Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,252, William Bluford, Continental Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Va.
Bluford, William Blufford, or Blufford,
W. 25,252
CONTENTS
Sarah

2368
Maryland
Sarah Bluford widow of William Bluford
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Dec r 1848. and sent to
John L. Gittings Baltimore Md
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 122 Vol. 3,
Reported Dec r 13/48

Baltimore City Court June Term 1837.
Be it remembered that on this twenty second day of September eighteen hundred and thirty seven personally appeared in open Court now sitting, for Baltimore City aforesaid - Sarah Blufford of Baltimore County in the State aforesaid - and in order to obtain the benefit of the third Section of act of Congress passed the 4 th July 1836 Entitled "An act Granting half pay to widows or orphans where their husbands or fathers have died of wounds received in the military service of the United States, in certain cases, and for other purposes" And being duly sworn according to law declareth and saith that she is now aged about 79 years That she is the Widow of William Blufford, deceased late of Baltimore County aforesaid who was a regular Soldier of the Revolution and who in the years 1780 & 1781 served as a regular Continental Waggon Master in the service of the United States under David Poe who was a deputy Quarter Master General for Baltimore in the service of the United States; That she was married to said William Blufford in the year 1780, while he was in said service; That she has heard him say he enlisted for 5 years and continued in the service untill after the taking of Cornwallis that he died in the year 1800 and that she has not married again since his death as will more fully appear by by

by reference to the proof hereto annexed Witness Sarah  her  Blufford
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me the subjoined Chief Judge of Baltimore City Court and I do hereby further certify that I am personally acquainted with the deponents Sarah Blufford and William Hisey and believe them to be persons of good character credit and worthy of credit, and believe the Statements made by them in relation to William Blufford & others matters - to be correct and true - I am not personally acquainted with Joshua Smith the other deponent - but know the signature of James Blair. Justice of the peace to be genuine
N Price
State of Maryland City of Baltimore ss.
I hereby certify that the Honorable Nicholas Price Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was made before whom the above Certificate was given and who hath thereunto subscribed his name as at the time of so doing and still is Chief Judge of Baltimore City Court the same being a court of record and of law duly commissioned and qualified to all intents and purposes as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given as well in courts of Justice as otherwise.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty sixth day of September in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty seven Nicholas Price Esq. Baltimore City Court

State of Maryland City of Baltimore S.S
On this 2 nd day of April eighteen hundred and thirty eight Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the City aforesaid Personally appeared Sarah Blufford, a resident of Baltimore County in the State aforesaid aged about 80 years, and known to me as entitled to credit, and being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath declare, that she is the widow of William Blufford, a Soldier of the Revolution, to whom she was married on the 14 day of August 1780; and their first child Rachel was born July 25 1781. - That they were married by Parson West of the Protestant Episcopal Church, at Baltimore, and that on application for a certificate of said Marriage, it is found that the Church Records of that date, are lost. That the enclosed is the Family Record of the births of their children, and is correct and true as thereon stated. That her Husband, the said William Blufford, was in the Service of the United States at and after the time of her Marriage - And that she does believe he was a regularly enlisted Soldier of the Virginia line, before he came on through Baltimore to the North, about the year 1776 or 77 after which, as stated by him, he was at the

Battles of Brandywine, Monmouth & others, not so well remembered by her after which battles he returned with the Army towards the South; and at Baltimore we were Married; and he was transferred to the Wagggon Department: she believe he served under Gen d Lee & Hancock and has no doubt his name will be found in Record with the Virginia line. The foregoing, is according to the best of her recollection and knowledge, after the most mature reflection. That she is now in the eighty first year of her age and trusts that the kindness of her Country will afford her support, for her few remaining days; and she respectfully Claims the benefits of the 3 d Section of the Pension law of July 4. 1836
Witness James Blair Sworn & Subscribed Before James Blair Justice of Peace
for Sarah X Blufford mark
* she believes he enlisted for & served five years.
Referring to Mrs Bluffords former communications Her case is now submitted - observing that as respects the period & place of the commencement of her husbands services her memory & knowledge is necessarily very limited and imperfect - & yet it thought your records of the Virginia line will establish that point. Please direct to care of Alex Yearley

