Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,229, John Edmonson, S.C.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
Edmonson, John
NUMBER
S. 32,229
Born in Va
CONTENTS
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Illinois 32,330
---
John Edmonson of Fulton Co in the State of Illinois who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Tutt of the regt. commanded by Col. Hammond in the S. Carolina line for
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of May 1845 and sent to John Dawson Springfield, Illinois
---
Arrears to the 4th of March 1845 1120.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4. Sep. 40.00
[total] $1160.00

(Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832 & special act of June 15 1844)
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, 
Book E. 2. Vol. 8. Page 120
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State of Alabama
Jackson County
On this 27th day of November 1833 personally appeared in open Court before me Thompson M Rector Judge of the County Court in and for said County John Edmonson a resident of said County of Jackson and State of Alabama aged Seventy one the 13th day of last February who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1778 as well as his recollection now serves him with one Capt Benjamin Tutt and served in the Regiment under under Capt Benjamin Tutt Lieutenant Richard Tutt Col Leroy Hammond General Andrew Williamson he states resided in the Abbeville District State of South Carolina when he entered the service he was when he intested turned in his seventh Seventeenth year. he states that when he enlisted under said Tutt he was marched to Fort Rutledge in South Carolina to join said fort and was continued at said fort for the purpose of guarding the same for two years and six months he states that while at said fort it was attack by one Campt Smith
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sent by the British Army at which time the fort was given up without the fire of a gun it was believed that General Williamson acted the part of a Traitor and give up the fort without suffering any defence he states that he was taken prisoner of said fort by the Enemy and detained for several days untill he saught an oppirtunity and ran of with several others taken at the same time he then went and joined one Capt Robert Mocksfield under Col Andrew Pickins Col Pickins shortly after took the command of General in the place of Williamson Col Robert Anderson then succeeded Col Pickins these were Malitia officers & served as a malitiaman while under them & served under the last mentioned officers fourteen months as [illegible] time & peace was proclaimed between the United States and Great Brittan he states that he was then permitted to go home he has no recollection of having received a discharge he further states that he served all his services as a private. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pention or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pention roll of any agency in any state in the United States except the State of
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Alabama, that he did apply under a former act of Congress but did succeeded in drawing any thing.
Q. 1.52 Where and in which year were you born
Ans. I was born in and State of Virginia near Rock bridge in the year 1761 or 2 I think
2d  Have you any reckords of your age and if you do where is
Ans. I have no reckord of my age at this time my age was recorded in a book called Watt's [p]salms and hymns but was informed by the family of my mother that the Tories got the Book and burnt it up
3d Where were living when called into the service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where are you now live
Ans. When called into the service I lived in Abbeville County South Carolina from South Carolina I removed to Natachucha Tennessee from that I removed Blount County Tennessee where I resided about Eleven years from that I removed more Lincoln County W Tennessee where I resided about sixteen years from there to Jackson County Alabama where I now live
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4th How were you called into the service were you drafted did you
volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom
Answer I first inlisted for three years during the war but was taken a
prisoner as stated in my declaration I then run away from the Enemy, a joined Malitia under Col Pickins who shortly after became General Pickins
#5 State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops when you served such Continental and Malitia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
Ans Lie[utenant] Richard Tutt Capt Benjamin Tutt Col Leroy Hammans General Andrew Williamson I can't now recollect the different Regiments
3 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it
Ans I never received a discharge
6 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your corrector for
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states and the said Court further certifies that it appears to them that Stephen Donathon who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergy man residing in the County of Jackson in the State of Alabama & that the said David Robinson who has also assigned the same is a resident in the County & State aforesaid & is credible persons & that their statement is entitled to full credit - Given Under my hand & seal this 27th day of Nov. 1833
Thompson Rector {seal}
Judge of the county court

State of Alabama
Jackson County
I Richard Blelugton Clerk of the County Court for said County do certify that the within & foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Edmonson for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my private at office seal there being no seal of office at office in Bellefonte this 27th day of Nov 1833
{SB}
[illegible] R Blelugton clk cc
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State of Alabama
Jackson County
Before me Ebenezer Byram an acting Justice of the peace for said County personally appeared John McCutchan and after duly sworn deposeth and saith that he came to Seneka [Seneca] Fort or Fort Rutledge and after my arrival became acquainted with the within named John Edmonson who was an enlisted soldier at that time under Capt Benjamin Tutt and calld. Genl. Andrew Williamsons Regiment and Col. Andrew Pickens and and convinced he served two years or upwards and was sold by Genl. Williamson & Tutt for Deer skins &c. and took of by Col. Brown to Whitehall in Abeville [Abbeville] County South Carolina the years I do not recollect I am of opinion said Edmondson was a good soldier and suppose him to be about seventy years old.
John McCutchan
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of Feby 1834
Ebenezer Byram Justice of the Peace {seal}

State of Alabama
Jackson County
l Ebenezer Byram a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid do hereby certify and have no doubt but the aforesaid applicant John Edmondson did as he has sworn to and both the applicant and the witness John McCutchan by whom he has proven his service are credible persons and are entitled to full credit in their neighborhood Given under my hand and seal this 18th day of February 1834
Ebenezer Byram
Justice of Peace {seal}
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veracity and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution
Esq John Berry Hugh C Berry William Berry Malin Woods Jessee Weaver, Caswill Lenick William Sanders
John Edmonson
Sworn to and subscribed this 27th day of November 1833 before me
Thompson M Rector
Judge of the County Court

State of Alabama
Jackson County
We Stephen W Donathan a Clergyman residing in said county and David Robinson residing in the same do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Edmonson who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy and years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood a place he resides to have served as soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Stephen W. Donathan
David Robinson
Sworn and subscribed before me this 27th day of November 1833
Thompson M Rector
Judge of the County Court
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John Edmonson
Alabama
Return j.
Hon. C.C. Clay
House of Rep.
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
24th Decr 1834.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A statement, shewing the Service of John Edmonson
Period when the service was rendered. 1778
Duration of the claimant's service. Years. 2 Months. 6 Days.
Rank of the claimant. priv
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Cap. Lutt
Col. Hammans
Gen. Williamson
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 76 years.
Proof by which the declaration is supported. Living Witnesses
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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Rev War  June 7 transcribed page 2
                                                                                                2
                                                      REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been constructed to extent, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State Troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, etc., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefit of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual
military service.  Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in the Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicants reside. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

                                                                   DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
                                            State Territory, or District of
                                             County of
On this             day of                                personally appeared (a) before  
          A B. a resident (b) of                              in the county of                        and State, Territory, or District of           aged (c)            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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)           , with.        and served in the                (e) regiment of the line,                under the following named offices:

(Here set forth the names and ranks of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service ; (and if he server under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particlar period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.                                           A. B.
        (And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                                                                                     of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                                                                       for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and seal of office (i) this 
                         day of                                          &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the name of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and the State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 

(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the                             and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Clerk of Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the orginal proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for pension.

 In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal
 of office, this day of &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the orginal discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath and will then procure, if possible , the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail hid personal knowledge of the service oh the applicant, and such circumstance connected therewith as may have a tendency to throw lightupon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all material facts, which can be used in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person                                                                                                
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, it one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. 

All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the 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 services.
6.
(To a Soldier.)  Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
(To an Officer. ) Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons 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.  

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.  

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, fromtheir acquaintance with him; that they believe he is of the age he represents,and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certity to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deened very important, in the absence of any direct proof except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general or whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.  

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of ofice, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genine signature.

No payments can be made upon account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto,and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and theopinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

                               --------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so , he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldiers must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, 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 to what amount of pension he is entitled.  

In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the 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 depots and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positive as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades: ---For____year_____month____days, I served as a ______ for _______ months and ______ days, I served as a ________; and for such service I claim a Pension "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 service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  ome persons who apply for pensions mere state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  

It must begin every case, be clearly shown under what officer the applicant severed; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corp 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 n any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certified officer, should accompany the papers.                                                   
                                                                  
