Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18144, for Jethro O'Sheals, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE                                      Number
S.C.             O'Sheals, Jethro S..18144
                   O'Shields   carded
Page 2

South Carolina 
Jethro Osheal
of Spartanburgh Dist the State of [illegible]
who was a private[illegible]
by Captain Jackson at [illegible]
by Col.Grandon with S.Ca[illegible]
[illegible] 62 more private
[illegible] 181

I ascribed on the Roll of S. Carolina 
at the [illegible] of 40 Dollars__Cents per mont
to commence on the last day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day Aug of a [illegible]1837, and sent to pension[illegible]
Smith Stor, Spartanburgh S.C. [illegible]
[illegible] to the last of March '37=$240 [illegible] owance ending 4 Sept."    20 [illegible]
[illegible] all$260.00
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832
Recordeed by S.A. Elliot Clerk,
Book E Vol.6 Page 76
Page 3

20828
Jethro OShiel
Spartanburg Dist
S Ca

Admd 12 in[?] private
$40 per ann - 
SoC State troops
Col Brandon
Capt Jackson

Hon W. K. Clowney
H.R.

2 [?]
Page 4

1
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 shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
Statement shewing the Service of Jethro OShiel

Period when the service was rendered
Spring 1777 - 1778 and 1778 - 1779
Time of service not stated 1781
Spring 1781 he thinks about [?]

Duration of the Claimant's service
Months 6
Years 2
Years 1 Months 6

Rank
Private

Names and Rank of the Company officers
under whom he served
Jackson
Capt Blassingame
Capt Wofford

Names and Rank of the General and
Field officers
Col Brandon
Col Brandon
Genl Morgan
Col Robuck
Col Bilg[?]
Genl Pickens

Battles in which the applicant
was engaged
Cowpens

Country through which he marched
March to Georgia
March to Spartanburg
to Pacolet River
to Spartanburg[?]
W Carolina with prisoners

Place of abode when he entered the
service, and age at the present period.
69 years
Union District S Car

Evidence by which the declaration
is supported
By living witnesses

The deponent states
"That he was at the different times
he was in the army [?] [?] [?]
in the service of the United States"

22+32=54
54+15=69

I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "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
County of
day of } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], 
with [blank]and
served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank]
line under the following 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 enered 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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court

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

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

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank]
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
[blank], who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank]
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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 [blank]
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank]
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.

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

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; 
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of 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 his declaration (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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8
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} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer} Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that 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 certficate 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 transmit such evidence as they can procure, 
taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and 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. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c, A. B. who, being duly sworn, 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 [?] [?] 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 indispensible.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i} The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public 
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the 
papers

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the 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 on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well 
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, 
and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

note applies to continental troops only.
The notes from [a] to [i] to are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
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.

The applicant must specify his service as pointed out above
underscored in red ink & state the value of his service
he must also relinquish all other claims
Page 7

Jethro OSheals

Spartanburgh

Jethro Osheals
Application for pension

20888

Spartanburgh
South Carolina

Hon W.K. Clowney
Page 8

State of South Carolina
Spartanburgh District
On this 27th day of September personally
appeared in open court
being the Court of Sessions and Common Pleas for the
District of Spartanburgh & now sitting Jethro Oshiels
a resident of Spartanburgh District aged Sixty nine
years who being first duly sworn according to law make
the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit 
of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
that he entered the service of the United States under
the following named officers & served as is herein
stated.
He entered the service of the United States in South Carolina Union District as a substitute
for Joseph Breed in the spring of 1777 or 78 under
the command of Lieut James Jackson & was
marched into Laurens District where he joined
the regiment commanded by Col Thomas Brandon
in the Battallion commanded by Majr William
Fair & marched through Edgefield District by
Liberty hill where they met Col Williamsons
regiment & with that regiment into Augusta
Georgia; from thence on to sh[?] creek beyond
Augusta, where they remained the most of the
time during the remainder of six months,
the expiration of which time[?] he was dismissed
& returned home where he remained about [?]
months when he entered the service again as a
volunteer in August 1778 or 79 under Capt Thomas
Blasssingame & was marched into the edge of
Spartanburgh District where they met a party
of Tories & had a small skirmish & defeated them; he
was marched from thence to Smith's ford on Broad
River in Union district where they joined Genl
Page 9

