Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21793, for George Mc Lain, North Carolina
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[3-1776]

SERVICE
N.C.

McLain, George
or McLean
Rebecca

NUMBER
W.21793

CONTENTS
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

7591
West Tennessee
George McLain
Of Bedford Co. in the State of W. Tenn. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Martin of the Regt. commanded by Col. Barber in the N. C. line for 22 months

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee
at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of May 1833 and sent to James McKisick Shelbyville

Arrears to the 4th of March 146.66
Semi=anl. [annual] allowance ending 4 Sept. 36.66
$183.32

{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Daniel Boyd, Clerk
Book E Vol. 7 Page 88
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

4386
Rebecca McLain
widow of George NC
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private [Increased?] from $30

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of August 1850 and sent to M. G. Dale Esq. Greenville  Bond Co. Ills.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 347 Vol. 3 

347
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State of Illinois}
Bond County} Ss
On this Fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four, personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the County Commissioners Court of Bond County in the State aforesaid, a Court of Record of said County, now holding the March Term A.D. 1844 of said Court, Robert Keyes being presiding Judge of said Court, Rebecca McLean, a resident of Bond County aforesaid, aged seventy four years on 18th September last, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows:" 
That she is the widow of George McLean who was late of Bedford County State of Tennessee deceased, who was late a private in the army of the Revolution, and who for services rendered during the said war, was placed on the pension roll of the United States, at the rate of seventy three dollars [and] thirty three cents per annum; that she, this deponent, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five surrendered the certificate of pension granted by the War Department to her husband, in order to draw the arrears of pension due up to the day of his death which she did draw, to which said certificate and such other documentary evidence as may have been furnished by her husband in his life time and which remain of [on] file she respectfully refers the Department. 
She further declares that she was married to the said George McLean on the twenty fifth day of
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July in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine; that her husband, the aforesaid George McLean, died on the thirtieth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty four; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated - that she was legally married in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, that the marriage ceremony was performed by- Tygert Esq. then an acting Justice of the Peace of said Mecklenburg County. That she knows of no record existing of said marriage, that she has diligently searched, and employed counsel to search in said Mecklenburg County & elsewhere for a long time past but can obtain no record proof of the same – 
Rebecca [her x mark] McLean 
Sworn to in open Court, March 4} 
1844, before me, & credibility of witnesses} 
certified to by me}
Robert Keyes
Presiding Judge

At the same time before said Court now open and judicially sitting, personally came Elias W. Alexander, of said County of Bond State of Illinois, aged sixty four years, who being duly sworn deposes and says, that in the summer of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine, Rebecca McLean, here in Court and who has signed the foregoing affidavit, and George McLean came to my father's house in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, as man and wife. 
I was not at the marriage but understood, and it was the understanding of all present that they had just been married and were making the wedding tour. 
I lived in the neighborhood with them in North Carolina from that time till about the year 1816 when they moved to Tennessee, I moved at the same time to Tennessee and remained in their neighborhood till the year eighteen hundred and twenty nine. They were
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always from the time first named (summer of 1789) reputed to be man and wife and received into society as such, and visited by their connexions [connections] and by the neighborhood as such, they attended church and public places as such, and always demand themselves and addressed each other as married persons, They had issue of said union eight children - Her maiden name was Rebecca Alexander –
Sworn to & subscribed} [signed] Elias W. Alexander
March 4. 1844 in open Court} 
before me, & credibility of witness} 
certified to by me} 
Robt Keyes}
Presiding Judge} 

State of Illinois} 
Bond County} At the same time in open Court before the Judges of the County Commissioners Court of said County, judicially sitting personally came Josiah N. Alexander aged seventy one years, who being duly sworn deposes and says: That on the Tuesday of the July Court in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty nine, report came to my father's house that my sister Rebecca Alexander had then married George McLean: She and George McLean immediately after came to my father's house in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, my father received him as his son in law, and we as brother in law. 
I, shortly after, accompanied my father and assisted in taking cattle to George McLean which my father had given him and sister Rebecca as part of their marriage portion - On the way we stopped during a night at Squire Tygert's who was then an acting Justice of the Peace in Mecklenburg County – he told us that he had married them. I lived in the same neighborhood with them in North Carolina & Tennessee until about the year 1823, they were always considered and treated and known by the family and others as
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man and wife – It is the same Rebecca who is now here in Court and who has signed the foregoing declaration on application for Pension. Her husband George McLean drew a pension from the United States for Revolutionary serves. I saw him last in September AD 1834, he was then sick in Bedford County, State of Tennessee. I heard, shortly after, that he had died, and his widow, the said Rebecca came on in 1837 to Bond County State of Illinois, and was from that time forward to the present, resided and among her friends within a few miles of my house she has never, since the death of said George is unmarried, to my knowledge, but still is, far as I have ever heard, and as I believe remained his widow. At the time of his reported marriage aforesaid Justices of the Peace were legally authorized to [Illegible] in marriage North Carolina.
[signed] Josiah N. Alexander
Sworn to & subscribed in open}
Court, & credibility of witnesses certified} 
to by me March 4 AD 1844}
Robt Keyes
Presiding Judge

