Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4290, for John Mc Murry, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
S.C.

McMurry, John
or McMurray
Margaret

NUMBER
W.4290
B.L. Wt. 28502-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

South Carolina 16411
John McMurry of Lancaster in the State of So. Ca. who was a Pri: in the_ commanded by Captain _ of the Regt. commanded by Col: Coffee [Captain Henry Coffey] in the So. Ca. line for 13 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of South Carolina at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day pf March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of Augt: 33 and sent S. Beckham, Lancaster CH

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  86.66
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833  21.66 = $108.32

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nath: Rice Clerk
Book E Vol. 6 Page 74

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept 1837 to 4 Sept 1838 Agt notified 4th June 1839.
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3792
South Carolina
Margaret McMurry,
widow of John McMurry S.C. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Increased from $43.33

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 64 Dollars 61 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued 4th day of January 1858 and sent to J. J. Coombs Present

Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 344 Vol. 26
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159.323 Act Mar 8/55
June 4/55

Margaret McMurry
widow
John McMurry Private

Capt Hugh Coffee [Coffey]
Col Hampton [Lieutenant Colonel Henry Hampton]

Enl 1780 S C Mil
Revolution War 

Pensioner
S.C. Feby 53 - 3192

Ad: 16 oacr May 24/86
Boynton M

K G Billings
Lancaster CH SC

No 28502 iss. May 28/56

Cir. K. G. Billings Apl. 5/56
vol 21 page 102
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South Carolina Lancaster Dist

On this 26th day of April
Anno Domini 1833 Personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Richard Gandt a Judge in the Court of Genl Sessions and
Common Pleas for the District now sitting John McMurry a resident of the District & State aforesaid aged eighty two 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 act of Congress passed 7th June 1832. That on or about the first day of November 1781 he was enrolled or drafted in the militia of South Carolina
& entered into the service of the United States as a private, under the following Officers in the Company of Cap. [Robert] Montgomery of 
Col. [Levi] Kershaw's Regt, Genl [Thomas] Sumpter's Brigade on a six months tour & served until the first May 1781. - Was engaged in the Battles of Hanging Rock, Rocky Mount &c & at the expiration of said term was verbally discharged -
That about the tenth of May 1781
he entered as a volunteer under Cap [Henry] Coffee as first lieutenant and joined the Camp of Genl F Marion shortly after at Murry's Ferry on Santee River in the State of South Carolina, in this
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Campaign he served as first lieut. in
Cap. Coffee's Company Seven months say till the tenth day of December 1781. as near as he now can recollect in this last campaign he was engaged in the battle of the Eutaw Spring, Battle of Edisto &c-- That he marched through every part of the State and was engaged in nine
different battles besides various skirmishes  &c
That 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 
To  the interrogations proposed
he answers as follows-
Ansr. 1 Antrim County Ireland the
6th May 1750.
Ansr 2. has not any record of his age
Ansr 3. Lancaster Dist So. Carolina
where he has resided ever since
Ansr 4. Drafted in Snowy campaign under Cap Montgomery - and volunteered under Cap Coffee
Ans 5. Genl Sumpter, Genl Marion,
Col. Kershaw, Col Hampton &c
Ans 6. never recd a written discharge
but invariably a verbal one
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Ans 7 (as a Private) - He names R. W. Gill Esq. Revd. Thos. Kitchen who can testify to his character as a man of veracity & the belief of his Revolutionary services.
Ans 7 (as an officer) Dont recollect positively whether or no he red. a commission - but is inclined to believe he served through the express wish & choice of Cap Coffee's Company - if he was commissioned he lost it.
John McMurry X his mark

Sworn to in open court this 26th April 1833
Simon Beckham CCPS & Qu

We Thomas Kitchen a clergyman & Robert W. Gill residents of Lancaster District & State of South Carolina do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John McMurry who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration & we believe him to be eighty two years old, that he is reported & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier & officer in the Revolutionary war & we concur in that opinion.
Thos. Kitchen Minsr.
Rob W Gill

Sworn to & subscribed the 26th Apl. 1833
Simon Beckham Qu
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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 Thomas Kitchen is a clergyman and Robert W. Gill who have signed the same are residents of Lancaster District aforesaid & that their statements are entitled to credit.
Given under my hand this 26th April 1833.
R Gantt P. Judge

John McMurry 25025

I Simon Beckham clerk of the Court of Genl. Sessions & Common Pleas in & for Lancaster District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John McMurry for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 26th day of April 1833.
Simon Beckham CCCPS
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25025
John McMurry
S.C.

