Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9951, for John Milam, Virginia
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE Va.
Milam, John or Melam,
Polly
NUMBER W. 9951

CONTENTS

This Envelope Includes FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER Received from GAO
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[lEFT COLUMN]
3704  Alabama  (15)

John Melam
of Madison Cn in the State of Alabama who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cook of the Regt commanded by Col McClanahan in the Virginia line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Alabama at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of December 1832 and sent to Hon. C.C. Clay Present

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1832 -     $120.00
Semianl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 - 40.00
                                                         $160.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Jno Cromwell  Clerk,  Book D   Vol. 10   Page 203


[Right Column]
Hon. R. Davis, Mrch 12/58
D.W Sadler       "       29/58

[ink blot]


19
^
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ORIGINAL.

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA  March 22 1839
Received of Bartley M. Lowe, Agent for paying Pensions InSkei(?) Fiftyone Dollars, 48 Cents, being for Seven months ^ twenty two days, due to the widow of John Milam dec'd from the 4th day of March 1838 to the 26 day of October 1838 the day of his death for which I have signed duplicate receipts. 
Polly Milam
$51.48 by her atty in fact  Randolph Sullivan
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[Left column]
6393  (16)
Mississippi
Polly Melam
widow of John Melam, Va who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private.  Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February 1853.  Certificate of Pension issued 17th day of May 1858. and sent to D. W. Sadler Aberdeen Miss.
(care of Hon R. Davis H.R.)
Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under February 3, 1853, Page 176.  Vol. 11(?)

[Right column]

Date of death not on A. B- ILL.
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State of Alabama Madison County} be it Known that before me in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Polly Melam widow of John Melam late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States deceased and and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of the identical person named in an original certificate in her posession (sp) of which (I certify) the following is a true copy.

"War Department Revolutionary Claim"

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 John Melam of the State of Alabama who was a private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Eighty Dollars per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semiannually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year
[hand drawn seal]
Given at the War office of the United States this 31st day of December one thousand eight Hundred and thirty two
Lew Cass. Secretary of War
Examined and countersigned J. L. Edwards (invorned ?) 3704 payments to be made at Mobile Ala by the Presd U. L. Br BK Agent for paying Pensioners in the agency of Alabama recorded by John Cromwell C Clerk on Book D Vol. 10 pages 203 that said affiant now resided in Madison County Alabama and true the said John Melam immediately before his death resided in the county and state aforesaid and had resided there for the share of about twenty
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years before his death and there previous thereto he resided in the State of South Carolina
Subscribed and sworn before me this 20th day March 1839 Matth Bucks Jp

