This one was interesting to me. He was a Navy midshipman and had come to this country after being put onboard a ship at the age of eight as a ship worker. ALL of these pension records tell SUCH interesting stories.
Revolutionary War Pension Records
Page 1: Tecy/Tacey Cooper S12602 Navy (Penn.) Born in Scotland
Tacey Cooper of Caldwell Co in the State of Kentucky who was a midshipman in the vessel commanded by Captain ___ of the ___ commanded by Lieutenant McKane in the Navy for 18 months
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 108 dollars & _?_ cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of March 1833 and sent to Thomas Haynes Princeton KY
Book E vol 7 Page 5
State of Kentucky, Caldwell County:
20 August 1832
Tacey Cooper appeared before John Weeks, Morton A Rucker and Burr Caldwell
Resident of Caldwell County KY
Age 67
Entered service sometime in 1787 as well as he remembers, at Philadelphia, as a navy midshipman on board the American frigate Alliance, “then lying at that place commanded by Commodore Barry – the first Lieutenant was McKane, the other officers names are not now remembered except James McLane(?) also a midshipman.”
Not long after entering this service the Alliance sailed from the port of Philadelphia on a voyage along the American coast to the West Indies – to Jamaica, Barbados, Bermuda and around the Brittish West India islands, and continued cruising in those seas for eighteen months, and till about the time peace was declared. That during this cruise we had several engagements with British vessels and captured two brigs, some schooners and Bregain(?) boats. The Brigs were sent into Philadelphia or New York. That the Alliance was a 44 gun ship – and after crusing eighteen months as before stated she returned to Philadelphia sometime in 1783 and there he (the said Cooper) was discharged shortly afterwards, having served on board the said ship in the capacity of midshipman at least eighteen months. He states that he has no documentary evidence in his possession which would prove his service, nor does he know of any person living who could do it, for after quiting the service, he left Pennsylvania, and has not seen or heard of any with whom he served for many years.
Answers to questions:
1. Born in the county of Annarth(?) or Anni, Parish of Tynon, Scotland, on the 10th of December 1764 and at the age of about eight years was put on board the Brittish ship Three Brothers Gillas Master Carrying 34 guns and went to the East Indies and was gone three years and was then ordered to the American Coast – as a privateer. After arriving on the American coast – she cruised for some time – she anchored at one time near Amboy on Elizabeth River, not far from Burlington and while at anchor I made my escape to the American Army under Wayne (I think) then at Amboy I got first within the picket guard, next within the ground guard at Powel’s or Powler’s hook and was sent up to Burlington with a pass from an American officer and from thence was sent to Philadelphia where I found an Uncle James Cooper father kin with whom I remained until I entered the service as aforesaid.
2. I have no record of my age in this country, but I keep my age by my recollection, as delivered to me by my father and kindred.
3. At the time I entered the service I had no permanent place of residence – I had been staying with my kindred in Philadelphia awhile. After the War I remained with the same kin a short time and again went to sea for several years, after which I moved to the Western Country finally settled in this county where I have lived for the last 29 years.
4. I voluntarily entered the Navy – there was no compulsion.
5. I think no written discharge was ever given me.
6. Neighbors: James C Miller, esqr., John Craig, James Blue, Hon C. Lyon, Gen Wm Washington and others.
Affidavit by Edmund Wilson, a clergyman, William Mercer, James C Miller….
Letter:
Princeton KY Aug 6, 1851
Sir:
At the request of the heirs at law of Tacey Cooper, I write to you to obtain some information in reference to his pension. It appears Mr Tacey Cooper, a midshipman of the Pennsylvania Navy was placed upon the pension roll on the 13th of March 1833 – his pension commenced on the 4th of March 1831 and he received his pension for three years up to the 4th of March 1834. About the lst of May 1834, Mr Tacey Cooper died in the County of Caldwell and State of Kentucky, where he was living at the time he was placed upon the Pension Roll. On the Pension Roll for the State of Kentucky Caldwell County. You will see some of the above facts stated. Now the heirs desire to know whether a portion of his pension – and how much – is not still owing by the Government. Further they wish to know, whether there have been any acts of Congress subsequent to the 4th of March 1831, extending and enlarging his pension, and giving the benefit of it to his heirs at law. If it s not taxing your time too heavily to furnish this information, it would be gratefully received by them. I have not access to the acts of Congress so as to afford me an opportunity of investigating this matter.
Very respectfully, Yr Obt Svt, Livingston Lindsay
Frankfort KY Sept 6 1851
Sir:
Herein I enclose you the pension certificate of Tacy Cooper a midshipman at $108 per annum whereas other midshipman of the Revolution are allowing $144 per annum. Enclosed also is a letter from Alexander Cooper a son of Tacy Cooper. We now claim an allowance for the difference between $108 _?_to allowed and $144 for which mount per annum it should have been allowed in the first instance under the act of Congress 7th Jun 1832. A certificate you will please sign and endorse to me.
I am sir very respectfully yours L HJ Frahn?
H E Heath Esq
Comm of Pensions
June the 30 1851
Sir I have bin disappointed in finding these papers when your agent was here I did expect they could be found with out any difficulty. Your agent Mr Molls(?) requested me to se sum of my neighbors that had claims and write to you. I have seen them but they are afraid to employ you for there has bin sum of them that has employed agents for to collect for them and has never herd of them since so they think they are swindled. Your agent and I M Wells(?) was talking of a claim that I have in Ireland(?). but I can not give you any information about it at this time for I have bin sick for sum time and have not bin able to write for information but I think I wil be able to find out sumthing about it verry soon and then I wil rite to you when you get these papers and can assertain what the chance is of collecting any thing. I would be glad if you would rite to me and let me now what the chance is. Alexander Cooper I live in Caldwell County
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
John Blick of Caldwell County Kentucky
John Blick was a private in the company commanded by Captain Nichols of the regt commanded by Col Jones in the Virginia line for 6 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 20 dollars 11? Cents per annum to commence on the 4th of March 1834.
Certificate of pension issued the 9th day of December 1833.
21 October 1833 in Caldwell County Kentucky Court
John Blick appeared. Resident of Caldwell County Kentucky
Age 71 years.
He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as here in stated; That he resided in the County of Dunwiddie in the state of Virginia at the time he entered the service and continued to reside there until 1830. That he entered the service of the United States as a drafted private of a militia at Petersburgh Virginia early in October 1780 under Captain John Nichols, Leuit. Armstead Goodwin, Col. Joseph Jones of the Dunwiddie county. ?? commanded the regiment and served a tour of duty of three months during the said term he marched to within about 18 miles of Norfolk, where they learned the British had evacuated that place; that they then returned to Petersburgh when he was discharged. That he again entered the service at the same place on or about the 2nd day of January 1781 under Captain Gibbs, Lieutenant Armistead Goodwin and served a tour of three months and was in an engagement with the British at City Point and another on James River at the place now called Fort Powhatan. Col. John Welles commanded the Regiment and General Barron Steuben was commander in chief and was discharged at Jerico Virginia soon after which the enemy took possession of Petersburgh and he remained within the British lines until some time about the last of May or first of June 1781 he again joined the army at Hatchey Run Church in Dunwiddie County Va under Captain Gilliam Boothe, Lieut. Charles Williamson, the regimented officer was Major David Walker and Col. Blount. General Lawson commanded the brigade, and remained in service until after the battle of York Town and the surrender of the British forces to the combined army under General Washington in October 1781. that some time in the latter part of that month he was discharged at york Town, that he received no written discharge and that he has no documentary evidence of his service, and that he knows of no one in the part of the country by whom he can prove his services or any part of them. That he is not ?? acquainted with any regular clergyman, as now resides near him, and his age and infirmities prevent him from going much abroad…..
We Chittenden Lyon residing in the county of Caldwell and Wilie A Jones, residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Blick who had subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 71 years of age, that he is reputed and believed to be a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion…..
A letter dated 10 June 1842 is transferring $20 of unclaimed money for the deceased John Blick…
“has been paid at this Department from the 4th of March to the 8th Sept 1841”…..
[note from Debbie – so that means he must have died before 8 Sept 1841….]
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 20 dollars 11? Cents per annum to commence on the 4th of March 1834.
Certificate of pension issued the 9th day of December 1833.
21 October 1833 in Caldwell County Kentucky Court
John Blick appeared. Resident of Caldwell County Kentucky
Age 71 years.
He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as here in stated; That he resided in the County of Dunwiddie in the state of Virginia at the time he entered the service and continued to reside there until 1830. That he entered the service of the United States as a drafted private of a militia at Petersburgh Virginia early in October 1780 under Captain John Nichols, Leuit. Armstead Goodwin, Col. Joseph Jones of the Dunwiddie county. ?? commanded the regiment and served a tour of duty of three months during the said term he marched to within about 18 miles of Norfolk, where they learned the British had evacuated that place; that they then returned to Petersburgh when he was discharged. That he again entered the service at the same place on or about the 2nd day of January 1781 under Captain Gibbs, Lieutenant Armistead Goodwin and served a tour of three months and was in an engagement with the British at City Point and another on James River at the place now called Fort Powhatan. Col. John Welles commanded the Regiment and General Barron Steuben was commander in chief and was discharged at Jerico Virginia soon after which the enemy took possession of Petersburgh and he remained within the British lines until some time about the last of May or first of June 1781 he again joined the army at Hatchey Run Church in Dunwiddie County Va under Captain Gilliam Boothe, Lieut. Charles Williamson, the regimented officer was Major David Walker and Col. Blount. General Lawson commanded the brigade, and remained in service until after the battle of York Town and the surrender of the British forces to the combined army under General Washington in October 1781. that some time in the latter part of that month he was discharged at york Town, that he received no written discharge and that he has no documentary evidence of his service, and that he knows of no one in the part of the country by whom he can prove his services or any part of them. That he is not ?? acquainted with any regular clergyman, as now resides near him, and his age and infirmities prevent him from going much abroad…..
We Chittenden Lyon residing in the county of Caldwell and Wilie A Jones, residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Blick who had subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 71 years of age, that he is reputed and believed to be a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion…..
A letter dated 10 June 1842 is transferring $20 of unclaimed money for the deceased John Blick…
“has been paid at this Department from the 4th of March to the 8th Sept 1841”…..
[note from Debbie – so that means he must have died before 8 Sept 1841….]
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Lyon County Kentucky Lunatic Inquest Book 1887 - 1910
I received the Lunatic Inquest Book on microfilm last week, and finally got to a microfilm reader today. I found my ancestor James W Towns on a record pretty near the beginning of the tape. The information was interesting, if not really useful. The pages were in "negative" format, so the partiuclar reader I was on made it pretty hard to read. I plan to go back and use the better reader and either enlarge and change to positive, or print it out and bring it home, scan it and manipulate the image in a photo program. I had hoped to be able to extract most of the tape and post it, but that will have to wait until our genealogical society gets their portable reader that makes it easier to create a jpg of a page directly. Here's what I could read:
22 March 1890
James W Towns
[some legal verbage and an indication that he'd been found to be a "lunatic"]
[condition] originates from unknown cause
Born in KY
Resides in Lyon County Kentucky
48 years old
He has a small run of land, too poor to make a living, no other estate of any kind.
Father and mother are both dead and hehas no estate except the little piece of land and a _?_ cheap handcart ....
[some other legal verbage and an indication that they're committing him to the Asylum in Hopkinsville]
Date of first attack: about five years ago [and some other words I couldn't read]
How exhibited p_?_ some time in _?_ then for a time lucid
Has it changed in character at any former period? He imagines his family and friends are trying to poison or kill him. Want to get rid of him.
Subject of its? no
Natural temper: even tempered man when sane
Attempt at Suicide? threatens suicide
Viilence toward others? Has attempted to do injury to his wife and children. Has struck them.
Periodic frenzy? yes
Restraint imposed? Has had to be _?_ restraint to prevent _?_ to himself & others
Treatment used? unknown - refused to take medicine
Bleeding? none
Injury about head? None
[There was an additional statement on item #9 that I could not read.]
That's it. Rather sad I think, knowing that he was in the institution in Hopkinsville Kentucky until his death 20 December 1921.
22 March 1890
James W Towns
[some legal verbage and an indication that he'd been found to be a "lunatic"]
[condition] originates from unknown cause
Born in KY
Resides in Lyon County Kentucky
48 years old
He has a small run of land, too poor to make a living, no other estate of any kind.
Father and mother are both dead and hehas no estate except the little piece of land and a _?_ cheap handcart ....
[some other legal verbage and an indication that they're committing him to the Asylum in Hopkinsville]
Date of first attack: about five years ago [and some other words I couldn't read]
How exhibited p_?_ some time in _?_ then for a time lucid
Has it changed in character at any former period? He imagines his family and friends are trying to poison or kill him. Want to get rid of him.
Subject of its? no
Natural temper: even tempered man when sane
Attempt at Suicide? threatens suicide
Viilence toward others? Has attempted to do injury to his wife and children. Has struck them.
Periodic frenzy? yes
Restraint imposed? Has had to be _?_ restraint to prevent _?_ to himself & others
Treatment used? unknown - refused to take medicine
Bleeding? none
Injury about head? None
[There was an additional statement on item #9 that I could not read.]
That's it. Rather sad I think, knowing that he was in the institution in Hopkinsville Kentucky until his death 20 December 1921.
William Blackburn of Caldwell County Kentucky
Was a sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain Rupell of the regiment commanded by Col Scott in the Virginia line for 19 months.
Died 13 Mar 1841
Pension commenced 4 Mar 1834
Certificate of pension issued 13 Mar 1833
15 October 1832 Caldwell County Kentucky Court in Princeton Kentucky
William Blackburn – a resident of Caldwell County Kentucky
Age 75 years
Enlisted in the army of the United States in 1776 with Captain Andrew Rupell for one year and served in the 5th Regiment of the Virginia State Line under the following officers: The regiment was commanded by Colonel Scott and Major Richard Parker (who was afterwards killed at the siege of Charleston) That his captain was the said Andrew Rupell and the Lieutenants of his company were McElhany and William Lane. This ensign was William Smith and he (this applicant was second sergeant of the company. That at the time he enlisted he resided in the county of Fairfax, state of Virginia, and entered the service in that county. The the place of rendezvous was New gate, now Centreville in Fairfax County, and we marched from there to Dumfries; from thence to Falmath; thence to Fredericksburg; thence to Richmond; thence to Williamsburg, where we were stationed awhile, after which we were marched to old Jamestown and crossed the reiver to a place called Hog’s Island; from thence we were marched to Suffolk Smithfield from thence to Fortsmouth and crossed the river to Norfolk and were stationed there awhile, from thence we proceeded down the bay to watch the motions of the British tories and negroes – after remaining there awhile we were ordered back to Norfolk and to Williamsburg. At this time many of us were sick and we remained here some time – those that were not sick were ordered Northward to join Genl Washington. After serving out the full term of the enlistment he was discharged by his Colonel, but which he has long ago lost. ….. He mentions a Charles L Broadwater living in Fairfax County Virginia “if he is not dead since July last”, who could prove his service. He says Broadwater “went into the Marine service, but we were well acquainted in the same county and I once (in 1826) procured his affidavit to that effect (which is herewith transmitted) with ?? to get a pension under the act of 1818 but afterwards informed by a lawyer in Tennessee (McBurton) that I could not succeed unless I was worth less than a certain sum, which then was not the case, and so the matter lay until now. He further states that agin in the year 1781, he was still living in the same County of Fairfax and started out to ?? the Western? Country and after arriving in Pittspurgh he volunteered and was appointed a sergeant under Captain Bruce to guard the public stores from Pittsburgh to the falls of the Ohio. That a part or nearly all of Col Crockett’s regiment was in this expedition. That he was commanded by Cols Jachariah Morgan and Genl Clark. That he volunteered for two months, but when this time was out the exposed condition of the stores required the further aid of the Corps to which he belonged to assist in guarding them; and he with others volunteered to remain until they could be spared with safety to the public stores, and he remained in this service for five months longer, making in all seven months as a volunteer and twelve months as a regular……
Additional answers to questions:
Born in Fairfax County Virginia 12 Feb 1757
Record of birth had been in a bible in his native county, but when he was last there, he couldn’t find it.
Lived in Fairfax County when he enlisted. Since then, has lived in North Carolina “a good many years in Wilkes County and in Tennessee several years and I now live with my children in Caldwell County Kentucky & have for the last four [few?] years.
He restates his military service and officers with whom he served.
Died 13 Mar 1841
Pension commenced 4 Mar 1834
Certificate of pension issued 13 Mar 1833
15 October 1832 Caldwell County Kentucky Court in Princeton Kentucky
William Blackburn – a resident of Caldwell County Kentucky
Age 75 years
Enlisted in the army of the United States in 1776 with Captain Andrew Rupell for one year and served in the 5th Regiment of the Virginia State Line under the following officers: The regiment was commanded by Colonel Scott and Major Richard Parker (who was afterwards killed at the siege of Charleston) That his captain was the said Andrew Rupell and the Lieutenants of his company were McElhany and William Lane. This ensign was William Smith and he (this applicant was second sergeant of the company. That at the time he enlisted he resided in the county of Fairfax, state of Virginia, and entered the service in that county. The the place of rendezvous was New gate, now Centreville in Fairfax County, and we marched from there to Dumfries; from thence to Falmath; thence to Fredericksburg; thence to Richmond; thence to Williamsburg, where we were stationed awhile, after which we were marched to old Jamestown and crossed the reiver to a place called Hog’s Island; from thence we were marched to Suffolk Smithfield from thence to Fortsmouth and crossed the river to Norfolk and were stationed there awhile, from thence we proceeded down the bay to watch the motions of the British tories and negroes – after remaining there awhile we were ordered back to Norfolk and to Williamsburg. At this time many of us were sick and we remained here some time – those that were not sick were ordered Northward to join Genl Washington. After serving out the full term of the enlistment he was discharged by his Colonel, but which he has long ago lost. ….. He mentions a Charles L Broadwater living in Fairfax County Virginia “if he is not dead since July last”, who could prove his service. He says Broadwater “went into the Marine service, but we were well acquainted in the same county and I once (in 1826) procured his affidavit to that effect (which is herewith transmitted) with ?? to get a pension under the act of 1818 but afterwards informed by a lawyer in Tennessee (McBurton) that I could not succeed unless I was worth less than a certain sum, which then was not the case, and so the matter lay until now. He further states that agin in the year 1781, he was still living in the same County of Fairfax and started out to ?? the Western? Country and after arriving in Pittspurgh he volunteered and was appointed a sergeant under Captain Bruce to guard the public stores from Pittsburgh to the falls of the Ohio. That a part or nearly all of Col Crockett’s regiment was in this expedition. That he was commanded by Cols Jachariah Morgan and Genl Clark. That he volunteered for two months, but when this time was out the exposed condition of the stores required the further aid of the Corps to which he belonged to assist in guarding them; and he with others volunteered to remain until they could be spared with safety to the public stores, and he remained in this service for five months longer, making in all seven months as a volunteer and twelve months as a regular……
Additional answers to questions:
Born in Fairfax County Virginia 12 Feb 1757
Record of birth had been in a bible in his native county, but when he was last there, he couldn’t find it.
Lived in Fairfax County when he enlisted. Since then, has lived in North Carolina “a good many years in Wilkes County and in Tennessee several years and I now live with my children in Caldwell County Kentucky & have for the last four [few?] years.
He restates his military service and officers with whom he served.
Friday, March 28, 2008
William Gholson of Caldwell County Kentucky
Revolutionary War Pension Application
Was a sergeant in the regiment commanded by Capt Spotswood of the 10th Regt Virginia Line for the term of 3 years.
Rec’d $8/month
Certificate of Pension issued 10th of Sept 1819
[There were TWO William Gholson’s receiving Revolutionary War Pensions for service in Virginia. The other William Gholson was living in Greenup County Kentucky. The Greenup County William Gholson died 14 Sep 1843. He left no widow; and three children – James H of Lawrence County, OH, Elizabeth Rigg and Cynthia of Greenup County Kentucky]
Died 2 January 1837
Order to pay to J Fickling March 1838
File mentions a son and a daughter.
25 May 1818, Caldwell County Kentucky Court
William Gholson an indigent Revolutionary Soldier of the old continental army personally appeared.
Testified that in January 1777 he enlisted in Capt John Spotswood’s company tenth Virginia Regiment of continental troops for three years and that he continued with the army until Charleston fell into the hands of the British and that he made his escape from the enemy the 14th day of June 1780 when he returned home having duly served the time of his enlistment. He further swears that from his reduced circumstances he needs the assistance of his country for support.
26 July 1819 Caldwell County Court in Princeton Kentucky
Claim was resubmitted. Originally did not state place of residence.
24 July 1820 Caldwell County Court
William Gholson age 62
Resident of Caldwell County Kentucky
Enlisted January 1777
Served in Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Edward Stevens in Capt John Spotswood’s Company
Pension certificate number 14592
He states he has “no property of any description whatever except the sum of about $30 which is due me from T C Gholson. My occupation at present is that of teaching a small country school, and am not able to labor for a living which is the reason of my engaging in my present occupation. I have one son named Richard D Gholson aged about sixteen years who is unable to render me any great service in procuring subsistence.”
