Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1154, Thomas Branch, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Branch, Thomas Nancy or Ann
R. 1154
B.L.Wt. 50,806-160-55-
CONTENTS

End P
254. 661 Act mar. 3. '71 Aug. 16. '76
50-806 Decr. 19/56
Nancy Brant. mid. Thomas Brant. fri.
Private
Va Mills
12858 - 40
12858 - 40
ba Lns July 38
Revij. war.
See Pous. paper Oct 7. June 1832
ad. 160 ac's Decr 17/56
Dodge
W
John R. Martin Richmond, Va.
Vol. B2 - 85.

37.004 -
Thomas Branch Virginia
Act 7 th June 1882.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832
State of Virginia, Prince Edward County
On this 17 th day of March 1865, personally appeared in Open Court, Thomas Branch Resident of the County of Prince Edward in the County of Prince Edward and State of Virginia, aged Eighty Eight years on the 20 th day of July next, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832. That he was drafted in the Militia of Virginia, being then a resident of the County of Powhatan in said State, and  the what year he was drafted it is now impossible for him to recollect, that he served under the following Officers to wit: Under William Mayo of Powhatan, who declarant believes was then a Captain, declarant is not certain that  Mayo whether Mayo or Hughes Woodson was the first Officer under whom he served, which last was also a Captain, the first term of service declarant met with the force which was to march at Manassas down Ferry & the troops marched down the north side of James River & marched to Williamsburg, Little York and Hampton, during this trip or term of service he was not engaged in any battle, though the Army was constantly on the lookout expecting an engagement. The declarant also served at a subsequent time under Capt Geo Williamson of Powhatan, he also went to Yorktown during the Siege of that place, on the 9 th day of the month, though he has forgotten the year and was there at the surrender of Cornwallis. That he was drafted as often as six times in the Virginia Militia and served always the length of time for which he was drafted, under the before mentioned, and under Col Beverly Randolph, & Col. Davis though he finds it impossible to bring to mind, at his advanced

age, when memory has nearly forsaken him. He finds it impossible to remember the date at which he was drafted, or the time when he was serving under any particular leader, as he was very often shifted from one Officer to another. He fought throughout the whole Siege of Yorktown. He never left the State of Virginia and his whole service was rendered in the eastern part of said state. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present; and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any State whatever.
Thomas Branch
Sworn to and subscribed the day of year aforesaid
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.
Virginia, At a court held for Prince Edward county March the 17 th 1845 Thomas Branch appeared in court and filed his petition for a pension, which was read and being sworn to by him — The court — doth hereby declare its opinion that the above applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states; that he is a person of good character & entitled to credit — which is ordered to be certified.
In testimony whereof I Branch J. Worsham clerk of the county court of said county in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is the original declaration of said Thomas Branch, and that the foregoing certificate is a true transcript from the records of said court. Given under my hand with the seal of the court affixed this 19 th day of March 1845.
J. Worsham Clk

Interrrogatory proposed to Thomas Branch in 5th of the County of Prince Edward to wit:
1. When and in what year were you born?
Ans: I was born near Mannahin Town in the County of Powhatan in the State of Virginia, on the 20 th day of July 1759.
2. Have you any record of your age: and if so where is it?
Ans: I have not that I can now find, it has been mislaid & I cannot find it;
3. Where were you living when called into Service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War; and where do you now live?
Ans: When called into the War, I lived in the upper part of Powhatan County; Since the Revolutionary War I have lived a short time in the County of Powhatan, but chiefly in the County of Prince Edward where I now live & have lived for upward of forty years. I think I came here in 1897.
4. 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 was drafted always
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served; such Continen- tal and Militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Ans: Hughes Woodson Capt, Bernard Markham Capt, William Mayo Capt. George Williamson Capt, I recollect serving under these officers, but it is long since I served & my memory has so failed that I scarcely remember any thing, I think Col. Gode & also Col. Ennis or Dennis was with the troops where I served. I think Col. Gode commanded a Militia regiment, but I can't speak positively. I was at Williamsburg twice and at Hampton one and we marched to the Siege of