February 2, 1940
AW BA--J/AWF William Bluford W. 25252
Mrs. James G. Johnson 1810 Dandridge Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you state that you find in an "Old Kentucky Entrées and Deed Book of Lincoln Co. Ky. under Military Warrants William Bluford (Buford) 100 acres, Warrant No. 3136, three years soldier Va. line June 8th, 1784."
The citation given by you does not refer to the records of this office.
Bluford You are furnished herein the Revolutionary War record of William Bluford, Bluford, Blufford, as found in papers on file in claim for pension, W. 25252, based upon his service in that war. This is the record of the only William Bluford, under any spelling of the surname, found on file in the Revolutionary War pension record of this office.
The date and place of birth of William Bluford, and names of his parents are not given.
William Bluford enlisted in Virginia, served as a private in the Virginia Line, was in the battle of Brandywine, where a bullet passed through his coat, in the battle of Monmouth, and "others", length of service three years. There were no dates of this service given, and names of officers under

whom he served were not designated. He served from sometime in 1780, as wagonmaster, under David Poe, Assistant Deputy Quartermaster General, until after the surrender of Cornwallis.
William Bluford died in Baltimore County, Maryland, in the year 1800.
William Bluford married August 14, 1780, in Baltimore, Maryland, Sarah Gardner. She stated that it was a run-a-way marriage, and were married very early in the morning, by Reverend West of the Paul's Parish, Protestant Episcopal Church.
The date and place of birth of Sarah Gardner and names of parents are not given; she remained at the home of her father, until her husband, William Bluford , returned from the service.
The widow, Sarah Bluford, was allowed pension on her application executed September 22, 1837, at which time she was a resident of Baltimore County, Maryland, aged about seventy-nine years. She was still living there in 1843, and 1848.
The following family data are shown in the claim:
  Bluford Rachel Bluford (their first child) born July 25, 1781   Elizabeth Bluford " March 9, 1783   Bluford Ann Hutchon Bluford  Bluford died June 30, 1786   Priscilla Bluford born January 26, 1785   " January 7, 1786   died November -, 1789   Heir (?) Bluford born January 7, 1789   died April 30, 1793   George Washington Bluford " " born October 6, 1790  1790   Hancock Lee Bluford " " " June 2, 1792   died September -, 1792   Harriet and Henry Bluford " " born October 26, 1794   Jonathan Bluford " November 17, 1796   Mary Bluford " " " March -, 1799 

Family data continued--
Blanford William Blanford  Blanford , son of John Zimmermon(?) and Ann Blanford, was born January 29, 1791; Heir(?) Blanford, daughter of Ann Blanford, was born February ----; William Blanford died the sixth day---- in his thirty-sixth year; Maria "Bleuford" was born October 24, 180--.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data in regard to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Sarah Bluford, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:
Sarah Bluford, widow of William Bluford Certificate #2368 Issued December 13, 1848 Rate $80.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1848 Act of February 2, 1848 Maryland Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Elizabeth Blyford born July 21 st 1781 Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock Elizabeth Blyford born March 9 th 1783 on Sunday about 10 o'clock Ann Hutchinson Blyford born January 26 th 1785 on Thursday at 8 o'clock in the morning Lucilla Blyford born January 7 th 1786 and departed this life the 1 st of December 1787
Elizabeth Blyford Departed this life June 30 th 1786 and was born January 17 th 1799 and Departed this life March 25 th 1793
George Washington Blyford born October 6 th 1790 and was born June 2 nd 1792 and Departed this life in 1793
James and Henry Blyford Jonathan Blyford born
born October 26 th 1794 died July 17 th 1796
William Blyford born January 29 th 1795 Daughter of William Blyford was in his 36 years
William Blyford was born February this day the 17 th
Martha Blyford was born
the 24 th of October 1800
William Blyford

engraved for the American Edition
of ALEXANDER'S Josephus
The SIX DAYS WORK of the CREATION.
GENESIS
CHAP. I.
1 Light divided from Darkness
2 The Firmament is made
3 The Sun of the Earth in night
4 The Creation of the Sun, Moon & Stars

