Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1530, Samuel Alexander, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776) 
SERVICE                      NUMBER
N.C. Alexander, Samuel W.1530
Jean B.L.Wt. Ll. 836-160-55
Born in Penn. 
CONTENTS
Page 2

(ot)
Samuel Alexander
W.-File 1530 
N.6 -
Page 3

May certify that Sam Alexander of Burke
Militia has served as a soldier in mr Cappist
the company of Gen Rutherford from  12 0t 15 of July to 
that of Dec 1886 in  a Lawful Tower of Cuty
 C McDowell Colo
Page 4

7157 Order to pay April 19th 1842
North Carolina
Samuel Alexander
Burke A in the State of North Carolina 
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain M. Dowell of the regt commanded by Col Cleveland in the Nola ma
for 6 mo from '76?

Inscribed on the Roll of N Carolina 
at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of March
1833 and sent to
William Bonne Morganton

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $40.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 10.00

$50.00

Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by W.L. Williams Clerk
Book 3 Vol 4. Page 33
Page 5

State of North Carolina Court of Pleas and Quarter
Burke County Session October Court 1832
On this 26 day of January 1832 personally appeared in open Court being a Court of Records 
before the Justice holding said Court now Sitting
Samuel Alexander a resident citizen of the 
County and State of North Carolina ages about 73
years, who being duly sworn according to Law, dith
on his oath make the following declaration, in 
order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress passed 7th June 1832
That he entered the Service of the 
United States under the following named officers
and served as follows That just Before the Battle of
Ramsour's Mill he went as a scout down to the 
neighborhood where it took place under Captain Joseph
MCDowell was in the fight about 3 week defeated
the Tories. then served at Catheys Fort and Warofords Fort on the head waters of Cotawba against
the Indians for a month or so each in 1778 and  1779 cannot say which first appeared. There out
in an expedition out to the Indian Country 
was under the command of one of the Joseph McDowells
cannot say which. Major Singleton and Col Porter were both along went over to the Indian Towns
Indians had been driven off by the over mountain
men Captain Thomas Lylle and Captain Smith were both along was out severed times after on the 
scout against the indians and tories and was acting 
wherever called on which was often for a few weeks or days at a  time. In October 1780 he with others guarded
Page 6

guarded prisoners down from Quarters on Cotawba
to the Moravian Town. Colonel Cleveland Capt Campbell and Colonel Shelby commanded but which was
head he cannot say that he and the other men 
belonging to the sentry were there dismissed
came home I was a volunteer all these
trips nor can he say how Long he served
but he well recollects that he served much
more than six months for he was called on often
to scout against the Tories and Indians. which he
was often compelled to do. he was always a light    
horse except when stationed at the forts on the 
head waters of Cotawba
In the year 1781 he walled out on a
three month tour to meet the enemy and served
his time out under General (strikethrough) McDowell Colonel 
under General Rutherford marched to Wilmington
against the British as will be shown
by the certificate of Col McDowell marked 
(A)      hereunto annexed. that after that
the war closed except as to Indians & tories &
he recollects not to have served again that
he has no documentary evidence other than that marked (A) of his revolutionary services.
I relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension 
or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension list roll of the agency of every state.
Page 7

Captain John Dobson. We defeated the Tories & we kept 
the ground when we went on our trip of 1781 I learn by 
my discharge. I fell under a Captain from below
whose name I cannot recollect when we got to 
Blueford Bridge we had some skirmishing with
the British they killed onw of our men & then set
the Bridge on fire & retreated. We were stationed 
just above Wilmington & there Learnt that Cornwallace was taken the British upon that retreated and 
left the state & we retreated (strikethrough) returned home
7 State the names of Persons in you present neighborhood, 
and who can testify as to your character for
Verucily and good behavior your services as a
Soldier of the revolution
I Samuel M D Tate as well a eq (strikethrough)
Answers I have were of any neighbors here and can produce but 
W Anne Callisters counts & the certificate of the Col McDowell under which (strikethrough) alleged. & James Erwin who makes 
the following affidavit. 
Samuel Alexander
Sworn to and Judicated
I Samuel M D Tate & James Erwin sworn will argue 
inlide with Samuel Alexander who has subscribed and 
sworn to the above declaration and claim him to
about seventy three years of age & that his is 
reputed to be in the neighborhood when he 
resides to have been a soldier




