Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3274, for Alexander Mc Lain, Pennsylvania
Page 1

Penn.

McLain Alexander W. 
or
McClain 
or
McClean
Margaret

W. 3274
Page 2

8,174
Pennsylvania
●
Alexander McLain
Westmoreland in the State of Pennsylvania
was a private in the regiment commanded by
colonel Hand of the Pennsylvania [Illegible],
for the term of three years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 of April 1818.  
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 of Mar:1819 and sent to Simon Drum Jr.
Postmaster, Greensburgh, West Co.
Arrears to 4th of March 1819  81.29
Semi-al. all'ce ending ending 4 Sept 1819  48
10 1/30 4/3:   129.29
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}
20/78
Continued
West [Illegible]
Page 3

31989
Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
Margaret MClain
widow of Alexander MClain
who was a Private Penn
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843

Certificate of Pension issued the
19th day of Dec 1843 
and sent to Wm F Baldridge
Stirling Mills, Penna

Act of March 3, 1843
Recorded in Book A
Vol 1 page 134

Rep?
Pen cat [illegible] & sent to
Wm B, at Youngstown PA
Dec 26, 1843
let to Wm H D Foster Jan 13 1844
Page 4

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County [illegible abbreviation]
Be it remembered that Alexander McClain of the said county of Westmoreland personally came before the subscriber on of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Westmoreland who being duly sworn on his oath deposeth and saith that he enlisted as a private on the twelfth day of July in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five for the Term of three years in Captain John Dayle's company of foot in Lancaster county Pennsylvania, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Edward Hand in the Pennsylvania line. That he faithfully served the said period of his enlistment and four months more over in said company
When he was honorably discharged on the twenty fourth or Twenty fifth day of September A D one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.  That he was transferred from the first Pennsylvania Regiment to the Tenth, That he was in the Battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Princton, German Town, Monmouth, Stony Point and various skirmishes. That this said discharge was signed by Colonel Harmon, and this deponent kept his
Page 5

his said discharge but his house was afterwards unfortunately burnt and his discharge with it.  That he is very old and infirm and from his reduced circumstances he needs the assistance of his country for support.  That he does not now know of any person who could know of his said service He further states that he received a small pension heretofore from Penn'a.  But that he was never allowed any by or from the United States
                                                                 his
Sworn and subscribed              Alexander X McClean
before me the 30 April 1818                     mark
Wm Jack

It having appeared to my satisfaction that this above named Alexander McClain served in the Revolutionary War as a private soldier in the manner and for the Terms put forth in the above deposition against the common enemy
(He served upwards of three years at one time]
I do certify the Testimony and proceeding had in the case to the testimony about the war years Duly to the Act of Congress passed the 18th March A D one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.  Mark my hand & seal the 30 April in the same year
Wm Jack
Page 6

Marriages
Jean McClean was married in the year of our lord 182

John McClean was married in the year of our lord 1803

Alexander McClean was married in the year of our lord 18

Robert McClean was married in the year of our lord 1818

Thomas McClean was married in the year of our lord 1816

Margaret Smith was married in the year of our Lord 1818
Page 7

Births

[John  McClean was born in the year of our lord [illegible year]]
Jean McClean was born in the year of our lord 1781
Sarah McClean was Born in the year of our lord 1782
Alexander McClean was Born in the year of our lord 1784

Robert McClean was Born in the our lord 1787

Thomas McClean was Born in the year of our lord 1789
James McClean was born in the year of our lord 1791
Samuel McClean was born in the year of our lord 1793
Thomas McClean was born in the year of our lord 1795
David McClean was Born in the year of our lord 1797
Ester and Margret McClean was Born in the year of our lord 1799
Matthew McClean was Born in the year of our lord 1802

Alexander McClean Was Born in the year of our lord 1742
Ephraim Smith was Born in the year of our Lord 1817
Alexander Smith was Born in the year of our Lord 1818
John Mclean was Born in the year of our lord 1818
Margaret McClean was Born in the year of our lord 1818
Page 8

