Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4166, Thomas Cunningham, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Cunningham Thomas Phebe
W. 4166
CONTENTS

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th Sept 1840 to 4 th March 1841. Age Notified 1. Dec 1841.
Lett n to S. L. Hays, July 27. 1842. Same July 28 1842.
Letter to A. Woods Esq. P. Agent Wheeling V a . Oct r 3 d 1842
Paid as above from March 4 th to 4 th Sept r 1841. Agent no- tified Oct r 19 th 1842.
Order to pay 15 Dec r . 1843
3291 Virginia
Phoebe Cunningham widow of Thomas Cunningham dec.
who died on the 2 d day of June 1826 of Lewis Co in the State of Virginia who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Booth of the reg t commanded by Col  in the Virg a Milia. time for 14 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Wheeling at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d day of April 1840, sent to Hon. J. P. Johnson Course of Representatives
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1840 $420.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 40 23.33
$443.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded Book A.
D. M. Curdy, Clerk, Vol. 2, Page 191.

Copy of Narrative contained in the Chronicles of Border Warfare, commencing on page 272
In 1755 six Indians came to Kingamun Creek, (a branch of the West Fork) and made their appearance upon a farm occupied by Thomas and Edward Cunningham. At this time the two brothers were dwelling with their families in separate houses, but nearly adjoining, though not in a direct line with each other. Thomas was then on a trading visit east of the mountain, and his wife and four children were collected in their room for the purpose of eating dinner, as was Edward with his family in their house. Suddenly a lusty savage entered where were Mrs. Thomas Cunningham and her children, but seeing that he would be exposed to a fire from the other house, and apprehending no danger from the women and children, he closed the door and seemed for a time only intent on the means of escaping.
Edward Cunningham had seen the savage enter his brother's house, and fastened his own door, seized his gun and stepping to a small aperture in the wall near the house in which was the Indian, and which served as well for a port hole as for the admission of light, was ready to fire whenever the savage should make his appearance. But in the other house was a like aperture, and through it the Indian fired at Edward; and shouted the yell of victory. It was answered by Edward. He had seen the aim of the savage only in time to avoid it, — the bark from the log close to his head, was knocked off by the ball and flew into his face. The Indian seeing that he had missed his object, and observing an adze in the room, deliberately commenced cutting an aperture in the back wall through which he might pass out without being exposed to a shot from the other building.
Another of the Indians came into the yard just after the firing of his companion, but observing Edward's gun

pointing through the port hole, he endeavoured to retreat out of its range. He failed of his purpose. Just as he was about to spring over the fence, the gun was fired and he fell forward. The ball however only fractured his thigh bone, and he was yet able to hobble over the fence and take shelter behind a covertel suspended on it, before Edward could again load his gun.
While the Indian was engaged in cutting a hole in the wall Mrs. Cunningham made no attempt to get out. She was well aware that it would draw down upon her head the fury of the savage; and that if she escaped this, she would most probably be killed by some of those who were watching around before the other door could be opened for her admission. — She knew too, that it was impossible for her to take the children with her, and could not brook the idea of leaving them in the hands of the savage monster. She even trusted to the hope that he would withdraw, as soon as he could, without molesting any of them. A few minutes served to convince her of the fallacy of this expectation. When the opening had been made sufficiently large, he raised his tomahawk, sunk it deep into the brains of one of the children, and throwing the scarcely lifeless body into the back yard, ordered the mother to follow after. There was no alternative but death, and she obeyed his order, stepping over the dead body of one of her children, with an infant in her arms and two others screaming from horror at the sight, and clinging to her. When all were out he scalped the murdered boy, and setting fire to the house, retired to an eminence in the field, where two of the savages were, with their wounded companion, — leaving the other two to watch the opening of Edward Cunningham's door when the burning of the house should force the family from their shelter. They were disappointed in their expectation of that event by the exertions of Cunningham.

