Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1829 1/2, Thomas Chalfant, Penn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
Chalfant, Thomas Mary
R. 1829 1/2
CONTENTS

No 13.259 Thomas D. Dalfant
Declaration etc

State of Kentucky. Gallatin county set.
On this 10 th day of September 1832, personally appeared, in open court, before the Justices of the Gallatin county court - (a court of record) now sitting - Thomas Chalfant, a resident of Gallatin county and state of Kentucky, aged seventy four years last march, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration - in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June the 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the united - as he supposes, & the facts will shew - states under the following named officers and served as herein stated - That he entered the service of the united states in the month of June in the year 1778. he does not recollect the day of the month. That he entered as a volunteer, & served under Colonel David Rogers, & lieutenant Isaac Collier - Robert Benham was quarter master - That he lived in the state of Pennsylvania & Fayette county when he entered the service - & that he joined the troops at Brownsville in said county of Fayette - He states that he did not agree to serve for any stated period, but was to have been paid by the monthly - That he went with the officers & troops from Brownsville to Pittsburgh - where some soldiers were residing in a fort - That the above named officers and about thirty eight men, left Pittsburgh in two boats, for the purpose of going to New Orleans for clothing for the united states army - That they proceeded down the river, to a French village, called Arkansaw - about three hundred miles above Natchez, at which place Rogers left the boats with a couple of the men and went to Orleans in a small craft - at that time the British had possession of Natchez and the Boats were afraid to pass - & the Col.

with the two men, passed in the night, & after reaching Orleans the Col. understood, that the clothing had been sent on to Paw cor . now St. Louis. & traveled back to the Boats by land - after which the Boats went back to St. Louis, when that he thinks it was about the first of August in 1779. when they arrived at St. Louis - That at St. Louis they loaded, their Boats, with clothing for the army - He understood that the clothing was furnished by the Spanish - From St. Louis we came to Clark's Fort, now Louisville in Kentucky. From Louisville we went up the river to a place four or five miles from where the city of Cincinnati now stands - between the mouths of Licking & Little Miami - where a party of Indians, attacked the Boats - There were a great many Indians & soon defeated us - & killed all the officers - except, Benham. The Indians took one Boat the other got off with four men - & thirteen of the men made their escape by land, of whom he was one - This attack on us by the Indians was in October 1779. That he killed one Indian in the fight. He does not know how many of the Indians were killed - The country was then an entire wilderness - From this place after the defeat he made his escape through the wilder- ness to Blackfort at Louisville, then Clark's fort - He states that at the time of the defeat there was another Boat in company, sent up by Clark with British Prisoners in it - part of the men in Clark's boat was killed & the remainder made their escape - That it was 12 days after the defeat that he reached Clark's fort -

That when he reached the fort he was nearly naked & killed deer & made himself some clothing out of their skins. That he remained at the fort for several days, during which time the remainder of the men, who had made their escape, came to the fort - He thinks in all seven men, all the rest having been killed - That he afterwards went to some settlements on a small river & worked at the locks with some people who belonged to a fort near the locks - & got some money for his labour, with which he paid his way home - That in going home he went through the edge of W. Virginia, there then being no other way to get home - and he had gone again through the wilderness by Pittsburgh - That there was a trace through the wilderness, the way that he went home -
That he got home some time in the month of June 1879. Having been gone two years -
He states that when he volunteered, that he was to have been paid by the Government, as he supposes, as there was no agreement that any other person was to have paid him - He states that Col. Rogers told him that he would be paid by the month - and that he would have to remain in the service until the trip to New Orleans now in the state of Louisiana - could be made - & that it was for that service that he volunteered & that the clothing were for the use of the army of United States - & particularly for the troops stationed at Pittsburgh -