Admit as private
13 mo. $43.33

Robert W Gill
Lancaster Dist
S. Beckham
Lancaster C.H.
Page 10

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
May 29 1833
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.
A Statement, showing the service of John McMurry S.C.
Period when the service was rendered. Militia Nov. 1780 draftd
Duration of the claimant's service.
7 months
Rank of the claimant.  pri
Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Cap Montgomery, Col Kershaw
Age at present, 89, born in Ireland, and place of abode when he entered the service. entered in Lancaster Dist and now lives in said District
May '81 7 months as Lieut.
Cap Coffee, Genl Marion
Proof by which the declaration is supported. Certificate of Clergyman
and a Citizen
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
The applicant must produce proof of
his having served as Lieut, either by the exhibition of his commission; a proof that he had one
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2
                                                      REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been constructed to extent, 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 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, etc., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefit 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 the 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 applicants reside. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

                                                                   DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
                                            State Territory, or District of
                                             County of
On this             day of                                personally appeared (a) before  
          A B. a resident (b) of                              in the county of                        and State, Territory, or District of           aged (c)            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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)           , with.        and served in the                (e) regiment of the line,                under the following named offices:

(Here set forth the names and ranks of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service ; (and if he server under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particlar period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered 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

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 was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                                                                                     of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                                                                       for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and seal of office (i) this 
                         day of                                          &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the name 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 the 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                             and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we 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 days 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. and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Clerk of Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the orginal proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for pension.

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

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the orginal 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 hid personal knowledge of the service oh the applicant, and such circumstance connected therewith as may have a tendency to throw lightupon 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 material facts, which can be used in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person                                                                                                
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, it 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 the 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 nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, fromtheir 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 certity to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deened 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 inquiry whether the belief is general or 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 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 certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of ofice, 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 genine signature.

No payments can be made upon 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 theopinion 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 of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldiers 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 depots and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positive as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades: ---For____year_____month____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 service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  ome persons who apply for pensions mere state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  

It must begin every case, be clearly shown under what officer the applicant severed; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corp 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 n any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must fix 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 certified officer, should accompany the papers.                                                   
                                                                  
                                                                    Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certifing officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certiicate 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 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 claimant's 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 verify 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.
The note
 from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is 
The 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.
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State of South Carolina Lancaster District
On this 20th day of October AD 1853 personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas and  general sessions held in and for the said District in open court Mrs Margaret McMurry a resident of said District & State aged 71 years who being 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 3d of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war; that she is the widow of John McMurry who was a private in the revolutionary war. She further make oath that her husband said John McMurry dec was a pensioner and that he drew from agency in Charleston South Carolina twenty one dollars 66/00 for six months from the year 1833 to his death 1842 and that his residence was in said District & state. She further declares that she was married to the said John McMurry dec on about 10th day of October AD 1818; that her husband the aforesaid John McMurry died on the 3d day of June AD 1842; that she was married to him at the time above stated. She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act and is still a widow and that she has never before made application for a pension
Margaret McMurray X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before 
in presence of T J Wethers
Presiding Judge
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State of South Carolina Lancaster District
On this 22 day of November AD 1853 personally appeared before me undersigned a magistrate of the peace in and for the District aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths Mrs Rebecca Ann Hill a resident of said District and state to me well known as a credible witness who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath say that she is acquainted with Mrs Margaret McMurry the above named applicant for pension that she has known her for 50 years past. She further make oath that their was family record of the marriage between the said widow Margaret McMurry and her husband John McMurry dec but has been lost or mislaid and cant be found. She postively swears that she was at the marriage between the said widow and her husband John McMurry dec and that they were married on or about the 10th day of October AD 1815 by a man name of John Nisbett Magistrate who is authorized to perform marriage by the laws of said state. She futher make oath that said John McMurry died 3d day of June AD 1842 and that Mrs Margaret McMurry has never married since the death of her husband John McMurry dec and is still. and she futher make oath that she is (illegible) interested in the claim
Rebecca Ann Hill X her mark