Morgan's army in the regiment commanded by
Capn. Thomas Brandon - Majr. Joseph Mc Jenkin's 
battalion in the company commanded by Capt. John
Thomson 1st Lieut. Lattimore from thence he
was marched with Morgan's army to the Grindle 
Shoals on Pacolet River where Morgan halted &
remained two or three months during which
he marched with a detachment under
the command of Col. [struck out] 
commanded by Capt . Thomas Blassingame in the 
direction of ninety six, in pursuit of a party of
Tories under the command of Majr. Lantrip; they
met the party of Tories in Laurens District had
an engagement in which they defeated Majr. Lantrip ; he then returned under the same officers
to the army at Grindle Shoals where he remained
until Genl. Morgan received intelligence
that the British army under the command of
Colonel Tarlton was advancing on him the army under
General Morgan retired to the Cowpens in Spartanburg
District where the army was halted and prepared for battle
which commenced on the morning of the 18 January 1781
he then went as one of the guards with the prisoners to
to Salisbury North Carolina he then returned to
South Carolina Union District he then moved to Spartanburg District when he went out under the 
command of Colonel Kilgore against a party of Indians at
Gowen's Fort in Spartanburgh District and pursued them
to their town and destroyed them all  ( see annexed sheet ) And I ,this applicant is
confident that he was at the different times he was in the 
army exceeding two years in the service of the United
States
Ans. 1. Born in North Carolina about the year 176[?]
Ans. 2. There is a true register of my age in a family
bible that belonged to my father which is now in
in the possession of my brother in law John Loncart
Page 10

Ans. 3rd. Was living in Union District So. Ca. and removed to Spartansburgh about the time of Tarleton's defeat at the Cowpens where I now live & have lived ever since the revolutionary war. Ans. 4. I entered the service  first as a substitute , and afterwards  as a volunteer , as stated in the declaration . Ans. 5th . See declaration for this answer , in addition to which may be added Col. Washington & Col. Howard. Ans. 6. Never received any discharge. Ans. 7. In support of my declaration , and for my character as a man of veracity  I refer to  Absalom Thomson and John O'Sheals , Samuel Smith  & William Smith who were with me in the service, and to  William Smith who is my neighbor  & well acquainted with my character. Sworn to in open Court . Jethro O'Sheals ( his mark X ) Jno B. Neall ( signed ) Pres Judge. [ State of South Carolina Spartansburg District ] I, Absalom Thomson residing in the District of Greenville in the State aforesaid  hereby certify that I am well acquainted with  Jethro O'Sheals  who has subscribed and sworn to the  above declaration  , and that I knew him in the service of the United States  as a soldier in two expeditions against the Indians, 1st under the command of Kilgore & White Cols. , and 2nd under Genl. Pickens , that I believe him to be  sixty nine years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & I concur in that opinion. Sworn  & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. Abs. Thomson ( signed ) John Wells ( signed ) J.P.
Page 11

State of South Carolina
Spartanburg District
I Samuel Smith residing in the District of Spartanburg in the state aforesaid hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Jethro O'Sheals who has subscribed & and sworn to the above declaration; that I believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that I knew him in the service of his country at the battle of the Cowpens under Genl. Morgan that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & I concur in the opinion.
Sworn to & subscribed
the day & year aforesaid
[illegible] 
Judge
Saml. Smith

State of South Carolina 
Spartanburg District
I William Smith residing in Spartanburg District in the state aforesaid hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jethro O'Sheal; that I believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that he reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & I concur in the opinion.
Sworn to & subscribed the
day and year aforesaid
[illegible]
Pres Judge
Wm. Smith
Page 12

And the court do hereby [illegible] their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interred tories inscribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier as he states. And the Court further certifies that appears to the that ["Absalom Thomas" crossed out], Samuel Smith & William Smith who have signed the preceding certificates are residents of Spartanburg District & that Absalom Thomasson is a resident of Greenville District & that they are credible persons & that these statements are entitled credit 
[illegible]
Presiding Judge

I Eliha Bomar clerk of the court of the sessions & commons pleas in & for the District of Spartanburg do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original ["proceedings" crossed off] of the said court in the matter of the application of Jethro O'Sheal for a pension-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 19th day of October 1832. -
E. Bomars
CCK.

