagement Gen l Ash was killed. The said Ray was also in the battle of Monmouth; but not from

a prisoner at the siege of Charlestown in South Carolina and remained a prisoner fourteen Months and some days.
And from the knowledge which some of the members of the Court themselves have as well as from other satisfactory evidence the Court are unanimously of opinion and do hereby certify that the said Benjamin Ray is a person of credit as a witness; that it was generally understood in the neighbourhood of the residence of the said Ray previous to the passage of the said Act of Congress that the said Ray had served as a soldier in the revolutionary War; and that the said Ray is in such reduced circumstances in life as to need assistance from his country for support All which is ordered to be certified to the Secretary of the Department of War.
And, At a Court held for the said County of Russell the 6th day of July 1819.
This day personally appeared in Court Benjamin Ray, who at a Court held for this County the 5th day of May 1818, made a declaration on oath for the purpose of obtaining the pension allowed by the Act of Congress of the 18th of March 1818, and being interrogated on oath relative to the facts stated in said declaration, the Judge of this Court is of opinion that the same are true which is ordered to be certified to the Secretary of the Department of War
a Copy Teste
Henry Dickerson C.R.R.

I Henry Dickenson Clerk of the County Court of Russell County aforesaid in the State of Virginia do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the declaration on oath of Benjamin Ray and of the subsequent proceedings thereupon in the Court of said County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County on the 9 th day of July A. D. 1819 V 44th of the Commonwealth.
Henry Dickenson
Russell County, to wit
I John Tate presiding justice of the Court of said County do certify that Henry Dickenson whose attestation appears to the foregoing certificate is Clerk of the said County Court, and that the said attestation is in due form of Law. Given under my hand this 3 rd day of August 1819.
John Tate

State of Virginia County of Russell 35
On this 27th day of April 1854 personally appeared
Nancy Ray, before me, James Gert a justice in & for the County of State aforesaid, a resident of the said County of Russell in the State of Virginia aged 78 years, who first being sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd February, 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, that she is the widow of Benjamin Ray, that said Benjamin Ray in his lifetime received a pension from the United States as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, but that she is unable to state the rank of the said Ray nor the service performed by him, and she refers to the files of the War Office to prove that he received a pension, his pension certificate or the proof of it will be found as she is informed on file as above stated,
Nancy Ray
She further declares, that she was married to the said Benjamin Ray on the 31st day of January 1830, that her said husband died on the 28th day of January 1841 that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January 1800, but at the time above stated, she further declares that she is now a widow,
Attest Isaac H. Cook Jacob Cook
Nancy his Ray
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written before me, James Gert a justice in & for the County of Russell & State of Virginia, & I certify

Virginia), to wit:
At a Court held for Russell County at the Courthouse on Tuesday the 4th day of July 1848
It is proven to the satisfaction of this Court by the oath of Nancy Rasnick that she was present at the time Benjamin Ray late a Revolutionary pensioner was married to Nancy Wilson, which she believes was about sixteen years ago, and that said Ray died in the month of January about eight years previous to last January leaving the said Nancy Ray his widow. And it is also satisfactorily proven to this Court that the Pension Certificate granted to the said Benjamin Ray has been lost, and cannot be found.
At a Court held for said County on Tuesday the 7th day of November 1848:
It is satisfactorily proven to this Court by the oath of James H. Gilbert, sworn on open Court, that Benjamin Ray deceased, late a revolution soldier died in the County of Russell on the 28th of January 1841.
Agreeable to license presented to me, I have solemnized the Rites of Matrimony between Benjamin Ray and Nancy Sutherland January the 31st 1830
Edward Kelley.
State of Virginia — County of Russell ss.
I, James P. Barrell Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do certify that the foregoing are true Copies from the records in my Office.
In testimony whereof I have set

my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, at Lebanon, this 22d day of April 1854
James P. Barrett Clerk of the County Court of Rappahannock.

