Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8773, for John Swords, South Carolina
Page 1

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
(3-1776)
SERVICE					NUMBER
S.C.		Swords, John			W.8773
_________		Eleanor	____________
				
__________________________________________________________
CONTENTS

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Page 2

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
17,352 R
South Carolina

John Swords
of Pendleton Dist. in the state of S Carolina
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Sumpter of the So Carolina
line, for a term of 3 years

Inscribed on the Roll of South Carolina
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 7 of April 1819

Certificate of Pension issued the 2 of June 1820
and sent to Joseph Grisham Esqr
Pendleton, C.H. So Carolina

Arrears to 4th March 1820. ["20" crossed out] 24 4
						   30 31.	87.43
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep: 1820 - 			48~
								$135.43

		{Revolutionary claim, }
		{Act 18th March, 1818.}
Page 3

John Swords
Revolutionary
Soldier for a
Pension

Admitted

[first paragraph stricken through with "X"]
	The deposition of 
two credible & disin- 
terested [disinterested] witnesses, duly to 
be taken & authenticated 
(or the certificate if an 
officer of the Dept.) to 
prove service of appli-
cant [applicant], is required.
	If the Judge will certify 
that claimant is poor and 
needs the assistance of his 
Country for support, a 
pension will be granted 
in this case

[illegible circular embossed stamp over first two lines]
Page 4

John Swords, pr:
Pendleton dist. S.C.
6th. regt. So. Carola.
line, commanded
by colo Sumpter
3 years from 1777 --

7th April, 1819.
See endorsement on the
other side --
Charles J: Colesck,
judge.
see cert. of Judge
Joseph Grisham,
agent,
Pendleton, So. Carola.
Page 5

Evidence of his claim to a pension than the affidavits of 
such persons as were acquainted with him in the service and 
knows that he was a regular Soldier as aforesaid
		his mark [hand drawn "Joh"] John Swords

In testimony that the foregoing affidavit & statement of 
facts was this day Sworn to & signed before me I have 
hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of this Court 
of Spartanburgh [sic] District to be affixed hereunto at 
Spartanbugh [sic] Court House this Seventh day of 
April in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hun=
dred [hundred] and nineteen and in the forty third year of the 
Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of 
America ~
		[signature] C. J. Colcock A.J.

	I have no personal acquaintance 
with the Deponent and therefore 
can only certify that my belief 
of the truth of his affidavit is 
founded upon that and the other 
affidavit to the service aspect pro=
=duced [produced] with this
		[signature] C. J. Colcock A.J.
Page 6

The State of South Carolina.

	By the Honorable Charles S. Colcock Esquire one of the 
Associate Judges of the said State , and presiding Magistrate in the Western 
Circuit of the State aforesaid.
	To all to whom these presents shall come be seen or 
made known Greeting.
	Know Ye that this day John Swords of the 
District of Pendleton in the Western Circuit of the state aforesaid, Labourer, 
did appear before me, and made solemn Oath on the Holy Evangelists 
of Almighty God, That in the spring of the year, as well as he recollects 
1777 tho he is of opin ^ion [opinion] it was the Year of the Great May Frost, at the 
Cross Roads, Chester County now Chester District in this state; He did 
Enlist under a Mr. Johnson into Capt. George Varleys Company 
of the Sixth Regiment of Infantry of the South Carolina Line of the 
Continental Army for the Term of Three Years -- He was first marched 
to Tawcaw Swamp form there to Charleston S.C. where he remained 
in the new Baracks about one Year, He was then ordered on a tour 
of duty and was marched to Augusta, St. Marys, St. Tilleys & Fort 
Onion in Georgia and returned by water to Charleston again 
and afterwards was marched to Purensburg -- Stono -- Beaufort S. C. -- 
and then to Savannah Ga .he was nine weeks at the seige [siege[ of 
Savannah under the command of Captain Boyce who was in [sic] 
slain in the Battle, This deponent in assisting one of his fellow 
soldiers to carry off his captain was taken prisoner by the 
British & kept two weeks in Savannah and would have starved 
But
Page 7