and his son. When the flame from the one house communicated to the roof of the other, they ascended to the loft, threw off the loose boards which covered it, and extinguished the fire: — the savages shooting at them all the while, and their balls frequently striking close by.
Despairing of accomplishing farther havoc, and fearful of detection and pursuit, the Indians collected together and prepared to retreat. Mrs. Cunningham's eldest son was first tomahawked and scalped; the fatal hatchet sunk into the head of her little daughter, whom they then took by the arms and legs, and slinging it repeatedly against a tree, ended its sufferings with its life. Mrs. Cunningham stood motionless with grief, and in momentary expectation of having the same dealt to her and her innocent infant. But no! she was doomed to captivity; and with her helpless babe in her arms was led off from this scene of horror and of wo. The wounded savage was carried on a rough litter, and they all departed, crossing the ridge to Kingamen creek, near which they found a cave that afforded them shelter and concealment. After night, they returned to Edward Cunningham's, and finding no one, plundered and fired the house.
When the savages withdrew in the evening, Cunningham went with his family into the woods, where they remained all night, there being no settlement nearer than eight or ten miles. In the morning, proceeding to the nearest house, they gave the alarm and a company of men was soon collected to go in pursuit of the Indians. When they came to Cunningham's and found both houses heaps of ashes, they buried the bones of the boy who was murdered in the house, with the bodies of his brother and little sister, who were killed in the field; but so cautiously had the savages conducted their retreat that no traces of them could be discovered, and the men returned to their homes.

Some days after, circumstances induced the belief that the Indians were yet in the neighborhood and men were again assembled for the purpose of tracing them. They were now enabled to distinguish the trail, and pursued it near to the cave, where from the number of rocks on the ground and the care which had been taken by the Indians to leave no vestige, they could no longer discover it. They however examined for it, in every direction until night forced them to desist. In thinking over the incidents of the day, the cave occurred to the mind of Major Robinson, who was well acquainted with the woods, and he concluded that the savages must be concealed in it. It was examined early next morning, but they had left it the preceding night and departed for their towns. After her return from captivity, Mrs. Cunningham stated, that in time of the search on the day before the Indians were in the cave, and that several times the whites approached so near, that she could distinctly hear their voices; the savages standing with their guns ready to fire, in the event of their being discovered, and forcing her to keep the infant to her breast, lest its crying might point to the place of their concealment.
In consequence of their stay at this place on account of their wounded companion, it was some time before they arrived in their own country; and Mrs. Cunningham's sufferings of body as well as mind were truly great. Fatigue and hunger oppressed her sorely, — the infant in her arms, wanting the nourishment derived from the due sustenance of the mother, pined at the breast for milk, in vain — blood came in stead; and the Indians perceiving this, put a period to its sufferings, with the tomahawk, even while clinging to its mother's bosom. It was cast to a little distance from the path, and left without a leaf or bush to hide it from beasts of prey.
The anguish of this woman during the journey to the

towns, can only be properly estimated by a parent; her bodily suffering may be inferred from the fact, that for ten days her only sustenance consisted of the head of a wild turkey and three papaws, and from the circumstance that the skin and nails of her feet, scalded by frequent wading in the water, came with her stockings, when upon their arrival at a village of the Delawares, she was permitted to draw them off. Yet was she forced to continue on with them the next day. One of the Indians belonging to the village where they were, by an application of some sanative herbs, very much relieved the pain which she endured.
When she came to the town of those by whom she had been made prisoner, although receiving no barbarous or cruel usage, yet every thing indicated to her, that she was reserved for some painful torture. The wounded Indian had been left behind, and she was delivered to his father. Her clothes were not changed, as is the case when a prisoner is adopted by them; but she was compelled to wear them, dirty as they were, — a bad omen for a captive. She was however, not long in apprehension of a wretched fate. A conference was soon to take place between the Indians and whites, preparatory to a treaty of peace; and witnessing an uncommon excitement in the village one evening, upon enquiry, learned that the Great Captain Simon Girty had arrived. She determined to prevail with him, if she could, to intercede for her liberation, and seeing him next day passing near on horseback, she laid hold on his stirrup, and implored his interference. For a while he made light of her petition, — telling her that she would be as well there as in her own country, and that if he were disposed to do her a kindness he could not as his saddle bags were too small to conceal her; but her importunity at length prevailed, and he whose heart had been so long steeled

