Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3125, John Duncan, S.C.
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(8-1886)
[column headings: Service |      |        Number]
1. S.C. | Duncan, John  | R. 3125                                       

2. _____| Ann                 |
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Declaration,

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.

State of Alabama   }
County of Jackson }   ss.

On this 27th day of March 1843 personally appeared before me Thompson M. Rector Judge of the County Court for said County of Jackson and state of Alabama, at the residence of Elijah Hansbrough in said county. John Duncan a citizen of said county, who from extreme old age & bodily infirmity is unable to appear in open court, aged Eighty seven years,  who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of The Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 

That he entered the service of The United States under the following named officers and served as herein states.  He volunteered or as he then supposed enlisted under one Capt John Dooley at a place called "Bachelors, Hall" in Pittslyvania County in the state of Virginia, the said Dooley as this declarant now recollects came to said county of Pittslyvania to raise volunteers or enlist soldiers for the service in South Carolina. This was, as this declarant now recollects in the month of May or June 1779.  Though he cannot state positively as to time.  The time for which he declarant entered the service at this time was twelve months, He was marched by said Dooley through the State of North Carolina passing through a little town called Sallsbury [sic] in North Carolina to district 96 in the State of South Carolina, where he was placed under the command of Col. Thompson.
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He remained with the army in detached bodies of troops under various Captains counteracting the smaller Parties of the British and Tories, until this term of service expired.  When he was discharged at a place called Winnsboro, in the State of South Carolina, and in the summer or fall of the same year cannot recollect the month but thinks it was October 1780 he again Volunteered ^or enlisted he cannot recollect which,  & joined the Army under one Capt. J
Game Harvey at a point near Augusta though in the state of South Carolina when the command of one Col. Hammons for a further term of twelve months, he remained with the army or detachments of the same in the state of South Carolina until this latter term of service expired, when he was again discharged at a place or fort called 96 or within a few miles of the same. 
He was in a number of skirmishes with the British and Tories during the terms of his said service, but from the great length of time, his extreme age and consequent loss of memory, he is unable to relate these with precision, though he will mention some facts as they now recur to him which in chief he declares to be true. and which may to some extent corroborate this declaration.

At or near a place called White Hall in the State of South Carolina while under Capt Harvey & Lieu James Corsey in company with Capt. Key & his company we went to the House of a noted Tory by the name of Capt. Roberts, whom we
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had taken prisoner the day before, & who we had set at Liberty on terms of neutrality to see if any Tories were there, and if so to dishonor them & in the meantime intending to get our breakfast our troops approached the house from different directions, Capt. Harvey and his command taking one route and Capt. Key & his command an other. This declarant was of the party of Capt. Key upon getting to the house of said Roberts, we saw no Tories, we lit from our horses & went in, we saw a beef which was being slaughtered which was well understood by our commanders to be preparations for the Tories.

One Capt. asked Mrs. Roberts if we could get breakfast, She replied, "Yes before you (meaning we) wanted it perhaps", this was a caution or cause to suspect danger, we then made for our horses when we were waylayed [sic: waylaid] by a band of Tories, one of our men killed and six wounded, Capt Harvey & his company being on the oposite [sic: opposite] side came to our assistance, when after a severe conflict the Tories under their officers Maj'r. Williams & Capt. Cornett were repulsed, Capt. Harvey was shot through both his thighs & in the shoulder. This declarant was afterwards sent with Capt. Harvey & his declarants brother who was also wounded to a place for the sick at the House of a widow Lady the name of Manfries, as an attendant upon them. This was near the close or expiration of his second
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term of service, and at this same place for the sick came a number of the wounded from the battle of the Eutaw Springs,

When he first entered the service in the State of Virginia, he marched to South Carolina on foot, where he was mounted and served as a mounted man, during each term of his service he was during different time of said terms of service with many officers, some of whom he can recollect. " Col. Shelby, Col. Campbell, Col. Hughs, Maj'r. Fields Perdew, Major Tutt, Col. Pervis.  He was with Col. Shelby, Col. Clark & Major Smith the latter of whom was killed at a skirmish we had with the British and Tories at Ramsawers' [sic: Ramsours] mill where the Tory commander Dunlap was taken prisoner and one of the Americans a true Whig (underlined) by the name of Cobb shot him and pretended it was accidental.  Declarant states positively that he served in the two terms by him before mentioned two entire years in the War of the Revolution, and thinks the time he first entered the same was in May 1779 - & in May or June 1780 was discharge at Winnsboro, in the State of South Carolina. Re-entered the service for another term of twelve months in the month of October 1780 and served the entire term and was regularly discharged at a place or near a place called 96-. He has no documentary evidence at this time of his said
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terms of service, his discharges were burnt in the house of his brother Peter Duncan which was consumed by fire about 47 years ago in the County of Hawkins in East Tennessee, his said discharges being then in the possession
of his declarant's mother who lived with his said Brother Peter, and that he knows of no person living by whom he can prove his said service, except his said Brother Peter Duncan, who now resides in Marshall County Ala who
was of age sufficient to recollect the same,
& by whom declarant can also prove the loss of his said discharges as above stated. Declarant states that in both of his said entire terms of service he acted as a private soldier
and during said entire terms of his said service he was not employed in any civil pursuit, Declarant states that in 1818 where he resided in Adair County Ky. he made some exertions to obtain a Pension & in 1826 in this state & county he also made an attempt to obtain
the same, & in the year 1832 or 1833 he made
an other attempt, this latter attempt was also made in this county & state in neither of the said attempt was he ever properly qualified neither does he know or believe his said Declaration were ever properly authenticated, or even sent to the proper Department.
He hereby relinquishes every claim
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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.  

{signed}
       his
John X Duncan
      mark

Sworn to & subscribed before me the day &
year first herein mentioned being the 
27th March 1843.