[written sideways and through text] I Robert Smith of Madison County Illinois do hereby certify that Robert Keys whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits was at the time of making the foregoing a Judge of the County Commissioner Court of Bond County, and that full faith and credit are due to his acts as such. I further certify that I believe the signature of the said Keys to be genuine.
I witness [Illegible] I have hereunto [Illegible] my name this 23rd day of May AD 1844
Robert Smith M.C.
Witness J E [Dove?]

State of Illinois}
Bond County} At the same time in open court before the commissioners Court of said county judicially sitting, personally came Josiah Thomas McLean of said County, aged forty six years, who being duly sworn, says, 
I am son of George and Rebecca McLean, my father died in Bedford County State of Tennessee on the thirtieth day of November A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, I was then living with him, he drew a pension from the United States for Revolutionary services, I have assisted to draw up the power of attorney, for him to draw it. The certificate was dated at the War office of the United States the third day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, after his death my mother, now here in court, who has signed the foregoing declaration, for pension, forwarded his certificate to the Department and drew the arrears of pension due at his death, I remained with my mother until the year 1837 when we moved to Bond County, State of Illinois the death of my father she never married, but
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still remains the widow of said George McLean –
Sworn to & subscribed} [signed] Josiah J. McLain
before me & credibility of witness} 
certified to by me, in open court} 
March 4, 1844} 
Robert Keyes}
Presiding Judge} 