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first above written before me. I certify that I am in (illegible) interested
Francis McSteer
Magistrate
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[ State of South Carolina Lancaster District ] On this 24 day of Nov. A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Magistrate in and for  said District  Thomas W Huey  and John W. Nisbit  who are to me well known and who are entitled to credit  being duly sworn before  and say , that they are each well acquainted with  Mrs. Margaret McMurray  the above applicant for a pension , that they have  known her  for 40 years  past that they well acquainted with John McMurray  dec'd her late husband  having known him for 40 years previous to his death, that they the said John McMurray dec'd and Margaret McMurray lived together as husband and wife  and were reputed to be that  deponents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed  or questioned , that the said John McMurray  died on or about the 3 day of June A.D. 1842  and the deponents say on oath that said widow has not remarried since the death of her husband  said John McMurray  and they further make oath that she is still a widow and that John McMurray dec'd was the identical man mentioned as a pensioner from   United States government in her declaration   above  and that deponents are disinterested . subscribed and sworn before me the day  and year first above written and I certify that I am not interested herein .  Thomas Huey  ( signed ) John W. Nisbit ( signed ) Francis Mc Atees ( signed ) Magistrate
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[ South Carolina Lancaster District ] I, J A Stewman clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions  for the District aforesaid do hereby certify that the Honl. Thos. J Withers before whom the foregoing declaration  was made was at the time of so doing a Judge of said Court duly qualified  , and that Francis Mc Atees Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits were made was at the time of so doing a Magistrate of the peace in and for said District duly commissioned and sworn and that the signatures of both are genuine. Given under my hand and seal of office at Lancaster Court House this 25th day of November  Anno Domini 1853. J A Stewman ( signed ) Clk C.C.P. & G.S.
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State of South Carolina,
DISTRICT OF LANCASTER.
On this 9th day of April in the year
one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me  Francis McAteer a Magistrate within the District and State aforesaid, Margaret McMurry aged 70 years, who being sworn according
to law, declares that she is the widow of John McMurry who was a
private in the Company commanded by Captain Hugh Coffee [Coffey]  in the Revolutionary war or Militia
commanded by Col Hampton [Lt.Col. Henry Hampton] in the Revolutionary war. she states that her husband acted as Lieutenant at the battle of Eutaw Springs, that he volunteered in said District & State on or about the
_ day of _ in the year 1780 for the term of _ and continued in actual service in said war, for the term of eight months and was honorably
discharged at _ on the _ day of _ in
the year _. She further states that she was married to the said John McMurry deceased in said State & District on the 10th day Oct AD 1815 by one John Nisbet Magistrate of peace and that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Adams. That her said husband died at his residence in said State & District on the 3d day of June AD 1842 that she still continues the widow of said John McMurry deceased. she further makes oath that she don't know what time her husband said John McMurry decd entered the Revolutionary war
nor when he was discharged, but she make oath that he drew a Pension from government for his service in the revolutionary war. she further make oath that she draws from the government a pension for her husbands services in the revolutionary war her lifetime. She refers to said papers of her declaration and his for his service in said war that his application for pension. she make oath their is no family or public record of her marriage.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855. And I do by these presents constitute and appoint KG Billings of Lancaster Village my true and lawful attorney for the above purpose.
s/ Francis McAteer Magistrate 
Margare  McMurry X her mark

We, J. W. Nisbet and G. A. Nisbet, residents of Lancaster in the State of 
South Carolina upon our oath declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Margaret McMurry in  our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
s/ John W. Nisbet
George A. Nisbet
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed, before me, the day
and year above written; and I hereby certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest
in this claim.
s/ Francis McAteer
Magistrate
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[ South Carolina Lancaster District ] I, J A Stewman  clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions  for the District aforesaid do hereby certify that  Francis Mc Atees Esq. whose name appears to the within  and annexed in his own hand  writing is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Magistrate for said District duly commissioned and sworn. Given under my hand and seal of office at Lancaster Court House this 30th day of May A.D> 1853  J A Stewman ( signed / sealed ) Clk C.C.P. & G.S. L.D. ( vertical at top of page )  139323 Mrs. Margaret McMurray  application for Bounty Land  3rd of March  1853. Attorney KG Billings of Lancaster Co. S.C. )
Page 19