He states, that he does not think that any of the Brats crew are now living, that he has not heard of any of them for a great many years. He further states that he does not know of any person, by whom he can prove his services, - that he has no documentary evidence thereof. That he has no discharge, as never had one, as his officers were all killed - That he never received one cent for his services, - He states that before he entered the service of the  under Col. Rogers that he served a term of one month in the Pennsylvania militia - That Sergeant John Horton & two or three men of whom he was one was sent as guard to some prisoners at Mc Dowell's old fort in Fayette county Pennsylvania Pennsylvania.
I hereby relinquish any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declare that my name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to & subscribed this day & year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two Thomas his Chaffant (The foregoing declaration was sworn to in open court before me this 10th day of September 1832)
We George Strother, a clergyman residing in the county of Gallatin and Nathan Hall residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Chaffant who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy four years of age, that he is respected & esteemed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Thomas Chaffant
Gallatin City Court September term 1832
The foregoing certificate was sworn to in open court before me this 10th day of September 1832
By Commissioner of Court
George Strother Nathan Hall
In a legitimate Court they gave and did hold for the legitimate

with Thomas Chalfant who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that he believes him to be seventy four years of age, that he is reputed & esteemed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion -
Thomas Chalfant
Gallatin City Sept 10th 1832
The foregoing certificate was sworn to in open court before me this 10th day of September 1832 By Richard P. Butler, Clerk.
George Strother Nathan Hall
At a County Court began and held for the County of Gallatin in the state of Kentucky at the Court House in the Town of Port William On Monday the 10 th day of September 1832
On the application of Thomas Chalfant he having made in open court the declaration required by an act of the Congress of the United States approved on the 7 th day of June 1832 for the purpose of obtaining a pension under said act for services rendered as a soldier during the war of the Revolution - the S d Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interroga- tories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that George Strother who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Gallatin and that Nathan Hall who has also signed the same is a resident in the S d County and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Richard P. Butler Clerk of the County Court of Gallatin County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the S d Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Chalfant for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 10 th day of September 1832 & in the 41 st year of the Com- monwealth
Richd. P. Butler

State of Kentucky Trimble County 988
On this 17 th day of June one thousand Eight Hundred and fifty Six personally appeared before me Evan M. Garrett Judge of the County Court within and for the County and State aforesaid Mary Whalsant aged 85 years a Resident of the County of Trimble in the State of Kentucky who being duly sworn according to Law makes the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress passed in July 1838 and June the 17 th 1844. She states that her maiden name was Mary Gray that she was married to Thomas Whalsant on the 20 th day of May 1790 in Robertson County in the State of Kentucky by one William Taylor a Baptist preacher. She states that her said Husband served as a Soldier in the war of the Revolution as he has often told her for the term of two years that he entered the service in the State of Pennsylvania at Fort Pitt now Pittsburgh at the Rate of $7 dollars per month, that he was a private under Col Rogers in the company commanded by Captain Benham, that her Husband with his company and Regiment was sent by the then Commander in chief to take a sufficient number of Boats (Flat Boats) and to go from Pittsburgh to New Orleans to get clothing and other supplies for the army that her Husband & Regiment left Pittsburgh with their boats & about seventy men some time in the fall of 1778. that her Husband and Regiment proceeded down the River to New Orleans and when they got to New Orleans the Commissioned had sent the supplies up to St Louis

That the Regiment left New Orleans for St Louis after arriving at St Louis, they found the troops there and started for Pittsburgh whilst they were at New Orleans & St Louis a fort was built where Louisville now stands that they ascended the Ohio River and near where Cincinnati now stands the Regiment was attacked by a large body of Indians at the mouth of the Miami River in the fall of 1799 that Col Rogers was killed Capt Benham was severely wounded and the whole company was killed but 13 men her husband being one of the 13 who made their escape that her husband and two or three others made their way to Nicholas and Mathews Station  where they were  they They stand there a short time and left for the fort at Louisville that her husband remained there during the winter and the next summer made his way home having been in service two years she further states that her husband always told her the same tale about his services at every time he named the campaign that her husband never made application for a pension never found any means for his service nor being found that her said husband died on the 27th day of April 1833 she further states that she has not married since his death but still remains the widow of the said Thomas Galfant and that she claims a pension, bounty land and pay for his services in the war of the Revolution she further states that she has no documentary evidence of his services but will give the best testimony

She can obtain of his services and of his being a man of truth & unimpeachable veracity Mary Chalfant.
We Sub at Woodard & Garry Humphrey Both Residents of Lincoln County in the county state of Kentucky upon their oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was subscribed & sworn to 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 she is of the age above stated that we have no interest in the claim
Gerrit Smith
Sarah Woodward
sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year above written and I certify that Garry Humphrey & Sarah Woodward are known to me that they subscribed their names to the foregoing affidavit that they are credible persons I also certify that Mary Chalfant is known to me that she is very old and infirm that she was not able to appear at the court house to make the above declaration that I went to her house & took said declaration & that she was only sworn by me & signed her name to the foregoing declaration and that she is a Lady of Truth this day & year after written.
O. H. Garrison, Judge Franklin Co. Court.

