Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16839, Thomas Graves, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Graves, Thomas
S16839
CONTENTS
buried

Morrisson (19.81)
Sit to County Wells, July 2
19.818 Thomas  Grave
of Sweden in the State of Wickham who was a Sergeant in the Comp. by Captain Hill of the Regt. by Col. Shum in the Virgin. time for 9 M. 18 Yrs. $31.66
1 Y. 11. 85. 65 193.33 196.66 48.23 $241.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Morrisson at the rate of 96 Dollars 66 Cents per ann. to commence on the 24th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Sep. 1833 and to the  Grave Wickham
Arrears to the 24th of Sep 33 $241.66 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 M. 34 48.23 $289.99
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832
Jo. Atkins Ch
Recorded by Book
Vol. 8 Page 82

State of Missouri } for (A Francis Parkes) County of Lincoln }
On this Seventeenth day of September 1832 personally appeared before the Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit of said State Thomas Graves a resident of the county of Montgomery in the State of Missouri aged 85 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832 entitled
That in the beginning of the war of the revolution early in the year 1775 he was one of the rebels so called who embodied at Culpeper Court house with Col. John Thorne & others without orders or officers & marched down against Lord Dunmore then Governor of Virginia who was suspected of bringing the Indians on our frontiers & locking up our Magazine in Williamsburg & was striving to lock the wheels of government & we helped to drive him on board a vessel. We were governed by a body of wise men the Carters, Lees, Beverley, Thomas, Patrick Henry & Edmund Pendleton, who were with us off & on, and found us in provision & supported us upwards of six weeks & dismissed us with thanks —
In the year 1776 we were organized and formed into Divisions & in the course of this year ordered out by Divisions. I the said Graves was ordered out & went as orderly Sergeant under Capt. Bohannon who marched us down

for Norfolk, but we arrived too late, Norfolk was burnt & the enemy on board their vessels, we continued on for Long Bridge found no opposition & were discharged. At this time I was in service about 6 3 months
In 1777 the war grew hot. I was ordered out at the time the British landed at the head of Elk & steered for Philadelphia. I went as orderly sergeant under Capt. Hill, with four companies from Culpeper commanded by Maj. William Roberts, who marched us through Pennsylvania - crossed the Schuylkill & joined Gen. Washington's army above Philadelphia just as we fought the battle in Germantown. Soon after the Battle we were detached off and put under regular officers & sent down on the enemy's lines near Philadelphia, & here we felt some of the horrors of war. We were marching & maneuvering day & night many times in full view of the enemy's main body. Seldom an hour passed over but we were shedding of blood. We continued at this place in perils of hunger cold & fatigue till we were discharged for winter quarters. our bed at night the cold earth & our covering the canopy of the heavens. We had to return home without clothes & barefooted. In this expedition I was in service about six months.
In the year 1778 I was called out and sent to guard Burgess troops at the Barracks in Albemarle County. I was appointed sergeant under (Quarter Master) James Staughton who was soon after promoted and left his command. I was appointed in his place by Maj. Roberts, who commanded in Col. Lister's absence.

After I had served my time I was discharged by Col. Cole who settled up my accounts & paid me for my services, there being a sum of money left in my hands of country money, which I put into the hands of Col. Cole when I was discharged. here I was in service 4 months
In 1781. the seat of war appeared to be in Virginia I was then called out early in the summer at the time the British took possession of Richmond & sent a party up to Charlotte -ville. I went as orderly sergeant under Capt. Ferguson in Col. A'Leock & Greens Regiment. We joined the regular troops commanded by Gen. De La Hayte & Gen. Wayne We continued with these troops in all their various routes until we drove the enemy into old Sams town And there gave them battle. The British then took shipping went round to York and fortified. Our troops then marched for York. at which time I was discharged At the same time I had two younger brothers who came into camp one of them was taken sick & wrote to me to hire a man to take his place. I could not do so. I directly returned to camp and took my sick brothers place. I then fell into a different Regiment. After the British surrendered I assisted in guarding them out to their station in Berkly County Va. under the command of Col. Copham & Maj. Welch & as soon as a new guard came in & relieved us we were discharged which were my last services rendered in the Revolution. In service at this time 8 or 9 months

