Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7605, for David Steele, Virginia
Page 1

[Pension Jacket - David Steele S7605]
(3 - 1776) SERVICE Continental (Va. [Virginia]) Steele, David NUMBER S. 7605 carded | CONTENTS
Page 2

[Pension Jacket Back - David Steele S7605]
Virginia |  David Steele Private Army of the Revolution | Inscribed on the Invalid Roll of Va [Virginia] at $5 per month and increased to $8 per month | Formal Certificate issued 24 Feb. [February] 1821 and sent to Hon. W. McCoy, H. Reps. | [Drawn hand pointing to] Orig [Original] Papers Burnt [Drawn hand pointing to] Respecting permanent disability. See letter 15 June 1829 to the Pensioner | Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept [September] 1837 to 4 March 1838 Age satisfied 27 Nov [November] 1838.
Page 3

 [Pension Jacket #2 - David Steele S7605]
Virginia | David Steele [illegible] In the army of the Revolution | Inscribed on roll of Va. [Virginia] at $5 increased to $8 per mo [month] | Formal cert [certificate]: issued  24 Feby [February] 1821 & sent to Hon. [Honorable] Wm [William] McCoy, Ho: Reps.  | see letter to Pensioner 11 Sept. 1828 also the same date to Agent.
Page 4

[December 2, 1820]
State of Virginia Augusta County ss | This day personally came before me the Subscriber a Magistrate in and for said County David Steele, and made oath that he is the same David Steele, who lived as a private in the company commanded by Capt [Captain] James Tate, attached to the Regiment commanded by Col [Colonel] Lee; at the battle at Guilford Court House and further states that he has in and about thirty years drawn a pension; and further states that he never did obtain a certificate or ever had one in his possession but allways drew his pension upon a power of attorney the above duly sworn to and subscribed before me this 2nd day of December 1820 [signature and seal] David Steele
Augusta County ss | I do hereby certify that David Steele personally came before me and was duly sworn to the above certificate and signed the same in my presents [presence] given under my hand and seal this 2nd day December 1820 [signature and seal] Thomas Jackson
Page 5

[February 13, 1821]
State of Virginia | Augusta County to wit | I Erasmus Stribling Clerk of the County Court of Augusta do hereby certify that Thomas Jackson Esquire whose name is affixed to the within certificate of the qualification of David Steele to the within affidavit, was at the time of signing the same and is now an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and that all faith and credit is due and ought to be given to all his acts and deeds as such |  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court the 13th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and twenty one [1821] and in the 45th year of the Commonwealth ) [signature] Eras [Erasmus] Stribling CaC [Clerk of Court ]
 I  Alexander LeClair presiding Justice of the County Court of Augusta , do hereby certify that Erasmus Stribling above named is affixed to the aforegoing certificate of attestation is Clerk of the County Court aforesaid and all faith and credit is due and ought to be given to all his acts and deeds as such. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of February1821. [signature and seal] Alexander LeClair
$8 per month [in pencil in margin]
Page 6

[March 9, 1843 Address for Letter]
Steele’s Tavern Va [Virginia] March 9 | Mar [March] 13 43 [March 13, 1843] David Steele JwWa[ illegible reference] Va [Virginia] | free T Steele P Master | of all those | [illegible initials] Edwards Esqr Pension office Washington City
Page 7

[March 7, 1843]
[Steele’s] Tavern Va [Virginia] March 7 1843
Dear Sir 
Through the probleness [possible sponsorship] of the Hon A. H. Stewart of the house of Representatives, I have some of the rules of the pension officer & a circular from the 2nd Comptrollers office under the 4th rule & the act of June 7th 1832 and that of May 15th 1828 it would seem that I am as hereof David Steele, entitled to draw a pension from that act, or acts, my Father David Steele was an invalid revolutionary pensioner, if I am entitled to any thing under those acts please inform me immediately on the receipt of this yours respectfully J Steele [illegible]
Page 8