FORM OF A DECLARATION.
To be made by the widow of a deceased person who has not had a land warrant.
State of Virginia County of Russell SS: On this 31 st day of Febr. , A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid,
Nancy Ray aged  years, a resident of Russell County in the State of Virginia who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Benj m Ray deceased, who was a Prisoner in the company commanded by Captain  in Russell County the  regiment of  commanded by
in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, that her said husband at  on or about the  day of  A. D. for the term of  and continued in actual service in said war for the term of  and was honorably discharged at  on the  day of  A. D.
She further states that she was married to the said Benj m Ray in  on the  day of  A. D. 18 by one  and that her name before her said marriage was Nancy Sutherland , that her said husband died at  on the  day of  A. D.  and that she is now a widow.
She further declares that she has not heretofore made application for bounty land under the act approved September 28, 1850, nor obtained a land warrant for
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved the 3d day of March, 1855.
Nancy Ray [SEAL]
We, Fielding Gomb and W m Gomb residents of Russell Co in the State of Virginia upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Nancy Ray — in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Fielding Gomb [SEAL] W m Gomb [SEAL]
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
James Gant J. P.
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I Nancy Ray of Russell County Virginia do hereby make, constitute and appoint J. M. Stevens my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name, to demand and receive from the Department of the Interior of the United States, the Certificate or Warrant, to which I am entitled for my military services, as mentioned in the foregoing declaration, hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said Attorney may do in the premises, by virtue hereof. and
In testimony whereof, my hand and seal this 31 st day of Febr. 185 7  Nancy Ray (L. S.)
ATTEST: STATE OF Virginia COUNTY OF Russell SS.
On this 31 st day of Febr. 185 7 personally appeared before me James Gant a Justice of the peace duly authorized by law to take acknowledgments in and for the county aforesaid Nancy Ray subscriber to the foregoing, and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed, for the purposes therein described.
James Gant J. P.
STATE OF Virginia COUNTY OF Russell SS.
I Richard A. Lynch Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify, that James Gant whose genuine signature appears above, 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 to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court, is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and Seal of Office, at Galax this 27 th day of Jan y A. D. 185 8
R. A. Lynch C. C.
2 Mr. Gant

She further makes oath, that her Husband Benjamin Ray did Was a pensioner in The County of Russell at 96 $ a year. and That Since his death, She is Inscribed on pension Roll, under act of 1853, and in receipt of Pension, and That full proof of Identity & Widowhood, is filed in the pension office
James Gant J.P.
286.648

Henry Ray Esq. of Rupel County
14660
Con J. L. R. H

District of Virginia, ss.
On this fourth day of September 1821 personally appeared in open Court being a court of record for the County of Russell in the State of Virginia Benjamin Ray aged sixty two years resident in the said County of Russell in said District who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows he enlisted under Capt. Baptist Ash or Nash in the sixth North Carolina Regt for two years and a half and joined the Brigade at Wilmington, and shortly after reenlisted to serve during the War, and did serve all the time. He also made oath that he has reserved a certificate from the War Department that he is inscribed on the pension list roll of the Virginia agency $14,660 and that the original declaration of the above facts was made on the 5 th day of May 1818. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed

annexed and by me subscribed, to wit
Two cows and calves one three year old heifer two heifer yearlings one three gallon pot one half bushel oven and lid one kettle with one leg broke out tubs about three pails one iron wedge and an old saddle one needing tree one pail & piggins and an old spinning wheel The whole not worth more than thirty dollars and he owes upwards of three hundred dollars
Benjamin Ray
And the said declarant also made oath that he is a farmer has a wife about 50 years of age has one daughter named Lucy about 17 years of age himself and wife infirm and unable to do much labour his daughter capable of usual labour but perhaps may soon leave him
Sworn to and subscribed before the Court of Russell County the fourth day of September 1821.
I (Henry Dickerson) Clerk of the County Court of Russell in Virginia do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said Court, and I further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is thirty dollars.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, on this 6th day of September 1821, and 45th year of the Commonwealth.
Henry Dickerson Clerk of the Court for the County of Russell

February 1, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EL Benjamin Ray-W.26355
Mrs. Loran S. O'Bannon. 2000 Mars Avenue Cleveland, Ohio
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to two soldiers of the Revolutionary War, Thomas Hough(Raff), who served in the Virginia troops and Benjamin Ray, who served in the North Carolina troops.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon the military service in the Revolutionary War of a Thomas Hough or similar spelling. Such claims are the source of the data furnished by this office.
The record of Benjamin Ray follows as found in the papers filed in the claim for pension, W.26355, based upon his military service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Benjamin Ray are not shown.
Benjamin Ray enlisted, place not shown, in the spring of 1776, and after serving two and one-half years, reenlisted for the war, served as private in Captain John Baptiste Ashe's and McRae's Companies, Colonel Thomas Clark's North Carolina Regiment, was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth and at the siege of Charleston, where he was taken prisoner and held fourteen months and "some days", place of confinement not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 5, 1818, while residing in Russell County, Virginia, aged sixty-two years.
He died in said Russell County, January 28, 1841.
In 1831 soldier's family then residing with him consisted