{signed} Thompson M. Rector
Judge of the County Court of Jackson
County Alabama
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27.855

John Duncan
Alabama

(illegible)
Return in for

{signed} 
Hon. C. C. Clay
House of Rep
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office.
(handwritten) 2nd Jany 1834. (end handwritten)

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 show what is necessary to be done.  These 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 [sic: complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

_________________________________________________A Statement, showing the Service of (handwritten) John Duncan (end handwritten)

[column headings: Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the Claimant's service.  Years.Months.Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. |
1.  1776 | 1 | 6 | blank | Gen. Lincoln | 78 years
2. | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank | Col. Thompson | blank | blank |
3. | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank | Col. Hopkins | Camden Desk | Traditionary - |
4. | blank | blank | 6 | blank | blank | Col. Shelby | So Ca | blank |
5. | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank | Cap. Small | blank | blank |
6. | blank | blank | 3 | blank | blank | Col. Preston | blank | blank |
7. | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank | Cap. Chadwell | blank | blank |

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

JAMES L. EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions
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2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, 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 "volunteer," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who 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, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.  Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits 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 this Department, all person claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [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 applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of }
County of                              }ss.

On this (blank) day of (blank) personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of  (blank) in the county of (blank ) and State, Territory or District of (blank) aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, 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)  (blank), with (blank) and served in the (blank) (e) regiment of the (blank) line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more that one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular 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 person 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. (blank)
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 named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I (blank)  of the  Court of (blank) do hereby certify  (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of  (blank)  for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this  (blank ) day of  (blank)   &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names 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 State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, wit the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B. a Clergyman, residing in the (blank) and C. D. residing in (the same )hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with (blank), who has subscribed and sworn to be the above declaration; that we believe him to be (blank) years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
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 name 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 (blank)  and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, (blank) Clerk of the Court of (blank) do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of   (blank)  for a pension,

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

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power.  This is the original 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 least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have tendency to throw light upon 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 the material facts, which can be useful 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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e

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, if 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 declaration s 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 know 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 able the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their 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 thise persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed 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, and 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 erquired 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 office, 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 genuine signature.
No payment can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in cas e of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the  parties interested will transmit such evidence as then can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of thfe neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion 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 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 me mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier 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 be 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 makin an affidavit in the following words:  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades;   ___ for ___year ____months, and ____days, I served as 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 his service . The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions  are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[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 affix 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 certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificated 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 a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the 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 certify 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.
If the notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule is 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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State of Alabama}
Jackson County}   On this 16th day of May One Thousand and Eight Hundred and fifty seven personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for the State & County aforesaid Absalom Coffee a resident Citizen of said County and the Administrator on the Estate of John Duncan, Deceased late of the County aforesaid, and after being duly sworn as the Law directs declares upon his oath that the said John Duncan Deceased he said Intestate was an applicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress Passes 7th June 1832, and that he never obtained the same.  He therefore makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Amount of Pension which accrued to him the said John Duncan and also the amount of Pension which accrued to his widow, Ann Duncan under the Act of Congress Passed 7th July 1838. for the use and benefit of the heirs of the said John Duncan & his wife Ann Duncan. He further states that the said John Duncan departed this life in the said County of Jackson in the State of Alabama on the 3rd or 4th day of May One Thousand Eight Hundred and forty four leaving surviving him the said Ann Duncan his Lawful widow and relict and that she also departed this life in the said County of Jackson on the 23rd day of November One Thousand Eight Hundred and forty six - leaving surviving her David Duncan, Robert Duncan and
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Peter Duncan her only Legal Heirs and Representatives as Children, but since her death the said David and Robert are both dead, they also had other Children not above named but all of whom died before the said John Duncan and his wife the said Ann did, and that their children are now all dead except the said Peter Duncan he being the only surviving child of the said Deceased Soldier and his widow or either of them ~ He further states that the Marriage of the said John Duncan to his wife the said Ann took place in the State of South Carolina about the Year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty or Eighty one, as he has learned from their own statements to him made while they were living and from their own statements to him made their older child if living now would be about seventy four or five Years of Age.

Sworn to and subscribed before the Court of Probate on this day and date above
{signed} 
John H. Norwood J.P.H.

on bottom right:
{signed} Absolam Coffey
Admin’r of John Duncan
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35523


Declaration of 
John Duncan
of
Jackson County Ala
for a 
Pension
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(15
Interrogatories (underlined)

1.   Where & in what year were you born?
       Ans.  In Pittsylvania County in the State of Virginia do not know what year but think it was in the year A. D. 1756.

2.    Have you any record of your age; and if so where is it?
          Ans.  I never had any record of my age .

3.   Where were you living when called into the service; Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War; and where do you now reside?
      Ans.  I lived when called into the service in Pittsylvania County Va. When or shortly after the Revolution I settled in Chester County in the State of South Carolina, where I remained about ten years.  Thence to Hawkins County East Tennessee where I remained about eight or nine years.  Thence I removed to Adair County in the State of Kentucky where I remained about twenty years; thence I removed to this Jackson County Ala. in the neighborhood where I have resided for upwards of twenty years.

4.   How were you called into the service; were you draughted, [sic: drafted], did you Volunteer or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute for whom?
      Ans:  On entering the first term of my service I volunteered or enlisted as stated in my declarations here prefixed, & on entering my second term of service I was a Volunteer or enlisted.  He cannot recollect which

5.   State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such continental and
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militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
      Ans.   Shelby Campbell, Pervis, Col. Hammary, Col. Hammons, Col Thompson, Majr Tutt, Col. Anderson, Capt. John Dooly, Capt. Game Harvey, Capt. Key, Col Pervis supposes they were militia officers.  His services consisted chiefly in doing duty as a soldier in what was then call scouting parties to do which or all other duties as a soldier , he was either actively engaged or in constant readiness -

6.  Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given & what has become of it?
     Ans.   He received two discharges, one from each term of my(crossed out) his said services.  He does not recollect who signed them, but thinks they were signed by Capt. Hopkins or Pervis or perhaps both. ^He cannot read nor write.