Was a sergeant in the regiment commanded by Capt Spotswood of the 10th Regt Virginia Line for the term of 3 years.
Rec’d $8/month
Certificate of Pension issued 10th of Sept 1819
[There were TWO William Gholson’s receiving Revolutionary War Pensions for service in Virginia. The other William Gholson was living in Greenup County Kentucky. The Greenup County William Gholson died 14 Sep 1843. He left no widow; and three children – James H of Lawrence County, OH, Elizabeth Rigg and Cynthia of Greenup County Kentucky]
Died 2 January 1837
Order to pay to J Fickling March 1838
File mentions a son and a daughter.
25 May 1818, Caldwell County Kentucky Court
William Gholson an indigent Revolutionary Soldier of the old continental army personally appeared.
Testified that in January 1777 he enlisted in Capt John Spotswood’s company tenth Virginia Regiment of continental troops for three years and that he continued with the army until Charleston fell into the hands of the British and that he made his escape from the enemy the 14th day of June 1780 when he returned home having duly served the time of his enlistment. He further swears that from his reduced circumstances he needs the assistance of his country for support.
26 July 1819 Caldwell County Court in Princeton Kentucky
Claim was resubmitted. Originally did not state place of residence.
24 July 1820 Caldwell County Court
William Gholson age 62
Resident of Caldwell County Kentucky
Enlisted January 1777
Served in Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Edward Stevens in Capt John Spotswood’s Company
Pension certificate number 14592
He states he has “no property of any description whatever except the sum of about $30 which is due me from T C Gholson. My occupation at present is that of teaching a small country school, and am not able to labor for a living which is the reason of my engaging in my present occupation. I have one son named Richard D Gholson aged about sixteen years who is unable to render me any great service in procuring subsistence.”
Thursday, March 27, 2008
William Ford of Caldwell County Kentucky
Revolutionary War Pension Record
William Ford of Maryland
Caldwell County Kentucky
State of Kentucky, Caldwell county
On this 20th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before James C Weller, M A Rucker and Sam’l M Asher justices of the county court of Caldwell County and State aforesaid, nowsitting William Ford resident of the said county and state aged sixty nine years who being first duly sworn doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated towit: That he entered the service in the County of Montgomery, State of Maryland in the year 1787, in a volunteer company for nine months, raised for the purpose of guarding the state – that this was the case thru all the state and he supposes by our act of the congress or of the Legislature as these troops drew United States arms and were furnished by the General government – that he was under the Command of Captain John Nichols and Lt Tho Nichols and belonged to Regt commanded by Col. Dickens and Major Bailey. That after these troops were missed, for near a month, they were drilled by regular officers at least the company to which he belonged was taught the discipline by one Captain Jones or he thinks. That they were then ordered toward the head of Elk? To oppose the landing of the British whose fleet was then in the Chesapeak but for some reason their fleet returned immediately and we marched toward Annapolis expecting the enemy to land there; but before we reached Annapolis our orders were countermanded and we marched to Bladenburg and from there to Georgetown where a general rendezvous of the troops was ordered and at this place we lay near two months. That while we remained at this place many troops passed on their way to the siege of York and he believes Lafayette was along – that he volunteered to go to this siege, but was ordered to return when he had arrived near the Red (?) house, on the siege was over & Cornwallis taken. That his company was then ordered to Lusburg to take charge of some of the prisoners taken at York, and march them to Frederick Town Maryland and to Fort Frederick, which was done and there guarded by these troops and in which service he remained until the expiration of his tour of service and was discharged. That the volunteer troops to which he belonged were called minute men and select corps – that he was an apprentice to one Anderson when he first entered the service and on his return home this Anderson (John) had been drafted for two months to guard the same prisoners and he to pacify his master for volunteering on before stated took his place and entered the service again, as his substitute and served on this tour under Captain Hillery and Major Bailey thus having served twn months in the Revolution. In answer to the several interrogatories directed by the war department he answered that he was born in Montgomery County Maryland on the 5th March 1760 – that he has a recod of his age now at home, taken from his fathers register – that in his first service he ev?? Volunteered and the second a substitute for one John Anderson – that he was acquainted while in service with many continental officers, with Major Cotes Jones aid to Gen’l Smallwood commander of the Maryland line also Richard Anderson a captain in the regular army and also Capt Tho Bell among others – that he received a regular discharge from the service and thought that he had it amongst his old paper, but on a search made a few days ago he could not find it, yet he thinks it is somewhere amongst his old papers – he’s certain he brought it to this country and ever always careful to preserve it – that in his present neighborhood he is known to the Hon. C. Lyon to Benjamin W Flint, Andrew Hughes, Thomas Jackson and many other citizens all of whom could testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his having been a soldier of the revolution. That he served with Tho H Flint sergeant of the company, Nathaniel Offitt(?) another sergeant and Hezekiah Jones, Charles Tracey & Alex Adams of Capt Oatman’s Company all of whom could prove his service of living, the latter died in Logan county KY only a few months ago – that Captain Nichols lived in Fayette County Kentucky within a few years back and he has no means of procuring his evidence even if he be living ?? he has been told he died about a year ago nor does he know of any living whose evidence he could procure. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension role of the agency of any state.
[signed] William Ford
Mr John Barnett a clergyman and Edmond Wilcox, Hugh McVay and Thomas Johnson residing in the County of Caldwell State aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Ford who has sworn to & subscribed the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be sixty nine 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…..
[in a letter from a genealogist, the archives administrator wrote in pencil on the letter: date of death was written as 11 Aug 1845, but last payment was 4 Sept 1835….]
William Ford of Maryland
Caldwell County Kentucky
State of Kentucky, Caldwell county
On this 20th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before James C Weller, M A Rucker and Sam’l M Asher justices of the county court of Caldwell County and State aforesaid, nowsitting William Ford resident of the said county and state aged sixty nine years who being first duly sworn doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated towit: That he entered the service in the County of Montgomery, State of Maryland in the year 1787, in a volunteer company for nine months, raised for the purpose of guarding the state – that this was the case thru all the state and he supposes by our act of the congress or of the Legislature as these troops drew United States arms and were furnished by the General government – that he was under the Command of Captain John Nichols and Lt Tho Nichols and belonged to Regt commanded by Col. Dickens and Major Bailey. That after these troops were missed, for near a month, they were drilled by regular officers at least the company to which he belonged was taught the discipline by one Captain Jones or he thinks. That they were then ordered toward the head of Elk? To oppose the landing of the British whose fleet was then in the Chesapeak but for some reason their fleet returned immediately and we marched toward Annapolis expecting the enemy to land there; but before we reached Annapolis our orders were countermanded and we marched to Bladenburg and from there to Georgetown where a general rendezvous of the troops was ordered and at this place we lay near two months. That while we remained at this place many troops passed on their way to the siege of York and he believes Lafayette was along – that he volunteered to go to this siege, but was ordered to return when he had arrived near the Red (?) house, on the siege was over & Cornwallis taken. That his company was then ordered to Lusburg to take charge of some of the prisoners taken at York, and march them to Frederick Town Maryland and to Fort Frederick, which was done and there guarded by these troops and in which service he remained until the expiration of his tour of service and was discharged. That the volunteer troops to which he belonged were called minute men and select corps – that he was an apprentice to one Anderson when he first entered the service and on his return home this Anderson (John) had been drafted for two months to guard the same prisoners and he to pacify his master for volunteering on before stated took his place and entered the service again, as his substitute and served on this tour under Captain Hillery and Major Bailey thus having served twn months in the Revolution. In answer to the several interrogatories directed by the war department he answered that he was born in Montgomery County Maryland on the 5th March 1760 – that he has a recod of his age now at home, taken from his fathers register – that in his first service he ev?? Volunteered and the second a substitute for one John Anderson – that he was acquainted while in service with many continental officers, with Major Cotes Jones aid to Gen’l Smallwood commander of the Maryland line also Richard Anderson a captain in the regular army and also Capt Tho Bell among others – that he received a regular discharge from the service and thought that he had it amongst his old paper, but on a search made a few days ago he could not find it, yet he thinks it is somewhere amongst his old papers – he’s certain he brought it to this country and ever always careful to preserve it – that in his present neighborhood he is known to the Hon. C. Lyon to Benjamin W Flint, Andrew Hughes, Thomas Jackson and many other citizens all of whom could testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his having been a soldier of the revolution. That he served with Tho H Flint sergeant of the company, Nathaniel Offitt(?) another sergeant and Hezekiah Jones, Charles Tracey & Alex Adams of Capt Oatman’s Company all of whom could prove his service of living, the latter died in Logan county KY only a few months ago – that Captain Nichols lived in Fayette County Kentucky within a few years back and he has no means of procuring his evidence even if he be living ?? he has been told he died about a year ago nor does he know of any living whose evidence he could procure. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension role of the agency of any state.
[signed] William Ford
Mr John Barnett a clergyman and Edmond Wilcox, Hugh McVay and Thomas Johnson residing in the County of Caldwell State aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Ford who has sworn to & subscribed the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be sixty nine 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…..
[in a letter from a genealogist, the archives administrator wrote in pencil on the letter: date of death was written as 11 Aug 1845, but last payment was 4 Sept 1835….]
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Solomon Freer of Caldwell County Kentucky
I started typing this one and his story just went on and on and on and on..... BUT what an interesting story he told.
Solomon Freer of Caldwell County Kentucky
Notes on pg 1 – cover page of Revolutionary War Pension file:
Born on St John Island
Wife: Elizabeth
Number W.8826
BL Wt.31.426-160-55
Solomon Freer of Caldwell County Kentucky was a ?? in the company commanded by Captain Youngblood in the South Carolina line for 3 years ..? of Cavalry
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 100 Dollars per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of August 1833.
Elizabeth Freer widow of Solomon who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Dragon.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of June 1849 and sent to J H Rhorer, Louisville, KY
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 233 Vol 3.
Elizabeth Freer widow of Solomon Freer Priv. Capt Lamberts
Marcus M Tyler,Eddyville, KY
[bible or journal pages]
James Freer was born ..
James L? Freer was born October 24
Pamelia Williams was born February 16, 1797
William Freer and Pamelia Williams was married Aprill [sic] 31 [sic], 1816
Lewis W Holmes was born Febr 14, 1793?
Mary Thompson Holmes his wife was born October the ?? day 1793
Daniel Freer born January 19 ???
Lewis H ?? Mary was married March the 24 day 1814??
Darkes McDonnel
Freer departed this life Nov 4? 1814 aged two years
1766??
January 25, 1769??
[unreadable…] Elizabeth Thompson [unreadable….] 63 years [unreadable]
20 May 1833 Caldwell County Kentucky Court
Appearing before: Wm Lander, John W Marshall, M Lyon, Jas A Cartwright, Stephen Groves
Was: Solomon Freer, resident of Caldwell County KY, aged sixty nine years.
Entered service as follows: Volunteered February 1781 as a private and joined a company of light horses under the command of Captain Peter Youngblood and Lieutenant Isaac Youngblood then stationed at the Round O Parish near Jackson Ford on North Edislo? River in the State of South Carolina; which company consisted generally of 174 men and was under the command of Gen. Marion and was a volunteer company of light horses. I entered this service for no definite time but circumstances had rendered it necessary for me to leave my father’s house (in St John’s Island near Charleston) and although then quite young it was by his advice and consent had entered the service and with his aid I was enabled to equip myself for the service. I will mention some of the circumstances, alluded to: I had an uncle, who was a Captain in the Brittish [sic] service at the time, stationed on the Island and my father was consumed?/confused? By indesperation? And had been for a long time. My uncle had made many attempts to persuade him to join the Royal cause but he constantly refused. Though he was not able himself to enter the service of his country he was anxious for its success. Finally he was told that if he held out beyond a given time he would be killed, and his property taken. My father had but little ?? for himself, but feared that I might be prevailed on join the enemy, or forced to enter their service as I was then young, and even if the enemy spared him his disease would soon carry him off, and I would be left my own counseller [sic]. Under then circumstances it was concluded between us that I should immediately enter into the service of my country and accordingly he fitted me out and I proceeded to join Captain Youngblood as before stated. It may not be out place to mention, that the enemy fulfilled his threats against my father and he was murdered by them in a few days after my departure, and all his property destroyed except a negro man who accompanied me to where I joined the service and a little girl who escaped by some means or other. Froom the circumstance of my father’s death and my recollection that when I departed from home it was the commencement of ?? for planting has brought to my mind the month in which I entered the service. Shortly after entering the service, an American vessel called Rattle Snake, loaded with ammunition and stores for the American army come up Stone river and grounded at Stone Ferry. The Brittish [sic] being then on the Island attempted to board her and to prevent this Marion ordered a redout? To be raised, but those on board finding it impossible to defend the vessel, put a slow match to the magazine and escaped to the opposite shore. A part of the enemy soon entered and were destroyed for the vessel directly blew up. Before the explosion an engagement was kept up across the river, but the number killed is not now remembered by me. The explosion caused the enemy to retreat to the Island. Major Latson commanded us on this occasion or the superior officer. Marion being at the Horse Shue? Higher up the country; but the whole was by his orders. Sometime after this transaction, the Brittish General Patterson (as well as I remember his name) attempted to march his forces from Savannah to Charleston and Marion getting intelligence of the movement, detached about 300 men under the same Maj. Latson to intercept him at Salt Kitchen? River. The company to which I belonged was a part of this detachment. The expedition was most skillfully planned but its execution was most shameful: The enemy lay on the opposite side of the river, the owner of the ferry was a tory named Patterson and had buried a barrel of rum in the road for his friend the Brittish General, on the American side . A negro man belonging to the tory, being perhaps a better friend to us than his master gave notice that rum was deposited in the road and pointed it out. The soldiers drank without restraint, and became quite ungoremable?; in this situation the enemy came upon us suddenly with drawn swords and bayonets and charged before a line could be formed. The confusion was increased by the counter orders of the officers. – The major ordered a retreat, while the captains ordered a line to be formed. Our loss was 29 killed and a good many wounded. The detachment dispersed and collected again as soon as possible at the horse-shoe where Marion was encamped. Here we remained some time watching the enemy’s movements with a hope to gain some advantage and retrieve? Our recent losses and – discrace at Salt Kitchen River.
It was not long before the enemy recommenced their march and Marion now determined upon his measures(?). By a swift and secret march he reached North Ederto? Swamp near Parker’s ferry through which the enemy had to pass. Here he formed an ambush and placed his men in order of battle, and gave strict orders of secrecy and as soon as the enemy approached the left were ordered to fire first and then the right after which the left should fall back and form a line below the right and continue the fire – the horse (my company) were ordered to charge back and forward as ??sioned required. Thus was this battle planed [sic] and it was punctually obeyed. The enemy’s loss was considerable – ours very trifling. From the situation of the ground Patterson could not form before passing through the swamp. On reaching the other side he formed in line of battle, but Marion chose to keephis position with the advantage he had gained after this engagement, Youngbloods light horse were detached in search of one McGirt a celebrated tory who had done much injury down towards Georgia, but we could never take him as he was uncommonly active and vigilant. Every possible exertion was used to su?? his ??ges and to take him, but all that could be done was to check? Him. While detached from the main force under Marion we received intelligence of a body of Tories under one Clayton collected at a house not far distant from where we then were. This Clayton had been raised from a boy by my captain Youngblood as soon as arrived at age he joined the Tories and became one of the most cruel and unrelenting scurges? Ever known. It was the anxious wish of the captain to take him alive if possible. Now was thought a good opportunity to accomplish the object. Accordingly our company was divided into three divisions, which were ordered approach at the same time and surround the house. These orders were strictly executed and we came upon the tories before they had any knowledge of our approach. A charge was ordered and the tories instantly fled with precipitation, leaving 9 dead on the ground. Clayton was not killed in the charge, but fled with the rest. He was on a fine nag, got from the Brittish [sic] at Savannah as was said, and we scarely [sic] hoped to overtake him, but Lt Youngblood ?? ?? being on the fleetest horse in the company, pursued him until fortune came to rec??d, and we came up to him. He had stuck fast in a moras froom which he could not extricate himself. We now awaited until the captain came up, who accosted him, but Clayton remained stubbornly silent, nor could be be induced to speak a word, but desperation and defiance seemed dep??ed in his countenance. While in this situation he began to load his gun and the Capt told him not do so. ?? he should be obliged to order his mean to fire on him, but this made no impression on him and the capt ordered a fire upon which Clayton fell back and seemed expiring; one of the soldiers approached to drag him from the mud and in the last agonies of death, Clayton raised his sword and slightly wounded the soldier. I mention this move particularly, because it made a lasting impression on my mind. I witnessed many affecting scenes in my service, but this was more dreadful than them all. During the year 1782 it was generally a partisan warfare in the South and particularly so with us and then under Gen Marion for after the fall of Cornwallis at York in October 1781, the Brittish began gradually to draw in their posts and concentrate at Charleston, which they finally evacuated in December 1782as well as I remember. Though during the most part of 1782 no very active operations were carried on between the Brittish and American armies yet the Tories kept up during all that year a constant and virulent hostility; and it was principally against them that our services were required and during this year we were employed almost entirely against them, ranging from one fron to another over almost the whole state. It would be impossible to relate all the car?? ?? that happened – the various skirmishes we had and to describe particularly the country through we marched for sometimes we had to march with great haste through the whole night. In the month of March 1782, while at the round? O? Marion ordered Capt Youngblood with his light horse to proceed high up the Big Peedee where nearly all were tories, and order the wives of the Tories to leave that country and go to their husbands who were then embodied near Charleston by the 1st of June following the reason of this order was that these women were constantly engaged in driving stock to the Brittish army in Charleston and the pratice could not be allowed. We executed these orders but they were not strictly obeyed for after the first of June some still remained and Marion again ordered our company to return and destroy what grain could be found and to do whatever was necessary to force them away and to quit supplying the enemy. These orders likewise executed and this put a stop to them. As soon as we returned to Marion (then near athe High Hills of Saules, he gave us orders to pursue a party of tories under one of the McGirts who had in our absence slipped into the settlements and killed an old gentleman named Sheesboro, whose son belonged to my company; and had committed other depredations. Altho our horses were fatigued yet we immediately commenced the pursuit and on the second day stopped to forage for a few minutes; In a long burch knowl while here a party of Brittish dragoon came in sight and formed in about 150 yards of us. These dragoons were a detachment from Tarltons legion and were in pursuit of us having learned our object from the tories. We mounted as soon as possible and formed and met the enemy charge, but in wheeling our lines were broken and we were obliged to fly. This conflict was near the Savannah river and near the three runs of Savannah Swamp. In escaping I was pursued (with my lieutenant) by several dragoons a considerable distance and I should have been killed, if my Lt had not saved me by shooting over his shoulder and killed the dragoon who was there almost in striking distance. We instantly reined up and turned against two who were pursuing us. They saw the Draggoon fall and turned & fled themselves. I caught the horse of the dragoon killed, which was the only compensation I ever received for my services; and I would not perhaps have got him but that my own was too much even for service. This was sometime between the middle and last of June of the year . Marion had now again moved towards the Round? O – we returned first to the Horse Shoe for the purpose of protecting that neighborhood if necessary, it being a good settlement of whigs. We found all quiet there and we proceeded to join Marion at the Round? O. In a day or two after joining him we were again attached down to what was called Wappoo Cut or Wappoo neck between Edisto and Ashley Rivers to watch the movement of the Brittish then on James Island (or apart of ??) and to bring him intelligence. We proceeded on this errand and lay about for several days – finally we discovered an intention in the Brittish to quit the Island – this we reported to Marion as quick as possible who ordered us to rel?? again as quick as we could and be more certain of the enemy’s movements. When we got back, they had quit the Island and gone over into Charleston, but had kept a number of horse, on a neck of land. A part of these horses we succeeded in bringing off to the number of 40. A man named Sterling who lived in the Island gave us information of these horses. We returned with our spoils to Marion who now lay on Goose Creek in St John’s Parish. My recollection is that the Brittish left James Island in July or August. On our return to Marion Capt Youngblood became a little in?? and Lt Youngblood was ordered by Marion to select 8 men out of his company and proceed towards Bacon’s bridge and Dorchester bridge to make discoveries and gain such information as he was able as to the movements of the enemy in that direction as they still kept some posts there. Accordingly the Lt selected his men (myself being one) and as the danger was great it was thought most safe to disguise ourselves, which we did, and proceeded towards Charleston. We passed Bacon’s bridge and Dorchester by pretending to give information to the guards. After passing these two places so easily we formed the bold and foolish design to go into the city, and do some bold fete and make our escape. After proceeding some distance we met 3 draggoons whom we accused of being deserters from the Brittish and we tied them in the woods fast to saplings in the woods and proceeded on our way until within about 3 miles of the town where we met a lady in a carriage, from whom we searned sufficient to deter us from proceeding from there. We turned and made our way back and was pursued but made our escape by entering a??? near Bacon Bridge. The lady alluded to was named Toms, whom I have often seen since. She lived then in the city. On our return Marion reprimanded us for this act of temerity and I confessed very justly. What became of the three dragoons tied by us I know not nor how long they remained tied. Captain Youngblood was now recovered so far as to take the command of his company and he was ordered to a? take a circuit by monk corner and around by the Round O and Horse shoe to see if any tories were in that quarter. We took the m?? as prescribed but found no enemy. However in a day or two after returning to camp intelligence reached us that a party of Tories under one Sanders was on the Horse Shoe plundering the inhabitants. We were ordered to instantly pursue this party, which we did across Soutee around thehead of Black River and on Lynch’s Creek we came up with them at a house where they were cooking. Orders were given to charge although through a wide plantation as there was no way to approach nearer without being discovered. We got within about 200 yards of them before they discovered us. They had just time to mount and fire (at about 150 yards) before we were upon them. Nine fell on the ground. The rest fled into the woods and scattered so we could pursue them but a short distance. The plunder they had taken was recovered and restored to the owners, consisting of horses, clothing. This was in the month of August 1782 and was the last considerable circumstance of my service. On our return to Marion near to Dorchester whether he had moved from Goose Creek in the mean time and where he remained a short time and then moved to Ashley ferry on Ashley river ten miles from Charleston and remained there and near there until the Brittish evacuated Charleston in December following. His plantation lay on Goose creek, which he visited a few times. From the time of our last expedition in pursuit of Sanders our company of light horse was dispatched to various sections to keep the tories down and protect the inhabitants. At the time of the evacuation of Charleston Capt Youngblood’s company was on Lynch’s Creek for there we heard the intelligence and whether we had goine in search of Tories. From this place we retnred towards Charleston, but hearing as the way of a party of Tories under McGirt near to Georgetown we went in pursuit of them but on our arrival they had left some days before and we therefore stopped the pursuit. From Georgetown we returned a part of the way to the Horseshoe, and word was brought us that a party of Tories had been in the head waters of Black Rivera and killed a man named Womack and wounded one Reardon and had done much damage. We turned immediately against this party and pursued them several days to the upper parts of North Carolina to a place called the White Marsh but we could not overtake them. In this expedition we recovered three negroes belonging to one Dunn, taken some time previous by the tories which were testored to the owner who was also a tory as we afterwards learned. This was in the latter part of March 1783. On our return to the Horse Shoe we learned that the soldier of the American army were discharged and there Captain Youngblood also discharged us, which was in the month of April 1783. During the time of my service our armory was kept at Jacksonboro, and there we got our swords, pistols (etc). This is a history of my service as faithfully as my memory will serve me to give it. From the time I entered the service in February 1781 to April 1783 I was never one day out of it. My father had been killed – my mother having been some years dead, having no brothers or sisters, nor any near kindred, except a traitor uncle,and two & they who were strangers to me, I had little to induce me to quit the service; for in the service I found friends – out of it I know of none. After the War I traded a while in the upper part of the state and then returned to where I was raised ours? done? Himself on a farm for several years, and married and moved to Kentucky where I have lived about 23 years.
