Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21792, for Thomas Mc Clurken, South Carolina
Page 1

(3 - 1776) 
SERVICE NUMBER
McClurken, Thomas  W.21792
or
McClorken

Elizabeth

CONTENTS
Page 2

Illinois 16.417

Thomas McClurken
of Chester in the State of So. Ca. who was a Pri in the commanded 
by Captain of the Regt. commanded by Brown in the So. Ca. 
line for 10 months and a half

Inscribed on the Roll of South Carolina
at the rate 55 Dollars _ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Aug/[unintelligible-123]
and sent to G.W. Coleman
Chester CH. So. Ca.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept

110
27.50
$137.50

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by: Nath: Rice Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 74

In Cir
In let
In Cir
Trans b
4 Sept. 18 
Let 15 H J
Ajt. Feb 17. 1836
Letter to the AN Snyder 9 July 1838
Paid at the Treasury under the 
Act of the 6 April for 4 
March 1837. to 4 Sept. 1837
Agt. had died 10 August. 1838
Page 3

SC
[unintelligible] Revolutionary
war as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 34 Dollars//
Centers per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension is issued the
4 day of Jany [unintelligible-1149]
and sent to 
P.E. Hosier [unintelligible]
Nashville
Washington Ill.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1948, Page 347 Vol. 3

Reputed 
Jany 4/49
letter [unintelligible] & Abel Aug 8/49

Date of death is on 03
Page 4

THE NEW 
TESTAMENT
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR 
JESUS CHRIST:
WITH
ARGUMENTS
PREFIXED TO THE DIFFERENT BOOKS
AND MORAL THEOLOGICAL
OBSERVATIONS
Page 5

1818
1794
24 

John McClurken was born in May the 4, 1792 
Archibald McClurken was born in November
the 11th 1794
Nancy McClurken was bron in December
the 25th 1797
James McClurken 11 of Janruary 17[unintelligible]
Thomas McClurken March 31 175[unintelligible]
David McClurken was born June 22th 1771

David McClurken
Page 6

State of Illinois} ss 
Washington County} ss.

On this 20th day of August A.D. 1846 personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Commissioners of the County Court of said County Elizabeth McClurken a resident of said County aged 76 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 of the act of Congress of the 17th of June 1844 being an act granting half pay & pensions to certain Widows, that she is the Widow of Thomas McClurken who was a private in the army at the time of the Revolutionary war that at the time he entered the army he was a resident of the Parish of Chester in the State of South Carolina that said Thomas McClurken was a pensioner as appears of Record in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. C. Page 74, she further States that she was married to said McClurken on the fourth day of September in the year seventeen hundred and 90 Ninety. That her husband died on the 22d of March 1845. that she was not married to him previous to his
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leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & ninety before at the time above stated 
Elizabeth McClurken 
Mark

Sworn to and subscribed 
on the day and year above written 
before me a commissioner of the County Court of Washington 
County State of Illinois 
Greenville, Rountree [seal]

I hereby certify that Elizabeth McClurken named above is too old and infirm to appear in open court to make the above declaration Rountree J.P [Seal} 
Rountree County Commissioner 

State of Illinois} 
County of Washington} 
I hereby certify that the signature of Greenville Rountree above is genuine. I also certify that the said Greenville Rountree is & was at the time his said signature purports to have been move a Commissioner of the County Court of Washington County aforesaid which is by the Statute of Illinois a
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4 blanks 
Court of Record. 
In Testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and affixed 
the seal of the said Court 
of said County this 11th 
day of September A.D. 1846 
T.H. Callaway Clk 

State of Illinois} ss 
Washington County} ss 

In said Washington County Commissioner Court at an adjourned Term March 20th A.D. 1847 
We the undersigned County Commissioners of said County by do hereby certify, from the evidence before us that the above named Elizabeth McClurken is too infirm to appear in open Court and the facts being stated and the evidence heard we approve of the above proceedings before Greenville Rountree one of the Commissioners of this Court
Thomas F. White} 
Elijah Goodner}  County Commissioners  

State of Illinois} 
Washington County} 
I Thomas H. Callaway Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of said County do hereby certify that the following is a correct copy of an order made and entered on record at an adjounded Term of the County Commissioners Court of said County held the 20th day of March A.D. 1847 to wit ordered that the proceedings before Greenville Rountree one of the Commissioners of this Court in the matter of Elizabeth McClurken application for a Pension be
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 approved." I also certify that the County Commissioners Court of said County is a Court of record composed of three Commissioners two of whom form a Quorum that said Court has a Clerk & a Seal and that all the orders of said Court are recorded and I also certify that Thomas F. White Elijah Goodner & Greenville Rountree are now the Commissioners composing said Court. I also certify that the signatures of the said Thomas F. White and Elijah Goodner above written are genuine & that at the time they were made they were commissioners as aforesaid.
 
In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand & affixed 
the seal of the said Court 
of said County this 22d day 
of March A.D. 1847 

M Callaway Clk 

13147
Widow's Declaration
Page 10

The State of South Carolina} 
Chester District}

On this second day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three   personally appeared in open court, before the Honorable Richard Gantt one of the Judges of the Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas of said District and State, now sitting, Thomas McClurken a resident of Chester District and State of South Carolina, aged Seventy seven 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 June Seventh one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served from the year 1775 or 1776 to the year 1782 as herein stated.
"I was a substitute for Abraham Miller in the Snowey Camps in the winter 1775 under the command of Capt. Alexander Turner detachment of us was ordered to Reedy River after Capt. Cunningham, afterwards a celebrated and bloody Tory Major. We discovered his party and fired at them. They dispersed, and we captured twenty one of his Tory associates marched them to Ninety-six where we had them handcuffed and chained and then took them to Charleston and lodged them in Jail. We then returned home." 

About the last of November or first of December 1778 I was drafted under Capt. Turner, we were ordered to the low country, and about Monk's corner, we became attached to Genl Richardson and after laying there some time, marched to the quarter house, near Charleston, from thence to Jacksonborough and Pocotaligo to Purrysburgh, where we fell in with Genl Lincoln, who commanded the Continental forces, our men were under the immediate command of Major Brown. We stayed at Purrysburgh until our term of service expired and I returned home." 
"Some time in the year 1779, before the fall of Charleston,
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I was there as a militia man, under Capt. Turner, and done duty three months in his company, I remember Col. Kenshaw and Genl Moultrie from Charleston I returned home."