of his wife, aged fifty-one years and his daughter, Lucy, aged seventeen years; there are no further data in regard to this wife or to the daughter, Lucy and no names of any other children of the soldier are shown.
Benjamin Ray married January 31, 1830, Nancy Sutherland, date and place of her birth and names of her parents not shown. The marriage was recorded on the records of Russell County, Virginia. She was referred to, also, as Nancy Wilson; no explanation was made for the use of the two names.
Soldier's wife, Nancy Ray, was allowed pension on her application executed April 27, 1854, at which time she was aged seventy-three years and resided in Russell County, Virginia.
December 31, 1857, Nancy Ray, then residing in Russell County, Virginia, applied for the bounty land which was due on account of the service of her husband, Benjamin Ray, in the Revolutionary War. She was granted one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on Warrant No. 79035, under the Act of March 3, 1855.
In order to obtain information in regard to the location of the land cited above, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that official the number of the warrant, the acreage and the act under which said warrant was issued.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Nancy Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray (W. 26355), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Nancy Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray Certificate No. 4433 Issued August 12, 1854 Rate, $96. per annum Commenced February 3, 1855 Act of February 3, 1855 Virginia (Richmond) Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

1938 - Jan 26 - Hint to Jan A. Taylor - EL 1938 - Feb 1 - Hint to Mrs L.H. O'Parron, EL
Ray
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 96.355
Nancy Ray wife of Benjamin Ray Pr. River Way
Act Feb 30 55
Index: Vol B , Page 151
[Arrangement of 1870.]

14.660
Virginia
Benjamin Way H. Russell in the state of Virginia who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Clarke of the Hardin line, for the term of 8 years
scribed on the roll of Virginia at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 5 th of May 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st of Sept. 1819 and sent to Henry Pickins. Silanus Russell Co. V
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1819. 128.02 Semi-ann. all'ce ending Mar 20 18 12/31/30 1776.12
{ Revolutionary claim, Act roll March, 1918. }
[Handwritten signature]

Let to Hon. G. W. Hopkins July
5 1837
Same person 28 June 1838
Same person 16 Aug 1838
Same person 25 Sept 1838
Letter to Hon. G. W. Hopkins
of 3 Underton 15 Oct 1838
Letter to 3 Underton 16 Oct 1838
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept 1835 to 4 Sept 1837
Age notified 3 Nov 1838
Letter to Hon. G. W. Hopkins 24 Dec 1838
Henry Chapman Esq. 90 Finsbury

79,035-
100 acres

No. 4691
Nancy Ray, Wid: of Benjamin.
Set to J. F. McHenry. May 16 th / 52 nd " " " " " July 10 th " "
act / 52 nd

Rec: W: 28" fag: 41
BP 18"

May 13 th 1854.
Nancy Ray. Wid. of Benjamin.
Russell Co. Va.
Act 53 $96.00 per An. Com. Feby: 3.7853
Resy
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. Pension Office, Official Business.
J. F. McElhenny. Sebanon
Commissioner.

FREE
REE
286.648
Comr of Pensions Pension Office Washington City D.C.
T

Lebanon Va. } July 5 th Recd July 8 th 1894
Josephine
Miss P. Waldo Campagna Washington D.C.
Miss P. Waldo Campagna Washington D.C.

Benjamin May Virginia
$8 per mo
Act 18 th March 1818.
Pension Office 15 th Oct 1838
15 th Oct 1835
JH

Post Office. August 9 th 1854.
Sir:
Please Certify the time to which the within named pension was paid, or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
28 Jany 54
W. Cole Actg: Commissioner.
Col. Burt
Francis Burt Esq. Third Auditor: Treasury.
Genl. Bury. Act 1818. $8 per Mo. deced 28 Jany 1854. paid. Eliza S. Birt, Actg Brd. Mgrs.