Polly Melam  X her mark

Witness 
E Wellborn  
Wm. Cole

Known all men by there presents that I. Polly Melam widow of John Melam late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States for paying pensions in Huntsville in the State of Alabama the pension of my deceased Husband from the fourth day of March eighteen hundred and thirty eight to the twenty sixth day of October Eighteen Hundred & thirty eight the time of his death witness my hand and seal the 20th day of March eighteen Hundred and thirty nine 
Polly Melam  X Her mark
Seal and delivered in the presence of E. Wellborn  Wm. Cole
State of Alabama Madison County}  Be it known, that on the 20th day of March 1839, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Mary Melam above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.  In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, the day and year above mentioned.
Matth Bucks J.Peace (signature)
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
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State of Alabama Madison County} [illeg]
On this day 29 day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable William J. Adair Judge of the circuit Court for said County of Madison said sitting, John Melam a resident of the Said County of Madison, aged eight Seventy nine years, who being first duely (sp) sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, that he enlisted in the army of the P United State, in the spring of the year 1776 with Tassley White Lieutenant, and served in the [Regi- crossed out] fifteenth(?) Regiment of Virginia of the line under the following named official. That he enlisted for the term of two years.  He is Capt. Nathaniel Cook Joseph Hopkins an other Lieutenant.  With this Regiment affiant was marched to Petersburgh and after skoping there a short time was marched to Williamsburgh in the State of Virginia where they were stationed for some months and while there the declaration of independence was promulgated.  From thence they were marched to Little York, where a considerable battle took place a little below the town near an island [what- crossed out] which affant(sp) and many others crossed where the battle was faught(sp), the enemy were Plundered of about $10,000 worth of goods and many negroes
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were taken in the action, and it was said that that property would be divided out among the troops but it was never done  Affiant does not distinctly remember the name of the Commander or Chief of the British troops there but believes it was Dunmore.  From there affiant was marched with the said Regiment through Aleandria (sp?) & Georgetown.  There to Baltimore at Dumshrieze (?) where all were inoculated for the small pox.  Rather thinks there was a change of officers at Baltimore, Masely was Capt. Richardson Major, Nelson and McClanahan Cols.  William Woodford Gen, From thence he was marched with said army to Philadelphia there they remaind(sp) some time, From thence they marched into the Parteys to Morristown.  There affiant was appointed orderly sergants was stationed there with the sick for several months  Affiant was marched from [large ink blot] to the Valley Forge where he took sick and was sent to Lancaster where he remained sick until his time of service expired after having having thus served out his term of service two years he retuned home, his was during his said campaign in several little scirmishes(sp) one on the Schoolkill but they were so small to be mentioned here
After affiant had returned from this campaign about two years was drafted for four months to go to the siege of ninety six ar Cambridge as it was called Edmond King Capt Alex Rose Major Gen Green commander in Chief  There Green made an attack on the forts of the ins[page torn off here] commanded by one Crooger as well as remembered, who being
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We George A Kelley a clergyman residing in the county of Madison and state aforesaid of Alabama and S. Garner, residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Milam here subscribed and sworn to the above [allegation- crossed out] declaration, that we believe him to be seventy nine 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 & subscribed in open court 29 October 1832  L Mead Clerk CCC
George Kelly
Sterdley Garner [accompanying marks]

Jno Milam Statement for a Pension
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reinforced by the division commanded by Gen Roddin Green was forced to a precipitato flight and retreated across the Saluda and beyond the Grand River.  The army retreated to or near Camblin and there affiants terms having expired returned home  Affiant states he had discharges but they are all lost  He further states he had the record of his age in a family Bible now in his posession (sp).  He states he was born in Brunswick County in the State of Virginia 12 June 1753.  His Father moves from [halifax- crossed out] Brunswick to Halifax before he can remember. from Halifax affiant moved to Laurence County in the state of South Carolina where he lived 38 or 40 years from thence to this county of Madison where he has lived ever since & where he now lives,
Said affiant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to or pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid   L Mead Clerk CCC
John Milam (his signature)

And the said Court whereby declare [these- crossed out] its opinion that the above named John Milam the applicant was a revolutionary souldier(sp) and served as he states that the said Kelley and for said Garner are entitled to credit  W J Adair Cir
I Lemuel Mead Clerk of the Circuit Court of Madison County in the State of Alabama do hereby certify that the foregoing contained the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Milam for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have Sworn to set my hand and seal of office this 3d day of November 1832  L. Mead ClkC.C.

[faint embossed seal left lower corner]
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John Melam

aomitted

C C Clay
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BRIEF in the case of John Melam of Madison County in the State of Alabama (Act 7th June 1832.)

1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Open Court

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.  How old is he?  Seventy nine years.

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.   In 1776 Spring

Duration of Service.
Years, 2  Months, 4  Days.
Rank.  As A
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen.
{Capt. Cook, Capt. Mosely, Maj Nelson Col McClanagan.
- Capt King, Maj Rose, Genl Green

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  skirmishes

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Halifax Co. Va

7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  A clergyman & S Garner certify to traditionary evidence.  Sarah Carghill. living witness certify to 2 years service.  Th. Estig, prorsy(?)

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?