Family Record

Births
Ester McClain was born in the year of our lord 1818

Deaths
Sarah McClean died in the year of our lord 1783

Thomas McClean died in the year of our lord 1790
Page 9

Deaths

Ester McClain was Born  May 4th in the year of our Lord 1834

Robert Mc Clain was Born September 30th in the year of our Lord 1835

John McClain was Born October 7th in the year of Lord 1837
Page 10

State of Pennsylvania
Westmorland County  

On this 15th day of July in the year 1839, personally appeared before me William T Baldrige a commissioner appointed by the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland as will more fully appear by this Certificate of appointment hereto .... Margaret McClain a resident of Unity Township in the said County aged about Eighty four years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her solemn oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress passed July 7th 1828 entitled "and act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Alexander McClain who was a private in the Pennsylvania line during the Revolutionary War. That he entered the service at an early period of the war but that  she is unable to designate the years that he enlisted for three years or upward and that at that time he resided on Marsh Creek there situated in York County in the State of Pennsylvania, that he served in all about four years, he belonged to a Company commanded by Captain Doyle of Lancaster Pennsylvania, he was engaged in the Battles of Brandywine and Monmouth, and was wounded in the action at Paoli, and was also in the action at German Town according to the information received from deceased by this declarant .  he [ illegible]. the Jerseys along with the American Army and was present at the Capture of the Hessians.  This declarant has no documentary evidence to sustain her claim she can state however that her husband the said Alexander McClain drew a pension from the United States for many years before his death, it was first obtained when the Hon William H Crawford was Secretary
Page 11

of war.
And as she thinks under the act of Congress of 1815 but of this she is not certain, as none of his papers are now in here possession, nor does she know what has become of them.  She furthers declares that she was married to the said Alexander McClain sometime in the month of November in the year 1781. at Stickels Town in the County of Lancaster Pennsylvania by a German Clergyman whose name this declarant does not recollect declarant further states that her husband the said Alexander McClain was discharged from the army the summer before their marriage in consequence of ill health caused by wounds etc. as before mentioned one of those wounds was in his left side and remained open for many years.  That her aforesaid husband Alexander McClain died on the first day of February in the year 1826, in the township of Unity Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. That  she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but that the marriage took place previous to this first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four namely at the time above stated.  And she would further state that she has no record evidence of her marriage nor does she believe any record thereof exists.  That she has been since the death of the said Alexander McClean her late husband his widow and that she is now his widow and unmarried.  
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written
William T Baldrige
Commissioner
              her
Margaret X McClain
              mark
Page 12

Additional Testimony in order to enable Margaret McClain the widow of Alexander McClain who was a private in the Pennsylvania line during the Revolutionary War to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to Certain Widows

State of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County } 
On the fourteenth day of December in the year 1839 personally appeared before me William T Baldrige a commissioner appointed by the Court of common Pleas of Westmoreland County as will more clearly appear by referring to the Certificate of appointment attached to the original application on file in the war department.  Mary Nicholls^ a resident of Unity Township who being duly sworn According to Law says that she has known the above named Alexander McClain and Margaret McClain his wife Since some time in the year Seventeen hundred and Ninety There when they first come to Westmoreland County they had at that time a family of five or Six Children and that they Settled and resided on a farm adjoining this desponent in Unity Township owned by a Mr. McClure that sometime in the fall or winter of Seventeen hundred and Ninety three or four the house in which they lived was Consumed by fire and the desponent remembers well to hear Alexander McClain say that all his papers in relation to his miliary Services as well as his family Bible were at that time consumed. this desponent further says that the above named Alexander McClain and Margaret his wife were persons in good repute and no other opinion were entertained amongst their neighbors that that.  they were lawfully married. they were both members in full Communion in the Presbyterian Church
And further saith not
Sworn and Subscribed }
Before Me Wm T Baldrige Commissioner
        her
Mary X Nicholls
        mark
Page 13

On the Same day also personally appeared before me William T Baldrige Commissioner as aforesaid Simon Drum Esq a citizen of Greensburgh in the County of Westmoreland who being duly sworn according to Law doth depose and say that he has known the above named Margaret McClain and her husband Alexander McClain for upwards of thirty years, when he first knew them they resided in Westmoreland county and had a family of Children.  This desponent knows that the said Alexander McClain was then respected and believed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and he knows that subsequently the said Alexander McClain received a pension from the United States for Revolutionary Services. And further saith not

Sworn and Subscribed
before me
Wm T Baldrige
Commissioner
Simon Drum

I William T Baldrige Commissioner as aforesaid do hereby certify that Mrs. Mary Nicholls and Simon Drum Esq the foregoing desponents who have testified in the case of Mrs. Margaret McClain are persons of the highest respectability whose Statements are Entitled to the fullest Credit
Given Under my hand and Seal this fourteenth day of December A.D. 1839
Wm T Baldrige       Seal
Page 14