"In about May 1780, Capt. Lacy raised a volunteer Company of about one hundred men. I volunteered under him we were ordered after a party of Tories supposed to be at Mobley's meeting house, where we found them and killed a number of them, the remainder of their party fled when our company returned home. About the first of March 1781, Lieutenant James Kennedy raised a small party of Whigs (I was one of the member) for the purpose of attacking a company of Tories who were at the Plantation of old James Wylies. We routed them through the old fields, after a short time they returned and owing to superior numbers, they compelled us give way, after killing Samuel Wylie the son of old James Wylie. Our party killed a Tory named Fair."

"About the month of April 1787, I was with Capt. Adams in the Indian Land where we remained a short time and was dismissed. In the month of May 1781, Capt. Adams again ordered me out. Our company were directed to procure provissions for Genl Green's army. We did so; and was then ordered to Fort Granby (called the Congaree Fort) which surrendered to Lieutenant Col. Lee. We were then dismissed. 

I was drafted, I believe in the month of February 1782,
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by Capt Cooper, Major Wallis and Genl Henderson were our field officers. We marched to Orangeburgh where we were ordered to guard the Jail which contained a large number of Prisoners. I remained there some time, and returned home. This was the last of my revolutionary services, I now live in the same neighbourhood that I lived in during the Revolutionary war. 

Deponent says he has no written discharge and hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state or Territory. 
Thomas McClorken


Sworn to and subscribed}
this day and year aforesaid}
in open Court} 
JRosborough 

State of South Carolina} 
Chester District}
I  [unintelligible name] aged seventy two years do hereby certify that I was personally acquainted with 
the above named Thomas McClurken in the time of the 
Revolutionary War and believe his statement to be true. 
Geo Elle 

Sworn to and subscribed} 
the day and year aforesaid}
[unintelligible]
JRosborough
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The State of South Carolina}
Chester District.} 
We, J Le Roy Davis a clergyman residing in the District of Chester, and George Gill Jr. to residence in the same place hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Thomas McClurken who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be seventy seven 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 and subscribed,}
 the day and year aforesaid} 
in open court}
J. Rosborough Clerk

J. LeRoy Davies 
Geo Gill

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, of to 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 Le Roy Davis who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the district of Chester, and that George Gill Jr. who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
 S. Gant 

I, John Rosborough, Clerk of the Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas for Chester District, State of South Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas McClurken for a pension. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Second day of April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and Fifty seventh year of American Independence. 
JRosborough  Clerk
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Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department and administered to Thomas McClunken, by the Honorable Richard Gantt, presiding Judge of the General Sessions and common Pleas, for Chester District, Spring Term 1833. 

First- Where and in what year were you born Answer- I was born in Ireland in the year 1756 and emigrated to Charleston in 1772 

Second- Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? 
Answer- I have no record of my age - my information on this subject was derived from my brother Robert McClurken, now dead.

Third- Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Answer- I was living in Camden District when first called into service, and have resided in Chester District, on the same plantation I now occupy, ever since the Revolutionary War 

Fourth- How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
Answer- I was first a substitute for Abraham Miller afterwards I served occasionally as a volunteer, and was also drafted several times. 

Fifth- 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 service? 
Answer- I remember Genl Green, Lieut. Col. Washington, and Genl Sumter, Col. Tarleton took my brother from his house and had him hurry to a Red oak tree) I do not at this time member the names of any of the Continental or militia
Page 15

Regiments - I was attached to Co.l Winns Regiment and refer to my narrative for the general circumstances of my service. 

Sixth- Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? 
Answer- I never received a written discharge from service it was usual to give a verbal discharge 

Seventh- State the names of persons to whom you are known in your neighbourhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. ⎬ 
Answer- Revd Mr. Davis, James Harbison, Esq, Doctor John Douglass, and also, refer to the whole neighbour to in which I reside 

Thomas McClurken 

Sworn in open Court} 
JRosborough Clrk} 
RGantt 

Amendment to Thomas McClurken's Declaration

South Carolina ⎬
Chester District}  
Personally appeared before me John Rosborough Clerk of the Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas for the district and State aforesaid, Thomas McClurken, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that by reason of old age, and the consequent laps of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to his recollection he served not less than the periods below mentioned, and in the following grades: For 4 months I served as a substitute for Abraham Miller in the year 1775-6. For two months and sixteen days under Capt Turner, I was drafted 1778
Page 16

For three months in the Militia under Capt. Turner in the year 1779. for Two weeks as a volunteer under Capt Lacy in 1780. For one night and day under Lieutenant James Kennedy as a volunteer in the year 1781. For two weeks as a volunteer under Capt Adams in the year 1781. For two months as a volunteer under Capt Adams in the year 1781. For two months I served under Capt Cooper was drafted this tour 1782, 
For two months as a volunteer under Capt Turner in the Dutch fork, South Carolina. I think in the year 1779 and for such service I claim a pension.

Thomas McClurken 

Sworn to and subscribed} 
this 6th July 1833 before me} 
JRosborough clk & JL 


South Carolina ⎬
Chester District}  
James Graham makes oath that he was personally acquainted with the above mentioned Thomas McClurken in the Revolutionary war 
having served with him at Orangeburgh, at Philipsburgh and at Charleston 

James Graham

Sworn to & subscribed  July 6th 1833}   
Before me} 
JRosborough clk & JL}

 South Carolina Chester Direct 
I John Rosborough Clerk of the Court and Justice  of the [unintelligible] for said District do Certify that the above named James Graham is a credible Witness July 6th 1833 
JRosborough clerk & JL
Page 17

Capt. Turner- 1775- 4
" 78 2-16
" 79 3-
Capt. Lacey- 80
Lt. Kennedy- 81- 2 14
Capt. Adams- " 2-
Capt. Cooper- 82 2
Page 18

Thomas McClurken 
Chester District 
So Ca 
Admit as private 
16 mo & half
 $55=

68 
73
141
4,21

MColeman 
Chester CH
SC
Page 19

WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office, 
183 

Sir: 

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show 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 Thomas McClurken

Period when the service was rendered. 
1775 or 76 Sub 
1778 drafted
1779
{about May 
1780 vol.
{about 1st March
1781
{about Apl.
1781
{believes Feby
1782 drafted


Duration of the claimant's service 
Years
Months
3 
Days
served from the 
year 1778 to 1782-

Rank of the claimant. 
Pri 

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. 
Genl Richardson 
Major Brown 
Major Wallis 
Genl Henderson 

Age at present, 
and place of abode 
when he entered the service. 
77 years 
Camden 
District 

Proof by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary 

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 

J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 

The following regulations have been adopted: 
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 

DECLARATION. 
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory or District of} ss. 
 County of} 

On this day of  personally appeared (a) before 
A.B. a resident (b) of in the county 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 officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he 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 named applicant 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 names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) 
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with, who has years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the 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. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the 
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 the Court of do hereby certify 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, this day of & c. 