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
March 5, 1927.
Mrs. C. O. Robinson,
1599 Central Ave
Indianapolis, Ind.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the pension claim W.4290, it
appears that John McMurry, or McMurray was born May 5, 1750, in County Antrim, Ireland.
While living in Lancaster District, South Carolina, he served at various 
times between June 25, 1780 and September 17, 1781 as private and Lieutenant of Cavalry, under Captains
Montgomery and Henry Coffey, Majors Robert Crawford and Thomas
Thompson and Colonels Kershaw and Henry Hampton in the
South Carolina Militia. He was engaged at the battles of Rocky Mount, Hanging Rock, Eutaw Springs and Edisto and others not named.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 1833, while living in Lancaster District, South Carolina, where he died June 3, 1842. He is referred to as Senior, but
explanation made and it is not stated whether he had any children.
He married October 10, 1815, Margaret Adams, she was allowed
pension on her application executed October 20, 1853, while living in Lancaster District, S. C. aged seventy one years.
Respectfully, Commissioner

I lumped the service because only 139 days are reported by S.C. States Report and all of the militia services were not recorded
he & the wife both allowed pensions
Page 20

Revy WIDOW ,&c. File No. 4290 Margaret McMurray  widow John McMurray  Pri Rev. War  Act: Feb 3, 1853 Index: - Vol. M Page 19 ( Arrangement of 1870 ) ( margin notes on  rt page ) (  1927 Mar. 5  Hist. to Mrs. B O Robinson ans )
Page 21

3192 South Carolina Margaret McMurray widow of John who served in the Revolutionary war as a private. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 3rd  February  1853.Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Dec. 1853 and sent to K G Billing  Lancaster Co Ho  SC Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 144 Vol. A ( 32 ) ( left page margin notes Reg 3 m 55 - 159323  initialed )
Page 22

Pension Office Dec 3, 1853 Sir, Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pensioner. Respectfully  etc. S. Cole ( signed ) for Comm.  F. Burt Esq. 3 Aud Present  John McMurray  act 1832 $ 43.33 p. annum  - Died 3rd June 1842 . Paid to his death. F Burt ( signed ) Auditor
Page 23

Margaret McMurray wid of John Lancaster Dist. S.C. Act Feb 3rd 1853 In crease to  $ 64. 61/100 per an. commencing Feb. 3rd, 1853 Deducting former  pay to under the act of Feb 3rd, / 53 Cert. to J.J. Coombs Esq. Pens A
Page 24

State of South Carolina Lancaster  Co C Nov. 25  AD 1853 L P Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington City Dear Sir, I forward to you the application of Mrs. McMurray for pension under the late act of Congress  3rd Feb 1853 for her husband's service in the Revolutionary war. Respectfully  your obt servt. K G Billings ( signed )
Page 25

Payment to be made at Charleston
by John C. Cochran
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of South Carolina
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 144 Vol. A
G. T. Getty Clerk
Page 26

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853
Margaret McMurry, widow of John McMurry, who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty three
dollars and thirty three cents per annum, commencing on the
3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such
marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this twelfth day of December
one thousand eight hundred and fifty three, s/ R. McClelland
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned.
s/ LP Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 27

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
May 14th 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, John McMurray, a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina Agency, at
the rate of Forty three Dollars and thirty three cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832,
has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1838,
to the Sept. 1838
Respectfully, yours
s/ J Seaver

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Beaver
acting Comptroller
Page 28

Brief in the case of Margaret McMurry widow of John
Lancaster Dist and State of South Carolina act of February 3, 1853
Claim (" original, or for increase.)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance
Husband a private in S Ca line 13 mos
& pensioner of the U.S. under act of June 7, 1832 at $43 33/100 per annum & paid to his death June 3 1842- Allowed $43 33/100 per annum Com Feb 3/53
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by Rebecca Ann Hill
& John W Nesbit residents of said district and certified to be credible
Death of husband proved by auditor report
Identity & Widowhood a credible witness
Name and residence of Agent
K.G. Billings
Lancaster Co house
South Ca.
Examining Clerk.
JLe Gray
Page 29