Red Bank Office, August. 8 th 1854.
Dear fri.
Your letter of the 3 rd inst. came to hand Yesterday evening, being four days on the way.
Yours
despatch of 3 rd

P 4 th q r 1830 to Charles A. Mitchell from 4 March 1830 to 4 Sept 1830 " 2 " 1831 " ditto " 4 Sept " " 4 Mar 1831 " 1 " 1832 " ditto " 4 March 1831 - 4 Sept 1831 " 2 " " " ditto " 4 Sept " " 4 March 1832 " 1 " " " ditto " 4 March 1832 - 4 Sept 1832 " 2 " 1833 " ditto " 4 Sept " " 4 Mar 1833 " 3 " " " ditto " 4 March 1833 - 4 Sept " " " 1 " 1834 " ditto " 4 Sept " " 4 March 1834 " 4 " " " ditto " 4 March 1834 " 4 Sept " " " 1 " 1835 " ditto " 4 Sept " " 4 Mar 1835 " 1 " 1836 " William Jepsee. 4 March 1835 " 4 Sept " "
LH

Benjamin Ray, Virginia 7th - act 18 Mar 1818. Be pleased to give a memorandum, shewing the different payments in this case, and the person to whom paid, from 1830 to the present time.
Philip Ffieri } July 3. 1837 }

Grief in the case of Nancy Ray, Widow of Benjamin , Russell County and State of Va. act 3 rd Feby: 1853.
Claim, ("original," for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. The stamp was pensioned under the act of 18 th March, 1818, 1 st May, 1820.
Record Evidence of Marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
J. H. M c Elhany, Esq r , Shady Side, Name and residence of Agent Russell C. N. Va.
"R. M." Examining Clerk.
6

G. Chapman Esq Aug 11 th
True
J. P. Waldo Esq Comm. of Pensions Washington City D. C.
5

Sabanah Rosario 6th May
Dec 20th 1857
Commission of Pensions
Mr. Sir
Some years since a pension was allowed to Mary Ray widow of Benjamin was allowed a pension of the United States for several years she drew her money but has not drawn anything lately. I mean the name of John Cook has her certificate and refused to deliver it to her my offer in writing is to know of your department what steps she will have to take in order to obtain the certificate from Cook or to be a duplicate of it by giving me this information you will much oblige
Yours Truly J. H. McWhorter

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
May 20 th 1840,
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1833, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Benjamin Ray, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond Agency, at the rate of Eight Dollars and  Cents per month  annum , under the law of the 18 th March 1834, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March 1839, to the 1 st Sept. 1839,
Respectfully, yours,
William H. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 21 st , 1841.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Benjamin Bay, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond the Agency, at the rate of Eight — Dollars and — Cents per month  annum , under the law of the 18 th March 1818, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1839, to the 4 th March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
William B. Harris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Lebanon Va. September 16th 1863 Sep 16
G. W. Hopkins
Inst. to-day
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions Was left Washington City D.C.

Lebanon Va. Sep 16th 1838.
W Edward Esq Comm miss'ner of Pensions. Sir
I inclosed you some weeks ago, the affidavit of Benjamin Ray of this county, taken pursuant to a form which you furnished me with, in order to enable him, to obtain a Duplicate Pension Certificate. I must again call your immediate attention to the matter, for the original Certificate continues to be withheld from him, and his circumstances are really necessitous. I beg that you will forward me the Duplicate Certificate with as little delay as possible.
Yours with respect
Wm H Harrison

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Oct o 30 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Benjamin Ray a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond V o Agency, at the rate of Eight Dollars and Cents per month  annum , under the law of the 18 March 1818 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1835 to the 4 th Sept. 1837.
Respectfully, yours,
William H. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Dec 21.
Genl. Grant Mrs. Grant
J. L. (Edward) Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions War Dept
Hon. C. W. Hopkins Wa

Washington City Decemr 20th 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir
You will perhaps remember, that I presented to you, many months ago, an application on the part of Benjamin Ray of Russell county Va for a displaced pension certificate. Your instructions have been fully complied with, and a draft was forwarded to Mr Ray for part of the arrearages due him, but no Displaced Certificate has yet issued. I presume, when the matter was referred to the proper officers of the Treasury Department for settlement under the late act of Congress, that the issuing of the Displaced, has been overlooked. I must therefore call your early attention to the matter, and ask that the Displaced be enclosed to me.
I am Sir
Very respectfully, yours
W. W. Hopkins

Dec 24 Mab Mr Ewing
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissions of Pensions War Dept. Washington.
H. G. Hopkins N.R.

