Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3293, William Donnell, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

Service
N.C.
Donnell, William 

Number
S.3,293

Contents
carded
Page 2

19473
West Tennessee
William Donnell
of Maury Co in the State of WTenn who was a [illegible] in the co commanded by Captain Bell of the regt commanded by Col Martin in the N.C. line for 4 mos [illegible] 
9' Cavalry

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 30 Dollars 83 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Sept 1833 and [illegible]
McClain Lebanon
Arrears to the 4th Sept
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 
127.07
25.41
152.48

Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk, Book E Vol. 7 Page 76
Page 3

Letter to [illegible] 1844
Duplicate certificate issued 30. April 1845, and sent to Pensioner Lebanon. Tenn. 
Letter to Pen Agent, 9 June '45
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
State of Tennessee
Wilson County } S.
On this 28th day of Sept - 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said Count of Wilson, now sitting, William Donnell a resident of Wilson County and State of Tennessee aged 72 years since the 26th April last, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath make the follow-ing declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the united States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.-
The Regiment to which he belonged was raised in Guilford county North Carolina commanded by Col. James Martin Col Commandant-John Paisley Sient. Col + Major Blair Towns- he entered the Militia Service under a draft in August 1776, day of the month not recollected, for the term of three months, in the Company commanded by Capt. Robt. Bell of Gilford, which was the County of this applicants residence- mustered in service at Guilford Courthouse No. Carolina; from there marched on an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, passing through Salisbury to the Catawba River then on up to the head [illegible] crossing French Broad River at the mouth of Swannano- then on to the Tennessee River crossing it at an Indian town, then on to Hiwassee River - was not in any general engagement but was in several skirmishes - Genl. Griffeth Rutherford commanding the North Carolina Troops - after the term of service expired [illegible] dis-charged and went home. 
The next service rendered the United States was upon a tour under Capt. Danl. Gillespie >(as a volunteer) against the Tories in the Mountains on the head of Yad-kin River in the State of Virginia: Capt. Gillespie was the highest officer in command at this tour, which continued one month.-Cannot now recollect with certainty whether this service was in the year 1777 or 1778. 
[illegible] a volunteer >after the above tour was performed in the Company commanded by Capt. Gillespie until the termination of the War, and was out on frequent excursions against the Tories in Randolph County, North Carolina; It would be impossible with him to state with anything like certainty the length of time he was in the actual service of the United States, but feels authorized to state from his best recollection to state that he service at least 12 months altogether in this last mentioned service for he was called upon duty nearly as many as twenty times- and did not pretend to follow any other [illegible] >of consequence [illegible] this in court. During the time he belonged to Capt Gillespies Company of Volunteers, he was called upon by Col. John Gillespie who was waggon master to drive a waggon to [illegible] after salt for the army: he recollects that he left home on Christmas day in the year 1780 and returned home about the last of March making a term of service of three months- he served another tour of three months in the Raft Swamp in Wilming-ton expedition as it was called
Page 5

He has no documentary evidence to sustain this application. George Donnell + Charles Breden were his fellow soldiers, part of the time he was in the service of the United States and know that he was much engaged in the cause of Liberty- Besides these his fellow soldiers, he is well acquainted with, the Rev. W Levi R. Morrison + Jons C Smith all of whom can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.-
He continued his residence in Guilford County North Carolina 'till the year 1800 when he moved to Wilson County Tennessee where he has resided ever since-He was born 26th April 1760 according to his fathers family record of which he was a copy in his possession. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. 
William Donnell [illegible]
W Levi R Morrison - a clergyman residing in the county of Wilson and George Donnell + John C Smith residing in the same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Donnell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be seventy two years of age; and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to >have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we [illegible] that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Levi R Morrison
John C. Smith
George Donnell

And the Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the investigation prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a Revolution-ary Soldier and served as he states. and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Levi R. Morrison. - who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the County of Wilson, and that George Donnell + John C. Smith who has also signed the same is a resident of the said County and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.-
George Donnell who signed the above certificate is the same George Donnell refered to in the Declaration of the applicant as his fellow soldier + is entitled to full credit.
M Martin P.
Benjn Billings P
D.C Hibbitts B
Page 6

 Josiah S McClain Clerk of the Court of Pleas + Quarter Sessions in Wilson County, Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the [illegible] proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of William Donnell [illegible] for  apension.
In testimony whereof I have [illegible] sub-scribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office in [illegible] this 2nd day of October AD 1839
Josiah S McClain

Amended Declaration-
Tennessee
Wilson County} S.

