The Military Career of William T. Gaulding, a soldier of the Revolution
- Catherine Gauldin
- Jun 16
- 18 min read
Information from the Pension Records of William Gaulding and Malissa his wife
DAR Records
Both the DAR and the SAR have records for William T. Gaulding/Gaulden. William's father Samuel is Ancestor A204851 and the DAR has determined he furnished supplies during the Revolution. There are several men named Gaulding that the DAR recognizes so see my post in Gaulding Origins entitled Samuel, John, Alexander and William Gaulding in the Revolutionary War.
William T. Gaulden (A043644) has a flag on his record "Notice: PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED WITH AT LEAST ONE PREVIOUSLY VERIFIED PAPER - SEE ANCESTOR'S FULL RECORD". Application A043644 is related to Elizabeth, William's daughter who married John Woodall. His DAR Record states he served in Virginia as a Private and was born n 1752 in King William County, Virginia. His pension number is S*W7509 and Service Source is S*W7509. Service Description: 1) Capts Adams and Dickson, Cols Lynch, Leigh & 2) Williams.
When the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) flags an ancestor’s record with a notice such as “Problems have been discovered with at least one previously verified paper – see ancestor’s full record,” it means that DAR has identified issues with the documentation or evidence that was previously accepted to prove lineage or service for that ancestor. This flag is a caution to researchers and applicants that:
1. At least one application or supplemental paper used to verify a descendant’s eligibility may have been found to contain errors, insufficient proof, or information that is now considered questionable or incorrect.
2. The flagged record may require additional documentation or clarification before it can be used for new applications.
3. Anyone seeking to use this ancestor for a DAR application should review the full record and be prepared to provide new or stronger evidence to support the claimed lineage or service.
In the case of William T. Gaulden (Ancestor #: A043644), the DAR record specifically states that there is a problem with at least one previously verified paper. This does not necessarily mean that all claims to this ancestor are invalid, but it does mean that extra scrutiny will be applied to any new applications, and that previously accepted evidence may no longer be sufficient.
Pension Application of William T. Gaulding
The most accurate information about the Military Career of William Gaulding of course is found in his own words. Pension Application (1833)
On April 15, 1833, William T. Gaulding, then 80 years old and a resident of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, appeared before the Pittsylvania County Court to apply for benefits under the 1832 U.S. Act for Revolutionary War pensioners He stated that he had served as a volunteer soldier in the U.S. Army during 1777–1778, starting in Bedford County. (1)
“THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY COURT
On this 15th day of April 1833 personally appeared before the Court of Pittsylvania County now sitting William T. Gauldin a resident of the said County of Pittsylvania in the State aforesaid, aged eighty years, he being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832. That having been in the Service of the United States as a volunteer soldier in the year 1778 or 77 and marched from the County of Bedford in the State of Virginia in a company of militia which was commanded by Capt. James Adams, Lieut. John Mageehee and Craig Hilson [? Ensign Hilson?] direct to Fort Lewis [?] near New river and stayed there about two weeks, then marched to Fort Chisel [sic, Fort Chiswell] and from there to the Lead Mines where we were stationed while our term of service expired under the command of Capt. Lynch [Col. Charles Lynch]. I was discharged at that place after serving a tour of three months. My discharge is lost or mislaid and cannot be found. I do not know any person living that was in service with me at that time.
In the year 1777 or 1778 I enlisted in the Army of the United States for twelve Months with Capt. Gideon [illegible last name, could be "Booker"] and rendezvoused at New London then in the County of Bedford in the State of Virginia and served with his [one or more indecipherable words] the time for which I had enlisted. I was discharged by Captain Booker [?], that discharge is lost or mislaid and cannot be found -- I do not know any person living that was in the service with me at that time.
