Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,113, for Thomas Swearingen, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
S.C.

Swearingen, Thomas
Peggy

NUMBER
W. 6113
Born in N.C.

CONTENTS
Page 2

Mississippi 22.431
Thos. Swearingen of Amite Co in the State of Mississippi who was a Sergeant in the Co commanded by Captain Simpkins [Captain Arthur Simkins] of the Rgt commanded by Col. Purvis [Lieutenant Colonel John Purvis[ in the South Car. line for two years.
Sergeant of Cavalry

Inscribed on the Roll of Mississippi at the rate of 180 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of Octr. 1833 and sent to Pensioner Smithdale MC Miss

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 - 450.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 90. = $540.

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk,
Book E.  Vol. 8 Page 75
Page 3

[left column]
Mississippi 5626 J
Peggy Swearingen widow of Thomas Swearingen SC. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Sgt. of Cavalry
---
[Inscrib]ed on the Roll at the rate of [illegible] Dollars - [Cent]s per annum, to commence on 4th day of March 1848. & ending 15, December 1850
---
[Ce]rtificate of Pension issued the 10 day of April 1851 and sent to
V. Ellis present
---
[R]ecorded on Roll of Pensioners under act [F]ebruary 2, 1848, Page 385 Vol. 4

[right column]
1884 Sept 15 H H Swearingen with personal & military history
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress Passed June 7th 1833 [sic 1832]
State of Mississippi Amite County
On the 15th day of July 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate now sitting Thomas Swearingen a resident of County of Amite and State of Mississippi, aged Seventy two years, who first 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 7, 1832. Viz-
That he entered the service of the United States as a Volunteer in the month of April 1776 or 1777 for three months. His Captains name was Arthur Simpkins [Simkins], John Swearingen, his brother was Lieutenant of the Company, and he was appointed a Sargeant. He does not recollect the number of the regiment to which he belonged, but remembers that John Purvis was his [Lt.] Colonel and that General Andrew Williamson commanded the Carolina Corps in chief. They rendezvoused at Augusta Georgia where the troops from that state joined them, and he thinks they were about 2000 in all. He has forgotten who commanded the Georgia Troops, but remembers that Collonel McIntosh [Lieutenant Colonel Alexander McIntosh] was with them, and commanded the Continentals. These troops were embodied to repel the Tories who had fortified themselves on the Saint Mary's River under the Tory Colonel Brown [Thomas "Burntfoot" Brown], and made frequent incursions into the settlements, much to the damage of the Inhabitants. The Tories evacuated the fort and retreated to St. Augustine before they reached it and they returned home. When the term for which they had engaged expired, the Company was discharged in a body and marched home, into Edgefield District So Carolina, where he and most if not all his comrades resided reveled and dispersed to their several homes. He took no discharge, nor does he believe any of his comrades did. He supposes they were called into service by competent authority, as he received four Continental dollars from his Captain on account of this Tour which was every cent he has ever received on account of his services during the Revolutionary war and this was so much depreciated that he could not obtain one silver dollar for the four.
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In the later part of the year 1778 there was a call for the Militia, and about Christmast (a few days before or after, he does not recollect which) he joined the army as a volunter for six months. He still belonged to the same Brigade and regiment, but his regiment was commanded by Colonel LeRoy Hammond, Benjamin Hatcher was Captain and Van Swearingen, another of his Brothers was Lieutenant of his company, he again received the appointment of Sargeant, and the corps to which he belonged were mounted. They rendezvoused at Liberty Hill oposite Augusta, Georgia, where they remained untill a short time after Ash's defeat on Briar Creek. He with about two hundred others were detailed to pursue the British who had evacuated Augusta. They were under the command of Colonel McIntosh. His own Colonel and a Major [Isaac] Cuthbert marched with them. He remembers that they attacked the British Picket in their divisions. Col McIntosh commanded the Center, Col Hammond the right, and Major Cuthbert under whose command he had been placed commanded the left. After a few minutes very brisk firing the British surrendered. They took an adjutant, a Lieutenant and eleven rank and file, and the prisoners reported that six or seven were killed. They also rescued three Whigs who were in irons, and he understood were to have been hung at 12 o'clock. On discovering the main body of the British advancing they retreated and retired to the encampment opposite Augusta. They then broke up the encampment crossed the river and marched down on the Georgia side to Mathews Bluff when they re-crossed unto Carolina. They were then marched into the lower settlements for the problem of the inhabitants against the Tories. After three or four weeks spent in this service they joined General [Benjamin] Lincoln at Bacons Bridge. In his dispositions for the attack on Stono [Ferry] , the General wished to place all the mounted troops under the command of Pulaski [General Casimir Pulaski], but his officers refused to serve under him on account of his fondness for rash and desperate enterprizes. He belonged to the detachment who were ordered to reconnoiter the British post and draw them out of their works
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as he understood, which they at length effected. He was in the Battle [Stono Ferry] which followed, the particulars of which as it is matter of History, he thinks it unnecessary to detail. In a few days after the Battle, his term expired, and he retired home. The company was again discharged in a body and the men, individually took no discharges. In the fall of this year he served a tour of three months. They were stationed at the Sisters Ferry on the Savvannah [Savannah] River and employed in patrolling from Purisburg [Purrysburg] to Parachickla. They were under the command of Major [Hugh] Middleton, nothing remarkable happened during this tour and at the end of the tour for which the troop had been ordered out this were discharged and retired home as usual.