on the 9 th of October and was true at the summon of "Cornwallis".
6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of?
Ans. Yes I received a discharge, which I have long since lost and I cannot at this time remember who gave it.
7 th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Ans. Anderson P. Miller, Williamson Dickerson, Vincent Phillips, Richard Marshall, Joseph Phillips Moses Overton, W m White, Sam l D. Lee Col. Thomas Clark, John Girtin, and indeed the whole neighbourhood including the Rev d . Daniel Witt, Rev d . Matthew Daniel & Capt. Henry E. Watkins - Thomas Branch
Prince Edward County to Wit: The foregoing answers to the interrogatories propounded were subscribed and sworn to before us Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid. Given under our hands & seals this 21 st day of November 1845.
Sam l D. Lee Col d Thomas Clark
Prince Edward County to Wit:
Personally appeared before us, the undersigned, justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Thomas Branch, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that by reason of Old age, being now in his 89 year, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection, he served six years some as long as six months and

some two. Some maybe a year, but I cannot pretend to remember the dates. I served as a Soldier all the time, and for such service I claim a Pension - I am compelled to rely upon the disposition of James Hall with whom I served a part of my time for such particular as he can furnish & we further certify that each of us have been well acquainted with Mr. Thomas Branch since the year 1810, we believe he is in his 89 th year, the age he represents himself to be and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and we concur in that opinion & we also certify that Thomas Branch is unable from bodily infirmity and old age to attend court -
Sam l L. Munk S.P. Seal
Thomas C. Coot S.P. Seal
I Daniel Witt a regularly ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Baptist denomination of Christians. do hereby certify, that I am a resident of the County of Prince Edward in the state of Virginia, that I reside in the neighbourhood of and am well acquainted with Thomas Branch, who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing statement, that I believe him to be 88 years of age now in his 89 th year as he represents; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution & I concur in that opinion - Sworn to and subscribed this 21 st day of Nov r 1845
Daniel Witt
Minister of the Baptist church
The applicant Thomas Branch assigns as his reason for not having before applied for a Pension. The following reasons, that he thought the regular Soldiers were paid for their services when they rendered them & he had for a long time been oppressed with the appropriation of money by the Government for that purpose, but finding that all his associates in arms had been pensioners during their lives, being himself now old & needy, he concluded to apply

himself of the bounty of his government, being advised by his friends & acquaintances, that it was right that he should do so. And we the undersigned believe said statement to be correct, it having been made in our presence this 21. Nov. 1825
Sam. D. Burke J.P.
Thomas Clark J.P.
I Francis J. Worsham clerk of the County Court of Prince Edward County in the State of Virginia, do certify that Samuel D. Burke and Thomas Clark are Justices of the peace in and for said County as stated above, and that the signatures above purporting to be theirs, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the Court of said County this 17 th day of March 1826.
F. J. Worsham C. C.

Pension - Act 7 July 1838, '43, '44, '48,
Nancy Branch, Widow of
Thomas Branch, whose claim is suspended under act 7 June 1832, Virginia
Thomas Branch died September 22 1850
- Married in 1789 to Nancy Branch -
Filed by John K Martin Richmond Virginia

On this, 26 th day of June, 1856, personally appeared before me, Thomas Clarke, a justice of the peace, duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, Nancy Branch, aged 87 years, a resident of Prince Edward County in the State of Virginia, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Thomas Branch a Revolutionary Soldier. That her deceased husband the said Thomas Branch made a declaration for a Revolutionary Pension under the act of Congress, 7 th June, 1832, and died without ever receiving a Pension. That her deceased husband, the said Thomas Branch, was born and raised in the County of Powhatan. That she was married to him not long after the Revolutionary War, heard him speak frequently of his being in the Army in the time of the War, having been drafted, and called out on several different occasions, as to herself she has always regarded her deceased husband as one of those who participated, and did as much for his country as any other person could do similarly situated. That she is directly interested, as aforesaid as a claimant for a Pension and makes this affidavit for the purpose of obtaining such Pension as may be due under any of the Laws, Regulations, and decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted. The said affiant further declares that she hereby constitutes and appoints John K. Martin, of the City of Richmond, and State of Virginia, to be Attorney and agent to prosecute said claim, to examine all papers and documents in relation to it, and to do all things necessary and lawful in the premises. She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Branch in the County of Amelia, on the 31 st day of December, 1789, by one Parson Tally, a minister of the Gospel, and that her name before marriage was Nancy Clements. That her said husband died on the 22 nd day of September, 1850, and that she is still a widow.
Ebenezer Branch