against every kindly feeling, every sympathetic impression was at length induced to perform an act of generous disinterested benevolence. He paid her ransom, had her conveyed to the Commissioners for negotiating with the Indians, and by them she was taken to a station on the south side of the Ohio. Here she met with two gentlemen (Long and Denton) who had been at the treaty to obtain intelligence of their children taken captive some time before, but not being able to gain any information respecting them, they were then returning to the interior of Kentucky and kindly furnished her a horse.
In consequence of the great danger attending a journey through the wilderness which lay between the settlements in Kentucky and those on the Holstein, persons scarcely ever performed it but at particular periods of the year, and in caravans, the better to defend themselves against attacks of savages. Notice of the time and place of the assembling of one of these parties being given, Mrs. Cunningham prepared to accompany it; but before that time arrived, they were deterred from the undertaking by the report that a company of travellers, stronger than theirs would be, had been encountered by the Indians, and all either killed or made prisoners. Soon after another party resolved on a visit to Virginia, and Mrs. Cunningham was furnished a horse belonging to a gentleman on Holstein (which had escaped from him while on a buffalo hunt in Kentucky and was found after his return) to carry her that far on her way home. Experiencing the many unpleasant circumstances incident to such a jaunt, she reached Holstein, and from thence, after a repose of a few days keeping up the valley of Virginia, she proceeded by the of Shenandoah, to the County of Harrison. Here she was sadly disappointed in not meeting with her husband. Having understood that she had been ransomed and

taken to Kentucky, he had, some time before, gone in quest of her. Anxiety for his fate, alone and on a journey which she well knew to be fraught with many dangers, she could not cheerily partake of the general joy excited by her return. In a few days however, he came back. He had heard on Hotstein of her having passed there and he retraced his steps! Arriving at his brother Edward's, he again enjoyed the satisfaction of being with all that was then dear to him on earth. It was a delightful satisfaction, but presently damped by the recollection of the fate of his luckless children. — Time assuaged the bitterness of the recollection and blessed him with other and more fortunate children."
Lewis County Court November Term 1839
Phoebe Cunningham personally appeared in Open Court, and made a Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows" And the Court are of opinion the said Phoebe Cunningham is the widow of the late Thomas Cunningham deceased
Albany Teste
J. Talbot cl'k,

State of Virginia Lewis County
I John Talbot, Clerk of the County Court of Lewis County aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Phoebe Cunningham for a Pension
In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office at Weston the 23 rd day of November 1839
J. Talbot clk
Lewis County Court March Term 1840.
Phoebe Cunningham, an applicant for a Pension, and who did at the November Term last of this Court, appear in open Court, and make a declaration in order to obtain a Pension, under the act of Congress, passed the 4 th of July 1836. The said Declaration being returned for amendment, the day manor saith, that the services rendered by her late husband, was subsequent to their marriage, and that she has not been subsequently married to any other man, but still remains the Widow of Thomas Cunningham. It was also proved in open court, by the oath of James M c Camp and John McWhorter Esquires, that the present applicant is the same Phoebe Cunningham, for whose benefit the Law passed, the Virginia Legislature, allowing her one hundred and four dollars, for her late husband's services

in the War of the Revolution, and that the following is a true copy of said act as filed in this Court. "Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That David H. Sleeth, sole surviving heir of John Sleeth deceased, who was a Sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain Jeremias Booth, in an expedition against the Indians, during the Revolutionary War, be allowed the sum of One hundred and thirty dollars, for thirteen months services of his said father as Sergeant as aforesaid, and Joseph Parsons, John Tucker, James Brown, and Phoebe Cunningham, Widow of Thomas Cunningham deceased, shall be allowed the sum of One hundred and four dollars each, for their services as privates, for the same time in the same time in said Company; and the Auditor of Public accounts is hereby authorized and required to issue a warrant on the Treasury, in favor of the said Sleeth, Parsons, Tucker, Brown, and Cunningham, respectively, for the same, to be paid to them, or their representatives out of any money therein not otherwise appropriated. This act shall be in force from its  the passing thereof
Copy Teste J. Talbot Clerk

