Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21786, for John Mc Ilvain, South Carolina
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
McIlvain, John
or McElvene
Elizabeth
NUMBER
W21786
CONTENTS
Page 2

5264
South Carolina
Elizabeth McIlvain
widow of John McIlvain
who'd its on the 
of     In the State of S.C.
who was a private in the    commanded
by Captain   of the   commanded
by    in the Revolution
for 10 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of Charleston
at the rate of 33 dollars 33 cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th dy of
March, 1831 [illegible] June 11/31

Certificate of Pension issued on the 23rd day of Any 1834 and sent to [illegible] Coombs

Arrears to the 4th of      Present
Semiannual allowance ending

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836
Section th 3rd}

Recorded by {Illegible} Clerk
Book {illegible) Vol 2 Page 385
Page 3

6833

Remainder of page is illegible
Page 4

State of South Carolina
Sumter District
On this 11th day of September, personally appeared before the subscribed, one of the magistrates of the said State and District
Elizabeth McElvain a resident of the above  State and District aged 81 years, who after being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, are the following declaration, in order to claim the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1834. That she is the widow of John McElvain, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and as far as my recollection served [illegible] as a [illegible] under Capt John Nelson and Col Nathan Richardson in General Francis Marions Brigade, does not know whether he acted in the capacity of an officer but thinks he served  [illegible] about 10 months in the service. She further declared that she [illegible] to the said John McElvin {illegible] that her husband the aforestated John McElvin dies 21st November 1815 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will be more fully [illegible] to the [illegible] hereto annexed.
    Sworn to, and subscribed on the day [illegible] above as written before me.

Her mark: Elizabeth McElvain X
[illegible Signature}
Magistrate

state of South Carolina
Sumter District
Personally appeared before me 
Stephen (?) Hoyd    Henry Goodman (?)

She after being personally sworn sayeth that she [illegible] personally acquainted with the above Elizabeth McElvain that they were acquainted with her during the lifetime of her husband John McElvain that they lived together as man and wife and
Page 5

that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband John McElvain who died about the year 1815, and that at his death she was left with several children, that she is a lady of [illegible] and that they have periodically [illegible] her for a great many years. [Illegible] to be for [illegible].
September 1841
M.H. Smith
Magistrate
[Illegible signature]
Henry Goodman

State of South Carolina
Sumter District
I Elizabeth McElvain [illegible] declare that at the death of my husband John McElvain he left with me 10 children [illegible] Adam McElvain aged 15 and Janet L McElvain aged fourteen years under [illegible] years at the death of [illegible] he [illegible] and that there  [illegible] of 8 children, that she was 55 years old at the death of her husband and had been married to him 38 years.
Sworn to before me this 11th September 1841.
WH Smith
Magistrate
Elizabeth McElvain 
her mark X

State of South Carolina
Santee District
Personally appeared before me Stephen Hoyt and Henry Goodman who after being duly sworn sayeth that they are personally acquainted with John, Polly, William, Susan, Anna, Janet and know them to be the children of John and Elizabeth McElvain that they are [illegible] living and some of them being in the [illegible] that they have
Page 6

family of three now, and have been personally acquainted with them a good many years. Sworn to before me this 11th September 1841.
W.H. Smith
Magistrate
Sien (sic) Hoyt
Harry Goodman

State of South Carolina
Santee District
I Elizabeth McElvine do hereby certify that I have had the records of the Comptroller Office of the State of South Carolina or the Indent roll in the said office examined by my friend Col Stephen Lacoste as will be exhibited by a letter from the Comptroller Office {illegible} to him from the Comptroller General, who certifies that my husbands name is not to be found in the Indent Roll, but that my brothers(?) name as there found, as the Comptroller General to the will [illegible], that the services of my [illegible] land are therein found by my brothers affidavit. [Illegible] in Baste(?) County No Carolina as also from the certificate of Samuel Chandler who is now a [illegible] in the N States, and answers that the name of the said James C Chandler [illegible] is not found on the Indent Roll. He [illegible] of omitted to that his name on the Indent Roll as well as that my [illegible] land or that the omission may have been made by there(?) Capts Nelson and Richardson. I have [illegible] proof of my [illegible] , land, service, that the above named person my brother [name illegible] and said Chandler, now of the State and [illegible] aforesaid.
Sworn to before me this 11th September 1841.
MH Smith
Magistrate
Elizabeth McElvine 
her mark X
P.S. see Comptrollers letter to Stephen Lacoste
Page 7