We, W m Redford, aged 77 years, and Joseph Phillips, aged 57 years, residents of Prince Edward, in the state of Virginia, upon oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Nancy Branch in our presence and that we know from our knowledge of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; that we knew intimately Thomas Branch who was the husband of the declarant, that he was known respected and regarded as a Revolutionary soldier, and have heard him speak frequently of his services in the Revolutionary War, and the fact that he was a Revolutionary soldier was believed by all of his neighbors and friends always sincerely and never disputed. That the said Thomas Branch and the said Nancy Branch lived together as man and wife and were known and respected as such in the neighborhood, and that the marriage of these parties have never been disputed to the knowledge of the affiants; that the said Thomas Branch died in the county of Prince Edward in the state of Virginia on the 22 nd of September, 1850, in the 93 rd year of his age leaving the said Nancy Branch a widow, and that she is now known and respected as the widow of Thomas Branch deceased.
John Redford Joseph Phillips
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, that the widow is unable to make a declaration in open court by reason of old age and bodily infirmity, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Thomas Clark J.P.
State of Virginia, county of Prince Edward:
I Branch J. Worsham clerk of the county court of the county aforesaid

in the State aforesaid, do certify that Thomas Clark whose genuine signature is affixed to the foregoing affidavit, was at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace in and for said County.
Given under my hand with the seal of the Court of said County annexed this 1 st day of July 1856.
A. P. Woodham Clerk

254.661
BOUNTY LAND ACT.
3rd March, 1855.
Mrs. Nancy Branch widow of Thomas Branch a private in Captain
Company Virginia Militia, war 1812
Revolution - See Suspended Claim of Thomas Branch under act 7 June 1832 -
FILED BY
JOHN K. MARTIN, RICHMOND, VA.

WIDOW'S DECLARATION.
State of Virginia, County of Prince Edward ss.
On this 26 th day of June A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, Thomas Clark a Justice of the peace duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid. Nancy Branch aged 87 years, a resident of Prince Edward County in the State of Virginia, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Thomas Branch who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain in the Regiment of Virginia Militia, commanded by in the Revolutionary War in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States, on the 18th day of June 1812; that her husband was drafted in Petersburg on or about the day of 181 for the term of and continued in actual service in said war for the term of and was honorably discharged at on or about the day of 181 as will appear by the Muster or Pay Rolls of said Company; that she has no written or printed evidence to show the military services performed by her deceased husband.
She further declares that she was married to said Thomas Branch in the County of Amelia on the 31 day of December A. D. 1789 by one Reverend Mr Tally a Minister of the Gospel, and that her name before marriage was Nancy Clements that her said husband died in Prince Edward on the 22 day of September A. D. 1850 and that she is still a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under Act approved March 3, 1855. She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other Act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor. That her husband made a declaration for a Pension under act 7 June 1832 for which, having been obtained see his declaration under that act, Suspended Claim
Nancy Branch
AFFIDAVIT OF TWO WITNESSES.
We, John Redford and Joseph Phillips residents of Prince Edward in the State of Virginia, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Nancy Branch 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; that we knew intimately Thomas Branch the husband of the aforesaid declarant; that the said Thomas Branch and the said Nancy Branch lived together as man and wife, and were known and reputed as such in the neighborhood, and that the marriage of these parties has never been disputed to the knowledge of the affiants; that the said Thomas Branch died in the County of Prince Edward in the State of Virginia, on or about the 22 nd day of September 1850, leaving the said Nancy Branch a widow; and that she is now known and reputed as the widow of Thomas Branch deceased.
John Redford
Joseph Phillips
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.
Thomas Clark. J.P.
Note
See claim filed by widow Nancy Branch, under act 7 June 1838, for evidence of marriage etc and that Thomas Clark is a J.P. declaration under that act. June 7 June 1838, made on the same day and Frank Martin at the same time with this paper, witness: A. Attorney 26 June 1856!

Know all men by these presents that We Thomas Branch and William Clements are held and firmly bound unto Burney Randolph Esq r in the Sum of Fifty Pounds current money of Virginia, to which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves our heirs & jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our Seals and dated this 26 th Day of December 1789. Whereas a marriage is shortly intended to be solemnized between Thomas Branch and Nancy Clements. The condition of the above obligation is such, that if there be no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage, then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force
Thomas Branch (Seal) Wm Clements (Seal)
State of Virginia Amelia County to wit,
I, Edward H Coleman Clerk of the County Court of Amelia in the State of Virginia do certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records of my Office
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of the said Court at the Courthouse this 15 th day of July. A D 1836
Edward H Coleman Clk

Fee for Copy & Certificate 75 cents E.S.H.C.