On or about the month of _ in the year 1780 in a call for the Militia to serve six months he again volunteered and joined the army at Liberty Hill oposite Augusta. The infamous Tory Colonel Brown was then fortified in Augusta and Grayson [Grierson] just above the town. Some time was spent in preparing for attacking the enemy. At length it was determined to storm Graysons Fort [Grierson's Fort]. They prepared a moveable Breast work composed of Beef Hides filled with sand mounted on wheels, which they moved with Hand spikes. When they got near the wall, the Tories left the fort and endeavoured to join Brown, but were most of them cut off by the cavalry, and killed. They then invested Browns Fort. He belonged to the division that approached the works on the uper side. After an arduous and tedious siege, Brown surrendered. He had been wounded and was not present when the Fort was taken. The remainder of this tour was spent in excursions against the Tories, mostly in Georgia. When this tour expired, the company was again discharged in a Body and the men individually took no discharges. He engaged as a horseman, but volunteered to serve in the trenches as a rifleman. His regiment was commanded by Colonel Hammond and Benjamin Hatcher was still his Captain. During the siege of Browns Fort, the division to which he was attached was placed under the command of Col. Lee [Colonel Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee] of Virginia. The Georgia Troops were under General Clark [Colonel Elijah Clark] and he thinks he had the chief command
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of all the Troops. During this as well as his previous tours he held the Rank of Sargeant.
In the Spring of 1781 Captain John Ryan returned from Charleston where he had been closely confined for two years, by the British. He with Colonel John Carter, collected the whigs in the part of the County where the declarant resided amounting at times to two hundred or upward. This association was Voluntary and mainly for their own security and for the protection of the Country against the deprivations of the Tories. He joined Captain Ryans Company as a Sargeant. They styled themselves "Rangers" and were truly so for altho they had a station where they occasionally stoped as long as necessary to refresh themselves and horses, they were generally on the Scout as they termed it.  In this service he continued until the close of the War. During the period he had many encounters with the Tories and had many "Hair breadth escapes" from death. He frequently met those who had been induced to poverty and made widows and orphans by the hands of the ruthless Plunderer and Murderer, and often saw neighbours fall by each others hands, and those who had been playmates, shed one another's Blood.
He will only add that from the time he engaged in the service of his Country until the close of the war, he never stayed at home long enough at one time to engage in any business for his own profit; and wishing rather to fall short of, than exceed the truth he states the whole time that he served at two years, but is confident that he bore arms in his Countrys defense much longer, and for all his service has never received but four depreciated Continental dollars. He found his own cloths when he had any and his own horse, and he thinks that now, his Country is free and prosperous with an overflowing Treasury, she will not refuse him a just compensation for services which he faithfully performed and for which he has so patiently waited.
He relinquishes all claim to a pension or annuity except the present and Declares that his name is not on the roll of the agency of any State
s/ Thos Swearingen
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Interrogatories propounded by the Probate Court of Amite County, Mississippi, to Thomas Swearingen, who is an applicant for a Pension.
Int 1st. When and in what year were you Born?
Ans. I have heard my parents say that I was born in Edgecomb County North Carolina. By my Fathers record I was born 13th May 1761.
Int 2nd. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
Ans. I have a record of my at house as copied from my Father Bible
Int 3rd Where were you living when called into service. where have you lived since the Revolutionary War? and where do you now live?
Ans. I was living in Edgefield District South Carolina when called into service and continued to reside there untill the year 1811. when I removed to the State (then Territory) of Mississippi. I stoped one year in Warren County, after which I settle in Amite County where I have resided ever since.
Int. 4th. How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute? If a substitute for whom?
Ans. In every instance I entered the army as a Volunteer.
Int. 4th. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service?
Ans. I have no distinct recollection of any of the regular officers except Colonel McIntosh, there was an officer with the troops when I served my first tour of three month by the name of Elbert, but I do not recollect whether he belonged to the regulars or Militia I think he was called "General" but am not certain of his grade. I recollect the North Carolina troops under General Ash [John Ashe]. They reached Liberty Hill oposite Augusta whilst our troops were encamped there. I recollect [General Benjamin] Lincoln, he was a stout wild looking man, and was lame. I frequently saw Pulaski and his aid. Pulaski was a common sized man, fair complected, and looked young for one of his age. His aid was a large dark complexioned man, and made a very martial appearance. General Lincoln wished to place our corps, being mounted men, under the command of Pulaski at the attack on Stono but our officers refused to serve under him on account of his rashness. We had a hot time of it at Stono and drew of and formed across an old field and expected the Battle to be renewed, But the British on reaching the edge of the old field, halted and retired
Page 9