I received a written discharge from Capt Youngblood but it has long ago been lost. I declare I have no documentary evidence in my possession which would prove my service, nor do I know of any person now living by whom I could prove it. I served with many whose names I can mention, but whether any of them are living I do notknow, for I have not heard from any of them since I left that country. James Canyon, Charles Hardin, Wm Hardin, Saml Slee, Wm Slee, Lewis Box and Robert Sallet belonged to my company and could prove my service if living. The last one of these I even saw was Canyon wh lived on the Horseshoe who I saw in Charleston about four years before I left that country. I have no means of ascertaining whether any of them are now living. My captains and Lieutenant both died before I left that country. ….
Answers to questions:
Born on St Johns Island about twenty miles from Charleston on the 19th day of September 1764
Has family bible which shows his birth.
Declaration of Elizabeth Freer aged 85 a resident of Lyon County Kentucky who has never received a land warrant made before Henry Mayer Justice of the Peace in and for Lyon County Kentucky…. She’s the widow of Solomon Freer deceased who was a Dragoon in Capt Lambert’s company of Dragoons… 6 July 1837
Marcus M Tyler aged 40 years a resident of Lyon County and Charles W Freer aged 28 a resident of Lyon County certified the signature of Elizabeth Freer.
Solomon died in Caldwell County Kentucky 8 years ago. Signed 25 July 1855
Solomon died in July 1846. Had a large family of children.
Married 1785
Michael W Freeman made a statement that he became acquainted with Elizabeth Freer in 1807. and that they were then moving from South Carolina.
James Freer presented the family bible of his father Solomon Freer. James is now 52 years old.
160 acres
Solomon Freer of Caldwell County Kentucky
Notes on pg 1 – cover page of Revolutionary War Pension file:
Born on St John Island
Wife: Elizabeth
Number W.8826
BL Wt.31.426-160-55
Solomon Freer of Caldwell County Kentucky was a ?? in the company commanded by Captain Youngblood in the South Carolina line for 3 years ..? of Cavalry
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 100 Dollars per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of August 1833.
Elizabeth Freer widow of Solomon who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Dragon.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of June 1849 and sent to J H Rhorer, Louisville, KY
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 233 Vol 3.
Elizabeth Freer widow of Solomon Freer Priv. Capt Lamberts
Marcus M Tyler,Eddyville, KY
[bible or journal pages]
James Freer was born ..
James L? Freer was born October 24
Pamelia Williams was born February 16, 1797
William Freer and Pamelia Williams was married Aprill [sic] 31 [sic], 1816
Lewis W Holmes was born Febr 14, 1793?
Mary Thompson Holmes his wife was born October the ?? day 1793
Daniel Freer born January 19 ???
Lewis H ?? Mary was married March the 24 day 1814??
Darkes McDonnel
Freer departed this life Nov 4? 1814 aged two years
1766??
January 25, 1769??
[unreadable…] Elizabeth Thompson [unreadable….] 63 years [unreadable]
20 May 1833 Caldwell County Kentucky Court
Appearing before: Wm Lander, John W Marshall, M Lyon, Jas A Cartwright, Stephen Groves
Was: Solomon Freer, resident of Caldwell County KY, aged sixty nine years.
Entered service as follows: Volunteered February 1781 as a private and joined a company of light horses under the command of Captain Peter Youngblood and Lieutenant Isaac Youngblood then stationed at the Round O Parish near Jackson Ford on North Edislo? River in the State of South Carolina; which company consisted generally of 174 men and was under the command of Gen. Marion and was a volunteer company of light horses. I entered this service for no definite time but circumstances had rendered it necessary for me to leave my father’s house (in St John’s Island near Charleston) and although then quite young it was by his advice and consent had entered the service and with his aid I was enabled to equip myself for the service. I will mention some of the circumstances, alluded to: I had an uncle, who was a Captain in the Brittish [sic] service at the time, stationed on the Island and my father was consumed?/confused? By indesperation? And had been for a long time. My uncle had made many attempts to persuade him to join the Royal cause but he constantly refused. Though he was not able himself to enter the service of his country he was anxious for its success. Finally he was told that if he held out beyond a given time he would be killed, and his property taken. My father had but little ?? for himself, but feared that I might be prevailed on join the enemy, or forced to enter their service as I was then young, and even if the enemy spared him his disease would soon carry him off, and I would be left my own counseller [sic]. Under then circumstances it was concluded between us that I should immediately enter into the service of my country and accordingly he fitted me out and I proceeded to join Captain Youngblood as before stated. It may not be out place to mention, that the enemy fulfilled his threats against my father and he was murdered by them in a few days after my departure, and all his property destroyed except a negro man who accompanied me to where I joined the service and a little girl who escaped by some means or other. Froom the circumstance of my father’s death and my recollection that when I departed from home it was the commencement of ?? for planting has brought to my mind the month in which I entered the service. Shortly after entering the service, an American vessel called Rattle Snake, loaded with ammunition and stores for the American army come up Stone river and grounded at Stone Ferry. The Brittish [sic] being then on the Island attempted to board her and to prevent this Marion ordered a redout? To be raised, but those on board finding it impossible to defend the vessel, put a slow match to the magazine and escaped to the opposite shore. A part of the enemy soon entered and were destroyed for the vessel directly blew up. Before the explosion an engagement was kept up across the river, but the number killed is not now remembered by me. The explosion caused the enemy to retreat to the Island. Major Latson commanded us on this occasion or the superior officer. Marion being at the Horse Shue? Higher up the country; but the whole was by his orders. Sometime after this transaction, the Brittish General Patterson (as well as I remember his name) attempted to march his forces from Savannah to Charleston and Marion getting intelligence of the movement, detached about 300 men under the same Maj. Latson to intercept him at Salt Kitchen? River. The company to which I belonged was a part of this detachment. The expedition was most skillfully planned but its execution was most shameful: The enemy lay on the opposite side of the river, the owner of the ferry was a tory named Patterson and had buried a barrel of rum in the road for his friend the Brittish General, on the American side . A negro man belonging to the tory, being perhaps a better friend to us than his master gave notice that rum was deposited in the road and pointed it out. The soldiers drank without restraint, and became quite ungoremable?; in this situation the enemy came upon us suddenly with drawn swords and bayonets and charged before a line could be formed. The confusion was increased by the counter orders of the officers. – The major ordered a retreat, while the captains ordered a line to be formed. Our loss was 29 killed and a good many wounded. The detachment dispersed and collected again as soon as possible at the horse-shoe where Marion was encamped. Here we remained some time watching the enemy’s movements with a hope to gain some advantage and retrieve? Our recent losses and – discrace at Salt Kitchen River.
It was not long before the enemy recommenced their march and Marion now determined upon his measures(?). By a swift and secret march he reached North Ederto? Swamp near Parker’s ferry through which the enemy had to pass. Here he formed an ambush and placed his men in order of battle, and gave strict orders of secrecy and as soon as the enemy approached the left were ordered to fire first and then the right after which the left should fall back and form a line below the right and continue the fire – the horse (my company) were ordered to charge back and forward as ??sioned required. Thus was this battle planed [sic] and it was punctually obeyed. The enemy’s loss was considerable – ours very trifling. From the situation of the ground Patterson could not form before passing through the swamp. On reaching the other side he formed in line of battle, but Marion chose to keephis position with the advantage he had gained after this engagement, Youngbloods light horse were detached in search of one McGirt a celebrated tory who had done much injury down towards Georgia, but we could never take him as he was uncommonly active and vigilant. Every possible exertion was used to su?? his ??ges and to take him, but all that could be done was to check? Him. While detached from the main force under Marion we received intelligence of a body of Tories under one Clayton collected at a house not far distant from where we then were. This Clayton had been raised from a boy by my captain Youngblood as soon as arrived at age he joined the Tories and became one of the most cruel and unrelenting scurges? Ever known. It was the anxious wish of the captain to take him alive if possible. Now was thought a good opportunity to accomplish the object. Accordingly our company was divided into three divisions, which were ordered approach at the same time and surround the house. These orders were strictly executed and we came upon the tories before they had any knowledge of our approach. A charge was ordered and the tories instantly fled with precipitation, leaving 9 dead on the ground. Clayton was not killed in the charge, but fled with the rest. He was on a fine nag, got from the Brittish [sic] at Savannah as was said, and we scarely [sic] hoped to overtake him, but Lt Youngblood ?? ?? being on the fleetest horse in the company, pursued him until fortune came to rec??d, and we came up to him. He had stuck fast in a moras froom which he could not extricate himself. We now awaited until the captain came up, who accosted him, but Clayton remained stubbornly silent, nor could be be induced to speak a word, but desperation and defiance seemed dep??ed in his countenance. While in this situation he began to load his gun and the Capt told him not do so. ?? he should be obliged to order his mean to fire on him, but this made no impression on him and the capt ordered a fire upon which Clayton fell back and seemed expiring; one of the soldiers approached to drag him from the mud and in the last agonies of death, Clayton raised his sword and slightly wounded the soldier. I mention this move particularly, because it made a lasting impression on my mind. I witnessed many affecting scenes in my service, but this was more dreadful than them all. During the year 1782 it was generally a partisan warfare in the South and particularly so with us and then under Gen Marion for after the fall of Cornwallis at York in October 1781, the Brittish began gradually to draw in their posts and concentrate at Charleston, which they finally evacuated in December 1782as well as I remember. Though during the most part of 1782 no very active operations were carried on between the Brittish and American armies yet the Tories kept up during all that year a constant and virulent hostility; and it was principally against them that our services were required and during this year we were employed almost entirely against them, ranging from one fron to another over almost the whole state. It would be impossible to relate all the car?? ?? that happened – the various skirmishes we had and to describe particularly the country through we marched for sometimes we had to march with great haste through the whole night. In the month of March 1782, while at the round? O? Marion ordered Capt Youngblood with his light horse to proceed high up the Big Peedee where nearly all were tories, and order the wives of the Tories to leave that country and go to their husbands who were then embodied near Charleston by the 1st of June following the reason of this order was that these women were constantly engaged in driving stock to the Brittish army in Charleston and the pratice could not be allowed. We executed these orders but they were not strictly obeyed for after the first of June some still remained and Marion again ordered our company to return and destroy what grain could be found and to do whatever was necessary to force them away and to quit supplying the enemy. These orders likewise executed and this put a stop to them. As soon as we returned to Marion (then near athe High Hills of Saules, he gave us orders to pursue a party of tories under one of the McGirts who had in our absence slipped into the settlements and killed an old gentleman named Sheesboro, whose son belonged to my company; and had committed other depredations. Altho our horses were fatigued yet we immediately commenced the pursuit and on the second day stopped to forage for a few minutes; In a long burch knowl while here a party of Brittish dragoon came in sight and formed in about 150 yards of us. These dragoons were a detachment from Tarltons legion and were in pursuit of us having learned our object from the tories. We mounted as soon as possible and formed and met the enemy charge, but in wheeling our lines were broken and we were obliged to fly. This conflict was near the Savannah river and near the three runs of Savannah Swamp. In escaping I was pursued (with my lieutenant) by several dragoons a considerable distance and I should have been killed, if my Lt had not saved me by shooting over his shoulder and killed the dragoon who was there almost in striking distance. We instantly reined up and turned against two who were pursuing us. They saw the Draggoon fall and turned & fled themselves. I caught the horse of the dragoon killed, which was the only compensation I ever received for my services; and I would not perhaps have got him but that my own was too much even for service. This was sometime between the middle and last of June of the year . Marion had now again moved towards the Round? O – we returned first to the Horse Shoe for the purpose of protecting that neighborhood if necessary, it being a good settlement of whigs. We found all quiet there and we proceeded to join Marion at the Round? O. In a day or two after joining him we were again attached down to what was called Wappoo Cut or Wappoo neck between Edisto and Ashley Rivers to watch the movement of the Brittish then on James Island (or apart of ??) and to bring him intelligence. We proceeded on this errand and lay about for several days – finally we discovered an intention in the Brittish to quit the Island – this we reported to Marion as quick as possible who ordered us to rel?? again as quick as we could and be more certain of the enemy’s movements. When we got back, they had quit the Island and gone over into Charleston, but had kept a number of horse, on a neck of land. A part of these horses we succeeded in bringing off to the number of 40. A man named Sterling who lived in the Island gave us information of these horses. We returned with our spoils to Marion who now lay on Goose Creek in St John’s Parish. My recollection is that the Brittish left James Island in July or August. On our return to Marion Capt Youngblood became a little in?? and Lt Youngblood was ordered by Marion to select 8 men out of his company and proceed towards Bacon’s bridge and Dorchester bridge to make discoveries and gain such information as he was able as to the movements of the enemy in that direction as they still kept some posts there. Accordingly the Lt selected his men (myself being one) and as the danger was great it was thought most safe to disguise ourselves, which we did, and proceeded towards Charleston. We passed Bacon’s bridge and Dorchester by pretending to give information to the guards. After passing these two places so easily we formed the bold and foolish design to go into the city, and do some bold fete and make our escape. After proceeding some distance we met 3 draggoons whom we accused of being deserters from the Brittish and we tied them in the woods fast to saplings in the woods and proceeded on our way until within about 3 miles of the town where we met a lady in a carriage, from whom we searned sufficient to deter us from proceeding from there. We turned and made our way back and was pursued but made our escape by entering a??? near Bacon Bridge. The lady alluded to was named Toms, whom I have often seen since. She lived then in the city. On our return Marion reprimanded us for this act of temerity and I confessed very justly. What became of the three dragoons tied by us I know not nor how long they remained tied. Captain Youngblood was now recovered so far as to take the command of his company and he was ordered to a? take a circuit by monk corner and around by the Round O and Horse shoe to see if any tories were in that quarter. We took the m?? as prescribed but found no enemy. However in a day or two after returning to camp intelligence reached us that a party of Tories under one Sanders was on the Horse Shoe plundering the inhabitants. We were ordered to instantly pursue this party, which we did across Soutee around thehead of Black River and on Lynch’s Creek we came up with them at a house where they were cooking. Orders were given to charge although through a wide plantation as there was no way to approach nearer without being discovered. We got within about 200 yards of them before they discovered us. They had just time to mount and fire (at about 150 yards) before we were upon them. Nine fell on the ground. The rest fled into the woods and scattered so we could pursue them but a short distance. The plunder they had taken was recovered and restored to the owners, consisting of horses, clothing. This was in the month of August 1782 and was the last considerable circumstance of my service. On our return to Marion near to Dorchester whether he had moved from Goose Creek in the mean time and where he remained a short time and then moved to Ashley ferry on Ashley river ten miles from Charleston and remained there and near there until the Brittish evacuated Charleston in December following. His plantation lay on Goose creek, which he visited a few times. From the time of our last expedition in pursuit of Sanders our company of light horse was dispatched to various sections to keep the tories down and protect the inhabitants. At the time of the evacuation of Charleston Capt Youngblood’s company was on Lynch’s Creek for there we heard the intelligence and whether we had goine in search of Tories. From this place we retnred towards Charleston, but hearing as the way of a party of Tories under McGirt near to Georgetown we went in pursuit of them but on our arrival they had left some days before and we therefore stopped the pursuit. From Georgetown we returned a part of the way to the Horseshoe, and word was brought us that a party of Tories had been in the head waters of Black Rivera and killed a man named Womack and wounded one Reardon and had done much damage. We turned immediately against this party and pursued them several days to the upper parts of North Carolina to a place called the White Marsh but we could not overtake them. In this expedition we recovered three negroes belonging to one Dunn, taken some time previous by the tories which were testored to the owner who was also a tory as we afterwards learned. This was in the latter part of March 1783. On our return to the Horse Shoe we learned that the soldier of the American army were discharged and there Captain Youngblood also discharged us, which was in the month of April 1783. During the time of my service our armory was kept at Jacksonboro, and there we got our swords, pistols (etc). This is a history of my service as faithfully as my memory will serve me to give it. From the time I entered the service in February 1781 to April 1783 I was never one day out of it. My father had been killed – my mother having been some years dead, having no brothers or sisters, nor any near kindred, except a traitor uncle,and two & they who were strangers to me, I had little to induce me to quit the service; for in the service I found friends – out of it I know of none. After the War I traded a while in the upper part of the state and then returned to where I was raised ours? done? Himself on a farm for several years, and married and moved to Kentucky where I have lived about 23 years.
I received a written discharge from Capt Youngblood but it has long ago been lost. I declare I have no documentary evidence in my possession which would prove my service, nor do I know of any person now living by whom I could prove it. I served with many whose names I can mention, but whether any of them are living I do notknow, for I have not heard from any of them since I left that country. James Canyon, Charles Hardin, Wm Hardin, Saml Slee, Wm Slee, Lewis Box and Robert Sallet belonged to my company and could prove my service if living. The last one of these I even saw was Canyon wh lived on the Horseshoe who I saw in Charleston about four years before I left that country. I have no means of ascertaining whether any of them are now living. My captains and Lieutenant both died before I left that country. ….
Answers to questions:
Born on St Johns Island about twenty miles from Charleston on the 19th day of September 1764
Has family bible which shows his birth.
Declaration of Elizabeth Freer aged 85 a resident of Lyon County Kentucky who has never received a land warrant made before Henry Mayer Justice of the Peace in and for Lyon County Kentucky…. She’s the widow of Solomon Freer deceased who was a Dragoon in Capt Lambert’s company of Dragoons… 6 July 1837
Marcus M Tyler aged 40 years a resident of Lyon County and Charles W Freer aged 28 a resident of Lyon County certified the signature of Elizabeth Freer.
Solomon died in Caldwell County Kentucky 8 years ago. Signed 25 July 1855
Solomon died in July 1846. Had a large family of children.
Married 1785
Michael W Freeman made a statement that he became acquainted with Elizabeth Freer in 1807. and that they were then moving from South Carolina.
James Freer presented the family bible of his father Solomon Freer. James is now 52 years old.