7.  State the names of Persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, & who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution?
      Ans.  Gen. Joseph P. Frazier, Col. Absalom Coffee, Thomas Wilson, Greenbury Middleton, Alvin Finley, - and many others (and not of the same neighborhood) Clement C. Clay
 
{signed}
          His
John    X     Duncan
         Mark

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 27th day of March 1848,
{signed} 
Thompson M.  Rector Judge of the Com.  Court for Jackson County Alabama
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Souvinea Ala

May 1st 1843.

I Reuben Chapman lately one of the Representatives in congress from said state do certify that I am acquainted with Thompson M. Rector, Judge, and Moses Jones, Clerk of the County Court of Jackson County in said state also have signed several certificates in this official characters on the foregoing pages, and I am acquainted with their signatures - I state that Thompson M. Rector is Judge and Moses Jones Clerk as aforesaid.

{signed} Reuben Chapman
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Rfev and 1812
Wars Section

AWF/HMM

May 15, 1930

Mrs. Howard H. McCall
Gengian Terrace Hotel
Atlanta
Gerogia.


Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R.3125, it appears that John Duncan was born June 10, 1755 or 1756 in Pittsyvania County, Virginia.

He applied for pension February 12, 1836, while residing in Jackson County, Alabama.

He alleged that while a resident to Camden District, South Carolina and Pittsylvania County, Virginia, he served as a private under Captains John Dooley, Hopkins, Small, Chadwell, Key Gane Harvey, Colonels Thompson, Shelby, Preston, Anderson and Hammons in the South Carolina troops, was in the battles of "Ramsours Mills and Cowpens, his service amounting in all to two years. 

The claim was not allowed as proof of six months service as required by the pension laws was not furnished.

It also appears in said claim that he married in 1780 or 1781 in South Carolina, Ann; her maiden name is not given.

The soldier died May 3 or 4, 1844 in Jackson County, Alabama, and his widow Ann died November 23, 1846 in Jackson County, Alabama.

Children are referred to, the only names designated being David, Robert and Peter, all of whom survived their mother. David and Robert  died prior to May 16, 1857.  Jane the wife of Absalom Coffey who resided in Jackson County, Alabama, 1854, stated that she was the granddaughter of the soldier  There are no further data as to family.

The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information in regard to John Burnwell of Cobb County, Georgia.

Very truly yours, 

Acting Commissioner.
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1930 May 16 
Hist to Mrs. Howard 
H. McCall 

3125
John Duncan

REJECTED


The printed list of 1852 show reasons for rejection.  " He did not serve six months"
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35.523
John Duncan 
Ala.

Act 7 June 1832
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NO.    

John Duncan
Alabama

List of May 1834 Pension


Rejected let 3 Sept 35 to applicant, did not serve six months



Act 7 June 1832
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Jno Dunkin Sr's
Indent & Accp




Paid
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After examining the enclosed declaration if it cuts please send the pension bill to Larkensfork ^post office Jackson County Alabama, if it fails send it to the same office for correction as the declarant lives near said office
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Certificate of the Clerk

State of Alabama }
Jackson County   }

I Moses Jones clerk of the County Court for said county of Jackson and State of Alabama, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Duncan for a pension.

In testimony whereof
I have hereunto sit
my hand and of
office, this 15th day
of April 1843

Moses Jones
Clk C. C.
Page 25

State of Alabama}
Jackson County } ss  Deposition of Peter Duncan }

In the matter of the application of John Duncan a resident citizen of said County for a pension.

The Deposition of Peter Duncan a citizen of Marshall County, Alabama to be read in evidence in the said matter of the application of John Duncan for a Pension.  The said Peter Duncan this day personally came before me and after being first duly sworn deposed as follows.  He is the Brother of the whole blood to the said John Duncan and that he is aged about seventy seven years, that  the deponent has no documentary evidence of his own age.  The registers containing the ages of himself & family & also of the family of his Father was burnt in the Deponents' house about 47 or 48 years ago in Hawkins County in the State of Tennessee, and though wholly illiterate, he recollects distinctly to have seen and heard read the two discharges of his said brother John Duncan that they were each for one years service, & that they were consumed by fire in the manner as stated by the said John Duncan. The deponent will recollects that his said brother John was in the army or joined the Army of the Revolution about the time he states and at the place he states, & that he John Duncan
Page 26

was absent between 2 & 3 years,& when he returned from the army he brot [sic: brought] with him his said discharges which were each for one year & which were consumed by fire as he the said John states in his annexed declarations in deponents house in Hawkins County Tenn. about 47 or 48 years ago.  Deponent was about 10 or 11 years of age when his said Brother John entered the service of The United States & thinks about thirteen years of age when he returned from the same.  Deponent knows that in early life it was known by the community generally and not devised by any that the said John Duncan was a slodier [sic: soldier] of The Revolution and served as he states.

Sworn to & subscribed to before me at  Bellefonte in said County of Jackson                          
This 8th day of April A.D. 1843.
{signed}
Thompson M. Rector  Judge of the County Court for said County of Jackson & State of Alabama

on right:
{signed}
                         his
                 Peter    X    Duncan
                        mark
Page 27

(10
State of Alabama   }
Jackson County      } ss

The deposition of Greenbery Middleton a citizen of said county aged ^about 68 years taken before me at my office in Bellefonte to be read in evidence in the matter of the application of John Duncan of said county for a Pension., who being first duly sworn deposes & says as follows:
"He became acquainted with the said John Duncan about 40 years ago in Adair County in the State of Kentucky, that during all this time he has been well acquainted with said John Duncan & known him during said period of 40 years to have bourn the character of an honest good citizen, & that during all that period of time he the said Middleton knows that said Duncan had been reputed & believed to have been a soldier of the revolution and that in the earlier part of his acquaintance with aid Duncan, he has heard the Revolutionary soldier declare & offten [sic: often] speak of him the said Duncan as a revolutionary soldier & that they knew him in the time of the revolution & that this deponent fully concurs in that opinion.
{signed}
                  His
Greenbery   X    Middleton
                 Mark

Sworn to & subscribe before me this 29th day of March 1843.
{signed}
Thompson M. Rector Judge of the County Court of Jackson County Alabama
Page 28

(11

State of Alabama  }
Jackson County    } ss

The deposition of Absalom Coffee a citizen of said county aged about 55 years taken before me at my office in Bellefonte in said County, to be read in evidence in the matter of the application of John Duncan a citizen of said county for a Pension, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath depose as follows:

"He has been personally and well acquainted with the said John Duncan for more than 30 years and that he has all that time to deponents knowledge bourne the character & reputation of having been a soldier in the War of the Revolution. That in the earlier part of his said acquaintance with said Duncan, he then heard other revolutionary soldiers say (who are now dead) that they knew him The said Duncan & were with him in the War of the Revolution & that they knew him while in the service to have been a true Whig & a brave soldier, and Deponent of his own knowledge knowing that said Duncan for more than 30 years has bourn [born] the character of an honest man & that now & for a number of years past said Duncan & his aged wife have been entirely helpless & wholly destitute in a pecuniary point of view.  Deponent states his full belief that said Duncan served as he states in his annexed declaration .