to their works and we retired to our encampment.  When we took the British Picket at Brier Creek, we rescued three Whigs who were in Irons, and were to have been hung at 12 oclock.  I never saw men in such instances as they were when they found themselves free; they beged for guns, to Rule the British prisoners which we had taken which I supose they would have done if we had permitted them.  After we had taken Graysons [Grierdon's] Fort I saw more Fish than I have ever seen in my life at one sight.  The Bodies of a Number of Tories who had either been killed in the river or thrown in after they were killed, had lodged against a tree which had fallen into the river, and for a space larger than an acre of ground the fish seemed to be literally joined together and were apparently fighting to get to the Bodies.  When I was wounded at the siege of Browns Fort I was in the act of firing my rifle through a Port hole.  The Ball struck the steel of my gun and carried both it and the cock away  I was deprived of my senses for some time and when I recovered I found that the fragments of the shell and cock of my own gun and the Ball of my enemy's had made thirteen holes through my hat, and had cut my face and head in nine places.  Brown had some Indians with him who had to be guarded very closely, and escorted some distance from the Fort to prevent the exasperated soldiers from Killing them.  Some Tories were taken whilst we were besieging Brown, and three of them condemned to be hung.  A Gallows was erected about a mile from the fort, one of them was offered his pardon to hang the other two, and whilst he was in the act of tieing the rope a Cannon Ball fired from the Fort struck him and literally tore him in pieces.  This was thought the more remarkable as it was the only shot fired.
During one of the intervals between my Tours of service I was surprised by a party who had taken British protections, and Tories under the command (if there was any command amongst them) of a man under whom I had served as a lieutenant.  They treated me very roughly;  the lieutenant said "The Boot was on 'tother by now" and that I would be hung because I had refused to take a British protection one of them who had been a playmate of mine
Page 10

shot me several times in the neck with powder.   I happened to have a keg of Brandy and by geting them drunk and affecting to be so myself I made my escape.  Some time after, I got the fellow who shot me in the Neck, in my power, I was at first determined to kill him, and gave him some sever wounds with a sword but at length softened by his cries for mercy, I spared his life,  and I rejoice to know that through the goodness Providence I have the consolation of knowing that I never deprived a human being of Life, unless I might have done so in fair Battle.
      I will mention two other incidents as characteristic of the times when I served as a ranger.  We had followed some Tories who had stolen some Horses, into the settlement where we supposed they lived.  Our party dispersed through the neighbourhood to make discoveries.  During the night as myself and one companion were watching a house a tremendous Thunder Storm came on, and as we saw no men about the house we went in to avoid the Storm.  In a short time, as we were siting silently by the door, we saw the muzzles of five guns thrust in.  My comrade without saying a word fired into the midst of them.  Startled by such a reception they fell back and we sprung out of the house and aided by the darkness of the night made our escape.  On another occasion, we were informed by two small Boys, at a house where we stoped that two men had that morning taken from them some cotton yarn which they had spun themselves to make them some cloths.  Altho we knew they were Tory Boys, we were so much exasperated at the outrage commited on these half naked, and half starved children,, that we determined search for the perpetrators and punish them whatever party they might belong to. They were found and identified by the childrens cotton.  They proved to be Tories and were immediately tucked up to the limb of a tree, one to each end of the same Halter.

