Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3409, John Gray, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N. 6
Gray, John
S. 3409
CONTENTS
boarded

Dec 9. 16, 1836 (93)
West Tennessee 19098
John Gray 19098 of Lincoln in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Walton of the regiment commanded by Col Armstrong the Carolina line for 1 year and 6 days
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 40 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of Aug 1831 and No 16 31
Large Fayetteville Arrears to the 4th of March 81.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 10 Sept 20 33 $101 65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Doyl Clerk Book 8 Vol. 7 Page 77

State of Tennessee Oct 10th 1832 Lincoln County
On Tuesday the 4th of Oct in the year 1832 personally appeared in open Court before me John H. Miller Esquire and Saml. Beckwith Esquire the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Lincoln now sitting. John Gray a resident of the County of Lincoln and State of Tennessee aged about 72 years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832.
I entered the service of the United States in the fall of 1776 or 77 that have recalled for a term of service for Six Months this under Capt. Jesse Walton who was attached to Col. John Armstrongs Regt. which Regt. was under the command of Genl. Rutherford - we Val entered in Wilks County N. Carolina. From this place we marched to Salisbury where we were stationed for some time - shortly after we were marched to Sunbury and Capt. Haire to guard the Legislature while in Session as they were constantly threatened and was in great danger of being captured - from there we were marched to the Dan River Town Hoosier and Salem from thence we were marched to the Shallow Ford on the Yadkin where we remained a few weeks for further orders - from there we marched as with the British Troops at Cross Creek and after in guarding the prisoners.

Taken at this place a few days while on their way to the Bazaar at Holigay. Can't recall where they were taken by Col. Shephard - we were ordered to the frontier to build a Fort which we done at Col. Seno in Wilk's County, this  done my first time of service soon after this we were ordered to March against the Chieftains Indians. we crossed over the Blue Ridge at the Pleasant Gap  Gap into the Indian Nation and destroyed and burned the Valley. Tawens and Middle Tawens, and some Indian gave situated for a while the frontier settlements and we returned to Wilks County, camped at Residence - we were evidently marched to the frontier against a Custer Capt. Cagle who commanded a company of boys and horse thins - we drove him and his party out of the country. he was soon after taken and hanged we remained for a considerable time at home except occasionally called out for a few weeks or days to perform some service of different character & an am- acation we were ordered against a notorious party Col. Bryant we followed him and drove him over side at Galton's Ferry - but we were not  successful in taking him - and he fled to the British Army. In this expedition we were commanded by Col. Lewis - as well as now recalled -
The next and last expedition of my native years was against the Britches which resulted in the battle at Kings Mountain - I was not in this battle owing to the circumstance that our company with several were on foot under the command of Col. Hays - and did not arrive in time. From this we were ordered to guard the prisoners taken at the Battle of Kings Mountain, we took them to the Marionian Farm from that place we returned home; this time that these several expeditions were performed I am wholly unable today being old and my memory quite treacherous so much so. I have not wanted to give the prisoners the length of time I was in service at various times

as well as I now recollect. I was in the service about eighteen months. It was a much longer time, standing as a Minute Man subject to be called into service when required. I was at no time in the Regular service or under the command of Regular officers. therefore I am not acquainted with General Shaw.
Many prominent events of that day. I have forgotten in consequence of my statement I refer you to the statement of
the depositions will see the strength of my evidence and give due allowance for the frail memory of man. I have no written discharge for any of my services.
I hereby disclaim every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or Territory.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year last aforesaid.
John Gray
State of Tennessee } Lincoln County }
This day personally appeared in open court Samuel Gray of Bedford County Tennessee and made oath to the following affidavit.
I am well acquainted with John Gray who signed the above declaration, he is my Brother therefore I am now conversant with the facts as set forth in his declaration, I was also in the service with him and was on every expedition he has mentioned and can testify to the truth thereof.

there was many other short expeditions which he as well as myself performed, which he has not mentioned but to all those he has stated I know to be correct and the officers as he states them then there I am also unable to give;
Sworn to and subscribed this day and date above written — Samuel Gray
Also appeared in open Court Garrett Smith of Franklin County, Tennessee, who being second subscribed the following affidavit.
I am unable to say any thing about any of the services of John Gray who has signed the foregoing declaration except the one at Haysone's defeat the Battle of Kings Mountain, then I recollect distinctly of seeing him as I was then in the service under Col. Cleveland during the most of the time he mentions he was in the service. I was in the Continental Army.
Sworn to and subscribed this the day of Oct 1832. [Signature]
State of Tennessee Lincoln County
October the 16th 1832
We Benjamin Walker Clergyman and James Smith all of Lincoln County, Tennessee, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Gray who has subscribed to the above declaration that we believe him to be about the age he states 77 years that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Benjamin Walker James Smith