160 acres
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Some Things Change (good) and Some Don't (bad)
The wording in this pension record interested me. People can be worth nothing, and a spinning wheel worth 2.50. I'm glad those things have changed. It also shows that housework has always been drudgery.
Exerpt from Revolutionary War pension record of Humphrey Gwyn
He owned the following:
5 acres of land annual value 7 dollars
?? dozzen [sic] flag chairs $2.00
1 old desk 5.00
1 old negro woman about 60 years of age 0.00
1 gun 5.00
Spining [sic] wheel and one pair cards 2.50
$14.50
“… my age is 61 years, occupation a Mariner and unable to maintain myself from age and bodily infirmity occasioned by rheumatism: my wife Sally aged about 60 years and can only perform the usual drudgery of a housewife but unable to maintain herself. I have one child living with me named Lettitia – aged 20 years and unable to contribute any thing towards her support from infirmity…”
[the above was written on 10 October 1820]
Exerpt from Revolutionary War pension record of Humphrey Gwyn
He owned the following:
5 acres of land annual value 7 dollars
?? dozzen [sic] flag chairs $2.00
1 old desk 5.00
1 old negro woman about 60 years of age 0.00
1 gun 5.00
Spining [sic] wheel and one pair cards 2.50
$14.50
“… my age is 61 years, occupation a Mariner and unable to maintain myself from age and bodily infirmity occasioned by rheumatism: my wife Sally aged about 60 years and can only perform the usual drudgery of a housewife but unable to maintain herself. I have one child living with me named Lettitia – aged 20 years and unable to contribute any thing towards her support from infirmity…”
[the above was written on 10 October 1820]
1840 Caldwell County KY Revolutionary and Military Pensioners
The following people (along with their ages) are listed as "Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services" starting on page 49 of the 1840 Caldwell County KY Census:
Reuben Bowers 74
Joseph McConell 56
Thos Beck 75
Michael Freeman 76
John Blick 77
Solomon Freer 76
Judith Freeman (no age shown)
Wm Ford 77
Wm Asher 79
Wm Blackburn 82
John Hart 88
Major Groom 75
Reuben Bowers 74
Joseph McConell 56
Thos Beck 75
Michael Freeman 76
John Blick 77
Solomon Freer 76
Judith Freeman (no age shown)
Wm Ford 77
Wm Asher 79
Wm Blackburn 82
John Hart 88
Major Groom 75
John Hart of Caldwell County Kentucky
John Hart of Caldwell County
Revolutionary War Pension Record S13320 N.C.
Was a private in the company command by Captain French of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Hill in the North Carolina line for 12 months
Died 13 Sept 1840
18 August 1832 in Caldwell Co KY in county court
John Hart, aged eighty years
Entered service in Onslow County NC in a minute company as a corporal commanded by Captain Joseph French, Lieutenant Richard Jarrett which company was raised for the purpose of guarding Wilmington in NC and was attached to the Regt or Brigade Commanded by Genl Livinton, the same who was defeated at Brier Creek. This service was for 9 months. An express arrived to join Gen’l Caswell to repel a sudden attach which the British Tories contemplated on Wilmington. The night before the expected attack “we attacked a party of tories under the command of General McCloud & Colonel Campbell and totally defeated them at Black river, and which engagement both McCloud & Campbell were killed;”
He was discharged with no written discharge.
He was later drafted for 3 months to guard the state house in Jones County. He served under Saml Hill. After these two terms he was almost constantly in service…. But cannot pretend now to fix the terms of service.
He has only one child, a daughter, to support him.
He served with John Jarrett, Benjamin Pike, Saml Hancock & Hezekiah Hancock.
He was born 14 October 1752 in Sussex County Pennsylvania and when a boy, moved to Onslow County NC and lived there near forty years – that he left N Carolina upwards of thirty years ago and has been living in this county a good many years.
Neighbors are John Drennon, James Clinton [both are revolutionary soldiers], Coleman Brown Esqr, Abner W Smith Esqr, Henry L Cartwright.
Revolutionary War Pension Record S13320 N.C.
Was a private in the company command by Captain French of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Hill in the North Carolina line for 12 months
Died 13 Sept 1840
18 August 1832 in Caldwell Co KY in county court
John Hart, aged eighty years
Entered service in Onslow County NC in a minute company as a corporal commanded by Captain Joseph French, Lieutenant Richard Jarrett which company was raised for the purpose of guarding Wilmington in NC and was attached to the Regt or Brigade Commanded by Genl Livinton, the same who was defeated at Brier Creek. This service was for 9 months. An express arrived to join Gen’l Caswell to repel a sudden attach which the British Tories contemplated on Wilmington. The night before the expected attack “we attacked a party of tories under the command of General McCloud & Colonel Campbell and totally defeated them at Black river, and which engagement both McCloud & Campbell were killed;”
He was discharged with no written discharge.
He was later drafted for 3 months to guard the state house in Jones County. He served under Saml Hill. After these two terms he was almost constantly in service…. But cannot pretend now to fix the terms of service.
He has only one child, a daughter, to support him.
He served with John Jarrett, Benjamin Pike, Saml Hancock & Hezekiah Hancock.
He was born 14 October 1752 in Sussex County Pennsylvania and when a boy, moved to Onslow County NC and lived there near forty years – that he left N Carolina upwards of thirty years ago and has been living in this county a good many years.
Neighbors are John Drennon, James Clinton [both are revolutionary soldiers], Coleman Brown Esqr, Abner W Smith Esqr, Henry L Cartwright.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thomas Beck of Caldwell County Kentucky
Thomas Beck Revolutionary War Pension
Thomas Beck of Caldwell County in the State of Kentucky who was a private/drummer in the command of Captain Weeks of the regiment commanded by Col Chamber in the Maryland line for 10 months.
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 36 dollars 66 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.
Record of Service in Maryland; Thomas Beck, then lists Ann and Nancy; #W8354
Ann Beck, widow of Thomas Beck of Maryland who was a drummer in the Revolution. Husband died 10 Nov 1840. Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 36 dollars 66 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of July 1848 and sent to Hon. Lynn Boyd. ?? of Rep’s
Recorded in Book D? Vol 2 Page 178
State of Kentucky Caldwell County
On the 21st day of October in the year 1833 personally appeared in open court before William Lauder, James A Cartwright, James C Weller, John W Marshall, Saml W Atherst Justices of the county court of said County now sitting Thomas Beck resident of said County and State aged sixty nine 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 act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. The Colonel who commanded the regiment under whome he served and to whose regt he belonged was by the name of Benjamin B Chamber one of the majors belonged to said regt he now recollects was by the name of Richard Graves. Col Chambers was sometime after he entered the service sent to the main army and was he believes in the battle of Germantown. Major Graves succeeded Chambers in the command of the regt and kept the command in his absence, the names of the other field officers belonging to said regiment he does not now recollect. The name of the Captain to whose company he belonged was by the name of Amon Weeks. The names of one of the other Captains belonging to said Regt were Captain Ringold Page Tildin Frisby Brown He also first states he first entered the service of the United States in the month of March or April in the year 1777. He states he acted as drummer in said Regiment under Captain Weeks. That he was called out several times from 1777 till the close of the war on 1783. He served in the spring of 1777 one month when the regt was permitted to return home where they remained until August of the same year when the regt was again called out to defend the coast along the Chesepeake bay where the enemy shipping was at that time lying and threatening an invastion. The British Fleet or a part of it continued in the bay for two or three months when they left that part of the coast where Chambers Regt was stationed and it was considered necessary to keep the regt all there. A portion of the regt was then detached and ordered to go and join the main army at that time at or near Vally [sic] Forge. He was with the said detachment, but when they got within a few miles of the main army they ascertained that the regular troops or a part of them (towit the Maryland line of Regulars) had gone into winter quarters, or was sent to Wilmington for that pupose, and they met the Maryland Militia returning home. The detachment in which he belonged also returned and they went home. He was out on this expedition three months and one month in the spring of that year. We then remained at home until early the spring of 1788 when said regt was again called out to defend the coast along the Chesapeake bay. He states that in the spring and summer of that year he was out in actual service under Capt Weeks in Chambers Regt three months. The precise time of the year they were called out that year he does not recollect, but he recollects it was in the spring. He states that in the year 1779 they were engaged for some time scouring the shores of the Chesapeake. It was considered necessary to keep the troops constantly on the coast when the enemys shipping were near the shore. He states that they were out two months on that expedition and one month afterwards in the same year. The operations of the regt was along the shore of the Chesapeake principally and the object in view was to defend the coast and to keep the enemy from landing. In the three following years he was called out frequently with the said regt under Captain Weeks some times they weould be kept out only a few days at a time at other times they would be kept out for a longer time but he cannot recollect with any certainty what length of time he was kept out at any one time in either of the three years 1780, 81, or 82. He states that in the several expeditions in which he was engaged during the years 1777, 1778 and 1779 and in which he was actually in the service of the United Sates amounts altogether to ten months. The times, he was called out subsequently to 1779 he cannot recollect now what particular length of time he was in the service in any one of the years subsequent to 779 and does not claim for services subsequent to that time. He states that at the time he first went into the service he was too young to be regularly enrolled as one of the militia, but having learned to beat the drum he volunteered his services in behalf of his injured country. He states he was in no regular battle but they were frequently fired on by the enemy’s shipping and on several occasions lives were lost on one occasion he recollects several persons were killed. The country through which they passed was through the counties of Kent, Cecil? Principally along the Chesepeake. He states he was acquainted with the following named regular officers (towit) General Smallwood, Col Richeson, Col Guess, Col T Tilman aid to Genl Washington, Col’s Loyd aid to Genl Green, Major R Wright, Captain Vesay who fell on Long Island and Captain P Reed ??. He states he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person living in this part of the world whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. I hereby relinquish every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any state or Territory whatever.
Sworn to and submitted the day and year aforesaid [signed] Thomas Beck
The following questions were then propounded by the court to the applicant and answered by him as follows
Question 1st: Where and in what year were you born?
Answer I was born in the year 1763 in the County of Kent State of Maryland
Question 2nd Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Answer: I have no record of my age. My father once had a record of it but where it is now I cannot tell but my birth was always refered [sic] back to that time in the family.
Question 3rd: Where were you living when called into service. Where have you lived since the revolutionary was and where do you now live?
Answer: At the time I entered the service I was living in the County of Kent State of Maryland. I continued to live there till about the year 1794 when I moved to Ohio County Virginia near to Wheeling where I lived about eight years. I then moved to Livingston County Kentucky (now Caldwell) where I have lived ever since. I am now a citizen of Caldwell County Kentucky
Question 4th How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for who?
Answer: I was a volunteer.
Question 5th : State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your services.
Answer: I have a recollection of General Smallwood and his Brigade. Col’Guess and Col Richeson and their regiments Col Tench Tilman aid to Genl Washington Col Loyd aid to General Green.
Major Wright, Captai Vesay, Captain P Reed, Captain E. Wright, Captain W Raisin, Captain Dawsey
Question 6th : Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom. Wha?? It given and what has become of it
Answer: I received a written discharge from Captain Weeks when the war ended signed by said Weeks which I kept for many years, but it is now lost. I know not what has become of it.
Question 7th : State the name of person 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.
Answer: I am acquainted with the following named persons in my present neighborhood who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my service as a soldier of the revolution (towit)
James B Moore, John H Rackerby, D W McGoodwin, David Parent, M A Rucker Esqr, Howard Cash and many others all my neighbours will testify to the above facts.
[signed] Thomas Beck
On 26 April 1847, Nancy Beck appeared in Caldwell County Circuit Court. [She is called Ann in later documents and is listed as “Ann (Nancy)”.
She was 75 years old.
She says she’s the widow of Thomas Beck
She married Thomas Beck 19 Dec 1792.
Thomas Beck died 10 Nov 1840
William P George appeared in Caldwell County before a justice of the peace. 26 Apr 1847
He was 71 years old.
Stated that Nancy married Thomas in Kent County Maryland.
George G Cash appeared 26 April 1847 in Caldwell County Kentucky before a Justice of the Peace
He’s 70 years old.
He stated he was present at the marriage of Nancy and Thomas Beck in Kent County Maryland.
Family record included in pension documents:
Lawson Cash and Maria Beck was married on the 13 of April AD 1819
Buerel Cash was born January the 11 AD 1820
Marcus L Cash was born the 17 day of Feb AD 1822
William G Cash was born June the 16 AD 1825
Nelson Cash was born December 18 AD 1827
Lewis G Cash was born 21 Mar 183?
Lewis G Cash was born Sept the 13 1832
James B Cash was born April 26 1835
Lawson Cash jun was born 3 day of April 1837
Thomas Beck …. [unreadable]
Lawson L Cash departed this life July 17 1841
Information sent to a requesting genealogist 17 Jan 1938 is as follows:
Thomas and Ann Beck married 20 Dec 1792
Ann Beck b: 4 Sep 1793
Margaret E Beck b: 4 Oct 1794
Maria Beck b: 24 Jun 1797
James Beck b: 18 Jan 1799
William G Beck b: 1 Aug 1801
Elenor Beck b: 10 Feb 1804
Lewis G Beck b: 8 Sep 1805
Adah Beck b: 4 Apr 1807
Bulah H Beck b: 13 Mar 1814
George H Beck b: 4 May 1815
Thomas J b: 28 Nov 1817
The following family data are shown also:
Lawson Cash and Maria Beck married 13 Apr 1819
Burrel Cash b: 11 Jan 1820
Marcus L Cash b: 7 Feb 1822
William G Cash b: 16 Jun 1825
Nelson Cash b: 18 Dec 1837
Lewis G b: 27 Mar 1839 (not clearly written)
Lewis G b: 13 Sep 1832
Lewis G b: 13 Sep 1832 (no explanation for repetition)
Thomas Beck departed this life 20 Nov 1840 aged 75 years
Lewis G Cash departed this life 8 Sep 1833
Lawson L Cash departed this life 17 July 1841
In April 1847, George G Cash, aged 70 years resided in Caldwell Co KY
Mrs Ann Beck appeared before the circuit court of Caldwell County KY 17 Nov 1846
Resident of Caldwell County KY
About 74 years old.
Thomas Beck of Caldwell County in the State of Kentucky who was a private/drummer in the command of Captain Weeks of the regiment commanded by Col Chamber in the Maryland line for 10 months.
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 36 dollars 66 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.
Record of Service in Maryland; Thomas Beck, then lists Ann and Nancy; #W8354
Ann Beck, widow of Thomas Beck of Maryland who was a drummer in the Revolution. Husband died 10 Nov 1840. Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 36 dollars 66 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of July 1848 and sent to Hon. Lynn Boyd. ?? of Rep’s
Recorded in Book D? Vol 2 Page 178
State of Kentucky Caldwell County
On the 21st day of October in the year 1833 personally appeared in open court before William Lauder, James A Cartwright, James C Weller, John W Marshall, Saml W Atherst Justices of the county court of said County now sitting Thomas Beck resident of said County and State aged sixty nine 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 act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. The Colonel who commanded the regiment under whome he served and to whose regt he belonged was by the name of Benjamin B Chamber one of the majors belonged to said regt he now recollects was by the name of Richard Graves. Col Chambers was sometime after he entered the service sent to the main army and was he believes in the battle of Germantown. Major Graves succeeded Chambers in the command of the regt and kept the command in his absence, the names of the other field officers belonging to said regiment he does not now recollect. The name of the Captain to whose company he belonged was by the name of Amon Weeks. The names of one of the other Captains belonging to said Regt were Captain Ringold Page Tildin Frisby Brown He also first states he first entered the service of the United States in the month of March or April in the year 1777. He states he acted as drummer in said Regiment under Captain Weeks. That he was called out several times from 1777 till the close of the war on 1783. He served in the spring of 1777 one month when the regt was permitted to return home where they remained until August of the same year when the regt was again called out to defend the coast along the Chesepeake bay where the enemy shipping was at that time lying and threatening an invastion. The British Fleet or a part of it continued in the bay for two or three months when they left that part of the coast where Chambers Regt was stationed and it was considered necessary to keep the regt all there. A portion of the regt was then detached and ordered to go and join the main army at that time at or near Vally [sic] Forge. He was with the said detachment, but when they got within a few miles of the main army they ascertained that the regular troops or a part of them (towit the Maryland line of Regulars) had gone into winter quarters, or was sent to Wilmington for that pupose, and they met the Maryland Militia returning home. The detachment in which he belonged also returned and they went home. He was out on this expedition three months and one month in the spring of that year. We then remained at home until early the spring of 1788 when said regt was again called out to defend the coast along the Chesapeake bay. He states that in the spring and summer of that year he was out in actual service under Capt Weeks in Chambers Regt three months. The precise time of the year they were called out that year he does not recollect, but he recollects it was in the spring. He states that in the year 1779 they were engaged for some time scouring the shores of the Chesapeake. It was considered necessary to keep the troops constantly on the coast when the enemys shipping were near the shore. He states that they were out two months on that expedition and one month afterwards in the same year. The operations of the regt was along the shore of the Chesapeake principally and the object in view was to defend the coast and to keep the enemy from landing. In the three following years he was called out frequently with the said regt under Captain Weeks some times they weould be kept out only a few days at a time at other times they would be kept out for a longer time but he cannot recollect with any certainty what length of time he was kept out at any one time in either of the three years 1780, 81, or 82. He states that in the several expeditions in which he was engaged during the years 1777, 1778 and 1779 and in which he was actually in the service of the United Sates amounts altogether to ten months. The times, he was called out subsequently to 1779 he cannot recollect now what particular length of time he was in the service in any one of the years subsequent to 779 and does not claim for services subsequent to that time. He states that at the time he first went into the service he was too young to be regularly enrolled as one of the militia, but having learned to beat the drum he volunteered his services in behalf of his injured country. He states he was in no regular battle but they were frequently fired on by the enemy’s shipping and on several occasions lives were lost on one occasion he recollects several persons were killed. The country through which they passed was through the counties of Kent, Cecil? Principally along the Chesepeake. He states he was acquainted with the following named regular officers (towit) General Smallwood, Col Richeson, Col Guess, Col T Tilman aid to Genl Washington, Col’s Loyd aid to Genl Green, Major R Wright, Captain Vesay who fell on Long Island and Captain P Reed ??. He states he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person living in this part of the world whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. I hereby relinquish every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any state or Territory whatever.
Sworn to and submitted the day and year aforesaid [signed] Thomas Beck
The following questions were then propounded by the court to the applicant and answered by him as follows
Question 1st: Where and in what year were you born?
Answer I was born in the year 1763 in the County of Kent State of Maryland
Question 2nd Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Answer: I have no record of my age. My father once had a record of it but where it is now I cannot tell but my birth was always refered [sic] back to that time in the family.
Question 3rd: Where were you living when called into service. Where have you lived since the revolutionary was and where do you now live?
Answer: At the time I entered the service I was living in the County of Kent State of Maryland. I continued to live there till about the year 1794 when I moved to Ohio County Virginia near to Wheeling where I lived about eight years. I then moved to Livingston County Kentucky (now Caldwell) where I have lived ever since. I am now a citizen of Caldwell County Kentucky
Question 4th How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for who?
Answer: I was a volunteer.
Question 5th : State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your services.
Answer: I have a recollection of General Smallwood and his Brigade. Col’Guess and Col Richeson and their regiments Col Tench Tilman aid to Genl Washington Col Loyd aid to General Green.
Major Wright, Captai Vesay, Captain P Reed, Captain E. Wright, Captain W Raisin, Captain Dawsey
Question 6th : Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom. Wha?? It given and what has become of it
Answer: I received a written discharge from Captain Weeks when the war ended signed by said Weeks which I kept for many years, but it is now lost. I know not what has become of it.
Question 7th : State the name of person 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.
Answer: I am acquainted with the following named persons in my present neighborhood who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my service as a soldier of the revolution (towit)
James B Moore, John H Rackerby, D W McGoodwin, David Parent, M A Rucker Esqr, Howard Cash and many others all my neighbours will testify to the above facts.
[signed] Thomas Beck
On 26 April 1847, Nancy Beck appeared in Caldwell County Circuit Court. [She is called Ann in later documents and is listed as “Ann (Nancy)”.
She was 75 years old.
She says she’s the widow of Thomas Beck
She married Thomas Beck 19 Dec 1792.
Thomas Beck died 10 Nov 1840
William P George appeared in Caldwell County before a justice of the peace. 26 Apr 1847
He was 71 years old.
Stated that Nancy married Thomas in Kent County Maryland.
George G Cash appeared 26 April 1847 in Caldwell County Kentucky before a Justice of the Peace
He’s 70 years old.
He stated he was present at the marriage of Nancy and Thomas Beck in Kent County Maryland.
Family record included in pension documents:
Lawson Cash and Maria Beck was married on the 13 of April AD 1819
Buerel Cash was born January the 11 AD 1820
Marcus L Cash was born the 17 day of Feb AD 1822
William G Cash was born June the 16 AD 1825
Nelson Cash was born December 18 AD 1827
Lewis G Cash was born 21 Mar 183?