                                                                    Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certifing officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certiicate 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 officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.                                                  
                                                                     Proof of Service
(j) In 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 claimant's 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 verify to 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.
The note
 from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is 
The note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k)This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
￼
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Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
MCS/eel
June 29, 1929
Miss Anna Bays
Lewistown
Illinois
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.32229, it appears that John Edmonson stated he was born February 13, 1761 or 1762, "near Rockbridge, Old Virginia".
While a resident of Abbeville County, South Carolina, he enlisted about March 1, 1777, as a private in Captain Benjamin Tutt's Company, Colonel Le Roy Hammond's South Carolina Regiment, was captured when Fort Rutledge surrendered, but made his escape late in October, 1779. He immediately enlisted as a private in Captain Robert Maxfield's or Maxwell's Company in Colonel Robert Anderson's South Carolina Regiment and served until late in April, 1781. He was in many skirmishes with the Tories and was wounded in the head by the Tories.
After the Revolution he lived in Abbeville County, South Carolina, from there moved near the Nolichucky River
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in Tennessee, from there to Blount County, Tennessee, from there to Lincoln County, Tennessee, and from there to Jackson County, Alabama.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 27, 1833, at which time he was living in Jackson County, Alabama.
In 1835, he lived in Fulton County, Illinois.
In 1841, he referred to his wife and daughter and two grandchildren, but did not give their names.
The above noted is the history of the only soldier named John Edmonson, searched under all spellings of the name, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Respectfully,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
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An additional Declaration in order to attain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 of John Edmonson
State of Illinois
Fulton County
On this seventh day of June AD 1836 personally appeared in open Court before the County Commissioners the Court of Fulton County now sitting John Edmonson a resident of Fulton County and State of Illinois aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to the one made in December last in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th AD 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers and served as herein stated. To wit his captain was Robert Maxwell his Colonel Robert Anderson and his General Andrew Pickens. General Pickens had command in chief of about two thousand men and among the number were the following named captains viz Robert Maxwell Joseph Danson Samuel Roseman. he entered the service about the first of September AD 1779 and left the same on the 1st February AD 1781. He was only engaged in the Malitia service but once But was engaged in the Continental Establishment as described in his declaration of December last under command of Captain Benjamin Tutt Lieutenant Richard Tutt and Colonel Leroy Hammand in the defence of Sennaca Fort or Fort Rutledge. He lived in the County of Abbeville within 15 miles of ninety six in the State of South Carolina when he entered the service he was a volunteer, he was engaged in several skirmishes with the tories from whom he received a severe wound on the head in an engagement with them (the tories) about 19 miles above Ninety six (now Cambridge) on a long and tedious march from near King's Ston on the head of Long Cane Creek where Captain Robert Maxwell completed the full number of his company to the Saluda River about 9 miles below Maxwells Bridge where his
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company joined the army under command of General Andrew Pickens thence the whole line marched on through the country to Fuises Ford on Broad River and crossed Then Marched on to Rutherford Courthouse in North Carolina then he marched to near Camden and took a British officer dressed in his red coat Then he marched to the Congaree river and there encamped at place that was called an old Indian Town. he then marched up to ninety six after an express had been received by General Pickens that Lord Rawden had just evacuated and [burnt?] ninety six. He then returned home having been engaged in the service about Eighteen months. After which time he and his neighbours were much harrassed by the tories under the command of Devil Bill Cunningham. He was acquainted with Captain John Moor Major Buoy his Brother was under command of General Green when he besieged ninety six of the continental Establishment. He has no documentary Evidence to testify as to his services as he never received a discharge being taken a prisoner while in the continental service and made his escape and enlisted in the Malitia service as above set forth and then there was no discharges given to his knowledge. And he knows of no person now living whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the the pension roll of the agency of any State
John Edmonson
Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court the day and year aforesaid
Stephen Dewey Clerk
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Quest 1st When and in what year were you born
Ans. I was born near Rock Bridge State of Virginia AD 1762
Quest 2 Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
Ans I have no record of my age at this time. It was recorded in the family [p]salm book at my fathers house and was burnt in the same by the tories while I was engaged in the Malitia service under General Pickens in AD 1780
Quest 3 Where were you living when called into the service Where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Ans I was living in Abbeville County South Carolina near Ninety Six. I have lived in Penalton [Pendleton?] County & Abbeville County South Carolina about 10 years since the revolutionary war and I then lived on Nolacuckey River near Green Court House in North Carolina about 18 months. I have lived in East Tennessee near Mayville about 11 years. I have lived in West Tennessee in Lyncom County about 14 years. I have lived in Jackson County Alabama near Bellefonte about 7 years. I have lived in Fulton County Illinois where I now reside nearly two years since the revolutionary war. 
Quest 4th How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom?
Ans I was a volunteer
Quest 5th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such continental and malitia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of you service
Ans. I was acquainted with General Green General Pickens Colonel Leroy Hammon Colonel Robert Anderson and Captains Earls, Tutt & Moor and Major Buoy and Lieutenants Johnston Tutt & Farrar I cannot recollect the names of any particular regiments owing to my youth at the time and my great age now my recollection has failed me much I entered the continental Establishment at Fort Rutledge on this 1st March 1777 and there remained 2 years & 7 months and was taken a prisoner of war by the British our officers Hammond, and Tutt having as we understood turned trators and surrendered to the Brittish. I remained a prisoner about 8 days when I made my escape and joined the malitia in the company of Robert Maxwell who commanded our Company, at a place markings Kings Store on the head of long cane Creek and then marched to the Saluda River about 9 miles below Maxwells Bridge were we
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were joined by General Pickens and his army and then the whole army marched through the country to Fuises Ford on Broad River where we crossed we then went to Rutherford Court House in North Carolina, and then marched near Camden and took a British officer and then went down on the Congaree River and then encamped at a place that was called an old Indian Town and then we on our return home marched past ninety six where the Brittish under Lord Rawdon had evacuted and burt and was smoking when we passed and then we returned home about 22 miles from Saluda River and 15 miles from ninety six where General Pickens disbanded us and told us to go home
Quest 6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it
Ans I have no recollection of ever receiving a written discharge from any person being taken a prisoner of war at Fort Rutledge while in the Continental Establishment, and I do not believe that any of General Pickens men received any discharge Except a verbal one when we arrived near our homes about 15 miles from Ninety Six & 22 miles from Saluda River
Quest 7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution
Ans and Hugh Lamaster John P Boice A P Miller and Patrick H. Hart
John Edmonson
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court this 7th June 1836
Stephen Dewey clk
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We John P Boice Hugh Lamaster A P Miller & Patrick H Hart residing in the County of Fulton and State of Illinois hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Edmonson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
John P Poice
Hugh Lamaster
AS Miller
Patrick H. Hart
Sworn and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid
Stephen Dewey clerk

And the Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that this applicant lives a considerable distance from any settle minister and one could not be obtained by him without too much expense for the circumstances of this applicant And that John P Boice Hugh Lamaster A P Miller and Patrick H Hart who has signed the preceeding certificate are residents in the County of Fulton and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
County Commissioners
Jonah Murchant
Joseph Brown
John McNeil

I Stephen Dewey Clerk of the Court of County Commissioners do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Edmonson for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Lewistown this Seventh day of June AD 1836
Stephen Dewey Clerk
Page 21

An additional Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 of John Edmonson
State of Illinois
Fulton County
On this seventh day of June AD 1836 personally appeared in open Court  before the county Commissioners the court of Fulton County now sitting  John Edmonson a resident of Fulton County and State of Illinois aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to the one made in December last in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th AD 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers and served as herein stated. To wit his Captain was Robert Maxwell his Colonel Robert Anderson and his General Andrew Pickens. General Pickens had command in chief of about two thousand men and among the numbers were the following named Captains viz. Robert Maxwell Joseph Danson & Samuel Roseman - he entered the service about the first of September AD 1779 and left the same on the 1st February AD 1781. He was only engaged in the malitia service but once, but was engaged in the Continental Establishment as described in his declaration of December last. under command of Captain Benjamin Tutt Lieutenant Richard Tutt and Colonel Leroy Hammand in the defense of Sennaca [Seneca] Fort or Fort Rutledge. He lived in the County of Abbeville within 15 miles of Ninety Six in the State of South Carolina when he entered the service he was a volunteer - he was engaged in several skirmishes with the tories from whom he received a severe wound in the head in an engagement with them (the tories) about 19 miles above Ninety Six (now Cambridge) on a long and tedious march  from near King's Ston on the head of long Cane Creek where Captain Robert Maxwell completed the full number of his company to the Saluda River about 9 miles below Maxwell's Bridge where his
Page 22

company joined the  army  under command of  General  Andrew Pickens thence the whole line marched on through  the country to  Fuise's  Ford on  Broad River and crossed. Then marched on to  Rutherford Court House in North Carolina  then he marched to near Camden and took a  British officer  dressed in his red coat . Then he marched to the  Congaree  river  and there encamped at place that was called an old Indian Town . he then  marched up to Ninety Six  after an express had been received  by General Pickens  that Lord Rawden had evacuated and burnt Ninety Six. He then returned home  having been  engaged in the service about   eighteen months . After which time he and his neighbors were much harassed by the tories under the command of  Devil Bill Cunningham . He was  acquainted with  Captain  John Moor, Major Buoy ,his brother  was under command of General Green when he besieged Ninety Six  of the  Continental establishment . He has no documentary evidence to testify to his services as he never received a discharge  being taken a prisoner while in the continental service and made his escape and enlisted in the militia service as above set  forth and  then there was no discharges given to his knowledge. And he  knows of no persons now living whose testimony he can procure  who can testify  to his services. 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 . Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court  the day and year  aforesaid.  John Edmonson ( signed )  Stephen  Dewey  ( signed ) clerk
Page 23

[This document is very difficult to read text is so light...AI transcription really helped)]

State of Illinois
Fulton County
State of Illinois Fulton County On this 7th day of December A.D. 1835 personally appeared before the County Commissioners Court of Fulton County and State of Illinois John Edmonson a resident of the county and State aforesaid aged 74 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration inorder to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress pension  June 7th A.D. 1831. 

That he entered the service of the United States under the follow named officers and served as herein stated - 

That Leroy Hammond a Colonel and that he had command of Fort Rutledge for it was then called Fort Tennant, on the Tennant river in South Carolina - 

That Captain Benjamin Tutt was his Captain and RichTutt was 1st Lieutenant and Thomas Farrar was 2d Lieutenant and James Huggins was Ensign of the company in which he served - 
That from his being young at that time from his[illegible] age now he is able to recollect the regiment in which he served- 
That he entered the service about the 1st of March AD. 1777 and he left it about the last of October A.D.  1777. 