18780 John Gray J
from 1776 June 14 11 yr 6 days.
$40. 66 / 100
Robt S. Inge CC Fayetteville Lincoln Co Tenn.

BRIEF in the case of  John Gray  of  Lincoln County  in the State of  Tennessee  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court.  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he?  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. As a Gen.     Col - In 1776. 1 pr - Col Armstrong  Capt Walton   Soon after - no time stated " " -   Soon after - " " " " Col Harris -   "In all about 18 months"  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Wilkes Co N.C.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Tradg. Fortner, who swears he was a soldier.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct. 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. L. Williams Examining Clerk.

Rev. H. H.
3409 INVALID.
File No. 3. 3409
John Gray Port R.C. Line
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. A , Page 149
[Arrangement of 1870.]

John Gray
18780

State of Tennessee Lincoln County
October the 16th 1832
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 her states; And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that, Robert Walker Gray who has signed the preceding declaration Certificate is a Clergyman Resident in the County of Lincoln and State of Tennessee and James Smith who has also signed the same is a Resident of the County and State aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to full credit.
Almon Sneed Wm Equis Tom
Samuel Buchanan
State of Tennessee Lincoln County
Oct. Term 1832.
A. Robert S. Inge Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Lincoln do hereby certify that the foregoing containing the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Gray for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this the 16th day of Oct. 1832.
Robt Inge Clerk

Explanatory Notes
State of Tennessee } Lincoln County } May the 13th 1833.
This day personally appeared before me Elliott H. Fletcher an acting Justice of the peace for said County. John Gray who being duly sworn deposes and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he can not say one positively as to the precise length of his service. on the particular time he entered or was discharged from service but from the best of his recollections he served not less than the periods mentioned below. & in the following grades. &c
The first term of service mentioned in my application for a pension was as well as I recollect in the fall of 1776. or 1777. under Capt Waltons & was commanded by Genl Rutherford. I entered the service for six months as a volunteer soldier and served as a private for not less than six months. in the manner as stated in my declaration -
The second term I again volunteered as a private under Capt Walton. but the year I can not recollect. we were marched against the Chickasaw Indians. and served I am confident thirteen  13 weeks. is not longer -
The 3d expedition mentioned in my declaration was the one against a certain Capt Coyle a Tory Capt. the particular period I entered the service not recollect. but I served at least seventeen days. under the command of Col Cliveland -
The 4th term was against Col Byant a Tory - as stated in my declaration. I must have been in the service twenty days at least in this expedition I was commanded by Col Byant  Hernadow -
The 5th and last term was the one against the Redsticks at King's Mountain . as before stated. the time not recollect must have been two months & Genl Greene all of the expeditions above mentioned I served as a private

making in all that I can be certain of twelve months and two weeks; all of the time mentioned I was in the Military Service of the United States & not in any Civil pursuit. 1 st Interrogatory I was born as well as I can ascertain in the year
1755.
2 d Interrogatory I have no record of my age and have to rely on my family to ascertain the time.
3 rd Interrogatory. In answer to this Interrogatory I can state that I am known to the Revd Benjamin Wallace and Col. James Smith, both of whom have my certified to my former Declaration I am also acquainted Col. William Morgan Col. Isaac Halmon William A. Tucker Esq. the Revd John Cooper and many others. &c.
Sworn to and subscribed before John Gray the day and date above written Elliot H. Fletcher Notary of the Peace.
State of Tennessee } Lincoln County } May the 13 th 1833.
I, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Lincoln & State of Tennessee. Do hereby certify that Elliot H. Fletcher Esq. whose name is to the above declaration subscribed is an acting Justice of the peace for Lincoln County and that full faith & credit is due to his official acts and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office the day and date above written J. L. Skinner Clerk

7 Haydenville Pa May 14. 13 th 1833
Mr. Edwards will please direct his return to Col. A. Bell. H. —

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Gray which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? 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? 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? etc. VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 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?

 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 ?  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 ?  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?  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 ?  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ? 1. 2. 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 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.
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.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Gray John GRADE Private LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 9515 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED December 22, 1794 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.