State of Kentucky
Graves County ss
I William Samuel Clerk of the County Court for said County do certify that C M Gantt whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same the Judge of the County Court for Graves County, which is the seat of the said duly elected commissioned and sworn and that his signature is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Paducah this 19 day of June 1850 W Samuel

State of Kentucky, Nelson County, ss. "Thomas Chalfant & Mary Gray were married on the 20th day May 1790" by _____ William Taylor "
I, J. Darwin Elliott Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid certify that the above words, figures & punctuation to give the date of the marriage of "Thomas Chalfant & Mary Gray" has been by me truly copied from the Marriage Register in this office In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Bardstown this first day of August 1886.
J. Darwin Elliott Clerk

13. 259
Thomas Chalfant Gallatin 6 P.M.
Reigate, Surrey performed; in going to N. Orleans see in a boat for clothing, mat after provided for by act for 7.52 See letter to applicant 1 May 1833. at Port William N.C.
Thomas Chalfant

BRIEF in the case of Thomas Chalfant County of Gallatin in the State of Kentucky (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? By a Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 74 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Done In 1778 and returned in Done 1779 - only in one year - he states two years service - Mr. Blanton states that he served one month before he enrolled with the above service 1 - As a Private Gen. St. Clair Col. Mays  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? With the Indians, several times -  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Fayette Co Pennsylvania  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? No testimony -  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Connect The papers are not attached together as required 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richard Clatts Examining Clerk.

April 2, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS Thomas Chalfant, R.1829½
Mrs. Bernays Kennedy 5335 North Meridian Street Indianapolis Indiana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, Drakeford Gray and Thomas Chalfant and his wife, Mary Gray Chalfant.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon the military service of soldiers in that war. A search of the records fails to show such claim on file on account of the service of Drakeford Gray.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 1829½, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Thomas Chalfant.
He applied for pension September 10, 1832, while living in Gallatin County, Kentucky, and then stated that he was "aged seventy-four years last March".
It was stated that while a resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, he served a tour of one month in the Fayette County, Pennsylvania militia, time of this enlistment and names of field officers not given; that he then volunteered in June, 1778, as private under Captain Benham and Colonel David Rogers to go in boats from Fort Pitt (which was later Pittsburg) down to New Orleans to obtain clothing and provisions for the army stationed at Fort Pitt and while ascending the Ohio River on the return trip they were attacked by the Indians in October, 1779, near the mouth of the Little Miami River and a large number of his company was killed and Thomas Chalfant escaped through the wilderness to Clark's Fort on the falls of the Ohio River (which was later Louisville). From there he went to Salt Licks on the Salt

River where he earned enough money to pay his way home and he reached home in June, 1780.
His claim for pension was not allowed as the service he rendered was not such as was provided for by the pension laws. The law under which he applied required that he render at least six months service in a regularly organized military corps.
Thomas Chalfant died April 27, 1833, in Gallatin (which was later Trimble County) Kentucky.
He married May 20, 1790, in Nelson County, Kentucky, Mary Gray.
As the widow of Thomas Chalfant, she applied for pension June 17, 1856, while living in Trimble County, Kentucky, aged eighty-five years, but her claim was rejected on the same basis as that of the soldier, Thomas Chalfant.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
Letter to L. T. Guthrie July 3. 1855- refers to claim filed by children but this must be an error as the widow applied in 1856 & there seems to be no record of claim made by children,
Me

No 13470
Mary Ghalfont To { claim
For Pension Bounty Land 86
Mr. Thompson Atty Present