Lewis G Cash was born Sept the 13 1832
James B Cash was born April 26 1835
Lawson Cash jun was born 3 day of April 1837
Thomas Beck …. [unreadable]
Lawson L Cash departed this life July 17 1841
Information sent to a requesting genealogist 17 Jan 1938 is as follows:
Thomas and Ann Beck married 20 Dec 1792
Ann Beck b: 4 Sep 1793
Margaret E Beck b: 4 Oct 1794
Maria Beck b: 24 Jun 1797
James Beck b: 18 Jan 1799
William G Beck b: 1 Aug 1801
Elenor Beck b: 10 Feb 1804
Lewis G Beck b: 8 Sep 1805
Adah Beck b: 4 Apr 1807
Bulah H Beck b: 13 Mar 1814
George H Beck b: 4 May 1815
Thomas J b: 28 Nov 1817
The following family data are shown also:
Lawson Cash and Maria Beck married 13 Apr 1819
Burrel Cash b: 11 Jan 1820
Marcus L Cash b: 7 Feb 1822
William G Cash b: 16 Jun 1825
Nelson Cash b: 18 Dec 1837
Lewis G b: 27 Mar 1839 (not clearly written)
Lewis G b: 13 Sep 1832
Lewis G b: 13 Sep 1832 (no explanation for repetition)
Thomas Beck departed this life 20 Nov 1840 aged 75 years
Lewis G Cash departed this life 8 Sep 1833
Lawson L Cash departed this life 17 July 1841
In April 1847, George G Cash, aged 70 years resided in Caldwell Co KY
Mrs Ann Beck appeared before the circuit court of Caldwell County KY 17 Nov 1846
Resident of Caldwell County KY
About 74 years old.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Samuel Guinn of Greenbrier County VA
Samuel Guinn Revolutionary War Pension Record
State of Virginia
Greenbrier County
On the 12th day of March 1834 personally appeared before me Henry Erskine, a Justice of the Peace in and for said? County Samuel Guinn a resident of said County and State aged 82 years who being first 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 7th 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein after stated.
1st In the year 1771 or 2 he served a three months tour under Capt Laughridge was drafted in Augusta County Va and was stationed at Clover Lick on the head waters of Greenbrier in Augusta County and was stationed at that place to guard the frontier settlements against the Indians, during this time there some skirmishing, he served out three months and was discharged at Clover Lick. 2nd He entered the Service as a volunteer he thinks in May or June 1774 in Capt Laughridges Company in the County of Augusta to go against the Indians and was marched to Fort Union (now Lewisburg) where he joined the main army under Gen’l Andrew Lewis and was marched from Fort Union to Point Pleasants on the Ohio River and was in the memorable Battle which took place on the 10th Oct 1774 at Point Pleasant, which lasted from Sunrise until Sunset, after the Battle was over the Army under Gen’l Lewis crossed the Ohio River and joined Dunmores Army near the Pickaway Plains where peace was made with the Indians and that he was discharged on the 1st Nov 1774 at Point Pleasant and returned home to Augusta County Va after having served five months. 3rd In the year 1776 he moved to Greenbrier and was clased(?) in the Militia to serve tours as called on and he was called on he thinks some short time afterwards to serve a tour and was marched to New River and was stationed on New River with several others whose business it was to act as Scouts and Spies to reconnoiter the country on New River where the Indians were in the habit of Crossing and to give information to the settlers if any Indians made their appearance. That they were under no regular officers – That the Captains Company to which he belonged was Capt Glass, That he served three months on this tour as a Scout and Spy. That at the time he was detailed for this service he was Forted at Thompsons Fort and had been Forted there for some time. A short time afterwards he served another month as a scout and Spy and after he returned and was Forted at Thompsons Fort news reached the Fort that Donnellys Fort was attacked when he with many others marched all night to get to their aid and got to the Fort during the attack succeeded in getting in to the releif [sic] of the few that were in the Fort who must inevitably have been taken as the numbers of the Indians were said to be about three hundred and the Fort only defended by about twenty men that he was employed in this service five days and he was afterwards at Vanbeven Fort Stationed and Forted there for two months That he was Stationed and served in Arbuckles Fort in 1776 five months In Thompsons Fort in 1777 five months in Vanbevens Fort again in 1778 or 9 Two months that he was Forted in different Forts and places and was frequently called on to go in Small Scouting Sorties the amount of which services he cannot bring to his recollection. But with perfect safety to himself and doing ?? to his condition(?) he is well satisfied that he was stationed and served five months in Arbuckle Fort Five months in Thompsons Fort four months in Vanbevers Fort at Two different times besides four months as a scout and spy and his services of five months in 1774 and his three months services in 1771 or 2 with the five days at Donnellys but these five days are included in the time he was in Thompsons Fort. That he hereby relinquishes every claim to any Pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency of any State and that he has no documentary evidence that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 12th day March 1834 Henry Erskine
[signed] Samuel Gwinn
At the bottom of the testimony of John Matthews, aged 65 and Thomas Creigh, age 68, where they’re swearing they Know Samuel Guinn and testifying to his veracity, there are the following questions, and I’m assuming they apply to Samuel Guinn:
1. Where and in what year was [sic] you born?
Augusta County VA I think in 1752
2. Have you any record of your age
I have not only I know I was about twenty three in 1774 when I went in the campaign against the Indians at Point Pleasant
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live.
I lived in Augusta County Va when called into service in 1771 or 2 & 1774 & afterwards moved to Greenbrier and lived there during the balance of my service and have lived there ever since
4. How ere you called into the service. Were you drafted. Did you volunteer or were you a substitute and for whom.
I was first drafted in the tour at the head of Greenbrier 2nd I was a volunteer against the Indians in the campaign of 1774 in the other duty I was drafted to serve as a spy it coming to my tour to do so and had to serve in the different Forts from necessity to protect myself and family and guard the inhabitants from the Indians.
5. State the names of some of your 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 service.
In the campaign of 1774 Gen’l Andrew Lewis was Commander in Chief. Col Charles Lewis served as a Col under him and was killed at the Battle of the Point Capt John Stuart of Greenbrier was likewise in that engagement. Together with several or many other officers that I could name in the other service there were no regular officers and the statements made in my declaration gives the general circumstances of my service.
6. Did you receive any regular discharge from the service and by whom was it given and what has become of it.
I never received any written discharge that I now recollect of.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the revolution.
John Matthews & Thomas Creigh. I am know by and can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my service in the revolutionary war.
Signed by Samuel Gwinn [Guinn?]
[He was allowed a pension on his application 12 Mar 1934, then a resident of Greenbrier County VA. His name was dropped from the pension roll, 9 Mar 1835 as upon the reexamination of his claim, his service was not considered in an embodied military corps, during the War of the Revolution, which was required by the pension law. A letter from the archives to a requesting genealogist, 17 September 1934, says that Samuel Guinn referred to a wife and two children moving with him to Greenbrier County, but he gave no names.]
State of Virginia
Greenbrier County
On the 12th day of March 1834 personally appeared before me Henry Erskine, a Justice of the Peace in and for said? County Samuel Guinn a resident of said County and State aged 82 years who being first 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 7th 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein after stated.
1st In the year 1771 or 2 he served a three months tour under Capt Laughridge was drafted in Augusta County Va and was stationed at Clover Lick on the head waters of Greenbrier in Augusta County and was stationed at that place to guard the frontier settlements against the Indians, during this time there some skirmishing, he served out three months and was discharged at Clover Lick. 2nd He entered the Service as a volunteer he thinks in May or June 1774 in Capt Laughridges Company in the County of Augusta to go against the Indians and was marched to Fort Union (now Lewisburg) where he joined the main army under Gen’l Andrew Lewis and was marched from Fort Union to Point Pleasants on the Ohio River and was in the memorable Battle which took place on the 10th Oct 1774 at Point Pleasant, which lasted from Sunrise until Sunset, after the Battle was over the Army under Gen’l Lewis crossed the Ohio River and joined Dunmores Army near the Pickaway Plains where peace was made with the Indians and that he was discharged on the 1st Nov 1774 at Point Pleasant and returned home to Augusta County Va after having served five months. 3rd In the year 1776 he moved to Greenbrier and was clased(?) in the Militia to serve tours as called on and he was called on he thinks some short time afterwards to serve a tour and was marched to New River and was stationed on New River with several others whose business it was to act as Scouts and Spies to reconnoiter the country on New River where the Indians were in the habit of Crossing and to give information to the settlers if any Indians made their appearance. That they were under no regular officers – That the Captains Company to which he belonged was Capt Glass, That he served three months on this tour as a Scout and Spy. That at the time he was detailed for this service he was Forted at Thompsons Fort and had been Forted there for some time. A short time afterwards he served another month as a scout and Spy and after he returned and was Forted at Thompsons Fort news reached the Fort that Donnellys Fort was attacked when he with many others marched all night to get to their aid and got to the Fort during the attack succeeded in getting in to the releif [sic] of the few that were in the Fort who must inevitably have been taken as the numbers of the Indians were said to be about three hundred and the Fort only defended by about twenty men that he was employed in this service five days and he was afterwards at Vanbeven Fort Stationed and Forted there for two months That he was Stationed and served in Arbuckles Fort in 1776 five months In Thompsons Fort in 1777 five months in Vanbevens Fort again in 1778 or 9 Two months that he was Forted in different Forts and places and was frequently called on to go in Small Scouting Sorties the amount of which services he cannot bring to his recollection. But with perfect safety to himself and doing ?? to his condition(?) he is well satisfied that he was stationed and served five months in Arbuckle Fort Five months in Thompsons Fort four months in Vanbevers Fort at Two different times besides four months as a scout and spy and his services of five months in 1774 and his three months services in 1771 or 2 with the five days at Donnellys but these five days are included in the time he was in Thompsons Fort. That he hereby relinquishes every claim to any Pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency of any State and that he has no documentary evidence that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 12th day March 1834 Henry Erskine
[signed] Samuel Gwinn
At the bottom of the testimony of John Matthews, aged 65 and Thomas Creigh, age 68, where they’re swearing they Know Samuel Guinn and testifying to his veracity, there are the following questions, and I’m assuming they apply to Samuel Guinn:
1. Where and in what year was [sic] you born?
Augusta County VA I think in 1752
2. Have you any record of your age
I have not only I know I was about twenty three in 1774 when I went in the campaign against the Indians at Point Pleasant
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live.
I lived in Augusta County Va when called into service in 1771 or 2 & 1774 & afterwards moved to Greenbrier and lived there during the balance of my service and have lived there ever since
4. How ere you called into the service. Were you drafted. Did you volunteer or were you a substitute and for whom.
I was first drafted in the tour at the head of Greenbrier 2nd I was a volunteer against the Indians in the campaign of 1774 in the other duty I was drafted to serve as a spy it coming to my tour to do so and had to serve in the different Forts from necessity to protect myself and family and guard the inhabitants from the Indians.
5. State the names of some of your 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 service.
In the campaign of 1774 Gen’l Andrew Lewis was Commander in Chief. Col Charles Lewis served as a Col under him and was killed at the Battle of the Point Capt John Stuart of Greenbrier was likewise in that engagement. Together with several or many other officers that I could name in the other service there were no regular officers and the statements made in my declaration gives the general circumstances of my service.
6. Did you receive any regular discharge from the service and by whom was it given and what has become of it.
I never received any written discharge that I now recollect of.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the revolution.
John Matthews & Thomas Creigh. I am know by and can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my service in the revolutionary war.
Signed by Samuel Gwinn [Guinn?]
[He was allowed a pension on his application 12 Mar 1934, then a resident of Greenbrier County VA. His name was dropped from the pension roll, 9 Mar 1835 as upon the reexamination of his claim, his service was not considered in an embodied military corps, during the War of the Revolution, which was required by the pension law. A letter from the archives to a requesting genealogist, 17 September 1934, says that Samuel Guinn referred to a wife and two children moving with him to Greenbrier County, but he gave no names.]
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Michael Freeman of Caldwell County Kentucky
S.30.426 Revolutionary War Pension Record of
Michael Freeman originally of North Carolina
Caldwell County Kentucky
Certificate of pension issued 22 August 1833
$95 and 82 cents per year to commence on the 4th day of March 1831
Arrears:
4th of March 191.62
Semi-?? Allowance ending 4 Sept 47.91
239.53
Pg 4 [answers written to a printed form]
Brief in the case of Michael Freeman of Caldwell Co in the State of Kentucky
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a judge….
3. How old is he? 68
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period: Volunteer in 1780 – 1781 6 months, 9 months, 10 months; horseman finding his home(?); General Davidson, Capt Polk, Col Davis, Capt Taggart, Col Irwin, Capt N. Martin
5. In what battles was he engaged? None named except skirmishes
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Mecklenberg Co NC
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witness
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? And if so in what respect? Not corrected(?) as required by the regulations.
Certified by F G Bradford, clerk
Pg 6
State of Kentucky, Caldwell County
On this 18th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before us, James C Wellers, Morton A Rucker, Wm Mitchuson and John Weeks justices of the peace for the County and state aforesaid, now sitting Michael Freeman a resident of the County of Caldwell and State afo’, aged 68 years, who being first duly sworn according to ??, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he first entered the service as a militia man, a volunteer, in the company commanded by Capt Polk about the first of March 1780. That he was, at the time of joining the army, about sixteen years old, and an inhabitant of Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina.
That he was attached to a troop of horse, shortly after he entered the service as a ?? attched to a troop of which troop of horses was under the command of one Col. Davis, and found his own horse.
That the first duty assigned the Regiment to which he belonged was to observe the motions of the enemy in South Carolina, and to garrison or guard different fords on the Catawba River.
That about the middle of May 1780 Charleston surrendered to the British, at which surrender, two uncles and a brother-in-law were taken prisoner. Shortly after this time Col. Buford was defeated in the Washaws, not far from where he lived, at which time he was in the service as above stated in consequence of the surrender
Pg 7
of Charleston, the Tories in the neighborhood, became very bold, and began to embody themselves in Lincoln County under the command of our Col John Moore, who were stationed at place called Ramsour’s Mills.
That he the said Freeman was detached on an expedition under the command of one Capt Barnett to dislodge these tories or loyalists (as they were sometimes called, in which they succeeded, but at the loss of Capt Falls who was killed in the engagement but the troop to which he belonged still continued to reconnoiter and match the movement of the enemy, to prevent them from embodying, shortly after this time, his term of service expired, and he returned home, having served six months on this tour.
That in August of this same year he reenters the service under the command of our Capt Tagert and they were sent under the command of our Col Irwin to hold Lord Cornwallis in check, but they were too much to do any thing more than annoy the enemy, and cut off their foraging parties, until Cornwallis succeeded in taking the Town of Charlotte.
Some time after this, Lord Cornwallis left Charlotte in pursuit of Gen’l Morgan who had previously defeated Col Tarleton at the Coropeus(?) under the command of General Davidson was hung in the rear of Cornwallis for the purpose of annoying his rear, and cutting off his supplies, at which time they had a skirmish with the enemy, in which Gen’l Davidson was killed at a place called Tools? Ford on the Catawba River after which they joined Gen’l Green and continued to pursue Cornwallis and overtook him at Guild Ford Courthouse, where a seven(?) engagement was fought with the enemy, but he was not in the battle, being then
Pg 8
attached to the infantry.
But the Corps to which he belonged pursued on, after the Battle, as far as the Alamance River, from which the troops to which said Freeman belonged, returned to Mecklenburgh County sometime in May 1781.
That shortly after this he volunteered in troop of horse commanded by Capt N Martin and Jonas Clark Lieut: for the Term of ten months and furnished his own horse which company was attached to the Regiment of Col. Polk and under the command of Gen’l Sumpter and during this term of service he ws in the Battle of Friday’s fort on the Congaras? River and also at the Battle of Orangeburgh Courthouse and at the Battle of Stubrick’s plantation.
That he continued in the army until his term of service had expired and that he was then regularly discharged (which discharge is now lost) about the last of March 1782, after having served in all upwards of two years, eighteen months of which time is proven by the Certificate of Jonas Clark, whose affidavit is hereto annessed(?).
That during his first term of service of six months the said Clark was absent on a campaign in Georgia, and therefore knows nothing of his ?? Freeman’s first term of service: and he further states that he knows of living witness by whom he can prove his services during the said term of six months- The discharge for ten months was signed by Capt Nat Martin, as to the other terms of services he does not recollect by whom the discharges were signed, but is very well satisfied that he always took one, as he was apprehensive of being called a deserter.
Pg 9
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Michael C. Freeman
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid before me Ja L Dallam
We F R Cositt a clergyman residing in the County of Caldwell and Enoch Prince and Jeremiah Rucker residing in the said County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Michael Freeman, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 68 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he lives to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
[signed] F R Cositt, Enoch Prince, Jeremiah Rucker
Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid before me Ja L Dallam
Questions:
1st: Where and what year were you born?
I was born in 1764, March 1st in Bertie County North Carolina
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
I have and it is at my house.
3. Where were you living when called into the service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live?
In Mecklenburgh County North Carolina. The most of the time in this state and now in Caldwell County
Pg 10
4th: How were you called into service; were you drafted. Did you Volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom?
I volunteered
5th State the names of some of the regular officers with the troops where you served, such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
I am not certain of any knowledge of any of the officers being in the regular service except Gen’ Green and Gen’l Davidson. I do not recollect of any of the Continental Regiments, but of the militia there were Davis, Pickens and Lumpters regiment and Marions was also at that time a Col. I served 6 months in the Calvary with Capt Polk and others. 9 months with Capt James Tagert and 10 months with Capt Nath’ Martin under General Sumter.
6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service. By whom was it given and what has become of it?
I have. It was given by Capt Martin for 10 months service, but about any others I cannot now recollect. I left it in North Carolina with my father, who is since dead and I suppose it is now lost.
And the said Court as hereby declared their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that F R Cositt who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the County of Caldwell and that Enoch Prince and Jeremiah Rucker who have also signed the same are residents in the same county, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
James C Weller, John Weeks, M A Rucker, Wm Mitchesson
I Nathan L Dallam Clerk of the Court of Caldwell County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court of the matter of application of Michael Freeman for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 15th day of October 1832
N L Dallam
[a later letter, from the archives, to a requesting genealogist, further states that Michael Freeman died 9 Feb 1842 and that he had left Mecklenburgh County NC in 1806. The letter had been asking for information on Michael and Judith Freeman and also on Aaron Freeman.]
Madison County State of Tennessee 23 August 1832
Jonas Clark appeared to swear he was acquainted with Michael Freeman.
Items from his testimony:
He and Michael Freeman were raised together in Mecklinburgh County NC before and during the Revolutionary War until 1806 when Michael Freemen left that county and hadn’t seen him since, until they met accidently in this county. He reiterated most of the same battle and company information mentioned in Michael Freeman’s statement.
[a letter of 14 Aug 1916 from Mrs Anna G Rattliffe of Princeton KY to the archives is requesting information on Michael Freeman and states that he was her grandfather’s father.]
[The same file contains a letter to a genealogist requesting information on Aaron Freeman. The archivist states that Aaron Freeman was born 30 Jan 1758 in Bertie County NC to John and Ann Freeman. He enlisted in Dobbs County NC 1 Aug 1781 and served one year as private and sergeant in Captain Thomas Armstrong’s Company in Colonel Archibald Lytle’s North Carolina Regiment. He was allowed pension 24 Jun 1818 at which time he was also living in Caldwell County Kentucky. He died 26 Nov 1821 in Livingston County KY. He married 9 September 1777 in Bertie County NC Judith Fleetwood who was born 21 Feb 1759 and was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Fleetwood. The widow, Judith, was allowed a pension 13 Aug 1829 at which time she was also living in Caldwell County KY. Aaron and Judith had the following children:
Alexander b: 23 Apr 1778 d: 28 May 1829
Elizabeth b: 15 Sep 1779 d: 14 Nov 1805
John Parker b: 21 June 1781 d: 18 Apr 1786
Edmund b: 12 Feb 1785 d: 16 Mar 1790
Ann b: 22 Oct 1787
Christian b: 22 Mar 1790
John Parker b: 25 Feb 1792
Polley b: 2 Dec 1794
Delilah b: 3 Nov 1796
Jarsey b: 16 Oct 1798
Patsey b: 4 Sep 1800 d: 29 Nov 1805
Henry b: 7 Jun 1802
Hardy Fleetwood b: 29 Sep 1804
Mary is written in next to Delilah by hand, with no data
The following family data is also shown:
Christian Freeman married 27 Mar 1810, Willilam Evans
Delilah Freeman married June 18, 1818, Mathew Stepenson
Ann Freeman married May 17, 1810, Daniel Wormarlsdorff
Children of Daniel and Ann Wormarlsdorff:
Mary Luisey b: 20 Dec 1810
Henry b: 8 June 1812
Maryan b: 4 Mar 1814
Hariett b: 10 Feb 1816
Emeline Coanier b: 19 May 1818
Tilgath Pelnezer b: 7 Nov 1820
William Lessenton son of Jersey Freeman was born March 22, 1818
Matthew Stephenson Freeman, son of Mary Freeman [Delilah written in by hand] was born April 24, 1819.
