Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4333, George Grimsley, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.6.
Grimsley, George
R 4333
CONTENTS

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of Tennessee
Henderson County } SS }
On this twenty fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five George Gremsley of the County of Hen- -son in the State of Tennessee personally appeared at his residence in the County and State affirmed before the Subscriber Samuel Wilson one of the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions held in and for the County of Henderson in the State Tennessee aged Eighty years this present month (April) who being first sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Affirmatory Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress Congress passed June 7 th 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States in the month of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven as a Private volunteer Militia Soldier from the County of Dobbs (now Greene County) in the State of North Carolina in the militia Regiment of the said County and State as organized for the period of 200 months - commanded by Colonel Abraham Shepherd his Major's name was James Edmondson was James Edmondson his Captain's name was Abraham Shepherd and son of his Colonel. his Lieutenant he can not now recollect.

his Pung was William Shepherd and son also of his land! The companies of this Regiment met altogether at the town of Kingston in the aforesaid County of Dobb but at this time Lenoir County, and was ordered off by for This Regiment was ordered off by Governor Richard Caswell of North Caro- lina to march on to Neuse River and there to build a fort one mile below the town of Newbern at the junction of Neuse and Trent Rivers. The effect of building this Fort was to protect the State of North Carolina from the incursions of the British and Tories in that section of the State. The completion of this fort took up and absorbed the entire six months of this term of service thus entered into and the whole Regiment was at that Fort discharged in the month of June 1778 in the early part of that month after having faithfully served out six months - by Colonel Shepherd each soldier along with himself having received from him a written discharge countersigned by his Captain and which discharge he has long since lost seeing supposing or believing that it would be of any value to him thus ends the first term of service and in which his Regiment was not associated with any of the Regular continental or State Regiments consequently he is unable to say any thing of them or of any of the Officers thereunto belonging -
Second Term of Service { This Volunteer states that he again entered the service of the United States in the first part of the month of March 1781 as a private volunteer soldier from the County of Dobb in the State of North Carolina for the period of twelve months in the North Carolina Militia Regiment of Volunteers commanded by Colonel John Heritage

The Company commanded by Captain William Cooper Cooper. His Major was by the name of John Allen. The names of his Lieutenants and Ensign are not now recollected. This Regiment concentrated at Kingstree in the County and State of South Carolina and then marched on to Cape Fear River in order to intercept the Tories of whom there were many straggling parties. There were two hundred men of this Regiment before it arrived at Moore's Creek by order of Governor Richard Caswell who commanded in person. Detached off under the command of Colonel John Heritage in order to surprise the enemy (Tories) which we accordingly did by capturing four Tories and fifty barrels of flour the same being under the care of a Captain and his company - The remainder of the Regiment marched on to Cape Fear River in order to meet the enemy should they make their appearance in that section of the Country which they accordingly did at Moore's Creek when an action ensued and in which battle General McLeod the Commander of the Tories fell and those of the Tories who did not get wounded made their escape. The next day after this action the Detachment as before stated under the command of Colonel Heritage joined the Regiment then under the immediate command of General Richard Caswell the then Governor of North Carolina. This Regiment then went into the Counties of Duplin and Cumberland Moore and Richmond Counties on the State of South Carolina - The purposes for which this Regiment was called into service by the State authorities of North Carolina.

were to protect the state from the mercenary parties of the British and Tories but most particularly from the latter who in large bodies were harrying and ravaging the Whiggs hence this Regiment was at no time stationary except for a short time in the County of Richmond which did not exceed three weeks - This Regiment marched and countermarched through the aforesaid Counties of Dunkeland Moor Richmond and Cumberland and up and down Cape Fear River Whilst General Francis Marion with his Corps of mounted men on the opposite side of the River watched and kept in check the movements of the enemy particularly the Tories - This volunteer Regiment was called into service for the sole and only object as before stated of protecting the state from the mercenary parties of the Tories who were harrying in large bodies upon the skirts of that state (South Carolina) and that part bordering more immediately upon South Carolina -
This Regiment was not required to leave the state of North Carolina nor did it leave the said state - Having served out this twelve months tour of service This Volunteer  Regiment to wit Regiment was still retained in service by the unanimous consent of the Officers and privates of the same in order to protect the state from the depredations of the Tories and was discharged in the early part of the month of September 1782 in writing under the sign manual of his Colonel John Heritage at the Town of Kingston in in the County of Dobbs North Carolina so also was the whole Regiment at the same time making this tour of Volunteer Service eighteen months - and which discharge he long since has lost