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a justice of the peace for said County of Wilson in the state foresaid, William Donnell by reason old age, and consequent laps of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise lengths of his service, but according to the best of his recollections, he served not less than the periods mentioned before, + following grade- In 1776-commencing in August he beleives he served three months as a private- In 1777, [illegible] state which [illegible] month as a private soldier in the Yadkin expedition- he served three months as a private or waggoner in 1780+1781 having left home in December 1780 + returned home in March 1781 on a trip to Newbern after [illegible]. In this year (1781) he >[illegible] almost continually in public service as volunteer in the light horde commanded by Capt. Daniel Gillespie + when he did go home it was generally to [illegible] his home + get supplies of clothing He for himself, so that he did not pretend to follow any other [illegible] so that he believes he served not less than twelve months in the year including the month of December 1780- and [illegible] this is included a tour of three months  the raft swamp expedition he was a private during all this time.- and besides Charles Breden, George Donnell + James McAdow [illegible] he does not know of any living witnesses by whom he can prove his services - and these wit-nesses can only prove part of his service - and that he may not be misunder-stood he states he did not serve altogether less than sixteen months in all in the Revolutionary War + for which he claims a pension- The witness, George Donnell, has given a genral certificate with the Rev. Levi R. Morrison + John C. Smith, his original Declaration but at that time Charles Breden was sick and could not attend Court. [illegible] did suppose further testimony would have been required.- Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24th day of June 1833. 
William Donnell [illegible]
Jn F Doak J.P.
Page 7

State of Tennessee 
Wilson County }
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace for said County of Wilson, George Donnell + Charles Breden who being duly sworn, [illegible]; That they both a personal knowl-edge of the services of William Donnell Senr. as [illegible] forth in his original Declaration as to the first tour of duty against the Cherokee Indians- They also know that he was absent from home as a light house-man under Capt. Gillespie + that he served as a Waggoner in the public service during >[illegible] the Revolutionary War- Thinks he was kept pretty generally in service against the Tories, but cannot state the length of his service except the first Campaign of three months when they were both out in the service with him-
And James McAdow senr being also sworn >[illegible] that he has been well acquain-ted with William Donnell senr. from his boyhood up to the present time- that he has no distinct recollection of the services of said Wm Donnell senr in the campaign against the Indians-but has a personal knowledge of his services upon the expedition up the Yadkin + the services in the light house in part, for they were both together from the same County- he could not understake to state how long he served in the lighthouse; and he also recollects that he was said to be in the public service as a Waggoner in the Revolu-tionary War- for the said Donnell lost one of his waggon horses and I found his [illegible] he has no doubt whatever but that William Donnell senr has served as set forth in his original and amended Declarations-
Sworn to and subscribed before me me this 25th June 1833- And I do hereby certify that, George Donnell, Charles Breden + James McAdow senr a credible persons + their statement entitled to full confidence
Charles his Breden
mark
George Donnell
James MCadow[illegible]
Jn H Doak J.P.
State of Tennessee, I Josiah S McClain Clerk of the County Court of Wilson County do hereby certify that John H Doak [illegible] whose name is officially subscribed to the forgoin amended declaration and applicants in the matter of the application of William Donnell for a pension >upon acting Justice of the Peace in this county That his [illegible] there to are [illegible]. In testimony where of I have [illegible] set my hand and seal of office 25th of June 1833
J.S. McClain
Page 8

14,396 [illegible]
Wm. Donnell

June 1776 [illegible]
month
Pn July 4 mo. 13.33
Pn [illegible] 9m. 37.50
$50.83

50 83
30 83
25 41
127 07

JS McClain
[illegible]
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14,306
BRIEF in the case of Wm. Donnell
of Wilson Cy in the State of Tenn.
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 72
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Augt '76 | 3 months | As a private | Cpat. Bell = Col. Martin
'77 or '78 | 1 month | n | Capt Gillespie = no higher officer in command
After the above tour his termination of the war} | at least 12 months | " | [illegible]
he was called upon for duty as many as 30 times- he was with capt G-till end of the war. But he recollects definitely two tours each of 3 months-
5. In what battles was he engaged? None mentd. 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Guilford Cy N.C.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Tradition
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Right
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
Wm C. Easton Examining Clerk.
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Nashville Ten Jun 1
June 9 1845
Res [illegible] Wm Donnell

J. L. Edwards, [illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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Pension Office
Nashville Tenn:
May 31 1845.
Sir
The [illegible] of William Donnell, a Pensioner for Act 7 June 1832, Stands on the roll of this Agency at the rate of Fifty doll-ars and Eighty cents per Annum. His Pension Certificate, [illegible] only allows him Fifty dollars per annum
Very Respectfully
tour Obedient Servant
J.M Smith
Pen: Agent

