Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,375, for Thomas Milford, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
7. 6
S. C.
Wilford Thomas
C. 21,375-
Born in Decatur
CONTENTS

South Carolina 30.431
Thomas Milford
of Abbeville Dist in the State of S. Car., who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Logan of the Reg't commanded by Col. Williamson in the S.C. militia time for 9 months & 18 days
Inscribed on the Roll of S. Carolina at the rate of 32 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate & Pension issued the 24 th day of Feb. 1836 and sent to Jas. A Black Temple of Health, S.C.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '35. 144.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Nov. '36. 16.00
$160.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Acc June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 6 Page 76
Let to Pen agt. Oct 1. 1836
Letter Pen agt 18 April 1837

State of South Carolina Abbeville District
S. S.
be it known that on this twenty second day of October 1835. personally appeared in open court (being the court of common pleas for Abbeville District) Thomas Milford (a resident of the said District) aged Seventyeight years who being duly sworn according to law. doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress of the 7th June 1832.
that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein after stated.
That he entered as a volunteer private militia man, in Capt Francis Logans. company of infantry of the South Carolina Militia on the 32 d day of May 1778. the company rendevoused at a place called Cunnings ford on Hardlabor Creek in Abbeville District near a place called White Hall. there they joined General Andrew Williamson (Then Col l .) Williamson. and under his command set out on what was called the Florida expedition and marched to the town of Augusta on the Savannah River. where they joined General Robert Howe, and proceeded through the State of Georgia to the St. Marys River near Saint Augustine, where they remained some time. When from sickness, death, & other difficulties it became necessary to retreat, which they done. that he was out on this occasion three months and fifteen days. that tho' it was intended as a Three months tour, yet they were not discharged until they reached the settlements on Longcain in Abbeville District
3.15 which occupied 3 months & 15 days. — That after that he settled in Roann county North Carolina, and that on the first day of May 1780 he again volunteered for a three months tour of militia duty under the command of Captain Joseph Dickson, and joined Colonel Lock, Regiment & marched to Camden in South Carolina, where they were stationed & served until the first of August 1780. when their terms expired they were discharged. that he immediately entered Captain Caldwells company of militia (as a volunteer) for the protection of the frontiers. and marched to Davidsons fort at the head of the Cataba River for the purpose of keeping the Indians in fear that he entered the last above described term, on the 20 th of August 1780 and was discharged on the 20 th of November 1780 —

When he returned home, he then enrolled himself as a minute man under Captain Dickey. That when Lord Cornwallis crossed the Catawba, River in 1781. he was called out, and was acting as a guide at Cowens ford when the British crossed the River. That he was out but three days on this occasion. That he was out several short scouts & tours but not worth mentioning. That he was acquainted with General Davidson, that he had no particular acquaintance with any regular field officers. That has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no persons, whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services. He hereby relinquishes ever claim, whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year above written
Jas Wardlaw Clerk.
Thomas Milford
We Thomas Bigbie a clergyman residing in Abbeville District and James A Black residing in (the same) hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Milford, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventyeight years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court.
Jas Wardlaw Clerk.
Thomas Bigbie James A Black
I James Wardlaw Clerk of the court of common pleas for Abbeville District do hereby certify that the above proceedings were had in open court, and that it is the opinion of the court that the applicant was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states.
Given under my hand and seal of office This twenty seventh day of October 1835
Jas Wardlaw Clerk.

Interrogatories
1 st when and in what year were you born.
ans- I was born in the County Entrim (Ireland) in the year 1757.
2 nd have you any record of your age & if so when is it.
ans t I have none. I did see a record of my age in my father's family Bible but know not where it is now.
3 rd where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since, the Revolutionary war and where do you live.
ans- When first called into service I was living in South Carolina during the war I went into Roan county North Carolina where I resided until the end of the war. after the war some time I removed to Abbeville District South Carolina. where I have resided ever since.
4 th how were you called into service. were you drafted. did you volunteer. or were you a substitute. and if a substitute for whom.
ans. I always acted as a volunteer.
5 th 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.
ans. I was acquainted with Robert Howe. who commanded the Florida expedition. and Col Andrew Williamson. I also knew Colonel Winn. General Davidson. & General Pickens. I have no recollection of the name or number of any of the Regiments and was never associated with any of the Regular army. but a few hundred that were with General Howe. in the Florida expedition.
6 th did you ever receive a discharge from the service & if so by whom was it given & what has become of it.
ans. I think there were no discharges given. but if there were I have none now. & cannot recollect distinctly whether I ever had a written discharge or not.
7 th 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 beliefs of your service as a soldier of the Revolution — — — .