Sworn to & subscribed this 28th March 1843 -   {signed} A. Coffey
{signed} Thomson M. Rector Judge of the County Court of Jackson County Alabama
Page 29

(12
Certificate of two neighbors (all underlined)

State of Alabama }
Jackson County    } ss.

We Daniel M Martin and Philip H. Armbrester, residing in the neighborhood of John Duncan in said County of Jackson do certify that we are well acquainted with the said John Duncan who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed and foregoing Declaration That we believe him to be eighty seven years old, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood when he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn to & subscribed before me
this 8th day of April A. D. 1843 -
{signed} 
Thompson M. Rector Judge of the County Court of Jackson County Ala.

{signed} Daniel M Martin   P H Armbrester
Page 30

(13
Certificate of the Court, (all underlined)

And the said Court do hereby certify & declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the annexed interrogatories, which were signed and sworn to before me by the said John Duncan and prescribed by the War Department that the above and before named applicant (John Duncan) was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states, & that from old age & infirmity, he is unable to appear in Open Court, being wholly unable to walk without the aid of crutches, and even then with much difficulty,  That he is very poor and supported entirely by his children. And the court further certifies that there is no resident minister of the Gospel in the immediate neighborhood of the said John Duncan, and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Daniel M Martin and Philip Henry Armbrester who have signed the preceding certificate are resident citizens in the said county of Jackson & state of Ala, & that they are among the first & early settlers in said county, and that Greenberry Middleton & Absalom Coffey whose depositions are hereto attached are citizens of said county & state & that the deposition of Peter Duncan (also hereto attached) is a citizen of Marshall County  Ala. and that they are all credible persons & that their statements are each entitled to credit. 

Given under my hand this 8th day of April A.D. 1943.

{signed} Thompson M. Rector Judge of the Co Court of Jackson County, Alabama
Page 31

(14
Final certificate of the Clerk.(all underlined)

State of Alabama  }
Jackson County     } ss.

I Moses Jones Clerk of the County Court for said County of Jackson and State of Alabama, do hereby certify that the annexed and foregoing ^16 pages contain the original proceedings in the matter of the application of John Duncan a Citizen of said County for a pension And that Thompson M. Rector before whom the same was made in Vacation and whose name appears to said proceedings is and was Judge of the County Court of said County of Jackson at the time the said proceedings were had and that due faith and credit are and of right aught to be given to all of his official acts as such, and that the same is a court of record.

In testimony whereof 
I have hereunto set
my name and seal 
of office this 15th 
day of April
A.D. 1843
Moses Jones
Clk C.C.
Page 32

State of Alabama  }
Jackson County    }      I John H. Norwood, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the State and County aforesaid do hereby certify that it has been made to appear to my satisfaction from the oaths of Elijah B. Liggin and Absalom Coffee both of whom are highly respectable citizens of this County, that John Duncan formally a resident of this County, who was an applicant for a Pension on account of his services in the War of the Revolution, departed this life in the said County of Jackson on the 3rd or 4th day of May in the year  One Thousand Eight Hundred and forty four and that he left surviving him Ann Duncan his Lawful widow and Relict to whom he was married in the State of South Carolina about the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty or Eighty One, and that she the said Ann Duncan also departed this life in the said County of Jackson on the 28th of November One Thousand Eight Hundred and forty six leaving surviving her David Duncan, Robert Duncan and Peter Duncan her only surviving Children but that since the death of the said Ann the said David Duncan and Robert Duncan have both died leaving the said Peter Duncan the Only Surviving Child of the said Soldier and his said Widow.

All of which is hereby certified to the
Page 33

Pension Department and to the Department of the Interior ~

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at my Office in the Town of Bellfont [sic: Bellefonte] this 16th day of May A.D. 1887

{signed} J. H. Norwood
J. P. C.
Page 34

Know all men by these presents that we Absolam Coffey and Jane Coffey his wife, who is a granddaughter of John Duncan Dec'd [Deceased] late of Jackson County Alabama do hereby constitute and appoint Charles C. Tucker of Washington City DC Our true & lawful agent and attorney to prosecute the claim of John Duncan, for any account of Revolutionary Pension, or widows of pension that way be one under the provisions of the Act of (blank) or any other act or resolution of Congress, and we hereby authorized our said attorney to examine all papers & documents in relation to said claim and file in the Department at Washington city or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments and to receive the certificate which may be issued for said claim, and to append one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that we might or could do were we personally present.  Hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises. 

Witness our hands & seals this day of 17th Augst 1854.   
In Prescence of
Georg. W. Burrows
David Jones

on right:
Absolam Coffey
Jane X Coffey

State of Alabama }
Jackson County    }ss   On this 17 day of August 1854 before me the undersigning a Justice of the Peace in & for the County & State aforesaid person appeared Absolum Coffey and Jane Coffey his wife, residents of said County and made oath according to law that the said Jane Coffey is the grand daughter of the said identical John Duncan mentioning in said power of attorney that the same was executed by them for the purpose as therein expressed & that they are interested in said claim & make this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence & arguments as may be found necessary to establish said claim. 