Alexander Mc Lain
8147

Com
J L Esq
Page 15

District of Pennsylvania Westmoreland County ss
On the 27th day of Febuary 1821 personally appeared in open
Court being a Court of Common pleas as well as a Court of
record for the said County, Alexander McLane aged seventy
nine years, resident in said County who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the
Revolutionary war as follows - That he enlisted at Lancaster
Pennsylvania for three years in Captain Doyls Company Commanded by Col. Hand in the Pennsylvania line.  That he was placed on the pension list the 20th day of March 1819 as per certificate of the Sec’y of Ware. And I do solomnly Sware that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818.  And 
that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any
manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with
intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the
provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide
for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service
the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18th
day of March 1818. And that I have not nor has any person in
trust for me any property or sureties, contracts or debts due
to me nor have I any incum [income] other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Schedule of property
2 beads and bedsteads
dresser and houshold furniture
6 Sheep-
1 Yearling Calf

Said Alexander McLane says he is a weaver to trade; that
he is totally unable to do work at his trade. His wife Margaret
Page 16

is aged Seventy three years  his youngest Sun, Matthew aged nineteen years resides with him and is the only help he has
Sworn and Subscribed in Open Court
the 27th day of July 1821
test
Eli Coulter Pno

Westmoreland county &ct [ excetra]
I Eli Coulter Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the said County in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.   Do Herby certify that the preceding is a true copy of the original remaining on file in my office and I do further certify that the said court are of opinion that the total amount in value of the property specifics in the written Schedule is twenty eight dollars and fifty cents.

Given under my hand &Seal of office at Greensburgh this nineteenth day of May 1821.  
Eli Coulter Prl
Page 17

April 23, 1940
BA-J/MCS           OWN
Alexander McClean W.3274


Lieutenant Harold T. Smuts
308 Altus Place
Kirkwood, Missouri

Dear Sir:
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, W.3274, based on the military service of Alexander McClean (pensioned McClain or McLain). filed
Alexander McClean was born in 1742. The place of his birth and the
names of his parents are not shown.
While living near Marsh Creek, York County, Pennsylvania, Alexander
McClean enlisted July 12, 1775, served as private in Captain John Doyle's
Company in Colonels Edward Hand's and Harmar's Pennsylvania Regiments, was
in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Paoli in which battle he was wounded,
Germantown and Monmouth, and was discharged September 24 or 25, 1778.
Alexander McClean was allowed pension on his application executed
April 30, 1818, at which time he was living in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

He died February 1, 1826, in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
He married in the fall following his discharge, at Stickel's Township,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Margaret, her maiden name not given.
She was allowed pension on her application executed July 15, 1839,
at which time she was eighty-four years of age and was living in Unity
Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. In August, 1843, she was living
in Youngstown, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Page 18

The names of the following children of Alexander and Margaret McClean
are shown:

John born -------  married in 1803
Jean born in 1781 married in 1802
Sarah born in 1782 died in 1783
Alexander born in 1784 married in 1804
Robert born in 1787 married in 1818
Thomas born in 1789 died in 1790
James born in 1791
Samuel born in 1793
Thomas born in 1795 married in 1816
David born in 1797
Ester and Margaret  born in 1799 Margaret married in 1816
Matthew born in 1802

The names of the following grandchildren of Alexander and Margaret McClean are shown:

Ephraim Smith born in  1817
Alexander Smith born in 1818
John McClain born in 18--
Margaret McClain born in 1818
Ester McClain born in  1818
Ester McClain born May 4, 1834
Robert McClain born September 30, 1835
John McClain born October 7, 1837

There are no further data relative to the family of Alexander
McClean or McClain.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 19

Revy  Widow, &c.

File no. 3274
Margaret McClain
Widow
Alexander McClain
Pri Rev War
Act: March 3rd 1843
Index: - Vol M  page 18

{Arrangement of 1870.}

[right fold-vertical]
1921 Dec. 14. C. A. Hoppin advised of the cost of copies AW
see his letter in Andrew McClean S. 2803 [Paz]
1922  Jan 3 Copies mailed to C. A. Hoppin AW
1928 Dec 4 hist. to Mrs Anna Bossai MCS
1940 Apr 23 hist. To Lt. Harold T. Smutz MCS
Page 20