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.   If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 21

3 
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected . All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his ease. 

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 the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. 

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
 
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which ease the declarant will follow the rule laid for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he [unintelligible due to fold]
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peac, & c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the  best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and the following grades: - For - year- months, and _ days, I served as a -. For - months and - days, I served as a -; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law direct the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f]  The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. 
[h] Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i] The Clerk must his seal, and it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 

Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 

Proof of Service. 
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the 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 certify to the credibility of the witnesses , and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 

The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j]  applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 22

March 29, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 

Thomas McClurken- W.21792
BA-J/AWF

The Quartermaster General 
Memorial Branch
War Department
Washington, D. C

Dear Sir: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Thomas McClurken, soldier of the War of the Revolution, private in the South Carolina troops, and died March 22, 1845 in Washington County, Illinois. The application for headstone for this soldier was enclosed, this appli  cation is returned herewith; no correspondence was enclosed. 

The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 21793, based upon the service of Thomas McClurken during the Revolutionary War. 

Thomas McClurken or McClorken was born in the year 1756 in Ireland, and came to Charleston, South Carolina in 1772; the names of his parents are not given.

While residing in Camden District, South Carolina, he enlisted and served as a private in the South Carolina troops, as follows: 

In the winter of 1775 and 1776, four months in Captain Alexander Turner's company in Colonel John Winn's regiment, is in the "Snow Campaign"; in November or December, 1778, two months and sixteen days in Captain Alexander Turner's company; in 1779 a tour of three months and one of two months under Captain Turner; in May, 1780, two weeks in Captain Lay's company and was in the battle of Mobley's Meeting House; in March, 1781, one night and day under Lieutenant James 1781
Page 23

Kennedy; again in 1781, a tour of two weeks and another of two months under Captain Adams; from in February, 1782, two months in Captain Cooper's company, guarding the jail in Orangeburgh. 

The soldier, Thomas McClurken or McClorken, was allowed pension on his application executed April 2, 1833, then a resident of Chester District, South Carolina.

He moved to Washington County, Illinois in 1834 "to accompany his sons". He died there March 22, 1845. 

Thomas McClurken or McClorken married September 4, 1790 in South Carolina, Miss Elizabeth Smith of Chester District, South Carolina. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 20, 1846, at which time she was aged seventy-six years and living in Washington County, Illinois. 

The following data in regard to their children are found in the claim: 
John  born May 4, 1792
Archibald " November 11, 1794
Nancy " December 25, 1797
James " January -, 17-
Thomas " March 31, 180-
David " June 22, 1811, residing in 1847 in Washington County, Illinois. 

Robert McClurken or McClorken, brother of the soldier, was referred to as deceased in 1833. 

Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 24

21792 
WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 21792 
Elizabeth McClurken
We'd of 
Thomas McClurken 
Priv. Rev. War 
Act Feb. 2d 1848 
Index: Vol. 46, Page 25 

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

Jany - 2 [unintelligible due to fold] 02

Miss Lila  [unintelligible due to fold] dd
Stockton
e 1,1903
Rev. H.J.K McClurken
[signature]

[unintelligible scribbles] hist to mos. Jna L. Kaay- En
[unintelligible scribbles] Mar 28 " " Miss Lucy Murray Esq
[unintelligible scribbles] Jan. 20 hist to
[unintelligible scribbles] Frank S. Torrens
935-[unintelligible scribbles] 29- luish
memorial Branch [unintelligible scribbles]
Page 26

V No 13147
Elizabeth McClurken
Set. Hon. Robert [unintelligible] Dec. 21 1831
Same Jan 14, 1847
Same Feb. 16, '47
Set to P.Hosmer April 20th, '47
to same June 4, '47


Act 7 July 1938
Page 27

Acc 44563
 No 13147 
Elizabeth McClurken
wid of Thomas 
Ill
Act of July 1838

Rejected husband [unintelligible]
22nd March 1845

admo Act 11 June 1844

11 mo 7 days /m
$34.11 prom
Mo 2nd March 1845

Hon. S. Breese
Senate of State
Page 28

Reported 
Illinois 475 
Elizabeth McClurken 
widow of Thomas McClurken 
who was a Private 
in the Revolution
Husband died 22 March, 1845 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
 34 Dollars 11 
Cents per annum, to commence on 22nd day of March, 1845 

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of March, 1848  and sent to Hon. S. Breese 
Senate United States 

[Act of JUNE 17, 1844. Vol.] 
Recorded in Book A. 
Vol. 2. Page 228
Page 29

Thomas McClurken, Ill, [unintelligible] SC 
 Act 7 June 1832 $33.10 [knaw unintelligible]}
 
To what time was he last paid? 
G.C.A

Pension Office} 
March 23. 48} Died 22d March 1845 
upto death-
A.B.T.
Page 30

House of Rep 
Feby 1st 1847

Sir
 I herewith submit additional proof in the case of 
Mrs Elizabeth McClurken which I hope will be considered sufficient to make out her case. 

Very Respectfully 
your Obt Sevt 

Robert Smith 

Hon JL Edwards 
Court of Pensions
Page 31

So Carolina

Thomas McClurken

55,417

Transfer
Page 32

Aug 29
Nashville [unintelligible]
Aug 15
transfer

free
Hon. James L. Edwards Esqr.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Application for 
at Transfer
Page 33

Washington March 4/48

Sir:

Mr. Hosmer an atty of Illinois, [unintelligible] me to enquire at your office if you have the [unintelligible]
evidence be transmitted in the care of Mrs. McClurken the widow of a revolutionary soldier & what has been your division in the care will you give me a reply soon.

Very [unintelligible]
S. Breesy


J.L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Page 34

Washington DC Dec 11th 1846

Sir
 
I herewith submit the papers of Elizabeth McClurkin of Washington Co Illinois paying a Pension under certain acts of Congress. 

Will you have the goodness to give her paper an early examination & advise me if be any more proof will required. 

I have the honor to be 
very truly Your Obt Servt, 
Robert Smith 

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Com of Pensions
Page 35

January 1st 1846 [unintelligible-year}
Washington DC 

Sir 
I herewith send you certificate from the Comptroller Genl of SC in relation to the service of Thomas McClurken in the Revolutionary War Attached the proof is not very methodically made out or entered on the Records, at the Comptroller Genls Office. Still I think the service is sufficiently proved. I notified Mrs McClurken immediately on receipt of your letter of the necessary poof, as to the Marriage. Please advise me as to the sufficiency of the proof of service herewith submitted. 