Given & Subscribed to before me the day & year above named 
{signed} 
John Owen 
Justice of the Peace
Page 35

State of Alabama  }
County of Jackson }

I JG Dixon Judge of Probate in & for said County and by virtue of my said Office Clerk
of said Court; do hereby certify that John Owens Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit &  acknowledgement were read and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing a justice of the peace, in for the County & State aforesaid, duly commissioned & sworn, and that his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my name & affixed the seal of my Office this 18th day of August AD 1854
{signed} JG Dixon Judge of Probate

on bottom in different direction:
Revolutionary
Act 7. June 1832.
John Duncan
Alabama - 
Rejected.

Power of Attorney to examine papers.
{signed} Chas C. Tucker  Atty.
24. Aug. 54.
Page 36

No 84
Book. R.

Issued the 9th May 1785 to Mr. John Dunkin Sr. for Thirty seven pounds eleven shillings and five pence Sterling for 526 days duty in the Militia in 1781 and 1782 as per account audited.
Principal  £37:11: 5
Annual Interest   2:12:7

No. 44
No 84 Book R.  No. 44

Mr. John Dunkin Sen'r
his acct of 526 days Militia
Duty in 1781 & 1782
Anrotg to Seg £37:11:5

State of South Carolina       Dr.
To John, Dunkin
1781 April 2nd To 280 days duty at 10 Shillings per day   £140.0.0   [pounds.shillings.pence]

1782 Feby 5th To 246 days duty at 10 Shillings per day   £123.0.0   [pounds.shillings.pence]
               £263.0.0
               £37.11.5                                                                                   

Certified per me
Anderson Thomas, Capt.

South Carolina}
Camden District  } Appeared John Dunkin and made oath that the above duty charged of five hundred and twenty six days has been justly performed and that he has never received any pay for the same.
Sworn to before me this the 3d June 1784
{signed}
D Hopkins  J.P.

(over)
Page 37

Broad River
14th Septr. 1784

Gentlemen

Please to deliver to Col. David Hopkins such Indent or Indents as may appear to be due to me from the State of South Carolina or from the United States, and this be your sufficient Receipt for the same. 

{signed} John Dunkin

Witness 
Amos Davis J.P.

To The Commis
of the Treasury of South Carolina
Comptroller Genrl's Office }
Columbia So Ca July 25th 1857}

I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy from Indent and account No. 84 Book R

No Seal of Office (underlined)   

Given under my hand 
{signed} W. R. Huntt
Dep. Comp Genl
Page 38

Act of June 7. 1832

Suspended Claim
of John Duncan
(Ala.)

Power of Attorney
to examine Claim


Chas C. Tucker
Atty
Present
Page 39

State of Alabama  }
Jackson County    }   This 9th day of June, 1854 before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, Personally appeared William Duncan, a resident of said County, and made oath according to law; that his is the Identical person who executed the forgoing power of attorney and that he is since by Inscribed in said Claim, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence, or arguments, as my said attorney may and in prosecuting said Claim. Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.

{signed}
L. H. Brewer          Seal
Justice of the Peace


The State of Alabama  }
Jackson County           }  I J. G. Dixon Judge of Probate for said County do hereby certify that L. H. Brewer Esqr. whose name appears signed to the foregoing affidavit is now and was at the time of signing his name to the same was acting Justice of the Peace and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such given under my hand and seal this 10th day of June 1854

{signed}
J. G. Dixon
Judge of Probate


Revolution 
Pension Claim

Power of Atty
to examine claim
Page 40

The Amended Declaration of John Duncan of Jackson County, ^Alabama to his declaration lately (in March or April 1843) made by him in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress Passed 7th June 1832

State of Alabama    }
Jackson County      } SS

On this 30th day of Sept.1843. Personally appeared before me William Walker McCutchen a justice of the Peace for said county & state of Alabama, at the residence of his son David Duncan the said John ^Duncan who being wholly unable to appear in Open Court, caused by bodily infirmity & advanced age aged now about eight eight years doth on his oath make the following declaration as an amendment to his declaration by him heretofore filed or made as above stated, who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following in order to obtain the benefit of said act: Capt. Dooly informed his men (according to Declarant's recollection) that he resided in the State of Georgia but was at that time from South Carolina, - He was placed by said Dooly under one Capt. Hopkins who he thinks was a regular officer & who was as this declarant recollects afterwards made Col.   Col Thompson was to the
Page 41

best of declarants recollection of ^the regular army & belonged to South Carolina.  He does not recollect the names of the other Capts. under whom he was detached during his first years service.  Col. Thompson was a regular officer he thinks.

As to the declarants second term of service he only knows that he served as he states 12 months Principly [sic: principally ] under Capt. Game Harvey & Col Hammary.  He does not now recollect whether they were Militia officers of the line of the State of South Carolina or whether they were regular officers. Such information as declarant can get from the Office of The Comptroller of South Carolina on this subject will be given.
{signed}
           his
John    X     Duncan
          mark

Sworn to & subscribed
before me this 30th Sept 1843
{signed}
Wm W. McCutchen
Justice of the Peace
Page 42

State of Alabama     }
Jackson County   ss }

I Moses Jones Clerk of the County Court for said County of Jackson & State of Alabama, do hereby certify that William W. McCutchen whose name appears to the annexed and foregoing certificate, is and was an acting justice of the Peace for said County of Jackson & State of Alabama a the time of signing the same and that due faith & credit are and of right aught to be given to all his official acts as such.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of my said office done at office this 31st day of October AD 1843
{signed}
Moses Jones
Page 43

I am acquainted with the handwritings of Rich'd B. Clayton Clerk, and Thompson M. Rector, Judge of the the County Court of Jackson County, Alabama, and am satisfied that the foregoing signatures of each are genuine, and also that the whole record is so. I also believe that said Clayton has no official seal.