State of Kentucky
Trimble County 85
On this 17 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty six Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace Austin Covan M c Gavitt Judge of the county court within and for the county and state aforesaid George Stranther Aged 82 a Resident of Trimble county in the state of Kentucky who being of good sound mind and disposing memory after being duly sworn according to law makes the following statements He states that he is a clergyman of the Methodist persuasion That he has been a clergyman for 44 years That he became acquainted with Thomas Chalfant the Husband of Mary Chalfant in the year 1802 in March of that the  year year and from that time to his death ever an acquaintance was intimate That when Thos Chalfant died which was in the spring of 1833 he preached his funeral whilst the lay dead in the house. He further states That he has often heard Thomas tell about his services in the war of the Revolution That he always told the same tale. He stated That Thomas Chalfant oftentimes told him That he was a private in Capt Burnham's Company under Col Rogers and ordered from Fort Pitt with a sufficient number of Boys and a sufficient number of men to go to war whereby to get supplies for the Revolutionary army They were sent by the commander in chief That they started in the fall of 1778 That they went with their Company

He further stated after the arrival at New Orleans the Commissary had sent the supplies to St Louis They ascended the River to St Louis got the supplies and started for Fort Pitt whilst they was gone to New Orleans and St Louis a fort was built where Louisville now stands that they proceeded up the Ohio River to the mouth of the Little Miami near Cincinnati a large body of Indians attacked the boats killed Col Rogers wounded Capt Benham and the all the company but 13 men. They made their escape that Thos Chastant and two or three others made their way from the place of battle up the Licking River to Riddles and Martins stations. staid there a short time being nearly naked and could get no clothing went from there to the fort at the Falls of the Ohio staid there all the winter of 1749. and the next summer went home being in the service two years he states that he took a Southern route to get home being in the service of the Revolution two years In all his acquaintance with Thomas Chastant he found him to be a man of unimpeachable veracity and he has often thought and so has stated that Thomas Chastant was a man he thought incapable of telling a falsehood and if the world had been filled with such men there would have been no need of law That Mary Chastant his widow is a woman of strict truth and impeccable veracity and an exemplary Christian.

and that the statements she has made in her declarations is true to the letter is his belief
George Strother
sworn to and subscribed before me by the above named George Strother and I certify that he is an old clergyman that he is a man of strict truth and veracity that all his acts and words are true and so believed by all who know him and that his statements are entitled to full faith and credit the day and year above written
P. M. Garrett
{ Judge Dunkle as court,
State of Kentucky
Trimble County ss
I William Samuels Clerk of the county court within and for said the county do certify that Evan M Garrett whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a Judge of the Trimble County court duly elected commissioned and sworn and that his signature is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Bedford this 17 day of June 1856 W Samuels Clk

State of Kentucky
Trimble County 53
On This 19 th day of June One Thousand Eight Hundred and and fifty Six Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Col Daniel B Johnson a Representative of the Trimble County to the State Legislature for 7 years being of good sound mind a deposing memory after being duly sworn according to Law. makes the follow statements, He states that he has been a near neighbour of Thomas Chalfant ever since he was born that he is now 48 years old that he has heard Thomas Chalfant till often times his trials and adventures in the war of the Revolution He has often told him and others in his presence that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution under Capt Benham and that Benham was under Col Rogers that in the Fall of 1778 Col Rogers & Captain Benham was ordered with 40 men and 17 Keel Boats to go to New Orleans to get Powder and clothing and other supplies for the army that they was ordered by the Commander in chief. They started from Fort Pitt now Pittsburgh about the first of Octr 1778 they went to New Orleans where they got to New Orleans the commissary informed them that the supplies had been sent to St Louis. They left for St Louis They arrived there got the supplies and started for Fort Pitt whilst ascending the Ohio River near the mouth of the Little Miami River at the Big Bar they saw a number of Indians on the sand Bar they landed their Boats a fight ensued and all the

men under Col Rogers & Capt Benham was Killed but there was that Col Rogers was Killed Capt Benham was wounded This was in the fall of 1779. That Thomas Chalfant and some two or three others got together and made their way as best they could meandering the Licking River to Riddles Station nearly walked staid there - a short time then went to the fall of this when a fort had been Built which Col Rogers was at New Orleans & St Louis after he arrived at the fort Captain Benham was Brought down on a Boat Badly wounded through the hips That Thomas, Chalfant Helped Col Benham out of the boat up to the fort That Thomas Chalfant staid at the fort until the spring of 1780 then made his way home - having served two years. He further states that Thomas Chalfant was a man that every person Believed always and all occasion told the truth That he has heard many persons say that Thomas Chalfant was incapable of telling a falsehood That Thomas Chalfant died in the spring of 1833. That his widow Mary Chalfant is still living and has never married since his death That all her conversation and all statements that she makes on all occasions is believed by every person who hear them That she is a lady of unimpeachable character and and tells the truth in all she says and that she is a devoted christian
Daniel B Johnson