 28th October 1832
Page 8

Captain John Dobson. We defeated the Tories & we kept
the ground/ When we went on our trip, of 1781  shown by
my discharge. I fell under a captain from befour
whose name I cannot recollect when we got to
Blueford Bridge we had some shirmishing with
the British they killed one of our men & then set
the Bridge on fire & retreated. We were stationed
just above Wilmington & there learnt that Cornwallace
was taken the British upon that retreated
left the state and we retreated (strikethrough) returned home
7. State the names of Persons in your ^ present neighborhood
and who can testify as to your character for 
Veracity and good behavior your services as a 
soldier of the revolution.
I Samuel M D Tate am well acq (strikethrough)
Answers I have were of my neighbors here and  can produce 
but evidence collected in court & the certificate of the 
Col McDowell under which (strikethrough) alleged & James Erwin who makes 
the following affidavit. 
Samuel Alexander
Sworn to and Judicated
28th October 1832
JSM Mlek
I Samuel D Tate & James Erwin am well acquainted 
with Samuel Alexander who has subserved and 
sworn to the above declaration and certain him to 
about Seventy three years of age and that his is 
reputed to him in the neighborhood where he 
resides to have been a soldier of the revolution
and that I concur in that opinion
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year of aforesaid
Sworn to and subscribed this 27 October 1832
Sam M D Tate
JE MClark IE M
Page 9

No 19413
Samuel Alexander
Burke County
North Carolina
from 1776 private 
6 months $20
William Roam
Morgantown 
North Carolina
Page 10

Brief in the case of Samuel Alexander
of Burke County in the State of North Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? about 73
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of the General and Field Officers under whom he served. 
Years, months, Days. | As a. | Gen.  Col Porter
Vol. in 1778 or 79 | about 1 | Private | Capt McDowell, Maj Singleton
a 1780| 21- | Cols Cleveland Campbell & Shelby
| More than 6 months in Service|  |
5. In what battles was he engaged? Ramsour's Mill
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Burke County NC
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Documentary proof & traditionary ev
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? If so, in what respect?
The certificate of 
the certifying officer is not attached  to the sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit by a piece of tape the cards of which for
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 

Lyer Castor Examining Clerk.
Page 11

Reported
North Carolina
Jean Alexander
widow of Samuel Alexander
NC
who served in the Revolutionary
 war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at a rate of 
20 Dollars 00
X W.S.t
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
8th day of Aug 1850
and sent to 
R.C. Pearson
Morgantown 
N.C.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 24 2848, Page 133 Vol. 1
July 29 - '48' Bovt. A
Reg m SS - 159623
Page 12

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the
Act of Congress of the 29th July 1848. 
State of North Carolina
County of Burke
On this day the 11th day of Jany
1850 personally appeared before
the Nordin & guard one of the acting
Justices of the Peace in and
for our said county of Burke
Jean Alexander aged 75
years, who being duly divorce according
to law doth, on her
oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the 
benefit of the provision made by the
Act of Congress passed the 29 July 1848.
That she is the widow of Samuel Alexander dced who was a 
private in the War of the Revolution
and who received a pension for
his services of Twenty dollars per
annum under the act of Con
Page 13

gress of the 7th June 1832
She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel
Alexander on the 1st day of June
in the year Seventeen hundred
and ninety seven that her Husband
the aforesaid Samuel Alexander
died on the 26th day of Apl 1842.
that she was not married to him 
prior to his leaving the service but
that the marriage took place 
previous to the 2d day of Jany
1800 torett at the time above
stated- she further swears
that she is now a widow and
that she has never before made
any application for a pension

Sworn to and subscribed 
before me the day & year
above written
Wm Wakefield
J.S. 
her 
Jean X Alexander
mark
Witness, 
MH Alexander
Page 14

