Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7416, for James Mc Cracken, South Carolina
Page 1

(8-1776}

SERVICE
S. C. 

McCracken, James
Mary

NUMBER
W. 7416.

CONTENTS
Page 2

Tennesee 4392
---
Mary McCracken widow of James McCracken who died on the 8th August 1824 of Law. Co in the State of Tennessee who was a Pri in the --- commanded by Captain --- of the Reg commanded
by Col Brandon in the S. Carolina line for 17 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Pulaski at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of August 1846 and sent to Wm C. Rowles, Esq. Lawrenceburg
Tenn

Arrears to the 4th of March 1846 - $849.90.
Semiannual allowance ending 28.33 ┃
$872.23

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3rd
Recorded by D Henry Mead Clerk
Book C Vol A Page 198.

[right Side]
Repd
Date of death not on AB
Page 3

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
James McCracken & Mary was married - 22nd Jany 1779
=
Jane Married

Hannah Married 25th June 1806

Nancy Married 13th December 1807

Mary Married 5th January 1809

John Married 5th April 1812

Lettice Married January 14th 1813

86 4 R
Page 4

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS. [left column]
James McCracken in the of Our Lord One thousand seven hundred & fifty four Decr 14th

Mary McCracken his wife was Born March 8th 1758

John Son of James & Mary Was Born Novr 1. 1779

Jane Sept 25th 1781

Hannah Apl 26. 1784

Nancy July 11th 1776

Lettice Dec 5th 1790

Mary Sept 4 1788

[right column]
BIRTHS.
William, Feby 19. 1790

James Aug 11th 1796

Robert Smith March 9 1798

Jeremiah, Novr 26. 1801
-
Nimrod, Feby 15, 1803

Anson, May 3 1806
Page 5

Mary McCrackin [McCracken]
Pension Papers
clerk fees 75 cts.
Page 6

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.

DEATHS.
James son of James McCracken & Mary - Died 12 Jany 1799

Jerimiah McCracken Died. 28 October 1817
-
James McCracken Died August the 8th 1824

Robert S. McCracken Died August the 28th 1832
Page 7

6426
March 15, 1845
Mary McCracken
July 4, 1836

{illegible] January 1779
$56.66 may be allowed
husband died 1824

Book 25 R 121

[sideways]
There being no official seal  this --- day of January 1840
[illegible name] Clerk of the Circuit Court of Laurens Co. Tenn.
Page 8

State of Tennessee
Lawrence County
Circuit Court February Term 1845
Be it remembered that this day the following affidavits & declaration were presented in open Court,
ordered to be placed upon the minutes of the court, to wit:
State of Tennessee
Lawrence County ⎬ SS.
On this third day of June 1844, personally appeared before me William W. Evans, a justice of the
of peace in & for said County, Mary McCracken, a resident of said County & State aged 85 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of a pension made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 & the act explanatory of said act passed March 3rd 1837: That she was married to James McCracken on or about the 22nd day of January 1779, that her said husband was a private in the war of the
Revolution, & served under Colonel Thomas Brandon (or Branon, as pronounced ) of South Carolina, said James served against the Cherokees, & also marched southward against the Florida Indians, in the expedition under St. Clair, & also in the snow camps, so called, in South Carolina. She further declares, on her oath aforesaid that her said husband died on or about 8th day of August 1824, & that she is now, & has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed (signed ) Mary X McCracken her mark
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 3rd of June 1844
W. W. Evans JP
Page 9

Then came John McCracken who being first duly sworn, according to law, deposeth and saith, that he is the oldest child of James & Mary McCracken, mentioned in the foregoing declaration, & that he was 65 years of age on the 18th day of November last, & that he well remembers to have heard his late father frequently state that he had served through the war of the Revolution as a volunteer; that he was at a battle at Blackstock's Mills, in (what is now called) Union District in South Carolina, he said he served under Col. Brandon (sometimes pronounced Branion); also in the Cherokee & Florida Expeditions. This affiant remembers that his late father often, talked of the scarcity of provisions in the Florida Expedition, & of the hardship & little affect produced by said Florida expedition. This affiant states that he has read the foregoing declaration of his mother believes the same to be true. & further this deponent saith that said declaration was made & sworn to before William W. Evans, on the day it bears date, who was then an acting Justice of said County, but that he has since died
(signed) John McCracken
Sworn to & subscribed  in open Court