That he resided in (?) County South Carolina where he entered the regular in 

That he enlisted in the regular service for 3 years or during the year that he was not engaged in any battle during his term of service but in several skirmishes with the tories - 
That he was engaged as a guard in Fort Rutledge during the whole period of his regular service- That Captain John
Page 24

John Moors company was in Fort Rutledge part of the time with his company (viz. Captain Benjamin Tutts company)  That  Captain Benjamin Tutt [illegible]  him with the balance of his company to the British under command of Captain Smith at Fort Rutledge - And that he and some more of his company made there escape from the British about the last of October A.D. 1779 at great danger to their lives and joined Captain Robert Maxwells company as a volunteer. That General Andrew Pickens was then his commander in the - 

That he continued under command of Captain 
Robert Maywell about 18 months from the last of October A.D. 1779 then he marched under commander in chief of Captain Robert Maxwell never [illegible] and through Southth Carolina thence from South Carolina down [illegible] and Captured there a great number of Tories - Thence to where Lord Rawdon  had evacuated Ninety six and thence home to Abbeville County where his company under command of Captain Robert Maxwell had many skirmishes with the tories until about the last of April A.D. 1781 where his company under Robert Maxwell was disbanded  duly & returned home 
that  he dressed his brother in his sisters clothes and sent him to the Camp of Colonel Robert Anderson and gave them intelligence of the approach of a company of Tories to take their lives at their Camp at [illeg]wood, will in the dead of the night and thereby saved their lives-- and that he has no documentary evidence & that he knows of no person
Page 25



whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim [illegible] to a pension or annuity except the present and declared that his name is not on the roll of the agency of any State-
Sworn to and subscribed the} day and year aforesaid in} open Court}

We John Cameron a Clergyman residing in the
County of Fulton and State of Illinois and Hugh
Lamaster and John P. Boice residing in the same County and State, hereby certify that we are will acquainted with John Edmonson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 74 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have
been a soldier of the revolution and that we [illegible] in that opinion.

Sworn & Subscribed}             John M. Cameron
the day & year aforesaid.}      Hugh Lamaster
 in open Court}                          John S. Bois


Quest. 1st   Where and what year were you born 
Ans: I was  born near Rockbridge illegible Virginia in the year A.D. 1781

Quest.  2nd  Have you any record of your age; of where is it.
Ans -  had a record of my age and the Tories
 burnt it while I was about in the Company
 with General Pickens so reported when I
 returned home.
Page 26

4
Quest 3
Where were you living when called into
service.  Where have you lived since the 
revolutionary war and where do you live now
Ans - 
I was living in Abbevail (Abbeville) County South Carolina near Ninety six. I have lived a while in Green County East Tennessee thence I removed to West Tennessee - thence Jackson County Ala  [illegible] from thence to Fulton County Illinois where I now live

Quest 4th 
How were you called into service, were you
drafted did you volunteer or were you a
substitute and if a substitute for whom
Ans - 
I enlisted voluntarily in the regular service

Quest 4th (5)
State the names of some of the regular of
who were with the troops where you served
such Continental and Militia regiments as you
can recollect and the general circumstances
of your service.
Ans
I recollect General Pickens Colonel Anderson Capt
Roseman Capt Dawson Capt. Boice and Capt
Benjamin Tutt and Capt John Moor from
my great age now and my youth at the time
of my service I am unable to recollect the names
of the regiments -  I suffered great pain in 
performing labour for the fort Rutledge in making
Shingle and brick and much fatigue in
my march during my trip under command
of Robert Maxwell in marching through Sorth 
Carolina and down the Congaree river and
fighting & capturing the tories.
                                                        Quest 6
Page 27


Quest. 6
Did you ever receive a discharge from the
service and if so by whom was it given and
what has become of it
Ans-
I never did receive a discharge being taken
a prisoner of war; our company xxxxx was
never discharged to my knowledge - I made
my escape from the British and joined the
Militia of South Carolina under command
of General Pickens  which service when we
quit there was no discharge given to my
recollection.

Quest 7th 
State the names of persons to whom you are
known in your present neighbourhood and
who can testify as to your character for [illegible]
ty and their belief of your services as a Soldier
of the revolution.
Ans-
Reverend John Cameron, Hugh Lamaster and
John P. Boice are persons whom I am well 
acquainted in my neighbourhood.

Subscribed & sworn to in.          John Edmonson
open Court this seventh
day of December 1835
Stephen Dewey, Clerk
Fulton County Commission Court.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
And the Court further certifies that it appears to
them
Page 28

6
them that John Cameron who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Fulton County and State of Illinois and that Hugh Lamaster and John P. Boice who have also signed xxxxx the same are residents of the aforesaid County & State and are credible persons and that this statement is entitled to credit.
Joseph Brown}              County
John Marchant}             Commis
John Mc Neil}                 [illegible]
I Stephen Dewey Clerk of the County Commissions Court of Fulton County & State of Illinois do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Edmonson for a pension. In testimony where
of I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Lewistown this 7th day of December A.D. 1835
Stephen Dewey Ck

[Hand drawn seal]

In additional declaration in order to obtain the
benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 of John Edmonson

State of Illinois
Fulton County [illegible]:
On this seventh day of June A.D. 1836
personally appeared in open court before the County Commissioners the Court of Fulton County now sitting, John Edmonson a resident of Fulton County & State of Illinois

aged
Page 29

seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following do duration in addition to the one made in December last in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th A.D. 1832. That he entered the service
of the United States under the following officers and served as herein stated to with his captain was Robert Maxwell his Colonel Robert Anderson and his General Andrew Pickens General Pickens had command in chief
of about two thousand men, and among the number were the following named Captain by: Robert Maxwell Joseph Dawson & Samuel Roseman-- he entered the service about the first of September A.D. 1779 and left
the same on the 1st February A.D. 1781. He was only engaged in the Militia service but once - But was engaged in the Continental establishment as described in his 
declaration of December last under command of Captain Benjamin Lutt, Lieutenant Richard Lutt and Colonel Leroy Hammond in the defense of Fort Rutledge - He lived in the County of Abbeville within 15 miles of Ninety six in the State of South Carolina where
he entered the service he was a volunteer he was engaged  in serveral skirmishes with the tories from whom he received a severe wound on the head in an engagement
with them (the tories) about 19 miles above Ninety Six now Cambridge ) on a long and tedious march from near Kings store on the head of long [illlegible], where Captain Robert Maxwell completed the full number of his company to the Saluda River about a miles below Maywell's Bridge where his company joined the army under command of General Andrew Pickens thence the whole line marched
on through the country to [illegible] Ford on Broad River
Page 30

River and [illegible], then marched into Rutherford County
[illegible] in North Carolina then he marched to near Camden and took a British officer dressed in his red Coat then he marched to the Congaree river and there camped at a place that was called an old Indian town - he then marched up to Ninety six after an [illegible] had been received by General Pickens that
Lord Rawden had [illegible] and burnt ninety six He then returned home having been engaged in the service about eighteen months. After which time he and his neighbors were  much [illegible]  by the tories under the command of Devil Bill Cunningham He was
acquainted with Capt John Moor,  Major Beloy,
His brother was under command of General Green when he besiege Ninety six of the Continental establishment,

He has no documentary evidence to testify as to his service as he never received a discharge being taken a prisoner while in the Continental service and made his escape and enlisted in the Militia service as above set forth and then there was no discharges given to his knowledge. And he knows of no person
now living whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares here that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. John Edmonson

Sworn to and subscribed in
open Court the day and year
aforementioned.

Stephen Dewey, Clerk
Page 31

                                                          9
Quest 1st
 Where and in what year were you born.
Ans 
I was born near Rockbridge State of Virginia
A.D. 1762.

Quest. 2nd 
Have you any record of your age and if so
where is it
Ans
I have no record of my age at this time. It was
recorded in Psalm Book at my father's house
and was burnt in the same by the tories while
I was engaged in the Militia service under
General Pickens in A.D. 1781

Quest 3rd 
Where were you living when called into the service,
where have you lived since the revolutionary war
and where do you now live.
Ans
I was living in Abbeville County South Carolina
near Ninety six. I have lived in Pendlton county and Abbeville County South Carolina about 10 years since
the revolutionary war and I then
lived on Nolacuchey [illegible] Green Court house in
North Carolina about 18 months, I have lived
East Tennessee near Maryville about 11 years
I have lived in West Tennessee in Lincon County
about 14 years. I have lived in Jackson
County Alabama near Bellefonte about 7 years.
I have lived Fulton County Illinois where I
now reside nearly two years since the 
revolutionary war.

Quest 4th 
How were you called into service; were you
drafted, did you volunteer or were you a 
substitute; and if a substitute for whom.
Ans
I was a volunteer

                                                                                   Quest.
Page 32

10
Quest 5th 
State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and Militia regiment as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
Ans
I was acquainted with with General Green 
Colonel Pickens, Colonel Leroy Hammon, Colonel
Robert Anderson and Captain Earl Lutt and
Moors and Major Buoy and Lieutenant John
ston  Lutt & Farrar. I cannot makeout the
names of any particular regiment owing to my
youth at the time and my great age now
my recollection has failed me much. I entered
the Continental establishment at Fort Rutledge on the 1st March 1777 and there remained 2 years 7 months and was taken a prisoner of war by the British and officers Hamond and Lutt having as we understood t[illegible] and surrendered us to the British, I remained a prisoner about 8 days when I made my escape and joined the Militia in the company of Robert Maywell who commanded our company at a place near kings store on the head of Long Cane creek and then marched to the Saluda River about 9 miles below
Maxwell Bridge where we were joined by General Pickens and his army and then the whole army marched through the country to [illegible] Ford on Broad river when we crossed, we then went to Rutherford Court House in North Carolina and then marched near Camden and took a British officer and then down on the Congaree river and 
                                                                          then
Page 33

                                                    
then encamped at a place that was called an old Indian Town and then we on our return home marched past Ninety six where the British under Lord Rawden had evacuated and burnt was smoking when we passed. And then we returned home about 22 miles from Saluda river and 17 miles from Ninety Six where General Pickens disbanded in and told us to
go home.