State of Virginia Lewis County
I John Talbot, Clerk of the County Court of Lewis County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the Original proceedings, and amendments thereto in the County Court of Lewis County aforesaid upon the application of Phebe Cunningham for a Pension
In Testimony whereof? I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my Seal Of Office, at Weston, the 11 th day of April, A.D. 1840 J. Talbot Clerk
4903
Va July 4. 1836
J
Hon J. Johnson H.R. Jan 20. 1840

Virginia
Lewis County 3/8
In the County Court of Lewis County at the term thereof began & held on the 13 day of November 1839
On this 13 day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine personally appeared in open Court Phebe Cunningham a resident of the County aforesaid aged about, 79- 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 the 4th of July 1836 entitled "An act granting half pay to widows or orphans, where their husbands and fathers had acted of a widow received in the military service of the United States in certain cases, and for other purposes" That she is the widow of Thomas Cunningham deceased who was a private in the army during the Revolutionary war, and served thirteen months, under Captain James With, in an expedition against the Indians, as will appear by reference to an Act of the Legislature of Virginia passed March 13, 1834, a copy of which is herewith annexed, She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Cunningham on the day of April in the year seventeen hundred and Twenty six or seven that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Cunningham died on the Second day of June. One thousand Eight hundred & Twenty Six that subsequent to her marriage viz: in the year seventeen hundred & eighty five after she had given birth to four children, she the said Phebe Cunningham, was taken prisoner by the Indians, and carried into captivity, and her children murdered, as will more fully appear by reference to a narration contained in the Chronicles of Border Warfare, commencing on page 272, a copy of which is also herewith annexed,
Phebe Cunningham mark

Copy of the Act of the Virginia Legislature page 315 (Passed March 13, 1834)
Where it enacted by the general Assembly, That David W. Sleeth, sole surviving heir of John Sleeth deceased, who was a sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain James Booth, in an expedition against the Indians during the revolutionary war, be allowed the sum of one hundred and thirty dollars, for thirteen months services of his said father as sergeant as aforesaid, and Joseph Parsons, John Tucker, James Brown and Phebe Cunningham, widows of Thomas Cunningham deceased, shall be allowed the sum of one hundred and four dollars each, for their services as privates for the same time in the said Company; and the auditor of public accounts is hereby authorized and required to issue a warrant on the treasury in favor of the said Sleeth, Parsons, Tucker, Brown and Cunningham, respectively, for the same, to be paid to them or their representatives out of any money therein not otherwise appropriated.
This act shall be in force from its passage.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
See Aunt
August 4, 1928
Mr. L. L. Burlingame, Secretary to Honorable James V. McClintic House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Burlingame:
In response to your letter of the second instant, I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4166 , it appears that Thomas Cunningham served thirteen months as a private, during the Revolution in Captain James Booth's Company of Virginia Militia in an expedition against the Indians, and also for one month after the surrender of Cornwallis, guarding prisoners at Winchester Barracks, no dates of service given.
He married at Prickett's Fort on the Monongalia River, in April 1776 or 1777, Phebe, her maiden name is not stated.
The soldier died June 2, 1826. She was allowed pension on her application executed November 13, 1839, at which time she was living in Lewis County, Virginia, aged seventy-nine.
It is also stated in said claim that in 1785, Thomas Cunningham and his brother, Edward, lived in nearly adjoining

houses on their farm on Bingamon Creek, while Thomas was away trading, six Indians went there, one of them entered the house of Thomas, where Phebe was alone with her four children; after Edward had fired several shots from his house, the Indians retreated, taking with them Mrs. Cunningham and her baby, having killed and scalped the two boys and girl. Some days later, finding that Mrs. Cunningham was unable to nurse her baby, they killed it. She was taken to their Indian Town, having suffered frightfully on the march. Soon after reaching there the notorious Simon Girty arrived, who after much importuning effected her escape, she returned to her brother-in-law Edward Cunningham, where her husband met her. After this they had children, their names are not stated.
It is shown that this incident of 1785 was contained in the "Chronicles of Border Warfare", commencing on page 272, but the names of the author and the publisher are not given.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