[May 6, 1940 – Typed Service Inquiry Reply Page 1]
May 6, 1940. Mrs. John R. Carson Telford Tennessee. BA-J/ILL David Steele S. 7605
Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of David Steele of Virginia, who resided near the border of that state in what was later Tennessee. You state further that you seek data in connection with the history of Watauga State Park in which Steele's Creek is now located. A search of the Revolutionary War records of the Veterans Administration has been made and the claim for pension found of a David Steele of Virginia who resided at Steele's Tavern. His record follows as found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 7605. It is hoped that this record may aid you in your compilation. David Steele resided in Augusta County, Virginia, at the time he entered service in the Revolutionary War. David Steele enlisted, the date not given, served as a private in Captain James Tate's company of Virginia volunteer riflemen, attached to Colonel Lee's regiment of Light Horse, and was in the battle of Guilford, North Carolina, in which he was severely wounded by sabre cuts on his head, back and shoulder; he was taken prisoner and later paroled. [in margin in pencil] Russ E Lukes service | On account of disability resulting from wounds in service as stated above, he was allowed pension from September 4, 1790. His name was placed on the roll of Invalid pensioners of Augusta County, Virginia. His pension was increased to $8 per month under the Act of April 16, 1816. In September and October 1834, this soldier resided at
Page 9

[May 6, 1940 – Typed Service Inquiry Reply Page 2]
Steele's Tavern, Augusta County, Virginia. David Steele did not state the name of his wife, nor the date and place of their marriage. In March 1843, this soldier's son, J. H. Steele, Jr. lived at Steele's Tavern, Virginia; his father was deceased at that time. The date of his death was not given, nor names of any other children. In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of David Steele, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data: Just Co 1 to Virginia Agency. David Steele Pension commenced September 4, 1790, Rate $60 per annum, Act of June 7, 1785, Increased to $96 per annum, Act of April 24, 1816 Virginia Agency. [in margin in pencil] Invalid Pen [pension] List – Augusta Co [county] – Va [Virginia] Page 3 – Sec’y [secretary] War Report 1835
Very truly yours, A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 10

J Steele Jr March 15 1843
Page 11

[March 15, 1943]
[at top of page] 298 | Pension Office Mar 15, 1843  hi, In answer to your letter of the 7th wit. I have to inform you that I know of no amount due on account of the service of David Steele dec’d [deceased] except the arrears of pension to the day of his death, instructions to obtain which were forwarded to the Hon. A.H.H. Stuart on the 7th Ulto J. Steele Jr. Esq Steeles’ Tavern Va. [Virginia]
Page 12

Davd Steele 13. Oct 1834 G.C. Record Vol 24 page 452 G.C.
Page 13

[October 13, 1834]
War Dep [Department] Pension Office Oct. 13. 1834 Sir, The vouchers in your case I herewith return. I cannot give any order for the payment of the money on these vouchers, because there has been an erasure made,  in your affidavit, and the magistrate who administered the oath has not mentioned the same, as the regulations direct |Mr. David Steele Steeles Tavern Augusta County Virga [Virginia]
Page 14

Steels Tavern Sept 6 | Free | Hon John S. Haris M. C. Harrisonburg Va [Virginia]
Page 15

Jerey Calwell man with a carpet bag
Page 16

See letters to P. Agt. [Pension Agent] Oct. [October] 8th & 13th 1834 & to pensioner Oct [October] 13 1834 – Deadlet [letter] to Hon [Honorable] A. H. H. Stuart Feb [February 7 1843. Let [letter] to J Steele Jr. Mar [March] 15 1843 | Hon. [Honorable] John J. Harris Dec. December 17/60 [December 17, 1860]
Page 17

[June 15, 1829]
War Dept [Department] Pension Office June 15. 1829. Will Mr Whetcroth be so good as to say to what time, and at what date. - David Steele, an invalid of Virginia, was last paid? Respectfully [signature] J.L. Edwards
paid at $8 [maybe 10th] 10th /10 March 1827.
Page 18

Mr. Whetcroft or either of the gentm. [gentlemen] in his room
War D [Department] U [check mark] Ue [check mark]
Page 19

Pension Office 1 Sept [September]1834  David Steele Va [Virginia] Invd [Invalid] | The Secretary of War, War Department, Washington City | see letter to B. G. Baldwin Sept. 2d 1836 [September 2, 1836] [Round Postmark] Staunton, Virginia, Aug 30 FREE
Page 20

[August 29th, 1834]
Staunton, August 29th 1834 Augusta County, Virginia | Sir, Mr. David Steele of this county, an invalid pensioner, who was severely wounded at the battle of Guilford, has been advised that in addition to present pension, he is entitled to a pension under the act of Congress of 1832. I know not what construction has been given by the War Department to the 2d sect [section] of that act, which would seem, at first view to require a relinquishment of the invalid pension. Mr. Steele informs me that he served as a private in Capt [Captain] Tates Company rather more than 6 months, if the time that he was at home on parol [parole], (having been taken prisoner & discharged from the hospital) until the general exchange of prisoners is to be included in the computation. There is no one who merits more the bounty of his country that Mr. Steele, & I am induced by my friendship for him to trouble you with the enquiry whether he is entitled to any additional pension. If he is do me the favor
Page 21