5556
Pennsylvania
Margaret McClain
widow of Alexander McClain dec
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 1st Feby 1826
of Westmoreland Co   State of Penn
who was a private in the comp commanded by Captain Doyle of the Reg commanded by Col Harrison in the Penna line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburg at the rate of 80 Dollars__Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1836

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of June 1840, & sent to Hon A G Marchand House of Reps

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1840  $320.00
Semi=annual allowance 4 Sep '40  40.00
                                                      ___________
                                                     $360.00
                                                    Act July 7.
                                                        1838

Recorded by D M Curdy, Clerk,
Book A   Vol. 2 Page 158
Page 21

Margaret McClain
of Alexander
Pennsylvania
Suspended,

let 2 Dec 1839 to 
W T Baldrige 
Let 7of Dec 1839 to 
Hon A G Marchand
let 9 Apl '40 W T Baldrige

Act of July 1838
Page 22

Margaret McClain
of Penna :
act '36 (or perhaps '38)
report to Hon. A.G. Marchand
H.R.
Page 23

PA 317
Rec'd 24 May 1821

Greensburg P

Hon J C Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington City 

Free
W Edwards
Page 24

Greensburgh W. Cy Pa
19 May 18 1821

Hon J C Calhoun 
Sir
Owing to a long and serious indisposition, I neglected as I had promised to present the claim of Alexander McClain, an old Soldier of the Revolution to receive the Pension granted him at the War office 20 March 1819
I will particularly oblige an old soldier who has want of this application in due time been supported by the citizens of this Place
Please send me the certificate in case he is continued of which there is no reasonable doubt.
I am Sir your ob svt
Simon Drum J
Page 25

Greensburg P
20 Feb

Honbl J C Calhoun                                 Free
Sect of War 
Washington

Feb 27 1818
Page 26

Honbl J. C. Calhoun  Greensburgh West C of Pa
20 July 1819

Sir
William Nelson & Alexander McClain wish me to forward to your department their applications for Pensions.  They are both certified by Judge Garth.  Have the goodness to send on a certificate of their pensions so soon as it can be granted, they are both very poor men and want with anxiety for them
John Reed Esq who attends to this business in now absent in the Senate of this state
I am your
obed servt
Simon Drum J

(postmaster)
Page 27

Youngstown  P
Sept 9th 

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

[vertical]
4211
Sept 13

Pa
Mar 3d 18x3
Marg’t McClain
$80 per an.

Hon Wm T Baldridge
Stirling Mills
Penna
Page 28

State of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County  SS

On this thirty first day of August 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Margaret McClain a resident of Youngstown in the county of Westmoreland, State of Pennsylvania aged about Eighty Eight years; who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by Act of Congress passed on the 30 March 1843, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the Widow of Alexander McClain, who was a private in Army of the Revolution they he served in a Company Commanded by Captain Doyle, of Lancaster Pennsylvania but the Regiment or its commander has passed from her recollection, and that She received Eighty Dollars per annum under the Act of July 7th 1838
She further declares that she is still a Widow 
Sworn & Subscribed on this 
day of Year above written
Before Me
J Keenan Justice Peace                       her
In Presence of                          Margaret X McClain
Robert West                                         mark
David Baldrige
Page 29

Westmoreland County SS
I James Keenan a Justice of the Peace in an the County aforesaid do thereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Margaret McClain the subscriber to the foregoing declaration to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 30 March 1843 and know her to be the identical person she presents herself to be and that she did receive a pension under a former Act of Congress.  Witness my hand at Youngstown in the County aforesaid this thirty first day of Augst 1843
James Kennan Justice Peace

State of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County } Ss

I David Fullwood, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Westmoreland, do hereby certify that James Kenaan Esquire before whom the forgoing deposition was made and whose name in his own proper hand writing is to the above Certificate appended was there and now is an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Westmoreland duly commissioned and appointed and to all whose Official Acts and Deeds full faith and credit are of rights due,
In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said court at Greensburgh the Eighth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty three.
David Fullwood
Page 30

J L Edwards Esqr Comm'n of Pensions
Dear Sir

Enclosed I send you the application of old Mrs Margaret McClain for a Pension.
I hope the paper will answer the purposes it Should have been forwarded Sooner but for the absence of the Clerk of the Court
Hoping to hear from you Soon
I remain Your very Respectfully
Wm T Baldrige