State of South Carolina
Santee District
Personally appeared before me Elizabeth McElvine who after being duly sworn safety that  her husband died on the 21st November 1815, and that [illegible] os where he died [illegible] and that [illegible] of the disease and was buried in Salem County Santee District [illegible] own family burial ground.
Sworn to before me this 11th September 1841
WH Smith
Magistrate
Elizabeth McElvine
her mark X

State of South Carolina
Santee District
This is to certify that I was at the audience of [illegible] Elizabeth McElvine on the 11th  September last. that from her bodily infirmity I do not think and am [illegible[ and also feel that she is not able to ride to Sumter Court House to make her declaration before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Records of the [illegible] in which she resides, her residence being about 6 miles to Santee Court House where the ordinary of  the district which resides Mount Cleo Sumter Dt.
Stephen Lacoste
Magistrate
September 14, 1841
Page 8

Affadavit
Sam[illegible] A Burgess and
Daniel H.Smith of death of Elizabeth McElvine
Page 9

State of South Carolina
Sumter District
On this Second day of January 1854 Before the Subscriber William Lewis Esquire(?) Judge of this Court of Ordinary in and for the district and State aforesaid personally appeared Samuel A. Burgess and Daniel H. Smith M.D: residents of Sumter district and State aforesaid who being duly and Separately Sworn according to the law upon their oaths say they were intimately acquainted with the Elizabeth McElveen[sic] deceased widow of John McElveen deceased who was reported to have been a Solider in the Army of the Revolution that the said Elizabeth McElveen departed in Sumter district and State aforesaid in the Eleventh day of June Eighteen hundred and fifty one (1851) and that fact is brought to the deponents by the family record of the deceased death Kept in the family of the deceased which record of death as aforesaid is in the hand writing of Henry McElveen Esquire who we have often been with and are familiar therewith
   The said Daniel H Smith M.D.: further Swears he was the attending Physician of the Said Elizabeth McElveen deceased for some years and continued to do until her death as aforesaid. He further Swears he understood and believes that the coffin of the Said Elizabeth McElveen was made by two negro men and that therefore no certificate can be procured. The said Samuel A. Burgess and Daniel H Smith further swear The Said Elizabeth McElveen widow as aforesaid the following surviving and only surviving cjildren to wit William McElveen, Mary or(?) Polly Harrington, Susan Wilson and Anna Adam all of Sumter district who still Survive, and that it reported that said John McAllen died about the year 1815, and we verily believe he did so and after his decease the Said Elizabeth McElveen never married again but continued his Widow until her decease at the period aforesaid. They further depose that they have no interest in the pension claim due to the children of said John and Elizabeth McElveen in right of their Said Mother  Sworn and Subscribed to before me the day and year first above within and I do certify the said Samuel A Burgess and David H Smith as personally know to me and that they are credible witnesses. In testimony whereof I have and hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court.
X S.A. Burgess
DH Smith MD
W. Lewis
Judge of [illegible]
Page 10

State of South Carolina
Sumter District
It is hereby ordered to be certified that satisfactory evidence has been found to this court by the oaths of Samuel A Burgess and David H Smith MD credible witnesses of Said district , that Elizabeth McElveen [sic] of said district who was the widow of John McEleen deceased who was in his life time to be a revolutionary Soldier dies on the Eleventh (11th)
day of June Eighteen hundred and fifty one (1851) leaving Willian McElveen, Mary or(?) Polly Harrinton, Susan Wilson and Anna Adam her Surviving children all of who are Still alive and only surviving children, that the Said John McElvein [sic] died about the year Eighteen hundred and fifteen (1815) and after his decease the Said Elizabeth never married again but continued his widow until her decease the 11th day of June 1851 as aforesaid. In testimony whereof I have Set my hand this 2nd January 1854.
W. J. Singleton 
[illegible]
State of South Carolina
Sumter district
I W.J. Singleton Esquire Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Services for Sumter district and State aforesaid do certify that William Lewis Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were made and Order of Court thereon given was at the date thereof duly appointed and qualified Judge of the Court of Ordinary for Sumter district aforesaid and that his Signature and Seal of said Court are thereto genuine(?) ad that the above is a true order of Said Court. I do further certify I am full acquainted with Samuel A. Burgess and David H Smith MD and that they are men of truth and respectability in whose Statements the fullest faith and credit should be placed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Official Seal this 2nd day of January 1854 (Read 1854)
W.J. Singleton
[illegible]
Page 11