April 2nd 1835
C. C. Clay
Page 44

John Duncan

Transcript of the
appointment of A. Coffey Admin





3125
Page 45

Be it remembered that heretofore, to wit: on the 16th day of May AD 1857 the following proceedings were had in the Probate Court of Jackson County in the State of Alabama, in the matter of the appointment of Absolam Coffey the administrator of the Estate of the John Duncan decd . Probate Court in Vacation May 16th 1857, comes Absolem Coffey, and makes application for letters of administration on the Estate of John Duncan decd and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that he is a proper person to administer such Estate. Whereupon it is ordered adjudged and decreed that Letters of administration issue to said Coffey. State of Alabama, Jackson County John H Norwood, Judge of the Probate Court in and for said County & State, hereby certify that Letters of administration on the Estate of John Duncan decd were, on the 16th day of May A.D. 1857 Granted to Absolam Coffey who has duly qualified and given
Page 46

bond as such and is authorized to administer Such Estate, Witness my hand, this May 16th, 1857.
John H. Norwood
J.S.C.


Know all men by these presents that one Absolam Coffey as principal, and E. B. Liggan and S. W. Davidson as his securities all of the County of Jackson in the State of Alabama, are held and firmly bound into John H. Norwood Judge of the Probate Court of said County, and his successors in office in the penal sum of twelve hundred dollars, for the payment of which we hereby bina ourselves, our and each of our heirs, Executors, administrators and assigns jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, Witness our hands and seals, this 16th day of May 1857. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the said Absolam Coffey has this day been appointed administrator of the Estate of John Duncan dec'd [deceased].  Now then if the said Absolam Coffey shall faithfully perform all the
Page 47

duties which are or may be required of him by law, then this obligation shall be said, otherwise remain in in full force and virtue.

A. Coffey     Seal
S. W. Davidson     Seal
E. B. Ligan        Seal

Approved, May 16th, 1857
John H. Norwood J, P. C.

State of Alabama Jackson County    I John H, Norwood, Judge of the probate Court in & for said County and State hereby certify that the 2 1/4 forgoing pages is a true, full, and complete transcript, from the records of the said Probate Court, of the appointment, Letters of Administration and Bond of Absolam Coffey as administrator of the Estate of John Duncan deceased.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Probate Court at office in Bellefonte this 2nd day of May AD 1857
John H. Norwood
J. P. C.
Page 48

State of Alabama  }
Jackson County    }    On the (blank) day of 1834 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the county court aforesaid now seting [sic] John Duncan a resident of the State and county afore said aged seventy nine years the tenth day of last June who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June the 7th 1832 that early in the year 1776 he entered the service of the United States under General Lincoln Colonel Thompson Major Perdue Cat Hopkins and served eighteen moths in the continental service and was stationed near Survana [sic: Savannah] at or near the high hills  [sic: High Hills] of Santee and at the end of eighteen month the time for which he enlisted he was discharged and entered the service again under General Morgan Col Shelby and Cpt. Small.  Volunteered in the State of Virginia marched from thence to the Cowpens in as he believes near the line dividing North and South Carolina and was in the Battle of the Cowpens under the above officers with the Britons under Tarleton in which he Tarleton was defeated and was discharged after serving six months and entered again under Col Preston and Cpt. Chadwell and marched to Parresis fort [sic: Paris' or Prince's Fort] and was then stationed and after serving three months was Discharged again and entered again under Pickens, Col. Anderson and Capt. Key as a volunteer and was in a battle with the tories under Major Williams and Capt. Cornett was a private in each campaign.  He resided in the district of Camblem [sic: Camden] South Carolina when he entered the service he enlisted the first campaign and volunteered the other campaigns he has no documentary evidence to show his service.
Page 49

I hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension rolls of the agency of any state. 

Where and in what year was you born. I was born Pitsylvania [sic: Pittsylvania] County Virginia on the tenth day of June, 1755. Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it.  My age was in my Father's Bible and the house got burned shortly after the war.   Where were you living when called into service.  Where have you lived since the revolution war and where do you now live. I was living in Camblen [sic: Camden] District South Carolina  when caled [sic: called] into service I lived in said District about ten after the war then removed to East Tennessee Hawkins County, thence to Green now Adair County it being divided  thence to Jackson County Alabama when I now live.

How were you called into service were you drafted or did you volunteer or enlist .   I enlisted for the first campaign of eighteen months the others I served as volunteer

State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served such continental and Militia redgments [sic: regiments] as you can recolect [sic] and the general circumstances of your service,  General Lincoln Col Thompson Capt Hopkins and Major Perdue who were the officers of the third redgment [sic: regiment] which I was in the other officers were militia and the number of the redgments [regiments] I can not recolect [sic] I was in the battle of the cowpens under General Morgan and Shelby and also I was in a battle with the Tories commanded by Major Williams and Capt Cornett,  I was under General Pickens Col Anderson and Capt Key in which we defeated them  I was also in asmall [sic] scrimag [sic: scrimmage] with the tories fifteen of us under Major Perdue and Lieut Carson we persued [sic: pursued] thirteen of
Page 50

Tories ^having with them five stolen negroes and ten horses and some bagage [sic: baggage] we kiled [sic: killed] twelve of them the other escaped we retook the plunder and returned it to the owners I have stated the most singular circumstances of my service
Did you ever receive a discharg [sic] from service if so by whom was it given and where is it. I received awriten [sic] discharge from above officers at the end of each term of service which was burned in my fathers house shortly after the war before I married
State the names of persons in your present
neighbourhood who can testify as to your character for truth and honesty and good behaviour [sic] and your service in the revolution war I am acquainted with Col Samuel McDavid, Henery W. Roads Esqr, John Reed Esqr Wm Chambers and Capt Thomas McKerley who I believe would testify to the above 

{signed}
     his
John X Duncan
     mark

Sworn and subscribed to before me the day
and year above writen [sic].
{signed} 
Thompson M. Rector
Judge of the County Courts

We Stephen Donathan aclergiman [sic] residing in Jackson County Alabama and Jesse McElyea
do hereby certify that we are acquainted with said Duncan who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age that he is reputed and believed in his neighbourhood to have been asoldier [sic] of the revolution war and aman [sic] of honesty and truth and
Page 51

we concur in the same opinion - sworn to and subscribed the day & year afore said

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12 day of February 1835         
{signed}
Thompson M. Rector
Judge of the County Courts

on right:
{signed} Steven Donathan
Jesse McElyea

And the said court do hereby declare there [sic] opinion after the interogations [sic] of the matter and after putting the interogations [sic] required by the war department that the above applicant was arevolutionary [sic] soldier and served as he states and the court further certify that it appears to them that Stephen Donathan who has signed the preceding certificate is aclergaman [sic: clergyman] residing in the county aforesaid and that Jesse McElyea who has signed the same is of the same county and is a creditable person and their statements are entitled to full credit given under my hand and seal this 12 February 1835. 