1923-Aug-28-Heick to Mr. Lemmie Brake Cunningham 3/2/24 1927-April 4-Photos to Rodney Butcher - MM 1/2/28 1928-Aug-4-First to S. S. Burlingame See to Mrs. J. V. Mc Clintock
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4166  Phebe Cunningham  Wid.  Thos Cunningham  Post Pa. line  Act: July 4 th 36, Sec. 2 d  Index:—Vol. A , Page 167
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Memo: of W.B. Randolph, Ch. Clk, Treasurers office, made July 27. 1842,
[Faint, illegible handwriting]
relative to the pension of Phebe Chamberlain Cunningham,

Phebe Cunningham Wheeling Roll (Va) Act July 4. 1836, at $46.66 per annum.
Be pleased to say to what date the pension was last paid - and if paid under the act of April 6. 1838, to whom was the remittance directed to be made, and the date of the settlement.
Pension Office } A settlement of the above claim July 27. 1842. } was made at the Treasury 19 Novr 1841, and $23.33 remitted to the pensioner, Anne G. Goff at Wheeling, Va. being her pension from 4 Sept 1840, to 4 March, 1841 W.

Thomas Cunningham a 1826 Phoebe (79) m 1776.7
Bm. in Capt. Booth, C o was a Guard for Cornwallis's troops in 1781 See testimony Have 4 children in 1785, See his account of his captivity

ap 21. 1840
va.
W. H. Kennan Esq. Quartermaster H. M. Jos. Johnson KAR
— P. G.

Dr. Sir
The enclosed relates to the case of Phoebe Crossingham an official for a Pension. The declaration was forwarded yesterday - your early attention to the subject is respectfully solicited
Very Respectfully your obedt Servt
J. Johnson 20th April 1880

Pension Agency Wheeling Decr 9 1843
Sir
I enclose for examination, vouchers of Phebe Cunningham
Very respectfully J. Steenkroon Pension Agent
J. S. Edwards Esq Comr of Pensions Washington City

Pension Agency New Draft Virginia Wheeling Sept. 28 1842
Sir I enclose for examination the Cunningham's pension voucher,
Respectfully
A. Wood, agt P. S. Stevenson sec
J. S. Edwards, Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington D. C.

4903 Hebe Cunningham Wid of Thomas V a
At July 4 1836
Mamma 1779
deed 1826
Allow 14 m d pr.
$46.66 pr annu
Virginia Military Inst
Post. —
Hon. J. P. Kennedy
HR

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
November 17 th 1841.
Sir:
Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Phebe Cunningham, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Wheeling Agency, at the rate of Forty five Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1840, to the 4 th March 1841.
Respectfully, yours,
Wm. L. Harris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
October 12 th 1842.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Phebe Cunningham , ————— a Pensioner on the Roll of the Wheeling, Va. ————— Agency, at the rate of Forty six ————— Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July ————— 1836 ————— has been paid at this Department, from the  4 th of March, to the 4 th Sept. 1841 —————
Respectfully, yours,
 Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

FREE M c Selden. P.O. Box 8.
Phoebe Cunningham Care of Abbott P. Goff Esq. Wheeling, Va.

Contains Draft No 9341. $ 23.33 in favor of Theke Cunningham - on Rev. Chillicothe, Ohio - endorsed, same of Abbot P. Goff. Wheeling, Va. enc. from P.O. Nov. 29. 1841.
W. Seldin Esqr Treasurer U. States Washington City
Col. Randolph mt. the draft of form and suggested that they be sent again July 28 1842
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the paper]