Questions by the Judge
1 st Where & in what year were you born?
Ans. I was born in Culpeper county Virginia in the year 1747-
2 nd Have you any record of your age & if so where is it?
Ans. I have none
3 rd Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War & where do you now live
Ans. In Culpeper county Va. when called into service I came to Kentucky about the year 1812 & remained there about 12 years - then moved to Montgomery county Mo where I now live -
4 th How were you called into service, were you drafted were you a volunteer or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom
Ans. I first volunteered as stated in My declaration - Next I was drafted - & then served as a substitute for My brother Lewis G. Evans
4 th State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops when you served. Such Continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service
Ans. I served under Maj. William Roberts who crossed the Schuylkill above Philadelphia & joined Gen Washington Army - I was under Gen La Fayette in 1781 at the siege of York

I was in the Regiments of Colr Alcock & Green before & at the siege of York. I was also under Gen Wayne At Vandamridge old field. And at James town the day after the Battle at that place I was appointed by Maj Roberts (who Commanded in the absence of Col Cole) Quartermaster at the Barracks in Albermarle County, which office was after the return of Col Cole confirmed by him - This took place in the spring of March 1778
Did you ever receive a discharge if so where is it & by whom was signed
Ans. I received a discharge from Maj Welch and Another from Col Cole & they are both lost.
- State the names of the persons in your neighborhood to whom you are known & who can testify as to your character for veracity & good behavior and your services in the Revolution
Ans - Richard Wright - Washington Zimmerman James Zimmerman & David Hubbard & J. C. Kable clergymen In Addition to the services above mentioned I hired Levi Prince as a substitute for 18 months and paid him about 250 dollars & a good suit of clothes. I delivered said substitute to Col Barber and he received him in the year 1778
- I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declare that My Name is not on the pension Roll of any agency of any State except the State of Virginia for about 45 years
Subscribed & sworn to in open court Thomas Goavis Jr September 17. 1822 Francis Parker Clerk
(Here insert the clergymens affidavits) I Richard Wright do certify that I have known the above named Thomas Goavis for about 45 years, that

Graves, was a soldier of the Revolution. That said Graves is considered a man of credibility by his neighbors, that I believe him to be entitled to credit and that I believe the above statement of facts to be true.
Subscribed & sworn to in open court September 17. 1852
Richard Wright
Francis Parkes Clerk
I James Zimmerman do certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Thomas Graves for 10 or 12 years and that I believe the above certificate of Richard Wright to be true.
Subscribed & sworn to in open court September 17. 1852
James H. Zimmerman
Francis Parkes Clerk
I Geo. W. Zimmerman do certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Thomas Graves, for 13 years and that I believe the above certificate of Richard Wright to be true.
Subscribed & sworn to in open court September 17. 1852
Geo. W. Zimmerman
Francis Parkes Clerk
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that N.E. Habler who signed & was sworn to the foregoing certificate is a clergyman and that David Hubland who signed & swore to the certificate to which his name is attached is also a clergyman both residing in the county of Lincoln and state of Missouri. And that they are credible persons, & that their statements are entitled to credit.
J. H. McWhorter Judge 2nd Genl. Cr. M.

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the County of Lincoln and State of Missouri Thomas Graves who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear precisely 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 the year 1775 I served for months 3 weeks as a private
For the year 1776 I served 3 months as a sergeant
For the year 1777 I served 6 months as a sergeant
For the year 1778 I served 4 months as quartermaster
For the year 1781 I served 8 months as a sergeant
And for such service I claim a pension
And the said Thomas Graves for reason why he did not make his declaration to which this is a supplement in the County of Montgomery where he then resided states that he lived 28 miles from the County seat of said County of Montgomery And only 12 miles from the County seat of Lincoln where he made his said Declaration And he further states that the persons who were acquainted with his character for veracity &c and who testified for him before the Court in said case lived near to the County seat of Lincoln and very remote from the County seat of Montgomery While I served as a substitute for my brother Lewis Graves who was sick in the year 1781 as stated in my declaration I served under Captain Triflett & under Col Gophan & Major Welch and I served as a sergeant
Thomas Graves Sen r
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 4 th day of
November 1850
State of Missouri } ss County of Lincoln }
I Francis Parker Clerk of the Circuit Court of Montgomery Lincoln County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that

