Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8430, for James Mc Dowell, Virginia
Page 1

Service
Va.
McDowell, James
Mary
Number
W. 8430
Contents
Page 2

61.66 + 30.83 = 92 49

4340
Kentucky
James McDowell
Fayette in the State of Ky.
who was a pri & En: in the compy commanded by Captain Moore of the Regt commanded by Col. Bowyers - in the Va: line for 10 1/2 months from 1777

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 61- Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19. day of Jan: 33 and sent Hon: RM. Johnson House of Reps.

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 92.49
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar: 33 30.83
$123.32
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk
Book D Vol. 9 Page 51-
Page 3

6580
Kentucky
Mary McDowell
widow of James McDowell
who was a Private
in the Va Line,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
21 Dollas 65 cents
per annum, commence on
the 31 day of Dec 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
8 day of Jany '45
and sent to
Hon. R. French
H Reps
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
and June 17 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2  Page 183
Page 4

FAMILY RECORD
Marriages.

James McDowell son of
Saml McDowell
Was married to
Mary Lyle Daughter of
John Lyle and Issabella
Paxton his wife on the
22nd day of Sept. 1780
________________________------
and James McDowell
was born Apl, 29th 1760
and Mary McDowell his
wife, was born Nov 10th
1763
Page 5

FAMILY RECORD
Births.

Issabella McDowell was born
August 11th 1781
__________
Sally McDowell was born
April 24th 1783
______________
Samuel McDowell was
born July 23rd 1785
___________
Juliette McDowell was born
October 9th 1787
___________
Polley McDowell was born
February 2nd 1790
________
Magdalene McDowell was
born Apl. 23rd 1792
__________
John L. McDowell was
born August 24th 1794
__________
James E. McDowell was
born Jany 31st 1797
-----------------
Hester McDowell was born
Apl. 27th 1799.
Page 6

State of Kentucky
Mason County  S.S.
On this 28th day of June 1844, personally
appeared before me Abner Hord a
Justice of the peace in and for said
County, Mary McDowell a resident of
said County, aged eighty years on the
18th day of Nov. last.  Who being first
duly sworn according to law, doth on
her oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the
provision made by the act of Congress
passed the 7th July 1838, granting half
pay and pensions to certain widows.
That she is the widow of James Mc-
Dowell who was a soldier of the
revolution, and who received a pension
of sixty one dollars and sixty six cents
per annum under the act of congress
on the 7th June 1832.  For proof of the
services of her husband as a soldier
of the revolution.  She refers to his declaration
& proof on file in the War office.  She
further declares that she was married
to the said James McDowell in the
County of Rockbridge and State of
Virginia on the 22nd day of September
1780.  For proof of her marriage she
refers to the statements hereto attached
marked A&B near the seats of
her brother John Lyle and of Jo.
McDowell who is the brother of her
husband and also to the family,
record of her husband hereto attached
marked to near the border of the
bottom, which record is in the hand
writing of the said Jas. McDowell
dec. & has remained in the possession
Page 7

since his death. and which record shows
the date of their marriage & the birth of
their children.  That her husband the
aforesaid James McDowell died on the
31st day of December 1843 at the house
of her son Jas. E McDowell of this County,
and that she still remains his widow.
Sworn to and subscribed
the day & year above written
before me            (signature of Mary McDowell)
(signature of Abner Hord)  J. P.

State of Kentucky, Mason County set
I, Abner Hord a Justice of the peace
in & for said County, certify that from old
age & infirmity Mary McDowell who
makes the foregoing Declaration is unable
to attend, in open Court to make
her proof without much inconvenience.
Given under my hand this 28th
day of June 1844.  
(signature of Aber Hord)

State of Kentucky Mason County set
I, James E. McDowell aged 47
years son of James and Mary McDowell
do state on oath that my father
James McDowell who was a Revolutionary
pensioner died at my house on
the 31st day of December 1843.  That
my mother Mary McDowell, who
makes the foregoing Declaration is
his widow. And that she is now
living with me and that the
family record hereto attached
marked 6, near the bottom is the
family record of said Jas. McDowell
in his own hand writing & that
Page 8

Is has remained in my mothers possession
since his death.  Given under my hand
this 28th day of June 1844.
Sworn to & subscribed
before me the date               (signature of JE. McDowell)
last above written.
(signature of Abner Hord J.P.)