X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.  
DKruk (?)  Examining Clerk
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The State of Mississippi Monroe County   SS

On this the 20th day of April One thousand Eight Hundred afifty(sp)  eight. personally appeared before me Johnson Bickerstaff a Justic of a Court of record of said County a& State Polly Milam a resident of the county of Monroe & State aforesaid, aged Seventy five years, who, first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of congress, passed on the 3rd February, 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war; that she is the widow of John Milam who was a private.  That she cannot state the time when the said John Milam entered and left the service nor the names & rank of the officers under whom he served not the precise plan in which he resided when he entered the service, but for the proof of all which she refers to the application of the said John Milam, made in December 1832 for a pension under act of 7th June 1832 all of which will fully appear by refference(sp) to the evidence filed in his said application  She further declares that she was married to the said John Milam in Laurence District South Carolina, on the _ day of _ Eighteen Hundred & thirteen; that her said husband died on or about the 19th day of October 1838
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that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January, Eighteen Hundred, but at the time above stated.  She further declares that She is now a widow
Witnesses{  Johnson Bickenstaff
                   William Bestkins

Polly Melam  X  her mark

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me Johnson Bickirstaff (sp) an acting Justice of a court of record of the County of Monroe & State of Mississippi being the County in which the said Polly Milam now resides
Johnson Bickerstaff  Justice of the Peace

The State of Mississippi Monroe County}  
I Johnson Bickerstaff, a justice of a court of record for said County and state Do hereby certify that Polly Milam, who made the above and foregoing declaration is personally known to me & I believe her to be the person she represents herself to be; I further certify that the applicant from bodily infirmity is and was at the time of making said declaration unable to attend court- Given under my hand & private seal (there being no seal of office) this the 20 day of April 1858
Johnson [J- crossed out] Bickerstaff Justice of the Peace 

sent [circled]
Page 15

M. H. Lawson
1210 Rosalie
Houston, Texas.

BA-J/ILL
John Milam
W. 9951

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Milam who applied for pension while residing Madison County, Alabama.
The data given herein regarding John Milam, or Melam are found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 9951, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
John Milam, or Melam was born June 12, 1753 in Brunswick County, Virginia, and moved with his father to Halifax County, Virginia where he resided during the period of the war.  The Names of his parents are not shown.
He enlisted in the spring of 1776, served as private in Captain Nathaniel Cocke's company, Colonel Nelson's 7th Virginia regiment, and as orderly sergeant in Captain Moseley's company, Colonel McClanahan's 7th Virginia regiment, was in the battle on an island below "Little York", later marched to Valley Forge and was in a skirmish on the Schuykill, and was discharged at the expiration of service of two years.  He remained at home more than two years, then enlisted and served four month as private in Captain Edmond King's company under Major Alexander Rose in the Virginia troops, during which service he was in the Siege of Ninety-Six.
The soldier moved from Halifax County, Virginia, to Laurens District, South Carolina, and from there about the year 1819 to Madison County, Alabama.
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John Milam or Melam was allowed pension on his application executed October 29, 1832, at which time he resided in Madison County, Alabama.  His name was borne John Melam on the pension rolls.  He died October 19 or 26, 1838, in Madison County, Alabama.
The soldier married in the year 1813, in Laurens District, Soyth(sp) Caolina (sp), Polly Allison.
Polly, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed April, 1858, at which time she resided in Monroe County, Mississippi. She was then aged seventy-five years; the date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown.
No reference was made to the children of the above noted soldier.
In order to obtain the date of last payment, name of person paid, and possibly, the date of death of Polly Melam, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:

Polly Melam, widow of John Melam
Certificate 6393
Issued May 17, 1858
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced February 3, 1853
Act of February 3, 1853
Mississippi Agency.

Very truly yours,
A.D. MILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.


2.
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State of Alabama Madison County}  
Be it known that on this 22nd day of March 1839 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Randolph Sullivan, the Attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any said transfer or mortgage of the Pension a mean of pension therein authorized to be secured by him. 
Subscribed & sworn before me, the day and year last above mentioned
Matth Burks, J.P.
Randolph Sullivan (signature)

State of Alabama Madison County}I Richard B Purdom, Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said liens(?) that [crossed out] John Melam, was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of eighty dollars per annum; was a resident of the County of Madison in the State of Alabama, and died in the County and State aforesaid on the 26th day of October 1838 and that [obscured by overlying ribbon and embossed seal] a widow whose name is Polley Melam.
In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my my name and affix the seal of said County Court at Office in Huntsville this twenty second day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty nine and of American Independence the sixtythird year
Richd. B Purdom
Clerk of the County Court of Madison County in the state of Alabama