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above matter and I certify that Daniel B Johnson is known to me that he is a Resident of Lincoln county and is a creditable person- J. H. Lane J.P. 76
State of Kentucky Henry County I.B.S.
I William Samuel Clerk of the County Court within and for the County and State aforesaid do certify that Joseph H. Lane Esq. whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace duly qualified commissioned and sworn and that his signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Reelford this 19 th day of June 1856 W Samuel

State of Kentucky
Franklin County 88
On this 18 th day of June one Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty Six Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Col William White aged 67 years a Resident of the County of Carroll in the State of Kentucky being of good sound mind and disposing memory being first duly sworn according to Law. Says That in the year 1803 he became acquainted with Thomas Whalfant and was intimate and often with him from that time up to his death that he has frequently heard Thomas Whalfant tell of his services and hardships in the war of the Revolution Thomas Whalfant stated to him that in the fall of the year 1778 Col Rogers was ordered to with Capt Benham and a about 70 men by the Commander in chief to go to New Orleans with Flat Boats to get supplies such as Powder Clothing etc for the army that they went to New Orleans with said Boats and when they got to New Orleans the Commissary had sent them up to the River they then returned got the supplies. They then ascended the River for Fort Pitt now Pittsburgh where they started from, and when they got up to Big Bar, near the mouth of the Little Miami River they was attacked by a large Body of Indians and all the Company was killed but 13 men Col Rogers was killed & Capt Benham was badly wounded that Thos Whalfant & one or two others made their the best they could to the falls of the Ohio where a fort was just built nearly wrecked after they got to the fort Captain Benham was brought there badly wounded

by being shot through the Hipso that Thomas Chalfant helped Benham out of the boat and took him in the fort. That he Remained at the fort until the next spring and then made his way home in Pennsylvania This was in the year 1780. He further states that he has often heard that Chalfant tell the same tale to others and always told it the same way and that his statements was fully believed by all who heard him. He further states that Thomas Chalfant was of the strictest truth he always on all occasions told the truth and that he often thought that he was incapable of telling a falsehood that he was strict and prompt in in the payment of his debts the fulfilment of all his contracts and an exemplary Christian that Mary Chalfant his widow is a lady of unimpeachable character a lady of strict truth believed by all who know her in every word and a devoted Christian
Will White
Known to and subscribed before me by William White the day and year above written and I certify that William White is known to me that he is a Resident of Carroll County in that state of Kentucky that he is a very credible person
Rev Townsend J.P. J.6.
State of Kentucky
Trimble County ss
I William Samuel Clerk of the county court for said county do certify that Peter Brown = and Pego whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of

Signing the same a Justice of the peace duly qualified Commissioner and Sworn and that his signature is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Bedford this 19 day of June 1857 W Samuel C

State of Kentucky
Trimble County 88
On this 18 th day of June one Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty six Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesaid Moses J. Hagland aged 78 years a Resident of the county of Carroll in the state of Kentucky being of good sound mind and disposing and last will and memory. Says That he was personally acquainted with Thomas Whelfant in his life time That he first he came acquainted with Thomas Whelfant at the March meeting of the Baptist Church held at Corn creek meeting house in Gallatin County Kentucky now Trimble County This was in the year 1800. The further states That he was often with Thomas Whelfant from that time up to his death and has frequently heard him tell of his services and trials in the war of the Rev- olution Thomas Whelfant always told the same tale to him he told him that he was attached to a company commanded by Capt Benham under Col Rogers That the said company was ordered by the Com- mander in Chief to go to New Orleans to get clothing and other supplies for the army that same time in the year 1778 they started for New Orleans from Fort Pitt now Pittsburgh That they went as far as Natchez left their Boats and went to New Orleans for the supplies after they got New Orleans the Commissary had sent them up the River they returned up to their Boats and got the supplies and started for Pitt- sburgh, they proceeded up the Ohio up to