[found on the bottom half of the page]
1112
1778
1754
Page 13

18144
INVALID.
File No. 18144
Jethro OSheals
Pri Rev War
Act: Jne 7 32
Index:- Vol. 1, Page 283
Arrangement of 1870
Page 14

War Department
Pension Office
August 30 1834

Sir:
I have examined the declaration of Jethro O'Sheals and herewith return the same as being unsatisfactory. Three months only being the usual militia tours, and allegation for a much longer period requires explanations, He will State distinctly whether he was during the whole time thus claimed, in ["Actual" underlined] Service, from home in a regularly embodied Corps, called into Service by competent authority, and minutes, detail all facts within his recollection respecting the service. In all such cases as this we require other proof than the declarants own statement.
Applicants can proclaim the Testimony of credible witnesses a pension cannot be granted.
[illegible] Respectfully
[illegible]
J L Edwards

E. Boman Esqr.
Spartanburgh C.H.
So. Ccl.
Page 15

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office
December 4th, 1839.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Jethro O'Sheal, a Pensioner on the Roll of the S. Carolina Agency, at the rate of Forty Dollars and [left blank] Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department from the 4th of Sept., 1838, to the 4th March, 1839.
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 16

Treasury Department
Third Auditor's Office
Nov. 2nd. 1833.

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 30th ultimo, enclosing the original papers in the case of Jethro O'Sheals, South Carolina Roll, Act 7 June 1832, at the rate of $40.00 per annum, I have to inform you that he has been paid to the 4th of September 1846. The papers are herewith returned.
Very Respectfully
[illegible]
Auditr

J. Minot Esq
Commr. of Pensions.
Page 17

Jan 26
W
Jethro O'Sheal
S.C. 1832
Copy Papers
[illegible] 26. 1838.
Hm WK Clowney
War

W L Edwards
Comr. ["of" crossed out] Pensions
Page 18

House of Rep. Jany 24 1837

Sir
Please to furnish me with a copy of all the papers in the case of Mr. Jethro OSheal of Spartanburg Dist S. Carolina plying for a pension under the act of June 1832 - If convenient I would be glad to receive the papers by Monday next, the 29th just.
Yours H
W. K. Clowney
Page 19

Treasury Department
Third Auditor's Office
October 19th 1833

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 13rd, May, I have to inform you that, according to the papers transmitted therewith, information is asked of Jethro Oshael & not of John Osheals whose papers are herewith returned. Please state of which the information is required.
Very Respectfully,
your obt. serv.
[illegible]
Andi An.

J. Minot Esq
Comm. of Pensions.
Page 20

Mr. J. L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions ( vertical notes ) ( In ab  Feb 16 Copy Jethro O'Sheals ) ( Hon. W. Clowney HR )
Page 21

House of Rep. Feby 16th 1838

Sir
A copy of all papers relating to the application of Jethro OSheals of Spartanburg District So Car, for a pension is now required to lay before the Committee on revolution any pensions - Please to favor me with a copy immediately if convenient
W. K. Clowney
Page 22

July 35th  1837 Sir, I have received your letter of the 6th July  informing me that you had received the certificate of the  Comptroller  showing a part of my  revolutionary services etc.  And I now  through my friend proceed to answer your letter . I think you are in error  when you say the Comptroller's certificate which I forwarded you proves only 8 days service, you must have based your information upon the starting amount in the certificate, and not upon the  Lbs 4 Currency. Now if I am not deceived the troops were paid off in the currency of the country , at its  nominal value without making any allowance for depreciation . If so, you will at once discover that the  Comptroller's certificate shows a much greater length of service that 8  days. But, if it did not, the amount of the Indents to be found in the Comptroller's office is by  no means conclusive as to the time of service or the amount of pay received for such service It only  shows the pay received for after the close of the war. The Legislature  having  issued these indents as payment  for such services as had not been paid during the  war. Now a soldier  may have served through the whole revolution and received his pay upon immediately after the service was performed. If so, no evidence can be found in the Comptroller's office of this State , or nay other offices so far as I have been able to ascertain, to prove such service or the  payment of it. A friend of mine has made strict examination and finds that all the recorded evidence of  revolutionary services in this State is the Indent books in the office of the Comptroller General  which books contain  only an account of Indents which were  paid by the Legislature after the close of the war, for the payment of such services as  had
Page 23