In the month of April 1780, I again enlisted in the Army of the United States with Col. Williams at Coles Ferry on the Staunton River in the County of Charlotte in the State of Virginia for twelve months. I was attached to Capt. Dickson's company of riflemen and marched with them to Halifax Courthouse Virginia1 where we fell in Col. Leigh [sic, Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee] and Col. Washington's Light Horse. From there we marched across the Dan river and entered the State of North Carolina, joined Col. Morgan [Genl. Daniel Morgan], was with him in the Battle of Henton Springs [sic ?], was at the taking and killing of about 150 Tories at a Cross Roads or Race Tract, from there we marched to a place called Allimance [sic, Alamance] where we had a skirmish with the British and killed nineteen or twenty of them. From there we marched to Whitesills Mill [sic, Weitzell's Mill] on the Reedy Fork and had a severe skirmish with the British at that place, from thence we marched into the County of Guilford and met with the British under the command of Lord Cornwallis in the said County of Guilford and had a very severe battle with them which was conducted by General Green [sic, Nathanael Greene], Stephens [sic, Edward Stevens], Lawson [Robert Lawson], etc. at that Battle, I was shot through the Head, the ball came out at the end of my nose, which rendered me unable to perform any duty whatever. I remained near Guilford Courthouse about two weeks. I was then taken to the County of Charlotte in the State of Virginia and put under the care of Doctor Cunningham where I remained until sometime after the time of my enlistment had expired and I was never able to perform military service afterwards. I received no discharge but was permitted to go home by Doctor Cunningham, the service rendered on this tour is proved by David Irby4 who was a soldier with me at the Battle of Guildford. About seventeen years after the War ended I was place on the Pension Roll of Virginia by an Act of the Virginia Legislature at Forty Dollars per year which I have received semi-annually ever since.
I was born in the County of King William in the State of Virginia in the year 1752. My age was recorded in a book which was in the possession of my mother some years ago and I do not know what became of it. I lived in the County of Bedford in the same State of Virginia when I entered the service of the Revolution. I lived in the said County of Bedford eight years after the war ended. Then moved to the County of Pittsylvania and have lived in that County ever since. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the foresaid and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State only that of the agency of the State of Virginia--Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid--
William T. (his X mark) Gaulding
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he States, and the court further certifies that David Irby whose affidavit has been presented to them as evidence in this case is a credible man and that his Statement is entitled to credit.
David Irby served with William T. Gaulding and he gave his testimony.
THE AFFIDAVIT of DAVID IRBY referred to as the Declaration is in these words to wit:
STATE OF VIRGINIA COURT
This day David Irby a credible man of the said County of Pittsylvania personally appeared before me, Vincent Dickenson a Justice of the Peace for the County Pittsylvania and State aforesaid, and made oath that William Gauldin of the said County of Pittsylvania was a Revolutionary soldier, that he was with him in the Battle of Guildford in the year 1781 and saw him the said Gauldin shot through the head in that engagement. Given--my hand and seal, this 17 day of November 1832.
Vincent Dickenson (seal)
Here is a summary of his service, based on the text in the pension application:
· 1777-1778 - William T. Gaulding enlisted in the Army of the United States for twelve months with Captain Gideon Booker, rendezvoused at New London in Bedford County, Virginia. He was discharged by Captain Booker but the discharge was mislaid. As far as Captain Booker is concerned, New London was a significant rendezvous point in Bedford County for Revolutionary War soldiers. Captain Gideon Booker is mentioned in some genealogical and pension narratives, but official records (such as muster rolls or county militia lists) would be needed for definitive confirmation.1778: Served about three months at Fort Lewis (near the New River), then Fort Chiswell, and the Lead Mines, under Captain Lynch (Col. Charles Lynch).
· In April of 1780 he enlisted again in the Army of the United States with Colonel Williams at Coles Ferry on the Stanton River, Charlotte County, Virginia for a period of twelve months. Without more specific information, it’s difficult to confirm which Colonel Williams is referred to. In the context of Charlotte County and the Staunton River, it is plausible that Colonel Williams was a local militia or Continental Army officer involved in recruiting or organizing troops at Coles Ferry. Coles Ferry was a well-known crossing point on the Staunton River. During the Revolutionary War, Coles Ferry served as a rendezvous and muster location for troops moving between counties and toward southern campaigns. It was strategically important for moving men and supplies across the river. The Staunton River itself was a significant geographic feature in southern Virginia, and Coles Ferry was used by both military and civilian travelers.1780–1781: Marched to Halifax Courthouse, Virginia, where he joined Col. Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee and Col. George Washington’s Light Horse.
· 1781: He migrated to North Carolina and joined Colonel Daniel Morgan. He participated in the Battle of Henton Springs and was at the killing of about 150 Tories at a Cross Roads or Race Track.
o Colonel Daniel Morgan was a famous officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, best known for commanding riflemen and leading troops in several key battles. Morgan played a pivotal role in the Southern campaign, especially at the Battle of Cowpens (January 1781), where his tactical brilliance led to a decisive American victory. He was active in North Carolina and Virginia, often leading militia and Continental troops against British forces and Loyalists (Tories). Morgan’s reputation was built on his leadership, marksmanship, and ability to inspire men in difficult circumstances.
o The “Battle of Henton Springs” is not a widely recognized or documented battle in standard Revolutionary War histories. It is possible that the name is a variant or local reference to another engagement, or a smaller skirmish not formally recorded in major histories. This account may be based on pension applications, family tradition, or local histories, but it does not match any major battle listed under Morgan’s command. Morgan did lead troops in North Carolina and was involved in actions against Tories, so the story may refer to a lesser-known engagement or a local event.