near the mouth of the Little Miami They was then attacked by a large body of Indians at the big Bar, They saw the Indians first lying on the sand Bar, They landed their Boats a fight ensued Col Rogers had under his command about 70 men in the Battle all was Killed but 13 men Left Col Rogers was Killed Capt Benham was Badly wounded, among the those who was not Killed was Thomas Galfant he made his way with some one of said company to the fort at the falls of the Ohio after he got there Capt Benham was Brought to the fort shot through the hips that Thos Galfant helped him up the Bank to the fort, and in the next Spring he started for home This was in the year 1780 He further states that he was once at a meeting of Thomas Galfant & Capt Benham saw They Related to each other the circum- stances of the Battle at the Big Bar near the Miami and the way that Capt Benham was wounded which was affecting this meeting was at Madison in the state of Indiana at the trial of Shultz murder & young Benham was one the lawyers in the trial Thomas Galfant was a man of truth in every word Believed by all who knew him he was one of the best men in the world that all who heard him tell of his services in Revolution Believed him he was an exemplary Christian That his wife Mary Galfant is still his widow and has not married since his death That she is of unimpeachable character and is to be believed in all she says and a good and devoted Christian
Mrs J. Houghland

sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that Morris J. Houghland is known to me that he is a Resident of Carroll Carroll County and that he is a very credible person
P. H. Townsend J. P. T. 6.
State of Kentucky
Trimble County ss
I William Samuel Clerk of the County Court for said County do certify that P. H. Townsend whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace duly qualified and commissioned and sworn and that his signature is genuine inter alia whereof I have here unto set my hand and aff- ixed the seal of said court at Bedford this 9 day of June 1856 W Samuel

State of Kentucky
Franklin County, 65
On This 18 th day of June one Thousand Eight-teen and and fifty five Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesaid Olry Waugland aged 65 years a Resident of the county of Carroll in the State of Kentucky Being of good sound mind and Deposing memory and first duly sworn Saith, That he became acquainted with Thomas Chalfant in the month of March 1802 and was often in his company from that time up to death and have often heard him tell of his trials and hardships in the Revolutionary war he said that he was a soldier under Capt Benham who was commanded by Col Rogers and said company of about 70 men ordered to go to New Orleans by the Commanded in Chief to get supplies such as Powder & Clothing for the army that they went to New Orleans for the supplies they got them and started for home as they was ascending the Ohio at the Big bend near the mouth of the Little Miami River they saw some Indians on the sand bar they landed their Boats a fight ensued with the Indians and all the Company was Killed but 13 men Col Rogers was Killed Capt Benham was wounded badly that was Chalfant and one or two others nearly naked made their way through the woods as best they could to the fort at the falls of the Ohio River after Thomas Chalfant got to the fort Captain Benham was brought down in a Boat wounded in the Hip, he helped Captain Benham out of the Boat up to the fort that he staid at the fort until the next spring and then made his way home

He further states that Thomas Galfant was a man that always and on all occasions spoke the truth that he never was to tell a falsehood that his word was never questioned but every person who heard him tell of his service in the war of the Revolution believed his statements and that he served as he always has stated that was one of the best men in the world the best neighbor correct in all his contracts and a devoted Christian He also states that Mary Galfant his widow is a lady of strict truth never known to tell a falsehood and that she has been a devoted Christian for a great number of years and all that she says on all occasions is of truth.
Okey Hoagland
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that Okey Hoagland is known to me that he is a Resident of Carroll County and is a very honorable person.
State of Kentucky
P. N. Townsend J.P. J.P.
Carroll County 83
I William Samuel Clerk of the court court within and for said court do certify that P. N. Townsend Esq. whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace duly qualified commissioned and sworn and that his signature is genuine, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Bedford this 14 day of June 1887.
W. Samuel Clerk

State of Kentucky
Trimble County, ss
On This 19 th day June one Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid Leapt Jack Pryor aged years a Resident of the county of Trimble in the State of Kentucky who being duly sworn before according to law says. That he has been acquainted with Thomas Chalfant for years that he was one of the best neighbors the most strictly honest man he ever saw That his character was unimpeachable at every thing he said on all occasions was believed by all who heard him That the statements that he has often made about his being in the war of the Revolution was believed by all who heard him. That he believed his statement to be true That he never knew Thomas Chalfant to tell a falsehood in his life He further states That Mary Chalfant his widow is a Lady of good character and any statements she makes every person who hears her believes it to be true That she is believed to tell the truth on all occasions That she is a devout Christian
Jack Pryor
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year above written and I certify that Jack Pryor is known to me that he is a Resident and Trimble County and is a credible person
J. H. Love JP

