Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,730, for John Mc Bride, North Carolina
Page 1

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[3-1776]

SERVICE
N. C.

McBride, John
Eleanor

NUMBER
W.4730

CONTENTS
Page 2

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

5603
North Carolina

John McBride
of Guilford in the State of N. Car.
who was a pri: Sgt. En: & Lt. in the compy [company] commanded by Captain White of the Regt. commanded by ------ in the N. C. line for 2 years from 1778

Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina
at the rate of 168 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Febry [February] 1833 - and sent Hon. A. H. Shepperd, Ho. of Rep.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1832 - 252.49
Semi=anl. [annual] allowance ending 4 Mar ’33 84.17
$346.66

{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Nathan Rice, Clerk
Book D Vol. 8 Page 40
Page 3

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] 7573
North Carolina
Eleanor McBride
widow of John McBride
who was a prv & Segt [private & Sergeant] in the N Carolina 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars – Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Feb 1846
and sent to Tho. L & A Thos Smith Esqrs. Present

[Acts of March 3, 1843 & 17th June 1844]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 157

[right side] Reported
Let. J. E. Benett Nov. 20/ ‘50
Geo. C. Ames, June 17 – 185[cut off]
Hon. Geo C Ames 3/59

Date of widow’s death not on A. B.
Page 4

FAMILY [record]

BIRTHS John & Eleanor McBride

William McBride Was born June 27 1784
Edward McBride was Born December 7, 1786
Mary McBride was Born February 16, 1788
Elenor McBride was Born March 29, 1790
Ann McBride was Born August 14, 1792
Margrat McBride was Born January 17, 1797

By J McBride
Page 5

RECORD.

MARRIAGES.
Page 6

3

State of North Carolina}
Guilford County} Court of Pleas & Quarter Session August Term 1832 –

On this 20th day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford now sitting John McBride a resident of Guilford County State of North Carolina aged Seventy Six 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 on the 7th of June 1832. ----
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. ------
That he first Volunteered as an Indian Spy or Ranger and Served three months as Adjutant to about three hundred rangers Commanded by Captains Whitson [possibly Whitesell], White, & Taylor & composed of part of General Rutherford's [Griffith Rutherford's] Army sent against the Cherokee Indians in the now western part of North Carolina. That he marched from Guilford County to the now western part of North Carolina. That he was in a battle with the Indians in the fork of the Catawba River in the now western part of North Carolina. That he
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4

next served as a Volunteer as First Sergeant in a company commanded by Capt. John Nelson for the term of five months. That he marched from Martinsville North Carolina to Purisburg [Purrysburg] on the Savannah River in South Carolina. Said Company was under the Command of Col. John Paisley and attached to General Rutherford's Brigade and Genl Ashe [General John Ashe] of North Carolina was the Major General, this service was finished in the year 1779. That if he received a discharge which he cannot now recollect, it is lost. That he next served as Ensign [^time not stated] in a company of Guilford Militia Commanded by Captain John Hamilton and was engaged in various expeditions against the Tories in Randolph & Guilford. John Paisley was Col. That he also frequently volunteered under Capt. Daniel Gillaspie [Colonel Daniel Gillespie] and Col. John Gillaspie [John Gillespie] in various expeditions against the Tories in Randolph and Guilford. That he next served for one month and fifteen days as a volunteer in a Company commanded by Capt. Arthur Forbis against Col. Brian [Samuel Bryan], a Tory or Regular who raised a number of Tories in Rowan and adjoining Counties in North Carolina and marched to join the British Army at or near Camden South Carolina. This service was rendered a few weeks before the defeat of General Gates [Horatio Gates] at Camden [Battle of Camden, August 15-16, 1780]. That he was next engaged & served for the term of twelve months in carrying communications from Col. John Paisley, the com [commander]
Page 8

6

of Guilford Militia & from the Committee of Public Safety to different parts of the State often at the hazard of his life. 
That he next served as a volunteer Lieutenant for the term of six months in a company commanded by Capt. John McAdow, John Paisley Col. in pursuit of the Tory Fanning [David Fanning] and his followers through the Counties of Randolph, Montgomery, Cumberland and Bladen. This service was rendered in the summer and fall of 1781. That he was in the service of General Greene [Nathanael Greene] & John Mc Adow on his march through North Carolina a short time before the battle of Guilford [March 15, 1781]. That he continued to serve as a volunteer in various expeditions against the Tories up to the close of the War. He further states that he has not either commission or discharge now in his possession. That all the above named officers under whom he served as before stated are dead. That he knows only of William Ryan [pension application S.7436] and Reuben Land [pension application S.7135] who have any personnel knowledge of his services and their affidavits are attached unto. The declarant further states that he was born in the State of Pennsylvania on the 22nd day of March 1755. As he was informed by his parents that he removed to North Carolina when he was about ten years of age, where he has resided ever since. That he has no record of his age but believes it is correctly stated above. That he was living in Guilford County when called
Page 9

into Service and has continued to live in said County State of North Carolina ever since. 
That he is well known in the County of Guilford where he resides and among other persons he is well known to the Reverend William D. Paisley and to Jonathan Parker. 

That he hereby relinquishes any claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State. --
Sworn to and Subscribed this day and year aforesaid
[Signed] J McBride

A.E. Hanner, CCC 

We William D Paisley a Clergyman residing in the County of Guilford & State of North Carolina and Jonathan Parker residing in the same County & State do here by certify that we are well acquainted with John McBride who has subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy six years of age, that he is reported and believed to be in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that Opinion – 
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
A.E. Hanner, CCC 
Wm. D Paisley 
Jonathan Parker
Page 10

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

State of North Carolina County} 
County of Alamance} ss: 

BE IT KNOWN, That on this 26 day of January A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty two before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Mary Wood a resident of ---- said County, and made oath according to law that she is the daughter of Ellender McBride widow of John McBride late a pensioner of the United States as a Revolution officer

[Illegible words crossed out]

And --- that she has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased that she is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim. 
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and} 
year aforesaid, before me. J. Peace.}
[signed] Mary Wood 

I, Anderson Thompson Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Mary Wood who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth. 
A. Thompson J. Peace. 