Charles Wheeler whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Affidavit was at the date thereof legally commissioned a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Lincoln and that his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit And I do further certify that the paper marked (A Francis Parker) The paper marked (B Francis Parker) and the paper marked (C Francis Parker) hereto attached are the same papers heretofore authenticated by me in said case and that they are genuine documents they respectively purport.
Witness Francis Parker clerk of the circuit Court of Lincoln County with the seal of said Court affixed at office this 4 th day of June in the year of our Lord 1833
Francis Parker Clerk

24598
Thomas Graves Missouri
Return here
Adm. 1 year 10 Months 8 15 days 1 year and 1 Month as Serjeant
send to Francis Parkers C.G. Prov. Lincoln C.O.
Thomas Graves Wittsburg Missouri

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
10 May
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Thomas Graves  County of Lincoln State of Missouri
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Ent. 1775 upward 6 weeks Col Thorne 85 years State of Virginia Traditional Evidence   " 1776 . 3 . Sergt Capt Bohannon No Colonel Papers not authenticated   " 1777 abt. 6 . Sergt Capt Hill Maj Roberts   Col 1778 . 4 . " Gen Washington Lt M c Intosh Maj Roberts   Col 1781 No time Sergt Capt Ferguson Col Alcock Gen Lafayette  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Col Alphon
the applicant claims for services the last four or 9 mo

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, 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 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories 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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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, deposes 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 that 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule 1a [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

March 3, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS Thomas Graves, S.16839
Mrs. A. D. Boyles 715 Manheim Road Kansas City, Missouri
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of February 17th, in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Graves.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 16839, based upon the military service of Thomas Graves.
He was born in 1747 in Culpeper County, Virginia. The names of his parents were not given.
While living in Culpeper County, Virginia, he served with the Virginia troops as follows. Early in 1775 he was one of "the rebels" who embodied at Culpeper Court House with Colonel John Thorn and marched against Lord Dunmore and aided in driving him on board a vessel at which time he served six weeks. He enlisted in 1776 and served three months as orderly sergeant under Captain Bohannon. He enlisted in 1777 and served six months as orderly sergeant in Captain Hill's company under the command of Major William Roberts and was in the battle of Germantown. He enlisted in the spring of 1778 and served four months as sergeant and quartermaster under Colonel Cole and was engaged in guarding at barracks in Albemarle County the prisoners that were captured with Burgoyne. He enlisted early in the summer of 1781, served under Captain Furguson in Colonels Alcock's and Green's regiments, was in the battle of Jamestown and about the time the British marched to York he was discharged but at this time he had two younger brothers in service, one of whom was taken sick and he enlisted as substitute for this brother, Lewis Graves, serving under Captain Triplett and Colonel "Clopham" (probably meant for Clapham); he was in the siege of Yorktown and later guarded prisoners taken there, serving in both these tours eight months as sergeant.

Thomas Graves moved to Kentucky about 1812 and twelve years later he moved to Montgomery County, Missouri.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, at which time he was living in Montgomery County, Missouri.
He died March 14, 1834, and was survived by a son, Thomas N. Graves.
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to the soldier's family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rev. War Section.
December 4, 1913.
Mr. De Courcy W. Thom, 405 Maryland Trust Building, Baltimore, Md.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated the 29 th ultimo and received the 1 st instant, relative to the Revolutionary War pension claim Sur. File No. 16,839, of Thomas Graves, you are advised that in said soldier's application for pension which was executed in Lincoln County, Missouri, on September 17, 1832, he states that early in the year 1775, he was one of the rebels, so called, who embodied at Culpeper Court House with Colonel John Thorn and others, without orders or officers, and marched down against Lord Dunmore; also that they were governed by a body of wise men, the Carters, Lees, Beverleys, Thorns, Patrick Henry and Edmund Pendleton. The writing of the name Thorn might possibly be construed as Thon. The r in John Thorn is much plainer than that in second writing of the name. There is no further mention of said name in the claim, and as a careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show a claim for Revolutionary War pension or bounty land on file for a Colonel John Thorn or Thon of Virginia or any soldier of the Virginia troops

named Thom or Thoms. the Bureau is unable to aid you in ascertaining the correct name of said Colonel.
Very respectfully,
J. M. Stagg Commissioner.