I have the honor to be 
very Respectfully your Obt Servt 
Robert Smith 

Hon J.L. Edwards 
Comm of Pensions
Page 36

Jan 29 
Tho McClarken
transfer

J.L. Eswards Esq
Pension Regmt
Washington

Hon. J. Reynolds
Page 37

Washington City 28 Jany 1835 

Dear Sir 
Enclosed. I return you the certificate of Mr. McClurken with my stationed. 
You will please keep it and act in it as soon as possible.

 I am your obt 
servt
John Reynolds

J. L. Edwards Esq 

P.S. 
Should I be absent please direct your communications to New Nashville Sec. or to me Belleville, Ill. 

 Shaved be absent please direct your comme relating to New shall or to me Belleville,
Page 38

Thos McClurken

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 

1641

Papers returned for 
amendment
Page 39

Thos. McClurken 
S.C.

J.L Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

1641

Papers returned for
amendment
Page 40

Office Bankll States 
Charleston 10th Sep 1834

J.L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 

Sir:

Thomas McClurken, Private, at $55. per annum, per act of 7 June 1832, has been paid his pension to the 4th of September 1833 and is now entitled to $55 to the 4th instant. 
His account has been closed agreeably to your instructions of the 2nd insts.

 Respectfully 
Your Obt Servt 
Jr Johnson 
Pres
Page 41

Treasury Department, 
Second Comptroller's Office 
Aug. 6- 1835

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," Thomas McClurken, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Illinois Agency, at the rate of fifty five Dollars and "-"- per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1837 to the 4th Sept. 1837 

Respectfully yours, 
Allion K. Parris 
Comptroller

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present
Page 42

House Representatives 
July 7 1838 

Dear Sir

J L Edwards Esq 

Enclosed I send you the deposition of Thomas McClurken. will you please to examine it and decide payment as requested in my former letter to you.

your obt servt 
A M Snyder 

I leave on Monday should the matter not be arranged before will you please authorize me to receive it at St Louis 

Al Snyder
Page 43

State of South Carolina} 
Chester District}

Personally appeared before me Hugh Simpson Magistrate for the the District and State aforesaid, Mr John McDill who being duly sworn according to law, saith that he knew Mr. Thomas to McClurken, and that said McClurken served with him in the war of the Revolution further saith that after said Revolution Mr. Thomas McClurken was Married in his presence to Miss Elizabeth Smith of the District and State aforesaid in the fall of 1790, the month and day not recollected, and further saith that the said Thomas McClurken and Elizabeth McClurken live together as Husband and wife and as far back as the Date above mentioned and Deponent further saith that he was Married himself January 9th 1791 and that he has in his possession a family record of the birth of his first child which was Born January 12th 1792. 
John McDill

Subscribed & sworn to 
 before me this 6th of 
November 1847 

Hugh Simpson Magst. 
Thos. Donnelly Jr. 
James McGill 
Witnesses
Page 44

I Hugh Simpson Magistrate of the District of Chester in South Carolina do Certify that I am well acquainted with the within named John McDill and cheerfully certify that he is a person of undoubted Credit and veracity. Witness my hand and Seal this 6th November 1847 
Hugh Simpson Magst

South Carolina Chester District 
I John Rosborough Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Chester District do hereby certify that Hugh Simpson who hath signed the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of certifying the same a lawfull acting Magistrate in and for this district and that all due faith and credit are and ought to be given to his attestations as such. 

I also further certify that there is no evidence to be found in this office of the Marriage of Thomas McClurken to his wife Elizabeth Smith
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Office 
at Chester Court House the twelfth day 
of November in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eight hundred and forty 
Seven and in the 72d year of the of Independence of the United States of 
America 
Rosborough Clerk CC Pleas
Page 45

No 13147 
Elizabeth McClurken 
widow of Thomas 
Ill 
Act of July 1838 
married before 1794 
Reputed husband died
22 March 1845 

Service claimed pensions to
[unintelligible] of Records}
SC [unintelligible numbers]
Compt Certify- 4, 210
11 mo [unintelligible]

HonJBreese
Page 46

 State of Illinois} ss 
County of Washington}
 
This day personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within & for the County of Washington aforesaid James McClurken who being  duly sworn upon his oath deposeth & saith that he was acquainted with Thomas McClurken & Elizabeth McClurken the years 1772 & 1773 that they were at that time living together in the Parish of Chester in the State of South Carolina as husband & wife that they were treated & respected as such, that since that time he has known there while living the State of Illinois County aforesaid that they have raised a large family of Children that in the Spring of 1845 said Thomas McClerken died leaving Elizabeth McClurken a widow who is now living a widow in the County aforesaid 

James McClurken

Sworn to & subscribed⎬ 
before me this 11th day}
 of September A.D. 1841}
 T.H. Callaway 

I hereby certify that from personal knowledge of James McClurken whose affidavit appears above
Page 47

and acquaintance with his character he is a person of undoubted veracity and unquestionable credibility.
 T.H. Callaway 


State of Illinois}
County of Washington} 

I hereby certify that T.H. Callaway who  administered the above oath & certified to the credibility of the affiant is a justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly qualified & commissioned and his signature above is genuine 

In testimony whereof I 
have set my hand & affixed the seal of the County Court of said County
this 11th day of September 
A.D. 1846 

T.H. Callaway Clk
Page 48

State of Illinois} 
Washington County}

Personally appeared this day before me Isaac Parlier a justice of the Peace within & for said County Mary Maxwell who being duly sworn upon oath states that she is 56 years old last September 1846 that she was well acquainted with Thomas McClurken a Revolutionary Pensioner & Elizabeth his wife when living in the Parish of Chester South Carolina that she was well acquainted with John, Archibald, & Nancy McClurken Children of said Thomas & Elizabeth that they were school children together that said John McClurken was always said, & so this affiant believes to be 2 years younger than this affiant, that said Thomas McClurken was reputed & known in said Parish of Chester to have served in the Revolutionary war that said Elizabeth McClurken now lives in said Washington County further this affiant saith not  
Mary Maxwell 

Subscribed & sworn to ⎬ 
this 17th day of May 1847} 
before me} 

Isaac Parlier J.P.
Page 49

Isaac Parlier do certify that is I am acquainted with the above Mary Maxwell & do know her to be of very Respectable character and worthy of implicit credit 

Given under my hand & 
seal this 17th day of May AD 1847 
Isaac Parlier J.P.