But for the charity of some American who divided their provisions with him -- 
The British gave him no victuals while he was a prisoner about Two weeks -- He 
made his Escape from there, and made his way up towards Augusta & thence home 
He remained at home awhile & Col. Brattan of the Militia requested him 
to assist -- to turn the Militia out which he did, as they were dilitary [dilatory] in 
going into service at that time, He this deponent went with the Militia 
into Service and was at Lauren's Ferry on Santee when the Virginia 
Regiment was ordered home & passed on after peace was made -- 
This deponent saith the reason he never joined his company and 
regiment after the Seige [Siege] of Savannah was That his Regiment 
was ordered to Charleston & all his old officers were there taken 
prisoners by Clinton & Rowden. This deponent further saith he 
was two Years and eight Months in the Regular service before 
he was taken prisoner, that many of the minor occurrences during 
his service and the duty &c &c are not distinctly recollected but 
this he does know that he never had an opportunity of getting his 
discharge, That his Father who was in the service at the same time 
was made a prisoner at Charleston -- This deponent entered the service 
with the view of gaining Liberty which done he considered himself 
as amply rewarded -- but he saith he is a poor man & hath 
raised & maintained his family by manuel [manual] Labour -- That he 
has no one to assist him is poor, aged & infirm and 
needs the assistance of his Country for support -- And 
That it is out of his power at this time to furnish better
Evidence
Page 8

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
11.148
South Carolina
Eleanor Swords decd
widow of John Swords
S.C. who died on the 28 Mar 1834
of Anderson dist in the State of So Ca; 
who was a private in the compy commanded
by Captain ~ of the Regt commanded
by Col Sumpter in the S. C. 
line for two years

Inscribed on the Roll of Charleston
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17" day of
July 1857 and sent to
M. Thompson
	Present

Arrears to the 4th of [left blank]
Semi=annual allowance ending [left blank]

		{Revolutionary Claim,}
		{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by  W.R. Weightman, Clerk,
Book I. Vol. 1. Page 513
Page 9

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
[left side of page]
32762
South Carolina.
John Swords decd.
of Anderson Dist in the State of So Carolina
who was a private in the Company commanded
by Captain [left blank] of the Regt commanded
by Col. Sumpter in the South Carolina
line for 3 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Charleston
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & end 28 
Septr 1834, when he died.

Certificate of Pension issued the13 day of Augt
1850 and sent to
Hon. J. L. Orr, HR

Arrears to the 4th of [left blank]
Semi=annual allowance ending [left blank]

Payable to only suvg. children
to wit
Wm Swords, Isabella Green
Dorcas Elrod, Elizabeth Elrod
Ruth Newton, Esther Moore
John S. Swords, Jonathan Swords
&
Andrew Swords
		{Revolutionary Claim,}
		{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J.P. Chase Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 84

Eleanor Swords claim
within

[right side of page]
Reported
Let to Hon J S Orr
Sept 15. 50
WSS
Page 10

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
[ 677 ]
FAMILY RECORD.
[left column]
MARRIAGES.
John Swords
and Eleanor
Swancy was
married April
24th 1782.

[right column]
Rods was born
Febry 28th - - 1828

Biner was born
Febury 14th 1830

Saraan was born
March 10th 1832

Sopha was born
January 19th 1841
Page 11

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
1841		1841
1783		1804
58		37
[ 678 ]
FAMILY RECORD.
[left column]
BIRTHS.
John Swords
Seignior was
Born March
19th 1755.

Eleanor Swords
was Born June
9th 1754.

John Swancy
was born jan-
-uary [january] 21st 1766

Robert Swancy
was Born
March 26th 1775

[right column]
Nathaniel
Swancy was
born Sept. 1st 1777

William Swords
was born March
19th 1783. --

Isabella Swords
was born April
10th 1784

Dorcus Swords
was born Octbr
24th 1785
Page 12

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
[ 679 ]
FAMILY RECORD.
[left column]
BIRTHS.
James Swancy
Swords was 
born June 20th 1787

Elizabeth swords 
was born january 
30th 1789

Ruthy Swords 
was born Novr 
21st 1790 --

Esther Swords 
was born March 
15th 1792

[right column]
[cross out]
Births
May Swords 
was born October 
21st 1793 ---

John Swords 
was born May 
13th 1795 --

Johnathan Swords 
was born Decbr 
31st 1796 --

Andrew Swords 
was born July 28th 1799
Page 13

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
[ 680 ]
FAMILY RECORD.
[left column]
DEATHS.
Robert Swancy 
deceaced  [deceased] Jan. 7th 1791