State of Illinois} 
Bond County} I, James Bradford Clerk of the County Commissioners Court, a Court of Record in and for said County, certify that Robert Keyes whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits, was at the time of the date thereof the Presiding Judge of said Court, duly elected and sworn and that full faith and credit are due to his acts as such - I further certify that the said four signatures purporting to be his are his genuine signatures 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Greenville, said County this 4th day of March A.D. 1844 
J. Bradford Clerk 
State of Illinois} 
Bond County} I, Robert Keyes, the Presiding Judge of the County Commissioners Court, a Court of Record in & for said County do certify that James Bradford whose name appears to the foregoing certificate, was at the time of making the foregoing certificate, and still is Clerk of said Court duly commissioned. I further certify that the said Rebecca McLean, Elias W. Alexander Josiah N Alexander and I, Thomas McLean are respectable persons, residents of said County of Bond and State of Illinois, and are
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persons entitled to full credit, having good reputation for truth and veracity – 
Witness my hand said 4th day of March A.D. 1844 – 
Robert Keyes 
Presiding Judge
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State of Tennessee} 
Bedford County} SS 
On this Seventh day of November personally appeared in open Court before John B. Armstrong, Samuel Phillips and John L. Neill Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County, now sitting, 
George McClain [sic] a resident of the County of Bedford and State of Tennessee aged about seventy two 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 the 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. 
That he was born Oct. the 14th in the year 1760 in Lincoln County North Carolina; that he has no written record of his age and only speaks from what he has always understood from his parents; that when first called into service he lived in said County of Lincoln where he continued to reside until the year 1798 when he removed to the County of Mecklenburg North Carolina and lived there until Autumn of 1816 when he removed to the County of Bedford aforesaid, where he has ever since resided and now resides; that in the month of July 1780 he thinks he volunteered in the County of Lincoln for three months under Capt. Samuel Martin with John Barber as his Colonel [sic, Major], James Patterson was Lieutenant and John Walker was Ensign under Samuel Martin: that he marched to Camden South Carolina and from there to Ninety Six to observe the Tories and that they continued to scour the Country during the three months without having any
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engagement: that at the end of the three months he returned home and in the next April volunteered for another tour of three months under Captain John Mattocks whose Lieutenant was named Aaron McKinzie and whose Ensign was named John Hall; that their Colonel was named William Graham of said County of Lincoln; that a part of said term they were scouring the County of Lincoln for Tories, and the balance they were in the County of York South Carolina and ranging between that and Broad River, all with the object of keeping down the Tories; that at the end of the term he again returned home; that in the next Fall he again volunteered for three months under Samuel Martin with John Berry his Lieutenant and James Glenn the Ensign and John Barber the Colonel; that during this Tour they marched in the direction of Kings Mountain to join Campbell [William Campbell] against Ferguson [Patrick Ferguson]; that on the evening before the battle at Kings Mountain they were about encamping a short distance from the Mountain when they were routed by some of Ferguson's dragoons and scattered and when they heard the firing on the next day he and five others made towards where it was and joined Campbell just after the battle [October 7, 1780] had closed; that he was left with four others of his company to guard the Tory prisoners and take care of Campbell's wounded; that there were about twenty [men] left for that duty; that the balance of his company went on with the other troops and that he joined them no more during that Tour; that immediately upon the close of the last mentioned Term, he volunteered for another Term of three months under the same last mentioned officers; and marched into South Carolina and joined Sumpter [sic, Thomas Sumter] at Clem's Branch in York County and remained with
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him during the remainder of the Term; that during that time Sumter kept his head quarters at Clem's Branch; that immediately after the expiration of said last mentioned Term he again volunteered for another Tour of three months under Captain John Walker of Lincoln County, with William Rankin his Lieutenant and John Hoyle his Ensign, and John Barber his Colonel; that they marched into South Carolina and again joined Sumter at Clem's Branch near where Fishing Creek empties into the Catawba River; that he was out on foraging party when the British surprised Sumter and his encampment at Clem's Branch and defeated him [sic, Fishing Creek, August 18, 1780]; that he was returning to Camp from the foraging expedition when he met Sumter at Col. Bratton's [William Bratton’s] on the day after the defeat and Sumter took him and five others north with him to pilot him across the country towards Virginia; that they crossed the Catawba at Tuckaseegee Ford and crossed the Yadkin [River] at Long's Ferry where he left Sumter – and returned home and joined Captain Frank Long [?] and spent the balance of the Term in reconnoitering about Charlotte which was then occupied by Cornwallis; that he returned home and remained there he does not recollect how long when he again volunteered for another Term of three months under Captain John Walker, William Graham was the Colonel, but he was not with them during the Tour; that Major Joseph Dixon [Joseph Dickson] had the principal command of them; that when they heard that Cornwallis was making for Virginia, they followed him until
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he crossed the South Fork of Catawba River; that between the South fork and the main river at a Creek called Dutchman's Creek they killed four Tories; that when Cornwallis came to the main river it was up and he lay there two days and nights; that on the night before Cornwallis crossed the river, this affiant with about forty others under Major Joseph Dixon lay about half a mile behind the British and on the opposite side from where Davidson [William Lee Davidson] was killed [Cowan’s Ford, February 1, 1781]; that Dixon sent him to South Carolina with an express to Col. Barber to join him in pursuing Cornwallis; that he took the express to Barber, and that Barber was marching to join Dickson when they learnt at the South fork of Catawba that Cornwallis had not halted in Salisbury but marched across the Yadkin to Guilford and they pursued no further; that he returned home and there remained until the next August when he again volunteered for three months under Captain Robert White, the Lieutenant was named Philip Null and the Ensign Matthew Armstrong, the Colonel was Robert Smith, who was once an officer in the regular Army; that they marched to a place called Little River and there joined General Rutherford [Griffith Rutherford], and remained with him only two days when they left him and marched down the Country through the Scotch Settlements towards Wilmington; that they met with a company of Tories at a place called the raft [Raft] Swamp [Raft Swamp, October 15, 1781] and entirely routed them and killed about twenty of them; that they marched
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down to the Brick house near Wilmington and met with another company of Tories and took about twenty of them prisoners and killed about a dozen; that whilst in the neighborhood of Wilmington their term expired and Smith wanted them to stay a month longer; that Captain White refused to stay and marched home with all the men except eighteen of whom affiant was one, when they elected Lieutenant Null their Captain and remained another month; that a party of British had occupied the Brick house and they attempted to dislodge them [November 15, 1781], but that they were compelled to retreat with the loss of two men two men wounded; that during the balance of the month they ranged the Country between Wilmington and Georgetown South Carolina when they returned home and were verbally discharged by their Colonel; that he never acted with any of the Continental regiments except under Sumter; that he belonged to the mounted infantry in all of his tours and was principally employed in Scouting parties to over awe the Tories and to hang upon the rear of the enemy; that he has no documentary evidence by which he can prove his claims as he never received any but verbal discharges, but he can prove by William Maxwell [R.7046] of Rutherford County in this State that affiant was in the skirmishes of the Raft Swamp and the Brick House and also that he was under Capt. Frank Long [?] when the British were stationed in Charlotte as stated above. That he knows of no person now living by whom he can prove his other tours of service. He hereby relinquishes
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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. 
[Signed] George McLean 
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 7th day of November 1832.
Jas McKisick, Clerk
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State of Tennessee} 
Bedford County} 
We George Newton a clergyman residing in said County and Edward C. Harrison - residing in the same - hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George McClain who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age or thereabouts; 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.
[signed] Geo Newton
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written 
Edward C. Harrison 
Jas. McKisick Clk.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogators 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 George Newton who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said County of Bedford and that Edward C. Harrison who has also signed the same is also a resident of said County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to Credit 
Jo L Neill 
Samuel Phillips 
John B. Armstrong
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I James McKisick Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Bedford County and State of Tennessee - do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George McClain [Sic] for a pension 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of office this 17th day of December AD 1832 
Jas McKisick Clerk