I, John Fancett, Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Anderson Thompson before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is his signature. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this the 26th day of January A. D. 1852
Jno Fancett Clerk.
Page 11

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I, Mary Wood do --- hereby constitute and appoint George C. Ames Esquire my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Ellender McBride for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to: [blank]

to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall law fully do in the premises. 
WITNESS my hand and seal this 26 day January A.D. 1852 
[signed] Mary Wood

Signed and Sealed in the Presence of} 
A Thompson}

State of North Carolina} 
County of Alamance} SS: 
On this 26th day of January A. D. 1852 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Mary Wood and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand}
the day and year aforesaid.} 
A Thompson J. Peace.
Page 12

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows.” 
State of North Carolina} 
County of Orange} S.S.
On this the 6 day of November 1843, personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Justices of the Courts of pleas & quarter Session for said County Ellenor McBride a resident of said County aged 88 years who being first duly sworn according [according] to Law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows: That she is the widow of John McBride, who was a private, Sergeant, ensign and Lieutenant in the United States Service in the war of the Revolution. 
This declarant further states that not having married till after the close of the war. She is unable to give a full account of her deceased husbands Revolutionary services - As well as this declarant can now remember she has heard her dec.d [deceased] husband speak of serving a tour against the Indians in the early part of the Revolutionary war. & under the impression she has heard him speak of being with or under Captain Forbes Colonel Paisley & others – 
That from infirmity of body is unable to attend Court to make the Declaration – 
She further declares that she was married to the aforesaid John Bride in the Town of Martinsville in the County of Guilford in the State aforesaid sometime in the year of one thousand Seven hundred & eighty three (1783).
That her deceased husband had a family record, and that it was kept his family Bible, that said bible was given to their eldest son Doctor Wm McBride who moved to the State of South Carolina about 27 years ago, but before moving he drew a copy from said family record for us and which copy of record is as follows, towit;
“William McBride was born 27 June 1784” (eldest child) 
“Edward McBride was born 7 December 1786”
“Mary McBride was born 16 February 1788”

(over)
Page 13

“Elenor McBride was born 29 March 1790” 
“Ann McBride was born 14 August 1792” 
“Margaret McBride was born 17 January 1797” 

Which copy of record the declarant hereunto annexed. She further declares that it is in the hand writing of her son Doctor William McBride, and she believes it to be as it represents a true and faithful record of the birth of their several children, and that it has been in her keeping since it was copied, say 27 years ago. 
She again alleges that she was married to the said John McBride in the year of one thousand Seven hundred & eighty three (1783) and that her husband the aforesaid John McBride died on the 27 day of May 1843, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the first January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated. 
Ellenor [her X mark] McBride
Sworn and subscribed, on the day & year above} 
written before me} 
A W Albright J. Peace}

I the said Justice, after investigating the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department certify that full and ample evidence has been furnished me that the aforesaid Declarant Ellenor McBride is the widow of the late John McBride, who was a in United States [States] pensioner at the rate of One hundred & Sixty eight Dollars & thirty three cents, p. a. [per annum] and that he was pensioned in the month of February 1833, at which time he was a resident of Guilford County N. C. 
Further evidence was also furnished that said John McBride and the declarant were married some time in the year of one thousand Seven hundred & eighty three (1783) That said John McBride and wife Ellenor, moved to Orange County in the year of 1840; and that said John McBride did die on the 27 day of May 1843 in this County, 
I further certify that from old age and infirmity of body the Declarant is unable to attend Court to make her declaration therefore is under the necessity of making it at her own residence 
I further certify
Page 14

Certify.
that to the Declarant Ellenor McBride is a woman of truth and respectability. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal on this the 6th day of November, 1853
A W Albright J Peace {Seal}

State of North Carolina, 
I John Taylor Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions for Orange County certify it has been given in evidence to the satisfaction of said Court that John McBride a pensioner of the United States died on the Twenty Seventh day of May AD 1843, leaving a widow Ellenor him surviving. I also Certify that the foregoing declaration was examined by the said Court & approved. Whereupon it was ordered by the Court. That the Clerk certify the approval to the War Department. 
I further Certify Andrew Albright is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his, are genuine. 
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & Subscribed my name, on this 2nd day of December, AD 1843
J. Taylor Clerk
Page 15

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section MMH 

March 20, 1924

Martha Lou Houston 
1441 Second Ave., 
Columbus, Ga. 

Madam;

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 4730 it appears that John McBride was born March 22, 1755 in Pennsylvania. 

While a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina he enlisted and served as Indian Spy, Express Rider, First Sergeant, Ensign, Lieutenant and Adjutant in the North Carolina Troops for two years, nine months and fifteen days, under Captains Whitson, White, Taylor, John Nelson, John Hamilton, Daniel Gillaspie, Arthur Forbes and John McAdow, Colonels McDowell, John Paisley and John Gillespie. He was in a battle with the Indians on the Catawba River. 

He was allowed pension on his application execute ed August 20, 1832 while a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina. He died May 27, 1843 in Orange County,
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North Carolina. 

Soldier married in 1783 in Martinsville, Guilford County, North Carolina, Eleanor Ryan who was allowed pension on her application executed November 6, 1843 while living in Orange County, North Carolina aged eighty-eight years. Their children were: 
William born June 27, 1784, a physician and resident of Chesterfield, S. C. in 1845. 

Edward “ December 7, 1786. 

Mary “ February 16, 1788, married --- Wood. 

Elenor “ March 29, 1790

Ann “ August 14, 1792

Margrat “ January 17, 1797.

Respectfully, 

Commissioner.
Page 17

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] 
1910 Sept. 9. Hist to John McBride Holt 

1911 Jan. 10 to Mrs. Minnie G. McCubbins ¢ 

1924 - Mch. [March] 20 – Hist. to Miss Martha Lou Houston. Her letter in cl [claim] W.1995 of John Porterfield MMF

[right side] Revy WIDOW, &c. 

File No. 4730 
Eleanor McBride 
Wid. 
John McBride 
Sergt [Sergeant] Rev. War

Act: Mch. [March] 3rd/43, June 17/44 

Index: -- Vol. M, Page 19 

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 18

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] 9875 
North Carolina 

Eleanor McBride widow of John McBride who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 
and who died on the 27th May 1843, 
of Orange Co in the State of N. Carolina 
who was a Pri & Sergt [Sergeant] in the compy [company] 
commanded by Captain White of the 
Regt. commanded by --- in 
the N. C. line for [3 or 30] months private 
5 “ Sergt. [Sergeant[

Inscribed on the Roll of N. C. 
at the rate of 35 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Feb 1846 and sent to T. A. & A. Thos. Smith Esq. Present

Whole amount due $45.00

[Act July 7, 1838.] 

Recorded by Tho Lumpkin Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 1 Page 295 

[right side] Reported Joint Reso: 23rd January 1845
Page 19

1026
Elenor McBride N. C 
let to H. H. Sylvester July 13.44 
to same Nov 29/44 
to James A. Craig 29 May 1845 
“ T. A. & T. Smith Nov 17th ‘45 

Act July 7 1838
Page 20

Troublesome N C Free 
[Illegible] 

Hon. A. M. Scales 
Washington City D. C.
Page 21

Eleanor McBride
wid. Of John McBride
I N C. - 1843

Boynton or Geddes}
Anderson} Esq.