I, Richard B. Purdom, Clerk of the County Court of Madison County in the state of Alabama, certify that Matthew Bucks, before whom the affidiant on this sheet by Polly Melam was woman (?) whose name is subscribed to the certificate of acknowledgement and before whom the affidiant by Randolph Sullivan on the said sheet of paper was sworn in now and was at this date of this session, a Justice of the Peace in
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and for the County aforesaid duly commissoned to and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his as genuine
In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and ofix the seal of said County Court at Office in Huntsville this twenty second day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty nine and of American Independence the sixty third
Richd. B Purdom Clerk of the County Court of Madison County in the state of Alabama


FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
Page 19

In reply to your request of .........., received ...... for statement of the military history of John Milam 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.
Spring 76 
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
2 years 
RANK.
{ orderley serg.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Nathaniel Cocke
                 Moseley
COLONEL.
Nelson
McClanachan
STATE.
7 Va.


DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1781
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
4 months
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Edmond King
COLONEL.
Maj. Alexander Rose
STATE

Battles engaged in,  Yorktown, Ninety-Six
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Halifax Co, Va
Date of application for pension, Oct. 29, 1832.  His claim was alld.
Residence at date of application,  Madison Co, Ala.
Age at date of application,  born June 12, 1753 in Brunswick Co, Va.
Remarks:  Sol. removed from Halifax Co Va. to Laurens Dist S.C.------- 1813 Polly Allison  died Oct. 19, 1838 & she was alld. pension exec Apl 20 1858 while a res. of Monroe Co, Miss & 75 yrs. of age.  No names of children stated.
Very respectfully,
...........................................................
       ..................................................
1565b3m10-08                  Commissioner.
Page 20

Consolidated Files Section
Revolutionary War Pension Information

1.  John Milam  Pensioner's name.
2.  Revolutionary War.
3.  Rank  Private.
4.  _________________ Line.
5.  Certificate no.  __________________.
6.  Issued December 31, 1832.
7.  Act of June 7, 1832.
8.  Commenced 4 March 1831.
9.  Huntsville Alabama Agency.
10.  Residence of Pensioner at last payment  Madison County, Alabama for about 20 years before his death
11.  Previous Residence  South Carolina
12.  Date of Death  Oct. 26, 1838
13.  Polly Milam  Widow's name
14.  Children   -------
15.  Additional Information:

Jack Horner Bell. (signature)
Jack Horner Bell
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No 18
John Milam


C


Huntsville Ala
[illeg] act 1839

15
15
Page 22

[back of vouchers]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
Page 23

(9)
Brief in the case of Polly Melam, widow of John Melam Monroe County and State of Mississippi-----  act February 3. 1858.

Claim, ("original" [or "for increase"- crossed out])

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832, at rate of $80 per annum, and died 26th, October, 1838= the arrears to that date having been paid to "Polly Melam, his widow,"  as thron{{?} by 3rd Auditor's certificate.
Marriage, in 1813, identity of claimant, and her present widowhood purned (?) by several credible witness.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Page 24

Aberdeen May 3rd 1858
Honl R Davis
Dear Sir
Please find enclosed Mrs Polly Milam's Declaration for Pension as the relich(?) & widow of John Milam, who was a revolutionery (sp) pensioner as can be shown by this record in the Pension office will you be so good as to present the papers to the Pension Commissioner & have the record of John Milam looked up to prove the fact that he was a revolutionery (sp) soldier and I think Mrs Milam will then get her half pay under the act of 1853.  If the papers are defective let me know immediately and I will make them all right It will be of some benefit to
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let lady to get the money and she and her friends in this county know and will appreciate your kindness in attending to it for her.  At the earnest solicitations of her friends I have taken the trouble to try to fix up the declaration of proof thus far and hope she may receive the amount due her for she does indeed in her old age need it.  Please, direct all all Communications to me and I will have all necessary prerequisites performed without delay & Please make the application as early as you can that it may be determined before you leave
I am as ever yours with great respect
D W. Sadler
Page 26