DELAWARE STATE LOTTERY,
For the Benefit of the State Treasury, Delaware College and Common Schools.
EXTRA CLASS NUMBER TWENTY-FOUR FOR 1837.
To be drawn at Wilmington, Del. on THURSDAY, June 15th, 1837.
AT FOUR O'CLOCK, P. M.
D. S. GREGORY & Co. MANAGERS
SCHEME.
  1 prize.....of..... $7,000 Dollars.....is..... $7,000   1..... 3,000 Dollars..... 3,000   1..... 2,000 Dollars..... 2,000   1..... 1,250 Dollars..... 1,250   5..... 1,000 Dollars..... 5,000   5..... 300 Dollars..... 1,500   5..... 250 Dollars..... 1,250   5..... 200 Dollars..... 1,000   10..... 150 Dollars..... 1,500   10..... 100 Dollars..... 1,000   320..... 50 Dollars..... 16,000   61..... 25 Dollars..... 1,525   61..... 20 Dollars..... 1,220   122..... 10 Dollars..... 1,220   5,307..... 5 Dollars..... 26,535   25,620..... 2.50 Dollars..... 64,050   31,535 prizes, amounting to..... $135,050 
In the above Scheme, formed by the ternary combination of 75 numbers, making 67,525 tickets, and the drawing of 14 ballots, there will be 364 prizes, each having three of the drawn numbers on them; 5,651 each having two of them on; and 25,620 each having one, only, of them on; and, also, 35,960 tickets, having none of the drawn numbers on, being blanks.
To determine the fate of these prizes and blanks, the 75 numbers, (from 1 to 75 inclusive,) will be severally placed in a wheel on the day of the drawing, and 14 of them will be drawn out at random; and that ticket having on it, as a combination, the 1st 2d and 3d drawn numbers, will be entitled to the capital prize of..... $7,000
That ticket having on it the 4th 5th and 6th drawn numbers, to..... 3,000
That ticket having on it the 7th 8th and 9th drawn numbers, to..... 2,000
That ticket having on it the 12th 13th and 14th drawn numbers, to..... 1,250
Those five tickets having on them the 2d 3d and 4th | 5th 6th and 7th | 8th 9th and 10th | 10th 11th and 12th | 11th 12th and 13th, each..... 1,000
Those five tickets having on them the 1st 2d and 4th | 1st 2d and 5th | 1st 2d and 6th | 1st 2d and 7th | 1st 2d and 8th, each..... 300
Those five tickets having on them the 1st 2d and 9th | 1st 2d and 10th | 1st 2d and 11th | 1st 2d and 12th | 1st 2d and 13th, each..... 250
Those five tickets having on them the 1st 2d and 14th | 1st 3d and 4th | 1st 3d and 5th | 1st 3d and 6th | 1st 3d and 7th, each..... 200
Those 10 tickets having on them the 1st 3d and 8th | 1st 3d and 10th | 1st 3d and 12th | 1st 3d and 13th | 1st 4th and 6th | 1st 4th and 7th | 1st 4th and 8th | 1st 4th and 9th | 1st 4th and 10th | 1st 4th and 11th, each..... 150
Those 10 tickets having on them the 1st 4th and 12th | 1st 4th and 13th | 1st 4th and 14th | 1st 5th and 7th | 1st 5th and 8th | 1st 5th and 9th | 1st 5th and 10th | 1st 5th and 11th | 1st 5th and 12th | 1st 5th and 13th, each..... 100
All others with three of the drawn numbers on, (being 320,) each..... 50
Those 61 tickets having on them the 1st and 2d, drawn numbers, each..... 25
Those 61 tickets having on them the 3d and 4th drawn numbers, each..... 20
Those 122 tickets having on them the 5th and 6th, or the 7th and 8th drawn numbers, each..... 10
All others with two of the drawn numbers on, (being 5,307) each..... 5
And all others having one only, of the drawn numbers on, (being 25,620) each..... 2.50
No ticket which shall have drawn a prize of superior denomination can be entitled to an inferior prize.
Prizes payable forty days after the drawing, and subject to the usual deduction of fifteen per cent.
Wilmington, Del. June 1, 1837. D. S. GREGORY & Co. Managers.
Agency and Commission price $2 50
No 200
Sche.....

1940- Feb 2- list to mrs. James K. Johnson ams
Reg WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25252
Sarah Bluford wid of William Bluford Priv Rev. war
Act Feb. 3 rd 1848
Index : Vol. A , Page 70
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Sarah Blufford Maryland
Suspended
See letter 3 rd Oct. 1837 A. Yearley do. April 10. 1838 do. 2 Augt 1838 do. 18 Augt '38
Maryland 1870
Sarah Blufford widow of William Blufford
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died in the year 1870 of Baltimore in the State of Md. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ time for _____ years
Inscribed on the Roll of _____ at the rate of _____ Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Decr. 1838 and sent to Sarah Blufford Baltimore Md.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1838 $200.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Feb. 1839, 40.00 $240.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded, by H. H. Addison Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 2. Page 174

Let to W. L. Marsh all Depot 11.48
355
Maryland
Sarah Bluford
widow of William Bluford who was a Private in the Virginia Line for three Years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Eighty Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of June, 1843. and sent to
Alex r Gearley, Esq. Baltimore, Md.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 140