[August 29th, 1834]
to state what step he must take in order to obtain it. A reference to his papers in your Department will, I presume, enable you to say what additional evidence, if any, of his service will be requisite. With great respect,  your obt [obedient] humble servt [servant] [signature] Briscoe G. Baldwin
Page 22

[Pension Jacket - David Steele S7605]
7605 INVALID. Rev War [Revolutionary War] File No. 7605 David Steele Priv [Private] Rev [Revolutionary War] War | Act: [blank] Index: - Vol. A [illegible], Page 358 | Arrangement of 1870.} 1914 Apr. [April] 7. History to Mrs. Mary Steele Walker FW | 1920 June 4. History to A.P. Robinett. AW |  1924, Feb. [February] 23 - Hist. [History] to Mrs. J. W. Reid UM | 1924, Nov. [November] 18. Hist. [History] to Mrs. Leo F. Goeller. UM | 1925, Mch. [March] 14 - Mrs Leo F Goeller adv [advised] about date of last pay’t [payment] of pension UM | 1927-Mch. [March]  2. Hist. [History] to a Marie B Daniel NF | 1931-Nov [November] 27 - Hist [History] to Mr. C. L. Lindsay for Hon [Honorable] Wm [William] L. Nelson ECL | 1933 - Nov [November] 6, Hist [History] to Mrs L. C. Buckley, ECL | David Steel S40516 [illegible] Aug 20, 1933 see said claim, also ad [advised] see cl [claim]for pen [pension] for Capt [Captain] Jas Tate [James Tate] – named in this cl [claim] ECL | 1935 - Jan [January] 5 Hist [History] to Laura B. Kendall  ECL | 1935 – May 9Ext 935 May 3. Leish to memorial Brunch Copy S.S.L.  |1940 - May 6  Mrs. John R. Carson JLL
Page 23

[Typed letter – November 23, 1931]
WILLIAM L. NELSON 8TH DIST [district], Missouri ROOM 262 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING RESIDENCE: COLUMBIA, Missouri Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. November 23 1931 MEMBER COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE |
Mr. A. D. Hiller, Revolutionary War Section, Office of the Director of Pensions, U. S. Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C. |
My dear Mr. Hiller: We will appreciate it very much if you will furnish Mr. Nelson, here, with such information as the records of your office may contain regarding the following Revolutionary War soldiers: Obadiah Claybrook, who, it is understood, lived in Charlotte County, Virginia, in 1784. David Steele, who lived in Augusta County, Virginia. Thanking you in advance for your usual prompt attention, I am Yours very truly, [signature] C. P. Lindsay Secretary to Mr. Nelson
[note in pencil illegible]
Page 24

[January 11, 1927]
Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C. | Gentlemen:  Will you kindly give me the record of David Steele of Virginia who served during the American Revolution? I do not want the service of Capt. [Captain] David Steel who applied for pension April 27, 1818, and who died in Pennsylvania. He was in 13th Va. [Virginia] under Col. [Colonel] William Russell Thanking you for the fam [family ?] Most Sincerely Marie Louise Daniels 2115 Grand Av [avenue] Pueblo Colo [Colorado] | Jan. [January] 11, 1927
Page 25

[Typed Request February 5, 1925]
584 Lyons Ave., Irvington, N. J. February 5, 1725. | Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C. | RE: Rev. [Revolutionary] War Pension claim, S. 7605. | Gentlemen: On November 18, 1924 in answer to my inquiry you wrote me that David Steele of Augusta County, Virginia, received a Pension from September 4, 1790. I am very anxious to prove his death date and think if you could tell me when this pension was stopped, that would be proof enough on my D.A.R. [Daughters of the American Revolution] papers. Hoping that you have this information in your files, I am Very truly yours, [signature] Mrs. Leo F. Goeller|
[Round Postmark] US Pension Office Feb 7 1925
Page 26

[Typed Request November 3, 1924]
584 Lyons Avenue, Irvington, N. J. November 3, 1924. | Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C. | Gentlemen: I am collecting information to join the D. A. R. [Daughters of the American Revolution] under David Steele of Augusta County, Virginia, who was wounded in the Battle of Guilford Court House. I understand that he received a pension from the Government. I should like to know when the pension was granted and also his wife's name, should your records give it. Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Very truly yours, [signature] Mildred Pearson Goeller B. S. My papers are due very soon and a prompt reply would be appreciated. [Stamped] US Pension Office Nov 4 1924
Page 27