Then came William McKnight who being first duly sworn according to law, saith that he has read the foregoing declaration of Mary, & the affidavit of John McCracken, & that, from his knowledge of the affiants he has no doubt of the truth of the statements
Sworn to subscribe in open court (Signed) William McKnight
-
Page 10

Also came Franklin Buchanan who being first duly sworn in open Court, deposeth & saith, that from his knowledge of said affiants he has no doubt of the truth of their several statements.- That he knows the signature of W. W. Evans, affixed to said declaration, to be the hand writing of said Evans, who was, when he signed the same, an acting magistrate of said County
(signed) J. Buchanan
Whereupon it is ordered by the court that the proceedings as above set forth, be put upon the minutes of this Court. & was done accordingly

State of Tennessee
Lawrence County SS.
I, John H. Beder, Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the minutes of said Court & that the same were admitted to record in open court in due form
Given under my hand and private seal there being no public seal in my office this 18th February 1845
John H. Beder Clerk

The State of Tennessee
I Edmund Dillahanty one of the Judges of the Circuit Court in the State aforesaid (said Court being Courts of Record in said State) do certify that John H. Beder whose name is signed to the above and foregoing certificate is the Clerk of said Circuit Court in the County of Lawrence in said State, and by the laws of said State is the keeper of the Records of said Court. Witness my hand & private seal (there being no official seal) this 19th day of February 1845
Edmund Dillahanty
Page 11

State of Tennessee
Lawrence County
I, John H. Beder, Clerk of the civil court of said County hereby certify that Edmund Dillahanty, whose name is signed to the last preceding certificate, is, & was at the time of signing the same, one of the circuit judges of said State & that full faith & credit are due to all his official acts as such judges. Given under my hand & private seal, there being no official seal, this --- day of February 1845
John H. Beder Clerk of the circuit court of Lawrence County.

[sideways]
6426
Mary McCracken
July 4, 1836

[illegible] January 1779
$56.66 may be allowed
Husband died 1824

[illegible} 25 R121
Page 12

March 20, 1936

XXXXXXXXXXXX

James McCracken
W.7416 [initials]
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. J.H. Travis
Greenville, Illinois

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of James McCraken who served in S. Martin's troop, Colonel Polk's regiment, Sumter's brigade.

The record has been found of a James McCracken which is furnished herein as obtained grom the papers on file in pension claim, W. 71416, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

James McCracken was born December 14, 1754; the place of his birth and names of parents are not given.

James McCracken volunteered and served at various times throughout the revolutionary War, dates of enlistment, length of service and details not given.  A part of the time he served as private in Captain James Grant's company, Colonel Thomas Brandon's South Carolina regiment, and part of the time he served in Captain S. Martins company, Colonel Polk's South Carolina regiment and was in the Florida and Cherokee expeditions, also, in the battle of Blackstock Mills.

The soldier died August 8, 1824.

James McCracken married January 22, 1779, Mary [blank], who was born March 8, 1758; the place of her birth, maiden name or names of parents are not shown.

Soldier's widow, Mary McCracken, was allowed pension on her application executed June 3, 1844, at which time she was a resident of Lawrence County, Tennessee.

The following names of children of James McCracken and his wife, Mary, are shown i the claim:

John born November 11 or 18, 1779; married April 5, 1812, name of wife not given.
Page 13

 names of children continued -

Jane born September 25, 1781; married, date, and name of husband not stated.

Hannah [born] April 25, 1784; married June 25, 1806, to whom not stated

Nancy [born] July 11, 1786; married November 13, 1807, [to whom not stated]

Mary [born] September 14, 1788; married January 5, 1809, [to whom not stated]

Lettice [born] December 30, 1790; married January 14, 1813, [to whom not stated]

William [born] February 1793.