WIDOW, &c.
File No 21786
Elizabeth McIlvain
Wed of
John McIlvain
Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:--Vol. M, Page (251?)
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 12

6833
Elizabeth McElvein
S.C.
Ld. to Stephen Lacoste
Oct. 12th '46
same May 8 ''47
same July 21 47
to same August 28 47
Let. to Hon. {illegible] Woodward
March 18 "48
Act 4 July, 1836
M. Thompson
May 22/51(?)
Page 13

Brief in the Case of Elizabeth McIlvain widow of John
Sumter District County and State of South Carolina
act 4 July 1836
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
John served for ten months under Genl. Marion as a private in 1781 and 1782, proved by John China(?), a pensioner, Samuel Chandler, and William (?)wood Send(?), and Elizabeth. John and Elizabeth married in 1777, proved by William (?)wood Send(?), Samuel Chandler, and Elizabeth McIlvain. John died 21st Nov. 1815 proved by Stephen Floyd and Henry Goodman and Elizabeth McIlvain. Elizabeth dies 11th June 1851, proved by S.A. Burgess and D.H. Smith as tending physician.
William McIlvain, Mary or Polly Harrington, Susan Wilson and Anne Adam only surviving children, proved by SA Burgess and D.H. Smith.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Page 14

Stephen Lacoste Esquire
Mount Cleo P.O
So. Carolina
Page 15

Columbia 30 June 1847

Dear Sir, 
I herewith send you the certified copy of extract taken from Incident Book R No 415, No 1. Also the copy of the account, which was audited, and for which the said incident was issued. I also examined all the books, to see if any Indent had ever been issued, to John McIlvain. I found one but it was for supplies, and not for military duty.
Mr Black is not in this place, my son has heretofore acted as his Clerk. He has been ill for more than two months, and as soon as he gets able to ride, will leave
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leave Columbia for the summer I shall attend to the office during his absence.
You will please forward the fees by mail. It is a rule of the office not to send certificates until the fees are paid for them.
Very Respectfully your humble Sevt.
Sen Hart (?)

M.F.L Edwards
[illegible] Mr McElvain stated to me that his father used to [illegible] name John McIlvain and not as he does at present. I then wrote to the Comptroller to [illegible] to see if M John McIlvain's name [illegible] of John McElvain. You will here find his reply should the Indent of McElvain's be of any use. [Illegible] McElvene. It [illegible] to the matter being a {reminder of letter illegible}
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Washington Feby 15th 1837
Sir
I have been authorized and requested by Elizabeth McElvene, widow of John McElvene, a solider of the revolution in South Carolina, respectfully to solicit a reexamination of her papers filed(?) under act of July 4th 1836, upon which it will be clearly seen that she is entitled to a pension.
I have the honor to be your respectfully
M. Thompson
To Hon.[illegible] Heath C..P.
Page 18

M. Cole 
Feb 8 1857
I have seen Originals
Page 19

Washington Feby 8 1857
I have a letter dated "White(?) Plains, Benton County, [illegible] Jany 28th, 1837" requesting me to examine the papers on file in the case of "Michael Hood" a revolutionary pensioner.

I have a letter dated "Clarke Cry [illegible] Any 2nd and Jany 15th 1837," requesting me to examine the papers on file in the case of Robert Larid for a revolutionary pension.

I habe a power of attorney dated "Mount Cleo, 27th Jany 1837," authorizing me to examine the papers in the case of Elizabeth McElvene , widow of John McElvene
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of South Carolina, a revolutionary officer or soldier. The papers in this case were filed several years since.(?)

i have a letter dated "25th {illegible] 1830" and "29th Jany 1837" requesting me to examine the papers on file in the case of Dawes(?) Morgan of Mississippi, a pensioner at (about)(?) $20 per annum.

I am also requested by letter of "16th Dec. 1830," to examine the papers in the case of Cape. Samuel Taylor's widow, of Chesterfield District. So. Car. a pensioner at the rate of $480.