[January 22, 1924]
407 East Second St., Pana, Ill., Jan. [January] 22, 1924. | Bureau Pensions, Washington, D.C., |  Gentlemen:- Can you tell me where David Steele and Samuel Steele who were in the battle of Guilford Court House [inserted March 1781] Mch 1781  in N.C. [North Carolina] were born. Did this Samuel Steele have a brother or a son named Ninian. David Steele was wounded about 15 times so our family history tells. William Steele who served in N.C. [North Carolina], can you tell me where he lived. We had a great uncle William Steele who was in the war who owned a farm in Rockingham County near Greensboro N.C. [North Carolina] which was in the path of the armies. I am trying to find out where all these Steele men entered the service. There was the father Samuel Steele and five sons, James, William, Samuel, Ninian and Robert Is there a complete record of all the soldiers who were in the war of the revolution any where? Hoping to hear from you I am Very truly, Mrs. J.W. [or D] Reid  [Notes in pencil] Ninian Steele son of Sam’l [Samuel] Steele born June 14 - 1763 - died Mar 10 1831 m. [married] Jane Armstrong Mar. [March] 11, 1784 born in N.C. [North Carolina]died near Gosport – Ind [Circle Stamp] US Pension Office Jan 24 1924
Page 28

[May 14, 1920]
S7605 Rev [Revolutionary] J.C. Cynwyd, Penn’a [Pennsylvania] May 14, 1920 | Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C. | Dear sir: I write to respectfully request what data is on file in regard to:-  David Steele, Private in the Virginia Militia of Augusta Co. [County], - who was placed on the Pension Roll Sept. [September] 4, 1790. I desire this information for biographical purposes, and am especially anxious to know the date of his death, and names of wife and children (if such data has been presented in connection with the pension record), also place of residence at time of decease. Any data that you may be able to send me will be greatly appreciated. Very truly yours, A. P. Robinett P.O. Box 97, Cynwyd Montgomery Co. [County] Penn’a [Pennsylvania] [Circle stamp] US Pension Office May 15 1920
Page 29

[March 24, 1914]
March 24, 1914 | CHARLES F. STEELE | U.S. Pension Dept. [Department] Washington D.C. | Sirs.- Will you kindly give me what information you can concerning the Revo. [Revolutionary] record of one David Steele probably lived in Rockbridge Co [County] Virginia – [He undoubtably  lived in Jusaminer [Jessamine] Co [County] Ky. [Kentucky] wife Mary Steele children – Nancy, Thos. [Thomas] Robert – [illegible] - Neary Polly - Samuel- David Jr. [Junior] also -
Page 30

[March 24, 1914 continued]
the record of any of this Thos. [Thomas] Robert Steele his son, whose wife was Isabella J. Hill, children Thos [Thomas] - Samuel, Anna, David and Robert. Any information you can give will be very gratefully received- Respt [Respectfully] Yours [signature] Mrs. Mary Steele Walker 826 Henry Clay Ave New Orleans, La [Louisiana] I have this extract from Chalkley's Records:- “David Steele proved that he was disabled by wounds received in the service of the U.S. at Guilford, March 15-1781. He belonged to the Militia of this Co. [County] resided in this Co [County] & is age 30.0 Jan. 21- 1789.”  Have you a record by which I can for [confirm] this man as my Revolutionary ancestor M. S. W.  [Chalkleys Chronicles was from Augusta County Virginia, a resource for Daughters of the American Revolution and more]
Page 31

[March 28, 1940]
Telford Tenn [Tennessee] March 28, 1940. Veteran's Administration Washington DC Gentlemen Do you have the pension record of David Steele  - of Rev. [Revolutionary] War He was a resident of the border of Va. Tenn [Virginia and Tennessee] or later became that then of Va. [Virginia] - or Wash Co. N.C. [County North Carolina] or Territory south of Rivers Ohio - would be under Sullivan Co. [County] Tennessee. This is wanted for information by Watauga State Park - which now is located on Steele’s Creek Sull. [Sullivan County Tennessee] Co Tenn, David Steele has “taking taxes for Va [Virginia] - 1770 - Is not known if he applied for a pension. If recorded would like the data for history of Watauga Park
Page 32

[March 28, 1940 continued]
site Respt [Respectfully] Mrs Jno R. Carson Telford Tenn [Tennessee] Telford-
[round stamp] Received March 29 1940 MAR [illegible] Reader No. [number] 12 [illegible]
Page 33