Quest 6 
Did you ever receive a discharge from the
service and if so by whom was it signed:
and what has become of it.
Ans.
I have no recollection of ever receiving a written
discharge from any person being taken a prisoner
some of was at Fort Rutledge while in the 
Continental establishment, and I do not believe
that any of General Pickens men received any
discharge except a verbal one when we arrived
near our homes about 15 miles from Ninety six
and 22 miles from Saluda River.

Quest 7th 
State the names of persons to whom you are known
in your present neighbourhood and who can 
testify as to your character for veracity and their
belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Ans
Hugh Lamaster John P. Boice  A. S. Miller and
Patrick H. Hart
                                        John Edmonson

Subscribed and sworn to
in open Court this 7th
June 1830

Stephen Dewey, Ck.
Page 34

12

We John P. Boice Hugh Lamaster, A. S. Miller
and Patrick H. Hart residing in the County of Fulton
and State of Illinois hereby certify that we are well 
acquainted with John Edmonson who has subscribed and
Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be
seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and 
believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have
been a soldier of the revolution; and that we concur
in that opinion                                      John P. Boice
                                                               Hugh Lamaster
Sworn & subscribed in                         A. S. Miller
open Court the day and                       Patrick H. Hart
year aforesaid

Stephen Dewey, Clerk


And the Court do hereby declare their opinion after
investigation of the matter and after putting the inter
rogatories prescribed by the War Department that the
above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and
served as he states. And the Court further certifies
that it appears to them that this applicant lives a
considerable distance from any settled minister and
one would not be obtained by him without too much 
expense for the circumstances of this applicant. And that
John P. Boice Hugh Lamaster A. S. Miller and Patrick H.
Hart who has signed the preceding certificate are residents in the County of Fulton and are credible persons
and that their statement is entitled to credit
Jonah Marchant}
Joseph Brown}              County Commissioners
John McNeil}
Page 35

13

I Stephen Dewey Clerk of the Court of County Com
missioners, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains 
the original proceedings of the
said Court in the matters of the application 
of John Edmonson for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand and seal of office at
Lewistown this seventh day of June A.D.
1836.
Stephen Dewey, Clerk


State of Illinois}
Sangamon County}

On this 5th day of March 1843,
Personally appeared in open Court John Edmonson a
resident of the County of Fulton & State of Illinois, aged
eighty two years who being first duly sworn according 
to law, on his oath doth make the following declaration 
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by
act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy eight in the month of Feby. with Captain Benjamin
Tutt for the term of three years &  during the war and
received $30 of old Continental money which he never 
profited by, as Bounty - That he enlisted when he lived in 
Abbeville County South Carolina and served two years and four
or five months before we were surrendered to the British at
Fort Rutledge commonly called Seneca Fort. That he was in
the Fort and was one of the number that were surrendered
that he stayed with the British only 7 or 8 days and ran away
                                                                        much
Page 36

14
much to the hazard of his life - That Richard Tutt was
the first Lieutenant & Thomas Farrer was our 2d Lieut.
and I, Huggins Ensign - That Col Leroy Hammon had
command of us part of the time - That afterwards Col. Robert
Anderson was our Colonel when he was in the Militia service
That he was in no battles during the period he was in
the regular Army but was occupied as guarding the
Fort - That he was out in the Militia service about eighteen 
months under Capt. Robert Maxfield ( or Maxwell) 
of whose company was attached to the aforesaid Col. R.
Anderson's Regiment. Genl Andrew Pickens command-
That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a
pension or annuity except the present claim and that he
declares that his name is not on the pension roll
of any agency of any State or Territory-
That he made application for a pension once under the
old law, when he lived in Alabama and since that
time in this State. But from some deficiency in form
or evidence he has never been able to get to obtain
his pension and has dragged out a life of poverty ever
since he applied first when he lived in Alabama.
Test John Dawson
      his
John X Emerson
Sworn to and subscribed this 6 day of March 1843
before me
N. W. Mathews, Clerk of the County
Commissioners Court of Sangamon County
1
State of Illinois
Sangamon Be it known that on this 6th day
of March 1843, Personally appeared in open court
In
ally
Page 37

15 
Judicially sitting John Edmonson whose signature 
appears to the foregoing declaration and the Court are of
opinion from his age appearance and [illegible] testimony
that he was a soldier as above stated
Given under our hands,  Z. Peters
Samuel Wychoff
Willis H. Groves
I Noah W. Matheny Clerk of the Commissioners Court
of Sangamon County do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceeding of the said Court in
the matter of the application of John Edmonson for a pension

   [Hand drawn             In testimony whereof I have hereunto
    Seal here]                 set my hand and seal of office this 6th
                                       day of March 1843.
N. W. Matheny
Clerk

State of Alabama⎬
Jackson County }
Personally appeared before me
Ezekiel Harris an acting Justice of the peace in and
for the County aforesaid appeared John McChutchen
and being duly sworn says that John Edmonson did
serve as a regular soldier in the Revolution was in the
State of South Carolina and served under Capt Benjamin
Tut (Tutt), first Lieut Richard Tut (Tutt) second Lieutenant 
Thomas Farris James Huggins Ensign
under Col Leroy Hammons and served two years
and between five & eight months and then giving up
to the enemy by General Andrews

[part of the
original torn out]
Page 38

16
Past [illegible] out of original 

left fort Bentley  ??ally Coulled Senecan fort

Sworn to and submitted before me 
John McCutchen
Ezekiel Harris, Justice peace
this the 30 day of October 1832
Indent Book
B No 653
 No 1
Issued the 2nd May 1785 to Mr. John Edminston for seventy nine pounds Stg. for Militia duty from 1783 to 1783 & for wagon service in Militia in 1780 & 1781 per Of. audited principal # 79"00 And interest of 5"10 p
No 2 
John Edminston Of. for Militia duty and waggon hire # 79"0n0

 State of So Carolina
Ninety six District
  to Ed. Blake & Peter Boquet Esq. please to
deliver to William McMahan the Indent due to me as per account & vouchers returned by me to Col. Robt. Anderson & by him to the audited Generals office and oblige your Humble servt. with who did indent for the interest.  John Edminston
19th Sept 1785
Page 39

17
I do hereby certify that I did see John Edminston assign his name to the above order 19th Sept
1785. 
Wm Moon, J.P.
Compt. Genl. Office Columbia 5th July 1841
I hereby certify the above memorandum No 1 to contain a true copy to him from the margin of Indent. Book B No 653 deposited in this office; and that No. 2 is a true & literal copy of the  --- of which contained the Ap. for which the said Indent was issued, and that said Ap. cannot be found in this office.
W.T. Arthur
Office of Comptroller General
Charleston So Carolina
July 9th 1841
I do hereby certify that Wm F Arthur, Esq.
is my Clerk at the office at Columbia & that due
faith and credit is to be given to the foregoing
certificate. I also certify that another Indent in this
office dated 1st October 1785 was issued to John Edminston for the sum of Ninety four pounds Sterling being amount pay and bounty due him for service a private in Alexander's troop, W Hampton Reg., Hunters brigade; together with interest from the first April 1782
to date of Indent.
Wm Ed. Haynes
Comptroller Genl.
Page 40

18
Office of Comptroller General
Charleston So. Ca. July 9th 1841
Sirs,
I have received yours of the 27th May last
respecting your services in the revolutionary War
and endow you the only information I can find
in either office. I think the Indent mentioned in the Certificate from Columbia must have been intended for yourself as Col. Robt Anderson name is mentioned under when you say you served.  But I rather think the Indent mentioned in my certificate was not intended for you as you say nothing of your having served in Hunters Brigade.
Your Obt. Servt
Wm Ed. Hayne
Comp Gen

Mr John Edmonson

To the Congress of the United States of America
The undersigned members of the General
Assembly of the State of Illinois ask that a pension may be granted to John Edmonson, a Soldier in the Revolutionary War. Many of us are personally acquainted with Mr. Edmonson, and entertain no doubt that he was, as he is reputed to have been, a soldier in the service of the United States in South Carolina during the revolutionary war.
He is very old and very infirm, and himself and
aged wife, are subsisted almost entirely by the charity of their neighbours.
We
Page 41

We are informed that he has heretofore failed to obtain a pension in consequence of some deficiency in in the evidence of his service - that this deficiency cannot be supplied, and that therefore he is unable to bring himself within the provisions of the general law upon the subject of pensions.
Entertaining, however, no doubt of the merit of his claim, and feeling every assurance that he is as he represents himself, a remnant of the patriot band that carried us so successfully through the struggles of the revolution, we respectfully ask that a special law may be passed for his benefit, granting him a pension for the residue of his life.
We may add that Mr. Edmonson is a man of strict integrity. and unblemished character.