Washington City Dec 22 d 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commrs of Pensions
Sir
I have recd yours of yesterday, enclosing me printed forms, which you say Benjamin Ray of Russell Co Va, will be required to pursue, and that no duplicate Pension Certificate can issue unless he has done so. All that I hear you intend, he has done, months ago, and so much of the pension in arrears as was payable under the late act of Congress at the Treasury , has been illegal settled and paid. In so doing as to the deduction of the original certificate, were prepared by myself in duplicate form, strictly pursuant to your instructions and forms, and forwarded to you. That fact, I presume, had escaped your notice as in the great mass of business before you it will might do. I must beg that the duplicate Certificate be issued and ordered to me upon with respect Glottokin

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Nov. 29 th 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Benjamin Ray — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of eight Dollars and _____ Cents per month month , under the law of the 18 th March 1818, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1838, to the 4 th March, 1839.
Respectfully, yours,
Wilson B. Parry Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
August 6 th , 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6 th of April, 1833 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Benjamin Bay, ————— a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va., Agency, at the rate of eight  month Dollars and ————— Cents per annum, under the law of the 18 th March 1818, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept., 1837, to the 4 th Sept., 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
William K. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Schomron Russell 6th Ave
May 7th 1860
Carnegie of Pensylvania,
22 Sir
with the  Endland with this I send Penny Nap application for a duplicate certificate, I know of No reason why book retains the original unless he desires to get more money out of The Old Woman. If the papers and should look anything, be pleased to inform me what it is. Yours Respectfully, J. H. McIlhenny

RECEIVED MAY 10 1860.

I James Roman of the County of Russell & state of Virginia, swear, that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Ray, who was received a pension from the United States, on account of Revolutionary services, that affiant knew him in the said County, and that affiant has always heard and believes that said Ray died in the said County, Affiant is also well acquainted with Nancy Ray who is an applicant for a pension & affiant is informed, and that he knew both the said Benjamin & Nancy Ray in the lifetime of said Benjamin, and that said Nancy Ray is the widow of the identical Benjamin Ray of Russell County Va, who received a pension from the United States, on account of Revolutionary services. Affiant would further state that he was present when the said Benjamin Ray & Nancy Ray were married.
James Roman
I Major A. Fletcher of the County of Russell and state of Virginia, swear, that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Ray who received a pension from The United States, on account of Revolutionary services, that affiant knew him in the said County that said Ray died in said County, as affiant believes and has been informed. Affiant is also well acquainted with Nancy Ray who affiant is informed is an applicant for a pension, and that he knew both the said Benjamin & Nancy Ray in the life time of said Benjamin, that he was present at their marriage and saw them frequently living together afterwards as man & wife; and that the said Nancy Ray is the widow of the identical Benjamin Ray of Russell County Va who received a pension from the United States on account of Revolutionary services.
Major A. Fletcher

Virginia Russell County, ss.
The foregoing affidavits of James Roman and Maya H. Fletcher were sworn to & subscribed before me S. W. Aston a justice in & for the said County & State this 5 th day of June 1854, Samuel W. Aston ss.
State of Virginia — County of Russell, ss:
I James P. Carroll Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify, that Samuel W. Aston whose genuine signature appears above is and was at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the County and State afore- said, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts in such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court, is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and Seal of Office, at Lebanon this 9 th day of June A. D. 1854.
James P. Carroll, 3 Clerk 3

Virginia Russell County 3 ss.
I Samuel W. Aston a Justice in & for said County & State Certify, that I am well acquainted with James Roman & Major A. Fletcher whose affidavits were forwarded to the Commissioners of Pensions, in relation to the claim of Mrs Nancy Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray, for a pension, and I further certify that said affidavits are in perfect accord with creditable testimony, given under my hand this first day of August 1854
Samuel W. Aston ss.
State of Virginia County of Russell ss
I James P. Carnell, Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Samuel W. Aston whose genuine signature appears above, 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 to full faith and credit, and that the aforesaid County Court, is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and seal of office at Lebanon, the 1 st day of August 1854
James P. Carnell

206.698

Abingdon Jan 27th 1858, Court of Pensions,
Sir
Enclosed the declaration of Nancy Ray, Wid of Benjamin. Who Was a pensioner in the County of Rappahannock, Nancy Ray, is in receipt of pension in right of her Husband, under act of Febry 3d 1853. date of Rays death & Widowhood is filed in Pension Office
I am Sir Very respectfully Your Obt. Servt
J. P. Lewis

Richmond May 9 th
Recd May 13 1834
Free J. P. [unclear] Esq. Com. of [unclear] Washington D.C.
4304 Va

Schooner Rapah 6 H. Va
May, 8 th 1854
Dr Sir
I herewith send the papers of Mary Ray applying for a pension if anything more should be wanting, I hope good as to write me on the subject
Yours Respectfully, J. H. Wilthens
Lt. Woodley

Free G. H. Hopkins
L. L. Edwards Esq. Commisioner of Pensions War Department Washington D. C.