[Postcard address October 1, 1934]
This side of card is for address [postmark] Oklahoma City 2 Okla. [Oklahoma] Oct [October] 1 1934 8:30 PM [postage] Jefferson Postal Card 1 Cent [circle stamp] Received Oct. [October] 4 1934 [illegible]
Pension Bureau  Revolutionary War Record Dept [Department]  Washington D. C. [District of Columbia]
Page 34

[Postcard back October 1, 1934]
712 W. 19th Oklahoma City Okla [Oklahoma] Pension Bureau Rev. [Revolutionary] Soldier dept. [department] Will you please read pension records of David Steele S.[illegible] 7605 Va. [Virginia] (Capt [Captain] James Tate Volunteer Riflemen & Col [Colonel] Lee's regiment) If names of children and wife’s name given please send same to me - Respt [Respectfully] [signature] Laura B. Kendall above address
Page 35

[Typed letter October 25, 1933]
Shreveport, La. [Louisiana], 1044 Rutherford Ave. [Avenue], Oct. [October] 25, 1933. | Mr. A. D. Hiller, Assistant to Administrator, Veterans Administration Bureau, Washington, D. C. [District of Columbia] | Dear Sir: The Report from the Secretary of War, 1835, gives the pension record of David Steele, of Augusta County, Virginia, but the information is not as complete as desired or necessary for positive identification of this man as my Virginia ancestor, however; after careful investigation of the military records I am reasonably certain he is the man in whom I am interested. It is family record that the David Steele ( Steel, Steale, or Steal) in whom I am interested was wounded in a certain battle which I hope will assist in the identification of this man. Kindly favor the writer with as complete data as possible regarding the Revolutionary Military Record of David Steel of Augusta County, Virginia, likewise his pension record. In appreciation, I am  Very truly yours, [signature] Mrs. C. Bulkley (Mrs. L. C. Bulkley) 
1044 Rutherford Avenue, Shreveport, La. [Louisiana]
[Received Stamp] Received Oct [October] 27 1933 Mail [illegible]
Page 36

[Typed letter May 9, 1935]
May 9, 1935 | XXXXXXXXX | David Steele - S.7605 BA-J/AWF | The Quartermaster General Memorial Branch War Department Washington, D. C. [District of Columbia] | Dear Sir: Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of David Steele of Augusta County, Virginia. The Revolutionary War record of David Steele which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 7605, based upon his service in that war. The date and place of birth of this soldier are not shown in the claim, nor are the names of his parents given. While a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, David Steele enlisted and served as a private in Captain James Tate's company of Virginia Volunteer Riflemen, attached to Colonel Lee's Regiment of Light Horse, was in the battle of Guilford, where he received sabre wounds on the head, back and shoulders, was taken prisoner and placed on parole. The dates of his enlistment and discharge are not shown. He was pensioned from September 4, 1790, on account of disability resulting from the above noted wounds. His son, J. or I. Steele, was living in 1843 at Steele's Tavern, Virginia, and the father (David Steele) was then deceased; the date of his death was not shown nor
[note in pencil as an edit] next time [arrow pointing] In 1843, J. or I. Steele, soldier's son, was living in Steele's Tavern, Va.[Virginia]; his father was then deceased; the date of death etc [note in pencil in margin] History [illegible] E. E. L.
Page 37

[Typed letter May 9, 1935 continued]
is the name of his wife given, and no other names of children are shown. The application for headstone for David Steele is returned herewith, also a copy of a letter from the Clerk of Augusta County, Virginia and a slip stating that David Steele was in the battle of Guilford C. H. [Court House] Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 38

[Typed letter January 5, 1935]
January 5, 1935 | XXXXXXXXXXXXXX | BA-J/EEL David Steele - S.7605 | Laura B. Kendall 712 W. 19th Street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension record of David Steele, S.7605, a soldier of the Revolutionary War . The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.7605, based upon the military service of David Steele in that war. The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of David Steele are not shown. While a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, David Steele enlisted, served as a private in Captain James Tate's Company of Virginia Volunteer Riflemen, attached to Colonel Lee's Regiment of Light Horse, was in the battle of Guilford, where he received sabre wounds on the head, back and shoulders, was taken prisoner and placed on parole. The dates of his enlistment and discharge are not shown. He was pensioned from September 4, 1790, on account of disability resulting from the above noted wounds. In 1843, soldier's son, J. or I. Steele, was living at Steele's Tavern, Virginia, and his father (David Steele) was then deceased: the date of his death was not shown nor is the name of his wife given, and no other names of children are shown. Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 39