Sterling Mills  ( Near Youngs Town
Westmoreland County Pa Sept 9th 1843
Page 31

J L Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions
Washington City

Dec 7
Pa 

Hon A. G. Marchand
H. R.
Page 32

Mr Edwards will please answer the queries in the enclosed letter & forward to me at the Capitol  by so doing he oblige his obt serv't 
A G Marchand
Dec 6, 1839
Page 33

House of Rep.  20th [Dec]

Sir:
I enclose you a letter from one of
my constituents related to the Claim
of Mrs McClean. If any thing can
be done for her, I [hope] 
 it will [review the] favorable
 [illegible insert] consideration.
She is in much need & will not
long be a problem to any home
tribunal.
Very respectfully
Your obt servnt
H D Foster

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 34

6054
Margaret McClain
of Alexander
Pennsylvania

admitted
Pr. 2 yrs $80
Cap Doyle Col Harmer
Pa
died 1st Feb. 1826

Act 7 July 1838
Hon A. G. Marchard
H. R.
Page 35

Alexander Mc Clain

on roll
Adm
Page 36

Westmoreland county P
I James Reed Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county do certify that William Jack, Esquire, whose name is within written is and was at the time of writing the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Westmoreland. To whose official acts full faith and credit is due.  Witness my hand and seal of office at Greensburg the 6 Day of May A D 1818
For James Reed prot
Morrison Underwood

It having appeared to my satisfaction that the above named Alexander McClain, is in indigent circumstances and stands in need of his Country for assistance without which he is totally unable to procure subsistence And do certify the same to the Secretary at War,  Witness my hand and seal 19th July 1819
Wm Jack     seal
Page 37

Latrobe Pa
Feb 21, 1928
Dear Sir-- I am desirous of finding out if on record the name of Alex McClaine who served in the revolution was killed in service his widow Peggy McClaine received a pension till death. resided in Youngstown Westmoreland Co Pa. Got this information an old relative. the widow lived to be 101 yrs 9 m 15 days.
the writer of this letter is a great grand daughter of Alex Mclaine
Page 38

& am desirous of joining the DAR, please inform me how I shall get the information
Yours
Mrs. Anna Bossart
512 Weldon ST
Latrobe 
West'md Co Pa
PS.  he may of served from New York State, but they lived in Penna
Page 39

308 Altus Pl.,
Kirkwood, Mo.,
4 November 1939.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
Genealogy is a hobby of mine and you have been most courteous in the past in
assisting me with my research as it relates to my own ancestry. I should like
to inquire if your records disclose any information of a genealogical character
on the following:
ALEXANDER MCCLAIN, Revolutionary War soldier, reputed to have been born in Ireland and to have died near Belle Vernon, Westmoreland Co., Pa.

JOHN MCCLAIN, his son and a soldier in the War of 1812 who also died 1867 in Westmoreland Co; was not a commissioned officer. (Please refer to your file " John McLean - O. W. Inv. 9964 BA-J/AWF", letter dated October 24, 1935.)

JAMES W. TURK, War of 1812, died in Butler Co., Pa. 1 Feb. 1847.

ISAIAH SMUTZ, Civil War, prob. from Ill.; died 1906.
WILLIAM SMITH, Civil War, 14th Pa. Cav., d. Chariton Co., Mo.
DAVID SMUTZ, Civil War, prob. from Pa.; died 1887 Brunswick, SAMUEL SMUTZ, Civil War, 6th Pa. Heavy Art.; died 1895, Chariton Co., Mo.
HENRY NICHOLSON, Civil War, prob. from Pa.; died Chariton Co., Mo.
NICHOLAS POLEY, Civil War, died 1915 near Hillsboro, Iowa.
BENJ. R. SMUTZ, Civil War, died 1934 near Stockport, Iowa 14th Iowa Inf
ALFRED A. BEACH, Civil War,  died 1932 near Campo, Colo.; 14th Iowa Inf
DAVID M. SMUTZ, Civil War,  died 1920 in Oregon; prob. 8th Iowa Cav.
ABNER R. SMUTZ, Civil War,  died 1906 in Bird City, Kans., 8th Iowa Cav.

Any information you may be able to give me regarding these persons will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Harold T. Smutz
Late 2nd Lt. Inf. U. S. A.

[circle stamp]
RECEIVED 
NOV 6 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV
Reader No. 2
VETS ADM
Page 40

Rev. War Section
Record Division.

[circle stamp]
PENSION OFFICE U S 
DEC 17 1921

Dec. 14, 1921.