August 1st. 1838
Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I herewith enclose you the affidavit of Benjamin Ray, for taken pursuant to the form which which you were kind enough to furnish me with, in order to obtain a duplicate Pension certificate in lieu of the one withheld from him by Harry Smith. I must beg that you will give your earliest attention to this subject, as the old man is not only extremely indigent, but needy. His, is an exceedingly hard case, will I hope receive your  the immediate and favorable consideration.
Very respectfully,
I am yours &c.
W. L. Chaplin

State of Virginia Rupell County, S s
Be it known that before me Robert Boyd a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Benjamin Ray of Rupell county Va, and made oath in due form of law, that he is the same Benjamin Ray named in an original pension certificate, now illegally withheld by Henry of the said county of Rupell, who undertook in the year 1819 to aid the said Ray in drawing his pension; and for that purpose the said pension certificate was then placed in his hand; The said Ray further declares that for several years the said Smith has refused to pay over to him his pension, and has also constantly refused although often requested and called upon to do so, to deliver up the said Pension certificate, and still refuses to deliver the same. That he is entitled to a pension of 8 dollars per month on account of services rendered to the United States during the Revolutionary War; that he served in Captain Moore's company of Regulars in the South Regiment first, then in first regiment; that he now resides in Rupell county, and has resided there for the space of nearly forty years past; and that previous thereto he resided in Surry county in the State of North Carolina
Benjamin his Ray mark
Sworn and subscribed this 31 st day of July 1838 before me.
Robert Boyd, J.P.

State of Virginia Russell county } ss.
July 30th 1838.
Conformably to the Regulation of the war department of the 27th of October 1832 I Robert Boyd a magistrate in the county above named, do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence by the affidavit of Benjamin Ray himself that the said Benjamin Ray who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical Pensioner he declares himself to be in the annexed affidavit, and I am also satisfied that the statement made by him in relation to the pension certificate is true.
Given under my hand at Lebanon in the said county the day and year above written
Robert Boyd J.P.
I James P. Carroll Clerk of the Court of Russell county, certify that Robert Boyd is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing certificate, purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this thirty first day of July, one thousand, eight hundred and thirty eight.
James P. Carroll Clerk of the Court of Russell county.

Virginia Russell County ss
On this 7th day of May 1880, before me the subscriber a justice for the said County, personally appeared Nancy Ray who on her oath declares, that she is the widow of Benjamin Ray who was a soldier of the Revolution, that she does not know to what regiment he belonged, that as the widow of said Benjamin Ray her name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Virginia, that she received a certificate of that fact under the signature & seal of the Secretary of the Interior, that one John Cook acted for her in the preparation of her papers, for the purpose of procuring her said certificate, that she left the said certificate in his hand, for the purpose of preparing her papers to draw her pension as the same became due, that the said Cook had her papers several times refused to draw & did draw her money, on the same several times, that she desired to withdraw her certificate from the hands of said Cook, not being satisfied with the manner in which he attended to her business, that the said Cook for no good reason that she knows of refuses to deliver to her her said certificate, that she is entitled to draw her pension from the 2nd of March 1859.  Nancy her Ray mark
sworn to a subscribed before me this day and year fore said John T. Howard Jr.
J Thomas J Richardson

of The County of Russell and State of Virginia do swear, that I am well acquainted with Nancy Ray and that she is the same person described in the above affidavit
Thomas J Richardson
Virginia Russell County } ss
I John T. Howard a justice in & for the said County & State do hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit of Thomas J. Richardson was sworn to & subscribed before me on the 7 th day of May 1860, and I further certify that the said Thomas J. Richardson is a person of integrity John T. Howard J.P.
State of Virginia County of Russell ss
J. Richard Hylton Clerk of the County Court of Russell in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby certify that John T. Howard whose genuine signature appears above, 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 to full faith & credit. Given under my hand and seal of office at Lebanon this 7 th day of May 1860
R. Hylton C.C.