This Declaration states that never being served with any of the regular continental or state line Regiments consequently he can make no statement of the same or of the officers thereof his Regiment in this last term of service of eighteen months volunteer service being entirely detached and acting altogether by itself.
This Declaration further states that he knows of no Clingman (there being none residing in his neighborhood) who can testify as to his belief of his being reported in his neighborhood to have been a soldier of the Revolution but can refer the War Department - to Osborn H King Esquire and Hugh H. McMurtry Esq. Counsellors at law residing in the County of Henderson State of Tennessee who can testify to his character for honesty and veracity and their general belief of his having been a soldier of the Revolution and that he serves as he has stated in this his Declaration - he hereby relinquishes any claim to a pension or annuity whatever except the present and declares that his name is not upon the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Questions by the Justice
Question 1 st Where and in what year were you born Answer I was born in Halifax County North Carolina in the month of April 1755
Question 2 d Have you any record of your age and place where is it

Answer. My age was recorded in the bible of my Father and by him but which bible is not in my possession nor do I know where it has become of it
Question 3? where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live
Answer During my two tours of service I lived in the then County of Dobb's afterwards from years in the County of Montgomery in the same state and afterwards in the County of Henderson Tennessee my present place of residence
Question 4th how were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom
Answer in both my tours of service as set forth in my declaration I was a volunteer -
5 State the names of the Officers some of Regular Officers also continental and Militia who were with the troops where you served such Regular continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
Answer. The two Regiments to which I belonged as a volunteer the first for six months the latter for eighteen months being detached off of itself consequently it served with no Regiment either Regular Continental or Militia therefore I am unable to say any thing on that subject or the Officers of the same except those of the two Regiments in which I served and whose names I have

stated in the body of this Declaration as also the general  encouragement of my service - Question 6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given - Answer from my first tour of service of say months as a private volunteer militia soldier I was discharged by my Colonel Absalom Shepherd and from my second tour of service a private militia soldier for eighteen months I received my discharge from my Colonel John Pennington In relation to my character for veracity and honesty and in relation to my services in the War of the Rebellion I was referred to Osborn H King Esq. Hugh W. Wormley Esq. Samuel Wilson Esq. James A. White Esq. and many others if required - Sworn and subscribed to before me this 25th day of April 1935
his George X Grimsley mark
J. A. M. Wolf
One of the justices of the Court plus and another opinion of Henderson Court in the State of Tennessee
We Osborn H King and Hugh W. Wormley residing in the County of Henderson in the State of Tennessee hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George Grimsley who has sworn and subscribed to the above Declaration that we believe him to be of eighty years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a

Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Given and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid
Ad. King Hugh W. Norrman
J. A. M. [Signature] Justice of the Peace
And the said justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions held in and for the County of Henderson in the State of Tennessee does hereby declare his 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 said justice further certifies that it appears to him Osborn H King and Hugh W. Norrman who have also signed the same are residents of the County of Henderson in the State of Tennessee are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit and the said justice further certifies that the said George Grimsey is and was at the time of taking this declaration before mentioned feeble and infirm to leave his residence in order to come before any Court of Record
In Testimony whereof I have
this 14th day of April in the year of our Lord one
Thousand eight hundred thirty five subscribed my name and
affixed my seal
J. A. M. [Signature] Seal
one of the justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Henderson in the State of Tennessee