William Fuqua or Fuger
Not on N. C. role – no papers - Information names

Another Inq. See letter inside

[written sideways] A M Seales MC
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Washington city D. C.
Page 22

[circular stamp RALEIGH OCT N. C.

5
Hon. James A. Craig P. M.
Ruffins Mills N. C.

[written sideways] Capt. Jno [John] McBride
Page 23

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

W. D. G. 3-871.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,

Briefed by A. Mard. 31/8/10
Claim No. 
Certificate No.
Claimant Guilford C. N. C. Pensioned
Soldier John McBride
Service N. C.
Additional Service Rev.

No   claim, State records   ,190
No claim, combination records  ,190

REMARKS: Wid. F. 4,730

0-1944   Chief Division
Page 24

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Act. 3-871.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,

Briefed by A. Mard. 7/1/111
Claim No. 
Certificate No.
Claimant Pens. 1819 & 1832 Sgt. Ens & Lieut. [Sergeant, Ensign & Lieutenant
Soldier John McBride
Service N. C.
Additional Service Rev.

No   claim, State records   ,190
No claim, combination records  ,190

REMARKS: Wid. F. 4,730 (N. C., N. C.) No other wid. any service
“ Reg. at all

0-1944   Chief Division
Page 25

Jan. 22, 1846
Adal to case Eleanor McBride

[written sideways] 2 
James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 26

Washington D C 
20 January 1846 

Sir,
In the case of Mrs. Eleanor McBride of North Carolina, we have the honor to present the Certificate of the Comptroller of that State shewing a further payment to her husband, which we hope will prove satisfactory and that the certificate may now be issued. 

We are very respectfully 
your obt svt [obedient servant]
T L & A Tho Smith 

J L Edwards Esq. 
Comm of Pensions
Page 27

South Carolina, Chesterfield, May 20th, 1845

Dear Sir
yours of the 2nd may [May] was duly recd [received] which informed me of the failing to find the marriage bond of my father &c, according to your request I herewith send you the record of Fathers children in his own hand writing and so far as I am able to judge a true copy of his original record but where that copy of that original record is I cannot tell, it was in an old bible as far back as I can remember to read writing & from which I suppose he took this record. Father told me as well as I remember that he purchased this bill about 1831: as to the correctness of our ages in this entry I have no doubt as it is in his own hand writing and his own signature attached thereto. &c 

I remain Sir very respectfully 
Wm McBride
Page 28

Ruffins Mills, N. Carolina 
October 17th 1845. 

Sir,
I herewith enclose you some papers touching the pension claim of Mrs. Elenor [Eleanor] McBride widow of John McBride decd [deceased.]
The certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina, showing the payments that had been made to John McBride for Revolutionary services, was forwarded to you some time last spring.
The Comptroller, Mr. Collins informs me that his Books do not show in the case of McBride in what capacity he served, nor the length of time he served – 
From my [allemerandum?] Book. I see I have an extract from Mr. Collins’ certificate of payment to McBride, from which it appears that "John McBride was paid £61.12S and Currency £133.” 
I was to see Mrs. McBride on yesterday, and had your letter to her -- she is willing to accept such annuity as you may think the evidence in her case will I certify. 
Her husbands Stipend. She says was upwards $160. p. a. [per annum] 
I am, Sir, very resps [respectfully]
yo ob. Sevt [your obedient servant]
James A Craig

Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions,} 
Washington City, D. C.}
Page 29

Ruffins Mills, North Carolina 
April 11th 1845. 

Sir:
The claim of Elinor McBride of Orange County, widow of John McBride under act 7 July 1838, was forwarded to the Pension Office, in the month of December, (I think,) 1843; - and was suspended for further proof of the marriage being required, and also record evidence of the Revolutionary Services of the Decd [deceased] husband John McBride. 
I obtained from the Clerk of Guilford County, (Genl Logan) that his files were my imperfect and broken - I have obtained affidavits since, that said John M Bride and Elinor were living together as man & wife before 1794. There is an” original Family Record” of John M Brides family. but the eldest son got the Bible in which the family Record was, and took it with him, to the State of Georgia some years ago. But whether the son Doctor William McBride is now living, or whether the record is now in existence, Mrs. Mc.B [McBride] is unable to say, having had no intelligence from her Son in some time. 
I herewith enclose you also, the certificate of Mr. Collins the Comptroller, all of which is respectfully submitted. 

I remain Sir,
your obt. Sevt [obedient servant]
James A Craig

James L. Edwards, Esq.}
Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions,} 
Washington City, D. C.}
Page 30

[circular stamp] CHESTERFIELD. CH. S.C. MAY 27

[stamped] FREE

James A. Craig P. M.
Ruffins Mills, N. C.

[written sideways] Family Record Jno [John] McBride
Dr. Wm McBrides’ letter
Page 31

No 10263 and ‘43. 8450 
Eleanor McBride 
Widow of John 
N C 
Act 7 July 1838 and 
Joint Resolution of the 23 January 1845 

Admd [Admitted] 
5 Mo [months] Sergeant $25.00
3 " pri [private] 10.00 
35.00
from 4 March 1836 

Admd [Admitted] Acts 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844 
$35.00 per ann [annum] 

T. L. & A Thos Smith 
Present
Page 32

John McBride

from 1778 Private 
Sergt. [Sergeant] Ensign & Lt, 2 years 
$168.33/100 

returned amended & filed 4 Feb 1833 by A. H. Shepperd 
Lt. 6 [months] 80 
Ens. 3 [months] 30 
Sergt [Sergeant] 5 [months] 25 
Private 10 [months] 33.33. 
24 [Total of months] $168.33 

Hon. A. H. Sheppard
Page 33

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John McBride which require further proof or explanation.

1.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?

II.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?

III.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?

V.  *Has he mentioned 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? No

VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?

VII.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?

VIII.  Has the Court given their opinion?

IX.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?

X.  Is the Clerk’s seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
Page 34

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

2

XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?

XII.  If the clergyman’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV.  +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant’s service?

XVI.  Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No

XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not answered? #6

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, 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 in 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."
Page 35

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectional.  

+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line in 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.

+QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.