18/60

2000 Mars Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio January 17, 1938
Veterans' Administration, Washington, D. C.
I am writing for information concerning one Thomas Hough (surname also borne as Huff), and Benjamin Ray .
Thomas Hough served in the Revolutionary War in a company designated at various times as Captain John Peyton's and Captain Valentine Peyton's company, 3 rd and 7 th Regiment, also designated 3 rd and 4 th Virginia Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Heth and Colonel John Neville. He enlisted June 1 st , 1778 (also shown as June 12, 1778) for three years, and his name last appears on the company muster roll for November, 1779, dated December 9, 1779.
Benjamin Ray, rank unknown, served in that war in Captain Griffith John McRae's company, 1 st North Carolina Battalion, commanded by Colonel Thomas Clarke. His name appears on a roll of that organization dated September 8, 1778.
I would like to have, if possible, the following information concerning both men — 1. Birthplace, 2. Parents' names, 3. wives names, 4. where the family originally came from. Any information you are able to supply will be greatly appreciated. If there are any charges for this service please notify me.
Very truly yours.
Mrs. Loran S. O'Bannon

Veterans Admr., Washington, D.C.
Please give me the name of Benjamin Ray wife,
Benjamin Ray was a soldier of Russell County Virginia fifer in the band Description of service N. Carolina line placed on pension 1819 at the age of 75.
If you have more than this Ben Ray please give me his wife name also.
Also see who Russell Cox, a Rev., soldier married.
Thanking you very much for your information and what will cost of certified copy cost.
Yours very truly,
James A. Taylor
MRS. W. A. TAYLOR CHILES STREET HARRODSBURG, KY.
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

January 26, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/KEL Benjamin Ray-W.26355
Mr. James A. Taylor Care Mrs. W.A. Taylor Chiles Street Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Ray, of Russell County, Virginia, who served in the North Carolina Line and received pension on account of his services; you ask, also, for the name of the wife of Russell Cox.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon the military service in the Revolutionary War of a Russell Cox or similar spelling. Such claims are the source of the data furnished by this office. The record of Benjamin Ray follows as found in the papers filed in the claim for pension, W.26355, based upon his military service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Benjamin Ray are not shown.
Benjamin Ray enlisted, place not shown, in the spring of 1775, and after serving two and one-half years, reenlisted for the war, served as a private in Captains John Baptista Ashe's and Hoke's Companies, Colonel Thomas Clark's North Carolina Regiment, was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth and at the siege of Charleston, where he was taken prisoner and held fourteen months and "some days", place of confinement not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 5, 1818, while residing in Russell County, Virginia, aged sixty-two years.
He died in said Russell County, January 26, 1841.
In 1831, soldier's statement that his family then residing with him consisted of his wife, aged fifty-one years and his daughter, Lucy, aged seventeen years; there are no further data in regard
John Griffith McRae both in 6" Her let in 1" A.C. The clay seems to mass to have been in 1" N.C.

to this wife or to the daughter, Lucy, and no names of any other children of the soldier are shown.
Benjamin Ray married January 31, 1830, Nancy Sutherland, date and place of her birth and names of her parents not shown. The marriage was recorded on the records of Russell County, Virginia. She was also referred to as Nancy Wilson; no explanation was made for this discrepancy in name.
Soldier's widow, Nancy Ray, was allowed pension on her application executed April 27, 1854, at which time she was aged seventy-three years and resided in Russell County, Virginia.
December 31, 1857, Nancy Ray, then residing in Russell County, Virginia, applied for the bounty land which was due on account of the service of her husband, Benjamin Ray, in the Revolutionary War. She was granted one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on Warrant No. 79035, under the Act of March 3, 1855.
In order to obtain information in regard to the location of the land cited above, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that official the number of the warrant, the acreage and the act under which said warrant was issued.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Nancy Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray (W.35355), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Nancy Ray, widow of Benjamin Ray Certificate No. 4433 Issued August 12, 1854 Rate, $96.00 per annum Commenced February 3, 1853 Act of February 3, 1853 Virginia(Richmond) Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
She son has name as Sutherland. but some one called her Nelson. He was pro- bably a widow & Nelson was maiden name so I referred to it.