[written sideways] George McClain 21935
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21935 
George McLain 
T. 
from 1780 private 22 months. 
$73.33/100 

James McKisick CC 
Bedford Co. T.
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

WAR DEPARTMENT
PENSION OFFICE 183
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, (these:}). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A STATEMENT, showing the Service of George McLain, Bedford Co. T.

[column headings: Period when the service rendered. Duration of the claimant’s service. Years. Months. Days. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.]  
Vol Jul ’80 3 [months] pr calvy [private cavalry] Capt. Martin Capt. Barker N. C. Lincoln NC 72 [years old] Trady [traditionary evidence]
- Apl. ’81 3 [months] “ [private cavalry] Capt. Matlock Col. Graham “ [N.C.] S.C.
fall ’81 3 [months] “ Capt. Martin Col Barber “ “
Soon after - 3 [months] “ Do. Do. 
again – 3 [months] “ Capt. Walker do -
again - 3 [months] “ do. Col Graham
again - 4 [months] “ Capt. Whit. Cap Null Col Smith

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
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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 "volunteers," 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 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 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} ss.
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 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 than 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 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. 
[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. 
1               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 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, 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 believe him to be               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 day 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. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the            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 the Court of            do hereby certify 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, this     day of     &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 at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in bis 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3

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 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.} {To an Officer.} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 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 he 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 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 these 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 enquiry 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 a 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 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 payments can be made on 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 trans nit 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 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 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 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 enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. ln a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words : "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:-For    year    months, and     days, I served as 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 in not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying 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 in 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 signatures of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 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 to [illegible] 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. 

[Signed] W. L. Williams Ex Clerk
Page 22

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

V. L. M. Own Rev. & War Section
W.21793 

November 24, 1913.

Mr. A. T. Strange, 
Montgomery Co. Historical Society, 
Hillsboro, Ills. 

Sir: 

In reply to your undated letter received the 21" instant, you are advised that it appears from the papers in the claim of George McLean, that he was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, October 14, 1760, and while residing in said County, he volunteered in July 1779 and served as a private under Captain Samuel Martin and Colonel John Barker, for 3 months. He volunteered in April 1780, under Captain John Mattocks and Colonel William Graham and served 3 months. He volunteered in the autumn of 1780, under Captain Samuel Martin and Colonel John Barber, was in a skirmish near King's Mountain the day before the battle, and served six months immediately after this he served 3 months under Captains John Walker and Frank Ury and Colonel John Barber, and then went out for 3 months under Captain John Walker, Major Joseph Dixon and Colonel William Graham. He next volunteered under Captain Robert White and Colonel Robert Smith and was in engagements with Tories at the Raft Swamp, and the Brick House near Wilmington, North Carolina; in this tour he served 3 months. Immediately after he served 1 month under Captain 

I arranged service as above beginning in July 1779 (not 1780) as all of the campaigns described as of 1781 were in 1780 (and all described as of 1782 were in 1781). He begins with wrong date and said he [Illegible] it was “1780” AW
Page 23

Hull and was in a skirmish with the British at the Brick House.
He was allowed pension on an application executed November 7, 1832, while a resident of Bedford County, Tennessee. 
He married in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, July 25 or 26, 1789. Rebecca Alexander who was born September 18, 1769. He died in Bedford County, Tennessee, November 30, 1834. 
She was allowed pension on an application executed March 4, 1844, while a resident of Bond County, Illinois. There were eight children, a son Josiah Thomas who signed McLain was forty-six years old in 1844, and lived in Bond County, Illinois. at that date. Names of other children not stated. 