Int. 6.  Did you receive a discharge from the service and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
I never took my discharge.  I suppose the officers took discharges for the company, and we generally marched home in a Body and dispersed as we pleased.  I never expected any pay, nor indeed was I ever inclined to enter the service by such a consideration.  I thought if we gained our freedom, I could make out without it, and if we failed I might be hung, and it would do me no good.
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                         Thos Swearingen
Sworn to in open Court
before R. M. Nielson Clk                  26.576

State of Mississippi
Amite County          Jesse Young a Clergyman residing in the County of Amite and State aforesaid and Ed Smith a Citizen of the Same County certify that we are acquainted with Thomas Swearingen, who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Declaration and Interogations, that we believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is respected and believed in the Neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.        Jesse Young
                                                   E. Smith
Sworn to in open Court, and Subscrtibed before me July 15th 1833.
            And the said Court does hereby Certify and declare their opinion after investigation of the matter, and after puting the Interrogations prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served of his States, and the Court further Certifies that it appears that the said Jesse Young who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman residing in Amite County and that Edwd. Smith who has also signed the Same is a Resident in Amite County, and is aa credible person, and that their Statements are entitled to credit.
 Given under my hand and Seal this 15th day of July 1833           T.S.Crawford
                               Judge Probate

(upside down text at bottom)
State of Mississippi
Amite County           I Richard Neilson, Clerk of Said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the Application of Thomas Swearingen for a Pension.
In tentimony whereof I have (___) to put my name and the Seal of Said Court this 15 day of July 1833.
R. M. Neilson   Clk of Probt.
Page 12

State of Mississippi
Amite County
     On this 17th day of March 1851, Satisfactory proof was addressed before me to prove, and I hereby certify, that Thomas Swearingen late of Amite County it being the county aforesaid, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, of the United States, died in this county, on the 3rd day of October 1837, leaving surviving him at his death, a widow towit Peggy Swearingen, and which said Peggy Swearingen departed this life in this county on the 15th day of December 1850, leaving the following persons her only surviving children towit:  Van F. Swearingen Elmira Cotton wife of Willis Cotton, and Maria Cunningham wife of Aaron P. Cunningham, and it is further certified that the said Van F. Swearingen, Elwina Cotton wife of Willis Cotton and Maria Cunningham wife of Aaron P. Cunningham are also the only surviving children of the said Thomas Swearingen and that the said Peggy Swearingen, the widow remained the widow of the said Thomas Swearingen to the day of her death as aforesaid, and it is further certified that Van F. Swearingen is the Executor of the last will and testament of said Thomas Swearingen deceased, duly qualified as such Executor on the Estate of said Thomas Swearingen deceased, and is now the legal representative of the said Estate of said Thomas Swearingen deceased and it further appears that said Van F. Swearingen has been duly appointed and qualified as administrator of all and singular the goods chattels and personal Estate of said Peggy Swearingen, deceased, who was the widow of said Thomas Swearingen a Revolutionary Pensioner as aforesaid.
            Given under my hand and official seal of the Probate Court in and for the county and state aforesaid this the day and year first in this certificate written.
              B. W. Smith   Clerk Probate Court
Page 13

To the Commissioner of Pensions.
State of Mississippi
Amite County
The undersigned administrator of the estate of Peggy Swearingen late of the state and county aforesaid deceased represents that Thomas Swearingen, who was a Sergeant of Cavalry in the South Carolina line in the War of the Revolution was Pensioned October 31st 1833, in the County of Amite, Mississippi, at the rate of ($180.) one hundred and eighty dollars per annum as will appear by his Certificate of that date numbered 22.431, and that he died in said county and state on the 3rd day of October 1837. leaving Peggy Swearingen his widow that said Peggy Swearingen was married to said Thomas Swearingen in the year 1788, or 1789, in the State of South Carolina, and by reason of said intermarriage at that state she became entitled to receive at death of her said husband, under the act and resolution of July 1849, to receive the same rate of Pension, and under former laws of Congress, which her said husband received as aforesaid (towit under act of 4th July 1836) and subsequent acts) but that the said Peggy Swearingen died on the 15th day of December 1850, without __ claiming the same, and indeed without being properly informed of her Rights. That the undersigned in behalf and for the benefit of the surviving children of said Peggy Swearingen claims the amount due her at her death, at the said rate of $180. per year from the 3rd day of October a837, the day of the death of the said Thomas Swearingen to the 15th day of December 1850, the day of the death of the said Peggy Swearingen.
Sworn to before me 17th day of March 1851 - and I believe the statement to be true as above.  R. M. Neilson J.P.  (seal)
       Van Swearingen
        Administrator of Peggy Swearingen

On this 17th day of March 1851, personally came before me George F. Webb, and made oath that he believes the foregoing statement to be true, witness my hand the day and year  aforesaid.       R.M. Neilson
                       J. P.  (seal)
Page 14

The State of Mississippi
Amite County

I Bartlett W. Smith Clerk of the Probate Court in and for the County of Amite and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Richard M. Neilsen whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate and attestation is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified and commissioned accd that all office in the prescribed are and ought to be Entitled to full faith and order in Dedicature and thereout

Given under my hand and the seal of said court this 25th day of March A.D. 1851.
      B.W. Smith Clk.
Page 15

Mrs. John Harbour McBee
1201 River Road
Greenwood, Mississippi.