James [born] August 11, 179[6]; died January 12, 1799

Robert Smith [born] March 9, 1798; died August 28, 1832.

 Jeremiah or Jerimiah [born] November 26, 1801; died October 28, 1817.

Nimrod [born]: February 15, 1803

Anson [born] May 3, 1806

Very truly yours

S.H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator

-2-
Page 14

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7416

Mary McCracken
Wid 
James McCracken
Pvt . S. C. line

Act: July /36, Sec 3rd
Index: -- Vol. M, Page - 20
Arrangement of 1870]

[right side]
1936, Mar. 20 - Hist to Mrs J H Travis MLB.
Page 15

No. 6424
Mary McCracken
Widow  of James
Tenn
W P  Roules. May 3rd '45 
to same Sep 30 '45

Act 4 July 1836
Page 16

No. 6424
Mary McCracken
Widow of James
Tenn
W P Roules. May 3rd '45
to same Sep 30 '45
to same Feb 16 1846
Same June 4 '46

Act 4 July 1836
Page 17

[envelope]

10

[postmark] COLUMBIA S.C. MAR 11 [/postmark]

W. P. Rowles, Esq.
Lawrenceburg
Tennessee
Page 18

Comptroller Genls Office
Columbia S.C. March 10th 1846

Book II Indent 561
Issued the first October 1784 to Mr James McCracken late private in J. Martins troop Polk's Reg Sumter's Brigade for ninety four pounds sterling amount pay and bounty due him for services in that troop with interest thereon from the first April 1782 to date hereof agreeable to resolution of Genl Assembly of eleventh March last
Prin L.94.0.0. Int. L 6.7.11.

Book P Indent 447.
Issued the 6th May 1785, to Mr James McCracken for four pounds 16S Sterling, for 72 days Militia duty done in 1782 as per account audited Prin 4.16.0 Int. L 1.8.11

Book X Indent 392
Issued the 12th April 1786 to Mr James McCrackin for twenty pounds 14S 3 1/4 D Sterling duty in Brandon's Regt as per act audited Prin L 20.14.3 1/4 D Int.  L1. 8. 11

I certify the above to be a true copy of the Records in this office
For Comptroller Gen
J. Aug. Black

Chge $2
Remit the charge $2,
Page 19

[envelope]
[postmark]
LAWRENCEBURG
Mar 30

20
Col J.L. Edwards
(comm. Pens)
Washington D.C.

{sideways]
April 7 1846
Add'l [illegible]
Mary McCracken
Page 20

Lawrenceburg Penn
March 30/16
To: J.L. Edwards
Sir,
Enclosed please find the Certificate of J A Black the Comptroller of S.C. Showing that James McCracken performed services as a Soldier of the Revolution, at several periods

As this certificate was the only link wanting to complete the claim of Mary McCracken to her little pittance I feel great pleasure in being able to forward it after long delay; And I persuade myself you will have equal pleasure in receiving it

You will much oblige by giving Mrs. McC's case case as early attention your convenience will permit
Respectfully
your obt ser
W. R. Rowles

P.S. From what I have seen of Mrs Roberts & Mrs Daniel's case I am persuaded their husbands served
in the Revolution. Have you not copies of the rolls at Washington from which their claims may be established If not, I fear they are too infirm to make further effort
Page 21

To
Col. J. L. Edwards
Comr Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 22

Lawrenceburg Tenn
August 27/45
Col. J. L. Edwards
Sir,
I send you the affidavit of Thomas Davis a Pensioner by virtue of Certificate No 22494 dated November 15/33. He, as you will see, states that he knew James McCracken, whose widow Mary has filed, with you, her application for a pension as the widow of said James I do not think it possible she can produce the testimony of any living witness of her marriage, but there can be no doubt she is his widow. I have on a record from the family Bible and find a memorandum of the marriage on January 22nd 1779. This is of course, of no force but in connexion with her oath & common form [iilegible] . If the testimony now before you is insufficient I have no hope she can succeed by the ordinary means. If from a review of the case you find it out of your power to put her on the Roll. You will oblige me  by returning the papers as she contemplates refering petition to Congress
Respectfully your obt St
W. P. Rowles
Page 23

[envelope]
[postmark]
LAWRENCEBURG
June 17

J.L. Edwards
Comm Pensions
Washington D.C.