Very respectfully, 

G M Saltzgaber 

Commissioner.
Page 24

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] [1907 – Oct 25 Althea] Thacker LM 

[center] Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21793
Rebecca McLean
Wid. [Widow] of
George McLain
Pvt. Rev. War

Act: Feb. 2nd 1848.

Index: - Vol. M, Page 25[cut off]

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side] 1907 Oct 25 Hist. to [Althea Thacker] Vienna Ill.
1910 – May 14 Hist. to H. L. Hampton
[1913 – Nov 24] Hist. to Mr. A. T. Strange
Page 25

73 
Increased to $73.33 per annum, dedg [deducting] from payments at $30.
Acts ‘38 43 & 44 48 

M. G. Dale Greenville Bond Co. Ill
Page 26

Rebecca McLane [Sic]
widow of George 
Private 

Acts March 3d 1843 June 17, 1844 
$30 per Ann. 

Illinois Roll 
Let [letter] to 
M. G. Dale, Greenville, Bond Co Illinois
Page 27

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

7447
Illinois
Rebecca McLain
widow of George 
who was a private
in the Revolution
Increase from $30 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of Aug.t 1851 and sent to M. G. Dale Esq. Greenville Bond Co. Ills 

[Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book A Vol. 2. Page 227
Page 28

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

9,484 
Illinois
Rebecca McLain widow of George McLain 
who died on the 30th Nov.r [November] 1834, of Bond Co. in the State of Ills who was a private of the Regt. commanded by Captain Martin of the Regt commanded by Col Barber in the N. C.

Inscribed on the Roll of Springfield at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of August 1851 and sent to M. G. Dale Esq. Greenville Bond Co. Illinois

Arrears to 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]
Incd [Increased] from $30

{Revolutionary Claim,} 
{Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by H. R. Weightman Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1. Page 441
Page 29

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] Let to M. G Dale 3 May 1851

[right side] 4384 Illinois Rebecca McLain widow of George McLain who served in the Revolutionary war , as a private 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of March 1849 and sent to Hon. Robert Smith N C

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under Act February 2, 1848, Page 347 Vol. 3.
Page 30

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] Repd [Reported] 6

[right side] Illinois 7447 Rebecca McLain, widow of George McLain, who was a private, in the N. Carolina line.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Dec: 45. and sent to M. G. Dale Greenville, Bond Co. Ill 

{Act of March 3, 1843. & 17 June 44} 

Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 227.
Page 31

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] 9484 Illinois 
Rebecca McLain widow of George McLain 
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 
and who died on the 30 Nov. 1834 of Bond Co. in the State of Illinois 
who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Martin of the Regt. commanded by Col. Barber in the N.C. line for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois at the rate of 30 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of July 1845, and sent to Hon. James Shields, Commissioner of the Genl Land Office

Total amount, $150.00 
(Act July 7, 1838.)

Recorded by D Brown Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1 Page 441 

[right side] Repd [Reported] let [letter] to M G Dale Sept 26 1845.
Page 32

119
Pension Office Apr. 5 1850 

Sir
I herewith return the letter of William Glenn Esq. and the case of Sally Bradley widow of George W. Bradley on the roll under act 7 July 1838, and have to state that the act under which she was pensioned make the pension to commence 4 March 1836 unless the husband died after that period in which case it is made to commence from the day of his death. Her pension could not therefore commence from the time of her husbands death in 1835. The pension under act July 1838 terminates 4th March 1843. The act of March 3, 1843 makes it to commence 4 March 1843 and terminates 4 March 1844, subsequent act continues the pension to 4th March 1848, and from that time for life. 
The papers in the case of Frances Weaver widow of John Weaver under act 7 July 1838, have her exd [executed?] & filed. Her
Page 33

husband died in 1845, by a recent decision of the Secretary Interior those widows claiming under Act 7 July 1838 are not entitled, when they were not widows at the time of its passage. The claim has consequently been rejected. 
She may claim under act 29 July 1848. Some testimony as to the paper exhibited as the family record being a genuine document should be provided, should a claim be made under act 29 July 1848.
Hon. John H. Savage H. R.