# Did the claimant ever receive a Commission, as Ensign & Lieutenant and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it. 
Evidence of the claimants service as an Ensign and as an Adjutant should be exhibited to entitle him to an allowance for services performed in those capacities. It must also be shown by what authority he acted as Ensign & Adjutant.
Page 36

Apl [April] 3 1848

T. L. Smith
Page 37

Washington. March 31st, ‘48 

Sir

Some two years since a certificate was granted at the pension office allowing Mrs. Eleanor McBride, widow of John McBride, a soldier of the Revolution, from N. C. for $35 per annum. This amount was thought at the time to be much short of what was expected. Her husband received an annuity of $168.33. I have the honor to enclose a certificate of the Comptroller of the State of North Carolina, showing additional evidence of larger payment to McBride and that all that was paid him was for Military services. I beg leave to ask that this case may be taken up and the evidence examined, that an increased amount of pension be granted to the proper parties. 
I also enclose a letter from Mary Wood one of the children of John McBride. 

With much respect 
Your Obt St [obedient servant]
T. L. Smith

J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Comr [Commissioner] Pensions
Page 38

Pension Office, October 1st 1849. 

Sir:

The following is a list of names of the Officers referred to in your communication of the 6th ultimo, (viz, 
[left side] Col. Tennis Prest 
Major Williams 
Capt. Farmer
Capt. Gresham
Capt. Hart
Capt. Taylor
[right side] Lieut. Hearing 
Lieut. Noah 
Lieut. Scober 
Lieut. McBride 
Lieut. Durrom 
Ensign Forrest 

The original from which these names are taken, cannot consistently, with the rules of this office, be withdrawn from our files. 

Respectfully, 
Your Obt Svt [Obedient Servant]
J L Edwards

Dr. James A. Craig 
Ruffins Mills N.C.
Page 39

June 8 ‘44
N. C.

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr [Commissioner] Pensions

A. H. Sylvester
Present
Page 40

June 7. ‘44 

Sir

The claim of Ellenor McBride of N. Ca was filed in your office in Nov. last; will I be cannot I have it taken up. I make the inquiry in order to the request of the parties, the claim, under the act of July 1838. 

I am Respectfully 
Henry H. Sylvester

Col. Edwards
Page 41

Washington June 2 1832 

James E Heath Esq.

Sir 
You will find herewith another Certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina in the case of Ellenor McBride widow of John Act 7 July 1838. 
This certificate shows an additional payment to Mrs. McBrides husband found upon the Book, lately transmitted from the Pension Office, also that his name appears upon the Register of Officers as having acted as Deputy Post Commissary which will I trust be sufficient to satisfy the office that she is entitled to as high a rate of Pension as was allowed to her husband. 

Very Respectfully
Your obt Sevt [Obedient Servant] 
Geo. C. Ames
Page 42

Raleigh N 
Jany [January] 10th 1845 

Dear Sir
I find in a Book which I suppose has now been examined the name of John McBride (as Corporal) where he is allowed the sum of £10.4 for 34 days services. This Book is backed 2d Book of Public Accounts No 34 - This payment was paid by Col Griffith Rutherford as it is allowed him as a credit for the same. This Book is not alphabetized If a certificate of this nature will serve you - you can inform me of it by return mail, as I expect to be absent from the City a few weeks to the lower part of N. C. Mr. Peckard has been here and had several names looked up for you and I found nearly all of them, so you can order certificates when you may send them. 

I am very Respectfully 
Your Obt Sert [Obedient Servant]
Wm Collins

Dr. J. . Abrail 
Ruffins Miles N C
Page 43

Washington Feby [February] 3d 1852
James E Heath Esq 
Sir 
Endowed you have a power of Attorney from the daughter of Eleanor McBride widow of John, Also an application for an Increase of the Pension granted to her. 
John McBride received a Pension at the rate of $148.33 per ann. [annum] for service as a private, Ensign and Lieutenant. His widow in consequence of her failure to produce record evidence of her husbands rank as a commissioned office was placed upon the pension Roll at a much lower rate An application for Increase heretofore made has been refused upon the same ground. 
I understand there is evidence in your office which will remove this objection in the papers of Winefred Taylor widow of John a Pensioner on the North Carolina Roll under the act of 4 July 1836, is filed a list of Officers composing a Court Martial convened at Hillsboro on the 20 August 1782 for the trial of Capt. Rogers, for cowardice and disobedience of orders. Upon that list is the name of [Sesirt?] McBride. This shows not only that his name but also that he was as that
Page 44

Washington May 24th 1848 

Sir 

Allow me to ask your examination of the case of Mrs. Elianor [Eleanor] McBride of North Carolina, widow of John McBride who was a pensioner at the rate of $168.33 - the widow it only $35 in this allowance, the Comptroller of North Carolina, has found further payments to the husband John McBride, amounting to £67 specie for military service, which will entitle the widow to an increased pension. 
I beg leave also to ask your attention to the case of Mrs. Freeland, formerly widow of Captain John Ray. The record evidence that was required, seems to be an unreasonable exaction, for the following reasons - Mrs. Freeland made oath that all her husbands papers passed into the hands of Executors in 1816, and that she now knows nothing of them. Some five or six of the most respectable gentlemen of Orange County, have made affidavits that they were personally acquainted with declarants former husband and that they understood and believed that he served the U.S. in the army of the Revolution - James Dollar John Dalley, privates and William Cumming, who was G. M. St. in the Revolutionary Army, have made affidavits, that they were in the service with Ray
Page 45

and that he was captain of Militia. 
The Comptrollers certified that his records do but many give the grade, and in Ray’s case they do not show his grade, but give the sums paid him amounting to £227.8.10. The Comptroller stated that he was satisfied from the amounts paid Ray, that he was a commissioned officer - Evidence on file. The weight of testimony is so clearly in favor of the claim of the widow, that I hope it may receive your favorable consideration. 
Most respectfully 
Your obt. St [Obedient Servant]
T. L. Smith

J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Commr [Commissioner]
Page 46

[duplicate]

Washington May 24th 1848 

Sir

Allow me to ask your examination of the case of Mrs. Elianor [Eleanor] McBride of North Carolina, widow of John McBride who was a pensioner at the rate of $168.33 - the widow it only $35 in this allowance, the Comptroller of North Carolina, has found further payments to the husband John McBride, amounting to £67 specie for military service, which will entitle the widow to an increased pension. 
I beg leave also to ask your attention to the case of Mrs. Freeland, formerly widow of Captain John Ray. The record evidence that was required, seems to be an unreasonable exaction, for the following reasons - Mrs. Freeland made oath that all her husbands papers passed into the hands of Executors in 1816, and that she now knows nothing of them. Some five or six of the most respectable gentlemen of Orange County, have made affidavits that they were personally acquainted with declarants former husband and that they understood and believed that he served the U.S. in the army of the Revolution - James Dollar John Dalley, privates and William Cumming, who was G. M. St. in the Revolutionary Army, have made affidavits, that they were in the service with Ray
Page 47