not been previously paid . Of this fact you could be fully satisfied by application  to the public officers of South Carolina. You say  there was  much service performed in South Carolina during the revolution , although  partaking in some measure of military neither authorized  nor recognized  as such by the State. Now Sir, if my recollection does not deceive me every man was called on by the Constituted authority  of the State to take up arms in defense of their Country , Nor am I aware of  a single instance where the State has refused to recognize  such service. On the contrary  I am informed that special acts of Legislature  have been passed recognizing  some of the most irregular service performed  during the war. Of this fact you can also be informed by applying to the source to which I have just above referred you . You say the Department may be warranted in  allowing a certificate for 28 months - I do not know the amount of evidence which your Department requires to establish a claim for the two years service. I would have been glad if you had informed me whether it must be proven by one, two or three  witnesses - If one is sufficient , my own  proven statement is in  your office. If you require two witnesses, you will find that in addition to my own proven statement. I have proved more that two years service by John O'Sheals, who is himself on the pension roll. You will also find by reference to my papers, that my own evidence and the evidence of John O'Sheals is sustained at  certain part by the evidence of Abs. Thomson , Saml. Smith and Majr. Wm. Smith , In addition to all of which
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you have the certificate of the Comptroller General . If it would be satisfactory  to your Department to have any evidence as to  my own or the credibility of John O'Sheals , I am prepared to furnish the most satisfactory and  conclusive  kind. Be so good as to inform me if such evidence would be of any service. I was stated in the instruction  of such  from the War Department , that in defect of other proof the  general regulation in a man[s neighborhood of his having been a revolutionary soldier  would be sufficient to entitle him to a pension , believing  I had much better proof  I  had not forwarded any of the kind just alluded to . If however such evidence  would be in the least satisfactory , and you will inform me  of  the same. I think  I can furnish you with the  united  testimony of the neighborhood where I live and have resided ever since the revolutionary war as to that fact. In conclusion as you say  that if I will accept a certificate for 12 months I must so inform the Department.  I cannot however imagine  will effect my saying  I would or would not accept  a certificate could have  upon  the actions of the war Department , having proved by my own oath  as well as oath of John O'Sheals a service of more that two years and being ready whenever required to furnish the most abundant proof of my own  as well as the credibility of John O'Sheals, I could not say that I would be satisfied with a certificate for 12 months  . You however are a public officer and  bound to decide upon every claim according to the proof presented
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and your decision  I perceive  be final , as I do not have any  tribunal to which I could appeal if disposed to  do so. If therefore my proof is sufficient  .. ( ink blur ) under the law of Congress and the rules and regulations of your Department to  .. ( ink blur )  a certificate for the two years  I shall be glad. If it should not be but only what the law requires to obtain a certificate for 12 months be it so. Having forwarded my claim to your office it is for you to determine  and ... ( ink smear ) such certificate as you may think  and proper. I must however  request that before passing finally upon my proof you would again examine it carefully, and having made such examinations I shall be   glad to be informed of your decision a soon as  made. I remain with great respect yours etc. Jethro O'Sheals ( signed )  Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City   N.B. Please direct your answers to  Smith's Store P.O. Spartansburgh District South Carolina . J. O'Sheals  ( signed )
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Honl J. L. Edwards
Commissioner Pensions
Page 27

June 12th 1837
Hon. J. L. Edwards
I received some time since your letter stating that in addition to the evidence which I have forwarded to the war department, of my revolutionary services, it would also be required of me to furnish evidence from the office of the Comptroller General of South Carolina of my having been a revolutionary soldier, being incompetent to attend to business of the kind myself it has been delayed thus long. And might have been longer had not a friend of mine made the examination in the office for me. It appears from the examination which has been made that  the record of only a small part of my services can be found. This can only be accounted for by the pensioners state of the books and papers of the pensioners office on regard to revolutionary services of this part & I presume must  be aware  I have engaged a friend to  write this letter for me and I herewith  forward the evidence of my services from the fall of Charleston together with the certificate of the Comptroller General in regard to the records of revolutionary services in his place. Be referring to the evidence heretofore forwarded you will see that I have proven more
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than two years service by John O'Sheals who is himself on the pension roll. By Majr. Wm. Smith  who is also on the pension roll as a Captain . I have proved myself to have been engaged for a considerable time in the revolution by Abs. Thompson , also a pensioner. I have proven a service during two tours against the Indians by Saml. Smith  I have also proven myself to have been in the revolution and that he saw me  in the battle of the Cowpens. These together with my own proven statement and the certificate from the office of the Comptroller General  I If you will examine  particularly   and let me know the results as soon as  your engagements will permit. If further evidence in support of  my own statement  such as my character for veracity  or the general notariety in my own  neighborhood of having been a revolutionary soldier, should be required be pleased to let me know
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and I can furnish such of the most satisfactory kind-
I Remain Respectfully
yours etc.
Jethro O'Sheals( signed ) 