Mr. C. A. Hoppin
934 Madison Ave. Box 4,
New York City.
Sir:
In response to your letter of the 9" instant, you
are herewith furnished copies of the papers from the
Revolutionary War pension claims of Andrew McClean,
S. 2803 and Alexander McClean, S. 13898, and advised
that the number of pages in the declarations of Alexander McClean or McClain, or McLain, or McLane, W. 3374, is four.
The proper amount in payment should be forwarded in the same manner as described in the Bureau letter of Dec. 8, 1921.
Very respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.

[handwritten note]

Send first 2 pages of
decla. of Apr. 30, 1818
and 2 pages schedule of Feb. 27. 1821-
See Mr Hoppin’s letter in
Andrew McClean S 2803 Pa
Page 41

U S Postal Money [illegible] 60 cts

924 Madison Ave
Box 4 New York N.Y.
Dec. 16/21

Dear Sir
I enclose money order No.
685332 for Dept. of the Interior
for four photostats of the
Declaration of Alexander McClean
(McClain, McLane, McLain)
W. 3274, as required by
your letter of Dec. 14.
Very respectfully
C.A. Hoppin

[rectangle stamp]
FINANCE DIVISION
DEC 17 1921
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 42

3
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
DEC 17 1921
Chief of Rev. War Section
Sir:
I have this day received from
C. A. Hopper M.O.
No. 685.332 for $ 60/100
requesting copy
as per letter herewith.

Jan 3, 1922
Copies mailed & Law Div. Notf. AW

Very respectfully,
O. J. RANDALL
Chief of Division.


(MF 42)
Date Jan 3, 1922
Name Alex. Mc Lain No. W3274
War Rev.
Photographic copies wanted of 2 
pieces, consisting of 4 pages.
Remarks:
A B Wilson Exr. 
J. H W Chief Record Div.

Law Clerk,
Serial No. 5843
Page 43

April 19, 1940
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lieutenant Harold T. Smuts
308 Altus Place 
Kirkwood, Missouri
BA-J/MLB


Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Alexander McClain, of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania; the War of 1812 record of John McClain, of the same county, who died in 1867; the War of 1812 record of James W. Turk, who died in 1847 in Butler County, Pennsylvania, also the Civil War records of Isaiah Smuts, William Smith, David Smuts, Samuel Smuts, Henry Nicholson, Nicholas Boley, Benjamin R. Smuts, Alfred A. Beach, David M. Smuts and Abner R. Smuts.

There is no claim for pension on file based upon service of James Turk in the War of 1812.

The Revolutionary War record has been found of an Alexander McLain (variously spelled), of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania (File No. W. 3274) and of John McClean (McLain or McLean), who died in 1867 (File No. W. C. 2541). Their records are furnished you herewith. 

For information in regard to pension records of the Civil War soldiers named above, should there be such, you should apply to the National Archivist, this city, and for information in regard to their military service, you should apply to The Adjutant General, War Department, this city. 

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 44

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 
MCS/eel

December 4, 1928

Mrs. Anna Bossart
512 Weldon Street
Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 3274, it appears that Alexander McClean (pensioned McClain or McLain) was born in 1742.

While living near Marsh Creek, York County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted, July 12, 1775, and served as a private in Captain John Doyle's Company in Colonels Edward Hand's and Harmar's Pennsylvania Regiments; he was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Paoli, where wounded, Germantown and Monmouth, and was discharged, September 24 or 25, 1778. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 30, 1818, at which time he was living in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. 

He died February 1, 1826, in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.              

He married in the fall following his discharge at
Page 45

Stickel's Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Margaret, her maiden name not given. 

She was allowed pension on her application executed July 15, 1839, at which time she was eighty-four years of age and was living in Unity Township, Pennsylvania. In August, 1843, she was living in Youngstown, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. 

Alexander and Margaret McClean had the following children:

John    Born ----  married in 1803.
Jean    "      1781      "        "   1802.
Sarah    "     1782    died   " 1783.
Alexander " 1784  married " 1804.
Robert    "   1787     "         " 1818.   
Thomas    "  1789  died     " 1790.
James     "   1791.
Samuel    "   1793.
Thomas     " 1795   married in 1816.
David        " 1797
Ester and Margaret " 1799. Margaret married in 1816.
Matthew    "   1802.
Page 46

Grandchildren of Alexander and Margaret McClean were:
Ephraim Smith     Born       1817.
Alexander Smith    "            1818.
John McClain         "            18--.
Margaret McClain  "            1818.
Ester McClain         "            1818.
Ester McClain        " May 4, 1834.
Robert McClain     " September 30, 1835.
John McClain        " October 7, 1837.