State of Maryland
th. City of Baltimore S.S.
On this 16 day of November eighteen hundred and thirty seven before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said City Personally came Nicholas Smith a resident of Baltimore County, who being duly sworn according to law - deposeth and saith that he is now in the Sixtyeth year of his age that he was born and raised in said County in the neighbourhood where William & Sarah Blufford resided. That he remembers said William and Sarah Blufford as acknowledged man and Wife ever since he was a small boy: That he has heard said Mrs Bluffords Father acknowledge said William Blufford as his daughter's Husband: That he has heard a certain Edward Jarvis say that he was at the wedding of said William & Sarah Blufford; That they were publickly known and acknowledged as Man and Wife having a number of children some of whom are now living whose claim to legitimacy was never doubted: That it was the current belief of the neighbourhood that said Wm Blufford had been in the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War: That said Wm Blufford died many years ago leaving the said Sarah Blufford his Widow who has not intermarried since his death. Given Before
William Winstill

State of Maryland
Baltimore County S.C.
Hereby certify that James Blair gentleman of William Warfield gentleman before whom the foregoing depositions were severally made by who have thereto signed their names were at the time of so doing Justices of the Peace of the State of Maryland in & for the City of Baltimore duly commissioned
In testimony whereof I have set my hand & affixed the seal of Baltimore County Court this 3 rd day of April 1836
Thos Kelleher
Sarah Blufford

W. H. Allison Parah Bluff add. prof
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Revenue

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 nd February 1848, entitled "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
State of Maryland 2
City of Baltimore 3
On this twentyfirst day of September personally appeared before the subscribed a Justice of the Peace of the Baltimore City  City duly Commissioned and qualified Sarah Blufford, a resident of Baltimore County, aged Ninety three years, who being first 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 2 nd of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of William Blufford who was a private in the revolutionary war, the regiment or Corps to which he belonged being to her unknown, and the amount of the pension which she received under the act of March 1843 & June 1 st 1844 was Eighty dollars per Annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before
John L. Snyder J.P. Witness.
Her Mark Sarah Blufford
Lamber D. S. Vorwood
State of Maryland,
Baltimore County, Set.
I hereby Certify, That the  affidavit  declaration of John Snyder Esquire before whom the annexed affidavit  declaration was made and who has thereto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the City of Baltimore, duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of Baltimore County Court, this 21 st day of September A. D. 184
A. W. Bradford
Clerk Baltimore County Court.

Baltimore 21 Sep 1898
Thereby certify that Sarah Plufford the aforesaid declarant is personally known to me, that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her the foregoing affidavit.
John F. Little, Justice of the Peace for State of Maryland

acc.
Aug. 10.
add. proof Sarah Buford, W. Stewart.
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Washington
as his of the country

State of Maryland City of Baltimore S.S.
On this seventh day of August in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight. Before me the Subscriber a justice of the peace, for the City of Baltimore in the State of Maryland aforesaid personally appeared Sarah Bluford, a resident of Baltimore County in the State of Maryland aged about eighty one years and known to me as a person entitled to credit - who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare that she is the widow of William Bluford who was a soldier of the Revolution in the Virginia Line, to whom while in said service she was married at the City of Baltimore aforesaid on the 14 th day of August in the year Seventeen Hundred and eighty by Parson West of the Protestant Episcopal Church. That on the next day after their marriage, her said husband W m Bluford went away in the said service, and was absent five months and seven days. That subsequently he acted in the Wagon Service, under the direction of David Poe, who was a united States Deputy Quarter Master General. That she has heard her said husband say he served five years in the United States Service; That she was in possession of his regular discharge, which certified his - services

Services for the term of five years, which discharge not then being aware of its importance, she destroyed with other old papers many years ago
Witness.
Her Sarah X Pleasford mark
Alex Yeacley
Sworn to and subscribed
Before James Blair Justice of Peace
State of Maryland
Baltimore County, Set
I hereby certify that James Blair gentleman before whom the aforegoing disposition was made and who hath thereto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for the City of Baltimore duly commissioned and sworn
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of Baltimore County Court this ninth day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty Eight
Thos. Kell
CLERK