Deb Cunningham

Wood County to wit
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Mary Ann McFinney who being sworn deponeth and saith that she is seventyfour years of age October last past, is sister to Phoebe Cunningham widow of Thomas Cunningham deceased, who now resides in Lewis County Virginia and is now applicant for a pension that she was personally known to Thomas Cunningham and her sister Phoebe leaving Coons Fork and going to Pritchett's Fork on the Monongalia River to be married the day and date not remembered but took place when the deponent was yet a girl and also was personally known to their returning again to Coons Fork then and the guard that accompanied them and it was said and understood that they were married that she has been acquainted with her sister up to the present time who still continues the widow of the foresaid Thomas Cunningham deceased and she knows her to be the identical Phoebe Cunningham named in Border Warfare and further the deponent saith not
her Mary Ann McFinney mark
Sworn and subscribed to this 9th day of January 1840 John H. Harris J.P.
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Mary Ann McFinney who has sworn and subscribed to the above affidavit that she is a respectable woman and that her statement is entitled to credit, given under my hand this 9th day of January 1840
John H. Harris J.P. Peace.
Virginia to wit
I John R. Murdoch Clerk of the County Court of name appears to the foregoing Certificates is and County duly Commissioned and qualified as such In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 6th day of February A.D. 1840

Wood County to wit
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid William Cunningham aged seventyfive years on the 23 d day of July last past. who being sworn deposes and saith that after the surrender of Cornwallis in the Revolutionary war he was personally known to Thomas Cunningham being drafted for the term of two months to guard the prisoners at the Barracks at Winchester and at the expiration of fore month returned home on furlough hired said deponent to serve the remaining part of his time and that he went with said Cunningham to Winchester and was received as his substitute and served out his time. And that he believes that Phebe Cunningham were the lawfull wife of said Thomas Cunningham he was personally known to them living together as husband and wife previous to his serving as his substitute up to the decease of said Thomas Cunningham and he always spoke of her and treated her as a lawfull and respected wife and that he is personally acquainted with said Phebe up to the present time and she still continues to be the widow of said Thomas Cunningham and he knows her to be the identical Phebe Cunningham spoken of in Border warfare. And further the deponent saith not his
William X Cunningham mark
Sworn and subscribed this 9 th day of January 1840
John Harris J. Peace
I do certify that I am personally acquainted with William Cunningham who has sworn and subscribed to the above affidavit that he is a respectable man and that his statement is entitled to credit given under my hand this 9 th day of January 1840
John Harris J. Peace
Wood County Virginia do hereby certify that John Harris Esquire whom was at the date thereof an acting justice of the peace in and for said County and that the signatures aforesaid purporting to be his are genuine Subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Parkers
J. R. Pendock W.B.

5-10 Stanley Ave, Clarksburg W. Va.
Pension Dept, Washington D. C.
Will you kindly look up the Revolutionary record of Jacob Hyre, (or Hire) of Upshur County Va. (now W. Va.)
Respectfully
Mrs Linnie Brake Cunningham
5-10 Stanley Ave Clarksburg W. Va.
Hist. sent July 18-23 msd 18
Will you also send Rev. record of Thomas and Edward Cunningham of Harrison County Va. (now W. Va.)

Is to
15822
3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division
..... Mar 24, 1928
Chief Rev. and 812 Wars Section Division.
I have this day received from ..... Rodney Dutcher ..... ... cash ..... in the amount of $ 1 95 ....., requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.
..... ..... .....
O. J. RANDALL ..... Chief, Finance Division.
all 3 cases in C.C. march 24 Copies mailed Finance Div. Nifl - Apr 4-1928 MMS
26.6.21

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
22133
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
March 24, 1928 192
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSION
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 7 pages from Rev. War pension claim of Thos. Cunningham, W. 4166.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? ..... days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch  5033  541 Room No. Phone No.
Approved: Acty Chief Clerk of Bureau. g
Margaret M. A. Leitch Chief of Branch XXXXX
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
  Duplicate         Multigraph  single or double space?    Facsimile signature?     Mimeograph  one side or both sides?    Facsimile signature?     Folding  once or twice?        Assembling         Stapling  Once? Twice? Side? End?        Electric typewriter  Fill in addresses?    Dated?     Addressograph from lists         Envelopes, size    Cards, size      Proof list    Pay rolls      Labels (submit sample)    Corrections      Fill in letters    Tabulation sheets    
  Photostat  Size actual  Official use?  Repay? yes  $ 1.05    Blue Print  Size  Official use?  Repay?  $  
Remarks