The above letter signed by A D Hiller, Assistant to Administrator.]
Michael Freeman originally of North Carolina
Caldwell County Kentucky
Certificate of pension issued 22 August 1833
$95 and 82 cents per year to commence on the 4th day of March 1831
Arrears:
4th of March 191.62
Semi-?? Allowance ending 4 Sept 47.91
239.53
Pg 4 [answers written to a printed form]
Brief in the case of Michael Freeman of Caldwell Co in the State of Kentucky
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a judge….
3. How old is he? 68
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period: Volunteer in 1780 – 1781 6 months, 9 months, 10 months; horseman finding his home(?); General Davidson, Capt Polk, Col Davis, Capt Taggart, Col Irwin, Capt N. Martin
5. In what battles was he engaged? None named except skirmishes
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Mecklenberg Co NC
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witness
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? And if so in what respect? Not corrected(?) as required by the regulations.
Certified by F G Bradford, clerk
Pg 6
State of Kentucky, Caldwell County
On this 18th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before us, James C Wellers, Morton A Rucker, Wm Mitchuson and John Weeks justices of the peace for the County and state aforesaid, now sitting Michael Freeman a resident of the County of Caldwell and State afo’, aged 68 years, who being first duly sworn according to ??, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he first entered the service as a militia man, a volunteer, in the company commanded by Capt Polk about the first of March 1780. That he was, at the time of joining the army, about sixteen years old, and an inhabitant of Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina.
That he was attached to a troop of horse, shortly after he entered the service as a ?? attched to a troop of which troop of horses was under the command of one Col. Davis, and found his own horse.
That the first duty assigned the Regiment to which he belonged was to observe the motions of the enemy in South Carolina, and to garrison or guard different fords on the Catawba River.
That about the middle of May 1780 Charleston surrendered to the British, at which surrender, two uncles and a brother-in-law were taken prisoner. Shortly after this time Col. Buford was defeated in the Washaws, not far from where he lived, at which time he was in the service as above stated in consequence of the surrender
Pg 7
of Charleston, the Tories in the neighborhood, became very bold, and began to embody themselves in Lincoln County under the command of our Col John Moore, who were stationed at place called Ramsour’s Mills.
That he the said Freeman was detached on an expedition under the command of one Capt Barnett to dislodge these tories or loyalists (as they were sometimes called, in which they succeeded, but at the loss of Capt Falls who was killed in the engagement but the troop to which he belonged still continued to reconnoiter and match the movement of the enemy, to prevent them from embodying, shortly after this time, his term of service expired, and he returned home, having served six months on this tour.
That in August of this same year he reenters the service under the command of our Capt Tagert and they were sent under the command of our Col Irwin to hold Lord Cornwallis in check, but they were too much to do any thing more than annoy the enemy, and cut off their foraging parties, until Cornwallis succeeded in taking the Town of Charlotte.
Some time after this, Lord Cornwallis left Charlotte in pursuit of Gen’l Morgan who had previously defeated Col Tarleton at the Coropeus(?) under the command of General Davidson was hung in the rear of Cornwallis for the purpose of annoying his rear, and cutting off his supplies, at which time they had a skirmish with the enemy, in which Gen’l Davidson was killed at a place called Tools? Ford on the Catawba River after which they joined Gen’l Green and continued to pursue Cornwallis and overtook him at Guild Ford Courthouse, where a seven(?) engagement was fought with the enemy, but he was not in the battle, being then
Pg 8
attached to the infantry.
But the Corps to which he belonged pursued on, after the Battle, as far as the Alamance River, from which the troops to which said Freeman belonged, returned to Mecklenburgh County sometime in May 1781.
That shortly after this he volunteered in troop of horse commanded by Capt N Martin and Jonas Clark Lieut: for the Term of ten months and furnished his own horse which company was attached to the Regiment of Col. Polk and under the command of Gen’l Sumpter and during this term of service he ws in the Battle of Friday’s fort on the Congaras? River and also at the Battle of Orangeburgh Courthouse and at the Battle of Stubrick’s plantation.
That he continued in the army until his term of service had expired and that he was then regularly discharged (which discharge is now lost) about the last of March 1782, after having served in all upwards of two years, eighteen months of which time is proven by the Certificate of Jonas Clark, whose affidavit is hereto annessed(?).
That during his first term of service of six months the said Clark was absent on a campaign in Georgia, and therefore knows nothing of his ?? Freeman’s first term of service: and he further states that he knows of living witness by whom he can prove his services during the said term of six months- The discharge for ten months was signed by Capt Nat Martin, as to the other terms of services he does not recollect by whom the discharges were signed, but is very well satisfied that he always took one, as he was apprehensive of being called a deserter.
Pg 9
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Michael C. Freeman
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid before me Ja L Dallam
We F R Cositt a clergyman residing in the County of Caldwell and Enoch Prince and Jeremiah Rucker residing in the said County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Michael Freeman, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 68 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he lives to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
[signed] F R Cositt, Enoch Prince, Jeremiah Rucker
Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid before me Ja L Dallam
Questions:
1st: Where and what year were you born?
I was born in 1764, March 1st in Bertie County North Carolina
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
I have and it is at my house.
3. Where were you living when called into the service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live?
In Mecklenburgh County North Carolina. The most of the time in this state and now in Caldwell County
Pg 10
4th: How were you called into service; were you drafted. Did you Volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom?
I volunteered
5th State the names of some of the regular officers with the troops where you served, such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
I am not certain of any knowledge of any of the officers being in the regular service except Gen’ Green and Gen’l Davidson. I do not recollect of any of the Continental Regiments, but of the militia there were Davis, Pickens and Lumpters regiment and Marions was also at that time a Col. I served 6 months in the Calvary with Capt Polk and others. 9 months with Capt James Tagert and 10 months with Capt Nath’ Martin under General Sumter.
6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service. By whom was it given and what has become of it?
I have. It was given by Capt Martin for 10 months service, but about any others I cannot now recollect. I left it in North Carolina with my father, who is since dead and I suppose it is now lost.
And the said Court as hereby declared their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that F R Cositt who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the County of Caldwell and that Enoch Prince and Jeremiah Rucker who have also signed the same are residents in the same county, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
James C Weller, John Weeks, M A Rucker, Wm Mitchesson
I Nathan L Dallam Clerk of the Court of Caldwell County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court of the matter of application of Michael Freeman for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 15th day of October 1832
N L Dallam
[a later letter, from the archives, to a requesting genealogist, further states that Michael Freeman died 9 Feb 1842 and that he had left Mecklenburgh County NC in 1806. The letter had been asking for information on Michael and Judith Freeman and also on Aaron Freeman.]
Madison County State of Tennessee 23 August 1832
Jonas Clark appeared to swear he was acquainted with Michael Freeman.
Items from his testimony:
He and Michael Freeman were raised together in Mecklinburgh County NC before and during the Revolutionary War until 1806 when Michael Freemen left that county and hadn’t seen him since, until they met accidently in this county. He reiterated most of the same battle and company information mentioned in Michael Freeman’s statement.
[a letter of 14 Aug 1916 from Mrs Anna G Rattliffe of Princeton KY to the archives is requesting information on Michael Freeman and states that he was her grandfather’s father.]
[The same file contains a letter to a genealogist requesting information on Aaron Freeman. The archivist states that Aaron Freeman was born 30 Jan 1758 in Bertie County NC to John and Ann Freeman. He enlisted in Dobbs County NC 1 Aug 1781 and served one year as private and sergeant in Captain Thomas Armstrong’s Company in Colonel Archibald Lytle’s North Carolina Regiment. He was allowed pension 24 Jun 1818 at which time he was also living in Caldwell County Kentucky. He died 26 Nov 1821 in Livingston County KY. He married 9 September 1777 in Bertie County NC Judith Fleetwood who was born 21 Feb 1759 and was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Fleetwood. The widow, Judith, was allowed a pension 13 Aug 1829 at which time she was also living in Caldwell County KY. Aaron and Judith had the following children:
Alexander b: 23 Apr 1778 d: 28 May 1829
Elizabeth b: 15 Sep 1779 d: 14 Nov 1805
John Parker b: 21 June 1781 d: 18 Apr 1786
Edmund b: 12 Feb 1785 d: 16 Mar 1790
Ann b: 22 Oct 1787
Christian b: 22 Mar 1790
John Parker b: 25 Feb 1792
Polley b: 2 Dec 1794
Delilah b: 3 Nov 1796
Jarsey b: 16 Oct 1798
Patsey b: 4 Sep 1800 d: 29 Nov 1805
Henry b: 7 Jun 1802
Hardy Fleetwood b: 29 Sep 1804
Mary is written in next to Delilah by hand, with no data
The following family data is also shown:
Christian Freeman married 27 Mar 1810, Willilam Evans
Delilah Freeman married June 18, 1818, Mathew Stepenson
Ann Freeman married May 17, 1810, Daniel Wormarlsdorff
Children of Daniel and Ann Wormarlsdorff:
Mary Luisey b: 20 Dec 1810
Henry b: 8 June 1812
Maryan b: 4 Mar 1814
Hariett b: 10 Feb 1816
Emeline Coanier b: 19 May 1818
Tilgath Pelnezer b: 7 Nov 1820
William Lessenton son of Jersey Freeman was born March 22, 1818
Matthew Stephenson Freeman, son of Mary Freeman [Delilah written in by hand] was born April 24, 1819.
The above letter signed by A D Hiller, Assistant to Administrator.]
Friday, March 21, 2008
John Gwin Revolutionary War Pension Request
I continue to be impressed with the amount of information contained in these records. I’ve been reading the records of a John Gwin. Here are the things I’ve learned from his records.
John Gwin appeared before the court of common pleas in Wayne County Ohio 17 June 1818 at age 55. He was a resident of Wayne County.
He enlisted about ten miles from Greensburgh, Pennsylvania in the company commanded by Captain Cobe Sullivan and later commanded by Captain Robert Vance in the 13th Virginia regiment and this regiment was later called the ninth.
He served for three years until 23 December 1779 when he was discharged from service at Fort McIntosh in Pennsylvania.
He was in the Battle of Brandywine.
He was a drummer.
He is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and has no other evidence now in his power of his services.
The court found evidence of his service between his first and second appearances, but without the “judges certificate then required that the applicant is in much reduced circumstances as to need, the assistance of his county for support the ?? in certificate cannot be granted.”
John Gwin a resident of Wayne County Ohio appeared again in common pleas court on 27 Sep 1820, aged 57 to “obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and the 1st May 1820”. He swears that “in pursuance of the Act of 1 May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred eighteen and that I have not since that time by a gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled “an act-to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War””.
He lists everything he owns (except necessary bedding and cloathing [sic])
One cow calf, value $15
Two sheep, 5.00
20 hogs, 30.00
One axe, 1.00
1 iron pot 1.00
1 iron kettle, 2.00
1 dutch oven, 1.00
Two tea cups & saucers .10 // $55.10
“That I am indebted to several persons in the amount of about $40.00.
He’s a farmer and a miller.
“I am not able by my own labour to support myself by reason of my age and infirmities my family consists of my wife Molly Gwin aged fifty five years, one sone James Gwin aged nineteen years and my son Jonathan aged eleven years, and my daughter Sarah Gwin aged about eighteen, my said wife, my son James and my daughter Sarah are able to support themselves, but my son Jonathan cannot. I live with my said family on land belonging to my sons John and Thomas, and I do further see that my original herewith exhibited was made on the seventh day of June AD eighteen hundred and eighteen and that I have never received a pension from Government.”
Mary Gwin, wife of John appeared in court. Her plea was rejected. She appeared in Holmes County Ohio 25 February 1865 in the Court of Common Pleas. She was a resident of Kilbuck township in Holmes County Ohio and was 83 years old. She was trying to get the “benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, ‘an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows’”
She was the widow of John Gwin, who was a drummer. She said he was a pensioner, so his pension must have been later granted. She said evidence of his pension is in Book B Volume eleventh and seventh page.
John and Mary were married 9 June 1781.
John died on the 7 April 1844.
She ws not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 and she has not been married since.
Mary’s brother, Jacob Ammon gave a statement 25 February 1865, that he was a soldier in the Indian War and now receives an annuity from the State of Pennsylvania for his services. He was present at the marriage of Mary and John and that Mary has children by John, “who now live around her, some of whom are over fifty years of age. He’s referred to as General Ammon in a later document.
Thomas McQuiston appeared before a Holmes County Ohio Justice of the Peace and said: he’s a resident of Holmes County Ohio; he’s 73 years old; he was born in 1772 in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania and for the last twenty seven years has resided in Ohio; He was personally acquainted with John Gwin and his wife Mary; John Gwinn was married to Mary (then called Molly) Ammon, daughter of George Ammon at her fathers house about twelve miles from Greensburg in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania in April 1782 by Esquire Hughes. Although but a boy, he well remembers the parties before they were married and though not actually present at the wedding remembers the day on which his brothers and sisters older than him went to the wedding and remembers that after marriage they lived as husband and wife in a house not over half a mile from where he then lived. He has been familiar and intimately acquainted with them and their children ever since and has always resided in the same neighborhood with them. Their son Thomas, who is since dead was born in 1784. Their daughter Rebecca was born in the year 1794. Susannah another daughter was born in 1788 and Polly was born in 1794; she is since dead. John Gwin ?? their sons was born in the year 1792 and is now fifty three years old. Jacob Gwin another son was born in the year 1796 and James Gwin another son in the year 1800. They have also other young children whose ages he does not particularly recollect….
An angry letter dated 10 Sep 1865, written by the Postmaster of Millersburg, Asa G Dimmock, berates the government for not granting a pension to “an old lady”…..
In a letter to some researchers from the early 1900’s, the person responding from the archives says she WAS granted a pension.
John Gwin appeared before the court of common pleas in Wayne County Ohio 17 June 1818 at age 55. He was a resident of Wayne County.
He enlisted about ten miles from Greensburgh, Pennsylvania in the company commanded by Captain Cobe Sullivan and later commanded by Captain Robert Vance in the 13th Virginia regiment and this regiment was later called the ninth.
He served for three years until 23 December 1779 when he was discharged from service at Fort McIntosh in Pennsylvania.
He was in the Battle of Brandywine.
He was a drummer.
He is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and has no other evidence now in his power of his services.
The court found evidence of his service between his first and second appearances, but without the “judges certificate then required that the applicant is in much reduced circumstances as to need, the assistance of his county for support the ?? in certificate cannot be granted.”
John Gwin a resident of Wayne County Ohio appeared again in common pleas court on 27 Sep 1820, aged 57 to “obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and the 1st May 1820”. He swears that “in pursuance of the Act of 1 May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred eighteen and that I have not since that time by a gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled “an act-to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War””.
He lists everything he owns (except necessary bedding and cloathing [sic])
One cow calf, value $15
Two sheep, 5.00
20 hogs, 30.00
One axe, 1.00
1 iron pot 1.00
1 iron kettle, 2.00
1 dutch oven, 1.00
Two tea cups & saucers .10 // $55.10
“That I am indebted to several persons in the amount of about $40.00.
He’s a farmer and a miller.
“I am not able by my own labour to support myself by reason of my age and infirmities my family consists of my wife Molly Gwin aged fifty five years, one sone James Gwin aged nineteen years and my son Jonathan aged eleven years, and my daughter Sarah Gwin aged about eighteen, my said wife, my son James and my daughter Sarah are able to support themselves, but my son Jonathan cannot. I live with my said family on land belonging to my sons John and Thomas, and I do further see that my original herewith exhibited was made on the seventh day of June AD eighteen hundred and eighteen and that I have never received a pension from Government.”
Mary Gwin, wife of John appeared in court. Her plea was rejected. She appeared in Holmes County Ohio 25 February 1865 in the Court of Common Pleas. She was a resident of Kilbuck township in Holmes County Ohio and was 83 years old. She was trying to get the “benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, ‘an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows’”
She was the widow of John Gwin, who was a drummer. She said he was a pensioner, so his pension must have been later granted. She said evidence of his pension is in Book B Volume eleventh and seventh page.
John and Mary were married 9 June 1781.
John died on the 7 April 1844.
She ws not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 and she has not been married since.
Mary’s brother, Jacob Ammon gave a statement 25 February 1865, that he was a soldier in the Indian War and now receives an annuity from the State of Pennsylvania for his services. He was present at the marriage of Mary and John and that Mary has children by John, “who now live around her, some of whom are over fifty years of age. He’s referred to as General Ammon in a later document.
Thomas McQuiston appeared before a Holmes County Ohio Justice of the Peace and said: he’s a resident of Holmes County Ohio; he’s 73 years old; he was born in 1772 in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania and for the last twenty seven years has resided in Ohio; He was personally acquainted with John Gwin and his wife Mary; John Gwinn was married to Mary (then called Molly) Ammon, daughter of George Ammon at her fathers house about twelve miles from Greensburg in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania in April 1782 by Esquire Hughes. Although but a boy, he well remembers the parties before they were married and though not actually present at the wedding remembers the day on which his brothers and sisters older than him went to the wedding and remembers that after marriage they lived as husband and wife in a house not over half a mile from where he then lived. He has been familiar and intimately acquainted with them and their children ever since and has always resided in the same neighborhood with them. Their son Thomas, who is since dead was born in 1784. Their daughter Rebecca was born in the year 1794. Susannah another daughter was born in 1788 and Polly was born in 1794; she is since dead. John Gwin ?? their sons was born in the year 1792 and is now fifty three years old. Jacob Gwin another son was born in the year 1796 and James Gwin another son in the year 1800. They have also other young children whose ages he does not particularly recollect….
An angry letter dated 10 Sep 1865, written by the Postmaster of Millersburg, Asa G Dimmock, berates the government for not granting a pension to “an old lady”…..
In a letter to some researchers from the early 1900’s, the person responding from the archives says she WAS granted a pension.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Memphis Area Genealogy Happenings
There was an article in the Sunday, March 16, 2008 Commercial Appeal (Memphis Newspaper). I'd provide a link, but they never posted it on their website, so I'll summarize.
Tennessee has a statewide effort to preserve genealogical information written in old family bibles. The River City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is organizing an effort at the Richland Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church from 1 to 5 pm on March 30th. The church is located at 8658 Rosemark Road [in the Rosemark/Millington area, north of Memphis]. If you have a family bible, published in 1929 or earlier, they will be photographing the cover, the page with the publication date and the handwritten records of births, deaths and marriages. The information will become a resource to genealogy researchers after it is transcribed, indexed and published in a book. Anyone with a bible that qualifies may call Anne Dows Holzemer at 901-357-9253 to schedule an appointment on March 30th. The author of the article was Tom Baily, Jr and he can be reached at baileytom@yourappeal.com
Tennessee has a statewide effort to preserve genealogical information written in old family bibles. The River City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is organizing an effort at the Richland Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church from 1 to 5 pm on March 30th. The church is located at 8658 Rosemark Road [in the Rosemark/Millington area, north of Memphis]. If you have a family bible, published in 1929 or earlier, they will be photographing the cover, the page with the publication date and the handwritten records of births, deaths and marriages. The information will become a resource to genealogy researchers after it is transcribed, indexed and published in a book. Anyone with a bible that qualifies may call Anne Dows Holzemer at 901-357-9253 to schedule an appointment on March 30th. The author of the article was Tom Baily, Jr and he can be reached at baileytom@yourappeal.com
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Daniel Atchley in the war of 1812
My daughter made her first solo genealogy trip to the McClung Collection at the East Tennessee Historical Center to help in the search for Daniel Atchley. I had sent her a copy of the East Arkansas land grant of a Daniel Atchley in 1825 (there was also one for Joseph Atchley in 1825). That Daniel was supposedly in the 7th regiment. I wanted to know if he was our East Tennessee Daniel Atchley. I had previously found a Daniel in the 24th regiment, but no identifying data. She found that the 7th regiment was based out of Eddyville Kentucky (how's that for a coincidence - that's where MY family is from), and found no Daniel Atchley in that regiment, but she found information on the Daniel Atchley (and Joseph) who was in the 24th regiment:
From "Virginia Soldiers in the United States Army 1800 - 1815" by Stuart Lee Butler; Iberian Publishing Comopany, Athens, Georgia:
Atchley, Daniel; 24th Inf. [24] {farmer} b. Botetourt; enl. on 6/10/13; dis. Fort Gadsden FL 6/8/18
Atchley, Joshua or Joseph; 24th inf. [20/23] {farmer} b. Roanoke Co.; enl. on 6/28/13; dis. Fort Gadsden FL 6/20/18 *
From "Virginia Soldiers in the United States Army 1800 - 1815" by Stuart Lee Butler; Iberian Publishing Comopany, Athens, Georgia:
Atchley, Daniel; 24th Inf. [24] {farmer} b. Botetourt; enl. on 6/10/13; dis. Fort Gadsden FL 6/8/18
Atchley, Joshua or Joseph; 24th inf. [20/23] {farmer} b. Roanoke Co.; enl. on 6/28/13; dis. Fort Gadsden FL 6/20/18 *
Friday, March 14, 2008
I saved a couple of twigs on a tree today
It's the little things we can do that might eventually make a difference for the environment. I received my first issue of a state genealogical quarterly publication via PDF format today, instead of the usual paper copy. I had signed up to receive it in PDF as soon as they announced availability. That publication had over 60 pages. It might be worth checking with your local society about their abilities to send documents via email instead of paper.