Isaac Parlier} Justice of Peace 

State of Illinois}
 Washington County} set 

I Thomas H. Callaway Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of Washington County aforesaid do hereby certify that Isaac Parlier whose signature appears above is a Justice of the Peace in for said County duly commissioned & qualified that his commission was dated on the 5th day of September 1843. I will expire on the first Monday of August 1847 and that his signature above written is genuine 

Given under my hand 
and the seal of said County 
this 17th day of May A.D. 1847 
T.H. Callaway Clk
Page 50

State of Illinois} 
Washington County}
Personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Washington Thomas McClurken Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and made oath that the reason why he did not apply for his pension before the 4th of September 1835 is that he moved from the State of South Carolina in the month of December 1832 and did not get a transfer of his pension until the 27th day of March 1835. 
Thomas McClurken

Sworn to and subscribed 
before me this 17th day of 
October 1835 

Harry H. Talbot J.P. 

State of Illinois} 
Washington County SS ⎬
 I William Boyd Clerk of County Commissioners Court for the aforesaid- County of Washington do hereby certify that Harry H. Talbot whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate was at the time the same was made an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Washington duly commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand and affixed the annexed 
Scroll for a seal (there being no official 
Seal provided) at Nashville this 22 day of December 1835
Page 51

Colo 
475-44

Nashville Ill
October 17th Free

Col. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Washington City
D.C.
Page 52

Nashville Ill Sept 4th 1848 

Dear Sir
Enclosed is the Decl. of Mrs. Elizabeth McClurken widow of Thos McClurken a Revolutionary soldier decsd. for the purpose of obtaining a Pension.
 Please send the certificate or any communication concerning the matter to me 

Respectfully Yours &c 
E. Hosmer 
Nashville Washington Co. 
Illinois


To Col. J. L. Edwards 
Com. of Pen.
Page 53

Decl 21
Add by
Elizabeth McClurken

Nashville Ill}
December 11th} Free

Col. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 54

Nashville Dec. 9th 1847 

Dear Sir 
Enclosed is more evidence in the matter of the  widow of Thomas McClurken applying for pension.
It is the affidavit of an old Revolutionary Pensioner who served with Mr. McClurken in the war
I who was present & saw Mr. McClurken married in the fall of the year 1790 and who has to correct or strengthen his memory & give his evidence the more weight the record his own first child's Birth after the marriage of Mr. McClurken 
Please as soon as convenient communicate to me the effect of this proof. 
Bery respectfully yours &c,
P.E. Hosmer 
Nashville Washington 
Co. Illinois

To Col J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions 
Wash. City
Page 55

May 21/47

Addnl evidence
Elizabeth McClurken

Nashville Ill
May 18th F.O

Hon. G.W. Crump
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 56

Nashville May 17th 1847 

Commissioner of Pensions 

Dear Sir
I
send enclosed two affidavits 
of respectable  neighbors of
the McClurkens here & in 
S. C. also, going to show the 
time of the Marriage of
Mr. Thomas McClurken & with Elizabeth
his wife to have been prior to Jan. 1794 
any further communication in 
regard to this matter is respectfully
awaited by the undersigned 
P.E. Hosmer 
Nashville Illinois 

To the Hon. Com of Pensions
Page 57

April 5, 1847
Amended dec.
Elizabeth McClurken

Nashville Ill}
March 23rd} XO

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 58

Nashville Washington Co. Illinois 
March 22d 1847 
Hon. J. L. Edwards 

Dr Sir 
as 
Hon. R. Smith is not at at W. City now. I take the Liberty of sending to you directly the amended declaration of Mrs. E. McClurken that a decision may be made as soon as convenient as Mrs. M's health is so feeble that unless she gets a Pension soon it will be to late for her enjoyment 
No better evidence can be had to substantiate her claim than has been forwarded. Perhaps by considerable trouble one or two more affidavits like those before sent on might be had. But not knowing whether that kind of testimony would be satisfactory, however accumulated, to prove her marriage she at present does not feel able to be at the expense & trouble of getting them. Mr. McClurken who made affidavit to the record of Birth's requests me to say that his father had the trembles so for the last few years that some one had to hold his hand for him to take his mark even which may account for his signature to his declaration made in old age differing from his writing when in the prime of life when he made the record. 
During then please address any communication in regard to this matter whilst congress is not in session to the undersigned

very respectuly yours
 P. E. Hosmer 

To the Hon. J. L. Edwards 
Com. of Pensions Wash. City
Page 59

State Illinois} ss 
Washington County}
This day personally 
appeared before me a Justice of Peace  within &  for the County of Washington aforesaid Mary Smith who being duly sworn upon oath states that she was well acquainted with Thos McClurken & Elizabeth McClurker when living in South Carolina 
that said Elizabeth now lives widow in Washington County aforesaid, that she was well acquainted with John McClurken the Son of said Thomas & Elizabeth in South Carolina & said John was said to be, & so this affiant understood always & now believes that 6 years that this younger than this affiant 
That this affiant was sixty years old last September 1846 that said
 Thomas McClurken was known 
I understood to have served in the Revolutionary war & so this 
affiant believes from conversations 
which she has heard in South Carolina  
Mary Smith 

Sworn to & subscribed} 
before me this 17th day} 
of May A.D. 1847}

Isaac Parlier J.P.
Page 60

I Isaac Parlier do hereby certify that 
I am well acquainted with 
the above Mary Smith & do know 
her to be of respectable character 
and worthy of implicit credit

Given under my hand & 
seal this 17th day of May AD 1847 
Isaac Parlier J.P.

Isaac Parlier} Justice of Peace 

State of Illinois ⎬ sct. 
Washington County} 
I Thomas H. Callaway Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of Washington County aforesaid do hereby certify that Isaac Parlier is a Justice of Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified; that his Commissioner was dated on the 5th 
day of September 1843 & will expire 
the first Monday of August 
1847 and that his signature 
above written is genuine. 
Given in my hand 
& seal of said County this 17th of  May 1847

T.H. Callaway Clk
Page 61

Comptroller Genl's Office 
Columbia So. Ca. December 28th 1840 

Book T}
Indent 139}
Issued the 23rd June 1785 to Mr Thomas McClorkin for Twenty nine pounds 1718 D. Sterling for militia duty on account audited
 Priv. £39.17. 103 D. Ann int £2. 1.10D 

Book T} "Mr Thos McClorkin"
Account 139}
His account of militia duty as
 private before and since the Reduction of Charleston 
per Anderson's return Sterling £29:17: 10 1/4 D. 