BA-J/ILL
Thomas Swearingen
W. 6113

Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 6113, based upon service of Thomas Swearingen in the Revolutionary War.
Thomas Swearingen was born May 13, 1761 in Edgecomb County, North Carolina; the names of his parents were not given. He resided in Edgefield District, South Carolina, at the time he
entered service in the Revolutionary War. His brothers, John and Van Swearingen, were in service with him a part of the time.
Thomas Swearingen volunteered in April 1776 or 1777, and served three months as sergeant in Captain Arthur Simpkins' [Simkins] company (of which company John Swearingen, Thomas' brother was lieutenant), under Colonel Purves [John Purvis] in the South Carolina troops, stationed near Augusta, Georgia. About Christmas 1778, he enlisted, served as sergeant in Captain Benjamin Hacher's [Hatcher] company of mounted horsemen, under Colonel LeRoy Hammond, was stationed on Liberty Hill, opposite Augusta, at the time of the defeat of Colonel Ashe;  Thomas' brother, Van, was
lieutenant of said company. After the evacuation of Augusta by the British, Thomas Swearingen served with attachment under Colonel McIntosh, went in pursuit of the enemy, overtook their guard and assisted
in capturing a number of officers and men also, rescued some Whigs who were to be hanged. After a few weeks, he joined the army under General [Benjamin] Lincoln and was in the battle of Stono [Ferry] in the fall of 1779, he served three months at Sister's Ferry on the Savannah River. In the fall of 1780, he enlisted and served as sergeant in Captain Hacher's South Carolina company and was in the attack on Colonel Browne, the notorious Tory leader, during which he (Thomas Swearingen) received severe
wounds on his face and head, also had his hat riddled with gun shots. He volunteered in the spring of 1781, served in Captain John Ryan's
company under Colonel John Carter against the Tories, and was in many skirmishes and made hairbreadth escapes. His entire service amounted to
Page 16

at least two years as sergeant.
Thomas Swearingen continued to reside in Edgefield District, South Carolina, until 1811, moved to Warren County, Mississippi Territory, remained one year, then moved to Amite County, in said
Territory.
He was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on his application executed July 15, 1832, at which time he resided in Smithdale, Amite County, Mississippi. He died in that county October 3, 1837.
Thomas Swearingen married early in 1788 or 1789, in Edgefield District, South Carolina, Peggy Bettis; her age and the names of her parents were not given. Peggy Swearingen, this soldier's widow, died
December 15, 1850 in Amite County, Mississippi.
gen, of Amite County, Mississippi.
In March 1851, the names of the surviving children of Thomas Swearingen and his wife, Peggy, were listed as follow:  Van F. Swearingen, of Amite County, Mississippi, administrator of his mother's
estate; Elwina Cotton, the wife of Willis Cotton; and Maria Cunningham, the wife of Aaron P. Cunningham.
Van F. Swearingen, the son noted above, applied March 17, 1851, for the pension which was due his mother at the time of her death on account of service of Thomas Swearingen in the Revolutionary War. He applied in behalf of himself and the other two heirs named above. Pension was allowed.
In 1851, one Luvisa Gates or Gattes resided in Amite County, Mississippi; she stated that she had been acquainted with Thomas Swearingen and his wife Polly ever since the time of their marriage,
but did not state any relationship to either party.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
2.
Page 17

8975
Mississippi - J

Peggy Swearingen dcd
widow of Thomas
who was a Sgt of Cavy
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 180 Dollars _ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued
the _____ day of _____
and sent to  ____
---------------------------
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June
17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book  A
Vol.  2 - Page 224
Page 18

No 14.294
Peggy Swearingen, dcd
widow of Thomas,
Mi.
Act 7 July 1838
Married 1789
Hus'd died 3 Oct 1837
Adm 2 yrs Sgt. of Cav'y
$180. per annum
Comg 3" Oct 1837,
& end'g 15 Dec 1850,
of  acts
38
44 & 44
48
Payable to
Van F. Swearingen
Administrator for the benefit of
Elmina Cotton
Maria Cunningham &
Van F. Swearingen
only surviving children
V. Ellis
Present
Page 19