[written sideways] Honl. J. H. Savage April 5/50
Page 34

House of Representatives May 23d 
1844 Washington DC I

Sir
I have recd [received] an answer to a letter addressed by me to the Comptroller of North Carolina calling for further information in the case of Rebecca McLean - and I am informed by the Comptroller that the books "relating to the services of the Militia during the Revolution are in such condition as to preclude me from making search for such evidence as would be desired.” The evidence of Marriage Submitted is the best that can be obtained, and is conclusive to my mind that the Marriage did take place as stated in the affidavits - The parties making the same are entitled to full Credit. I hope the evidence which enables the husband of Rebecca McLean [sic], to draw a pension, will now be recd [received] as evidence to entitle her to draw a pension under the act of 1838, and that this poor Widow, will not now be cut off from a pension, because the records in North Carolina are now in such a dilapidated condition that she cannot procure and the Evidence of the Revolutionary services of late husband, I would earnestly request of the opinion that he would
Page 35

give this case the most favorable consideration that the rules of the Department will Warrant. 
I have added my certificate to the first sheet of the affidavits submitted & if not in proper form I will put it in such shape as is required. 
It will be seen that the sheets have been attached by tape or something else; It might be that it was torn apart by my letter by who usually opens all communications coming to me.
I have the honor to be very Respectfully your Obt Servant 
Robert Smith 

Hon J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions

P S It will be seen that the Clerk of the Court certifies to four affidavits having been certified to on 4th day of March 1844 Yours
R Smith
Page 36

10608
Rebecca McLain
Tennessee
Act 7 July 1838

Hon. R. Smith 
House Rep.
Page 37

House of Rep Washington 
March 14th 1844 

Sir
I herewith send you the application for a Pension of Rebecca McLean Widow of the late George McLean and would respectfully ask your early attention to the papers hereunto subscribed 
I have the honor to be your 
Obt Servt 
Robert Smith 

J. Edwards Esq 
Com of Pensions
Page 38

Greenville Bond Co. Ills Sep. 16. 1842 

To the Commissioner 
of Pensions 

Dear Sir, 

Rebecca McLain received a Pension Certificate, date July 17, 1845 for 5 years half pay of the pension drawn by her husband - She is of the impression that an act of Congress has extended the five year pay to an additional two years or more – 
Would you have the kindness to inform me if this be the fact, & if so, whether any further steps are to be taken to enable her to draw for the additional years, than the more exhibition of her pension for 5 years – 
Respy [Respectfully] Yours 
M. G. Dale
Page 39

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Brief in the case of Rebecca McLain, widow of George Bond County and State of Illinois acts ‘38, ’43, ‘44 & ‘48 

Claim, ([crossed out - “original,” or] “for increase.”) 

Proof exhibited, (if original.) 

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? Is so, what?
Husband was a pensioner under act of 7 June 1832 at $73.33 per annum. widow allowed the same rate of pension under the Joint Resolution of July 1, 1848, 

Name and residence of Agent 
M. G. Dale Greenville Ill.

S. Cole
Examining Clerk.
Page 40

Greenville, Bond Co Illinois 
April 23. 1851 

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,

Dear Sir, 
I enclose Petition of Rebecca McLain for increase of Pension –
From her advanced years I would ask the early consideration of the Department of her application –
Very Respectfully 
M. G. Dale
Page 41

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

I certify
WAR DEPARTMENT. 
WIDOW'S PENSION. 

I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Rebecca McLain, of Illinois - 
widow of George McLain -- who was a Private in the Revolution – and died on the 30th day of November 1834 -- is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty --- dollars [and cents crossed out] per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1836, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1841, unless the pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.

[Emblem of a Seal]

Given at the War Office of the United States this 17th -- day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty-five. 

W. L. Marcy 
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned. 
J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 42

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Rebecca McLain widow of George McLain who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty dollars --- per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. 

Given at the Department of the Interior this 17th day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine

T Ewing 
Secretary of the Interior. 

Examined and Countersigned.
J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 43

H R June 14th 1844 

Sir
I have sent [Illegible] for your inspection certain Pension Cases, the result of I should be pleased to learn before leaving. I shall leave this city on Wednesday Morning at 6 oclock AM 
I have the honor to be Your Obt Sert 
R Smith 

Hon J.L. Edwards Com. of Pensions