State of Tennessee Decatur County
This day personally appeared before me
Henry H. Fryar an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Decatur and State of Tennessee. David Miller who after having been sworn according to Law depose and say, That He was personally acquainted with George Grimbley and Sarah Grimbley, before the Marriage of the said George and Sarah Grimbley. That the said Sarah Grimbley was, before the Marriage by the name of Sarah Campbell, and that they were married in Rouse County state of North Carolina in the year 1821, and that He was present and saw the Marriage solemnized by one Moses Lock, who was the cashier of the Branch of the Bank of the state of North Carolina, at Solobury, and further says that he was the security of said George Grimbley, to the Bond for said marriage license, sworn to and subscribed
before me this Nov 13 th 1855-5- H. H. Fryar for Decatur County
David Miller

State of Tennessee Decatur County ss
I David A. Garbro clerk of the County Court of said County here by certify that Henry A. Fryar Esqr. to whom the foregoing Declaration was made was at the time thereof of an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths for General purposes and that his signature is genuine. Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court at office this 13 th day of November 1835 David A. Garbro clerk

Lexington Tennessee
September 1st 1853
To the Hon L P Waldo
Sir an application has been and is now waiting at Washington City for a pension - sent forward by the Heirs of George Grimsley deceased late of Henderson County Tenn
I wrote you in reference to the same a short time previous But fear I was not sufficiently explanatory in my Epistle to stop any action in the department in relation to their purported claim
The Applicants of the same are not the legal Heirs of George Grimsley deceased as represented in their applications and as hitherto been looked upon as such in this County They in fact being only Bastard Children of the said Grimsleys and by a woman He never was married to He having abandoned His lawful wife and children in North Carolina and emigrated to this County and State with a dissolute woman who He never married
I am at this time awaiting a Power of attorney from the legal Heirs who are residing in North Carolina in regard to the real and personal estate of their Father in this County including their pension claims To which your attention has long since been called by the purported but false Heirs I have alluded to
As soon as I receive the authority spoken of I will without delay forward the same and requisite proof and until which time I have only to desire further action by the department suspended hoping due attention will be bestowed on this I
Subscribe myself Your ob t Servt Reuben T Vawter
L P Waldo Washington City D. C.

George Grimsley dead and Sarah Tenn.
Revolutionary
Boynton Johnson
Commissioners
Washington City D.C.
J. S. Waller Esq.
Free

Geo. Grimsby Ten Oct 30 1833
Free Mr. Jones A.R.
Hon. Loew P. Waldo Comm. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

4333 aw
P. O. George Grimsley Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contra
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

State of Tennessee Decatur County
This day personally appeared before me N. H. H.
Alston an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Decatur and State of Tennessee - David Miller, who after being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that he was personally acquainted with George Grimsley and Sarah Grimsley, and that she was present when the said George Grimsley and Sarah Grimsley were married according to law, in Rown County in the State of North Carolina, in the year the year 1831, and that the said George has since died, having departed this life in Henderson County Tennessee about the year 18 And that that said Sarah is yet a widow, sworn to and subscribed before me this December 28 th 1857.
David Miller
N. H. H. Alston for the County of Decatur and State of Tennessee
State of Tennessee
Decatur County } I, Sarah A. Gashro clerk of said County Court of said County here by certify that N. H. H. Alston is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that his commission was dated the 20 th day of March 1854 and will expire on the first Saturday in March 1860 and that his signature is as follows
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said County at office in Decatur ville the 30 th day of December 1857
Sarah A. Gashro clerk of Decatur County

Fayetteville Tenn. Sept. 26. 1854
Hon. J. P. Waldo, Comr'te
Sir - At the request of a friend I have to request you to inform me whether or not there is now or has been pending an application of the Widow of Geo. Grimsly for Pension due for Pension or for balance of Pension. I am not well informed in the matter. Mrs. Grimsly lives in Decatur County, Tenn. and in 1852 authorized S. M. Knight by Power of attorney to prosecute the claim for her - I suppose it is a Revolutionary case - The widow I think is in- clined to believe that Knight has gotten the claim and will not report to her. Be pleased to give me such information as you can provided you can find the case from this description
Yours Respectfully G. W. Jones