Peggy Swearingen 
Adm.
Act 7 July 1838
Mississippi
Tho Swearingen her husband who was a pensioner, died 3d Oct 1837. & she died 15 Dec 1850.
Married 1788 or 89.
Apl 8/57
V. Ellis  Atty
Present
Cole
Page 20

11.078
Mississippi - Jackson
--------------------
Peggy Swearingen dcd
Widow of Thomas
who was a pensioner under the Act of ___
and who died on the 3 Oct. 1837
of_____ in the State of _____
who was a Sgt. or Cav'y in the _____
commanded by Captain _____ of the
_____ commanded by ______ in
the So. Carolina line for 2 years
-----------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Mississippi
at the rate of 180 Dollars _____
Cents per annum, to commence on the (Crossed out - 4th day of March, 1836)
3 Octo. 1837 & Ending
4 March 1841
------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of
April 1851 and sent to
V. Ellis, Present
---------------------
Total amount, $_____

[Act July 7, 1838.]
 recorded by R.M. Rae   Clerk,
Book D.   Vol 1   Page 521
Page 21

Vespasian Ellis Esq
Letter
Page 22

Liberty March 25th 1851.

Vespasian Ellis Esqr

Dear Sir
Enclosed you will please find the Declaration
of the Executor of Thomas Swearingen and the administrator of Peggy Swearingen for arears 
of Pension. All the Proof you wrote for you will find made out according to your forms. The proof of the death of the two claimants is complete, I proved the said and which both Thomas & Peggy Swearingen died, by friends who were present at their deaths. The marriage
of Thomas & Peggy Swearingen is proven by a witness who has been in the family ever since 1781 or 1782, but of course does not know
the exact day of the marriage, but testifies that she knows that they were married as early as 1788 or 1789. The family records have been
examined and compared with the proof with the exception of the date of Marriage that has been torn out, or rather worn out by the mutations of time. I send these documents to you believing that they are complete, but should you require other proof write to me and it will be forwarded to you, if possible to be had. Let me hear from you on the receipt of those claims and have me informed whither or not any thing else is required.
Very Respectfully yours &c
Geo. F. Webb
Washington Apl 8/5 I know Mr. Webb to be a lawyer of high character & reputation
Vespasian Ellis
Page 23

Jul
Smithdale,  Mi.
July 22. 1855
Aug 10.
Mississippi
26.516
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Pension Office, War Department
Washington D.C.
Page 24

Mr. Swearingen requests that any communications to him on the subject of his application should be directed to Smithdale, Amite County Miss'i

3 Sep
6    "     Cav
3    "     "
6    "     "
Page 25

Feb. 5th       22.432
Thomas Swearingen
Mississippi

Adm. 2 years as Sgt of Cavalry 

Claimant

Save the date
Amite County
Miss
Page 26

State of Mississippi
Franklin County 
 On this 22 day of March A.D. 1851, Personally appeared before me F. J. Whitley a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State aforesaid Luisa Gates, a resident of said County and State, who being duly sworn according to Law, declares that she was well acquainted with Thomas Swearingen late of Amite County and State aforesaid, deceased, who was a revolutionary Soldier and pensioner and his wife Peggy Swearingen now also deceased. That she knows them well as early as 1788, in the State of South Carolina Edgefield District. That she knows them the said Thomas Swearingen, and Peggy Swearingen his wife to have been married as early as the year 1789. That she has known them intimately, for the last Sixty or sixty five years, which acquaintance commenced about the time of their marriage which was solemnized in said State of South Carolina about the time above
set forth, That the name of said Peggy Swearingen before her marriage with the said Thomas Swearingen was Peggy Bettis ----. That said Thomas Swearingen and Perry Swearingen continued to live together and cohabit as man and wife from that date, say 1788, 1789, until about the 3rd day of October 1837, at which time the said Thomas Swearingen departed this life in the County of Amite and State aforesaid. That the said Perry Swearingen was left his widow and to remain the widow of the said Thomas Swearingen from the said 3rd day of October 1837 until about the 15th day of December 1850, on which day she departed this life, having remained the widow of the said Thomas Swearingen deceased for the span of more than thirteen years from the death of the said Thomas Swearingen until her death which
was on the day or about the day above stated, say 15th day of December 1850. That said Thomas Swearingen and Peggy Swearingen have living at this time only three of their children viz: Elwina Cotton wife of one Willis Cotton, Maria Cunningham wife of one
Aaron P. Cunningham and Thos F. Swearingen. The above facts are known to this affiant personally.
Lervisa Gattes
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
22nd day of March A.D. 1851.
F. J. Whitley
J.P. Seal
-
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The State of Mississippi 
Franklin County
I John P Stewart Clerk of the Probate Court of the County of Franklin State of Mississippi hereby certify that Fielding J Whitley whose genuine signature appears to the within signature was on the day of the
date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that all his official acts in the premises are entitled to full faith and credit in Judicature and without, and that the testimony of said witness is entitled to full credit.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and official seal at Meadville Cty. the
twenty second day of March in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one
Jno. P. Stewart Clerk
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
-----------
File No. 6113
Peggy Swearingen
Wid.
Thos Swearingen
Sergt, Rev. War
--------------------
Act: Feby, 2nd /48
Index: --Vol. A, Page 257
[Arrangement of 1870.]