2205
Sarah Bluford Maryland
admitted Act 7 July 1838 Pa. Va line 3 yr. f 80.
9965
A. Yearles Esq. Baltimore Md.

State of Maryland Baltimore City Court October Term 1838
On this fifth day of October, eighteen hundred and thirty eight. Personally appeared in open Court, Sarah Bluford, a resident of Baltimore County, in the State aforesaid, aged Eighty — years; Who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of William Bluford, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, in the Virginia Line — and who obtained Land Bounty from the State of Virginia for Three years service in said War; She further declares that she was married to the said William Bluford on the fourteenth day of August Seventeen hundred and eighty; and that her husband the aforesaid William Bluford died in the year eighteen hundred. (And, although she did believe her said husband's employment as a Waggon Master, under David Poe, would identify him as in the service after the time of their marriage; or, that his services in the Virginia line certainly embraced the period of their marriage, yet having recently ascertained her error, she now declares) That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four — viz at the time above stated
Witness Allen Yearley
Sarah L Bluford
Sworn to and subscribed in the day and year first above written
Before me
N Price Chief Judge Balt. City Court

State of Maryland Baltimore City ss I hereby certify that the Hon'ble Nicholas Brice before whom the within declaration was made, was at the time of so doing Chief Judge of Baltimore City Court duly commissioned and qualified. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Baltimore City Court this 10th day of October in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight
M. M. McCalpe C.B. Baltimore City Court

on official business
Mary Bluford
To — John N. Johnson Esq
Governor of Pennsylvania
Washington
P. C.
FREE

— Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions.
Sir
An old lady by the name of Bedford or Bluford (she cannot tell me how it is spelled) has called on me to ask that I should write to know for what reason her pension has been suspended as she was answered at the office of payment here that her pension had run out as she expressed it. She says that she has rec d a pension for many years as the widow of a revolutionary soldier. It seems to be a charity to put this old lady in the way of getting her money if she is intitled to it and I shall be obliged by your giving me any information concerning her rights that the records of your office may afford Very respectfully Your obt t Serv t W Z Marshall
Balt Sept 4 th 1848

H. Yearley
Apr 10, 1838
2nd

War Dept. Pen Offce Apl 10. 1888
Sir,
The additional testimony in the case of Mrs Sarah Blufford has been & filed with her other papers. Her husband's name is found on the list of those who were paid for services in the Virginia Continental line but as a might soldier it is not shown by said list at what time he left the army. If the name of the Colonel or Captain under whom he served could be stated, the time at which his service in said line terminated, perhaps be ascertained. Some information as to his service as a soldier may probably be obtained by writing to J. E. Heath Esq. Auditor at Richmond, Va and of his also service as a wagon master on application to J. S. Brewer Esq. at Annapolis, Md
A. G. Gentry Esq. Baltimore, Md.
Cor

War Dept. Pensions Augt 2, 1888
Sir,
The certificate of James S. Heath Esq. Auditor of Virginia endorsed by you to this office has been filed with the papers of Mrs Sarah Bluford widow of Mr Bluford deceased. The papers of his husband's service  then contained . It appears therefrom that he received £54: 11:9 for services as a soldier of Infantry of the Virginia line. There is more evidence of the service as such in this office. But no satisfactory proof of his having been appointed a Wagon Master has yet been exhibited. That service was probably in the Militia of Maryland, proof of which may perhaps be obtained

from G. G. Boerner Esq. at Annapolis. Unless it can be shown to second decrees evidence that the claim ants husband was appointed to competent authority to serve as a wagon master under military obliga- tions the claim cannot be allowed. under act of July 5 1838.
A. Yearley July 2, 1838 M c G C
A. Yearley Esq. Baltimore. M c .

War Dept Pen: Office Augt 18. 1888
Sir
The amended declaration of Mrs Sarah Bluford (widow of William Bluford) has been examined and filed. No testimony has yet been exhibited showing that her husband was in service as a soldier of the Virginia line at the time of his marriage. The last witness testifies that he belonged to the Wagon Dept, under David Poe Cpts. Dr. M c Gehee for Baltimore at the time of her marriage. The period of her marriage was Augt 16 1780, Now satisfied It is now alleged that he belonged to the Virginia line at the time of his marriage. That fact should be satisfactorily proved in order to a favorable decision. Of the  The  referred  referred  compar  compar should be shown, in which he served, when perhaps it could be ascertained from the records here, at what

time he was discharged. If David Poe belonged to the regular army some record proof thereof should be found in the public archives at Annapolis.
A. Gearley Augt 18. 1838 P.M. O.C.
A. Gearley Esq. Baltimore, Md.