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
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} On list.....
as follows:
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Should read 1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
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March 23, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir:
Please furnish me photostatic copies of 13 pages from Revolutionary War pension claims of Thomas Cunningham, W. 4166, (7 pp.), Deborah Gannett, S. 32722, (3pp.), John Kilby, S. 38119, (3pp.), no certificates.
RODNEY DUTCHER WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT 1322 NEW YORK AVE., N. W.
NEA SERVICE, INC.
THE WORLD'S GREATEST NEWSPAPER FEATURE SERVICE
1200 W. THIRD ST., CLEVELAND 461 EIGHTH AVE., NEW YORK 340 NINTH ST., SAN FRANCISCO
Received payment,
$ 1.95
March 23, 1928
Margaret M. H. Frisch Rev.&1812 Wars Section

SEVENTIETH CONGRESS
JAMES V. McCLINTIC 7TH OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
   REPUBLICANS  FRED A. BRITTEN, ILL., CHAIRMAN  GEORGE P. DARROW, PA.  CLARK BURDICK, R. I.  A. PIATT ANDREW, MASS.  JOHN F. MILLER, WASH.  ROY O. WOODRUFF, MICH.  RALPH E. UPDIKE, SR., IND.  FLETCHER HALE, N. H.  W. E. EVANS, CALIF.  CHARLES TATGENHORST, JR., OHIO  CHARLES A. WOLVERTON, N. J.  CLARENCE E. HANCOCK, N. Y.    DEMOCRATS  CARL VINSON, GA.  JAMES V. MC CLINTIC, OKLA.  HERBERT J. DRANE, FLA.  PATRICK HENRY DREWRY, VA.  MORGAN G. SANDERS, TEX.  JOHN F. QUAYLE, N. Y.  STEPHEN W. GAMBRILL, MD.  CLYDE WILLIAMS, MO.   
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U. S. COMMITTEE ON NAVAL AFFAIRS WASHINGTON, D. C.
August 2nd 1 9 2 8
Hon. Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, U. S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Commissioner:
Referring to your letter of the 23rd of July, concerning the record of one Thomas Cunningham who served in the War of the Revolution, I beg to say that this office has just been apprised of the following data:
Thomas Cunningham was born in Ireland in 1761; it is believed that he lived in Culpepper County, Virginia, at the time of his enlistment, and the name of his wife was Phebe Tucker Cunningham.
It is hoped that this additional information will enable your office to identify the record of this particular soldier.
With great respect, I am, Sir,
Very truly yours,
L. L. Burlingame Secretary.

Rev. War Section
Wm H. F. Dictated by Mrs. Wilson
August 28, 1923
Linnie Brake Cunningham 510 Stanley Ave, Clarksburg, West Va.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 4186 it appears that Thomas Cunningham served as a Private thirteen  thirteen months during the Revolution in Captain James Booth's Company of Virginia Militia in an expedition against the Indians and also for one month after the surrender of Cornwallis, guarding prisoners at Winchester Barracks.
He married at Prickett's Fort on the Monongalia River in April 1776 or 1777 Phebe, maiden name not stated, he died June 2, 1826, and she was allowed pension on her application executed November 13, 1839 at which time she was seventy-nine years old and a resident of Lewis County, Virginia.
It is also stated that in 1785 Thomas Cunningham and his brother Edward lived in nearly adjoining houses on

their farm on Bingamon Creek and while Thomas was away trading, six Indians went there, one of them entered the house of Thomas where Phebe was alone with her four children; after Edward had fired several shots from his house, the Indians retreated taking with them Mrs. Cunningham and her baby, having killed and scalped the two boys and girl. Some days later, finding that Mrs. Cunningham was unable to nurse her baby they killed it. She was taken to their Indian town having suffered frightfully on the march. Soon after reaching there the notorious Simon Girty arrived who after much importuning effected her escape and return to her brother-in-law Edward Cunningham where her husband met her. After this they had children whose names are not stated.
It is stated that this incident of 1785 was contained in the "Chronicles of Border Warfare" commencing on page 272, but the names of the author and publisher of said book are not stated.
This Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services and a careful search of the records fails to show show such a claim on file on account of the services of the above noted Edward Cunningham.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.