The second thing I did was interesting. I went to the Apple Store to buy a cable to connect my iPod in my car (hybrid of course :^) ), and was asked at check out if I wanted a paper receipt or to have it emailed to me. That was the first time that had happened for me! I chose the emailed version, and the receipt was in my email when I arrived home.
I learned something new today - again.
The second thing I did was interesting. I went to the Apple Store to buy a cable to connect my iPod in my car (hybrid of course :^) ), and was asked at check out if I wanted a paper receipt or to have it emailed to me. That was the first time that had happened for me! I chose the emailed version, and the receipt was in my email when I arrived home.
I learned something new today - again.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thomas Towns of SC & TN; Rev War Pension Document
Document found on Footnote.com
Part of the Revolutionary War Pension record of Thomas Towns
State of Tennessee
Bradly County
On the twentieth day of March 1838 before me the subscribing a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Bradly appeared Thomas Towns who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Samuel Shurben in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Samuel Merrideth in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of South Carolina from whence he lately ??? in the year 1835 removed; that henow resides in the State of Tennessee in the County of Bradly aforesaid, where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be payable in said State of Tennessee in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Anderson District in South Carolina to Bradly County aforesaid in the Eastern division of the State of Tennessee. That his wife had departed this life some years before his removal - his children had all married and settled. That he had for some years resided in said Anderson District with his son John Towns, who removed himself and from South Carolina in 1835 to Bradly in the State of Tennessee aforesaid and settled himself there. That declarant being desirous of living with his said son John Towns removed with him and his family and settled with him as a member of his familyl in Bradly County aforesaid, where he expects to continue his residence.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid. James W Wilson,
Part of the Revolutionary War Pension record of Thomas Towns
State of Tennessee
Bradly County
On the twentieth day of March 1838 before me the subscribing a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Bradly appeared Thomas Towns who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Samuel Shurben in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Samuel Merrideth in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of South Carolina from whence he lately ??? in the year 1835 removed; that henow resides in the State of Tennessee in the County of Bradly aforesaid, where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be payable in said State of Tennessee in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Anderson District in South Carolina to Bradly County aforesaid in the Eastern division of the State of Tennessee. That his wife had departed this life some years before his removal - his children had all married and settled. That he had for some years resided in said Anderson District with his son John Towns, who removed himself and from South Carolina in 1835 to Bradly in the State of Tennessee aforesaid and settled himself there. That declarant being desirous of living with his said son John Towns removed with him and his family and settled with him as a member of his familyl in Bradly County aforesaid, where he expects to continue his residence.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid. James W Wilson,
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Letter From F.E. Cummins - September 1863
This is a letter from Finus E Cummins to his father, Noah H Cummins.
Letter from F. E. Cummins (while being held prisoner during the civil war), to his father, Noah Cummins.
Hopkinsville prison September 9th, 1863
Dear Father,
It is with pleasure that I rest myself this day to inform you that I reached this point on 3rd day of this month. I gave myself up to the union picket. I was well treated I found gentlemen and men that treated me well as could be expected of course I was ?? in the military prison until those officers can get some information concerning my general connection against the union. Now if any of my ??? comes to see me I wish to see the best union men that thear is in that naborhood and let them say whether I ever did the goviment harm or not I think will have no difficulty if Major Rogers will call and see me and the col that has command of the post.
Give my love to all the younsters. Tell them all to write to me
F. E. Cummins
Tell M??? to wright to me and tell her that I have not forgotten her.
Letter from F. E. Cummins (while being held prisoner during the civil war), to his father, Noah Cummins.
Hopkinsville prison September 9th, 1863
Dear Father,
It is with pleasure that I rest myself this day to inform you that I reached this point on 3rd day of this month. I gave myself up to the union picket. I was well treated I found gentlemen and men that treated me well as could be expected of course I was ?? in the military prison until those officers can get some information concerning my general connection against the union. Now if any of my ??? comes to see me I wish to see the best union men that thear is in that naborhood and let them say whether I ever did the goviment harm or not I think will have no difficulty if Major Rogers will call and see me and the col that has command of the post.
Give my love to all the younsters. Tell them all to write to me
F. E. Cummins
Tell M??? to wright to me and tell her that I have not forgotten her.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Early Daniel Atchleys in Map Form
Maybe looking at the data in pictures would help. Maybe I'm more of a visual learner than I thought.
Monday, March 10, 2008
I'm Drowning in Daniel Atchley's
I am an EXTREMELY organized person or I always thought I was. I have gone through wills, Revolutionary War Pension applications, deeds, land grants, tax lists, assorted state and county rosters, census files, guardian papers and every other "official" paper I could find. I'm ignoring the mounds of family histories, since it's the mistakes in most of those that I'm trying to correct - as they pertain to OUR line. I'm only looking at FACTS. I've done a TIMELINE to show which Daniel (and sometimes Joshua, Thomas, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Jesse and David) was around in a certain year. That didn't clear things up for me, so I drew a PICTURE. I drew all those states that had Daniel Atchley's (and sometimes Daniel ASHLEY's, AND the other names that keep reappearing) and wrote the names, dates and counties into the little picture to try and figure out who was where and when. My very confusing picture now has New York, Vermont, Connecticut [I think I'm going to drop all those, as most pertain to Daniel ASHLEY and I think I've concluded that he's not "my" group], Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Kentucky [not sure about those guys], Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri. This has NOT cleared the picture up for me yet.
I think I know the problem, though. The early records of East Tennessee are sparse. I have land grants in east Tennessee for Joshua/Josiah, Thomas and Daniel, but this Daniel, which I believe is mine, died about 1825, per the deed transactions I've followed, so I don't have a pension application for him. He was in Sevier County TN and that courthouse was burned in the 1850's, along with all the early data. I believe the land received in a grant by THAT Daniel was passed on to the Daniel Atchley that I KNOW is a sibling to my Arkansas Atchley's, so the normal ASSUMPTION would be to ASSUME that the Daniels are father and son.
I have a few other loose ends. Mary Russell (of Jefferson County TN) is married to an Atchley per her father's will. Is that the SAME Mary Russell that a grandson of Daniel and Mary Russell Atchley discusses in his 1874 autobiographical sketch? I haven't found a marriage record with Daniel, or a record showing her living with a child. She never applied for a Widow's Pension, so she might have died before 1832 also. I have the will of Thomas Atchley (1775) listing his children. I'm still missing a real link between these folks. I've been going through Atchley's in my sleep this past week. I'm going to take a little break on them and run to Kentucky for a quick mini-reunion with some LIVE relatives.
One of my cousins is turning 80. She's not my oldest cousin either. Her sister is older than her. It should be fun. I think my daughter is driving over too, so it will be extra special. She'll be spending spring vacation in Canada, so a couple of days in Kentucky will be nice.
Maybe I'll have a "Daniel Atchley epiphany" over the next few days.... All suggestions or donation of pertinent documents gladly accepted.
I think I know the problem, though. The early records of East Tennessee are sparse. I have land grants in east Tennessee for Joshua/Josiah, Thomas and Daniel, but this Daniel, which I believe is mine, died about 1825, per the deed transactions I've followed, so I don't have a pension application for him. He was in Sevier County TN and that courthouse was burned in the 1850's, along with all the early data. I believe the land received in a grant by THAT Daniel was passed on to the Daniel Atchley that I KNOW is a sibling to my Arkansas Atchley's, so the normal ASSUMPTION would be to ASSUME that the Daniels are father and son.
I have a few other loose ends. Mary Russell (of Jefferson County TN) is married to an Atchley per her father's will. Is that the SAME Mary Russell that a grandson of Daniel and Mary Russell Atchley discusses in his 1874 autobiographical sketch? I haven't found a marriage record with Daniel, or a record showing her living with a child. She never applied for a Widow's Pension, so she might have died before 1832 also. I have the will of Thomas Atchley (1775) listing his children. I'm still missing a real link between these folks. I've been going through Atchley's in my sleep this past week. I'm going to take a little break on them and run to Kentucky for a quick mini-reunion with some LIVE relatives.
One of my cousins is turning 80. She's not my oldest cousin either. Her sister is older than her. It should be fun. I think my daughter is driving over too, so it will be extra special. She'll be spending spring vacation in Canada, so a couple of days in Kentucky will be nice.
Maybe I'll have a "Daniel Atchley epiphany" over the next few days....
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Good Job Sevier County Public Library in Tennessee
The Sevier County Public Library [Sevier County Tennessee] has done an excellent job of placing historical records online and trying to rebuild records lost in the courthouse fire in the mid-1850's.
Here's the link to their History/Genealogy Pages: http://www.sevierlibrary.org/NewGen/Homepage.htm
They have links to those who served in Sevier County in the War of 1812 and a list of land grants given South of the French Broad River for Revolutionary War Service, with a great map that I'd never seen before - which shows the lang granted to Daniel Atchley [still trying to figure out if this is MY Daniel Atchley]. Here's a link to the great map: http://www.sevierlibrary.org/genealogy/maps/map2.pdf
Here's the link to their History/Genealogy Pages: http://www.sevierlibrary.org/NewGen/Homepage.htm
They have links to those who served in Sevier County in the War of 1812 and a list of land grants given South of the French Broad River for Revolutionary War Service, with a great map that I'd never seen before - which shows the lang granted to Daniel Atchley [still trying to figure out if this is MY Daniel Atchley]. Here's a link to the great map: http://www.sevierlibrary.org/genealogy/maps/map2.pdf
Daniel Atchley (father of Amos R) Search Part II
I don’t see any Atchley’s in the census records of Arkansas before the 1850 census, however, a few land records were recorded per the Bureau of Land Management Site (images of original records): http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch/
ATCHLEY, DANIEL AR Lee 2/26/1825 Arkansas 25710 AR3010__.269
ATCHLEY, JOSEPH AR Lonoke 5/31/1825 Arkansas 23787 AR3010__.315
ATCHLEY, SETH AR Grant 11/1/1848 Little Rock 4837 AR0100__.139
Per the land documents, Daniel and Joseph were granted land for service in the War of 1812. Daniel was a private in B??’s Company of the 7th Regiment of Infantry. Joseph was a private in Twigg’s Company of the 7th Regiment of Infantry. Each was awarded 160 acres. I learned that the land grants for the War of 1812 were in Arkansas, Illinois and Missouri.
Seth is a brother to Amos. This is proven by the wonderful find of a Court Record, Case #278 in Sevier County TN from 1874. Daniel, a brother of Amos died in 1861. His wife died in 1872. After her death, the property in Tennessee belonging to Daniel (the brother of Amos) was to be disposed of, as the couple had no children. A list of the siblings and where they currently lived was in this document. It lists Seth, and the fact that he was living in Arkansas and it mentions Amos, as deceased. A transcription of this document is posted in a previous entry for this blog.
What we have to give us the name of Daniel Atchley as the father of Amos and Seth is a diary/autobiographical sketch written by the Rev. Robert C Atchley, a son of Seth. In this diary, Robert states that his maternal grandfather was Edward Calvert and his paternal grandfather, Daniel Atchley, was born and raised in New Jersey and his paternal grandmother was born and raised in South Carolina and her maiden name was Mary Russel. Robert also states that he was born in Calvert Township in Saline County Arkansas (now part of Grant County) on 26 Sep 1839 and that his father, Seth, and his maternal grandfather, Edward Calvert settled on “what is now known as the Dr. Richard C Rhodes place” in the fall of 1838. He states that his father was born and raised in Sevier County TN. He goes on to tell more about his Calvert ancestors. We then search for a marriage of a Mary Russel to an Atchley.
Joseph and Daniel were granted their land, but Seth purchased his land in 1848. What happened to the grant. If I can connect the known siblings or descendants of Amos and Seth to the land granted to Daniel in Arkansas in 1825, maybe I can make a case for a relationship. Other Atchley’s from Eastern Tennessee (they’re all related a few generations back) moved to Missouri and into Northern Arkansas. Some of them were also named Seth and Claiborn and Daniel, just like OUR Arkansas group. Now the fun starts.
I’ve been looking for rosters of Tennessee men in the War of 1812. I can’t find any online, so I’m going to run to the library and make some calls. I found information on a Joseph Atchley, who is probably the brother of Daniel (out and out speculation). I found his will in Rhea County TN (same area that our known Atchleys were in), and I found DAR papers for that same Joseph (children and spouse match)…. The search continues.
I called the McClung Archives – East Tennessee Historical Society: http://www.east-tennessee-history.org/index.cfm/m/13 It looks like they have microfilm of the Tennessee rosters of the War of 1812. If my daughter has time, maybe she can run over there. If not, I’ll look there the next time I visit Knoxville. The person answering the phone said archives in Nashville might have the rosters also. I then called our Memphis Library (since the Tennessee Historical Society Office is closed on Friday), and they said they have some microfilm and one book. I’ll wander down there next week. I’ve been reading a LOT and have found more Daniel Atchleys to sort through.
The following may prove to be extremely important:
From: "Historical Records of East Tennessee" Jefferson Co Edition
Abstract of Wills 1792 to 1851
Russell, Daniel 14 Sep 1805 probated October 1805 (an extract of information – not the original)
Wife: Jemimah
Son: Joseph
Daughters: Betsy Welch, Sarah Burdian, MARY ATCHLEY, Jemimah Wood, Allis McMahan and Rachel Rogers
Witness: James McMahon, Cornelius McGuire, George McGuire
Ex Wife(?); Joseph Russell and Wm McMahon
According to everything I’ve seen, the above listed daughter MARY RUSSELL ATCHLEY is our Mary Russell listed in the autobiographical sketch by Robert C Atchley. Maybe I should look in Jefferson County Tennessee records for more info, along with the original will of Daniel Russell. This may prove to be the Mary Russell married to Daniel Atchley, but I will STILL have to connect that Daniel to his father, whom I believe to be Joshua, son of Thomas.
Well, I visited the Regional History and Genealogy Center Library today (Tennessee Genealogical Society and the associated library in Germantown, TN). They had quite a few books of Tennessee soldiers in the War of 1812. I found quite a few names of interest, but not ONE Daniel Atchley. The only reference I saw to a Daniel Atchley was in a reference after I started looking in Virginia, since we think Daniel lived in Botetourt County Virginia and was also in the Revolutionary War before he was in the War of 1812. Here’s what I found:
From “Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines 1775 – 1783” by John H Gwathmey; 1938, The Dietz Press, Publisher, Richmond, VA
Pg 25: Ashley, Daniel Sr., Haskings Co., Ky, Mpl.
[the work shows several Ashleys, Ashlys, but no Atchleys]
Here are the other Atchley things I found today. They might come in handy in finding Daniel, but not directly: They might prove useful for someone else, so I’ll post them here anyway.
1. From vertical file on Morgan. Page 65 has a page from some book [not named] which shows the following will:
MIZER, HARTWELL [this was from Laclede County, Missouri] – will dated __ day of __ 1850
Wife, Mary Ann, all the land and home farm and with all improvements for her use and benefit during her natural life. Considering that my dau Polly (married to John Smith) and my dau Phebe (married to MARTIN ATCHLEY) have each received sum of 200.00, they have nothing more until remaining children have like sum of 200.00. Also, John Smith, husband of dau Polly, be given a good title to a section of land known as the __ Q of the __ Q of Sec no. __ in twp no. 35 of range no. __ containing 40 acres. At death of wife, that which remains to be divided among all of my children (not named) share and share alike. Exr, MARTIN ATCHLEY. Wit: William L Thrailkill and William Prater. Witnesses before court on 12 June 1862. L/T granted above named exr and recorded on 13 June 1862. (154) L/T granted Mary Ann Mizer 10 Mar 1863. (176)
2. From “Soldiers of the War of 1812 Buried in TN” compiled by Mary Hardin McDown & Inez E. Burns, Published by the Tennessee Society United States Daughters of 1812 – 1959 [TNGEN Book: TN 2436]
Page 4:
ATCHLEY, ISAAC (--c 1788-8-4-1854 Sevier Co); Md Mary Bowers 2-4-1830 (1800 – liv 4-2-1855); Corp, Capt Andrew Lawson’s Co, Col Wm Johnson’s 3rd Regt E T Drftd Mil, 9-20-1814 – 5-3-1815; T S A & P D; likely in Sevier Co; Unkn.
ATCHLEY, JESSE ( -- liv 4-11-1855 aged 67 yrs Bradley Co); Md ( ); Pvt, Capt Andrew Lawson’s Co, Col Wm Johnson’s 3rd Regt E T Drftd Mil, 9-20-1814—5-3-1815; W D & T S A & P D; Cem 6 m W Cleveland, Brandley Co; Unkn.
3. From “Twenty-Four Hundred Tennessee Pensioners – Revolution – War of 1812” by Zella Armstrong; Genealogical Publishing Company 1981; [TNGEN Book: TN 4599]
Page 11: ATCHLEY, THOMAS A; 1832 list age 79; served in N J line; drew pension in Sevier Co; his widow Lydia Atchley 1840 Census age 75 lived with Noah Atchley
4. From “Soldiers of the Revolution and War of 1812 Buried in TN”; compiled by Lucy Womac Bates, Chairman; 1974; The State Regent’s Bicentennial Project, Tennessee Society, NSDAR.
Page 20: ATCHLEY, (AITCHLEY) ABRAHAM, (b 10-25-1757 near Princeton, NJ/d after 1834 Sevier Co.). Entered service while living in Loudon Co., VA; moving to Sevier Co. about 1790-91. R 68, served less than 6 mos. Ref.: Dorman 3; McCown.
Page 20-21: ATCHLEY, THOMAS (b 5-3-1755 Middlesex Co., NJ/d 10-11-1836 Sevier Co.), bur. Alder Branch cem., Sevier Co. Lived Middlesex Co., NJ and Botetourt Co., VA during war. Served as Pvt. Under Major Dunn in NJ Line. Re-enlisted 1777 – served under Capt. Reddakin’s Co. in VA and again in 1781 under Capt, John Lewis. Also in Indian wars and War of 1812. Age 79 – 1832 pen. List, Sevier Co., TN. m 1780 Loudon Co., VA to Lydia Richards b 8-18-1762/d 8-3-1850 Sevier Co., bur. By husband. In 1840 census living with Noah Atchley. Ch.: Hannah b 2-23-1782; Mary b 11-13-1783 m Rev. James Haggard; Sarah b 11-28-1785 m ____ Guthrie; Isaac b 12-9-1787 m Emily Smith; Benjamin b 1-24-1790 m 1st ________, m2nd Martha Chambers; Joshua b 2-26-1792 m Elizabeth Hardin; Lydia b 4-23-1794 m Thomoas Maples; Thomas 4-18-1796; Jane b 8-1-1798; Elizabeth b 10-24-1800 m John Lindsey; Rhoda b 2-25-1802 m Mose Langly; Noah b 1-19-1807 m Elizabeth Pharis. Ref.: A 1; Pen. Claim W-257; DAR #535915.
5. From “ Tennesseans in the War of 1812” transcribed and indexed by Byron and Samuel Sistler; Nashville, TN 1992; Published and Distributed by Byron Sistler Associates, Inc, 1712 Natchez Trace, P O Box 120934, Nashville, TN 37212.
Pg 56:
ASHLEY, EDWARD, Pvt, Col Alexander Loury, Capt James Kincaid, Inf; sick absent at Ft Montgomery
ASHLEY, EDWARD, Pvt, Col William Lillard, Capt William Hamilton, E TN Vol Inf
ASHLEY, JAMES, Pvt, Maj William Russell, Capt Isaac Williams, 1 Regt Separate Bn of TN Mtd Gunmen
ASHLEY, JOSEPH, Ffr, Col William Johnson, Capt James Rogers, E TN Drafted Mil
ASHLEY, THOMAS, Pvt, Col Philip Pipkin, Capt George Mebane, Mil Inf; deserted from Ft Jackson 9-20-1814
ASHLEY, WILLIAM Pvt, Col Edwin Booth, Capt John McKamey, E TN Mil
ASHLEY, WILLIAM, Pvt, Col John Williams, Capt Samuel Bunch, Branch Srvce omitted
ASHLEY, WILLIAM, Pvt, Col Samuel Bayless, Capt Joseph Bacon, E TN Mil
ATCHBY, THOMAS, Pvt, Col Samuel Wear, Capt Simeon Perry, E TN Vol Mtd Inf
Pg 57
ATCHLEY, ABRAHAM, Pvt, Col William Johnson, Capt Andrew Lawson, E TN Drafted Mil
ATCHLEY, BENJAMIN, Cpl, Col Edwin Booth, Capt John Porter, Drafted Mil
ATCHLEY, JOS, Pvt Col S Bunch, Capt Isaac Williams, E TN Mil
ATCHLEY, BENJAMIN, Pvt, Col William Johnson, Capt Elihu Milliken, 3rd Regt E TN Mil; transferred from Capt Churchman
ATCHLY, JOS Pvt, Col WmJohnson, Capt Elihu Millikin, 3rd Regt E Tn Mil
ATHEY, ABRAHAM, Pvt, Col Jno Brown, Capt Jas Preston, E TN Mil Inf
ATHEY, EDGMORE, Pvt, Col Jno Brown, Capt Jas Preston, E TN Mil Inf
6. From: “Appalachian Families” James l Douthat, Editor, P O Box 400, Signal Mountain, TN 37377, Volume 1 Number 1
Pg 81:
War of 1812 Pension Papers of Benjamin Atchley
State of Tenn, County of Sevier, 8 Jan 1851
Abstracted:
Appeared in open court before the Justices of the Peace BENJAMIN ATCHLEY aged sixty one 24th Jany 61 years a resident of Sevier Co. He declares he was a private in the company of Capt Elihu Milikan in the Tenn drafted Militia commanded by Gen’l Taylor in the War with the Creek Indians. He was drafted at Sevierville Tenn on the 18 day of Sept 1814 for a six months term until 24 March 1815. He was honorably discharged at Washington Cty Tenn on the 24 day of March 1815. He started out under Capt Wilson Maples who was taken sick at the Lookout Mountains.