(5)
Pension Office.
March 12" 1858,
Sir:
In answer to the enclosed letter of D. W. Sadler, Esq. of the 26"Ultimi I have the honor to state that, John Milam, was pensioner under the act of 7" June, 1832. @ the rate of #80 per annum.  He resided in Madison Co:  Alabama, in Dec: 1832, when he made application for his pension.  If he has a Widow living, She is Entitled to a pension. 
We have no copies of the General pension laws for distribution.

Hon:  R. Davis,

HO: Ref:
Page 27

(7)
Pension Office.
March 29, 1858.
Sir.
Agreeably to your request, I enclose, herewith, locuted instructions for the guidance of the widow John Melam, in making her application for revolutionary pension

W. Salder, Esq.
Aberdeen,
Mississippi

Rev.


[left part of page cut off]
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Aberdeen March 21/58

S. Cole Esqr
Pension Commissioner
Dear Sir.
Your form addressed to Honl R Davis House of Representatives in answer to the enclosed letter from myself enquiring about John Milam a former pensioner has been remitted to me by my friend Col Davis.  In which you state that the widow of John Milam if she be living is entitled to a pension- She is living & very poor & needs assistance and now if you will remit to me
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the form of proof required, (as I presume you keep blanks of all sorts relating to pensions in your office) I will seen that it is made out and sent on, I would proceed with the application immediately but my little experience has taught me that you have certain specified forms & affidavits for those applications & I would perhaps have it all to do over again, Please do me the kindness therefore to send me a copy of your rules if you have them, or a form of the application to be made by the widow of a pension
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er under the act of June 7th 1832=
Please let me hear from you at the very earliest dat
I am Sir Very Resp Your obt Sevt.
D.W. Sadler
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(11)
No. 7016
Polly Melam,
widow of John
Monroe Co. Mississippi
Aomitted, Act Feb. 3/53
at rate of $80 per annum, commencing at date of said Act
Pay widow
Certificate to D.W. Sadler Esq
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Care of Hon. R. Davis, House of Reps
Page 32

Official bureau (?) R Davis MC
Hon George C Whiting
Washington City D.C.

[written sideways] John Melam Ala
Page 33

Frederick Davis M.C

Hon George C Whiting 
Washington City D.C- 

[written sideways]
John Melam Ala 00 1832 wid [illeg]
Page 34

3d Auditor's office
May 15, 1838
Sir:
John Melam, Ala. Act 1832. at $80. died Oct: 26. 1838 & paid in full to that date to Polly Melam his widow.
Very Resp'y
Rob J Atkinson Auditor

CCo: C. Whiting Esq.
Commr. of Pensions
Page 35

Pension Office, May 14. 1858
The Third Auditor will please certify the date of death of within named pensioner and name of his widow, if she recv the arrears
Very respectfully
S. Cole Clerk 
Geddes
Page 36

1210 Rosalie
Houston, Texas
Dec. 2, 1935

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
Kindly furnish record on Rev. Soldier- JOHN MILAM- who applied for pension while residing in Madison Co. Alabama- Dec. 31, 1832.
Respectfully
M.H. Lawson


J.L.L.

[reversed postmark stamp- DEC 9 1935 RECEIVED]
Page 37

Ft. Stockton, Tex.
Aug 16, 1933.
Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:- Have you a Benjamin, John, Samuel, or Thomas, Moses, Milam on record as Rev. Soldiers.
Yours very Truly
Mrs. J. M. Milam
These are the only ones I can find prehaps (sp) are other brothers.
Page 38

1301A Harrison St.,
Amarillo, Tex.
Jan. 15, 1925.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Records show that there were two men by the name of John Milam only 1 who served in the Revolutionary War.  One was a private in the 7th. Va. Regiment.  The other was a soldier of Va. Cavalry.  These two were probably father and son.  My family record
Page 39

shows that one John Milam was born about 1752.
If your records afford any further information, I shall appreciate it very much.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. L.C. Mothershead
Page 40

Wm. D Murphy (a Daughter & a son)
114 Waverly Place
New York City
MAR 1 1912
John Melam  Va. troops W. 9,951
Please give places of residence.
Page 41

[Left column]
1912 Mch. 8. History to Wm D. Murphy C 
1925, Feb 10- Hist. to Mrs. F.C. Mothershead.
1933- Aug 25- Hist to Mrs. T. M. Milam- J.L.L.
1935. Dec 14- Hist. to M. H. Lawson J.L.L.