John Cochran           
  O.H. Browning
Jesse K. Dubois         
  J.T. Logan 
Lorenzo Edwards        
 Robert W. Glass
L.A Hannaford             
Darius Adams
Peter C. Vance             
Maximillion Haley
J.G. Nesbitt                  
Wm. Catorwell
Peter Menard, Jr.         
Horace Turner
A Jonas                       
John T. Gamler
Jno. Bailinder              
 Jno. McDonald
Isaac Courtright          
 Alfred Hinton
John McDonald          
 Isaac N. Arnold
A. J. Dreyhendall         
 Thomas L. Hech
Andrew McMillen        
 Philip Dinyard
Peter B. Garrett            
 D. Exter
W.M. Jackson                
Geo. M. Hanson
Alfred E. Ames               
Samuel Horney
Page 42

James Marshall
Lot Whitcomb
M. W. Busey
John Shirley
A. C. Jackson
A. Collins
John Moore
J. H. Ralston
David Markley
Peter Warren
T. Northington
Geo. W. Waters
A.W. Cavarly
Jacob Fedman
Jno Crain
George Smith
John Dougherty
H. A. D. Wilbank
Lewis B. Wynne
J. A. James
Saml Hoard
W. Fithian
Braxton Parrish
Benj Johnson
J. C. Bairs
R. B. Slocumb
Wyatt B. Stapp
Thomas Ruggle
John Harris
Will O. Thompson
J.A. Matteson
John D. Burklow
Julius Manning
Cyrus Langworthy
N.H. Spicer
Wm. Smith
Amos Thompson
Richard Yates
Newton Cloud
M. Tackberry
W. McBride
C.F. Ewing
A. Wheat
J.B. Howard
John A McClemand
J. J. Danner
John Douglas
James J. Hannah
Gustavus Koemer
H. M. Vandeman
E.  Bibins
J. Harper
Achilles D. Dollins
Rich. W. Starr
Jeduthum Hatch
Harry L. Miller
Elihu Bone
Wm Bentley
Easton Whitten
Philip Purn
J.L. Sharp
John White
Page 43

                                           21
Tho M Killpatrick
W.H. Davidson
Geo Leviston
John Buford
Ira Menard
Thomas Ford
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq

In all I wish to say
in this petition is that the names on the petition
were members of the General Assembly of this State.
Together with the name of this  Ford Governor and John Moor Lieut Gov of this State

These Gentlemen I have no doubt when they signed
the within petition believed every word that the applicant has set forth in his declaration. And I will and my belief also from the statements made in
private conversation by him that he represent
nothing in his declaration but facts.

John Lawson PA
6th March 1843.
P. A. Please forward to me the result of your decision in this case.
J.L.
Page 44

Mrs. L.D. Child
Columbia S. C.
56
Page 45

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3 - 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., , 19
In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of John Edmonson a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau. S.F. 3229
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. COLONEL.
STATE.
Mch. 1777 2 yrs 6 mos. was captured when Ft. Rutledge surrendered escaped after several days. Pvt Benjamin Tutt Leroy Hammond S.C.
Oct. 1779 Spt. 1781 Pvt Robert Maxfield or Maxwell Andrew Pickens Robert Anderson S.C.

Battles engaged in, In many skirmishes, wounded in head by Tories
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Abbeville Co. SC
Date of application for pension, Nov 27 1833. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Fulton Co. Ills.
Age at date of application, born in1761 or 1762 near Rockbridge Va.
Remarks: wife, daughter & 3 grandchildren, names not stated, were [illegible]
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 46

Rev. & 1812 War Pension. MDY
June 1, 1925.
Mrs. L.E. Snairly,
Box 116,
Harlingen, Texas.

Madam:
I have to advise you that, from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S-3229, it appears that John Edmonson was born in 1761 or 1762 near Rockbridge, Virginia.
While living in Abbeville County, South Carolina, he enlisted in March 1777 and served two years and six months as a private in Captain Benjamin Tutt's Company, Colonel Le Roy Hammond's South Carolina Regiment. He was captured when Fort Rutledge surrendered and escaped after several days.
He enlisted in October 1779 and served to September, 1781 as a private in Captain Robert Maxfield or Maxwell's Company, Colonels Andrew Pickens and Robert Anderson's South Carolina Regiments. He was in many skirmishes and was wounded in the head by the Tories.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 27, 1833 while living in Fulton County, Illinois.
Page 47

His wife, a daughter and two grand children., names not stated, were living in 1841.

Respectfully,
WILDER S METCALF
Commissioner.
Page 48

Lewistown Ill
Feb 24 - 1929
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Can you give me any information regarding John Edmonson (sometimes Edmundson) who was born near Fredericksburg Va in 1764. He enlisted in the Army in 1780, and served four years, was a Personal friend of George Washingtons.
I would be pleased to have you send me his army record or any thing you have regarding him as I am trying to get into the D.A.R. and is necessary to have this information.
If there is any fee, kindly advise and I will remit at once.
(Miss) Anna L. Bays
Lewistown Ill.

[round stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE FEB 26 1929
Page 49

Harlingen Texas
March 19-1925
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
Will you kindly search the war records for information of John Edmondson who served in the Revolutionary War. He was from Illinois and rec'd a pension. I do not know his home address but when
Page 50

he rec'd his pension he went to Springfield Ill. to get it.
He was in the battle of Yorktown and saw the surrender of Cornwallis. I have applied for admission into the Daughter of American Revolution organization and they require official information, and at their request I am writing you for this information.
My father, who is 88 years of age is living in Pasadine Calif. and it is his grandfather I am inquiring about. If you have not the
Page 51

record can you tell me where I can get it?
I certainly will appreciate any effort you may make for me in this matter and thank you in advance for your trouble
Very Sincerely
Mrs. L. E. Snairly
Box 116
Harlingen
Tex.
Page 52

[2 illegible rectangular stamps at top of page]

J.L. Davenport
Dear Sir
Did any of the following parties as heir widows receive pensions, after Rev. War.
John Farley of [illegible county/state]
William Green - Ga.
Williams Flake - Ga. or Car.
Joseph Vandelux, Ga.
Favors of Ga.
Edmonson " Ga.
The parties may have been from Va, as Car. or Ga.
Page 53

I think they served during the Revolution,
if there is any record concerning any of them in your department
Will you please let me know at an early date and oblige
Respectfully
(Mrs) Geo. C. Farley
Opelika, Ala.

Opelika Ala.
Sept. 28, 1900
Page 54

[1st column]
32229
Revy INVALID.
File No. 32,229
John Edmonson
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index: Vol. 2, Page 120
{Arrangement of 1870.}

[2nd column]
1914, Jan 10: hist. to Mrs. L.D. Childs M.B.H.
---
1925 June 1 - Hist to Mrs LE Snairly MDY
---
1929 June 29 hist to Miss Anna L. Bays M.C.T.
Page 55

State of Illinois
Sangamon County
On this 6th day of March 1843. Personally appeared in Open Court John Edmonson a resident of the County of Fulton & State of Illinois aged Eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to Law on his oath doth make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year seventeen hundred and Seventy eight in the month of Feby. with Capt Benjamin Tutt for the term of three years or during the war and earned $30 of old Continental money which he never profited by, as Bounty. That he enlisted where he lived in Abbeville County South Carolina and served two years and four or five months before we were surrendered to the British at Fort Rutledge commonly called Seneca Fort. That he was in the Fort and was one of the number that were surrendered. That he layed with the British only 7 or 8 day, and ran away much to the Hazard of his life - That Richard Tutt was the first Lieutenant & Thomas Farrer was our 2nd Lieut. and J. Huggins Ensign. That Col Leroy Hammons had command of us part of the time - That afterwards Col Robert Anderson was our Colonel when he was in the militia service. That he was in no battles during the period he was in the regular army but was occupied as guarding the Fort. That he was out in the militia service about Eighteen months under Capt Robert Maxfield or Maxwell of whose company was attached to the aforesaid Col R Andersons Regiment Genl Andrew Pickins command.
That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present claim and that he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency of any State or Territory.
That he made application for a Pension once under the old law, when he lived in Alabama and since that time in this State. But from some deficiency in form or evidence he has never been able to get
Page 56

to obtain his Pension and his dragged out a life of poverty ever since he applied first where he lived in Alabama
John Edmunson his mark X
Test John Dawson
Sworn to and subscribed this 6th day of March 1843 before me
N W Matheny Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of Sangamon County

State of Illinois
Sangamon Co
Be it known that on this 6th day of March 1843. Personally appeared in open Court Judicially sitting John Edmonson whose signature appears to the foregoing declaration and the Court are of opinion from his age appearance and concurrent testimony that he was a soldier as above stated
Given under our hands.
B. Peter
Samuel Wyckoff
Willis H Groves

I Noah W Matheny Clerk of the Commissioners Court of Sangamon County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Edmonson for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 6th day of March 1843
N W Matheny Clk

Please send any communication to J. Dawson Pension Agent of Ill. in relation to this case
E Wright for J. Edmonson
Page 57

Bellefonte March 18th 1834
Dear Sir,
I now take my pen in hand to let you know that I am yet Living through the Mercy & goodness of God though old and verry infirm and my mind somewhat impaired I would still ask you for your Assistantance my Pension matter having made all the proof that is in my power owing to the many Deaths of my old suffering fellow soldiers according to the best of my knowledge I stated my age in former papers saying I was borne in 61 owing to my calculations and what I have been told by one of my Brothers I was Borne in the year 62 it was and is my opinion that I entered the service of my contrary in the year 77 but it might of been in 78 but there is one thing Rember well that is my many sufferings during the Camppain Lying in cold and wintary Blasts many times with nothing to eat for days in Succesion Evan the women had to hide out Bundles of wheat and of night in silant places But out the same and would Boil and eat it without even salt I was taken from plase to plase and at fourt Rutledge or Sinikar [Seneca] Fort or Camily called so on the account of it being on the bank of Sinka [Seneca] River
Page 58