Respectfully, 
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 47

Dec 18

183

G W Crump Esq
Acting Comr of Pensions
Washington City

Youngstown, Pa 
15th Dec’r

Pa
Add’l proof
Margt McClain
Page 48

Dear Sir 
Near Youngs Town Dec 14th 1839
Yours of the 2nd Just came to hand in due time as also your letter to Hon'ble A G Marchand in reply to a line addressed by me to him. I rec'd yours of the 2nd in a day or so after I wrote to Mr Marchand.  I have sent you all the additional proof that I can now procure. I believe Mrs. McClain has in her possession a Bible purchased she says some time after their house was consumed in which is entered the Births of some of their Children, these entries she says were made by her husband from recollection.  the paper is very much defaced and tore= Would this paper be of any use.
I could I am informed by Mrs. Nicholls obtain the depositions of two or three other persons (being at a distance) who would testify to the burning of the house and Mrs. McClain and her husband coming into this County in 1790- The Hon'ble Mr Findly the member of Congress from this County at the time Alex McClain first was placed upon the Pension list Roll and who frequently told me he was acquainted with Alex McClain and Margaret his wife before they Came to this County Perhaps there might be some statement of his in the Pension office= Mr Findly is dead many years. Since and I think he was the member when Mr McClain obtained his first Pension I just now am offered a witness whose testimony would be important, and I believe it would be true, but I cannot Certify to his Character being a good one.  hoping for the comfort of the old lady that what proof you have may be considered sufficient and that you will have the goodness to write me soon
I remain yours vry Respectfully
Wm T Baldrige
Ge'o W Crump Esq   
Geo W
Page 49

appointment of Wm T.
Baldridge Esq Commissioner
&c
"Nichols"
Page 50

I William T Baldrige Commissioner appointed by the Court of Common Pleas to take the declaration of Margaret McClain the widow of Alexander McClain a Revolutionary soldier do hereby certify that Margaret McClain the above declarant cannot in consequence of bodily infirmity attend the Court of Common Pleas to make the declaration requested by the Act of the 7th of July 1838.  Given under my hand this 15th day of July 1839
William T Baldrige
Commissioner

State of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County
Personally appeared before the undersigned a commissioner appointed as aforesaid.  James Keenan and Jacob  Sigfriedt  citizens of Unity Township in the county of Westmoreland and State of Pennsylvania and after being duly worn according law above and say that they were well acquainted with Alexander McClain deceased and Margaret his wife the above declarant for about Fourteen years that from when they first knew them until the periods of the said Declarants death they lived together as husband and wife and were so reputed and believed by and among neighbors that they have a large family of children.  The said Alexander McClain was always believed to have been revolutionary soldier that he died on the first day of February 1826 that they are well acquainted with Margaret McClain the declarant. They know that she is the widow of the said Alexander McClain and has not been married since his death.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 15th day of July 1839
Wm T Baldrige 
Commissioner           J Keenan
                                  Jacob Sigfried
Page 51

I William T Baldrige Commissioner as aforesaid do herby certify that James Keenan and Jacob Sigfried are citizens of Unity Township in the county of Westmoreland Pennsylvania are persons of creditability to all whose statement full faith and credit should be given
Wm T Baldrige




I John Clark Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland county in the state of Pennsylvania , Do here by certify that William T Baldrige Esq. before whom the foregoing and above depositions or affidavits were taken is the Identical William T Baldrige Esquire appointed by the Court of Common Plea of Westmoreland County in the state aforesaid, for that purpose.  And that the signatures hereto, purporting to be in the hand writing of the said William T Baldrige Esq, is genuine and in the hand writing of him the said William T Baldrige, Esquire--
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Greensburgh the Seventh day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty nine.
John Clark Prot

6054
Margaret McClain
Pennsylvania
Page 52

At a Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County held at Greensburgh in and for said County the 22 day of February A. D. 1839
Present Honorable Thomas White President and John Lobingier & Thomas Pollock Esquire associate Judges of said Court

In the case of Margaret McLane, the Widow of a Revolutionary Soldier, the Court appoint William T Baldridge Esq Commissioner to take the declaration she being unable to come into Court by reason of bodily infirmity.
By the Court
Attest Jno Clark Prothy
Page 53

1 oz 95
6054
July 1838
Sept 9
 Margaret McClain
viz her claim
3 pieces
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 54