32.451 Suspen
See letter 16 June 1855 to Hugh W. Wormley Geo. W. Talbot Dec 20/53 Hon. G. C. Jones 6 Sept. 1854. J. W. Doherty July 6. 1855
1852

Spring Creek, Madison co. Tenn December 4th, 1853.
Hon L. P. Waldo,
Sir:
Enclosed you will find a power of attorney authorizing me to apply for the arrears of pension due George Grimsley, deceased. Mr. Grimsley applied during his life time to be placed on the pension list, but owing to some defect in the proof, his application was rejected. At the time Mr. G. made the application he resided in Henderson county, Tennessee, with his second wife , to whom he was legally married. Since his death, his son by the first wife, contended that he was entitled to the arrears of Pension due his father, but is willing to let the widow receive the benefit of the law.
Please inform of the defect in the papers of George Grimsley.
There must be some mistake in regard to the Revolutionary services of Caleb Witt - you informed me that he served seven days . The old friends and acquaintances are of the opinion that he served "during the war."
Have the papers of Elizabeth Grider, William Rhoades, Executor of Martha Martin, been received at your office?
Your obedt serv't Geo. W. Talbot,
Hon. L. P. Waldo Washington City, D.C.

Lexington May 13 th 1835
Mr Edwards
In the papers of Mr George Grimsby are returned to you for examination with his amended statement. I am requested by many respectable citizens of the county to state to you that the declarant has always maintained the character of an honest correct man and that his credit for veracity is equal to that of any man and there is not one among his numerous acquaintances but what believe him to have been a soldier in the revolutionary war. The old man is now confined to his house and unable to leave it. If you cannot allow him a pension for all the time claimed do allow it for as much as you may believe the proof will justify you. I am very respectfully yours W. D. Dunlop

Decaturville Tennessee Nov 19 th 1858-
L P Waldo, Dear Sir
A few days since The inclosed proof was laid before me and I was requested to write you upon the subject. Personally I know nothing of the Applicant, the witness David Miller is a man of firm and perfect veracity, I am inclined to the opinion that he speaks of things he knows. The applicant is a very poor woman and if it is possible for her (under the proof on file) to get relief from the General Gov - It will be of great benefit, I am not acquainted with her but speak from the information of reliable men, it is, as I expect quite impossible to prove the services of her husband in this Country. Though old men have told me that he was always spoken of, and recognized as a Revolutionary soldier, I will be pleased to hear from you soon
Respectfully James M Doherty

Decaturville 12 th June 1853-
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will please find the proof of the marriage of Mrs Sarah Grimsby to George Grimsby in North Carolina. if I am under no mistake Mrs Grimsby application for the pension of George Grimsby was laid before you by H W Jones member of the 14 th Congress. You will please give this your attention and address me on the reception of this. Very Respectfully James M c Doherty

Wendover county Tenn. Nov 29th, 1853.
Be it known That Rev. W. Talbot is fully authorized as my attorney to prosecute for the arrear of pension due George Grimshaw
her Sarah X Grimshaw mark
Witness
Wm Campbell

Wendover County Tenn., Nov 29th, 1853,
Hon L P Waldo, Sir:
You are hereby informed that Mr. Knight is no longer an agent of mine. I now recall all authority and power heretofore invested in him.
Witness,
her Sarah X Grimsley mark
Thos Campbell Geo. W. Talbot,

George Grindes Turner 4333

State of Tennessee Henderson County } I John H. Wilson clerk of the County Court of the Said County of Henderson do hereby certify that Samuel Wilson is an acting Magistrate of said County and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal office at office This 13 th day of May 1855
J. H. Wilson Clerk of Henderson County Court.