Thompson M. Rector       
Judge of the (illegible) (illegible)
Seal (word written & circled)

I Richard B. Clayton clerk of said county court of Jackson Alabama do hereby certify that the foregoing are all the original procedings [sic] in the matter of the application of John Duncan for a pension .

In testomony [sic] where of I have hereunto set my hand and afixed [sic] my private seal there being no seal of office,  This 12th day of February 1835

{signed}
Tish   R B Clayton Clerk
Page 52

State of Alabama  }
Jackson County     }  This day personaly [sic: personally] appeared Peter Duncan and David Chadwell before Jesse McElyea an acting Justice of the Peace for said county and being duly sworn deposeth and saith that early in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six the declarant John Duncan entered the service of the united states as a private in the continentall [sic] service under General Lincoln, Col Thompson, Major Purdue, Capt Hopkins and served eighteen months which was the term of his enlistment and was discharged by said officers, and that he served other towers [sic: tours] in the militia but the length nor names of his officers not known 

            his
Peter     X     Duncan
           mark

David Chadwell

I do hereby certify that the above was sworn and subscribed to before me and also that I am acquainted with the witnesses Peter Duncan and David Chadwell and believe them to be men of veracity  Given under my hand and seal February the 20th 1835

Jesse McElyea         
Justice of the Peace
Seal (word written and circled)
Page 53

I Richard B. Clayton Clerk of the County Court of Jackson County State of Alabama do Certify that Jesse McElyea Esqr whose name appears ^subscribed to the certificate and proceeding within was at the time of subscribing the same and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Jackson duly commissioned and qualified as such and that his signature is genuine.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my private seal. There being no seal of office at office in Bellefont. This 2nd day of April 1835 and of American Independence 59th year

Test  
{signed} R B Clayton Clk CC


State of Alabama }
Jackson County   }  I Thompson M Rector Judge to County Court in and for said Court do hereby certify that Richard B. Clayton whose name appearing subscribed to the above and foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of subscribing the same Clerk of our said County Courts of Jackson County foresaid duly commissioned qualified and that his Certificate is in due form of Law and that full faith and credit is and aught [sic] to be given to all his official acts as such.

Given under my hand and seal this 2nd day of April 1835

Thompson M. Rector    Seal
Judge of County Courts
Page 54

Pension Office, August 15, 1837

Sir.

I have examined the Certificate of the Comptroller of South Carolina, which shows a service of 526 days in the revolutionary army of "John Dunkin Sr.".  This could not have been the man who in the name of "John Duncan" applied for pension from Jackson County, Alabama on 1833 and again in 1844.  That man was born in 1755, and was consequently but 26 years old when the certified service was performed.

It is proper to add that a question is now before the Attorney General involving the relative rights of children and grand children of revolutionary widows and until it is decided claims of this description must remain suspended.

Elisha King  }
Adairsville   }
Georgia       }
Page 55

Elisha King
Aug 15/57
Page 56

Larkins Fork Jackson Ala }
August the 11th 1835    }  Sir I have just received a few lines directing me to send up my original declaration.  sir I can only reply by informing you that as the old had been sent back requiring only the Clerks oficial (sic) seal or the certificate ^of a congress member with proof of my service which I procured it by it costing me a great deal of trouble and their [sic: there] was not room on the old papers for the proof with the nessaray [sic: neccesary] certificates therefour [sic] it was thought best by my council & the Judge of the court to lay the old papers aside, and draw new in their place with paper sufficient for the required proof and in a paper accompanying the old papers you directed me to send no unnecessary papers and we thought the old would be of no service and would be encumbering the mail therefore the old papers was left in the office where the new declaration was drawn and they have been misslaid [sic] or destroyed so that we can not find them but I hope when you weigh the case you will see that the old could be of no service as the new is
Page 57

in the exact words of the old with the adition (sic) only of the proof & certificates therefore you could receive no information from them but such as you can receive from the new it was the exact way that Lewis Clarks case was managed who lives in this port and he is drawing -  sir I would not wish nor expect my present situation to ^cause you to so over reach your duty but I have been for may years unable to do any labour (sic) and have to be supported by the charity of my county which way of living you may expect dont go down well with a man that has suffered for liberty as I have when ample provision has been made for us by the General government - I shall expect if my new papers is found diferrent (sic) that you will send them back for amendment,

Yours  &c
{signed} John Duncan

{signed}
Mr. J.L. Edwards Esqr
Washington D.C.
Page 58

Sept 3. 1835
&c






Record Vol. 28, P. 119
Page 59

War Dept: Pen Office
Sept 3, 1835

Sir

Your claim has ben examined and rejected, and the papers have been filed in this office.  The rolls of the South Carolina line for the period of the alleged service under Col Thompson are complete and neither your name nor the name of either of your witnesses is found.  You could not therefore have performed the alleged service The militia raised to aid Gen'l Morgan were in service less than three months & Your alleged service in Parrises Fort was not of that character provided for by the Act of 7 June 1832



Mr. John Duncan
Larkins Fork
Alabamba
Page 60

Adairsville GA 22nd July /57

To Court of Pensions

Dear Sir

In reply to your favour (sic) of 10th June Ult on the subject of the claim of John Duncan of Alabama for Pension under act of 7th June 1832. On the 18th I stated that the John Duncan whom I represent - entered the service in South Carolina.  The District in which he resided when he entered the service   His representatives cannot give but they think it was Camden District.  They say they do not know that he entered the service in that District but he lived in that district immediately after the war as they understand it.