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore Set
On this 29 th day of April Eighteen hundred and fortythree, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the City aforesaid, Sarah Blufford aged abt 89 years, a resident of Baltimore County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of Persons who served during the Revolutionary war: That she is the widow of William Blufford who was a soldier in the Virginia line of infantry in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution. That she received a Pension of Eighty dollars per annum for five years, under the Act of July 7 th 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow
Sarah her Blufford mark
Witness
J. W. Heath
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. — and I do hereby certify that the above declarant Sarah Blufford is personally known to me.
J. W. Heath

State of Maryland Baltimore County ss I hereby certify that James R. Heath Gentleman before whom the foregoing deposition was made, and whose attested signed his name was at the time of so doing one of the Justices of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for the city of Baltimore duly Commissioned and sworn:
For Testimony Whereof I hereto Subscribe my name and affix the Seal of Baltimore County Court on this 13 th day of May 1843.
Thos. Kellark Baltimore
Jerah Blackford
$80 per ann
Sent to Rev. Yearley Baltimore
1166

Baltimore April 29 th 1843
W m L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Herewith I send you my application and declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 3 rd March 1843 granting Pensions for one year to certain widows who have obtained Pensions under the act of July 1838
Be pleased to direct to me to the care of Miss Yearley Baltimore
Very Respectfully
I am Your obt. Serv t
her
Sarah X Blufford mark
Witness
W m T. Heath

Sept 28.
J. Edward Cope
3rd Dec 1876 Commissioner of Pensions
4th July 76 Washington

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Baltimore Sep 26. 1839
Sir
I hand you the application of Sarah Blufford for a Pension. She is the Widow of William Blufford who was a Soldier & Continental Waggon Master in the War of the Revolution. The evidence herewith presented shows that he was at least 18 months in the service and she believes he was five years therein - having been, as she understood from him, several years in the service before her first acquaintance with him. * of their marriage no record can be found, but we have proof in abundance that their marriage was a matter of public notoriety about the year 1780 while he was in the service, and was never disputed or doubted. And her identity as his widow is clearly proven
Your friend & Serv t
Alex Yearley
* She believes he was of the Pennsylvania line

162 2703 Addepp Dec 10 Sarah Blufford
Mrs Sarah Blufford, case
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington
A. Yearly, Esq.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Baltimore Decemr 9. 1837 Com of Pensions
Sir
As to my marriage with William Blufford, I recollect perfectly that it took place Aug 14. 1780; and the ceremony was performed by the Rev d Mr West of the St Pauls Protestant Episcopal Church: That our match was a runaway one; and we went to the Parsons house in Baltimore very early in the morning; that he was called from bed, and came down with only his Gown & Wig, on, and thus performed the Ceremony of Marriage between William Blufford & me. Search has been made in the Records of St Pauls Church but, the Records of that date & for many years thereafter are lost . I trust however, that the proof herewith submitted will be satisfactory
As to the fact of my husbands being regularly in the army I have no doubt; as he came on to Baltimore with the Virginia troops as they were going to the north and I have heard him say he was at the Battle of Brandywine , where a bullet went through his coat and he had a very narrow escape from being taken prisoner.
After our marriage my husband continued in the service and did not leave it for at least seven months after our marriage: Proof of his being in the service after our marriage is already before you.
Respectfully Your ob t Servant
Sarah Blufford her X Mark
I have heard my husband } say He enlisted in Virginia, and I think he said He served five years and enlisted in the Virginia line
Witness Alex r Yearly
Please direct to care of Alice Yearly

State of Maryland, Col.
Baltimore County S.S.
On this 25 th day of November the year eighteen hundred and thirty seven Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Personally appeared Thomas Buckingham of the same County aged 74 years Who is known to me as a Gentleman entitled to ample credit and who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he was well acquainted with William Blufford and his reputed Wife Sarah Blufford in the year 1780 as being together as Man and Wife: That he has known them during many years subsequent to that date (1780), and never heard any doubt or question as to the legality of their marriage; That they raised many Children, several of whom are now living whose legitimacy was never questioned or doubted. That he frequently heard the said William Blufford tell about his services in the Revolutionary War. That said W m Blufford died upwards of thirty five years ago: and that his Widow the said Sarah Blufford who is an applicant for Pension has not intermarried since his death but still remains his Widow
Sworn to Before
John ASB Justice of the Peace for Baltimore County State of Maryland

State of Maryland } I hereby Certify that John Ash, Gentleman Baltimore County } before whom the within depositions were made, and who has thereto signed his name, was at the time of so doing, one of the Justices of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned & sworn.
In Witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of Baltimore County Court on this 12 th day of December 1837.
Thos. Kellakof Balt re County Ct.