J.L. Edwards, [illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 12

Aplacation for a new certificate
State of Tennessee
Count of Wilson } S
on this 16 day of April 1845 before me the [illegible] a Justice of the peace for the said County of Wilson personally appeared William Donnell who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formeley belonged to the company commidaded by Captain Robert Bell. Lieutenant Reavs Porter in the Regment commanded by James Martin. Collonel commanded and John Paisley Lieutenant Collonel in the serves of the united States; that his name was plased on the Pension role of the State of Tennessee that he received a certificate of that face under the signature and Seal of the secretary of War Which certificate he used and drew his pension from the penson agant for paying pensons in [illegible] Tennessee up to the 4th of MArch 1844 that said certificate had [illegible] much [illegible] and broken at the fold, and sence he last drew a small fraction of the certificate having ben lost or unintentonally mislaid the balance was enclosed to the War department where he suposes it now is and to which referance is mad for the truth of this Statement
Sworn to and subscribed this day and date above before me 
William Donnell
J W Alexandr Justice of the Peas
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State of Tennessee Wilson County
be it known that on this 16 day of April 1845 before the subscriber a Justis of the peas in and for said County personaly appeard Edmund Oliver with whom I am pesonally acquanted and being dewley sown deposett and says tat he is well acquanted with the above named William Donnell and knowes him to be the identical person named in the forgoing [illegible] to which his signature is a [illegible] and I the said Justice of hte peace do certify that the said Edmund Olive is a man of [illegible] verasity and the truth his statement is entitled to full credit
Sworn to and subscribed to before me this day and year above mentioned
Edmund Oliver
J. W. Alexandr Justic of the peace
State of Tennessee Wilson County
I Josiah S McClain clerk of the County Court of said Wilson County hereby certify that John Alexander is an acting Justice of the Peace said County as above and that the foregoing signature [illegible] this are genuine In [illegible] whereof I have [illegible] set me hand and affixed my seal of office, this 16th day of April 1845
J. J. McClain clerk of the County Court of Wilson County
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Lebanon Ten. Jun 30
Tenn July
FREE
Honble J L Edwards
Comsr of PEnsions 
Washington City
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Lebanon Ten. Jun 30
Tenn July
FREE
Honble J L Edwards
Comsr of PEnsions 
Washington City
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S Parks P.O.
Wilson Cty. Tenn
Dec 2 44
Novr 28th 
[illegible] 
J.L. Edwards [illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
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S Parks P.O.
Wilson Cty. Tenn
Dec 2 44
Novr 28th 
[illegible] 
J.L. Edwards [illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
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Nov. 15, 1844
Wilson County Tennessee. Lebanon, Post office
J L Edwards [illegible]
It becomes necessary for me to have my certificate which authorises me to draw a pension revived. It is so much worn, and the date and signature of the secretary of war being lost that the Pension Agent at Nashville refuses to pay the pension due therein until it is renewed.
I enclose you what remains of the original certificate I am aware that the application is informal is any formality should be required you will advise me what to do. I will subscribe this with my own hand in the presence of 
William Donnell
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3293
INVALID.
[illegible]
File No. 3293
William Donnell
Pr-N.C. line
Act: June 7 732
Index: Vol. A Page 98
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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14,306
Wm. Donnell
Page 21

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Wm Donnell which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? -
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in wihch he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain-ing it? -
XIII. If the applicant has on documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? No
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness as to his service? No
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? -
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? -
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? -
XVI. 
+Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, be 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 recol-lection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For - year - months, and - days, I served as a - For - mnths and - days I served as a -; and for such service I claim a pension.
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8
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 in-definite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 objection-able. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
+QUERE XIV. Proof of service.
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 magis-trate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
+QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the cer-tificate 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, William Donnell of the Agency of West Tennessee who was a private of Cavalry and Infantry in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Fifty dollars and Eighty three cents per annum, during his natural life, com= mencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year. 
Given at the War Office of the United
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19743
Payments to be made at Nashville by the [illegible] of W.B. Bank Agent for paying Pension=ers, in the Agency of West Tennessee
Recorded in the Pension Of=fice in Book E Vol. 7 Page 76 by Dan Boyd Clerk.
Page 26

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Donnells, (Donalds) David GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 5690 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Oct. 22, 1792 to -not shown-

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 3 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subse-quent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 27

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Donnelly, Barney GRADE Private LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 9313 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED June 7, 1794 to James Bennet, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 3 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subse-quent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 28

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Donnelly, David GRADE Private LINE New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER 8248 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED April 23, 1798 to Abraham Bell, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 3 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subse-quent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.