To my letter of the 18th I have received no reply. I hope you will give the subject your attention

I am Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt - 
Elisha King


To Court of Pensions
Washington City 
D C
Page 61

Adairsville Ga 10th Augt 1857

Geo. C. Whiting Court, &c,

Dear Sir

Inclosed (sic) you have the Certificate of  Compt. Genl of South Carolina showing Service Rendered by John Duncan in the War of the Revolution, which is Offered in support of a claim for Pension under Act of 7th June 1832.  as asserted by the said John Duncan in his lifetime from Jackson County Alabama, and which has been recently Reknewed [sic: Renewed] by Absolam Coffee his Adm from the same County.

This claim was suspended for want of Proof from the So. Carolina Records, which Proof is now presented, and the Administrator is under the Impression that the Claim Mr. Dunkin Procured the Affidavit of John Jackson and possibly of Aaron Woosley, in support of his claim, I hope this is so and that this claim will now be amply & satisfactoerly [sic] established, and that you will be pleased to grant an allowance  according to the Record, I also send a Transcript of the Record of the Appointment of Mr. Absolam Coffee as Admt, a copy of
Page 62

his Bond &.c, ~

When I presented the Admit. Declaration in this case you call on me to know where the John Duncan I Represented entered the service upon which I immediately informed you that he entered the service in So. Carolina & to this I Recd no Reply.  and on 23rd Ult I wrote again & have still Recd no reply.  I therefore go on to forward the proof hoping and believeing [sic] it will so coroborate [sic] the facts on file as to satisfy you of the Justice of the Claim.

I am Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
{signed}  Elisha King


Geo C. Whiting Court (illegible)
Washington City
D. C.
Page 63

J K Rodgers

May 7,
Page 64

Pension Office, May 7 1860

Sir

In response to the inquiries contained in the enclosed letter of Mr. Brewer, you are respectfully informed that John Duncan was not a pensioner of the United States - He made application ^in 1833 but his claim was rejected on the ground that he did not perform a sufficiency of service in the revolutionary war to entitle him to an allowance.  The claim could not, however, be now recovered, even if additional evidence of service could be procured - children of revolutionary soldiers cannot establish and secure such claims - they die with the soldier and his widow. ¶ For amount of pension presumed to be due Jacob Troxel, application should be made to the Third Auditor of the Treasury.

J. K. Rogers Esq

Washington,
D.C.
Page 65

Adairsville Ga  29th May 1857

Geo C. Whiting Court of Pensions

Dear Sir

Inclosed (sic) please find the Application of the Admt. of John Duncan for the Amount of Pension which accrued any fell due his Intestate under Act of Congress of 7th June 1832.  Please Inform me at once if not Inconsistent with your Custom, what the Objections heretofore have been to the Allowance of the Claim.

I am Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Elisha King



Geo C. Whiting Court of Pensions
Washington City
D C
Page 66

J L Edwards Esqr
Court of Pensions
Washington City
Page 67

Somerville Ala
May 1st 1843

Sir;

I beg leave to send you the declaration of John Duncan of Jackson Co. Ala for a pension.  I have added my certificate at the request of E. Hambers Esqr.  from when I rec'd the enclosed sheets as to the official character of the Judge & Clk - but as the seal of the court is attached  I presume it was (illegible)  I am also personally acquainted with most of the witnesses who have testified in behalf of the applicant, and believe they are reputable & entitled to credit

With great respect,
Your Ob. St

R Chapman
Page 68

Pen Off
June 17 '43

Sir

I have the honor to inform you that the claim of John Duncan asserted for the first time has been examined & his papers filed. 

The narrative of his first term of service is obscure & omissions upon important points.  He states that he was enlisted in Pittyslvania Co in 79 for 12 mo by Capt. John Dooly who came to that county to raise men to serve in S'th Ca. - marched to St. Ca was place under Col Thompson & served under various Captains 'till his time expired.  - To what state did Capt Dooly belong? What Capt or Capts did he serve under?  To what state did Col. Thompson belong?  Was he ^an officer of the Militia or regular army? are questions which should be answered on oath by claimant to supply the deffects (sic) of his statement of the first term with the respect to the other term of 12 mo from fall of 1780 under Capt. Game Harvey
Page 69

Col Hammond in S'h C'a. the Dept has no information of such a term of service in the Militia & would infer from the names of his officers that it could not have been rendered in the Line of that State. ~ He will be required to adduce the certificate of the Comptr. Treas. of So Ca. showing distinctly whether his records afford any evidence which either confirms or discredits the service of the claimant or of the officers named by him.

Enter in Alabama Index Act 7 June 32

(written on left side in other direction)
Hon R. Chapman
June 17 1843

Hon Reuben Chapman
Somerville
Alabama
Page 70

Hon R. Chapman
Janry 2 1844
Page 71

Pen Off
Jany 2, '45

Sir

I have the honor to inform you that the amended declaration of John Duncan has been examined & filed with his other papers ~ His statement are calculated to throw a doubt over his whole claim - The service to say the least is not consistent with any knowledge of this Dept. or such as has hitherto been claimed for.  He should establish the service as required by my letter to you of 17 June last


Hon R .Chapman
HRC
Page 72

Pension Office
June 10, 1857


Sir

There are two suspended claims open on Alabama files, under the Act of June 7, 1832.  from party named John Duncan, telling where new residents of Jackson County were when they made their declarations  If you will state when the John Duncan represented by you resided when he entered the service, I will be enabled to comply with the request contained in your letter of the 27th Ult.

Elisha King
Adairsville, 
Geo.
Page 73

Stationery Heading:
Hotel Georgian Terrace
Peachtree St and Ponce de Leon Ave.
Atlanta, GA.
Golf all the Year

Mar. 3. 1930

Winfield Scott
Commissioner

Dear Sirs

Can you send me a copy of the Pension records of John Duncan, Jackson Co. Ala. and John Barnwell , Cobb Co. Ga. and Squire Dann of Conn. 

Thanking you very much for this information.

Very truly yours 
Ettie T. McCall                             
Address                                      
Mrs. Howard H. McCall
Georgian Terrace Hotel
Atlanta, Ga.

stamped postmark:
U.    MAR 5 1930    S.