State of North Carolina
County of Burke
I William
Wakefield one of the acting justices
appointed to hold the Court of Pleas
and Quarter sessions for the 
County aforesd. Do hereby certify that
I am well acquainted with Jean 
Alexander who has this day sworn to and 
subscribed the foregoing Declaration
that I know her to be the widow of
the late Samuel Alexander who was a 
Pensioner of the U.S. under the Act of
Congress of the 7th June 1832 - that she
has not inetermarried but continues 
the widow of said Samuel 
Alexander who died as she states
on the 7th day of Apl 1842 the truth 
of which I am fully satisfied
I further certify that from
old age and infirmity the applicant
Jean Alexander is unable to appear
 in open court to make this 
Declaration Given under my hand at
her residence in Burke County NC
this 11th day of Jany 1850.
WM Wakefield
J.P.
Page 15

State of North Carolina
County of Burke
I William F Sudderth Clerk
of the Court of Please and Quarter
sessions for the County of Burke
Do hereby certify that William
Wakefield before whom the foregoing
Declaration was sworn
to and whose certificate 
follows is an acting justice of 
the Peace in and for our lucid
County of Curke duly authorized
to administer the oaths
and to hold said Court of
Plea & Quarter Sessions
In testimony whereof
I have hereunto subscribed
my name and 
affixed my seal 
of office at
Morgantown this
14th March 1850.
M Sudderth Clk.
Page 16

M 700
Jean Alexander
Wo of Samuel
NC
Act 7th July 1848
Manor 1777
Insurer due 1842
annum $20 PM
on 4 March 1848
RC Pearson
Morgantown 
N.C
Page 17

We Samuel Alexander and James Harbison
acknowledge ourselves indebted until Samuel Ash
Esq Governor &C in the sum of five hundred pounds
currency &c void on condition there be no lawful cause 
to obstruct. Marriage between Samuel Alexander and
Jean Penland, otherwise to remain full force 
and virtue Samuel Alexander
Attest J Erwin lh J.L. Harbison
The following endorsement is on the back of the 
Bond in proper handwriting of the clerk "Samuel Alexander 
Marriage Bond May 1772
State of North Carolina
Burke County
I, L.S. Sudderth clerk of the court of 
Please and Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby 
certify (strikethrough) that the above is a true copy of the marriage bond
between Samuel Alexander and Jean Penland as found
on file in my office. Copied 27 February 1850
Am. D. Sudderth, Clk
Page 18

Act Mch 2
159.623
June 5 
Jean Alexander Widow of 
Sam Alexander P
War of the Revolution & a 
Pensioner Act of 1832
Claimant is a Pensioner
in Act July 1848
Private
A McDowell
N.C. Militia
AO 160acs Apl 5 '56
Dodge
E1. 836. M
R.C. Pearson
Morgantown, NC 
Vol A. 56
Page 19

159,623
Transmitted by 
R.C. Pearson
Morgantown 
N.C.
Page 20

The State of North Carolina
County of Burke
On this 30th day of May
A.D. 1855 before R C Pearson
an agent of the U.S. for paying
pensions at Morganton
N.C. duly authorized by law
to administer oaths personally
appeared Jean Alexander
and made oath in due
force of law that she is a
widow of Burke Co N.C.
is about 82 years of age
and is the widow of Samuel
Alexander late of Burke Co
N.C. who was a Private in
the War of the Revolution
and a Pensioner of the 
U.S. under Act 9 June 1832.
at the rate if twenty dollars
pr. ann. she further 
declares that she was 
married to the sd Samuel
Alexander and that her 
said husband is now 
dead, and in suppoer
of the truth of this she
refers to her Declaration
on file in the Pension
office under act of
Page 21

29th July 1848 she living at 
this time a pensioner of the 
US under said act &
that she is now a widow
She makes this declaration
for the purpose of obtaining
the bounty land to which 
she may be entitles under
the act approved March 3d
1855
her
Jean X Alexander
mark
We, Samuel Alexander and James Alexander 
widowed of Burke County 
in the State of N.C. upon our
oaths declare that the foregoing 
declaration was signed and acknowledged
by Mrs Jean Alexander
in our presence and that
we believe from the appearance
and statements of the 
applicant that she is the
identical person she represents
herself to be
Sam H Alexander
James Alexander
Page 22