The papers in the above cases relate also to other matters and are therefore retained in my possession. respectfully M. Thompson
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Mr Cole
Feb 8, 1837
I have seen originals

Also Mr MacLean N6(?) filed both [illegible] 4611 Act 8 Feb 1846
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Washington, Nov 28th 1853.

Sir:
Enclosed I have the honor to present you a certificate of the Comptroller General of S.C. in relation to the claim of Elizabeth McIlvein, widow of John of S.C. for the benefit of the Act of 4th July 1836. The object of this certificate is show, [illegible] the fact that the name of John McElveen is not on the Indent roll of S.C. [illegible] no presumption against the fact of his service. This being admitted, I think the [illegible] of service is amply sufficient to the allowance of the claim. His service is proved by several witnesses who served with him:
    John China swears that he [illegible] the service in Cape. Duke's Co, Col Richardson's Regt. in General Marion's Brigade in the month of September 1781, and served in said Company until the month of August 1782; that when he entered said service, he found John McElvein a member of Capt. Nelson's Company
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in the same Regiment, that he continued to serve therein during all the time that he (China) remained in said Regiment, and he left in August 1782, he left McElvein in service, in the same Regiment and Company that he found jim in as of aforesaid.
   Samuel Chandler swears that he personally knew John Melvin while he was in service in Cape.Nelson's Co. Col Richardson's Regt Genl Marion's Brigade, but cannot state the length of time he served. (Se his affidavit of 18th June 1843)
   In a subsequent deposition made 6th April 1847, he states that he himself was a soldier in the service in the same Brigade at the time he knew McElvein in the service, and that John China, whose deposition is above referred to, was also a soldier in same Brigade.
   William Hallwood (a clergyman of good character,) swears that he was in the service with said McElvein in 17(blotted out) and that he married to said Elizabeth previous
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to that time, and had a family of children by her. He distinctly recollects a message which McElveen sent by him to his "wife & children" when he (Fullwood) was discharged. He does not state how long [underlined] McIlvain was in service. In fact the object of taking this deposition appears only to leave [illegible] to show that McElveen was married prior to his service.
The fact that said John McElveen was in service in the Rev. War is proved by the testimony of three soldiers who were in the service with him and who are able to specify the Company Regt. and Brigade in which he served. 
One witness (China,) shows that he was in service at least from Sept. 1781 to August 1782, a period of 11 months.
That he was married previous to entering the service is clearly shown by the depositions of Fullwood & Chandler. 
I have the honor to be 
J. L. Coombs

Hon. L. P. [illegible]
Commr of Pensions
Page 25

Wm Hallwood
Affadavit
Page 26

State of South Carolina
Sumter County
I William Hullwood a resident of the said County aged 80 years, do hereby certify upon oath, that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth MacKelvan(?) of Sumter District, South Carolina, the widow of John [illegible], late died,  of said district who is now applying for a Pension on the account of the Revolutionary services of her said husband the aforementioned said John Mc[illegible] deceased. I do further certify that I was in the service with said John MC[illegible] in the year 1780 and do know of my own person knowledge that said John Mc[illegible[ was a living with his wife Elizabeth at the time of his service in the Revolution, and were considered as were considered as [illegible]man and wife by all that know them. the legality of their marriage never having been disputed. I also certify that at the time that said John Mc[illegible] and myself were in the Revolution, said John Mc[illegible] and wife Elizabeth had a family of two or more children. Which I do most distinctly recollect from the [illegible] I have in particular; that we had been in the army together, or at least we met together at the time I was to be discharged, and to leave said John Mc[illegible] in the army when he  Mc[illegible] came to me with these words, saying "remember me to my wife and children at home," in a most impassioned(?) manner. So much so that I have [illegible], most distinctly upon his request, and the feelings he expressed(?) on that occasion

Here to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before me
[signature illegible]
Wm Hullwood Sen.
Page 27

State of North Carolina
Burke County
I do duly certify that Wm Hullwood who hath this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit before me is a Clergyman well known to me and to his statements(?} is due full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and seal this day of July 18th 18{illegible}
[signature illegible]

North Carolina
Burke District
I Wm {illegible] a Magistrate in the county aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Hullwood, whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit and that he is a Clergyman of sound mind, and a good recollection, {illegible] to his statement is [illegible] full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and seal this 18th day of July 1844(?).
Wm B. Rust