Bellefonte March 18th 1834
Dear Sir,
I now take my pen in hand to let you know that I am yet Living through the Mercy & goodness of God though old and verry infirm and my mind somewhat impaired I would still ask you for your Assistantance my Pension matter having made all the proof that is in my power owing to the many Deaths of my old suffering fellow soldiers according to the best of my knowledge I stated my age in former papers saying I was borne in 61 owing to my calculations and what I have been told by one of my Brothers I was Borne in the year 62 it was and is my opinion that I entered the service of my contrary in the year 77 but it might of been in 78 but there is one thing Rember well that is my many sufferings during the Camppain Lying in cold and wintary Blasts many times with nothing to eat for days in Succesion Evan the women had to hide out Bundles of wheat and of night in silant places But out the same and would Boil and eat it without even salt I was taken from plase to plase and at fourt Rutledge or Sinikar [Seneca] Fort or commonly called so on the account of it being on the bank of Sinka [Seneca] River
Page 59

at witch plase I finished my suffering there and then went in Malisha Company after the torys and indians and from one of the said torys I Recieved a wound on my head which I will Carry to my grave about fourteen months I was with the malisha and sill had troubelsome for several months on the account of the indians Brakeing out but during these fourteen years I was taken with several others as a prisoner and was sold for Dear Lether owing to same misconduct in our ofisers there names is not on Record in the war Department many other things I cant name the year if it was neasary but (Judge Clay) you have that the matter before you from some Evidence witch I have produced and I have had the plasure of conversing with you on the subject. Your attention in these things will not be forgotten my situation is verry dificult indeed I have a helpless family a old decriped wife, a Daughter Deseased with the Consumpsion and one not able to work and having not a horse cow or hog in the world on the accout of Badluck
Page 60

and misfortune, will you take my case searclasly in consideration and help if posible if it was not for my allmost suffering situation I would not troble my friends on this matter, ware it nessarary I could have a pation of allmost all my neighbours and acquaintances I have had a small one sent of my near neighbours six of them are Gentlemen Clergy one of them has been acquainted with me a long time who states from what he has been told that I saved the lives of at least seventy men by dresing my Little Brother in Lady Cloths [illegible] him by night and giving the men notice by the approaching Enimy, is it posible my Dear friend that although I say it myself that a old man who suffered so much for the sake of Liberty in my forlorn situation shall still suffer on this of my Days in a land of freedom while thare is many in Reserve for old sufferers. I must quit But mine is a pressing urgent case this from yours and probitally for the last time &c
John Edmonson
Page 61

Bellefonte A
March 5
Free
Mr CC. Clay
Washington City
Page 62

[Right side of page]

copies of paper, sent to Hon S A
Douglass
Jan 12. 1844,
[very light illegible writing]

[Left side of page]
John Edmonson Illinois
Suspended
See letter 19
Jany 1836. L. Dewey.
[illegible] Lewiston P. C.
See letter 27 July 36
Joseph Sharpe
[Illegible] to Hon J. J. Whittlesey 
apl. 12.1838 
Oct 30 
Apl 41 to applt

to John Edmondson  26th April 1843
to J. Dawson, June 8. 1843-
'  "         "           Oct 6     "
Act 7th June 1832
Page 63

33.512
John Edmonson
Illinois
Pension office

Jw al

[upside down]
War Department
Page 64

State of Illinois
Fulton County

On this 7th day of December AD 1835
personally appeared afore the County Commissioners Court of Fulton County and State of Illinois John Edmonson, a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged 74 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 AD 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That Leroy Hammond was Colonel and that he had command of Fort Rutledge, or as it was then called Fort Seneca, on the Inman
River in South Carolina - That Captain Benjamin Tutt was his captain and Richard Tutt was 1st Lieutenant and Thomas Savier was 2d Lieutenant and James Huggans was ensign of the company in which he served--That how 
his being young at the time and from his great age now he is unable to recolect the regiment in which he served. That he entered the service about the 1st of March 1777 and he left it about the last of October AD 1779. That he resided in Abbevail County South Carolina when he entered the regular service. That he enlisted in the regular service for a year or during the year. That he was not engaged
in any battle during his term of service. but in several skirmishes with the Tories.  That he was engaged as a guard in Fort Ruttledge during the whole period of his regular service. That Captain John Moor's Company was in the Fort Rutledge part of the time with his company vis Captain Benjamin Tutts Company. 
That Captain Benjamin Tutt Surrendered him with the ballance of his company to the Brittish under command of Captain Smith at Fort Rutledge - And that he and some more of his company made their escape from the British about the last of October
Page 65

AD 1779 at great danger to their lives and
Captain Robert Maxwell's Company as a volunteer. That General Andrew Pickens was then his commander in chief. That he continued under command of Captain Robert Maxwell about 18 months from the last of October AD 1779
The he marched under command of Captain Robert Maxwell near Cambdon and through North Carolina. thence from North Carolina down Kougan River and captured there a great number of Toriies. Thence to where Lord Rawdon had Evacuated ninety six and thence home to Abbevail County where his company under command of Captain Robert Maxwell
had may skirmishes with the tories untill about the last of April AD 1781 when his company under Robert Maxwell was disbanded &
returned home.--- That he dressed his brother in his sisters clothes and and sent him to the Camp of Colonel Robt. Anderson and gave them inteligence of the approach of a company of Tories to take their lives at their camp at Norwood's Mill in the dead of the night and thereby saved their lives-- and that he has no documentary evidence & that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service -- he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid in open Court 
John [illegible]

We John Cameron a clergyman residing in the County of Fulton and State of Illinois and Hugh Lamaster and John P. Boice residing in the same County and State hereby certify that we   
are well acquainted with John Edmonson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 74 years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid in open Court.
John M. Camron
Hugh Lamaster
John P. Boice
Page 66

Quest 1  
Where and what year were you born
Ans -       
I was born near Rockbridge Old Virginia in the year AD 1761

Quest  2  
Have you any record of your age; if so where is it
Ans           
I had a record of my age: and the Tories burnt it while I was
absent on the campaign with General Pickens so reported                                                                                                             when called into service.  I returned & home

Quest 3 
Where were you living when called into service  Where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Ans
I was living in Abbvail (Abbeville) County South Carolinia near ninety six. I have lived a while in Green County East Tennessee
thence I removed to West Tennessee - thence Jackson
County Alabama from thence to Fulton County Illinois where I now live

Quest 4th 
How were you called into service were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitue and if a substitute for whom
Ans
I enlisted voluntarily in the regular service

Quest 4th (5)
State the names of some of the regular officers who
were with the troops where you served such 
continental and malitia (militia) regiments as you can recollect
and the general circumstances of your service
Ans
I recollect General Pickens Colonel Anderson Capt Roseneau Capt Danson Capt Boise and Capt Benjamin Tutt and Capt John Marion from my great age now and my youth at the time
of my service I am able to recollect the names of the
regiments-I suffered great pain in performing labour
for the fort Rutledge in making shingles and brick
and much fatigue in my march during my
trip under command of Robert Maxwell in marching
through North Carolina and down the Congaree River
and fighting & capturing the tories
Page 67

[1st sentence is upside down: Just illegible ? 60.00?  Did you ever receive a discharge fro the service]
]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the
investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories
prescribed by the war department that the above named
applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he stated

And the court further certifies that it appears to them
that John Cameron who has signed the preceding certificate
is a clergyman resident Fulton County and State of Illinois
and that Hugh Lamaster and John P Boice who have
also signed the same are residents of the aforesaid county & state and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit

Joseph Brown}
Jonah Marchant}    County
John McNeil}           Commissioners


Stephen  Dewey  Clerk of the County Commissioners Court
of Fulton County & State of Illinois do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application of John Edmonson
for a pension In testimony Whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office at Lewistown 
this 7th day of December AD 1835 [or 1833]

Stephen Dewey  } CK

[note on bottom right]
Illegible
Capt Bocis
ck

[outline of 2 stamps above]
Page 68


6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and that has become of it.
I never did receive a discharge being taken a prisoner of war: Our company was never discharged to my knowledge. I made my escape from the Bittish and joined the malitia of South Carolina under command of General Pickens, which service we quit. There was no discharges given to my recollection
7th
State the names of persons to whom you are know in your present neighbourhood and who can Testify as to you character for veracity and
their belief of your services as a soldier of the
Revolution.

Reverend John Cameron Hugh Lamaster
and John P Boice are persons whom I well
acquainted in my neighbourhood.
John Edmonson
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court this Seventh day of December 1835
Stephen Dewey      Clerk Fuller
County Commissioners Court
Page 69

---
John Edmondson
---
Petition of
John Edmondson
for a pension
_____________
April 7th 1834
Ref to the Committee
or Revolutionary Pensions


C.C. Clay
135 Roden
Page 70

State of Alabama
Sangamon County
Appeared before me
of said county and state aforesaid
being Acquainted with John Edmonson who has made an application for a pension as a soldier in the Revolutionary War...