Book W}
Indent 584} 
Issued the 25 August 1785 to "Thomas McClurken" for Twenty one pounds 11 S. 4D for provisions for public use in 1780 & 1781 per account from the Commissioners 
Priv £21:11:4 1/4 Ann int 1:10:2 D 

Book W.}
Account 584} "Mr Thomas McClurken" 
His account of 100 day duty 
& provisions for public use in 1780 & 1781 (Viz) 71 days as 
Lieut under the command of Col Fair 
commencing October 8th and ending Dec 18 1781 both inclusive at 35$ per day-"20S more" £122.10. Nov. 
18th To one horse impressed into the service  and never returned £140- May 1780 to 30 days horseman 
at 20$ per day under the command of Capt John Ridgway Commencing May 1st Ending May 30th both days inclusive at 20$. £30 May 1st 1780 to one hog 157th for the use of the Public £10. Co by one old horse recd from Col Fair valued at £30. certified by Levi Casey Col also 30 days service done under the command of Col Joseph Hays ordered by Capt John Ridgway at 20$ per day amounting in all to Stg. £38:18.6 3/4 D

Acct reciepted by John Turner by virtue of an order included in the acct. 

These 2 tours of 30 days each appease to have been only one but by mistake changed twice in the acct.

Book Y}
 Indent 472} 
Issued 21 Novr 1785 to Mr Thos McClurken for fifteen pounds 5$: 8D Sterling Militia duty in 1779 & 1781 per accd
audited Priv. £15:55.8D Interest £1:1:4D

Book T}
Account 472}
Thomas McClurken His account of 68 days duty as
Page 62

12 of the 73 days in Col Winnis Regt the other service though under Capt John Turner does not specify the Regiment in it was performed 

=footman and 73 days as horseman under the command of Capt John Turner in 1779 & 1781 & 1782 in Col Winn's Regiment certified by John Turner Capt. Amt. $15.5.8 1/2 D

 I certify the foregoing to be a true copy from the Records in this office, the remarks in red ink being my own For 

Comptroller Genl 
J. Aug Black
Page 63

State of Illinois} ss
Washington County} 

I Thomas H. Callaway Clerk of the County Court of said County holder at Nashville in and for said County do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Thomas McClurken was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of fifty five dollars per year & was a resident of the Parish of Chester in the State of South Carolina and died in the County of Washington & state of Illinois where he resided for the last ten years in the year A.D. 1845 on the 22d day of March that he left a widow whose name is Elizabeth McClurken 

In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and 
affixed my seal of Office 
at Nashville this 28th day 
of September A.D. 1846 

T.H. Callaway Clerk
Page 64

State of Illinois} ss
Washington County} 

This day personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Andrew Coulter who Being duly sworn upon his oath states that he was well acquainted with Thomas McClurken, and Elizabeth McClurken in South Carolina for some years previous to the 1st of January A.D. 1794, that said Thomas and Elizabeth McClurken lived together as Husband and wife and to the best of his belief and knowledge they were Married about the year of our Lord 1790. That he knows them to be the same persons of that name name living in Washington County and State aforesaid untill lately where the said Elizabeth lives at this present time 

Andrew Coulter

Sworn and subscribed} 
to before me this 9th }
day of Sept A.D. 1846 }
L. Rountree J.P. {seal}

I certify that Andrew Colter who signed the above is a man of strict veracity and undoubted credibility 
L. Rountree J.P.

State of Illinois}ss 
Washington County}
I hereby certify that L. Rountree who administered the above oath & certified to the
Page 65

credibility of the affiant is a 
Justice of the Peace within and 
for said County duly qualified 
& commissioned and that his 
signature above is genuine 

In testimony whereof 
have hereunto set my 
hand & affixed the seal 
of the County Court of 
said County this 26th 
day of September 10
1842 

T.H Callaway Clk
Page 66

I State and certify that I am 
informed that there is no seal of the County Commissioner's Court 
of Washington the County State of 
Illinois but the law of the State 
of Illinois, that in such cases 
a private, is equivalent to a
 public Seal. I am satisfied that 
William Boyd is the Clerk 
of said Court and is his
Signature attached to the 
certificate within 
28 Jany. 1835 

John Reynolds
Page 67

Jan 22
approved for transfer

Mr. Edwards
Pension Office
Washington
City

Hon. J. Reynolds

ans. Jan. 27 '35
To Illinois
Page 68

Jan 22
approved for transfer

Mr. Edwards
Pension Office
Washington
City

Hon. J. Reynolds

ans. Jan. 27 '35
To Illinois
Page 69


Washington City 22 Jany 1835 

W. Edward

I send you the 
case of Pension [unintelligible] 
Please let me know if 
the case can be transferred to 
Illinois

I am obt
servt
John Reynolds
Page 70


Sir

I take the liberty of inclosing to you
 the application of Mr Thomas McClurken a pensioner 
of the United States, said McClurken resided in the State of South Carolina when his name was placed 
on the pension roll, but has lately removed to this 
State were he wishes his to have his pension payable in future. please to attend to this business and 
oblige your friend and H. S.  
Wm Boyd
Nashville H. C. Ill.
 
Jany 6th 1835
Page 71

Nashville Ill
Dec. 25

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Jas Jan 9
Thos McClurken
Illinois
Page 72

James L. Edwards Esqr

Dear Sir annexed is the statement of Mr Thomas McClurken a Revolutionary Pension of the United States, stating his reasons for not having applyed for his pension previous to the 4th of September last, when he made application to Mr Hay the Pension agent for Illinois and was informed by Mr Hay that he had no directions to pay him. pleas to issue your order to Mr Hay directing him to make payment, and correspond with me on the subject and oblige

Yours Respectfully
 Wm Boyd

Nashville Decr 22nd 1835.
Page 73

State of Illinois} ss
County of Washington} 

This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within & for said County David McClurken who being duly sworn upon oath states that the above attached papers are the true genuine and original record of the births in his Father's Thomas McClurken's  family a Pensioner of the Revolutionary war , Late Deceased in said County: that it is in the hand writing of the said Thomas McClurken, that said attached record was taken out of the old family Bible by this affiant which was in his Fathers family ever since this affiant can remember, untill his Father's death, since which time it has been in the keeping of this affiant 
David McClurken

Subscribed & sworn to} 
before me this 15th day} 
of January A.D. 1847}
Isaac Parlier J.P. 