1781: Engaged in skirmishes at Alamance, North Carolina, killing 19–20 British soldiers.
1781 - From Weitzell's Mill on the Reedy Fork they had a skirmish with the British and then marched to Guilford County. He fought in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and was wounded. He stayed at Guilford for two weeks and was then taken to Charlotte County where he stayed receiving medical treatment until after his enlistment was over.
William T. Gauldin was pensioned on Certificate 12 741, which was issued under the Act of June 7, 1832. Pension was paid at the Virginia Agency. Malissa Gauldin, widow of the veteran, was pensioned on Certificate 3 185, which was issued under the acts of February 3, 1853, and July 27, 1868. Pension was paid at the Richmond, Virginia Agency. According to The Pension Roll of 1835 William Gaulden, Private was given $80 per year allowance for service in the Virginia militia. He was placed on the pension roll on May 20, 1833 and was 81 years old at the time. David Irby who gave testimony received $60.00 per year and his pension commenced on March 14, 1833. He was five years younger than William T. Gaulding.
In 1834 William T. Gaulding applied for a pension as a soldier of the American Revolution
12.741
Virginia
William T. Gaulden
Pittsylvania in the State of Virginia
.. was a pri in the company commanded
by Captain Adams of the Regt commanded
by Col Lynch in the Virginia line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1834
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of May 33 and sent Thos Williams, Williams Store, Pittsylvania County, Va
-- to the 4th of March '33 $160
--- allowance ending 4 Sept. $40
$200
The Testimony of Malissa Burnett Gaulding, the second wife of William T. Gauldin and his widow. (6)
“State of Virginia
On this 7th day of November AD Eighteen hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the circuit court of Pittsylvania County in the State aforesaid now sitting Malisa Gaulden a resident of the county and state aforesaid aged 46 years who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of congress passed on the 3rd February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of William t. Gaulden deceased who was a private in the army in the revolutionary war. That her husband the said William T. Gauldin deceased in consideration of services rendered by him during the said war received a pension of Eighty dollars per annum payable semiannually as the agency in the city of Richmond on the 4th March and 4th September in every year. For evidence of the services rendered by her said husband during the said revolutionary was she refers to his original application for pension under the act of congress passed on the 7th day of June 1833 on file at the pension Office, together with the will and th--to unn---. She further states that she was married to the said William T. Gauldin deceased on the 19th day of November 1834 by one Richard Dick a Baptist minister and that her name before her said marriage was Malisa Burnett. That her said husband William T. Gauldin deceased died at his residence the __ day of September 1841. That she was not married to him prior to the 2nd day of January 1800 but at the time also states and she declares that she is now a widow.
Malisa X Gaulden
her mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year --- stated before the circuit court aforesaid and it is hereby certified from satisfactory witnesses inha-- to the said Court the said Malisa Gaulden is the widow of the said William T. Gaulden decd that she is a credible person and that she is now a widow and that the said William T. Gaulden deceased received a pension of Eighty dollars payable semiannually
State of Virginia -- in Richmond
A.S. Fulton”
Testimony of William F. Tarpley, a neighbor and long-time friend of William T. Gaulden (6)
“On this 7th day of November 1853 personally appeared before the circuit court of Pittsylvania County in the State aforesaid William M. Tarpley a resident of the county and state aforesaid aged 63 years how first being duly sworn accord to law, doth on his oath declare that Malisa Gaulden is the widow of William T. Gaulden deceased who was -- to be a revolutionary Soldier and pensioner. That the said William T. Gaulden dec. and Malisa his wife lived together as man and wife was so regarded to be by the community in which they lived and had two children viz Polley and Jabez. That he resided within one mile of the said William T. Gaulden deceased and Malisa his wife and was frequently at their home. That the said William T. Gauldin deceased died at this residence in the month of September 1841. That he was present at the time and witnessed his death. he further states that the said Malisa Gaulden has remained a widow since the death of her said husband and that she is now a widow -- he swears that he is a disinterested witness.