Signed: BENJAMIN ATCHLEY
Witness: James Toomey, Thos Maples
State of Tenn, Sevier County, 30 March 1871
Appeared before G Gap clerk of Chancery Court Benjamin Atchley aged eighty a resident of the 7th district of the county of Sevier. He states he is married that his wifes name was Martha Chambers when hw? Married in Sevier County on or about the 11th day of Aug 1811. He was drafted in Capt Wilson Maples, Col Booths Regiment. The company at the time of discharge was commanded by Capt John W Porter because Capt Maples resigned. The company was disbanded at Mobile Alabama but he did not receive a discharge until he arrived home.
State of Tenn, Sevier County 3 November 1875
Personally appeared in Chancery Court Martha Atchley aged seventy nine a resident of the 7th district of said county. She states she is the widow of Benjamin Atchley and that he was drafted and served under Capt Wilson Maples and afterwards Capt Pport in the War of 1812. She married on 11 Aug 1811 to Benjamin Atchley under the name of Martha Atchley by William Trotter. Her? Husband died on the 10th day of Sept 1875. Her post office address in Catlettsburg, Sevier County, Tenn, is 8 miles above and north of Sevierville on the road leading from Sevierville to Dandridge by way of Evans Island.
Martha Atchley (Her Mark)
Witness: Wm Gorman, M.C. Stover
Pg 79
Application and pension Papers of Revolutionary Soldier Thomas Atchley
State of Tenn, County of Sevier 3 Sept 1832
Abstracted:
Personally appeared before the Court of Pleas of Quarter Superior now sitting said Thomas Atchley, a resident of Sevier County and the state of Tenn, aged 77 years and 4 months doth on oath make the following declaration: He was born the 3rd day of May 1755 in the state of New Jersey, Middlesex County until he was a man he resided there. He entered the service of the United States about the years 1774 or 1775 in Middlesex County. He marched from this County to Brunswick Town in New Jersey. From here he was put under the command of Major Dunn. He then marched to Amboy (Perth Amboy) which is on the bay opposite Staten Island and marched through Elizabeth Town NJ to Barigan Town opposite the City of New York. He remained there until he was discharged one month later. He then moved from New Jersey to Loudoun County, Virginia. He joined again the service of the United States under Capt Jas Reddakin and Capt Thos Cavin. He was marched to Pittsburg in Penn from where he took a boat to the mouth of the Ohio near wheeling and was stationed here a period of six months. When he was discharged he returned home to Loudoun County Virginia. Again he moved to Botetourt County on the banks of the Roanoke river. Here he entered the service under Capt John Lewis and marched to Guilford Co. in North Carolina where he remained for some time. After his discharge he returned home to Botetourt County. He served a fourth time as a volunteer to disarm suspected Tories on Walkers creek, Virginia. He states his company disarmed them and returned home making a total of eight months and two weeks he served his country. He knows no person alive who served with him except John Clock (Clack) who lives in West Tenn.
7 From “Will Abstracts of Botetourt & Madison Co VA, 1785 Enumeration, Copied and Indexed by Charles T Burton, R 2 Box 191, Troutville, VA 24175, Genealogist, [TNGEN Book# 1761]
Enumeration taken Feb and Mar 1785. First number after each name is the number of white persons in the family; the next is the number of Dwellings and the last is the number of other buildings. At this time the area enumerated included all or parts of these other counties: Alleghany, Bath, Roanoke, and Craig.
Pg 5
Smiths District:
Joseph Atchley 4 1 0
Thomas Atchley 3 1 0
Martin Atchley 2 1 0
Pg 7
Watterson’s Dist
Abm. Ackley 5 1 0
Pg 10
Capt Goodson’s Co
Ashley, Thomas
and my search continues....
ATCHLEY, DANIEL AR Lee 2/26/1825 Arkansas 25710 AR3010__.269
ATCHLEY, JOSEPH AR Lonoke 5/31/1825 Arkansas 23787 AR3010__.315
ATCHLEY, SETH AR Grant 11/1/1848 Little Rock 4837 AR0100__.139
Per the land documents, Daniel and Joseph were granted land for service in the War of 1812. Daniel was a private in B??’s Company of the 7th Regiment of Infantry. Joseph was a private in Twigg’s Company of the 7th Regiment of Infantry. Each was awarded 160 acres. I learned that the land grants for the War of 1812 were in Arkansas, Illinois and Missouri.
Seth is a brother to Amos. This is proven by the wonderful find of a Court Record, Case #278 in Sevier County TN from 1874. Daniel, a brother of Amos died in 1861. His wife died in 1872. After her death, the property in Tennessee belonging to Daniel (the brother of Amos) was to be disposed of, as the couple had no children. A list of the siblings and where they currently lived was in this document. It lists Seth, and the fact that he was living in Arkansas and it mentions Amos, as deceased. A transcription of this document is posted in a previous entry for this blog.
What we have to give us the name of Daniel Atchley as the father of Amos and Seth is a diary/autobiographical sketch written by the Rev. Robert C Atchley, a son of Seth. In this diary, Robert states that his maternal grandfather was Edward Calvert and his paternal grandfather, Daniel Atchley, was born and raised in New Jersey and his paternal grandmother was born and raised in South Carolina and her maiden name was Mary Russel. Robert also states that he was born in Calvert Township in Saline County Arkansas (now part of Grant County) on 26 Sep 1839 and that his father, Seth, and his maternal grandfather, Edward Calvert settled on “what is now known as the Dr. Richard C Rhodes place” in the fall of 1838. He states that his father was born and raised in Sevier County TN. He goes on to tell more about his Calvert ancestors. We then search for a marriage of a Mary Russel to an Atchley.
Joseph and Daniel were granted their land, but Seth purchased his land in 1848. What happened to the grant. If I can connect the known siblings or descendants of Amos and Seth to the land granted to Daniel in Arkansas in 1825, maybe I can make a case for a relationship. Other Atchley’s from Eastern Tennessee (they’re all related a few generations back) moved to Missouri and into Northern Arkansas. Some of them were also named Seth and Claiborn and Daniel, just like OUR Arkansas group. Now the fun starts.
I’ve been looking for rosters of Tennessee men in the War of 1812. I can’t find any online, so I’m going to run to the library and make some calls. I found information on a Joseph Atchley, who is probably the brother of Daniel (out and out speculation). I found his will in Rhea County TN (same area that our known Atchleys were in), and I found DAR papers for that same Joseph (children and spouse match)…. The search continues.
I called the McClung Archives – East Tennessee Historical Society: http://www.east-tennessee-history.org/index.cfm/m/13 It looks like they have microfilm of the Tennessee rosters of the War of 1812. If my daughter has time, maybe she can run over there. If not, I’ll look there the next time I visit Knoxville. The person answering the phone said archives in Nashville might have the rosters also. I then called our Memphis Library (since the Tennessee Historical Society Office is closed on Friday), and they said they have some microfilm and one book. I’ll wander down there next week. I’ve been reading a LOT and have found more Daniel Atchleys to sort through.
The following may prove to be extremely important:
From: "Historical Records of East Tennessee" Jefferson Co Edition
Abstract of Wills 1792 to 1851
Russell, Daniel 14 Sep 1805 probated October 1805 (an extract of information – not the original)
Wife: Jemimah
Son: Joseph
Daughters: Betsy Welch, Sarah Burdian, MARY ATCHLEY, Jemimah Wood, Allis McMahan and Rachel Rogers
Witness: James McMahon, Cornelius McGuire, George McGuire
Ex Wife(?); Joseph Russell and Wm McMahon
According to everything I’ve seen, the above listed daughter MARY RUSSELL ATCHLEY is our Mary Russell listed in the autobiographical sketch by Robert C Atchley. Maybe I should look in Jefferson County Tennessee records for more info, along with the original will of Daniel Russell. This may prove to be the Mary Russell married to Daniel Atchley, but I will STILL have to connect that Daniel to his father, whom I believe to be Joshua, son of Thomas.
Well, I visited the Regional History and Genealogy Center Library today (Tennessee Genealogical Society and the associated library in Germantown, TN). They had quite a few books of Tennessee soldiers in the War of 1812. I found quite a few names of interest, but not ONE Daniel Atchley. The only reference I saw to a Daniel Atchley was in a reference after I started looking in Virginia, since we think Daniel lived in Botetourt County Virginia and was also in the Revolutionary War before he was in the War of 1812. Here’s what I found:
From “Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines 1775 – 1783” by John H Gwathmey; 1938, The Dietz Press, Publisher, Richmond, VA
Pg 25: Ashley, Daniel Sr., Haskings Co., Ky, Mpl.
[the work shows several Ashleys, Ashlys, but no Atchleys]
Here are the other Atchley things I found today. They might come in handy in finding Daniel, but not directly: They might prove useful for someone else, so I’ll post them here anyway.
1. From vertical file on Morgan. Page 65 has a page from some book [not named] which shows the following will:
MIZER, HARTWELL [this was from Laclede County, Missouri] – will dated __ day of __ 1850
Wife, Mary Ann, all the land and home farm and with all improvements for her use and benefit during her natural life. Considering that my dau Polly (married to John Smith) and my dau Phebe (married to MARTIN ATCHLEY) have each received sum of 200.00, they have nothing more until remaining children have like sum of 200.00. Also, John Smith, husband of dau Polly, be given a good title to a section of land known as the __ Q of the __ Q of Sec no. __ in twp no. 35 of range no. __ containing 40 acres. At death of wife, that which remains to be divided among all of my children (not named) share and share alike. Exr, MARTIN ATCHLEY. Wit: William L Thrailkill and William Prater. Witnesses before court on 12 June 1862. L/T granted above named exr and recorded on 13 June 1862. (154) L/T granted Mary Ann Mizer 10 Mar 1863. (176)
2. From “Soldiers of the War of 1812 Buried in TN” compiled by Mary Hardin McDown & Inez E. Burns, Published by the Tennessee Society United States Daughters of 1812 – 1959 [TNGEN Book: TN 2436]
Page 4:
ATCHLEY, ISAAC (--c 1788-8-4-1854 Sevier Co); Md Mary Bowers 2-4-1830 (1800 – liv 4-2-1855); Corp, Capt Andrew Lawson’s Co, Col Wm Johnson’s 3rd Regt E T Drftd Mil, 9-20-1814 – 5-3-1815; T S A & P D; likely in Sevier Co; Unkn.
ATCHLEY, JESSE ( -- liv 4-11-1855 aged 67 yrs Bradley Co); Md ( ); Pvt, Capt Andrew Lawson’s Co, Col Wm Johnson’s 3rd Regt E T Drftd Mil, 9-20-1814—5-3-1815; W D & T S A & P D; Cem 6 m W Cleveland, Brandley Co; Unkn.
3. From “Twenty-Four Hundred Tennessee Pensioners – Revolution – War of 1812” by Zella Armstrong; Genealogical Publishing Company 1981; [TNGEN Book: TN 4599]
Page 11: ATCHLEY, THOMAS A; 1832 list age 79; served in N J line; drew pension in Sevier Co; his widow Lydia Atchley 1840 Census age 75 lived with Noah Atchley
4. From “Soldiers of the Revolution and War of 1812 Buried in TN”; compiled by Lucy Womac Bates, Chairman; 1974; The State Regent’s Bicentennial Project, Tennessee Society, NSDAR.
Page 20: ATCHLEY, (AITCHLEY) ABRAHAM, (b 10-25-1757 near Princeton, NJ/d after 1834 Sevier Co.). Entered service while living in Loudon Co., VA; moving to Sevier Co. about 1790-91. R 68, served less than 6 mos. Ref.: Dorman 3; McCown.
Page 20-21: ATCHLEY, THOMAS (b 5-3-1755 Middlesex Co., NJ/d 10-11-1836 Sevier Co.), bur. Alder Branch cem., Sevier Co. Lived Middlesex Co., NJ and Botetourt Co., VA during war. Served as Pvt. Under Major Dunn in NJ Line. Re-enlisted 1777 – served under Capt. Reddakin’s Co. in VA and again in 1781 under Capt, John Lewis. Also in Indian wars and War of 1812. Age 79 – 1832 pen. List, Sevier Co., TN. m 1780 Loudon Co., VA to Lydia Richards b 8-18-1762/d 8-3-1850 Sevier Co., bur. By husband. In 1840 census living with Noah Atchley. Ch.: Hannah b 2-23-1782; Mary b 11-13-1783 m Rev. James Haggard; Sarah b 11-28-1785 m ____ Guthrie; Isaac b 12-9-1787 m Emily Smith; Benjamin b 1-24-1790 m 1st ________, m2nd Martha Chambers; Joshua b 2-26-1792 m Elizabeth Hardin; Lydia b 4-23-1794 m Thomoas Maples; Thomas 4-18-1796; Jane b 8-1-1798; Elizabeth b 10-24-1800 m John Lindsey; Rhoda b 2-25-1802 m Mose Langly; Noah b 1-19-1807 m Elizabeth Pharis. Ref.: A 1; Pen. Claim W-257; DAR #535915.
5. From “ Tennesseans in the War of 1812” transcribed and indexed by Byron and Samuel Sistler; Nashville, TN 1992; Published and Distributed by Byron Sistler Associates, Inc, 1712 Natchez Trace, P O Box 120934, Nashville, TN 37212.
Pg 56:
ASHLEY, EDWARD, Pvt, Col Alexander Loury, Capt James Kincaid, Inf; sick absent at Ft Montgomery
ASHLEY, EDWARD, Pvt, Col William Lillard, Capt William Hamilton, E TN Vol Inf
ASHLEY, JAMES, Pvt, Maj William Russell, Capt Isaac Williams, 1 Regt Separate Bn of TN Mtd Gunmen
ASHLEY, JOSEPH, Ffr, Col William Johnson, Capt James Rogers, E TN Drafted Mil
ASHLEY, THOMAS, Pvt, Col Philip Pipkin, Capt George Mebane, Mil Inf; deserted from Ft Jackson 9-20-1814
ASHLEY, WILLIAM Pvt, Col Edwin Booth, Capt John McKamey, E TN Mil
ASHLEY, WILLIAM, Pvt, Col John Williams, Capt Samuel Bunch, Branch Srvce omitted
ASHLEY, WILLIAM, Pvt, Col Samuel Bayless, Capt Joseph Bacon, E TN Mil
ATCHBY, THOMAS, Pvt, Col Samuel Wear, Capt Simeon Perry, E TN Vol Mtd Inf
Pg 57
ATCHLEY, ABRAHAM, Pvt, Col William Johnson, Capt Andrew Lawson, E TN Drafted Mil
ATCHLEY, BENJAMIN, Cpl, Col Edwin Booth, Capt John Porter, Drafted Mil
ATCHLEY, JOS, Pvt Col S Bunch, Capt Isaac Williams, E TN Mil
ATCHLEY, BENJAMIN, Pvt, Col William Johnson, Capt Elihu Milliken, 3rd Regt E TN Mil; transferred from Capt Churchman
ATCHLY, JOS Pvt, Col WmJohnson, Capt Elihu Millikin, 3rd Regt E Tn Mil
ATHEY, ABRAHAM, Pvt, Col Jno Brown, Capt Jas Preston, E TN Mil Inf
ATHEY, EDGMORE, Pvt, Col Jno Brown, Capt Jas Preston, E TN Mil Inf
6. From: “Appalachian Families” James l Douthat, Editor, P O Box 400, Signal Mountain, TN 37377, Volume 1 Number 1
Pg 81:
War of 1812 Pension Papers of Benjamin Atchley
State of Tenn, County of Sevier, 8 Jan 1851
Abstracted:
Appeared in open court before the Justices of the Peace BENJAMIN ATCHLEY aged sixty one 24th Jany 61 years a resident of Sevier Co. He declares he was a private in the company of Capt Elihu Milikan in the Tenn drafted Militia commanded by Gen’l Taylor in the War with the Creek Indians. He was drafted at Sevierville Tenn on the 18 day of Sept 1814 for a six months term until 24 March 1815. He was honorably discharged at Washington Cty Tenn on the 24 day of March 1815. He started out under Capt Wilson Maples who was taken sick at the Lookout Mountains.
Signed: BENJAMIN ATCHLEY
Witness: James Toomey, Thos Maples
State of Tenn, Sevier County, 30 March 1871
Appeared before G Gap clerk of Chancery Court Benjamin Atchley aged eighty a resident of the 7th district of the county of Sevier. He states he is married that his wifes name was Martha Chambers when hw? Married in Sevier County on or about the 11th day of Aug 1811. He was drafted in Capt Wilson Maples, Col Booths Regiment. The company at the time of discharge was commanded by Capt John W Porter because Capt Maples resigned. The company was disbanded at Mobile Alabama but he did not receive a discharge until he arrived home.
State of Tenn, Sevier County 3 November 1875
Personally appeared in Chancery Court Martha Atchley aged seventy nine a resident of the 7th district of said county. She states she is the widow of Benjamin Atchley and that he was drafted and served under Capt Wilson Maples and afterwards Capt Pport in the War of 1812. She married on 11 Aug 1811 to Benjamin Atchley under the name of Martha Atchley by William Trotter. Her? Husband died on the 10th day of Sept 1875. Her post office address in Catlettsburg, Sevier County, Tenn, is 8 miles above and north of Sevierville on the road leading from Sevierville to Dandridge by way of Evans Island.
Martha Atchley (Her Mark)
Witness: Wm Gorman, M.C. Stover
Pg 79
Application and pension Papers of Revolutionary Soldier Thomas Atchley
State of Tenn, County of Sevier 3 Sept 1832
Abstracted:
Personally appeared before the Court of Pleas of Quarter Superior now sitting said Thomas Atchley, a resident of Sevier County and the state of Tenn, aged 77 years and 4 months doth on oath make the following declaration: He was born the 3rd day of May 1755 in the state of New Jersey, Middlesex County until he was a man he resided there. He entered the service of the United States about the years 1774 or 1775 in Middlesex County. He marched from this County to Brunswick Town in New Jersey. From here he was put under the command of Major Dunn. He then marched to Amboy (Perth Amboy) which is on the bay opposite Staten Island and marched through Elizabeth Town NJ to Barigan Town opposite the City of New York. He remained there until he was discharged one month later. He then moved from New Jersey to Loudoun County, Virginia. He joined again the service of the United States under Capt Jas Reddakin and Capt Thos Cavin. He was marched to Pittsburg in Penn from where he took a boat to the mouth of the Ohio near wheeling and was stationed here a period of six months. When he was discharged he returned home to Loudoun County Virginia. Again he moved to Botetourt County on the banks of the Roanoke river. Here he entered the service under Capt John Lewis and marched to Guilford Co. in North Carolina where he remained for some time. After his discharge he returned home to Botetourt County. He served a fourth time as a volunteer to disarm suspected Tories on Walkers creek, Virginia. He states his company disarmed them and returned home making a total of eight months and two weeks he served his country. He knows no person alive who served with him except John Clock (Clack) who lives in West Tenn.
7 From “Will Abstracts of Botetourt & Madison Co VA, 1785 Enumeration, Copied and Indexed by Charles T Burton, R 2 Box 191, Troutville, VA 24175, Genealogist, [TNGEN Book# 1761]
Enumeration taken Feb and Mar 1785. First number after each name is the number of white persons in the family; the next is the number of Dwellings and the last is the number of other buildings. At this time the area enumerated included all or parts of these other counties: Alleghany, Bath, Roanoke, and Craig.
Pg 5
Smiths District:
Joseph Atchley 4 1 0
Thomas Atchley 3 1 0
Martin Atchley 2 1 0
Pg 7
Watterson’s Dist
Abm. Ackley 5 1 0
Pg 10
Capt Goodson’s Co
Ashley, Thomas
and my search continues....
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