Isaac Parlier}
State of Illinois} ss
 County of Washington}

 I Thomas H. Callaway Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of the said County do hereby certify that Isaac Parlier whose name appears signed to the above affidavit was on the 15th day of January A.D. 1847 when the same was
Page 74

taken a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that his signature above 
is genuine & that the above record was attached and sworn to 
in my presence. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed 
the Seal of the said Court this 
15th day of January A.D. 1847

TH Callaway Clk
Page 75

State of Illinois} ss
 County of Washington}

On this tenth day of November A.D. 1834 before me, the Subscriber, a Justice of the peace for the said County of Washington personally appeared Thomas McClurken who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Alexander Turner in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel John Winn in the servis of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of South Carolina from whence he has lately removed; 
that he now resides in the State of Illinois where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. 
The following are his reasons for removing from South Carolina to Illinois 
Viz. To accompany his sons & to live in a free State 

Thomas McClurken {seal}
Sworn to & subscribed}
 before me the day & year}
 aforesaid
Zenas H. Verner J.P.

This day came also personally before me James McClurken, & after being sworn according to law, on his oath declares
that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit
Page 76

 Sworn & Subscribed to}
before me the day & year aforsaid}
Zenas H. Vernor J.P.

James McClurken {seal}

I hereby certify that James 
McClurken who has signed the foregoing certificate is a person of veracity 
& entitled to full credit 

In Witness whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand & seal 
the day & year aforesaid 
Zenas H Vernor J.P. 

State of Illinois} ss 
Washington County} 
I William Boyd Clerk of the County 
commissioners Court for said County 
do hereby certify that Zenas H. Vernor- whose name appears 
to the foregoing certificate was 
at the time of giving the same 
an acting Justice of the peace in & 
for said County, duly Elected Commissioned & Sworn, & full faith & credit are due 
to his official acts as such; & that 
said certificate is in due form of law 

In witness whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand &
 affixed the annexed scroll as 
 a seal (there being no public 
seal) this Tenth day of November 1834 William Boyd Clerk

{Private seal}
{HGB}
Page 77

State of Illinois} ss
Washington County} 

Personally appeared this 
day before the undersigned a justice of 
the Peace within & for said County 
Elizabeth McClurken who being 
duly sworn upon oath states that 
she was married to Thomas McClurken 
late Deceased in the State 
of  South Carolina A.D. 1790. that 
no evidence of record can be obtained 
to prove her said marriage, that 
she thinks no record was kept 
of Marriages at that time if there 
was from length of time and other 
like causes it cannot be found, that 
no family record was ever made of 
her marriage and the only proof 
which she can obtain is the evidence 
of respectable persons who have 
known her and her late husband 
from the time of her said marriage 
untill the present time.
Elizabeth McClurken {her mark}

Sworn to & subscribed}
 before me this 14th day}
 of January A.D. 1847}
 Linville Rountree J.P.  

attest}
William Glenningham 
Linville Rountree 

State of Illinois} ss
Washington County} 
I Thomas M. Callaway 
Clerk of the County Commissioners Court
Page 78

of the County aforesaid do hereby 
certify that Linville Rountree is now 
and was at the time the above 
affavit was taken a Justice 
of the Peace within & for said 
County and that his 
signature above written is genuine 

In witness whereof I 
have hereunto set my 
hand and affixed the 
Seal of said Court 
this 15th day of January 
AD 1847 
T.H. Callaway Clk
Page 79

State of Illinois} ss
 County of Washington}
 
On this 7th day of 
October A.D. 1848 personally appeared by the undersigned a Justice of the Peace 
in & for said County Elizabeth 
McClurken a resident of said County 
of Washington aged 83 years who 
is personally known to me and who 
being first duly sworn according to
law doth on her oath make the following declaration of in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress
passed on the 2nd February 1848 granting benefits
 to widows of persons who served during 
the Revolutionary war. That she is the
widow of Thomas McClurken who was
private in the South Carolina troops 
of the United States Army in the time of the Revolutionary war and that she received an annual Pension, under the act of 
Congress of the 17th June 1844 of thirty four dollars & eleven cents. She further declared that she is still a widow.
Elizabeth McClurken
{her mark}

Sworn to and subscribed on}
 the day & year above written before}  
Linville Rountie J.P.
 David McClurken
 attest}  W.T Rountree
Page 80

State of Illinois} ss 
Washington County}
I Amos Watts Clerk of the County 
Commissioners Court of said County 
Do certify that Linville Rountree 
an an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County and that his commission is dated the 27th of 
August 1847 and will expire 27th of August 1849 
and that his signature to the foregoing affidavit is
genuine in testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe 
my name and affix my official 
Seal this 12th day of October AD 1848 

Amos Watts Clerk of the 
County Comm Court of 
Washington Co
Page 81

O.W. and N. Div. 
Department of the Interior, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
189. 
Respectfully returned. The data furnished 
does not identify claim. 
Please return 
with this slip.

MEMORANDUM.
Claim No.  
Certificate No. 
Name of claimant, 
Name of soldier, 
Service, 
(Company, regiment, and State.) 
Additional service, 
If unable to furnish service, give names 
of officers of company. 

JP Lochorse

14060 b-10m  Commissioner.
Page 82

Wed ass
Aug 20 1846 -76 
Wash a see
Name  Elizabeth Smith
Sept 4 1790 

mined 6 Il- Decr 1833 

Died Mch 22. 1845 
Wash a Ill

Several skirmishes
Page 83

O.W. and N. Div.  
Department of the Interior,  
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,  
189.  
Respectfully returned. The data furnished  
does not identify claim.  
Please return  with this slip.  
MEMORANDUM. 
Claim No.  
Certificate No.  
Name of claimant,  
Name of soldier,  
(Company, regiment, and State.)  
Service, 
Additional service, 

If unable to furnish service, give names  of officers of company.   

JP Lochorse  14060 b-10m Commissioner.
Page 84

21792 
Thos McClurken , 

April 2, 1833- 77
Chester Co. S.C.-

Winter 75-6 Camden District. S.C.
Capt. Alex Turner 
Col. Winn 
4 mos.

Nov. or Dec. 78
Capt. Turner
[unintelligible]
Paid
2 mos. 16 days

79- capt. Turner
Col. 
3 mos.

My 80 
Capt Lucy
priv - 2 weeks

Mch 81 Lt. Kennedy
m1

Apl 81 Capt. Adams
2 weeks

My 81 Capt. Adams
Lt. [unintelligible] Lee 2 mos

[unintelligible] 82 Capt. Cooper
2 mos

Born Inland 1756
[unintelligible] America 1772
Page 85

Request for Rev. War. record
of Thomas McClurken 
S. C. Service- 
Sent wide 29-1935 
application for 
headstone released
in letter- res
correspondence-

[unintelligible]

male 29-'35
Page 86

WAR DEPARTMENT 
OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL WASHINGTON 
(5 )

3-21- 1935

Memorandum for The Surgeon General, Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Treasury Department, 
The Commissioner of Pensions, Interior Building, 
General Accounting Office, F Street, between 4th & 5th, N. W. 