William M. Tarpley (seal)
Sworn to and subscribed before the circuit court aforesaid -- It is hereby certified that the said William M. Tarpley is a credible witness that he is a resident of the county and state aforesaid and is 63 years of age.
A.S. Fulton”
APPLICATION OF A WIDOW WHO HAD NEVER RECEIVED A WARRANT (6)
State of Virginia
County of Pittsylvania
On this 4th day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me John D. Hall a Justice of the Peace within and for the said county and State aforesaid, Malissa Gaulden, aged 47 years, a resident of Pittsylvania County, in the State of Virginia who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of William T. Gaulden deceased who was a soldier in the revolutionary war, that she is a pensioner under the act of February 3, 1853 at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum as will appears by reference to the --- at the Department of the Interior record in the pension office on the roll of pensioners, Page 174 Vol A. Signed by G.T. Gilly clerk
She further states that she was married to the said William T. Gaulden in Pittsylvania County on the ___ day of June A.D. 1835 by one Richard Beck a Baptist minister and that her name before her said marriage was Malissa Burnett that her said husband died at his residence on the day of _ A.D. 1840 and that she is now a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3d, 1855.
Malissa X Gaulden
her mark
We Richard J. Royall and A.G. Hall residents at Pittsylvania in the State of Virginia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Malissa Gaulden in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
R.J. Royall
A. G. Hall
1863
DAR Inquiry regarding the service of William T. Gaulden (9)
Mrs. R.W. Van Valin, Oregon, 1937
..William T. Gaulden, the name is also shown as Gaulding, was born in King William County, Virginia in 1752, day, month and the names of his parents are not stated.
While a resident of Bedford County, Virginia, William T. Gaulden enlisted in 1778 or 1777 and served three months as private in Captain James Adams' Company, Colonel Lynch's Virginia Regiment... and served twelve months in Captain Gideon Booker's Company. He enlisted in April or May 1780 and served twelve months in Captain Dickson's Company, Colonel William's Virginia Regiment. he was in engagements at Henton Springs, The Cross Roads, Allamance, Whitsall's Mills and Guilford, where he was shot in the head, the ball coming out at the end of his nose.
Eight years after the close of the Revolutionary War he moved from Bedford County, Virginia to Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He was allowed pension by the United States on his application executed April 15, 1833 at which time he was a resident of Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
He was allowed a pension of $40.00 per annum on account of the above named wound by an Act of the Virginia State Legislature, dated January 18, 1798. He died in September 1841 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He married November 19, 1834 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, Malissa or Malisa Burnett.
Soldier's widow, Malissa Gaulden, was allowed pension on her application executed November 7, 1863, at which time she was forty-six years old and a resident of Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
William T. Gaulden and Malissa had two children, Polley and Jabez, their ages not given. There is no further family data.
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller, Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Did Southern Pensions Cease During the Civil War?
Federal pensions for Revolutionary War veterans and their widows were administered by the U.S. government. When the Southern states seceded and formed the Confederacy, federal pension payments to residents in those states were generally suspended. The U.S. government could not send payments into Confederate territory, so pensioners in the South did not receive their benefits during the war years.
How Were They Reinstated?
After the Civil War ended in 1865 and the Southern states were re-admitted to the Union, the federal government began reinstating pension payments. Pensioners had to reapply or provide proof of their entitlement, often through local pension agencies (such as the Richmond, VA agency mentioned in your document). Payments were sometimes retroactive, covering the period during which pensions had been suspended, but the government would deduct any payments already made or adjust for changes in eligibility. The process could be slow and required documentation, which is why certificates like the one for Malissa Gaulden, the widow of William T. Gaulden were issued, specifying the start date for resumed payments and the annual rate.
1865
Application of Restoration to the Pension Rolls Whose Names have been Dropped under the Act of February 4, 1862 (5)
State of Virginia
County of Pittsylvania
On this 2nd day of November A.D. one thousand eight hundred and Sixty Five personally appeared before me T.M. Careter a justice of the County Court in said State and County the same being a Court of Record, Malissa Gaulden widow of William T. Gaulden, Aged Sixty years a resident of the County of Pittsylvania in state of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical persona who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at Richmond, Virginia and whose pension certificate is herein -- returned, that she has resided since the first day of January A.D. 1864 as follows: a part of the time at her residence in Pittsylvania County and a part at Mrs. Boaz that during this period her means of subsistence have been supplied by her own exertions and the assistance of her neighbors, and that she had not borne arms against the Government of the United States, or has not in any manner encouraged the rebels or manifested a sympathy with their causes, and that she was last paid her pension on the fourth day of Mrch A.D. 1861. This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension rolls, and of obtaining a new pension certificate such as she may be entitled to under existing laws, reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the pension office to substantiate her original claim...