Thom Thon matter
Mr. - 2

DECOURCY W. THOM 405 MARYLAND TRUST BUILDING BALTIMORE, MD. C. & P. ST. PAUL 2190-91
1 End
BALTIMORE
11/29/13
Mr G. M. Salzgaber
Commissioner of Pensions Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Answering your favor of Nov. 5 th inst. regarding my letter of 11/3/13 (herewith returned) asking the full entry as to a certain Thorne or Thorne, I beg to state that the said officer, a Captain, served against Governor Dunmore in 1775. The authority for that is the affidavit of Thomas Graves - Lincoln County, Missouri, Sept. 17 th 1832, Graves was born in Culpeper Co. Virginia in 1747. His affidavit is copied into J. T. McCallister's "Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War" & can be found on its 132 nd page. Mr McCallister wrote me on Oct. 28 th 1913 that he had copied Graves statement himself from the records in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions in Washington. Doubtless the Graves paper was in connection with his claim of a pension. The paper states that his command was governed by a body of local rules like Patrick Henry & Edmund Pendleton but adopted specifically named for Virginia.
Respectfully, D. Courney W. Thom.
54562

64565
Law Division
E.O.A.
November 5, 1913.
Mr. DeCoursey W. Thom, 405 Maryland Trust Building, Baltimore, Md.
Sir:
Your attached letter of 3d instant was received the 4th, and you are advised that same does not contain sufficient data to identify the paper of Captain Thern (or Thom). If you will return these papers and state in what company and regiment this officer served and whether the sworn statement made September 17, 1852 was in connection with his claim for pension, and, if not, in whose claim same was filed, further search for the statement will be made and you will be advised concerning the name signed thereto.
Respectfully,
G. M. SALLMAN
Commissioner.
C
[Handwritten signature] k.

W. THOM TRUST BUILDING MORE, MD.
BALTIMORE November 3, 1913.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Kindly turn to the sworn statement of Thomas Graves, made in Lincoln County, Missouri, September 17th, 1832, and write me if the Captain Thorn (or Thom) should be which one of those two names. I am trying to determine if the said Captain was Captain John Thom or Captain John Thorn, in order to settle a family matter bearing upon rights arising from the military service in question. Kindly state then the full name and title of the said Captain John Thom or Captain John Thorn as given in the said statement by Thomas Graves.
Yours respectfully,
Deacy W. Thom.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
13. May 1833.
SIR :
I return herewith the papers in support of the claims of the persons whose names are hereto annexed.
These papers are in several respects defective. Each case is accompanied by a brief. The objections are contained in the negative answers, in red ink, given to the questions.
Particular attention should be paid to the accompanying regulations and to the explanatory notes subjoined to the brief.
The extraordinary press of business in this office, arising from the great number of claims under the act of June 7, 1832, has hitherto prevented us from attending to the applications sent by you. The investigation of the cases presented under this law has been difficult and laborious, and notwithstanding the greatest exertions have been made by this Department, an earlier attention to your business has been found impracticable.
The brief has been prepared to meet all cases, and thus to save the excessive labor which would otherwise be imposed upon the office, and which would consume so much time as to render the delay two fold greater than it now is in the investigation of claims and writing letters. Each case is considered correct in all respects except in relation to those questions to which a negative answer is affixed. No other alteration or addition will be required.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edward
Thomas Graves Esq. Wellsburg. Lincoln Co. Missouri.