[Right column]
Revy
WIDOW, & c.

File No.  9951
Polly Melam
Wid of John Melam Privt Rev. War
Act:  July 3d 1853
Index:-- Vol. M, Page 42

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 42

August 25, 1933.
Mrs. T. M. Milam
Fort Stockton
Texas.

BA-J/ILL
John Milan
W. 9951

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Benjamin, John, Samuel, Thomas and Moses Milam.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon service of soldiers in that war.  A search of the records has been made and no records found of such claims on file on account of service of Benjamin, Samuel, Thomas and Moses Milam; similar spellings of the surname have been searched.
The record of John Milam is furnished herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 9951, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.  His name is borne Melam on the pension rolls.
John Milam was born June 12, 1753 in Brunswick County, Virginia, and moved with his father to Halifax County, that state, where he resided during the Revolutionary War.  The names of his parents are not stated.
He enlisted in the spring of 1776, served as private in Captain Nathaniel Cocke's company, Colonel McClanachan's 7" Virginia regiment, was in a small engagement on an island below "Little York", served in Captain Moseley's company, a part of the time as orderly-sergeant, was at Valley Forge and was discharged at the expiration of service of two years.  He returned home and after about two years, enlisted and served four months as private in Captain Edmond King's company under Major Alexander Rose in the Virginia troops, during which period of service he was engaged in the Siege of Ninety-Six.
Page 43

John Milam moved from Halifax County, Virginia, to Laurens District, South Carolina, and moved, about the year 1819, to Madison County, Alabama.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 29, 1832, at which time he resided in Madison County, Alabama.  He died there October 19 or 26, 1838.
The soldier married in Laurens District, South Carolina, in the year 1813, Polly Allison.
Polly Milam, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed April 20, 1858, at which time she resided in Monroe County, Mississippi; she was then seventy-five years of age, the date and place of her birth and names of her parents not stated.
There are no further data relative to the family of Hon Milam in the papers on file in this pension claim.
Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 44

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

February 10, 1925.

Mrs. F. C. Mothershead,
1301-A Harrison St.,
Amarillo, TEX.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.9951, it appears that John Melam was born in Brunswick County, Virginia, June 12, 1752.
While a resident of Halifax County, Virginia, he enlisted in the spring of 1776 and served two years as private and Orderly Sergeant in Captains Nathaniel Cocke's and Moseley's Companies, Colonels Nelson and McClanachan's Seventh Virginia Regiment, and was in the battle of Gwyns' Island and in skirmishes.
He afterwards served four months under Captain Edmond King Major Alexander Rose in the Virginia Troops and was at the siege of Ninety Six.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 29, 1832, while a resident of Madison County, Alabama.  He died there October 19 or October 26, 1838.
Page 45

Soldier married in Laurens District, South Carolina, in 1813, Polly Allison.  She was allowed pension on her application executed April 20, 1858, while residing in Monroe County, Mississippi, aged seventy-five years.
There is no further data as to family.
The above noted is the only John Melam or Milam found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Respectfully,

Acting Commissioner.
Page 46

I Mo. Dred October 26 1837

Payments to be made at Mobile Ala by the Presd W.S.Br.Bk Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Alabama

Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk, in Book D Vol. 10 page 203

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO [stamped twice]
Page 47

WAR DEPARTMENT.

Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832, John Melam of the State of Alabama who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army. is entitled to receive Eighty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing 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 States, this 21st day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.

Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.]  JL Edwards

[faint seal left lower corner]
Page 48

John Milam Declaration for Pension.
1832
Madison Cty. ALa

Admitted 2 years $80

C.C. Clay
Page 49

State of Tennessee Lawrence County Circuit Court
August Year 1832. On this 29th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before the honorable William E. Kennedy Judge of the 6th Judicial Circuit in & for the State of Tennessee Thomas Estes & made oath according to law that he is resident citizen of the County of Lawrence State of Tennessee and doth himself certify that he is well acquainted with John Milam a citizen of the County of Madison State of Alabama that he know him to be the Identical same man with whom he served in the 7th Virginia Regiment in the Revolutionary army & that he knows that the said John Milam served in said Regiment in the Continental line for one year after he became acquainted with him  Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Thomas Estes   X his mark 

Subscribed & sworn to in open court the 29th August 1832
Wm. McKnight Clerk

State of Tennessee Lawrence County Circuit court August Term 1832-  I William McKnight Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County of Lawrence and state aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was produced in open and sworn to & subscribed by the said Thomas Estes  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal there being no seal of office this done the 29th day of August 1832 
William McKnight Clerk

[hand drawn seal left lower corner]
Page 50

State of [illeg]
I William E. Kennedy am one of the circuit judges in & for the state aforesaid & now presiding in the county of Laurens, do hereby certify that William McKnight whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is now & was at the time of making the same clerk of this circuit Court for Laurens county & that his said certificate is in due form of law.
Given under my hand  & seal. this 28th day of August 1832.
Will. E. Kennedy Judge SC
Seal (circled)
Page 51

State of Alabama Laurence County
On the 22nd day of September 1832 Personly (sp) came before me an acting Justice of the peace for the County and state afforesaid (sp) Sarah Carghill a resident of this state in the county of Laurence aged about 70 years and infirm so that she can not get to court but in her right mind who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and sayeth she was well acquainted with John Milam who resided in the neighberhood (sp) of her father in Hallifax (sp) County Virginia for many years and saith she well remembers that John Milam and one of her Brothers enlisted in the service of the united states for the term of two years and that they return.d together and further saith she knows this John Milam to be the same identical man sworn to and subscrib.d to the day and year aforesaid
Sarah Carghill    X her mark

given under my hand and seal this 22nd day of September 1832
Abram McGehee  JP (circled)

this is to certifie (sp) that Sarah Carghill is a repectable woman and a member of the Baptist church whose testamony (sp) would be taken in any Court of Justice according to our present mind
Abm. Mc,gehee
Elsha Tery
Page 52

State of Alabama Lawrence County}
I John Gregg Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Abraham McGehee Esquire whose name is subscribed to the forgoing certificate was on the day of the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my seal of office at office this 24th day of September 1832
John Gregg Clerk

Deposition of Sarah Carghill
The State of Alabama Lawrence County}
I James B Wallace, Joh judge of the County Court, which is a Court of record do certify that John Gregg who has signed the above certificate as clerk is and was at the date thereof clerk of said county Court duly commissioned and sworn that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such and that his said certificate and attestation are un due force (?) of law-  Witness my hand this 24th day of Sept. 1832.
James B. Wallace
Judge of Court
Page 53

The State of Mississippi Monroe County  S.S.
Before me John Bickerstaff an acting Justice in & for said County personally appeared William Atkins, to me well known who being first duly sworn deposes and says that he was personally acquainted with John Milam in his lifetime, that he knew said Milam from about the year 1805 or 1806 up to the time of his decease in 1838.  That he first knew said Milam in South Carolina.  That said affiant was a resident of Laurance District South Carolina at the time of the Marrigge (sp) of the said John Milam and Polly Milam, whose name is signed to the declaration which is hereto attached; but now not present when they were married; that the the said John Milam & the said Polly lived and cohabited together as man & wife from about the year 1813 up to the time of the decease of the said John in 1838- Affiant further states that he knows of his own knowledge that the said John Milam was a revolutionary pensioner that at the time he received his pension he was a citizen of Madison County Alabama where he resided from about 1810 to the time of his decease in 1838 when this affiant further states that he knows that Polly Milam is the widow of the said John Milam who was a pensioner at the time of his decease and that she is now a widow & has been ever since the decease of her said husband
William Atkins (signature)