ans: I am acquainted with the Revt. Whitfield Anthony Revt James Moore. Revt Arthur William James A. Black John B. Black,, George Milford. George W. Wilson,, James Wardlaw Esqr. Cader Gantt Esqr. and many others.
and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interro- gatories presented 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 Prigbie, who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman resident in Abbeville District. & that James A. Black who has also signed the same is a resident in Abbeville District and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit
Imperial Court Abbeville. Fall 1835
B. J. Earle Presiding Judge

Petition of Thomas Milford praying to be placed on the pension list
Pension,
✓ Paying William
Granted.

a Schedule of the property belonging to Thomas Milford the within petition,
   122 acres of poor land. worth - - - - -  $ 60.00    1 horse about 20 years old. worth - - - - -  20.00    3 head of cows & yearlings - and low calves - - -  30.00    6 head of hogs. & 1 clock - - - - -  22.00    Some farming tools. - - - - -  7.00    necessary bedding & clothing - - - - -  _____     $139.00   
Personally came before me Thomas Milford and am on the oath that the above is a just schedule of his property
Sworn to and subscribed this 10 th day of October 1828. before me
James A. Black 92 Thomas Milford
we whose names is hereunto subscribed do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Milford the within petitioner and know him to be a good old man who we think really need & deserves the helping hand of his country.
James A. Black John M. Adams sen. Baley Fleming Guthrie Clones John Calahan H. P. Power sen.

Sample of Health's 8 th . Sept 1835
Free
B. C. South Aug 17.
J. LTR"> J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pension Washington City

Abbeville District 6 th August 1835.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir yours of the 20 th July. in regard to the claim of Thomas Milford is received. Mr. Milford is my near neighbor and has instructed me to answer your letter. in the first place you say that claims presented at this late period are received with great caution. to this he answers that he is and has been a pensioner of the state of South Carolina at $60 per annum. but in consequence of Congress making provision for Militia of the Revolution in South Carolina by an act of the legislature at its last session has stricken all his pensioners from the list in order to drive them to the pension Roll of the general Government. That while the state paid him the above pension it supported him but now that that is taken from him he is reluctantly forced to ask the support of the general Government. Mr. Milford is an old feeble and infirm man absolutely not able to travel to the court without manifest inconvenience. and great risk. There are but nine Judges in the state of South Carolina and three chancellors. - and it is sixty miles to the nearest one - from his residence - but on this subject he is satisfied that the law authorizes the proceedings to be had before a Justice of the peace who shall certify the same. and that it has been the invariable practice of the war office to receive such evidence in other cases. by a reference to the law. and the facts. you will find the above to be correct. - Respectfully your obedient servant James A. Black J. L. Edwards.

Thomas Milford f olio
Commissioner of Pension Washington City
C. J. Edwards
85.
Honorable
Admitted as private in Capt. Logan's company, and Col. Williamson's Regt. 9 mo 18 days f olio Militia — $ 32.
Ja s Black Temple of Health f olio

Honbl J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir
inclosed you will find the original Documents on which Thomas Milford was placed on the pension roll of this state. When I was down at the session of the legislature which is just closed. I got those papers in order to submit them to you in support of the claim of the old man you will perceive a great sameness in the papers then submitted to this state and those on file in your office. which (in my opinion) should go far towards establishing the truth of his claim - all which is respectfully submitted
Respectfully your Obt. Servt.
14th Jan'y 1835.
James A. Blake
P.S. direct your answer to the care of James A Blake Esq. Temple of Health Post Office Asheville District South Carolina

Nov
Col. cl.
Thos. McCloud S.C.
Lt. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.
See letter to claimant 5 Nov. 1835
FREE

Thomas Melford So. 6 a
Sus: see let. to Jas. A. Black July 20. 1835 to do do Aug st 18. 1835
prop. sent Jas. A. Black 28 Sept. 1835
7171.
Ad 7 June in

Dec. 5. 1828 - 16. Report of the Com- mittee on pensions on the petition of Thomas Milford
In the House of Representatives Decr 6 th 1828
Resolved that the House do agree to the Report. ordered that it be sent to the Senate for concurrence
By order of House R. Anderson C.H.R.
6
favorable
Senate, dec. 13, 1828. Resolved that - small com.
Commons J. H. Johns to P.S. v. Refused Pensions Concurred
v. To Senate v. Tomorrow