[Typed Letter November 6, 1933]
November 6, 1933 | XXXXXXXXXXXXXX | BA-J/EEL | David Steele S. 7605 | Mrs. L. V. Bulkley 1044 Rutherford Avenue Shreveport, Louisiana | Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension record of David Steele, of Augusta County, Virginia, who served in the Revolutionary War. The data furnished below are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.7605, based upon the military service of David Steele in that war. The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of David Steele are not shown in the papers in the pension claim. While a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, he enlisted, served as a private in Captain James Tate's Company of Virginia Volunteer Riflemen, attached to Colonel Lee's Regiment of Light Horse, was in the battle of Guilford, where he received sabre wounds of the head, back and shoulders, was taken prisoner and placed on parole. The dates of his enlistment and discharge are not shown. David Steele was pensioned from September 4, 1780 [note in pencil] (This went out in error), on account of disability resulting from the above noted wounds. In 1843, soldier's son, J. or I. Steele, was living at Steele's Tavern, Virginia, and his father was then deceased; the date of his death was not shown nor is the name of his wife given. There are no further family data. Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
[Note in pencil in margin] Only David Steele [with last e underlined] & with that spelling who served [illegible]
Page 40

[Typed letter November 27, 1931]
VETERAN' S ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON | November 27, 1931 | BA-J/MMHF | Mr. C. T. Lindsay Secretary to Honorable William L. Nelson House Office Building Washington, D.C. [District of Columbia] | Dear Sir: Reference is made to your letter relative to Obadiah Claybrook and David Steele, soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon military service of soldiers in that war. A careful search of the Revolutionary War records has been made in your behalf and no record found of such claims having been made on account of the services of any soldier named Claybrook. The history of David Steele follows: The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S. 7605, based upon the military service of David Steele in that war. David Steele, a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, while serving as a private in Captain James Tate's Company of Virginia Volunteer Riflemen, which was attached to Colonel Lee's Regiment of Light Horse, was engaged in the battle of Guilford where he received sabre wounds of the head, back and shoulders and was taken prisoner, and was placed on parole. The dates of his enlistment and discharge are not stated. He was pensioned from September 4, 1780 [note in pencil] (? this went out in error) on account of disability resulting from said wounds. In 1843, his son, J. or I. Steele was living at Steele's Tavern,
Page 41

[Typed letter November 27, 1931 continued]
Virginia, and his father was then dead. The dates and places of soldier 's birth and death are not given and there are no further data as to his family. Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
Page 42

[Typed letter March 2, 1927]
[missing corner of page] Wars Section S.7605 | MMHJ | March 2, 1937 | Marie B. Daniel 2115 Grand Ave. [Avenue] , Pueblo, Colo. [Colorado] Madam: I have to advise you that from the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau it appears that David Steele, a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, while serving as a private in Captain James Tate's Company of Virginia Volunteer Riflemen which was attached to Colonel Lee's Regiment of Light Horse, was engaged in the battle of Guilford where he received sabre wounds of the head, back and shoulders and was taken prisoner, and was placed on parole. The dates of his enlistment and discharge are not stated. He was pensioned from September 4, 1790 on account of disability resulting from said wounds. In 1843, his son, J. or I. Steele was living at Steele’s Tavern, Virginia and his father was then dead. There is no further data on file as to his family. The dates and places of soldier's birth and death are not given. Respectfully, WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
Page 43

[Typed letter March 14, 1925]
[left corner missing] ction | March 14, 1925. | Mrs. Leo F. Goeller, 584 Lyons Ave.[Avenue] , Irvington, N. J. [New Jersey] | Madam: I have to advise you that the last known payment of pension to David Steele (S. 7605) was on March 4, 1838, at the Richmond, Virginia Agency. This Bureau is unable to help you any further in the matter. Respectfully, Acting Commissioner. W
Page 44

[Typed letter November 18, 1924]
[top left corner missing] ion | November 18, 1924.  | Mrs. Leo F. Goeller 684 Lyons Ave. [Avenue] , Irvington, N. J. [New Jersey] | Madam: I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.7605, it appears that David Steele, a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, while serving as a private in Captain James Tate's Virginia Company of Volunteer Riflemen, which was attached to Colonel Lee's Regiment of Horse, was engaged in the battle of Guilford where he received sabre wounds of the head, back and shoulders and was taken prisoner and placed on parole, the dates of his enlistment and discharge are not stated. He was pensioned for disability resulting from said wounds from September 4, 1790. In 1843, a son, J. or I. Steele, was living at Steele's Tavern, Virginia, the soldier then was dead. There is no further data on file as to his family and the date and place of his birth and death are not on record. Respectfully, Commissioner.
Page 45