Brief in the case of Margaret McMurry, widow of John
Lancaster Dist State of So. Carolina,
act 3 Feb 1853.
for increase. Increase from $43.33/100 to $64.61/100 pr Ann commencing Feb 3d 1853. deducting former paymts under said Act
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
husband of the applicant claimed under the act of 7 June, 1832, that
he served in 1780. six months in So. Carolina as a private of Cavalry & in 1781 Seven months as a Lt. of Cavalry & named his officers.
He was unable to furnish record evidence of his service, this Office allowed him a pension for 13 months service as a private of Infantry making his pension $43.33/100 per Ann. 
The claimant in the case is now a pensioner upon the So. Carolina roll under the act of Feb. 3d 1853 @ the rate aforesaid & asks that her pension be increased for 3 months & 7 days
service as a private of Cavalry & one month & 12 days as a Lt of Cavalry, which the certificate of the Comptroller General of So. Car. now filed, shows was rendered by pri McMurry, from the same place, during the same period & under the same office as claimed by the Claimants husband in his declaration under the
Act of 7 Jun 1832. The claimant has surrendered her pension Cert, under the act of Feb. 3d 1853. An increase of $21.28/100 per an Com Feb. 3, 1853, is allowed.
J. J. Coombs Esqr Present,
Name and residence of Agent 
JC Boynton
Examining Clerk.
Page 30

Washington, Nov. 30, 1857.
Sir
Enclosed please find the pension certificate of Margaret Murray, widow of John McMurray decd of S.C. with additional evidence of service, upon which she asks an increase of her pension.
John McMurray claimed for 6 mo.
service as private, and I months service as Lieutenant, but being unable to present his commission, or any documentary evidence that he served as a commissioned officer,
consented to receive a pension as private only. He was accordingly
allowed a pension for 13 months
service as a private of Infantry.
I now present the certificate of the
Comptroller of S.C. Showing that he
was paid for service as Lieut of cavalry and also, that his service as a
private was cavalry service.
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
J. J. Coombs
Geo. C. Whiting Esq Comr of Pension
Page 31

State of South Carolina cash with
To J.L. Edwards Comr of Pensions
I find that my Petition praying a pension from the United States 
has been returned, with instructions relative to my giving satisfactory evidence of my having a Comn in the war. It was not my expectation to be paid as an Officer. that part of the petition was merely intended to strengthen the balc. you will therefore please not to consider me as
desiring pay as an Officer but as a private.
1July 1833
Witness Simon Peckham
Respectfully Yours &c
John McMurry X his Mark
Page 32

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
May 3d 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, John McMurry a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina Agency, at
the rate of Forty three Dollars and thirty three cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832
has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1837, to the 4th March 1838, 6 months-
Respectfully, yours,
s/ J. Seaver
acting Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Page 33

State of South Carolina
District of Lancaster
On this 9th day of April A D 1855
personally appeared before me a magistrate of Peace within the District and State aforesaid G. A. Nisbet aged 68 years and J.W. Nisbet aged 54 to who being duly sworn
according to law declare and says that they were well acquainted with John McMurry deceased and his
Widow Margaret McMurry. they further make that they live in the same neighbourhood where
the said John McMurry deceased and his widow lived. they further make oath they always considered them as
man & wife and never heard disputed that they were not man & wife they further make oath that said John McMurry died at his residence in said District & State on the 3d of June AD 1842, and they further make oath that name of Mrs Margaret McMurry before her marriage to said John McMurry deceased was Margaret Adams and she is still his widow.
s/ Francis McAleer Magistrate
John W. Nisbet
George A. Nisbet
The foregoing affidavit were sworn
to and subscribed before me the day and year above written I hereby certify that I know the affiants
to be credible persons
s/ Frances McAleer
Magistrate
Page 34