Baltimore Dec 12 1887
J. L. Edwards Esqr Com of Pensions.
The case of Sarah Blufford widow of William Blufford a soldier, as she believes, of the Virginia line under Lee and Hancock and other officers - is again presented to your consideration. At this late period of the old lady's life her recollection is not very perfect, but from the testimony adduced. I have no doubt of the justice of her claim - which may further appear on an exam- -ination of the Records of the Virginia line
It may be that the spelling her name (Blufford) may not be to every letter right, possibly Bleford or Bluford may be the way it is on Record
Be pleased to let the old lady know the result at your earliest convenience
Respectfully
Your friend & Servt
Alex Sharley

J. L. Edwards Esq. Com r of Pensions
Baltimore Augt. 8. 1838
Sir
Permit me to solicit again your attention to the application of Sarah Bluford, Widow of William Bluford for a Pension under the act of 4 th July 1836.
In yours of 2 nd inst you say that "No satisfactory proof of her husband's having been appointed a Waggon Master has yet been exhibited". We reply that you have the Testimony of Creditable living Witnesses who knew him in the Waggon Service of the U. S. As to record, or documentary proof, of the fact, we have made diligent Search & enquiry but cannot find any.
But why is it necessary to call his Waggon Service into view at all, when we have official proof, that he was in actual Service as a Soldier of the Virginia line, at the time of his marriage & subsequently (and if the old lady has at any time laid undue stress on her Waggon Services, no unfavorable effect should follow.
Let us then look at the case as it now stands.
1 The military Services of her husband for 3 years or more prior to 1782 are officially proven (to say nothing of his Service as a Waggon Master
2 Their marriage in the year 1780 is Satisfactorily proven
3 Her identity as his widow, is proven Satisfactorily.
I would take leave to add that having carefully attended to the Facts & Testimony and character concerned as Witnesses I am fully of opinion that the claim of this unfortunate old widow is truly meritorious.
Your friend & Servt Alex (Yearley)

In ab Md.
J. P. Edwards Esq.
FREE
Ornithologist of Portland
Washington

Baltimore July 30 1888
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I have just now recd. the enclosed certificate from Jas. E. Heath Esq. Auditor certifying the Military Services of William Bluford to a period subsequent to the time of his marriage to Sarah Bluford now his aged Widow. As you are already in possession of satisfactory proofs of her marriage & widowhood I now submit her case to you.
Your friend Servant
Alex Yearley
P. S. Mr. Heath also informs me that W m Bluford rec d Bounty Card from Virginia.

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session, 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 8th day of June 1781 , in the name of William Buford — as a Soldier of Infantry for £ 54. 11. 9, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Col. Gaskins — and was given for services prior to the 1st January, 1782.
{ No Seal of Office. }
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this
28th day of July 1838.
J. E. Heath AUDITOR.

2206 2205
May 7 1838.
L. Richards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington.
FREE

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Baltimore October 5 1838
Sir
Having been convinced of error of judgment in making out my former declaration, I now send you my amended Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7. 1838 granting pensions &c to certain Widows.
Your obt Servt
her Sarah T Bluford Mark
Witness Alex Yearley
Please direct to care of Alex Yearley

Vallo 21/10 1858
Edward G. Sommer Puffin Washington
Yrs, Washington With oblige to hand your application for renewal of pension of Sarah Stafford. When passed, please forward the Certificate under cover to the so oblig
Wurde Sie.
John & Son, Austin, Tex.

355 Dec 22/68 at 28
John Stuart Mill Esq. M.P. Member of Parliament Washington
Wartburg Station Office

Wash Md. Aug 30
J. Edwards Egan
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
REC

Wachapreague Aug. 27. 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
I have had a second search made of the Records at Richmond, and such is the result
Sir
In reply to yours of the 18 th inst in the case of Sarah Bluford I have to state that On examination, I have ascertained, that no proof can be had as to the precise time, when her husband William Bluford entered and left the service. The certificate of James E. Heath Auditor, (sent you with my letter dated 28 July) however shows that his services were rendered prior to the year 1782  or June 1782 and that he rec d bounty land for 3 years service. Now, whether those three years embraced any period beyond the 14 Augl. 1780, or not - perhaps cannot be positively ascertained; altho, to me it seems highly probable, the affirmative. But, we have it in proof that he was in the United States Waggon Service, under David Poe, after their marriage on the 14 th 14 th day of August 1780. and, is there any discrepancy in his being counted of the Virginia line, a short time while he became engaged, under David Poe, in transporting ammunitions &c to Virginia He for the use of the United States troops? As to the fact, that David Poe was "Assistant Deputy Quarter Master General of the Army of the United States at Baltimore" I refer you to the papers on file at your office, in the case of the application of the heirs of Elizabeth Poe, his widow, made some time prior to the 29 June 1837. which I doubt not will be satisfactory to you.
(22)