State of Kentucky Cumberland County ss
I William Samuel Clerk of the County court within and for said County do certify that J H Lane Esqr whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace duly qualified commissioned and sworn and that his signature is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Bedford this 19 th day of June 1856
W Samuel C

State of Kentucky
Trimble County § 55
On this 19 th day of June one Thousand Eight Hundred and and fifty six personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the county and State aforesaid James Pryor aged 54 years Judge of the 8 th Judicial District & Res- -ident of the county of Carroll in the State of Kentucky who being duly sworn according to Law says that he has been acquainted with Thomas Whelfant ever since he was a small boy up to his death that he was always considered a man of truth in all his transactions in life that any statement he would make never was contradicted to his knowledge that any statements he should have made to any person relat- -ing to his having been in the Revolutionary war would have been generally received by those who heard him as he believes that he was strictly honest in all his transactions that Mary Whelfant his relict is a lady of unimpeachable charac- -ter and any statement she should make is in his opinion believed to be true that she is considered to be a truthfull woman
James Pryor
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that Judge James Pryor is known to me that he is a Resident of Carroll County and that he is a very creditable person J. H. Lane J.P.D.C.
State of Kentucky
Trimble County § 55
I William Barnes Clerk of county court within and for said county do hereby certify that J. H. Lane Clerk whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing

In same a Justice of the peace duly Elected Commissioned and sworn and that his signature is genuine Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Bedford this 19 th day of June 1835 W Samuel
I am personally acquainted with Moses Hoagland, Okey Hoagland George Mother William White Judge James Payor, Jack Payor & Col Daniel B Johnson, Residents of Linnle & Gallatin Co Ky. They are all gentlemen of the first respectability and in point of integrity and veracity are unimpeachable, I have no hesitancy in endorsing them in the broadest sense of the term Respectfully J D Wright

Thomas Chaffin
Ky Mar 1832
Cole
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business.
Commissioner.

March 15, 1934
Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Re. Revolutionary Records
Gentlemen:
I would like a copy of the application for a pension made by Thomas Chalfant, of Gallatin County, State of Kentucky, in 1832. I would also like a copy of the application made by his wife, Mary Gray Chalfant, in 1855 or 1856.
Also, was an application for a pension for service in the Revolutionary War ever made by Drakeford Gray of Nelson County, Kentucky? Were these pensions ever granted?
Very truly yours,
Elizabeth New Kennedy (Mrs. Bernays Kennedy)
ENK f

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873
REJECTED
1829 1/2
P. O. Mary Chalfant Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18 1852 Dist gives fol. reason for rejection: "Not military service"
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Thomas Chilford Thomas Chilford Thomas Chilford
Rejected service performed in going to New Orleans and also for clothing not provided for by act 7 June 1832 see letter to applicant 1 May 1833 at Port William S. J. Guthrie July 30 1855
act - 7 th June 1832

N o 15.470
Mary Chalfant, wife of Thomas
Ky:
Det. M. Thompson Aug. 29/57
1829 1/2
(Rejected)
Ack 7 July 38.

State of Kentucky
Trimble County set
On this 19 th day of June 1855 personally appeared before me the undersigned William Davis a Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid George Strother who being duly sworn according to Law States states that he was well & intimately acquainted with Thomas Chalfant who died in what was at that time Gallatin but now Trimble County & State of Kentucky in his lifetime - He states that he attended the funeral of said Chalfant & knows it was about the year 1833 - He further states that he has often heard Thomas Chalfant give a full account of his services under Capt. Buchanan & Col. Rogers - As well as he can now remember it was as follows - The Government of Spain had under contract with the United States furnished Military Stores (Clothing &c) at New Orleans for the Soldiers in the Service of the United States That the above Officers & Company were sent down the Ohio River with Keel Boats from Fort Pitt for the purpose of bringing up Clothing &c to the Army - That he understands from Chalfant on divers occasions that the Boats were left above Natchez on the Mississippi River on account of the