Near Youngstown Westmoreland
County Pa Sept 4 1839
Sir,
Enclosed I forward to you the declaration of Margaret McClain, the widow of Alexander McClain and hope they are executed in such measure as will be satisfactory and enable her to receive something to smooth her passage to the grave.== She is very infirm and nearly blind, indeed I should have attended to this matter last Spring but thought then she would not have lived till this time.  She has recovered however in some measure
Altho you are unacquainted with her I will trouble you so far as to state that I have known Alexander McClain & Margaret his wife since 1812.  I drew his M S Pension for him from 1821 till the time of his death.  My Brother Sam'l (now dead) administered and I ....obtained for his his pension Certificate to enable him to draw the Pension due right to the time of his death,==Gen'l Arthur St. Clair in 1817 met Alexander McClain at my house in Youngstown Westmoreland County PA and recognized him as having been in the Army.  the particulars I disremember.  I saw his wounds which he said he rec'd in the Battle particularly were he said he rec'd at Paoli.  His Character was good implicit confidence was placed in all his statements. He was a member in full Communion in the Presbyterian Church of Unity Congregation.  I hope you will have the goodness to write me after inspecting the enclosed papers and inform me if any this is wanting to complete this Claim
I remain yours Respectfully
J L Edwards Esq                Wm T Baldrige
Page 55

Youngstown PA
5th May

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

May 8, 1840
Page 56

Near, Youngs Town. West' County
Pennsylvania,  May 4th 1840

J L Edwards Esq

Dear Sir,
I am apprehensive that it would have been more fortunate for this Poor infirm old Woman if the Court had appointed some more efficient person than me. as Commissioner Some one better acquainted with such matters.  indeed it would be in vain for me to attempt to describe the difficulty I have had in the matter =in the first place all the neighborhood knew near the time of his death very many had attended his funeral and remember that circumstance well yet few could be found to name the date of his death= and as to the family record the old lady from the first informed it had been consumed by fire=nor did I know then nor for some time after that the record now sent existed.  She says surely they at Washington must know all about her husband's services for the officers of his Regiment promised him in the hearing and presence that he should be rewarded.
Major Gen'l Arthur St Clair in his lifetime informed me that he had known Alexander McClain in the Service. he mentioned & I think the Battle of Brandywine.  Where McClain performed some Act that called forth the notice of his Commander in praise thereof= I am not aware that I mentioned heretofore that after Alex'd   death my Brother Samuel Baldrige since deceased Administered upon his Estate for the purpose of procuring any arrears of Pension. and I now think it is likely all his papers that he might have had were then sent to the Pension officer.  
I you should desire any other testimony please inform me and any thing I can do I will attend to in conclusion I have only to say that it with full belief of the Justice of her Application I had any thing to do in the matter, and I hope my inexperience may not act against her claim=
Yours Respectfully
Wm Th Baldrige
Page 57

State of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County } ss

seal  On the Second day of May in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and forty Personally appeared before me Mr. Wm T Baldrige a commissioner appointed by the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County aforesaid as will more fully appear by the Certificate of Appointment heretofore forwarded to the Commissioner of Pensions at Washington.  Margaret McClain Widdow of Alexander McClain late of Unity Township Westmoreland County aforesaid Decs'd who being duly Sworn according to law doth depose and say that Sometime in the fall or Winter of Seventeen Hundred and Ninety three or Seventeen Hundred and Ninety four the House in which this deponent and her husband the Said Alexander McClain resided was burnt.  That the Bible Containing their family Record was then Consumed.  That the papers hereto anexed and Marked A is taken from a family Bible procured by the Said Alexander McClain after the burning of his house as above Stated That the entrees therein in reference to the Births and deaths of deponents Children were made from reccollection as She believes by his Son John McClain now deceased and She cannot Speak with Certainty as to their accuracy. Entrees of the marriages of Some of her Children and of the births of some of her Grandchildren.  Appear to be also recorded on the Same paper by whom or when these Entrees were made this deponent cannot say but She believed they are Correct.  She further states the Bible out of which the record hereto anexed is taken belonged to the Said Alexander McClain in his lifetime. And since his death has been in the possession of this deponent. That
Page 58

its torn and defaced.  Condition She believed to be the Work of heedless Children=
Sworn and Subscribed Before
Me the day and year above written
W T Baldrige
Commissioner

              her
Margaret X McClain
              mark