[duplicate] 

and that he was captain of Militia. 
The Comptrollers certified that his records do but mainly give the grade and in Ray’s case they do not show his grade, but give the sums paid him amounting to £227.8.10. The Comptroller stated that he was satisfied from the amounts paid Ray to that he was a commissioned officer - Evidence on files. The weight of testimony is so clearly in favor of the claim of the widow, that I hope it may receive your favorable consideration.
Most respectfully 
Your obt st [Obedient Servant]
T. L. Smith

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commr [Commissioner]
Page 48

Raleigh N C
Oct 8th 1845

Dear Sir 
Your letter has been received and I have made the examination you have desired, the hastily, having a press of other business to call upon my labour [labor], and I have not able to find any additional payments made to Jno McBride or Liet Jno McBride. I have examined Book E as you directed and if there is a payment in that book I have overlooked it - I acknowledge the payment for the certificate issued in this case and assure you I would take great pleasure in rendering your service for the same if you are not satisfied I will look over the Books again and you shall hear from me upon the subject if I find any additional payments - - 

Very respectfully
Wm. Collins
Page 49

Ruffins Mills NC}
April 11th} James 

H.H. Sylvester Esq 
Washington City D.C
Page 50

Ruffins Mills, 11 April, 1845. 

Dear Sir,
By to-days mail I have enclosed the Commissioner of Pensions The affidavits of very worthy citizens of Guilford testifying that John McBride and his wife Eleanor were married before 1794.
This couple was married in Guilford County, in 1783. The Clerk of that County was applied to when the widow made her declaration, (fall of 1843) for a copy of "John McBrides’ marriage Bond,” but it could not be found, the “Marriage Bonds" in his office are very imperfect & irregular and he so certified to the Commr [Commissioner]
The decd [deceased] husband John McBride was a pensioner at $168.33/100 p. a. [per annum]. The Books in the Comptroller’s office pertaining to the payments made [the] The Militia for Revolutionary services, one without any [Illegible] or regular file - It is no small task to make search for above. Mr. Collins told me that it was a good work labor to search over all the Books & Therefore the delay in getting a certificate in the McBride Case earlier. 
From what payments were made to McBride, it appears he received £61.12 - At another time £133. Currency. 
I hope you will give your early attention to this claim. No word from Mr. Cumming the Pensioner, or his son, since they received the Certificate. I wrote to Mr. Gorrell, an attorney who lives neighbors to me. Mr. Cumming, to attend to my interest in Cummings pension. I saw Mr. Gorrell at Orange Superior Court, he promised to attend to the matter for me & heretofore I have had no letter as yet from him. 
I remain, Sir,
Very Respectfully, 
James A Craig

H.H. Sylvester Esq}
Washington City D. C.}
Page 51

Pension Office 
May 29th 1845. 

Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Eleanor McBride, widow of John McBride, is satisfactory to shew that the marriage took place prior to January 1794. But the certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina is not deeded a sufficient confirmation of the service of her husband to justify the admission of her claim. 
[written sideways] Eleanor McBride
Claimants husband alleged that he served and performed a part of his service in the grade of a Commissioned officer. The rules required that all officers shall establish their rank by the production of their commission and by record and documentary evidence. The certificate of the Comptroller no where shews that John McBride was paid for services as a commissioned officer, now is there any evidence on fill that he served as such. The services of and Ensign and Lieutenant cannot be admitted upon
Page 52

the proof name and file. John McBride in his declaration alleged that he served twelve months in carrying communications from Col. Peasley [Paisley] and from the committee of safety to different parts of the State. This not being military service, of Course affords no ground for a pension. {The balance of service claimed by him, viz 5 months as a Sergeant, and 3 months as a private may be allowed upon the present exhibits. There was other service claimed but not being specified there is no way of ascertaining its duration.}
I am, very respectfully 
Your Obt [Obedient] Servant.
J L Edwards

James A. Craig Esq 
Ruffins Mills N. Carolina
Page 53

Apl [April] 3. 1848
Eleanor McBride Wid [widow] of
John
Page 54

Raleigh N C 
Compts [Comptrollers] Office 

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of John McBride appears of Record in this office as having had the following specie certificates issued in his favor for Military service, Viz One for Two pounds Sixteen Shillings, See Book F No 2 page 50 also another for six pounds Twelve Shillings See Book No 6 page 18 also another for Nine pounds two shillings see Book No 6 page 42 Also another for Twelve pounds five Shillings and nine pence in Book No 23 page 10 also another in favor Jno McBride as Corporal for Ten pounds four Shillings (£10.4) see Book No 34 page 30. The following certificates were issued in the name of J. McBride (Viz) One for Two pounds & six pence see Book No 24 page 62 also another in same Book page 75 for Seventeen pounds Twelve Shilling also another in same book page 45 for Three pounds Twelve Shilling It also appears that a payment was made to Jno McBride of One Hundred & thirty three pounds Currency (£133) not able to
Page 55

State the specia Value having varied in different years. given under my hand and seal this 15th March 1848 
Wm F Collins Compt [Comptroller]
Page 56

62.10
.20
12.40
10
6/12.50
208.
Comptroller's Office Raleigh N. C 

I, William F. Collins Comptroller of Public accounts, do hereby certify, that it appears of record in my office, that the following Certificates were issued in favour [favor] of John McBride, for Military service, as follows, one for fifteen pounds five shillings (£15.5) dated Augst. [August] 6th 1782, and found in Book No 4. page 5, another nine pounds two shillings (£9.2) of the same date, and found in Book No 6. page 2; another for twelve pounds five shillings ($12.5) No. 9, and found in Book No 23, page 4 another for two pounds, fourteen shillings, (£2.14) No 44, found in Book No 23, page 138; another for Two pounds, sixteen shillings (£216) 1313, and found in Book F. No 2. page 50; another for six pounds, twelve shillings (£6.12.) found in Book No. 6 pg. 18; another for Two pounds six shillings (£2.6) found in Book No. 24 page 62, another for Eleven pounds, twelve shillings (£11.12) found in book No 178, page 8; another for one hundred thirty three pounds, currency, found in Book No 178, page 28, given under my hand and seal this 17 day of March 1845 
Wm F Collins Compt [Comptroller]
Page 57

{State of North Carolina 
{Comptroller's Office 

I, William J Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office, among the payments made to sundry persons, by said State, for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit; 
John McBride 
Wilmington long Book page 23 £.4 specie, said book is one of a number belonging to this office, which have lately been received from the pension office in Washington City, where they had been for several years. 
John McBride also appears on Book I, which is a Register of officers, as D. P. C. which I suppose means Deputy Post Commissary. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 27th day of May A.D. 1852 – 
Wm J Clarke Compt.
Page 58