[Typed letter February 25, 1924]
[top left corner missing] ion | February 25, 1924. |  Mrs. J. W. Reid, 407 E. [East] Second St. Pana, Ill. [Illinois] | Madam: I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim S.7605 it appears that David Steele, a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, while serving as a private in Captain James Tate's Virginia Company of Volunteer Riflemen, which was attached to Colonel Lee's Regiment of Horse, was engaged in the battle of Guilford where he received sabre wounds of the head, back and shoulders and was taken prisoner, and was placed on parole, the dates of his enlistment and discharge are not stated. He was pensioned for disability resulting from said wounds from September 4, 1790. In 1843, a son, J. or I. Steele was living at Steele's Tavern, Virginia, the soldier then was dead. There is no further data on file as to his family and the dates and places of his birth and death are not on record. Respectfully, Commissioner.
Page 46

[Typed letter June 4, 1920] 
June 4, 1920.  | A. P. Robinett, P. O. Box 97, Cynwyd, Penn. [Pennsylvania] | Sir: In reply to your letter of the 14th ultimo, you are advised that from the records of this Bureau it appears that David Steele, a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, while serving as a private in Captain James Tate's Virginia Company of Volunteer Riflemen, which was attached to Colonel Lee’s Regiment of Horse, was engaged in the battle of Guilford , where he received sabre wounds of the head, back and shoulders and was taken prisoner, and was based on parole, the date of his enlistment and discharge are not stated. He was pensioned for disability resulting from said wounds from September 4, 1790. In 1843, a son, J. or I. Steele was living at Steele's Tavern, Virginia, the soldier then was dead. There is no further data on file as to his family and the dates and places of his birth and death are not on record. Very respectfully, [signature illegible] Commissioner.
Page 47

[February 7, 1843]
102 | Pension Office | Feb [February] 7. 1843 | Sir, The letter of Mr Steele is herewith returned, accompanied by printed form, and instructions to enable the widow or children to of David Steele do to obtain the arrears of pension due to the day of his death. The amount is payable at the Bank of Virginia in Richmond Hon. [Honorable] A. H. H. Stuart HR
Page 48

[February 7, 1843]
Hon [Honorable] A H H Stuart Feb [February] 7 1843
Page 49

[September 20, 1838]
Memo, I well recollect that on the evening before the Battle at Guilford Courthouse N.C. [North Carolina] in the year 1781 I went to see Capt [Captain] James Tate where he was encamped & understood in the Course of the evening that Col. [Colonel] Lee who then commanded the Horse in the American army applied to Genl [General] Campbell to point out a proper officer to attach to his corps, that Genl [General] Campbell recommended Capt [Captain] Tate of this County (Augusta) That according by early next morning Capt [Captain] Tate with his company of which David Sterle was a member marched in advance of our army with Col. [Colonel] Lee to meet the British. They were met according to expectation & made a most Gallant resistence. Capt [Captain] Tate was killed and a large portion of his company were killed or wounded. I well recollect to see Steele the morning after the battle he had so many Sabre wounds that I considered it impossible he could recover & when I parted from him had not the most distant expectation of ever seeing him again. In conversation with Steel since I was anxious to know the situation of State of his health, I recollect his making some complaints but the particulars at this date I cannot undertake to relate Arch [Archibald?] Stuart 20th Sept 1838
Page 50

[June 15, 1829]
Steele’s Tavern Va [Virginia] June 11th | June 15 1829 | 37 ½ | For the War Department | James L Edwards Esquire Pension Office Washington City |
Page 51

[June 11, 1824]
Augusta County June 11th 1824 | Dear Sir, Agreeable to your instructions of the 11th Sept [September] last, I have succeeded in getting the blank you were so kind as to enclose me, Filed up I think the law directly. I enclose the affidavit together with a statement of Judge Stuart who was at Guilford at the time I was & who saw me the morning after the action. Please inform me of the result as soon as known Yours respecfuly [signature] David Steele James L Edwards Esq [Esquire] Washington City
Page 52