1. The attached application has been submitted to this office for Government headstone to be erected at the grave of the decedent named thereon. In order that 
the proper inscription may be placed on the stone it would be appreciated if your office would verify the name and service on the application, checking and making such corrections in red ink as may be necessary to show the correct spelling of the name 
and complete designation of the organizations. 

2. In addition, please advise State from which decedent came. 

enc sr
Page 87

Sparta Ill
Department of Interior, 
 Ot.S. Pension Bureau, 
Washington, 
D.C.  

 Dec. 28. 1929. 

Sirs.
Please send me full pension record 
of Thomas McClurkin who served in the Revolutionary War with the South Carolina Militia from Chester County. He was 
placed on the U.S. Pension Rolls Aug 7.1833 

Also the Pension Record of Nathan 
Todd of South Carolina who married a Lockridge. He died in Dec. 9. 1828. 

The Todds were from Chester Co. So. Carolina 

These answers will be greatly 
appreciated for D.A.R. data. 

Yours truly
Mrs. Frank S. Torrens 
205 E. College St. 
Sparta, 
Ill.


[seal]
[US PENSION OFFICE DEC 30 1929]

Rev
Page 88

Sparta Ill. 
Jan 8. 1930
 
Dear Sirs, 

Please send me a copy of the certificate of Pension of Thomas McClurken in the Rev. War 
The record as far as I have it is as follows:

Thomas McClurken, born 1745. served with 
the So. Car. Militia from Chester Co. Placed on the US
Pension Rolls Aug. 7. 1833. Pension began Mar. 4, 1831. 
Please give full details. 

Yours truly 
Mrs. Frank S. Torrens 
205 E. College St. 
Sparta 
Ill.

[seal]
[US Postal Office Jan. 13, 1930]
Page 89

801 S. Wright St. 
Champaign, Ill. 
Feb. 26, 1922 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 

Dear Sir: 
I would appreciate it 
very much if you could give 
me information concerning my 
great grandfather Thomas 
McClurkin who served in the 
Revolutionary War. He was born 
in 1748 and died 1845, at 97 
years of age. I think he served
from South Carolina. 

I wish to join the D.A.R. 
thanking you in advance I
am 

Very respectfully,
(Miss) Lucy Murray

[seal]
[US PENSION OFFICE FEB 28, 1922]
Page 90

Rev Sec

JOHN L. KAGY
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
SALEM, ILLINOIS

Feb. 16, 1922.

The U.S. Pension Department,
Washington, D.C.

Revolutionary Sections.

Gentlemen:

Will you please send me the war record of Thomas McClurken (or McClerken) W.21792  who enlisted from South Carolina, applied for a pension at the age of 95, but died before the same was granted, and who is buried in Washington County, Illinois. Application for pension was made from Washington County, Illinois, I am advised. 

Thanking you in advance for your kindness, I am, 
Yours truly, 
Eva M. Kagy 

Mrs. John L. Kagy, 
503 N. Broadway, 
Salem, Illinois. 

[seal]
[U.S. PENSION OFFICE FEB 17 1922]

[seal]
[CHIEF'S DESK RECORD DIVISION FEB 18, 1922]
Page 91

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 
3-525

Eu. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
W.21792 BUREAU OF PENSIONS. 
Washington, D. C., Mar. 19, 1922

In reply to your request of received a statement of the military history of Thos McClurken 
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. Winter 1775-6
Nov or Dec 1778
1779
May 1780
Mar 1 1781
[unintelligible] 1782

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
4 Mos.
2 Mos.
5 Mos.
2 Wks
2 Mos. 2 d
2 Mos

RANK.
Prt

OFFICERS UNDER SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. COLONEL.
Alex Turner Jno. Winn
"
:
Lacy
Adams
Cooper

STATE.
S.C.


Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Camden Dist., S.C.
Date of application for pension, Apl. 2, 1833. al
Residence at date of application, Chester Dist. S.C.
Age at date of application, b. 1756 in Ireland came to Charleston, S.C. 1772

Remarks: He married Sept. 17, 1790 Elizabeth 
He died Mar. 22, 1845. He was allowed a [unintelligible] Aug. 20, 1846 while res. in Wash. Co., Ill at 76 yrs, children: John b. May 4, 1792; Archibald b. Nov. 11, 1794, Nancy b. Dec. 25, 1797; James b. Jan. 5, 17 (illegible); Thomas b. Mar. 31, 1805(3); David b. June 22, 1811.

Respectfully, 
Commissioner.

6-2856
Page 92

 and 1812 
Wars Section 

MOS/HMM 

January 20, 1930. 

Mrs. Frank S. Torrens 
205 E. College Street 
Sparta 
Illinois.


Dear Madam:  

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 21792, it appears that Thomas McClorken or McClurken, was born in 1756 in Ireland and came to Charleston, South Carolina in 1772. 

While a resident of Camden District, South Carolina, he enlisted and served as a private with the South Carolina troops as to follows:

In the winter of 1775 and 1776 four months in Captain Alexander Turner's Company in Colonel John Winn's Regiment; in November or December 1778 two months and sixteen days in Captain Alexander Turner's Company; in 1779 a tour of three months and one of two months under Captain Turner; in May 1780 two weeks in Captain Lacy's Company; in 1781 one night and a day under Lieutenant James Kennedy; in 1781 a tour of two weeks and another of two months under Captain Adams; from February 1782 two months in Captain Cooper's Company. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 2, 1833, at which time he was living in Chester District, South Carolina.

He moved to Washington County, Illinois, in 1834. 

The soldier died March 22, 1845. [unintelligible]


The soldier married September 4, 1790, Elizabeth Smith.

She was allowed pension on her application executed August 20, 1846, at which time she was a resident of Washington County,
Page 93

Illinois, aged seventy-six years. 

Thomas and Elizabeth McClorken or McClurken had the following children:

John born May 4, 1792
Archibald " November 11, 1794
Nancy " December 25, 1797
James " January, ,17--
Thomas " March 31, 1805 (?)
David " June 22, 1811

The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Nathan Todd. or any Todd from South Carolina, and none in regard to an Auld from Virginia.

Very truly yours,

EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.