P. S. Direct to me at Smith's Store  Spartanburgh District South Carolina
J. O.
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Calhoun, Georgia
October 12th 1845
L P. Waldo Esq
Sir I desire some information in relation to what time Jethro, O'Sheal, of Spartanburgh District South Carolina drew his last pension or in other words at what time he made his last draw from the pension office
The said Jethro O'Sheal was a Revolutionary soldier and died in the year 1846, about the last or end of that year there was some time before he died that he did not  draw at all, therefore there is coming to his heirs you will please give me some information concerning the amount that there is coming to said O'Sheal from the time he made this last draw up to December 1846 you will much oblige yours etc.
John A O'Sheal
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Jethro O'Sheals
Feb . . $3:00.
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[typed form, with hand written text]
[seal of the State of South Carolina]
THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

BY HIS EXCELLENCY.
Pierce M Butler Esq
Governor and Commander-in-Chief, in and over the State aforesaid.
To all to Whom these Presents Shall Come.
Know ye that William Laval is comptroller general of the State of South Carolina that John T. Seibel whose signature appears to the annexed certificate is his lawful deputy that his said certificate is in due form by the proper officer and his signature genuine

THEREFORE, All due Faith, Credit and authority is and ought to be had and given to his Proceedings and Certificates as such.

IN TESTIMONY WHEROF I have hereunto set my Hand, and caused to be affixed the Seal of the State, in the Town of Columbia the sixteenth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven and in the sixty four year of Independence of the United States of America.
THE GOVERNOR 
B. H. Saxon
Secretary of State

[left margin]
[seal]
P. M. Butler
Page 33

State of S. Carolina
To Jethro O'Shields (or O'Sheals)
For Militia duty in Roebucks Reg. since the fall of Charleston, [illegible]r. Anderson Return [illegible] to currency £4 or [illegible]. £-11.5

Comptrollers Office
Columbia 17 May 1837
I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the original account of Jethro O'Sheal for services performed in the War of the Revolution, as settled and filled in this office, and I further certify that many of the papers of this office are lost or mislaid and many of the names of persons, who served in the Revolution, are omitted in the General Index to Indents, by which a clue could be furnished to their accounts. - 
William  Laval Compt.
for
John J. Seibels
Page 34

[illegible]
After having returned from the expedition after the Indians this deponent [illegible] entered the service as a volunteer in the spring of 1781 in Capt. Joseph L Wilforks company May
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not engaged in any private business of him ["more" crossed out] or any civil pursuit whatever
Sworn to subscribed
before our June 18th. 1833
H. Q. Dean
Jethro O'Sheals