North Carolina
Burke County
I J.J.. Ervin Clerk of of the Court of Pleas and [illegible] deposed for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that George {illegible[ and William B Rust whose certificates appears above are acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County duly [illegible] and qualified according to law and that the signatures purporting to be their are genuine.
I further certify that I am acquainted with William Hullwood [illegible] for deponent and
Page 28

that he is a reputable clergyman and good citizen and that his statements are entitled to the most implicit credence.
IN testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of office done at office in Morganton this 18 day of July 1844

J. J. Ervin Clerk
Page 29

Elizabeth McIlvain
widow of John dec?
South Carolina
Admitted
Act 4th July 1836 
10 months private at the
rate of $33.33 per annum
from 4th March 1831, to 11th June 1851 when she died.
Pay,
William McIlvain,
Mary Harrington,
Susan Wilson, &
Anna Adam, only surviving children.
Page 30

Comm. [illegible] Certif. to issue without requiring administration on Elizabeths estate.
Page 31

Stephen Lacosty
letter to J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Page 32

Mr. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 33

Mount Elio September 25th 1844
JL Edwards Esq.
{illegible] on account of the weak state of health of Mrs Elizabeth McElvane (sic) she could not go to the Court House to make her declaration before the Ordinary of the district (who as a Judge of Record) [illegible] was in its the power of the Ordinary to go to the widow of Mr McElvane the Ordinary has given a certificate of the bodily infirmity of Mrs McEvane with whom he is personally acquainted.
   There is no record to be found of the marriage of McElvane, she states that at the period of her marriage, [illegible] of the [illegible] when [illegible] that when she married McElvane they had to ride(?)  the distance of 17 miles to the Record(?) [illegible] house. that if her father made any record of her marriage she does not know as the family Bible is in the possession of Mr Hullwood who lives in Burke County of N Ca.
   You will notice from the letter of the Comptroller General of the State of South Carolina that Mr. John McElvane's name is not on the Indent Roll but that the name of his brother in [illegible] W. Hullwood is there recorded. So therefore refer you to his certificate in which it is clearly proven that Mr John McElvane was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution, and is considered a man of respectability as per certificates of the [illegible] confirming and [illegible] of B Rust Magistrate of No Carolina.
   You will also please refer to the certificate of Samuel Chandler who is now a Revolutionary pensioner, who certifies that he served in the War with Mr John McElvane. You will also that his Samuel Chandler name is not in the Indent roll in the Comptrollers Office (but that he is drawing a pension)
Page 34

That Mrs McElvine has remained a widow
since the death of her husband is proved by
the certificates of Mr Stephen Floyd and Mr
Henry Goodman, who were acquainted with
him  during the life time of her husband and
since her widowhood

From the certificate of Mrs McElvine it
appears that she had two children under the
age of 16 years at the death of her husband
to wit; Adam and Janet McElvine, and that
they is at present 6 children living - as will be
then by refering to the certificate of Mr Stephen
Floyd and Henry Goodman - 

all of which is respectfully sub- 
mitted to you -

Your respectfully
Stephen Lacoste.
Agent of Mrs Elizabeth Mc Elvine
Page 35

South Carolina}
Sumter District} This is to certify that I was personally acquainted Jon McElveen who was a revolutionary Soldier as well as myself with General Marion and his regiment that he done duty in that brigade. Capt Nelson Thomas McFadden & W Bennett were our officers and that John China Senr. was also one of the Soldiers who served with us in said Brigade and further that the statement of John China Senior's correct on every particular
[signed] Samuel Chandler by his X mark
Witness M E Laurence

South Carolina}
Sumter District} Personally appeared before me M. E. Laurence who after being duly sworn, saith, that he was present and saw Samuel Chandler Senr. sign the above instrument of [illegible] for the uses and purposes therein contained
[signed] M. E. Laurence
Sworn to before me this 6" day of April 1847
W. L.  Smith
Magistrate
Page 36

The State of South Carolina
I. John D. Jones Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Sumter District in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that
Page 37

Comptrollers Certificate
of
Service of Wm Bullard
Page 38

Comptroller's Office
Columbia S.C. August 24th 1846
I do hereby certify that there is an Indent and Account Book 299 in the name of William Hullwood [illegible] for 300 days in Duty in the militia as a private in 1781 and 1782 for L21:8;[illegible] sterling which I copied and certified to for R. [illegible] Pearson organtoen N.C. on the 4th May last.
For Comptroller Genl.
[illegible] Black
   The duty per John Nelson's Certificate
[illegible] Black