Rev Sec Royal Chapter, No. 29
Order of the Eastern Star
swims
H
Washington C. H., Ohio.
May 2 nd
1917
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: Will you kindly send me the full statement of the record of Thomas Graves, born in Culpeper Co Va. in 1747. and greatly oblige
Mrs Margaret Roberts Colwell. Washington C H O

715 Manheim Road Kansas City, Missouri
Feb. 17-36
Mr. A. D. Hiller
Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.
My dear Sir:
Would you please send me the Rev. War. records of one Thomas Grace , who mtd in Culpep- per Co Va. March to Kentucky 1806 - & either died there or in Marion Co. Missouri.
The history states he was a quar- ter master (from Virginia & 1799c) & he mtd the widow Siamus in Culpeper Va. unfortunately her given name not mentioned. This rec. card I would likely ap

pre ciat - Very Truly.
Mrs. A. D. Boyles.

no. 9 July 1842 to Messrs. Rogers & Co. 131 Prince of Wales Terrace Kensington W. London

{ 25
Edwards Esqr
) Pension Agent ) War Department ) Washington City ) D.C.

Warren County June 16 th 1855. W. J. L. Edwards Pension Agent Sir
At the request of Mr Thomas N. Graves I write you for information in the following case - Thomas Graves a Soldier Received a Pension Certificate from your department dated Sept 18 th 1833 for $96.66 a year during his life - He died on the 14 th March 1834 leaving more than a half years pension due - Thomas N. Graves his son & only heir in this County wrote to Mr O'Fallon the paymaster in St Louis and received a letter instructing him how to proceed in order to obtain the arrears of pension due - Mr G pursued the course directed but Mr O'Fallon then advised that letters of Administration should be taken out on the Estate of the dec d which was done by Mr G - Still Mr O did not feel himself authorized to pay the money
You will confer a favor on Mr G and on others in the same situation by letting me know what course is required by the department in such cases & in particular whether the arrears of Pension due at the death of the pensioner can be paid to his Ex or or Adm or In the above case there was no widow
Very respectfully Yr Oblt Servt
Coaty Mills P.S. I enclosed to you some time since the Declaration of Aaron Hutchings, which

he has not since heard from, Hutchings lives in St Charles County & there made his Deed. He request that you inform me whethr you have rec d his application and what has been your action upon it
Best
6 M

16839 INVALID.
File No. 16839
Thomas Graves Rev Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1892
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 441
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1911 Apl. 3. Hist. to Mr. Jos. A. Mudd, letter in M. B. 3395
Hezekiah Murphy's 1913 Dec. 4. Dr. Coury Hum- given data in regard to Rev. John Elborn ch. Zion
1917 May 8. Hist to Mrs. Mar- garet R. Colwell
36 Mar 3 Sheet to Mrs. D. Boyle MS.A.

Tho! Gray
24598

I Francis Parker Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lincoln County Missouri do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Thomas Graves sent for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 18 th day of September AD 1832
Francis Parker Clerk
The said applicant states as a reason for his application being made in the county of Lincoln instead of the county of Montgomery where he resides is because he lived 28 miles from the county seat of his
own county and only 12 from the county seat of Lincoln & that the persons who made certificates for him lived in and about the county seat of Lincoln & at a great distance from the county seat of Montgomery
Thomas Graves Sen r
War Department
Pension Bureau

( 6 Francis Parkman )

I N o Habler a clergyman in the methodist E Church residing in the county of Lincoln in the state of Missouri do hereby certify that I have been for a short time acquainted with the above named Thomas Graves Esq r and do consider him to be a man of truth and veracity & have always during my acquaintance with him understood and do believe him to have been a Revolutionary soldier during our struggle for independence And that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution
Sworn & subscribed to in open court Sept 18. 1832
F. Parker Clerk
Given under My hand this 17 th day Sept 1832
N. C. Habler
I David Hubbard a clergyman of the Baptist Church residing in the county of Lincoln in the state of Missouri do hereby certify that I have for 5 or 6 years been acquainted with the character of the above named Thomas Graves Esq r And that he has sustained the character of a man of integrity and truth & that I believe his statements are entitled to full credit
Sept 17 th 1832
David Hubbard
Sworn & subscribed to in open court
Sept 18. 1832
F. Parker Clerk