State of Kentucky   Mason County  SS
I, John James Key clerk of the court for the county
aforesaid, certify that Abner Hord whose name is sub-
scribed to the foregoing certificate is now and was at
the time of signing the same, an acting justice of the
peace in and for said County duly commissioned and
qualified as such and that full faith and credit is due
and ought to be given to all of his official acts as such
and that the foregoing signature purporting to be
his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand and affixed my seal of office
at Washington this 21st day of July
in the year 1844.
(signature of John James Key)
Page 9

Hon  R. French
Page 10

Know all men by these presents that we James
McDowell and John Lyle are held & firmly bound to the Common-
wealth of Virginia in the sum of fifty pounds current money,
to which payment well & truly to be made we do bind ourselves
our heir, Exons & admins. jointly & severally firmly by these
presents, sealed with our seals the 21st day of Sept. 1780.
Whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be
solemnized, between the above bound James McDowell &
Mary Lyle both of the county of Rockbridge.  The condition
of this present obligation make, that if there be no lawful 
cause to obstruct the same then the above obligation to be
void or else to remain in full force.
(signature of Jas McDowell)
(signature of John Lyle)

State of Virginia
Rockbridge County S.S.
I, Samuel McD Reid clerk of the county court
of said county of Rockbridge in said state of Virginia, do
hereby certify that the above is a true copy of a bond on
file, among the marriage license bonds for the year 1780 in
my office and upon the taking of which it was and is
our practice to issue a marriage license.
In testimony whereof I have hereto
subscribed my name and affixed my 
official seal this 12th day of November
1844, and in the 69th year of the
Commonwealth. 
(signature of James McD, Reid) Clk

Rockbridge County to wit;
I, John McCleland senior and presiding Justice of the
county court of said county in the state of Virginia do hereby
certify that the foregoing certificate of Samuel McD Reid who is
the clerk of said county court duly appointed and qualified is
in due for of Law--- given under my hand and seal this 13th 
day of November 1844.
(signature of John McCleland)
Page 11

State of Kentucky
Fayette County S
 On the tenth day of December in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Personally appeared in open court, in the county
court for Fayette County, now setting, being a court
of records.
James McDowell a resident of the county of 
Fayette in the state of Kentucky, aged about
seventy three years, who being first sworn, according
to law; doth on his oath, make the following dec-
laration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act
of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered service under the following
named officers and served as herein stated.
On the year 1777 he was stationed at Donleys
Fort in Greenbrier County Virginia, and served
three months in guarding the frontier against
the Indians, under the command of Captain And.
Moore.  In the year 1781 he served four months
as an Ensign, the tour was to have been three
months, from the time they arrived at headquarters,
until discharged, but he was in service four months,
Captain Andrew Moore commanded the company.
John McClung was Lieutenant, and this affiant
Ensign, the company was raised in Rockbridge
County Virginia, was attached to Col. John Bowyers
Regiment, from said county, and marched to Fredericksburg
from there to Petersberg, and then to Southfield, where they
Page 12

they joined the troops under the command of General
Muhlenburg.  In the fall of the same year 1781
this affiant served as a volunteer under the
command of Col. John Bowyer, a tour of about
fifteen days, when Tarlton drove the Legislature
of Virginia from Charlotteville.
During the siege of York, information was received
in Rockbridge County, that the American troops were
likely to suffer for want of beef, this affiant and
seven others, volunteered and collected upwards of
one hundred beeves, and drove them to York, they
arrived there the very day the British forces surrendered
as prisoners of war to Genl. Washington, this affiant
was then at least on month in service.
Shortly after the siege of York, about the month
of December 1781 as well as this affiant now recollects
he went to Kentucky and remained there until
the 15th day of April 1782, principal part of the
time at the [illegible] or station of Lexington Kentucky
which was then enclosed by cabins & [illegible] as a Fort
or station for defense against the Indians including
which period he was in service in all, about twelve months.
He then returned to Virginia, and remained there
until the fall of the year 1783 when he removed
to Kentucky, where he has resided ever since, most of
the tie in Fayette County near Lexington.
During the Indian Wars he crossed the Ohio river
eight different times on campaigns and in/ pursuit
of Indians.
This affiant was born in Rockbridge County Virginia
the 29th day of April 1760 as appears from the record of
births of his fathers family which he believes is now
in possession of one of his brothers. He resided in Rockbridge
County at the commencement of the Revolutionary War
until he removed to Kentucky, that since resided in 
Kentucky as before stated.
Page 13

He was called into service by draft, the first tour,
and the second he was drafted, but was appointed
an Ensign by Col. John Bowyer, who commanded the
Regiments, he never received a commission as Ensign
but performed his duty in the capacity that tour.
He was during the last mentioned tour part of the time
with troops commanded by Col. Richard Parker of the
Virginia line; Col. Nall and Major Hamilton, were
militia officers in service at the same time. He has no 
discharge or other proof of his service now within his
company.  He refers to John Parker, Edward Payne, John
Fowler, John McDowell, Thomas Bodley and Dancer
Bradford, all of whom have been acquainted with
him for many years and can testify as to his character
for veracity & their belief of his services.
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 the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
(signature of Jas. McDowell)