Sworn to & subscribed before me this the 20th day of April 1858
Johnson Bickerstaff  Justice of the peace
Page 54

The State of Mississippi Monroe County}
I Wm. G. Elkin Clerk of the Probate Court of said County a court of record- do hereby certify that Johnson Bickerstaff Esq. before whom the within and foregoing declaration and affidavits were made and whose genuine signature appears to attestations and certificates thereof, is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace which is a court of record in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified to all whose official acts as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Aberdeen the 1st day of May 58 (year obscured by folded seal on paper)
Wm. G Elkin Clerk
Page 55

[part of previous page folded over top]

The State of Mississippi Monroe COunty
Before me Newton J. Beckett as acting Justice of a court of record in afor (sp) said County personally appeared William B Atkins to me well known who being first duly sworn deposes & says that he was personally acquainted with John Milam in his lifetime; that he was well acquainted with said Milam from about the time of his intermarriage with Polly Allison in the year 1813 which took place in Laurence District South Carolina up to the time of his decease in 1838.  That he knew the said John Milam to be a revolutionary pensioner at the time of his decease; Said affiant further states that the said John & Polly lived together as man & wife from the date of their mariage (sp) in 1813 up to the decease of the said John & was so recognised as man & wife in the community in which they resided:  that he is still well acquainted with the said Polly now Polly Milam & that she is a resident of the County of Monroe aforesaid and is the same identical person who signed her name (by Mark) in my presence to the declaration hereto attached for a pension

Affiant further states that the said Polly is a widow & has been ever since the decease of her said husband in 1838 and that he has every reason to believe what she has stated in her said declaration 
William B Atkins
Sworn to and Subscribed Before me this the 1st day of May AD 1858 
N J Beckett J Peace.
Page 56

The State of Mississippi Monroe County}
Wm. G Elkin Clerk of the Probate Court of said County a Court of record do hereby certify that W J Beckett Esq. before whom the within affidavit was made and whose genuine signature appears to a certificate as attestation thereof is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace which is a court of record in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified to all whose official acts as such fully faith and credit are and [obscured by paper seal] given
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Aberdeen the 1st day of May 1858
Wm. G. Elkin clerk
Page 57

The State of Mississippi Monroe County} SS
Before me N J Beckett as acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Personally appeared Samuel Word a citizen of said County and to me well known who being by me first duly sworn deposes & says- that he has known Polly Milam for a great number of years- That he first new (sp) her in Laurence District South Carolina before and after she married one John Milam.  That he was living in the immediate vicinity in which they were married at the time the marriage took place.  Heard the marriage spoken of at the time and believes them to have been lawfully married according to the laws of South Carolina, That he afterwards lived in Madison County Alabama where he knew and was well acquainted with the said John Milam & Polly his wife & that they were then & there still living together as man & wife and were generally respected to be & received as such in the neighborhood in which they resided and so lived up to the decease of the said John who died some eighteen or twenty years ago- That he is yet acquainted with the said Polly who is now living and resident in said County of Monroe and is the person whose name is assigned to the declaration herewith connected and that he believes she is exactly what she represents herself to be.  that the said Polly is now
Page 58

a widow and has been ever since the decease of the said John Milam who died in Madison County Alabama some eighteen or twenty years ago
Saml Ford (signature)
Sworn to and Subscribed Before me this the 13th day of April AD 1858
NJ Beckett J Peace

Fee paid  25cts

The State of Mississippi Monroe County}
I Wm G Elkin clerk of said County- a court of record- do hereby certify that N.J. Beckett Esqr. before whom [dre- crossed out] foregoing affidavit was made and whose genuine signature appears to an attestation or certificate thereof is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace which is a Court of record in and for said County County duly commissioned and qualified whose official acts as such full and credit are and ought to be given

[lower left corner obscured by overlying paper seal]
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Aberdeen the 1st day of May 1858
Wm G. Elkin clerk