The foregoing Declaration 
and affidavit were
sworn to and subscribed 
before me on the day
and year above written
and I certify that
I know the applicant to
be credible persons, that
the applicant or claimant
is the person she
represents herself to be 
and that I have no interest
in this claim
R.C. Pearson, Pension
Agent Morganton
N.C.
The applicant Jean Alexander 
further swears that she has never made
application for nor recd a Bounty 
Land Warrant, nor did
her decd Husband Saml Alexander
ever apply for or receive
Bounty Land for his Military
Services - sworn to & subscribed
before me date first written
her
RC Pearson Pens. Jean X Alexander
agent mark
Page 23

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for 
pension on file in this Bureau
Samuel Alexander N.F. 1530 [handwritten]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.| LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK.| OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN| COLONEL| STATE.|
1778 or 1779| Served at various times over 6 mos| Pvt| Joseph McDowell John Dobson| E McDowell| N.C.
Battles engaged in, Ramsours Mill, Blueford Bridge [handwritten]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, on the so fork of the Upper Creek in Burke Co. [handwritten]
Date of application for pension, Jany 26, 1832. He's dead. [handwritten]
Residence at the date of application, born in Clarke Co, Tenn, about 1759
died Apr 26, 1842 [handwritten]
Remarks: Soldier married Jan 1, 1797 Jean Penland. She was allowed
pension on an application executed Jany 11, 1850 while a
resident of Burke Co. N.C. aged 75 years. 
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner
156b8m10-9s
Page 24

1911 Nov 9 Hist to
Ophelia Kerley L.M.
1916 Apr 17 Hist to Grg
L Kerley V.L.M.
Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No 1530
Jean Alexander
Widow, 
Samuel Alexander, 
Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 29, 1848
Index:-Vol.A, Page 4
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

S
21.836
&
No Ans
Page 26

19413
V
Private Saml Alexander 73
Page 27

nd the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the
investigation of the matter, and after putting the investigation put by the war department, that the
above names applicant Samuel Alexander was a
revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and
the Court further certifies that it appears to them
that Samuel McDowell Tate who has been the 
high Sheriff of the County for many years
heretofore; and James Erwin who is now Clerk
of this Court who signed the foregoing certificate
are both persons of credible veracity 
and that their statement is entitled to full 
faith & credit
I James Erwin Clerk of the 
Court of Please and Quarter Sessions 
for the County of Burke do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings in the matter
of the application of Samuel 
Alexander for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of Court at
office the 7th day of October 1832
Tesh
J Erwin Clk
Page 28

Sir, 
I sent you town long 
time doing the Declaration of Jan
Alexander widow of Saml
Alexander who was a Pensioner under
the Act of 7 Jan 1832 &
as I have heard nothing in
reply have concluded it
may not have been recd
Will you please give
it your attention and
if it did not come to
hand let me know
Very Respectfully
Yrs re
Morganton
RC Pearson
NC
15 July 1850
P.S. 
Declaration was mailed
June - 4 mos ago
Page 29

My dear sir
I enclose herewith
the Declaration of Mrs Jean
Alexander widow of Saml
Alexander for a Pension
under the Act of 29th July
1848 - Please enclose me
her certificate
with great respect
your sinal
RC Pearson
to 
J Edwards Esq
Cour Pens
Morganton NC 
8th March
1850
Page 30

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Samuel Alexander [handwritten] which require 
further proof or explanation
I. Does the declaration show where the resident resides? 
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? 
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declaration mentioned the period or periods of war when he served? 
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he
served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine what amout of pension
he is entitled? 
No [handwritten]
VI. Has he given the names of officers under whom he served, in conformity with regulations? 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished
from any other seal?
Page 31