We, Nathan H. Hall a clergyman residing in the county of
Fayette State of Kentucky, and Thomas Bodley residing
in the same county & state hereby certify, that we are
acquainted with Colonel James McDowell who has sub-
scribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe
him to be about seventy three years of age, that he is
reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides
to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur
in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(signature of N. H. Hall)
(signature of Tho. Bodley)

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the
investigation of the matter and after [illegible] the 
interrogatories. 
Prescribed
Page 14

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 Nathan H Hall who has signed
the proceeding certificate, is a clergyman resident
in the county of Fayette & state of Kentucky, and that
Thomas Bodley who has also signed the same is a
resident in said county and state, and is a credible
person, and that their statements is entitled to credit.
(signature of Asa Thomson JO.)
Presiding Justice of Fayette County Court

I, James C. Rodes clerk of Fayette County Court
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the
original proceedings of the said court, in the matter
of the application of Col. James McDowell for a
pension.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and the
seal of said court this 10th day
of December in the year 1832.
(signature of J. C. Rodis clk F. C. )

as it is uncertain as to time put
down 10- as certain [illegible]
certificate accordingly
(signature of ----Johnson)
Page 15

Rev War Section
Record Division.

September 28, 1921.

Mrs. Sophie Fox Lea,
1509 S. First Street,
Louisville, Ky.

Madam:
In addition to the military history of James McDowell, W. F. 8,430 Revolutionary War, you are furnished the following data as to his children:
Issabella born August 11, 1781.
Salley " April 24, 1783.
Samuel " July 23, 1785.
Juliette " October 9, 1787.
Polley " February 2, 1790.
Magdalene " April 23, 1792.
John L. " August 24, 1794.
James E. " January 31, 1797.
Hester " April 27, 1799.

Very respectfully,

Chief Clerk.
Page 16

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
---
3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., ______________ 19__
In reply to your request of _________ received___________ for a statement of the military history of James Mc Dowell a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  LENGTH OF SERVICE.OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  RANK. CAPTAIN.  COLONEL.
1777 3 mos. Andrew Moore [illegible] Vir.
1781 4 mos. Ensign Andrew Moore  John [Illegible] 
Fall of 1781 15 days " John[Illegible]
Oct 1781 1 mo.    at Yorktown
Dec 1781 Apr 13 1782 at the [illegible] 

Battles engaged in, __________

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rockbridge Co. Va.

Date of application for pension, Dec 10 1852 [Illegible]

Residence at date of application, [Illegible] County Ky.

Age at date of application, born Apr 29 17[illegible] Mason Co.

Remarks: Soldier was the [Illegible] of [Illegible] McDowell.  He married Sept [Illegible] 1780 in Rockbridge County Va.  Mary daughter of John Lyle and Issabella Paxton.  She was [illegible] 18, 1763 & was [Illegible] on [Illegible]  June 28 1844 while a res. of Mason Co. Ky.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.

6 -- 2856
Page 17

left column

1921 Dept. 28 Hist to Mrs. Sophie F. Lea


right column

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 8430
Mary McDowell
Widow of
James McDowell
Pvt. Va. line
-----------
Act: Mch, 3rd 43, & June 17th 44

Index:--Vol. M, Page 20

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 18

Mary McDowell
Act 1838
Letter to D. K. Stockton  9 Oct 1844

Rejected
Page 19

OLD WAR  W.

File No. 8430

J McDowell

Mr Wooten

May 15/94
Page 20

Mr. Garrett Davis will
thank Colo. Edwards to inform
him whether this being
of either of the revolutionary
soldier named in the written
papers are entitled to any
thing for their revolutionary
services. 
July 4th 1846
Page 21

Rev Sec

1509 S. First St.
Louisville, Ky., Aug. 30/921.

STAMP
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
SEP 6 1921

Commissioner Of Pensions,
War Department,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

In Senate Document (514), of the First Session of the 23d, Congress of the U. S. Secretary of War Report of Revolutionary Soldiers 1833-1834, pages 89 & 148 of the Ky, Roll of Pensioners, I find James McDowell, prt. & ens, Virginia line and John McDweoo, Liut, Wood's Va. line, Fayette Co., Ky, and both living there in 1833 and 1831 respectively.

Will you please give me all the information as to family, births, marriage and deaths, to whom the pension was paid and if they left any heirs.

Thanking you for this courtesy and hoping to hear favorably, I am,

Most respectfully
Mrs. Sophie Fox Sea
Page 22

Please put this among
the cases of Genl.
McCalla & if possible
act on his cases
this week and ask the special
favour of your
sending me the
certificate in all
the cases which you
decided favorably
[illegible] night
& greatly obleg (obliged)
R H Johnson

insert the county in
the certificate [illegible]
it somewhere.

Hon. R. M Johnson

from 1777 private & Ensign
101/2 months. $61.66
Page 23

ENVELOPE

Dec 31 1844

Free
R. French

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D C.