The Committee on pensions to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Milford praying a pension
Report.
That they have considered the same and recommend that he be placed on the pension list.
5 Dec. 1828
John H. Coomb

Temple of Health SC 27 18 15 June 1835
Free
June 27 SC Honorable, James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
33050 The M ty D 10

Mr. J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir when this application is acted on send the result of your decision to me at the Temple of Health Abbeville Dist. South Carolina
Respectfully your obedt. Servt.
James A. Blake
16 th June 1835

Sept. 19. Mr. S. J. C.
Sample of health Sept 10 th L. Edward
XXXX XXXX
Commissioner of pensions Washington City

Abbeville District 7 th Sept 1835
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir,
Your letter to me of the 18 th August is received in reply I would say that the evidence upon which the Thomas Milford was placed on the Pension list of the state of South Carolina, are at Columbia and are filed away by the clerk of the House of Representatives, whose business it is to keep all such papers. and he resides in Anderson District and will not be at Columbia until the session of the legislature in Nov. next I am a member of the legislature and will attend the session when I will obtain the original paper from the clerk & send them to you.
a Justice of the peace is not ex-officio, a Judge, nor is he a Justice of a court of Records. but I aver that it has hitherto been the practice to admit persons to the benefit of the act of congress of the 7 th June 1832 upon the certificate of a magistrate & refer you to the original paper in support of John McAdam -
please send us the papers in support of the claim of Thomas Milford. he can be put into a waggon & hall d . to the courthouse at the next session

of the court of common pleas which which will be in october next. Then & there the papers can be put in order according to the regulations. = This is a queer world we live in;
Respectfully your obedient servant James A. Black J L Edwards

Paper returned to Jas A Black
28 Sept 1831
1778 Clanide 6 Vol. 12 Log S.C. in Flada exp m. 11- 3. 15 1782 Mayh — 6 of Dickens 3 — " Aut 20 — 6 of Caldwell 3 —

REJECTED
7171
P. O. Thomas Mcilford
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Population
21 375 INVALID.
Ann
File No. 21,375
Thomas Milford
Rev War
Act: June 7 th 89 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 275
[Arrangement of 1870.]

To the Honorable Senate & House of Representative of the State of South Carolina in Session at Columbia.
Gentlemen your petitionar by this his petition wold shew. That he entered the service of his country as a volunteer in the Militia Services under the command of Captain Francis Logan and joined general Williamson at or near White Hall, some time in may in the year 1778 and went with him on his expedition to Florida and faithfully served out his tour of duty. (which was about six months. and afterward went to the state of North Carolina, and again turned out volunteer under the command of Captain Joseph Dixon, and that the joined Colonel Davison and marched to Camden where he stand in garrison for the term of six months. That afterward he joined Captain Caldwell and marched to the head of Catawba River to guard the frontiers and was discharged. That afterward he turned out volunteer and attached himself to Captain Dickey's company. and joined general Davison and was at the battle at Cowens ford on the Catawba River where general Davison was killed and continued to harass Lord Cornwallis until he left the state of North Carolina, that after the war was over he settled himself near Cambridge in this state in which he has resided ever since, that he is now seventy two years of age and much afflicted with a sore leg which renders him unable to do much for the support of his family and that he has a very infirm old woman as a wife who is not properly able to support herself and no other family able to support him, that he is really poor and needy and hopes. that his country will take his case into consideration and place him on the pension list. and thereby enable him to pass the few remaining days that he may live in ease & peace. and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray Thomas Milford 10 th November 1828.

St. Louis District
Personally came before me the subscribing Gustus Thomas Milford the within petitioner, and on being by me duly sworn on his oath saith that the statements set forth in the within petition are correct & true. Sworn to and subscribed this 10 th day of November 1838 before me
James A. Black 92
Thomas Milford
South Carolina } Personally came before me John Abbeville District. } M c Adam Esq. (aged Sixty nine years) and on being duly sworn on oath saith that he was. in the Florida expedition as a soldier under general Williamson that he was well acquainted with Thomas Milford the within petitioner during that service and that he did faithfully serve out his time as he truly does believe, and that he has been acquainted with the said Milford ever since & believes that he was a good soldier during the revolutionary war.
Sworn to and subscribed this 10 th day of October 1828 before me
before me Last of Black J.D. 100
John W. Adams here?
South Carolina } I, James A. Black a Justice of Quorum Abbeville District } for Abbeville District. do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Thomas Milford the within Petitioner, and also with John McAdam Esq m the witness whose probate is hereto attached and that both the men are men of respectability and truth and that due credit should be given to every thing either of them would state.
James A. Black