Let us once more review the case:
We have in proof:
1 The services of William Blueford in the Virginia line in the war of the revolution for three years prior to the 1 st January 1782 - or 8 th of June 1782 as on that day he rec d Land Bounty for 3 years (See J. E. Hether Certificate) We have it in proof also that he was in the Continental or S. Waggon Service Subsequently to 14 Aug t 1780 (See the Testimony of the living witnesses on file) 2 His marriage with Sarah Gardner Aug 14 1780 (See the Testimony of living witnesses who knew them as man & wife from about that time - also her own positive oath - and the family record (original) of the ages of their children) 3 His death - many years ago. 4 Her identity as his widow, and that she has not intermarried since his death.
Referring to her application for Pension under the third Section of the act of Congress of 4 July 1836; and to the above facts : The case is submitted to you for decision in behalf of Sarah Blueford.
Alex (Sealy)
Please direct to Mrs Sarah Blueford Baltimore County
to my care etc

11 State of Maryland City of Baltimore S. S
Be it known that on this 22 nd day of September eighteen hundred and thirty seven, Before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the City aforesaid Personally came William Hissey of Baltimore County in the State aforesaid Who being duly Sworn according to law Deposeth and saith that he is now about 76, Years of age; And that he was personally acquainted with William Blufford who was a continental Waggon Master in the Service of the United States in the War of the Revolution, that he knew him in the said Service from the Spring of the year 1780 until after the taking of Cornwallis in October 1781; He further Deposeth and saith that he was acquainted with Sarah Blufford now the Widow of said William Blufford prior to her Marriage with him which took place in or about the year 1780; that their Marriage was a matter of public Notoriety, That they, after his return from the army lived together many years untill his death, which happened about the year 1800 (She having having remained at home at her Fathers during his absence in the army after their Marriage) And that the said Sarah Blufford now lives and remains the Widow of said William Blufford She having not married again since his death
Sworn to before James Blair Justice of Peace

City of Baltimore to Wit.
I hereby certify that William Hipsy the within deponent is a resident of Baltimore County of respectable standing and entitled to full faith and credit given under my hand and seal this 28 th day of September 1837
James Blair Justice of Peace

V 2703 Sarah Blufford Maryland
died 1800
on roll in Cntd page 334 - L 54:17H
No 2703

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore, S.S.
Be it remembered that on this Twenty Sixth day of September, eighteen hundred and thirty Seven, Before me, a Justice of the Peace for the City of Baltimore in Baltimore County, State of Maryland aforesaid, Personally appeared Joshua Smith, a resident of Baltimore County near the City of Baltimore aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he is now aged about 68 years, that he was born and raised in the neighbourhood where William Blufford and Sarah Blufford his reputed and acknowledged Wife lived together Many years, that their marriage was a matter of public and uncontradicted report and belief, at the time of the Revolutionary War; (and as this deponent, to the best of his recollection was about the year 1780); and that said Blufford was in the service of the United States at that time, as a Continental Waggon Master, and continued therein some time after his marriage, as aforesaid; That they the said William Blufford and Sarah Blufford raised a family of Children whose claim to legitimacy was never doubted: And that the said Sarah Blufford is now living as the Widow of said William Blufford who died many years ago, and that she has not

Married again since his death but still remains his Widow
Swore to before
James Blair
Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that Joshua Smith the within disponent is entitled to full faith and credit and sustains a respectable character in society
James Blair
Justice of Peace

State of Maryland Baltimore County Sct. I hereby certify that James Blair gentleman before whom the foregoing depositions were made and certificates given was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for the City of Baltimore duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of Baltimore County Court this 26 th day of September 1837.
Thos. Hall clk Balt. City Ct.

1810- Dandridge Pike Knoxville Tenn.
Pensions Department, Rev. War Section Washington D. C.
In an old Kentucky Entries and Deed Book of Lincoln Co. Ky. one only in under "Military Warrants William Bluford (Buford) 100 Acres, warrant No. 3136, three years soldier Va line spell-
June 8th, 1784.
This ref does not refer to the Have you the Military record record of this William Bluford (Buford)
Respectfully
Wm. James G. Johnson