140- Mar.15. Hist. to Mr. John H. McBee
See letter in Rev. Robt. Ferguson -
N. 7262 - ILL
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would be hung because I had refused to take British protection. One of them who had been my playmate, shot me several times in the neck with powder.  He happened to have a keg of Brandy from the used which he became much intoxicated which Swearinger also affected until he escaped Soon after his "playmate" who
burnt him in the neck by shooting powder, fell into his hands, & who he determined to
to kill & gave the "feller' several Severe Sword cuts, but being softened by the cries for mercy Spared his life, & now have the consolation of knowing that I never have deprived a human being of life unless he has done so in the 4 battles in which he has been engaged - As character of the time he mentions that while
Serving as a Ranger & following some Tories who had stolen some horses, into the
Settlement where it was supposed they lived, his party disbursed into the neighborhood
to make discoveries. - During the night as he & a comrade were watching a house a tremendous thunder Storm came on & as they had seen no men about the premises, both
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took shelter within - In a short time while both were Sitting Silently by the door they saw the Muzzles of 5 guns thrust in. His comrade without uttering a word fired into the midst of them-- Startled by the reception the enemy fell back & the 2 Whigs Sprung out of the house & aided by the darkness of the night made their escape.
On another occasion receiving intelligence from 2 small boys at the house where he & others were informed that 2 men in the morning had taken a quantity of cotton yarn which the family had shorn for making clothes. Being exasperated, when the half naked & half famished children, at the outrage, that a search for the perpetrators was determined upon in order to punish them. They were found & identified by the children & both at the end of the same Halter elevated to the same limb of a tree. He died in Amite Co. Dec. 3, 1837. 
He married in Edgefield Dist S.C.  Peggy Betis in 1788 or 9 - She died Dec. 15, 1850
In Mch 1851 only 3 child living Elvina M.: Willis Cotton;, Maria M: Aaron Cunningham;
& Van T. Swearingen
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In accordance with your request of 5th inst. for information of Thomas, Van, Richard Fred'k John, Elias & Bowling Swearingen who served in the war of the Revy. the following is furnished from the declaration for a pension of Thomas & Rich'd Swearingen the only name found as applicants on the records of this office. Thomas in his declaration mentions that his service at one time was in a Co of which his brother John was a Lt. & at another time his brother Van  was Lt. of another Compy to which he belonged. It is very probable that the other parties named in your letter did not Survive the passage of a law under which they would be entitled. In the index of Casualities of the NC Cont. Reg't. is found the name of Van Swearingen ref. Enlisted papers of, as a Private
in Capt Hams Co.  in 4th Regt (Col. Thos Polk probably & time out Oct 31, 1777 which appears to be the same Regt that
Richard C Swearingen Served in at Phila.
It may be useful you to be informed that a Van Swearingen born in Md moved to Penn before the war but enlisted in a Md regt actg as Lt but obtained no confn - his father lived in Western Pa removed to Ky. Another Van S. (crossed out - Born in P) was an officer in Pen [illegible] did Soon after the close of the war & his widow remd & moved to Ohio
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A shield shaped stamp - [illegible]
Jan 15 1866
[illegible]
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Thomas Swearingen
In July 1833 he was living in Amite Co Miss'pi, P. O. Address Southdale. 
He was born in Edgecomb Co N.C. May 13. 1761 - During the Revy war he was livingin Edgefield District S.C. & in 1811 removed to Warren Co Miss'pi remaining but one year, then Settled in Amite Co Same State (his Marriage) In April 1777 he volunteered in the Compy commd by Capt  Arthur Simpkins of which his brother John Swearinger was Lieutenant & was appd Sgt of attached to the regt of Colo. Purvis in Gen Andrew Williamson Command, that assembled Near Augusta, Geo, the Soldiers from both states aggregating 2,000 men, the Main object was to attack the Tories who had fortified themselves on St Marys river under the Tory Colo. Brown, but on the approach of the Whigs, the enemy retreated to Augusta - He with his Co. returned to Edgefield Dist & where discharged in a body. About Christmas in 1778 he volunteered as a horseman of Mounted Soldiers for 6 mos his brother Van Swearingen was Lieut & joined the Comd of Colo. La Roy Hammond which assembled at Liberty Hill opposite Augusta, Geo, where remaining for a short time after the defeat of Colo. Ashe at Brier Creek (Mch 3, 1779) when the British having evacuated Augusta, he with 200 other under Colo. Hammond, were detailed to the Comd. of