Mr Lacoste
Dear Sir
    The above Certificate which you requested will show that Wliliam Hullwood was soldier in 1781 and 82 per John Nelson's certificate who appears to have been an Officer in the Revolutionary war. Samuel Chandler's Indent not in this office. If the above prove available I charge you one Dollar if not has she is needy and a widow I make no charge.
Very Respectfully
[illegible] Black
Deputy
Page 39

free    P M
S Lacoste


[illegible] Decd
August 4th

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington
City
.
March 6 }

Aug 11' 4
Elizabeth Mc ILvain
Page 40

About the August 4th 184[illegible] J.L. Edwards Esqr.
[illegible] of the [illegible] came to hand, contents duly noticed(?). You will please allow me to trouble you once more on the subject of [illegible]. I have seen McEl[illegible] since the receipt of your letter, and she states that her husband never supplied the name or made any contracts with any persons, That he was to [illegible] a man during the revolutionary war to do so. That he was only a soldier in that war and you will please notice that the name that the indent was [illegible] for [illegible] to McIlvaine. I had requested the comptroller to examine under that  name if it could be found on the Indent Roll [illegible] John McElvane(?) the [illegible] of John McElvane said to me that some of the family sometimes [illegible]  his letter to [illegible] of a private letter and states as is observed. Mr John China says to [illegible] that he is [illegible] of the [illegible] that Mr John McElvane must have served more than one year from the time he met with McElvane [illegible] to the testimony of Mr Chandler who only served 3 months in the war says that Mr mcEl [illegible] was in the service that he knew of three months [illegible]  All of these gentlemen knew him in no other light [illegible] a soldier. I regret very much that the testimony [illegible] to [illegible]  is not found to proceed to establish Mrs McEl[illegible] [illegible] as it is [illegible] believed that her husband served as soldier a [illegible] in the revolution. I would think [illegible] of [illegible[ John McElvene had made application for [illegible] he would at the same time made one for his military service. I am therefore disposed to think that they are for a different person. I do not remember that in the [illegible] of John China or Wm Hullwood any evidence stated or shown that he served in a civil capacity that only speek or state as to his military service.
Yours Respectfully
Stephen Lacoste
Page 41

Free
S. Lacoste  P M


M [illegible] Decd}
April  14                   }

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner Pensions
Washington City
[illegible]  Columbia

Mail}

April 21, 1841
See le cos
Mr Mc Eluce
Page 42

Mount Clio April 16th 1847.
J L Edwards Esqr.
Sir. Enclosed is all the proof
that can be established to prove the Revolutionary services of Mr John McElvene. The affidavit of Mr. John China goes to prove that to his personal knowledge Mr John McElvene served
one year at least in the Revolution Mr
Chandler also had the friends of Mrs McElvene taken the subject in hand earlier
they could have proven (and that quite satisfactory) by Mr William McIntosh who
died a few years ago, all the services of
John McElvene as they were neighbors &
served in the army together-
Mrs. McElvene says that her husband [was]
absent and in the army at least 3 or 4 years off and on remember that he was in a skirmish at Bighams [Biggin Church], at one at Deal Bay [Dills Bluff] with the Tories says also he was at the siege 
of Charleston, and was in that city when it
fell into the hands of British - but it [is]
unnecessary for me to say to you what [Mrs] McElvene remembers, as it would be no proof for herself.
I hope that the evidence of two
revolutionary soldiers, and now pensioners of the US
to be sufficient to establish the service of Mr John McElvene. 
I would [illegible] respectfully urge that what can be done for Mrs McElvene be done as soon as possible for she is getting very infirm and old 82 or 83 [underlined] and is supported by one of her sons & daughters -

Yours respectfully,
[signed] Stephen Lacoste
in behalf of Mrs E McElvene
Page 43

Elizabeth McElveen
wid of John
S. C.  - Rev. War

Add'l Evidence

J. L. Coombs
Page 44

Comps Genls Office}
Columbia So Carolina}
24" September 1833} I hereby certify that I have not been able to find any [illegible] to John McElveen for Services in the revolution but this fact is no proof that John McElveen did not serve in the revolution for many of the [illegible] and accounts which were issued cannot be found, & no doubt many who did serve never applied for an [illegible] 
Given under my hand
 [illegible] F. Arthur
For Comp Genl