[stamped] FREE
free
Dr. James A. Craig P. M.
Ruffins Mills, N. C. NOV 21

[circular stamp] GREENSBORO N.C.
Page 59

Greensboro N.C. Nov 2nd 1843 

I hereby certify that I have been long acquainted with John McBride & Elenor [Eleanor] McBride his wife, I have known them a number of years before the year 1794. And I have never heard it once disputed but it has been always understood, and believed, that said John McBride, and Elinor McBride were lawfully married; and that they lived together as Husband and wife. 
Given under my hand this 22 day of Nov. 1843. 
Wm D. Paisley
Page 60

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} 
On this the 3rd day of April 1845 personally appeared before me John McLean one of the acting Justices of the peace in & for the said County Mr. William McLean a resident of the said County & State aged Seventy four (74) who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth & sayeth that he was well acquainted with John McBride Deceased & pensioner of the United States & his wife Elenor McBride who now resides in Orange County N. C. that he was acquainted with the said John & Elanor [Eleanor] McBride before they were Married & afterwards up to the death of the said John McBride. That to the best of his recollection the said John & Elenor McBride were married about the year Seventeen Hundred & Eighty three (1783) that this deponent does know the said John & Elenor McBride did live together as husband & wife in the year of Seventeen Hundred & eighty seven (1787) the reason why he knows they lived together as husband & wife in the year of 1787) Seventeen Hundred & eighty seven is that they were married two or three years before this Deponent was put on the Muster Roll & that he is now Seventy four (74) years of age & was put on the Muster Roll when he was sixteen (16) years of age he always understood that the said
Page 61

John & Elenor McBride were lawfully Married & never heard anything to the contrary - and further this Deponent saith not – 
Sworn to & subscribed this 3rd day of April 1845 before me 
John McLean JP} William McLain

I John McLean the said Justice of the peace do certify that I have known John McBride & Elenor McBride upwards of Twenty five (25) years & from my acquaintance with them & family of children I have every reason to believe that the foregoing statement set forth in Mr. William McLeans affidavit are correct I also certify that William McLean is personally known to me & is respectable & that his statements are entitled to full credit 
given under my hand this 3rd day of April 1845 
John McLean JP {seal} 

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} I the Rev John Coe Resident of [of] Guilford County N.C. aforesaid Do hereby Certifie [certify] that I new [knew] John Mcbride Decd [McBride deceased] pentioner [pensioner] of the United States for forty five years past & now his wife Elinor Mcbride [Eleanor McBride] who now resides in orange [Orange] County N. C. & from my agriantons [acquaintance] with John McBride & family he must have been Maried [married] to the said Elinor [Eleanor] more then fifty years ago & I have reason to believe they were
Page 62

Lawfully Married & never heard to the Contrary 
Given under my hand this 4th day of April 1845 
John Coe Minister M. Church 

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} 
I, John M. Logan Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Sessions for the County of Guilford, do hereby certify that John McLean whose name appears to the foregoing is an acting Magistrate for said County that his Signature is genuine, and full faith and credit are due his official act as such. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court, at office in Greensboro the 5th day of April 1845
Test 
John M Logan C.CC 
By R M Cullock DC
Page 63

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} 
I, John M. Logan Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford do hereby certify that I have made a diligent search in my office for the marriage bond of John McBride to Elener Ryan & have not been able to find such a bond, the marriage bond on file in my office of so old a date as that when said marriage must have taken place say from 1780 to 1794 are very imperfect & much damaged 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our said Court at office in Greensboro the 17 day of October 1844. 
John M. Logan CCC
Page 64

M [Illegible] NC} 5
Jan. 27th}

Dr James A Craig 
Ruffins Mills 
Orange County N.C
Page 65

Orange No C. January 22, 1848 

Sir,
you [You] will remember that as one of the heirs of Eleanor McBride I stated to you at the time you paid over to us our Mothers pension that we thought we should have received more, as well as I remember the pension was only $35. a year, whereas our father received I think upwards of $160. a year. 
I have recently learnt by a neighbour [neighbor] of mine just from Raleigh that the Books there show about £70. specie paid to my father for military service and that there is one payment made to him as Corporal Some of these payments I understood were found Since my mother was pensioned.
you [You] stated to me I remember that the reson [reason] why my Mothers payment was but $35. a year was that the records at Raleigh did not shew moments to justify a higher annuity and moreover, that my father in his pension was alowed [allowed] for a years service as bearer of dispatches for Government, this being civil and not military service - The above amount as apears [appears] on record paid to my father was for Military service altogether as I understood
I must beg the favor of you, the first time you are in Raleigh to call upon the officers that has the custody of these records and get his Certificate shewing the amount paid to John McBride and the service for which he was paid. Has my brother Doctor McBride of South Carolina written you on this subject? 
I am Sir 
very respectfully 
[signed] Mary Wood
Page 66

State of North Carolina} 
Orange County}
On this the 28 day of November, 1843, personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County Mary Puryear a resident of said aged 56 years. who being first duly qualified to law deposeth and saith as follows towit: 
That she was raised in the adjoining County of Guilford and lived neighbour [neighbor] to the late Capt. John McBride who was a United States pensioner - said McBride married Ellenor [Eleanor] Ryan. I can say that since my earliest recollection, say 45 years back, I knew said John & Ellenor McBride & that they were then living together as husband and wife. They moved into this, Orange County about a couple of years since & settled within four or five miles of this affiant, and that said Captain McBride died last spring leaving the aforesaid Ellenor his widow, who this affiant understands is now applying for a Pension from the United States. 
This affiant further adds that she has always understood and believes that said Capt. McBride & Ellenor Ryan were lawfully married some 58 or 59 years ago - their eldest child Dr. William McBride this affiant thinks must be about 58 years of age. 
And further saith not.
Mary Puryear x
Sworn to and subscribed the day & date first above written before me} 
Handy Wood J. Peace} 
I certify that the Deponent Mary Puryear, I believe to be of the age she represents herself to be, and that she is entitled to full & ample credit 
Handy Wood J. Peace

State of North Carolina, 
I I John Taylor, Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter Sessions for Orange County certify that Handy Wood is a magistrate as above that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name this 1 December, 1843 
J. Taylor CC
Page 67

10,263
December 14 1843

NC
Elenir [Eleanor] McBride
1838

Married prior to 1794
husband died 27 May 1843

5 mo [months] Sergeant
3 mo [months] private
Page 68

Greensboro 7th November 1843 

Dear Sir,
[Enclosing?] your letter in due time and have made a thorough search for the License Bond of John McBride but cannot find it in my office. The Bonds and not put up in Regular files they are tied up promissory the old papers were not taken care of in this office in those times and now not been properly taken care of since, as I find there are a great many of the Old License Bonds are lost. that is if the [they] were ever in the this office, there were many no debt many destroyed in the year 1787. There are some persons perhaps in the County who knew of his marriage. Mr. Thos McCurtin an old person resides here and I believe always did and perhaps others who may recollect such of the Marriage &c. I will make some inquiring and let you know
I am Sir, yours respectfully 
John M. Logan CCC
Page 69