Colo. McIntosh to pursue the Enemy, overtook their guard, Killing of & Capturing 2 officers & 11 men, besides receiving several Whig prisoners who had been Sentenced to be hung the same day - Returning to their encampment it was broken up & the troops marched down the river unto the Corner Settlement of S.C. in
order to protect the inhabitants from the plundering incursions of the Tories - in a few weeks, he joined the army of Genl. Lincolns at Bacon's Bridge, who, in making the
disposition of his force for the attack on the Enemy at Stono, desired place the mounted men under Comd. of Count Pulaski, which was opposed by Cavalry Officers on account of the findings of Pulaski's for harsh & desperate enterprizes - Swearingen was in a detachment ordered to reconnoiter the Brittish Port for the purpose of drawing the enemy out which was affected to being on the battle of Stono (June 20, 1779) In the fall of 1779 he was stationed 3 mos. at Sisters Ferry on Savannah river. Mainly employed in patrolling from Perryburg to  Parachickla. In the fall of 1780 he volunteered as Sgt horseman under Capt Hacker [Benjamin Hatcher] & Col Leroy Hammond for 6 mos., joining the army at Liberty Hill opposite Augusta which place the notorious Tory Colo. Brown was fortifying & also at Grayson just about the former town. The Whigs determined to storm the fort at Grayson, by preparing a breast work composed of beef hides filled with sand, mounted on wheels & as it arrived near the fort the Tories abandoned the place with the intention of joining Colo. Brown but their retreat was cut off by the cavalry thereby, all killed
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The Americans then beseiged the fort Col Brown was in comd & Swearingen Voluntered as a rifleman in the division of Colo. Lee of Va. which was to attack the works on the upper side & alter after an arduous & tedious Seige the enemy surrendered but Colo. Brown who had been wounded escaped - During this serge a ball passed through the port hole, Struck the cock of his gun, the fragments of which inflicted Severe wounds on his face & head, rendering him [illegible] for a time. Several Tories were also captured, during the Siege & three of them condemned to be hung - one of them was pardoned on conditioned that he would hang
the other two. While tying the rope to the necks of the condemned men a Cannon ball from the fort & the only one fired, at that time. Struck him literally tearing him to pieces.
In the Spring of 1781 he joined a voluntary association of some 200 or more, collected & organized by a Colo. John Carter & Capt John Ryan, the latter having returned from a long
confinement in Charleston S.C.. The object being to protect themselves & their neighbors
from the persistent attack & depredations of the Tories by scouting thru the Surrounding Country. During the service to the end of the war he had numerous encounters with the
Tories & have breadth escapes from death. In War Marches he frequently met those who had been reduced to extreme poverty, others made widows & orphans by the ruthless plunder & murderers, & often saw Neighbors who had been playmates opposed to each other in conflicts, who shed each others blood or received a fatal wound or blow.
During one of the intervals between his tours he was surprised by a party who had taken British protection & some Tories under the Command of a man who had previously been Lt under whom Swearingen had served. After treating him quite roughly the Lt said "the boot was on t'other leg now" & that I would
be hung-
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March 15, 1940.

Mrs. John Harbour McBee
1201 River Road
Greenwood, Mississippi.

BA-J/ILL.
Robert Ferguson - see letter
W. 7262
Thomas Swearingen
W. 6113

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Robert Ferguson, of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and Thomas Swearingen who served from South Carolina and resided in Amite County, Mississippi, in 1831.
The records of these two pensioners are furnished you herewith from pension claims- Robert Ferguson, W. 7262, and
Thomas Swearingen, W. 6113.

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
@ the Administrator.