[Surgeon’s Affidavit February 11, 1831]
Surgeons Affidavit | (Date) 11th Feby [February] 1831 | It is hereby certified, that David Steele a private in the Company of Volunteer riflemen commanded by Copt [Captain] James Tate and attached to Col [Colonel] Lees regiment of horse in the service of the United States, is rendered incapable of performing the duty of a soldier, by reason of wounds or other injuries inflicted while he was actually in the service aforesaid, in the line of his duty, Viz [to wit; namely; that is to say]. By satisfactory evidence and accurate examination, it appears that on the 15th day of March in the year 1781 being engaged in battle with Cornwallis’s army at or near a place called Guilford Ct. [Court] House North Carolina in the district or Territory of North Carolina he received seven wounds in his head several of which manifestly appear to have passed through the scull to the brain, inflicting permanet [permanent] & serious injury to the bones on each side of the head especially to the parietal & Temporal bones on the left side, by which the left eye appears to have been seriously injured also several serious wounds on the shoulder & back the scapular bone being out through & the shoulder thereby permanently injured & he is thereby, not only incapacitated for Military duty, but, in the oppinion [opinion] of the undersigned, is totally disabled from obtaining his subsistance from manual labour & that the disability is permanent & cannot be removed | W Boys - Surgeon| Thos [Thomas] Sloather [signature hard to decipher] – Surgeon| 
I am of opinion that the disability of David Steele cannot either in part or whole be removed Feb 24 [February] 1830 | [signature not clear maybe Howell] |
Augusta County to Wit This day the above named Wm [William] Boys & Thoms [Thomas Goatter [or Coatter] Personally appeared before me [illegible] a Justice of Peace for the County aforesaid & made oath that the above statement contains the truth to best of their knowledge I further certify that Wm Boys & Thos [Thomas] S Coatter are Surgeons of the first respectabilities in the County of Augusta, Given under my hand this 11th day of May 1830 Jno [John] May
Page 53

[February 11, 1833]
Virginia Sc | I Erasmus Stribling Clerk of the County Court of Augusta in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that John May &  who has subscribed the within certificate and affidavit is now and was at the time of subscribing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified and that full faith and credit is due and ought to be given to all official acts as such in all the United States. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & caused the seal of my said office to be affixed this 11th day of February 1833 and in the 64th year of the Commonwealth [signature] Erasmus Stribling CoC [Clerk of Court]
Page 54

[October 1, 1834]
October 1, 1834 Pension Office | [illegible] the Honble [Honorable] Secretary at War Washington City D.C. [District of Columbia]
Page 55

[re-scan of October 1, 1834 (other half)]
Pension Office | October 1, 1834 Pension Office | [illegible] Law, 28th Sept [September] | Free | To the Honble [Honorable] Secretary at War Washington City D.C. [District of Columbia]
Page 56

[September 28, 1834]
Sept [September] 28th 1834 | Dear sir | I dislike to be troublesome to you, but necessity compels me to get your oppenion [opinion] on another matter, I  inclose [enclose] to you such a paper as I have drawn my pension upon for several years, I sent the same to Richmond & it has been returned to me as insufficient. If it is really so, inform me in what particular it is so. But if correct plan to forward it to Redd [Received or Recorded] with your directions to to pay the money to my agent and has power of Attorney. In complying with the above you will oblige an old Soldier [signature] David Steele | Honble [Honorable] Secretary at War Washington City
Page 57

[February 11, 1830]
Free | 75 | James L. Edwards Esquire Pension Office Washington City D. C. [District of Columbia] | Steeles Tavern Va [Virginia] Feby [February] 11 1830 |  See letter to Agent & Pensioner Feb [February] 24. 1830 | Feb. [February] 15.
Page 58

[February 11, 1830]
Feby [February] 11th 1830 | Dear Sir | I again take the liberty of sending to the pension office the surgeons affidavit made according to what you wrote me was the regulations in the Department of which you are the head, I have made application for my stipend half yearly in Richmond but have failed to draw any thing for the last year & almost another half year has elapsed without my being able to get my money. The agent who I employed says Mr Page never can be got to his office to arrange my papers & give me a draft to the bank, I shall be compeld [compelled] to complain to those who Invest Mr Page with his authority of his misconduct [misconduct], and have no doubt but I will be joined by a great many the pensioners throughout Va. [Virginia] If he has forwarded  my name to Washington, and the surgeons affidavit is correct as I believe it is please give the Gentleman the necessary instructions & inform me likewise of my fate as soon as convenient | with respect your os [obedient servant] [signature] David Steele
Page 59

[November 21, 1838 form letter with handwritten information filled in]
Treasury Department Second Comptroller's Office, Nov. 21. 1838 | 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, David Steele a Pensioner on the Invalid Roll of the Richmond Va [Virginia] Agency at the rate of Eight Dollars per month has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. [September] 1837 to the 4th March 1838 Respectfully, yours, Albion K. Parris Comptroller. To the Commissioner of Pensions Present. [March 1838 could have possibly been the last check he received and he may have possibly died around that time]