The State of South Carolina
Spartanburgh District
I Elisha [illegible]
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[ South Carolina Spartansburg District ] Personally appeared before me the subscribing Justice Mr. Hugh White and made oath that  Jethro O'Sheals  rendered services in the revolutionary war as a soldier in behalf of the Liberty cause this deponent lived near O'Sheals father  . My two brothers & J. O'Sheals  returned home frequently  or at certain times when they got discharged , and to  my certain knowledge he was absent at home . Said O'Sheals was a soldier throughout the revolutionary war. Sworn to this 28th day of October before me . & underlined before  signed.  Hugh White ( signed ) James Hamm ( signed / sealed I, James Hamm  one of the Justices of the Quorum for Spartansburg District do  certify that I am well acquainted with  Hugh White who has sworn & subscribed to the above declaration and believe him to be a man entitled to full faith & credit. Certified by me this 21st of January 1835. James Hamm ( signed / sealed ) QU
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[ State of South Carolina Spartansburgh District ] ss. I Elisha Bomar clerk of the Court of said District do hereby certify that James Hamm is now & was at the time of attesting the foregoing  affidavit & signing the foregoing  certificate a Magistrate as stated and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine to the best of my knowledge & belief. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 30th Jany 1835. E. Bomar ( signed )
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I, Joseph Wofford one of the Justices of the Quorum for  Spartansburg Dist. do certify that I am well acquainted with  John O'Sheals who hath sworn to and subscribed to the within declaration  . I believe him to be a man entitled to  the  strongest confidence . January 19th  1835.Joseph Wofford ( signed ) J.Q. [ State of South Carolina Spartansburgh District ] I, Elisha Bomar clerk of the Court of  Spartansburgh District do hereby certify that Joseph Wofford  & James Hamm  Esquires are now & was at the time the foregoing affidavits & certificates were made acting Magistrates in and for said District  duly authorized by law to administer  oaths and that I am acquainted with each of their hand writing and believe the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. Given under my hand  & the seal of office at Spartansburgh  Court House the 30th day of Jany 1835. E. Bomar ( signed ) clk
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[ State of South Carolina Spartansburgh District ] I , Elisha Bomar clerk of the Court of Sessions & Common Pleas in  & for the said District do hereby certify  that H. J. Dean is a Magistrate as above duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my  seal of office and subscribed my name the 23rd day of June 1834. E. Bomar ( signed ) Clk
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[ State of South Carolina Spartansburgh District ] As an amendment to his declaration for a pension Jethro O'Sheals  states on oath before the subscribing Justice that he entered the service of the United States as a militia man in the State of South Carolina  Union District  as a substitute  for Joseph Buck in the spring of 1777 for six months under the command of Lieut. S. Jackson of Col. Brandon's Regt. & was marched as stated in  the original declaration  until the expiration of the six months when he was discharged & returned home in the fall following  where he remained until sometime in August 1778  when he again  entered the service s a militia man , a volunteer for six months under Capt.  Blassingame , Majr. Farr's Batt.  Col. Brandon's Regt. was marched in to Laurens District where they had a skirmish with a party of Tories under the command of Cunningham of the bloody score & defeated them ; after having served out the six months he was marched back to Union District & discharged, got no written discharge. He immediately volunteered as a militia man  under Capt. John Thomson about the middle of Feby. 1779 in Majr. Mc Junkins  , Col. Brandon's Regt. for six months during which time he was marched about
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in Spartansburgh, Union & Laurens Districts after the Tories & had several night skirmishes with parties of the Tories, he served out  the term of his enlistment  & immediately volunteered under the same officers for six months  about the middle of August 1779 &  remained employed as in the other six months  until about the last of the fall or the first of the winter  when he was  marched to Smith's Ford on  Broad River  & joined  Genl. Morgan's camps & from  there to Grandle Shoals ion Pacolet River as stated in his original declaration  & served as in there stated until after the Battle of the Cowpens & went  as one of the guard with the prisoners into North Carolina, was discharged  & returned home about the middle of Feby .  having served out the term of his enlistment. Hen then  moved to Spartansburgh District  & served as is stated in the original &  amended declar.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension  roll of  any agency in any State. He further states he has no documentary evidence of his service. Sworn to & subscribed  before me  23rd June 1834. Jethro O'Sheals ( his mark X  ) H .J. Dean ( signed ) J.P.
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[ South Carolina Spartansburgh District ] Jethro O'Sheals  makes oath before me the  subscribing  Justice that during the  terms of service stated in his original  & amended declaration  he was in actual service in a regular embodied corps  called into service by competent authority. Sworn to & subscribed before me Jany . 19th 1835. Jethro O'Sheals ( his mark X ) Joseph Wofford ( signed ) J.Q.  [ State of South Carolina Spartansburgh District ] John O'Sheals makes oath before me the subscribing Justice that he  knew Jethro O'Sheals during the revolutionary war, that he was in service with him & Saml. Jackson  in Col. Brandon's  regt.  & knows that  Jethro O'Sheals rendered the service that he was in service with him under Majr. Farr , Col. Brandon's Regt. in the company commanded by Capt. Thos. Blassingame in the skirmish with the Tories in Laurens District  the  Tories were commanded by  Lantrip who was defeated bur next morning  Cunningham  came & the Americans had to retreat. They were then marched  & joined Morgan's army at Smith's Ford on Broad River & went under the command of
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Capt. John Thomson , Majr. Mc Junkin's Battalion , Col. Brandon's Regt. & was with him the said Jethro O'Sheals  in the  battle of the Cowpens  &  on to Salisbury N.C. & back under Capt. Thomaon  to So. Ca.  about Feby. or March   they moved to  Spartansburgh  & Jethro O'Sheals  went out under Col. Kilgore against the Indians  but this deponent was not with him. he was not with Jethro O'Sheals  in any other service but knows that he was out in service with  the exception   of part of one year when the said Jethro  remained at home trying to make a crop  but was  forced to leave his  crop in consequence of the bad treatment of the Tories. And this deponent further states that  he is certain Jethro O'Sheals was employed in actual service  at least between  two & three years in the American revolution. Sworn to  & subscribed before me  Jany 19th  1835. John O'Sheals ( his mark ) Joseph Wofford ( signed ) J.Q. I, James Hamm  Justice of the peace for Spartansburgh  District  do certify that I am  well acquainted with  Jethro O'Sheals who has sworn to & subscribed the above declaration   & believe him to be a man entitled to  the utmost confidence. Certify by me this 21st of January  1835. James Hamm ( signed ) J.Q.