William Ryan maketh oath that he is well acquainted with John McBride who Subscribed & Swore to the above declaration. That he was acquainted with him during the Revolutionary War – that he has read over the above declaration of McBride and believes he served as therein stated – that he frequently saw McBride in the Army during the War & particularly recollects seeing him with the Army just before Gates' defeat – likewise saw him with Genl [General] Greene's Army at Halifax Court House Virginia just before the battle of Guilford.  
[signed] Wm Ryan

 Reuben Land maketh oath that he is acquainted with John McBride who Subscribed & Swore to the above declaration – & that he was acquainted with him during the Revolutionary War and Served six months in a company of Infantry of which the said John McBride was Lieutenant & John McAdow Captain – That he also Served with said McBride in some other expeditions against the Tories – that he has heard the declaration of said McBride & verily believes he served as therein stated. 
Reuben [his X mark] Land
Page 70

and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented 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 William D. Parsley who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Guilford State of North Carolina. And that who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit -- It further appears to the Court that William Ryan who made the above affidavit is a man of high respectability, and that Reuben Land is a man entitled to credit and that the above affidavits are entitled to Credit – 

Jos. Gibson Pres Jus
Geo Nicks JP
Marshall M Town JP
Page 71

State of North Carolina

I Alfred E Hanner Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford 
Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of John M Bride for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office this 25th day of October 1832 
A. E. Hanner CCC
Page 72

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} April 4th A.D. 1845 
This day personally appeared before the subscribed an acting Magistrate in and for said County David Gorrel a resident of said County aged Seventy four years And after being qualified in due form of Law, Stated that he was well acquainted with John McBride Decd. A pension of the United States and with his wife Elenor McBride who lives in Orange Cty [County] N. Carolina an Applicant for a Pension for the revolutionary services of her Decd [deceased] Husband. 
That he well knew sd [said] Jno McBride from his earliest recollection that he well remembers of the said Jno McBride and his wife Eleanor (the present applicant) being married in this County and in his neighborhood soon after the close of the Revolutionary War that he was enrolled & mustered in the year Seventeen Hundred & Ninety at which time he well knows said McBride was married and had been married several years previous to this time this deponent also distinctly recollects of having his father Horses shod at the P McBrides Blacksmith shop previous to the year of Seventeen Hundred & Eighty Eight at which time said John McBride & his wife Elenor were and had been living together as man & wife for some considerable length of time 
That he always understood and believes the they were lawfully married 
Subscribed to the date above written 
David Gorrell
In the presence of 
James Sloan J. P.
Page 73

Greensboro N.C. April 5th 1845

the subscriber is well acquainted with Mr. David Gorrell whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit he is a Gentleman of undoubted credibility long a resident of this County and is one of many reputable citizens.
Given under my hand 
James Sloan J. P.

State of North Carolina 
I John M Logan, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford, do hereby certify that James Sloan whose name appears to the foregoing is an acting Magistrate for said County and his signature is genuine and full faith and credit are due his official acts as such.
Test 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court at Office in Greensboro the 5th day of April 1845 
John M. Logan CCC
By R. McCulloch DC
Page 74

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} 
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid John McBride 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 in the following grades – 
That he first volunteered as an Indian Spy or Ranger & Served three months as adjutant That he had his appointment as Adjutant from Col McDowell [probably Charles McDowell, possibly Joseph McDowell] – that said Commission was burnt in his shop with many other valuable papers and he knows of no person now living by whom he can prove that he was appointed & acted as Adjutant – 
That he next served five months in a Company commanded by Capt. John Nelson as first Sergeant of said Company – as stated in his declaration – That he next served as Ensign in a Company of militia Commanded by Captain John Hamilton at least three months, that he was duly commissioned as Ensign by Richard Caswell then Governor of North Carolina – The Said Commission was burnt several years since with many other valuable papers in the shop of this Affiant – That he served one month & fifteen days as a Volunteer private in a Company commanded by Capt. Arthur Forbes as stated in his declaration ---
Page 75

That he next Served for the term of twelve months in Carrying Communications as stated in his declaration – That he served for six months as a Volunteer Lieutenant in a company commanded by Capt. John McAdow – That he was duly Commissioned by the Governor of North Carolina Thomas Burke Esquire as he believes – The Commission was handed to him by John Paisley then Colonel of the Regiment to which he belonged – said Commission was likewise burned in the manner before stated. 
That he next served at least three months as express rider under Genl [General] Greene while he was in North Carolina & Virginia & South Carolina. That after this affiant returned from the Raft Swamp expedition in the fall of the year 1781 he was almost Constantly in the Army until the Close of the War – but cannot now from defect of memory pretend to detail the particular Services he rendered. He volunteered very often and went short Tours against the Tories in the adjoining Counties Sometimes as an Officer & Sometimes as a private – and for the above Services I claim a pension
[Signed] J. McBride 

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 28th day of January 1833
William Adams, {JP}
Page 76

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} This day came William Ryan before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid and made Oath – that he well remembers to hear during the Revolutionary War that John McBride was the Ensign in Capt. John Hamilton's Company – and that he was Lieutenant in Captain John McAdow's Company. 
[Signed] Wm Ryan 

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 28th day of January 1833

Wm. Regan is a highly respectable Citizens & entitled to the fullest credit AH Shepherd
William Adam {JP}

State of North Carolina
I Alfred E. Manner Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford 
Do hereby certify that William Adams esquire whose name appears (in his own genuine hand writing) to the foregoing affidavits and was an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County legally commissioned & qualified as such, and that due faith & credit ever has been given to all his acts as such. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said of Court at Office this 28th day of January AD 1833. 
A. E. Manner CCC
Page 77

Mr. James L. Edwards 
Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions 
Washington City D C

Care of Dr. J. A. Craig 
who will forward 

[written sideways] Eleanor McBride NC
Page 78

Alamance County North Carolina 
October 19th 1849 

to the Comm [Commissioner] of Pensions, 

Sir, 

As one of the children &c and heirs at law of the late Eleanor McBride of Orange County widow of John McBride who drew a pension at $168.33 p. a. [per annum] 
upon [Upon] the death of my father I was informed by our Agent Dr James A. Craig that my mother could become a pensioner under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838 my Mother accordingly applied and was admitted to a pension of but $35. p. a. [per annum] 
I solicited to [a] friend of mine who was going to Raleigh to enquire at the proper office there what the old Revolutionary Records at the seat of Government shewed to have been paid to my father for his serving his country in the army of the Revolution[.]
in [In] reply I was informed that the sum of £65.07.3, had been paid my father for his Military Service that he had no ap of the payment for Civil Service and that of this sum there were £10.9 paid my father for his service as Corporal in the army besides a small ament in depreciated Currency [.]
as [As] one of the children and heirs at Law of the late Eleanor McBride I respectfully solicit the Commissioner of pensions to review this case and allow us the heirs such increase of the pension as the payments at Raleigh may seem to Justify
and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c 

[signed] Mary Wood 
for Self, & the other heirs of Eleanor McBride decd [deceased]
Page 79

and I am highly gratified that evidence has been produced my father did serve in the army as Lieutenant and I wish Dr. James A Craig to Carry out the directions or instructions as far as can be 

[signed] Mary Wood
Page 80

Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 January, 1845. 