The fact that the British had a Company Stationed or was at least in possession of the at Natches - That they proceeded on down to New Orleans or Rather the Col proceeded on down in a small Craft to try to make some arrangement to get the goods conveyed above Natches to the Keel Boats - But learned on arriving at New Orleans, he ascertained that the Stones had been sent on up to St. Louis to which point the Company returned received the goods & proceeded up the Ohio River to about the mouth of Licking River at which point they were attacked by a large body of Indians & the greater part of the Company killed That he Chalfant then returned to Cameria at which place a Fort had been built while the Company had been gone down the River - That after working some months he made money sufficient to get some clothes & pur- -sued his journey home, where he reached after having been out some year & a half or two years -
He (S d Strother) states that Thomas Chalfant as a man of veracity & honesty stood above reproach. That he was truthful & candid to such an extent as to be proverbial among his neighbors & acquaintances -
Interline between the first & second lines at the top of the page before

Subscribed
signed by affiant - George Strother
State of Kentucky
Trimble County
Personally appeared Ben P. Connell and J H Lane citizens of Trimble County State of Kentucky and made oath that they saw George Strother sign his name to the above affidavit & know him to be the identical man he represents himself to be, and we know him to be a man of truth & veracity aged about eighty years & preacher of the Gospel - and that we have no interest in the claim of Mary Chalfant spoken of
Ben P. Connell J. H. Lane
State of Kentucky
Trimble County
I certify that the above affidavits were this day sworn to, before me by the parties whose signatures appear thereto & I certify that I am personally acquainted with George Strother & know him to be the identical person who signed & swore to the foregoing statement, & that he is a man of veracity & truth about the age of eighty & a citizen of Trimble County & State of Kentucky - and that I am not interested the claim of Mary

Chastant spoken of nor concerned in its proposition June 19 th 1853
William Sam s Justice of the Peace Ky
State of Kentucky
Trimble County set
I William Samuel Clerk of the County Court for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that William Sam s whose genuine Signature appears to the foregoing affidavits is and was on that date an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid duly Commissioned & sworn
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the Trimble County Court at Beaford this 20 th day of June AD 1853
W Samuel Clerk of the Trimble County Court Kentucky
S. J. Guthrie Beaford Trimble Co. Ky

W. Thompson Esq
Present
Aug. 29. 1857

And Mr Office. August 29 th 1857.
Sir.
I have received & examined the papers filed by you in behalf of Mary Chalfant an applicant for a pension under the act of 7 th July, 1838. as the widow of Thomas, who was also an applicant for a pension under the act of 7 th June, 1832.
The claim of Thomas Chalfant was rejected in May, 1832. for the reason, that the service he alleged he performed was not such as is provided for by the pension laws. The claim of Mary Chalfant is necessarily rejected.
W. Thompson Esq. Present.

L. D. Lythgoe
July 3 rd 1855.

Pension Office
July 3 d , 1855
Sir
I have received the papers filed by you in behalf of the children of Thomas Chalford, deceased, late of Kentucky, Applicant for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832.
This claim was rejected in May 1833, for the reason that the service declared for was not such as is provided for by the pension laws; and it cannot now be allowed.
L. T. Guthrie Esq Bedford Trinidade G H'g.

Thomas Chalfant
To 3 Certificate of Marriage
Mary Gray

117 Thomas Galfant & Mary Gray, married May 20 th 1890 by William Taylor Welder by the State of Kentucky, s. cr.
I, Darius Elliott Clerk of the County Court in & for the County aforesaid, Certify that the above writing purporting to give the date of the marriage of "Thos. Galfant & Mary Gray" is a true Copy from the marriage Register in said County Court Clerks Office.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Paducah Ky this 17 th day of June A.D. 1895
J. Darius Elliott Clk

Thom et Chelfant
KP

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Thomas Chelfant Gallet in 6 th Kentucky which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? no V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? no VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  1 2 3 4 5 6 7
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Pension Papers
Eliza
Thom's Creek
Rev. W. H. The Hon. Secretary of War Dept of War Washington City D. C.
13-250
Sup.

Port William Ky. 19 th June 1832.
If a Pension is obtained, upon the enclosed papers, the secretary at war will make the money payable, at the united states Bank at Louisville Kentucky, if consistent with the arrangements of the department -
You will please direct any communication upon the subject, to me, to the Post office at Bedford, Oldham county Kentucky - as I live in the edge of Gallatin county near the Post office at Bedford.
Respectfully.
The Secretary at War - { Thomas Chalfant.