[sideways]
June 26, 1846
Rec Mary McCracken
Page 24

Lawrenceburg Tenn
June 16/46
Col J. L. Edwards
Sir
Your letter of 4th instant informing me that you have decided that Mary McCracken the widow of James McCracken a Revolutionary soldier, is entitled to a pension of $56.66 if she will accept it, was duly received , & I have the honor to inform you that she will accept

I presume that Mrs. McCracken will be allowed the amount above named from the 4th March 1831 and the 3rd section of the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836  If this is so, however the case is I
will be greatly obliged if you can forward to me the certificate &c. &c. at an early day

I take this occasion to ask if in your opinion Mrs Daniel or Mrs. Roberts may expect to be allowed pensions. From what I know of the case - I doubt if they can add strength to the paper heretofore sent you

Very Respectfully yours
W.P. Rowles
Page 25

[envelope]
[postmark]
LAWRENCEBURG TE
May 22

June 4 '46  10

To Col. J.L. Edwards
(Comm. Pensions)
Washington D.C.
Page 26

Lawrenceburg Term
May 21/46

Col. Edwards
Sir,
I sent you some time since a transcript from the Comp Genl Office of South Carolina, containing, as I 
supposed important testimony applicable to the case of Mrs. Mary McCracken so long pending. We are expecting a call for troops from this state, if one is made I shall feel it my duty to march. I wish
if possible to secure this old woman's pension - or be able to put a quietus on her expectations  -before I leave. If the evidence now before you will establish her claim to a pension as the widow
of a Revolutionary soldier I there esteem it a favor to have your decision: if not still please let me know the result.

I have now seen such general enthusiasm in this Country, any number of men can I think be had for Texas
Respectfully your obt st
W. P. Rowles
Page 27

No 6426
Mary McCracken widow of James
Tenn 
act 4 July 1836
Adm 17 mo pri
$56.66 per annum
from 4 March 1831

W.P. Rowles
Lawrenceburg
Tenn
Page 28

[all crossed out]
Pension Office
July 1846
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the
application of Elizabeth Ames widow of
Eliza Ames has began and her papers
filed under the act of July 1836
Page 29

Lawrenceburg Tenn
Dec 8/45
Col. J. L. Edwards
Dr sir
Enclosed please find the family record of John McCracken a Revolutionary soldier which is sent to you with the hope that his aged widow, bore down by the weight of years & extreme poverty, may be put in a better condition to pass her few remaining days

Although I can think of nothing else in my power to do for her, I shall most willingly attempt to supply any further testimony required if to be Mailed

Please inform me what her prospect is

Respectfully your
Obt st.
W. P. Rowles
Page 30

121.
Wm P. Rowles Esqr.
Lawrenceburg, Tenn:
Feb. 26. 1845.

married January 1779 In regard to pension for
Mrs. McCracken relict of James McCracken

Respectfully ref. to the Commissioner of
Pensions, who is requested to communicate with Dr Rowles on the subject

[illegible]
March 14th/45

Book 25
Rec. March 7. 1845.
Page 31

Lawrenceburg Tenn.
Feby 26/45
Gen. Jessup
Dr Sir
I beg once more to trouble you. The enclosed document is the application of the widow McCracken, widow of James McCracken one of the gallant [illegible] warriors of South Carolina during the Revolution. By negligence in a press of business I forgot to take her letter of Attorney before the left this County to reside at a distant place. But I am duly authorised by her & her son, as respectable man as any in the County. Trusting that your voucher for me will be sufficient at the Pen. Office, I venture to send on this paper without delay. I had wrote Col Edwards a few days since, but the old lady's son wishes me to hasten the application. If Col E. will not waive the letter of attorney, I will procure it hereafter, if he thinks proper & necessary
Respectfully
your obt St & C