Whereas the act of the 30 of April, 1844, prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following statement under oath, to obtain the benefit of the resolution above mentioned. 
I am the widow of John McBride who was a pri: [private] Sug: [Sergeant] Ensign & Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution, and who was an United States pensioner at $168.33/100 per annum.
And I now ask for the amount due me from the 4th day of March, 1836, to the 4th day of March, 1841. 
And I also ask for the amount due me under any other acts, for the benefit of widows to which I may be entitled, as the widow of the aforesaid John McBride. 
Elenor [her X mark] McBride
Sworn to and Subscribed before me, On this the 27 day of November, 1845}
Aw Albright -- J. Peace 

I certify that the Declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be, in the foregoing affidavit 
Aw Albright J. Peace 

State of North Carolina
 I Joseph Allison Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions for Orange County do certify that Andrew Albright Esquire whose Signature appears to the foregoing certificate was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Orange, duly commissed [Commissioned] & qualified 
In Testimony whereof, I do hereto subscribe my name, & affix the seal of said Court, this 12th December, 1845 
J. Allison C.C.C
Page 81

William McBride was born 27th June 1784
Edward McBride was born December 7th 1786 
Mary McBride was born February 16th 1788 
Elenor McBride was born 29th March 1790 –
Ann McBride was born 14th Augst [August] 1792 – 
Margaret McBride was born 17th Jany [January] 1797

James Brown married then
Page 82

[typed form]

Mrs. Minnie C. McCubbins, 
419 South Main Street, 
Salisbury, N. C. 

Madam; 

In reply to your letter dated the 4" and received the 6" instant, you are herewith furnished the Revolutionary War records of George Miller Wid. File 4,293, James Bell Surv. File 2971, and John McBride Wid. File 4,730, and advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Colonel Thomas Gaskins. 

No fees are charged or accepted. 

Very respectfully,
Page 83

[stamped] FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER JAN 6 1911 U. S. PENSION OFFICE. 

JAN 6 1911

Salisbury N. C. 
January 4 1911 

Mr. L. Stillwell 
Department of Interior 
Washington. D. C.

My Dear Sir,
Through many Vicissitudes - sickness & death in the family – I am at last able to thank you for your kindness in sending pension records of Nicholas
Page 84

McCubbins and Matthew Mc Pherson 
May these I again beg for those of N. Carolina: 

m - ? John McBride - a Sergeant, Ensign & Lieut. coming under law of 1819 - 1832 & reported 1835, 

0 James Bell a private, 

0 George Miller “ 

0 Colonel Thomas Gaskins of Northumberland County, Va. in Reg. 5 & 3 

Trusting that I have not annoyed you too much
Page 85

and that I shall have the pleasure of an early answer,

I am yours truly
(Mrs.) Mamie G. McCubbin 
419 South Main St. 

P S. I sent five dollars to Major Campbell which he immediately returned - am I to infer that money is not desired in the Government work?
Page 86

[typed form Letterhead]
[left side] S. H. WEBB President, Mebane, N. C. 
[center] O. F. CROWSON, Treasurer, Burlington, N. C. 
[right side] McBRIDE HOLT, Secretary, Graham, N. C. DR. R. A. FREEMAN ASSIS’T SEC’Y [ASSISTANT SECRETARY]

[center] [picture of horse & cow] THE - ALAMANCE COUNTY FAIR At BURLINGTON, N. C. OCTOBER 4, 5, 6, 7, 1910 

Graham, N. C. August 27th 1910.

The Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: -- 

Being a descendant of John McBride, of Guilford County, North Carolina, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and who was pensioned by the United States Government until his death, I hereby beg to ask that you kindly give me a record of his services in said War and I trust you will give me as complete a record as you possibly can, for which you have my sincere advanced thanks and appreciation. 
My Ancestor died at the age of 90 years and is buried in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery which is located about six miles south of this place. 
Awaiting with much interest the record of my ancestor, I am, 
Yours Sincerely, [signed] John McBride Holy 

[circular stamp] PENSION E AUG 29 1910 OFFICE. U. S.
Page 87

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

In reply to your request of Aug 27, received, Aug. 29 for a statement of the military history of John McBride a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (and his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Wid File 4730 
[column with headings] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. STATE. 
[check mark] 3 mos. [Rank] Indian spy Captain [Captain] Whitson, White, and Taylor, [Colonel] McDowell [State] N. C.

1779 5 mos. [Rank] 1st Sgt. [Captain] John Nelson [Colonel] John Paisley
3 mos. [Rank] Ensign [Captain] John Hamilton [Colonel] John Paisley
“ “ [Captain] Daniel Gillespie [Colonel] John Gillespie

1780 1 mo. 15 days [Rank] Pvt [Captain] Arthur Forbes [Colonel] “ [John Gillespie]
12 mos. [Captain] “ Arthur Forbes [Colonel] John Paisley 

Summer 1781 5 mos. [Rank] Lt. [Captain] John McAdow [Colonel] John Paisley
3 mos. Express rider
and volunteered at various times until the end of the war.

Battles engaged in, On Catawaba river with Indians 

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford Co. N. C.

Date of application for pension, Aug 30 1832; His claim was allowed 

Residence at date of application, Guilford Co. N. C. 

Age at date of application, born Mch [March] 22, 1755, Penn; died May 27, 1843 in Orange Co. N. C.

Remarks: He married in Martinsville, Guilford Co. N. C. on 1783 Eleanor Ryan; She was pensioned on an ap. executed Nov 6, 1843 at which time she was a res. of Orange Co N. C. 88 years. Children (Dr.) William b. June 27, 1784, Edward b. Dec. 7, 1786, Mary b. Feb 16 1788, mar – Woods, Eleanor b. Mch [March] 29, 1790, Ann b. Aug 14 1792, Margaret b. Jan. 17, 1797, 

Very respectfully,