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to 
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 
No [handwritten]
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 
No [handwritten]
XIII. If the applicant has not documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one 
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness 
or witnesses as to his service? 
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, 
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the 
regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, 
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicants service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No [handwritten]
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, 
If not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Quere V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being 
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his
recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ---
year ---- months, and --- days, I served as --- For --- months 
and ---days, I served as ---; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 32

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, 
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the
pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months [italics] is too 
indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions
merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the 
officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. 
It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration
of each term engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the
applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either
in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not 
employed in any civil pursuit. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. [italics]
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must
prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of
the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the 
regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths
must certify the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate 
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.[italics]
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the 
certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass
under the seal of office of the certifying officers, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly
attached to the certificated.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the 
certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 33

OLD WAR & NAVY
SEP 4 1903
FILES. 
WASHINGTON D>C> REC'D
SEP 2
1903
THE SPACE A BOVE IS RESERVED FOR POSTMARK
POSTAL CARD
THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY
PENSION 
C
SEP
C. 2. S. 
1903 
OFFICE
Pension Office; 
Washington, D.C. [handwritten]
Page 34

Morganton, N.C.
The U.S. Pension Office, 
Does the
name of Samuel Alexander of
Burke Co. N. C. appear a pensioner
of the war of the Revolution? Did his widow
receive a pension? Please write me
the capacity in which he served his 
country. 
Yours
Mrs. J. H. Reid
Page 35

Miss Ophelia Kerley
personal inq. 
Nov 4- 1911
66 R. S. Av N.W. 
Ack. Wash. DC
wants history of 
Samuel Alexander N. C. W. 1530
Page 36

FCS
Rec'd Sec [handwritten]
Washington, N. C. , 
April 7, 1916. 
Gentleman:-
Please send me a statement of the military history of SAMUEL
ALEXANDER of N. C. who was pensioned in 1832 for services in the Revolution. 
Yours truly.
Guy L. Kerley [handwritten]
PENSION
O
APR
U. 11 S. 
1916 
OFFICE
Page 37

K [handwritten]
Treasury Department
Office of 
Auditor for Interior Department
April 12, 1916. 
---
Respectfully referred to the 
Commissioner of Pensions (Rev. 
Records Section) with the request
that the usual data be furnished 
to me in order that the name of 
the soldier referred to herein
may be located upon the records
of this Office. 

Return of letter requested. 
Oscar A Price
Auditor
K [handwritten]
R [handwritten]
H
just send record from 
Pension Bureau direct 
to Mr. Kerley, the date of his
death is in the claim
Page 38

North Carolina Society of the 
Sons of the American Revolution 
Organized February 22, 1911.
President,
FRANK H. BRYAN, 
Washington, N. C. 
Vice-President, 
MAJOR YORK COLEMAN, 
Rutherfordton, N. C.
Secretary- Registrar, 
R.T. BONNER. 
Aurora, N. C. 
Treasurer, 
W.B. HARDING, 
Washington, N. C. 
Historian, 
JOHN G. BRAGAW, Jr., 
Washington, N. C. 
Chaplain, 
REV. F. RANKIN,
Rutherfordton, N. C. 
Board of Management; 
Consisting of Officers Ex-Officio
and the following:
C. M. BROWN, Sr., 
Washington. 
Rev Dre
s - 1 [handwritten]
C. M. Brown, Sr., 
Washington. 
S. W. Clark, 
Norfolk, Va. 
R. L. M. BONNER, 
Aurora.
Dr. J. C. RODMAN, 
Washington. 
HENRY CLARKE BRIDGERS. 
Tarboro. 
Office Dept Apr 11 16
Date REC 
RECEIVED AUG 1916
Washington, N. C., April 9, 1916. 
Treasury Department, 
Washington, D. C., 
Dear Sir:-
My great grandfather SAMUEL ALEXANDER was in the Revolutionary 
War and received a pension in 1832 for his services. He was born 
in Chester Co. Pa. in 1759 and died in Burke Co., N. C. The date of 
his death is desired. He was in the battle of Ramsour's Mill and 
skirmish at Bluefords Bridge. 
Yours truly, 
Guy L. Kerley [handwritten]
Washington, N. C.