State of South Carolina
District of Lancaster ⎬ On this 9th day of April in the year 1853 personally appeared before me a Magistrate of peace Mrs Rebecca Hill who being
duly sworn according to law declares and says that she was present at  marriage ceremony of John McMurry
deceased to Margaret Adams. that they were married on the 10th day of Oct A D 1815. She further
make oath that were married by a man name of John Nisbet a magistrate of Peace. She further make oath that said Mrs Margart McMurry is still a widow of John McMurry deceased
Rebecca Hill X her mark
s/ Francis McAleer
Magistrate
The foregoing affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I
certify that I know the affiant to be a credible person
s/Francis McAleer
Magistrate
Page 35

John McMurry's 
Indent & Account
as
Lieutenant & Private
Page 36

No. 37 Lib O
Issued 19th January 1785 to Mr. John McMurry for thirty five pounds 18/6 ¾ Sterling for Militia duty on Horse, as Lieut. and private, also for a mare lost in the Militia Service in 1780 & 1781 as per account audited -
Principal £35.18.6 ¾ 
Interest -- 2.9.2
No.25
37. O March 2nd
No. 25
Mr. John McMurray his Accot of 69 days Militia Duty on Horseback
as Private, and for 42 days duty on Horse as Lieut: also for a mare lost in
Militia Service, the whole in 1780 & 1781. Charged Stg £35.18.6 ¾ 

State of South Carolina Dr
To John McMurray
1780 June 25th to Sept 1st both dates included
To 69 days in the Cavalry under Major Robert Crawford, at Hanging Rock &c @ 20s pr day £69.0.0
Certified By Henry Coffey Capt
1781 Feb 16th to March 6th Both dates are included
To 19 days in the Cavalry under Col Henery Hamton @ 20s pr day £19.0.0
Certified By Jas Craig Lieut
Carried over £88.0.0
Page 37

Brought over £ 88.0.0
1781
April 25th - May 3rd
Do as above
To 9 Days in the Cavalry under Major Thomas Thompson at Camden at 20s per Day £9.0.0
Certified by Wm Nesbet Capt [William Nisbett]

1781 August 7th to Sept. 17 ditto
To 42 days Lieut in the Cavalry under Major. Thos. Thompson at the Utas [Eutaw Springs] @ 45s/0 pr day
£94.10.0
Certified by William Nesbet Capt

1781 August 16th no Certificate
To one Black mare appraised by James Montgomery and John Strain  £60.0.0
South Currency Total £251.10.0
Sterling £35.18.6¾
Deduct £8.11.5
£27.7.1 ¾

South Carolina personally appeared John McMury this 17th January 1784 and made oath that the above accounts are just and true, and that no part has been paid for the same.
Sworn this 17th day of January
1784. Before me
Robt Montgomery
J. P.
I do Certify that the above mare was lost in Public Service
Jas. Craig Lieut

 Received 19th Jany 1786 full satisfaction for the within in an Indent No 37 Book. O.
Andrew Baskin
Page 38

Comptroller General's Office
Columbia SoCa Octr 1st 1857
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy from the Records of this Office
Given under my hand
WR Huntt
Dep Comp Genl
no seal of office
Page 39

South Carolina Lancaster District 
I James H Witherspoon  Ordinary for said Dist certify that John McMurray Senr who was a revolutionary soldier departed this life in the year 1842
That Margaret McMurry his widow is
still alive. that I am personally
acquainted with Thomas W Huey &
John W Nisbet, who have signed
the foregoing certificate, that they
are entiled to full creit for their statements.
Given under my hand & seal
of office at Lancaster CH SoCa
Novr 25 1853
James H. Witherspoon
Ordinary Lancaster
District SoCa
Page 40

Jan 17 - 27
Bureau of Pensions
Dear Sirs
Will you please give me the record of John McMurray (or McMurrey)
who was a pensioner from South Carolina in 1840. as I understand he was a Revolutionary War pensioner.
I would like all the information you
have of him. Birth, death, marriage
and names of wife or wives and children.
Thank you so very much for the record of Benjamin Parker you sent me last November. he was the one I was seeking and found he was my
ancestor through his wife's maiden name.  I hope I will have as much
success with this one.
Thanking you in advance
I am sincerely
(Mrs. CO.) Nelle B. Robinson
4509 Central Ave.
Indianapolis, Ind.