...to take his case...
...John Edmonson...
...of the Congress of the United States...
...pension in cases of old soldiers...
..transcribed.February 22, 1834

John Berry
Rowland Wood
Benjamin ...
Jessey Wever
Stephen W Donathan
Thomas Gould
Dillard Brooks
S T Crawford
David Robinson who have been acquainted through the hole [illeg] of my life and from my Father said from all the information said John Edmonson was true to his countrys cause. 
Alexander W. Brooks
John Holland
Alexander Faubes
Absolim H. Jewel
Peyton R....
James Holland, Capt
Page 71

and among the many sufferers the said John
Edmonson with the whole Edmonson family
suffered eaqually in common with the veterans
of seventy six
my acquainted with said Edmonson
has been for the since my being able to form
an acquaintence and counter of any person
 and I am now rising forty years of... 
James Harvey
Thomas Foster
Thomas Willard
William Beeman
Andrew B Crunet
N.P. Mitchell
Page 72

Fulton Co Illinois
April 10 / 27 1841
President refers letter of John Edmonson Sr. asking for a pension.
P. 297
Pension Office
JW Allison
JWal
Page 73

Jno. Sergnior want a pension for his services

Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War
Page 74

[Illegible... Page is too light to transcribe...Even AI could only pick up letters]
Page 75

State of Alabama
Jackson County

This day came John McCutchan Before me John Berry an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Jackson and State aforesaid and made oath that he was Personally Acquainted with John Edmondson when in the United States Service as a Regular Soldier under Capt. Benjamin Tutt in General Andrew Williamson Regiment, Col. Andrew Pickens, to the best of my knowledge in the Year 1777 and was well acquainted with the said Edmonson , he was a good Soldier and at this time not less than Sixty nine years of age. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th day of August 1833. Entered in before signed.
John Berry
Justice of the Peace       Seal

John McCutchan

State of Alabama
Jackson County

John Berry a Justice of the in and for the county aforesaid do hereby Certify I have no doubt but the aforesaid applicant John Edmonson did as he has sworn to and proven and both the applicant and the witness John McCutchan by whom he has proven his service are Credible Persons and entitled to full credit in those neighbourhood this the 8th day of August 1833
John Berry      Seal
Justice of the Peace

I am personally acquainted with T.M. Rector the Judge of the County Court of Jackson County, Ala. & with his hand writing -- also with the affiant John McCutchan ---their signatures are genuine. I also know the applicant John Edmonson and have no doubt the papers are all genuine.
Dec. 21st 1833.    C.C. Clay M.C.
Page 76

State of Alabama
Jackson County 
I Richard B. Clayton clerk of the County Court for said County do hereby certify that John Berry whose name appears to the within certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in aforesaid County & State aforesaid duly Elected commissioned and sworn according to law & that full faith and credit is and to be given to all his official acts as such. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my private seal there being no seal of office in Bellefonte this 27th day of September 1833
{LS} 
[illegible] R.B. Clayton Clerk

The above is the genuine signature of Richard B. Clayton, who is clerk of the County Court of Jackson County, Ala. and he has no official seal, and believe. 
October 5th 1833 
C.C. Clay
Page 77

State of Tennessee
Lincoln County
this day came John Edmonson 
came before me Barnabas Boyles...
...said County and State and said that he was well acquainted with John Edmonson and said that his service as regular solder
under Capt Benjamin Tutt in General Andrew Williamsons Regiment under 
Col Andrew Pickens to the best of my knowledge the year of 1777 and was well acquainted with said Edmonson he was a good soldier and at this time is not less than seventy one or two years old.
James Edmiston

[illeg] ...before me the... twenty one October,18...

I Barnabas Boyles a Justice of the peace for said County do hereby certify that I have no doubt the afforsaid John Edmonson did as he has sworn to and the [illeg] and the applicant and the witness James Edmonson
be shown he has [illeg] his services are certifiable [illeg] to full credit inthere neighbourhood this of 2nd day of October 1833
Barnabus Boyles Justice of the Peace
Page 78


State of Tennessee}
Lincoln County}
I Francis L. Kincannon Clerk of the Court of 
Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County do certify that Barnabas Boyles was at the time of signing the foregoing an acting Justice of the Peace for said County, & was commissioned and duly qualified as such, and his signature there annexed are genuine & full faith & credit can be given to all his official acts. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said office, given under my hand at office this 16th day of November 1833
F. L. Kincanon Clerk

State of Tennessee}
Lincoln County}

I William Edmiston
Chariman of the Court of Pleas of Quarter
Sessions for said County aforesaid
to certify that Francis L. Kincannon whose
name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate
is Clerk of said County & that his certificate
is in due form of Law Given under my
hand and seal this 16th day of Nov 1833

Wm Edmiston chairman
Page 79

MADISONIAN OFFICE

I HEREBY CERTIFY, that the accompanying pages numbered from 1 to 21, inclusive, are truly copied from the originals in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions.
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That James L. Edwards, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attestations full faith and credit are and ought to be given. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to be affixed, on this eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
J. M. Porter
Secretary of War
Page 80

Pension Office Springfield Ill March 11th 1845
J L Edwards Esq
Sir enquiry is made by the friends of old Mr. John Edmondson of Fulton County, what has become of his pension
As I have not received any inteligence at this office, will you be so good as to inform me whether he has been paid at the treasury Department or not. His pension was granted by law a year ago. I have thought it possible his Certificate might have been lost in the mail
Yours with great respect and esteem
John Dawson Pen. Agt.

J L Edwards Esq

SMB, Has Congress allowed the poor Agents a crumb from their well supplyed Table or not
Page 81

Springfield Ill. 9th May 1845
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir I herewith send you the papers of old Mr John Edmonson I believe in accordance with your requirements date 21 March 1845, If any defect please point them out to me, If none please forward his Pension Certificate to me and oblige
Your friend and obdt. servt.
John Dawson

J L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Page 82

HR. 235,
John Edmonson

No documentary proof
or proof by any one with him
in the service
but adding a statement showing 
that he had of South Carolina for Militia service. Is that proof Sufficient!  Doubtful. 
Move to lay before the Cabb.
Page 83

John Edmonson

Petition of John Edmonson of Fulton County Illinois
Praying for a Pension
as a soldier in the
Revolutionary War

Feb 2. 1844, ref to
Com on Rev Pensions
March 18. 1844-- Bill 235
W.  Douglass
Page 84

Springfield Ill  18th May 1843 
J L Edwards Esq 
Sir some time early in March I sent you the papers of an old soldier of the Revolution I believe by the name of John Edmonson, In which was a petition intended for Congress, yet was sent to you by me, as evidence of 
the belief of our leading men of this 
State, as to his claims for a pension 

Having heard nothing from them since 
I have feared they have been lost or 
misplaced, please inform me 
whether you received any such 
and oblige your obedient and very Humble Servt
John Dawson 
Pension Agent --- 

PS  Is there any file of Record any where 
of the Militia of Virginia, who served in the Revolutionary war
Page 85

Pension Agency, Springfield Ill.
17th June 1843

J L Edwards Esq.

Sir It appears
to me from the Copy of a letter you sent
me, (which was first sent to old Mr. John Edmondson who applyed for a pension under 
the act of the 7 June 1832 __ that a pension cannot be allowed him as a soldier of the 
Continental line, yet it appears to me from that
letter he is entitled to a pension as a Militia
man of Coln R Andersons Regt Genl. Sumpter
Brigade.  If so grant him one of that
class, as he authorized me to do for him the
best I could__ You have his papers on file
I kept no copy__He is very old (and very
poor from information) and I believe has
rendered the service he declares__ yet the
evidence he produced was not conclusive.
I suppose__ If he is not entitled to a
pension as a militia man of the Revolution
Page 86

Please inform me what is lacking I will garrantee if a pension is granted him as a Militia Soldier he will be content, and will not apply for any other 

John Dawson
 Pension Agent for [illegible]



  J L Edwards Esq
Page 87

To the Congress of the United States of America

The undersigned members of the General Assembly of the State of Illinois ask that a pension may be granted to John Edmonson, a soldier on the revolutionary war. many of us are personally acquainted with Mr. Edmonson, and entertain no doubt that he was, as he is reputed to have been, a soldier in the service of the United States in South Carolina during the revolutionary war. He is very old and very infirm, and himself and aged wife are subsisted almost entirely by the charity of their neighbours.

We are informed that he has heretofore failed to obtain a pension in consequence of some deficiency in the evidence of his service, that this deficiency cannot be supplied, and that therefore he is unable to bring himself within the provisions of the general laws upon the subject of pensions.

entertaining, however, no doubt of the merit of his claim, and feeling every assurance that he is, as he represents himself, a remnant of the patriot band who carried us so successfully through the struggles of the revolution, we respectfully ask that a special law may be passed for his benefit granting him a pension for the residue of his life.

We may add that Mr. Edmonson is a man of strict integrity, and unblemished character.

Maximillian Daley
William Caldwell
Horace Turner
Jehu T. Gauden 
O.H. Browning
S.T. Logan
Robert W. Glass
Darius Adams
Page 88


[Left column]
Richard Yates 
Newton Cloud 
M Tackaberry 
Wm Mc Bride
C. F. Ewing 
A. Wheat. 
J B Howard. 
John A. McClemand 
J J Danner
John Douglass James Hansaker Gustasus Roemer 
H M Vandemer
E Bebins
J. Harper 
Achilles D Dollins
Richd W Starr Jeduthan Hatch 
Harry L. Miller 
Elisha Bone
Wm Brinkley 
Easton Whitten
Philip Pain
J L Sharp
John White
James Marshall
 Lot Whitcomb
W. M. Basey
 John Shirley
A C Jackson   
A  Collins 

[Right column]

Jn McDonald 
Alfred Hinton 
Isaac N. Arnold Thomas S. Hick Philip Virgard 
D. Epler 
Geo. M Hanson Samuel Horney 
John Cockran 
Jesse K. Dubois
Lorenzo Edwards 
L A. Hannaford
Peter Vance
A. Jonas
Jno Bailnader
 Isaac Courtright
John M Donald 
A. Kuykender
Andrew W Miller
Peter B. Garrett
 Wm M Jackson
Alfred E. Ames 
John D Burklow
Julius Manning 
Julius Manning
Cyrus Langworthy 
R. H. Spicer 
Wm Smith
Amos Thompson
Page 89

[left column]

John Moore
J H Ralston
David Markley 
Peter Warren 
T. Northington 
Geo W Waters 
A W Cavarly 
Jacob Feaman 
Jno Crain
George Smith  
John Dougherty
 R A D Wilbanks
Lewis B. Wynne
J.A. James
Saml Hoard 
W. Fithian 
Braxton Parrish
Benj Johnson
D C Bairs  
R. B. Slocumb
Wyatt B Stapp  
Spooner Ruggles
John Harris 
[illegilbe]Thompson 
J. A. Matteson 
Thos. M.Killpatrick