Hon. R. French
HQ
Page 24

Washington  Dec. 30th 1844
Sir--
as soon as practicable, please
answer if the inclosed compleats the
proof in Mrs McDowell's case--if
so, please send me her certificate
Very respectfully
Richard French
Page 25

Mary McDowell
K.y.
Act Mar. 3d 43
No. 6881
add.
6 m. 15 ys
priv
$21.65 per An
to commence Decr 31st 1843.
Also
Act June 17 '44.
No. 373

Hon. R. French
H. Reps
Page 26

ENVELOPE

11149  July 11 1844

STAMP
V. I. FLYINGSBURG KY
JUL 6 (illegible)

Ky
Mary McDowell
7 July 1838

FREE

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 27

[illegible]  Ky July 5th 1844
J L Edwards Esqr.
Court of Pensions

Dear sir
Enclosed you will
receive the Declaration proof of Mrs. Mary
McDowell claiming a pension on account of the
Revolutionary services of her husband James
McDowell decd. should it not be in favor please
advise me ad state what will be necessary.
You much oblige me by forwarding me a [illegible]
of the declaration if presented by the department
under the last act of Congress granting further pay
to certain widows
Very respectfully
D. K. Stockton
Page 28

11149
Mary McDowell
widow of James
Ky

Act 7 July 1838

(illegible) Dec 31st 43
Rejected
Page 29

Boyle County-- State of Kentucky Scts;

The deposition of Jo. McDowell being 75 years
of age this day taken at the house of Michael
G. Youce, Danville Kentucky this deponant
deposeth and saith that his brother James McDowell
now dead, married his wife in Rockbridge County
Virginia in 1780.  Built a house in that cy.
and oved to it in 1781.  Visited Kentucky in
1782 and moved with his family to Kentucky
in 1783 and has lived in this state till his
death which took place in Dec. 1
1843.  His wife is
still alive March 25th 1844.
(signature of Jo. McDowell)

Boyle County sct.   Deposition
The foregoing of Col Joseph McDowell was
this day taken, subscribed and sworn to by the said
Joseph McDowell before the undersigned, a Justice
of the peace in and for said county, on this day and at my
office in Danville.  Given unto my hand this 25th day
of March 1844.
(signature of M. G. Youce J.P.B.C.)

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Boyle County Sct.
I. A. S. Mitchell clerk pro. tem. of the county
court for the county aforesaid and do certify that M. G.
Youce Esquire before whom the above deposition of Jo.
McDowell was taken, subscribed& sworn to, and whose name
is subscribed to the above certificate, now is and was
at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of
the Peace for the county of Boyle aforesaid duly commissioned
and qualified, and that full faith & credit
are due to all hos official acts as sworn.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand to affix my seal of office, in Danville the 7th
day of June 1844.
(signature of A. S. Mitchell. Clerk.)
Page 30

State of Kentucky--Fayette county sct.

John Lyle, of said county, this day ap-
peared before me, a Justice of the Peace for the county
aforesaid, and made oath, that James McDowell
who was a pensioner of the United States, now
deceased was married in the month of September,
1780, to Mary Lyle, the sister of the deponent,
who is now living and remains the widow of the
said James McDowell.  Lexington, April 20, 1844.

Sworn & subscribed before me       (signature of John Lyle)
a Justice of the Peace, the date above
(signature of Dan Bradford, KP)

State of Kentucky, Fayette County SeT
I, James C. Rodes clerk of the County
Court aforesaid do certify that Dan Bradford whose name is signed to the above certificate is and was at the date
thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said
County, duly commissioned and sworn.  (A.)
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal of office this 20th day of April
1844.
(signature of James C. Rodes)
Page 31

(illegible)Wid file
F. 8430

Papers sent
to Col Ainsworth
May 11 - 94
Page 32

Address: "Chief of the Record and Pension Office, War Department, Washington, D.C."

Subject:

Record and Pension Office,
War Department,
Washington City,

May 10, 1894.

The Commissioner of Pensions,

Pension Office.

Sir:

Will you kindly furnish me with the record of service, in the Revolutionary War, of James McDowell of Virginia? If you can conveniently furnish me with copies of the papers on file in the case, or such of them as may be of interest to his descendants, I shall esteem it a personal favor if you will do so.

Very respectfully,
F.C. Ainsworth (handwritten)
Colonel, U. S. Army,
Chief, Record and Pension Office.

STAMP
O. W. (ILLEGIBLE)
MAY 11, 1894
CHIEF'S DESK

STAMP
FIRST DEPUT COMMISSIONER
MAY 11 [1894]

Saml Dana - D. C.
I think you may learn Col. Ainsworth the papers referred to so that he may have typewritten copies made - I understand you are short of help.
D. Mundy D.C.