Rice Depot Prince Edward April 21st 1858 Mr. A. U. Mayo
Sir My husband Mr Thomas Branch served in the Revolutionary war, and never made application for a pension until a short time before his death, all necessary papers to establish his claim was sent on to Washington 7 or 8 years ago and since his death I have heard nothing from them. If those papers can be found I have no doubt but they are sufficient to establish my right to a pension, and under a late act would entitle me to a 160 Acres of bounty land.
If you think you can do any thing with it I would be glad for you to do so, and if you get it, I will be willing to compensate you well for your trouble.
The witnesses to the above papers are all dead, if they are lost I cannot get any more.
You will be pleased to communicate to me at any time if necessary
Very Respectfully Yrs &c Ann Branch
Mr. Abel U. Mayo

March 24, 1845.
to Thomas Branch
June 7, 1832.
Power of Attorney
Washington City
2172

Direct to
B. J. Worsham.
Prince Edward Court house Virginius. -

The deposition of James Hall of the County of Powhatan (who is now a petitioner) taken before me - William Old, a justice of the peace, in the said county of Powhatan, who being first duly sworn to tell the truth, deposeth and saith, That during the Revolutionary War, he served several tours of militia duty, in the same Companies, with a certain Thomas Branch now of Prince Edward County, but then a Resident of the county of Powhatan; That he first became acquainted with Mr. Branch while they were members of Capt. Bernard Markham's company and stationed at Babbler's Old field near the Nance Mound River, that they both served several tours of duty under the said Capt. Markham; That they afterwards both served under Capt. Stephen Pankey, Capt. George Williamson and also under Capt. Edward Moseley of Chesterfield, and that in fact the said Branch was with him the whole of his Revolutionary services, except the first tour, during which he the deponent was at Galis's Fort. Given under my hand and seal James Hall  Mark
This 28 th July 1845.
Note, The name of Capt. George Williamson is inserted at the instance of the deponent.
William Old Seal
William Old
James Hall The deponent above has resided many years in a few miles of me, and I have never heard his character for truth in any way impeached.
William Old Powhatan 29 July 1845

State of Virginia: Powhatan County, to wit;
I William S. Dancer Clerk of the County Court of Powhatan, in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify that William Bld, whose signature is affixed to the within affidavit, was at the date of the same, an acting Jus- tice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified according to the Constitution and laws of this state, and that he is authorized to administer oaths: and I do also certify that William Ligon, whose signature is affixed to the within certificate, is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified: In Testimony whereof I have subscribed my name and af- fixed the Seal of the said County Court hereunto this 29 th day of July in the year of Christ One thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Wm: S. Dancer C.

Richmond June 5 th 1855.
Dr. Sir:
Please let me know how the case of Mrs. Branch, referred to in the enclosed letter, now stands -
Mrs. Branch wishes me to prosecute also her claim to a bounty under the recent act, and I will therefore thank you to furnish me with an abstract from his declaration which will enable me to state his services in her application under that act, if consistent with the rules of your Department to give such information -
I am very Resp y :
Yr Ob st Serv t
Abel U. Maye
Hon: Doreen P. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions Washington D.C.

Col. Edwards

Washington April 7 th 1846.
Dear Sir
allow me to invite yr. attention to the care of Thos. Branch. The papers are enclosed & if not full enough please let me hear from you.
Have you seen any thing in the care of Mr DeCill which I left with you some time since - I have
yr. mo. obt. servt. E. Labare

March 17. 1853
Re: to claim of Thomas Branch's widow
20
Bleershoram
Prince Edward Co. Va. Virginia

Prince Edward Court House Virg a 14 th March 1853
Sir,
Thomas Branch late of this county & soldier of the Revolution, in 1845 made application for a pension, his declaration & other evidence was forwarded to Washington City but the pension never granted: He died in this county about 3 years since, leaving a widow, at whose instance I now write. The object is to get information as to any action in 1845, upon the papers sent, were they passed upon by the proper officers, if so were they allowed, or rejected for want of proof &c, and are they now on file; if they are to be had & can be withdrawn, please forward them to me, they will enable Mrs Branch to make out her claim for a pension, half pay &c. — I act for her merely as a friend without fee or reward.
Respectfully J. P. Worsham
Comm ee of Pensions Washington City

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1154
REJECT
Nancy Prunty
P. O. wid. of Thomas
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Wages: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
W.D. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

37,004 Letter to B. J. Marsham. May. 1845.
Mr E. W. Hulard, April 17/46. B. J. Worsham 22 June 1853 A. U. Mayo June 9 1853-
act. 7 th June 1852

✓ 80.806.
S Neo Aug

No Nancy Branch Widow of Thomas Virginia G. Martin Aug 19/1856.
1154
July 7/1838

FREE
To the Hon.
Minni
Com of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Ack 3 March 56 Brent Laine
154.661