P.S. I have just seen your letter in be half of my friend Dr Brained, & rejoice to hear that his county comes to his reserve in his old age. This feeling of pleasure is mixed with sadness when I feel, as I often do, that I may require, without finding, some friend to second me in a time of need. Owing to exposure in wading the lagoons &c in Fla. my hearing was impaired & there [illegible] me much. If such case were pre[sented]
Page 32

[pre]sented, properly established, backed by the fact that cheque given in payment of pay, by Col. Baldwin, Gen. Call's Q.M.  General, has not been paid, would is succeed. I confess, sir, that I should much prefer, to take an appointment, than a pension. Do you think I might obtain a paymastership. I will be most grateful for your counsel & aid, I should never have looked this way, but that owing to my long absence in 1836 & 7 my business severely suffered in May of the latter years
Respectfully your &c
W.P.R.
-
Page 33

State of Tennessee  
Lawrence County  
At a quorum Court session began and held for the County of Lawrence in the Court house in the Town of Lawrenceburg on the first Monday in November 1845 It being the 3rd day of said month before Robert Brashers, William Chaffin and Charles Parker Esquires; acting Justices of the peace in
and for said County John Fondren Sheriff and S.A. Carrell Clerk of said court present.

Court met according to adjournment
-
W. P. Rowles presented a Bible containing the family records of the father of John McCracken  formerly a soldier of the Revolution The Bible & record was proved in open court by the oath of said John to have been the true and proper family record of his late father James McCracken whereupon it is ordered by the court that said record be cut out of said Bible and the fact duly certified by the clerk on a paper attached thereto which was done accordingly.

State of Tennessee 
Lawrence County 
I Stephen A. Carrell Clerk of the County Court of said county do hereby certify that the above is a copy of the proceedings had in the County Court of said County at its November Term 1845 in relation to the family records of James McCracken above mentioned and that the same is upon record in the minutes of said Court and that said records were set out in my presence in open court
by the order of said court and that I did with my own hands seal said records together and
Page 34

seal them to this sheet of paper on which I have made this certificate - In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix my private seal there being no seal of office, at office in Lawrenceburg November the 6th A.D. 1845 and of American Independence the 70th
S. A. Carrell Clerk

State of Tennessee
Lawrence County

I Alfred S. Alexander Chairman of the County Court of said county do hereby certify that Stephen A. Carrell whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time he signed the same clerk of the County Court of said county and that due faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such and that said attestation is in due form

Given under my hand and seal this the 6th day of November A.D. 1845.
A.A. Alexander
Chairman & C

State of Tennessee 
Lawrence County ⎬
I, S. A. Carrell Clerk of the County court of said County do hereby certify that A. S. Alexander whose appears to the above certificate is & was at the time he signed the same chairman of the County Court of said County and that due faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such. In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix my private seal there being no seal of office at office November the 25 1845.
S. A. Carrell Clerk
Page 35

State of Tennessee
Lawrence County
Personally appeared before me A. S. Alexander chairman of the County court of said County, Thomas Davis aged eighty three or eighty four years, & being first duly sworn deposeth & saith that he was a soldier in the Revolution of 1776, for five years, for which services he now draws a pension. Deponent says he was well acquainted with James McCracken of Union District South Carolina, having served with him in the Cherokee expedition under Col. Braden, Lt. Col. Steen, & Captain James Grant & Lt Joseph Meeks. Affiant also remembers to have seen said James in the service of the United States at Charleston South Carolina, Savannah Georgia, at Ninety six & other places whose names by reason of his great age & infirmities he has forgotten, but knows that said McCracken was a soldier of the Revolution & met with him in camps during five or six years. This affiant was not know the precise age of said McCracken, but knows he was three or four years, perhaps more, older than himself.

And further this deponent saith not
[signed] Thomas X Davis his mark

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 27th August 1845
Test
A. S. Alexander
Chairman & C
Page 36

Greenville, Ill.
Feb. 26/36

Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.

Do you have any record ✓of James McCracken, [number 2 written above McCracken's name] who served in S. Martin's Troop, Polk's Reg. Sumter's Brigade, and was given ninety four pounds sterling for his service?

Respectfully
Mrs. J. H. Travis