Additional testimony was given by Wm. M. Tarpley, Joseph E. Tarpley and Oliver Hambleton.
The file is transcribed as follows: (4)
INCREASE No 3.1 Virginia Malissa Gaulden widow of William T. Gaulden who served in the Revolutionary war as a Private
Richmond Va agency Rate Ninety-six Dollars cents per annum Commencing July 2, 1865 Reducing payments made since Certificate dated Novbr 16, 1869 and sent to Claimant care of W.B. Isaacs & Co, Richmond (4)
This passage describes a pension increase certificate for Malissa Gaulden, the widow of William T. Gaulden, who served as a Private in the Revolutionary War. Here’s what each part means:
· INCREASE No 3.1 Virginia: This is the certificate number and state where the pension was issued.
· Malissa Gaulden, widow of William T. Gaulden: The pension is being paid to Malissa, as the surviving spouse of William who served in the Revolutionary war as a Private: William’s military rank and service.
· Richmond Va agency: The pension was administered through the Richmond, Virginia pension agency.
· Rate Ninety-six Dollars cents per annum: The annual pension amount was $96.
· Commencing July 2, 1865: Payments started on this date.
· Reducing payments made since: This phrase means that any payments already made since July 2, 1865, would be subtracted from the total owed, to avoid double payment.
Certificate dated Novbr 16, 1869 and sent to Claimant care of W.B. Isaacs & Co, Richmond: The official certificate was issued on November 16, 1869, and sent to Malissa Gaulden via W.B. Isaacs & Co., a firm in Richmond, likely acting as her agent or attorney.
Conclusion
The story of William T. Gaulding exemplifies the courage and resilience of Revolutionary War patriots. His military service, spanning multiple enlistments under various commanders and participation in significant campaigns across Virginia and North Carolina, reflects the complex and often perilous journey of early American soldiers. The details preserved in pension applications and genealogical records—such as his wounds at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, his enlistments with Captain Gideon Booker and Colonel Williams, and his involvement in skirmishes against British and Tory forces—offer a vivid portrait of his contributions to the cause of independence.
The subsequent pension awarded to his widow, Malissa Gaulden, and the administrative challenges posed by the Civil War further illustrate the enduring impact of his service on his family and community. The reinstatement of southern pensions after the war, and the careful documentation of payments and eligibility, underscore the nation’s commitment to honoring those who sacrificed for its founding.
Works Cited
1. Pension application of William T. Gaulden (Gaulding) W7509. Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters. [Online] Transcribed by Catherine Gauldin 11-29-09, rev'd 2-16-26. https://revwarapps.org/w7509.pdf.
2. U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900. ancestry.com. [Online] https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1995/images/MIUSA1775D_135638-00475?pId=69335.
3. U.S., The Pension Roll of 1835 . ancestry.com. [Online] The Pension Roll of 1835, Vol. III, 14 Virginia. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/60514/images/pensionroll1835iii-004356?pId=55417.
4. U.S., Revolutionary War Pensioners, 1801-1815, 1818-1872 . ancestry.com. [Online] T718: 1818 - 1872, 14: Revolutionary War, 1848-1868. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1116/images/T718_14-0264?pId=81003.
5. U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900. ancestry.com. [Online] https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1995/images/MIUSA1775D_135638-00474?pId=69335.
6. U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900. ancestry.com. [Online] https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1995/images/MIUSA1775D_135638-00482?pId=69335.
7. Transcribed by Catherine L. Gauldin, 2026.
8. U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900. ancestry.com. [Online] https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1995/images/MIUSA1775D_135638-00489?pId=69335.
9. U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900. ancestry.com. [Online] Transcription by Catherine L. Gauldin, 2026. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1995/images/MIUSA1775D_135638-00492?pId=69335.
10. U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900. ancestry.com. [Online] https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1995/images/MIUSA1775D_135638-00472?pId=69335.
11. Chancery Suit. [Online] https://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/full_case_detail.asp?CFN=143-1852-0 23#img.
12. Transcribed by Catherine L. Gauldin, 2026. U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900. ancestry.com. [Online] https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1995/images/MIUSA1775D_135638-00479?pId=69335.
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