[right column]

W. H. Davidson 
Geo Leviston 
John Buford 
Ira Menard
Thomas Foord
Page 90

Hon J L Edwards Esq

Sir 
all I wish today on this petition is that the names on the petition were members of the General Assembly of this State
Together with the name of Thos Ford Governor
and John Moor Lieut Gov of this State
These Gentlemen I have no doubt when they signed the within petition believed every word that the applicant has set fourth in his declaration and I will add my believe also from
the statements made in private conversation by him that he represents nothing in his declaration but facts
John Dawson [illegible}
6th March 1843

Please forward to me the result
of your decision in this case
JD
Page 91

[round stamp] CHARLESTON JUL [illegible]
20
Mr. John Edmonson
Ellisville
Fulton County
Illinois
Page 92


Office of Comptroller General
Charleston SoCa July 9th. 1841

Sir:
I have received yours of the 27th May
last respecting your services in the revolutionary War and enclosed you the only information I can find in either office. I think he indeed mentioned in the Certificate from Columbia must have been intended for yourself as Col. Robert Andersons name is
mentioned under whom you say you served. 
But I rather think the Indent  doesn't mentioned in my Certificate was not intended for you [illegible] nothing of having served in Sumters Brigade

Very respectfully
Your Ob. Servant
Wm. Ed. Hayne
Comp Genl

Mr John Edmonson
Page 93

John McChutchen
Affidavit
Page 94

State of Alabama
Jackson County 

I am personally appeared before me Ezekiel Hamm an acting Justice of the Peace in aforesaid State & the County aforesaid appeared John McCutchen on being duly sworn said that John Edmonson did serve as a Regular Soldier in the Revolution War in the State of South Carolina and served under apt. Benjamin Tut, first Lieut. Richard Tut, Second Lieut tenant Thomas Fields,
James Huggins Ensign. First under Col. Leroy Hammons and served two years and between five and eight months and then giving up to the Enemy By General Andrews.
 At the said Battle _________ ally Called Sinnecan fort.
John McCutchen 

Sworn to and subscribed before me Ezekiel Hamm Justice of the Peace 
this the 30 day of October 1832
Page 95

Indent Book
O. No 653
No. 1
Offered the 2nd May 1783 to Mr. John Edminston for seventy nine pounds Stg. for Military Duty from 1780 to 1783 for Waggon service in Militia in 1780 & 1781 per Of. Audited.

 Princioal L 79"0"0
And Intrst. L 5"10"7

No.2
John Edminston as for Militia Duty & waggon hire L 79"0"0

State of So. Carolina
Ninety Six District  

To Ed. Blake & Peter Bogurt Esq. please to deliver to William McMahan the Indent due to me from the public, as per account & vouchers returned
by me to Col Robt Anderson by him to the Auditor Generals Office and oblige your Humble Srvt. with especial indent for the interest.
John Edminston
19 April Sept 1785

I do hereby certify that I did see John Edminston assign his name to the above order 19 Sep 1785
Wm Moon J. P.

Comm. & Gen.l Office
Columbia 5th July 1841
I hereby certify the above memorandum No1
to contain a true copy taken from the
margin of Indent Book O. No 653 deposited in the Office. And that No 2 is a true & literal copy of the envelope
Page 96

which contained the op. for which the said Indent was issued. And that said op. cannot be found in this office 
Wm. F Arthur 

Office of Comptroller General 
Charleston So Carolina 
July 9th 1841
I do hereby certify that Wm F Arthur Esqr. is my Clerk at the Office at Columbia & that due faith & credit is to be given to the foregoing 
certificate. I also certify that another Indent in this Office dated 1st October 1785 was issued to John Edmondson for the sum of Ninety four pounds Sterling being amount pay & bounty due him for services as a private in 
Alexanders troop W. Hampton Reg. Sumters Brigade together with Interest from the first April 1782 to date of Indent.
Wm. Ed. Haynes 
Comptroller Genl.

[Large X on page]
Page 97

[sideways print]
John Edmonson
July
Ills.

Lewistown Ill
June 13

free
J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
District of Columbia
Page 98

Lewistown June 13th 1836
J. L. Edwards Esq
I herewith send you an additional declaration of John Edmonson. I am inclined to think that in his former declaration there was not that distinction kept up which should have been between his service in the Continental and Malitia Service
In this declaration that distinction is endevored to be kept up as well as possible. It is desirable that immediate action should be had on this as the old
gentlemans necessities are great
Yours with great respect
Joseph Sharpe
Page 99

Winl. Stewart as Representative of the United States,

The petition of John Edmonson a Citizen of Jackson County, Alabama, respectfully represents unto your honorable body that he was a soldier of the revolution & served in the Continental line as he now believes - that he has made application to the War Department under the pension laws. But unfortunately for him his witnesses who are still alive, are too old & infirm to recollect enough of the services of petitioner to be of service to him in obtaining a pension & from the instructions he has read from the War Department, it is impossible for him to prove what is required, in consequence of the advanced age of his witnesses -- He therefore respectfully solicits your honorable body to grant him such relief as your honorable body may think right & just. He would beg leave to refer your body to the papers in his case, which have heretofore been sent to the Secretary of Pensions & which have twice been returned for the reasons above set forth. He deems it unnecessary to recappitulate the amount of his services in defense of his Country as a suffering, as shown by his declaration to which   he has refered. He would state to your honorable body that he is very aged & extremely poor -- having to [illegible] for  [illegible] Daily is sad.--& having the misfortune to have an aged and invalid wife & and a daughter for indurance in the Consumption under all those circumstance-  and when his claim to his Country's bounty has been made manifest by his declaration- he humbly hopes, your honorable body, will grant him relief. 
John Edmonson
Page 100


Belleforte 1st  March 1824
Dear Sir,
On the other side you will find
a petition which I have directed to Congress
entertaining a hope that I may get some relief from my present destitute situation I also herewith return the papers in my case, which have heretofore been sent to the pension office.
It is impossible for me to prove more than I have done my witnesses are both too
old & infirm to recollect the particulars
sufficiently it would seem for me to get
for me to get my own Troy County
in Council --- Could I but have it in my power  to appear before Congress, with my
White head covered with scars from the wars of my country and that I did that boldly but know personally my object poverty & destitute condition I shall not fear the result. In God my dear Sir do what you can for me & heaven will reward you for it. You will indeed be struggling  
to cloath the naked and feed the hungry. I thank uou sincerely for your past kindness. 
and in your past children
I thank you sincerely for your kindness
Yr old friend
John Edmonson
Page 101

Affidavit of
Page 102

State of Illinois
Fulton County

Be it known that on this 30th day of April 1845 Before me William Beer
a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County personally appear John Edmonson and
made oath in due form of law. That on or about the 6th March 1843 he made application for a Pension for service as a Private in the Revolutionary War.
That he sent his papers to Washington and
afterwards got a Petition of the Legislature of the State of Illinois and forwarded and desired the papers to be laid before Congress which was accordingly done he believes by the Representative of this District, The Hon Stephen A. Douglass. That as near as his memory serves him his Captains name was Benj Tut #{Col Leroy Hammond & Col R. Anderson and Genl. Pickens -- That Congress after examining his papers passed an Act __ Chapter 82, Section 1st Directing the Secretary of war to place the Name of John Edmonson of Fulton County in the State of Illinois upon the Roll of Revolutionary Pensioners and that he pay him at the rate prescribed in the act of seventh of June Eighteen hundred and thirty two for two years service as a private in the Revolutionary war and that his Pension [illegible] according to the provisions
of the said Act,, &c. Approved June 15th 1844-
That he is the same John Edmonson and the identical person named in said act-- and that he has never received any Pension before.
Sworn to and subscribed this 30th day of April
1845. before me
William Beer
Justice of the Peace
his - John Edmonson - mark 
Witness - William A. Martin
 E. Wright

#Col Hammond in Regular Service
Col Anderson in Militia Service afterward
Page 103

State of Illinois}
Fulton County}
Be it known that on this 30th day of April
1845 before me personally appeared John J Robert & John H Martin
and made oath that they are personally acquainted 
with Old Mr. John Edmonson having lived in the
Neighborhood with him Nine years that we believe
he was a soldier of the revolutionary war. That we are
confident there is no other person of that name old
enough to be a revolutionary soldier living in this County
And that John Edmonson who has signed the written
affidavit is the same person who has been trying to get
a pension and for whom we have heard an act of
Congress was passed for his benefit - 
        his
John  +  Roberts
        mark
John H Martin

Sworn to and subscribed this
30 April 1845 Before me

William Beer Justice of the peace
Witness
William A Martin
E Wright
__________________________________________
State of Illinois}          Clerks Office Commissioners Court
Fulton County}    I Henry B. Evans clerk of the Commissioners Court in
and for said State and County do hereby certify that William
Beer whose name appears in the foregoing affidavits is a Justice of the Peace
duly Elected, Commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signatures
purporting to be his are genuine.

Also that I am personally acquainted with John H Martin
and John S. Roberts who are respectable citizens and residents of this County:
and also that old Mr John Edmonson a Revolutionary soldier who has for
the last two years been trying to get a pension is a resident of this County and
is the only aged man of that name in my knowledge.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Lewistown this first day of May A.D. 1845
Henry B. Evans clk
Page 104

Ellisville Fulton County Illinois
April 30. 1845
To J. L. Edward Esqr
Please forward my Pension Certificate to the Care of Col. John Dawson at Springfield Illinois who was the Pension Agent for Illinois and oblige your obt. servt.
John Edmonson his mark X

If any Error you will write to him all the particulars as he will attend to the matter for me
Witness
William A Martin
E. Wright