["No Seal of office" within a drawn circle appears next to the signature]
Page 45

Certificate of Wm Lewis
Ordinary of Sumter District
Page 46

State of South Carolina
Sumter District
I, William Lewis Judge
of the Court of Ordinary and
probate in and for the District
of Sumter aforesaid in the
State of South Carolina
do hereby certify that on account
of the bodily infirmity of
Elizabeth McElvene widow of
John McElvene deceased (a 
Revolutionary Soldier) to attend
at the Court house of said District
in order to make her declaration
as applicant for a pension under
under [sic] the act of Congress 1836
said Elizabeth McElvene being
very aged as well as very infirmed
making it altogether utterly imposible [sic] for her to attend Court
Witness my hand
and seal of office
this 17th day of
September 1846
William Lewis
Ordinary S D
Page 47

Saml Chandler
Affidavit


John McElvein was born
11 March 1755
Died 21 Novr 1815
Mr McElveen was mar-
ried 1777, was [illegible] 17/60

                         √


1815
1755
     60

1811
1777
____
      38


1846
1760
     86
Page 48

State of South Carolina}
Sumter District} Be it known that before me W. A. Smith one of the Magistrates for said district personally appeared Samuel Chandler a resident of said district a revolutionary pensioner, and made oath in due form of Law, saeth [sic] that he is Eighty years of age, that he is personally acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth McElveen, known and believed in all the neighborhood, that the said John McElveen was a soldier in the revolutionary war, that he saw him doing duty under Captn John Nelson & Col William Richardson in Genl Francis Marions Brigade, that he is unable to say the exact lenghth [sic] of time he served in the Army. and that the said Elizabeth McElveen still continues to be the Widow of the said John McElveen.
Sworn to before me
this 18" June 1843}
W. A. Smith}
[signature] Samuel Chandler by his X mark
State of South Carolina}
Sumter District} I do hereby certify that the above named Samuel Chandler who hath been above sworn is a man of respectability and unquestionable character and that his statement is due full faith & credit
September 12th 1846}
[signed] Stephen Lacoste
Magistrate

State of South Carolina}
Sumter District} I John M Dargan clerk of the court of common pleas for Sumter District do hereby certify that Mr H. Smith & Stephen Lacoste whose names appear affixed to the above certificate is [underlined] and was [underlined] at the time of signing the magistrates of the peace and duly appointed [illegible] of assembly that there [sic] signatures are genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of office this 18 day of Sept A. D. 1846.
[signature] J. M. Dargan
C. C. Ps. [Court of Common Pleas]
Page 49

State of South Carolina}
Sumter District}
 This is to Certify that I
unto Peter John China [illegible] a Revolutionary Soldier do hereby certify that I was personally
acquainted with John McElvain of Sumter District
I [illegible] that in the Revolutionary war I found him
in the Camp of General Marion, in Capt Nelsons
Company. I found him there in the month of September 1781. I was a member of
Wm Dukes Company in Richardsons Regiment
as was also John McElvain, that I left the
said Company of Dukes and Richardsons Regiment
some time in the month of August 1782 and
inlisted [sic] as a regular soldier under Col Hezekiah
Mayham [Maham] corps of [illegible] Brigade
that when I left the Richardson Regiment in
August 1782 I left John McElvain still in
the company and Regiment above named. that
Ina [sic], well aquainted [sic] with him personally and
saw him very often during the time named from
September 1781 to August 1782. I left him then
and no doubt served after I left him in the
Revolutionary
[signature]
John China

Witness
L B Hanks

State of South Carolina}
Sumter District}
Personally appeared
 before me L B Hanks
who after being duly sworn sayeth that he was
present and saw John Child [illegible] sign the
within instrument of writing for the uses and purposes therein contained
[signed] L B Hanks
Sworn to before me this
29th March 1847
Stephen Lacoste
Magistrate
Page 50

The State of South Carolina-

I, John D. Jones Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Sumter District and State aforesaid, do
hereby certify that Stephen Lacoste is a Magistrate as within stated, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.-
In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto affixed my seal of office
and subscribed my name, this
tenth day of April one thousand eight Hundred and forty seven
John D. Jones
C.C.PS. [Court of Common Pleas]
[illegible round seal affixed]