William Swords 
Deceaced [Deceased] Jan. 30th 1794

James Swancy Swords 
Deceaced [Deceased] June. 16th 1796

Elizabeth Swords Decesed [Deceased] 
May 19th 1824 -----

James Moor Decaced [Deceased] the 
9th December 1823 ----

John Swords senr 
Decest [Deceased] 28th September 1834

Elener [Eleanor] Swords Decest [Deceased] 
May 3rd 1841

Mary Morris Decest [Deceased] 
March 30 1841

[right column]
DEATHS.
[no entries]
Page 14

John Swords
Page 15

State of South Carolina, §
	Anderson District, § On this 14th day 
of September 1849: Before me, Personally 
appeared John S. Swords, a resident of 
said District, aged 54 years, who being 
first duly sworn, according to law 
doth on oath make the following 
declaration, in order to obtain the 
benefit of the ["provis" crossed out] Act, of Congress, 
passed June 7th 1832. That this declarent [declarant], 
the aforesaid John S Swords, in behalf of 
himself; and the surviving children, of John 
and Eleander [Eleanor] Swords, late of Said Dis=
trict [District] decd. States: that the Said John Swords 
husband of the Said Elender [Eleanor], and Father 
of the present claiments [claimants], was a soldier 
in the South Carolina Line & also in 
the Militia and as Such he served 
the United States against the com
mon [common] Enemy from the commence=
=ment [commencement] of hostility; untill the close of 
the war; and was almost constantly 
in service, He further declares that his 
Father the said John Swords was 
Placed on the United Sates Pen=
sion [Pension] Roll at the rate of $96, perannum 
about the year 1819, and was shortly 
afterwards droped [dropped] he then made appli
cation [application] to and was place on the 
Pension roll, of South Carolina and 
continued to draw a pension from 
said state to his death which is shewn 
to wit his death by the family regis
=ter [register], now on file which record of
Page 16

his the Said John Swords death, decla
rent [declarent] [declarant] knows of his own personal know
edge [knowedge] [knowledge] to be Strictly correct all of which 
declarent [declarant] would respectfully submit 
in support of this claim.
	Declarent [Declarant] further says that all 
the Family named in the court dec=
laration [declaration] in claim of his mother Elen
der [Elender] [Eleanor] Swords are stil [still] living.
	Sworn to and Subscribed this day 
and year above written.
		[signature] John S. Swords

[signature] James Millikin §
		MAD §

I do hereby certify that I am personally and intima
=tely [intimately] acquainted with the above named John S. Swords 
and have been for the last Forty years and can 
safely say there is as much credibility to be attach,d [attached] 
to his word or oath as any persons
	Given under my hand and Seal this the day 
and year above written
		[signature] James Millikin  §
			M.A.D  §
		[hand drawn seal]
Page 17

State of South Carolina §    I Elijah Webb clerk 
Anderson District §    of the Common pleas 
and General sessions for Anderson District in the State 
aforesaid Do hereby certify that James Milliken 
Esquire before whom the preceeding [preceding] affidavit was made 
(as appears by his own name in his own hand writing) 
was ^at the date thereof a magistrate for the 
District aforesaid who has been duly appointed 
and qualified and signed the Roll 
kept according to Law in my office
	In Testimony whereof I have hereunto 
	set my hand and seal of office 
this 18th day September 1849
		[signature] Elijah Webb
		C.C.C.P.&G.S.A.D.

July 8. 1850
	I certify that I am well acquainted with 
John S Swords the Declarent [Declarant] & have been for some 
years and am satisfied that every confidence may 
be reposed in this testimony. And altho the facts 
stated by him do not come within my own knowledge 
yet I believe them to be true.
	I can add that I am also well acquain
=ted [acquainted] with Herbert Hammond the ordinary and Elijah Webb 
the clerk of the Court of Common pleas for this District 
and can safely say that their official certificate in 
this case made are entitled to full credinec [credence].
		[signature] R. F. Simpson
		Former Mem. of Congress
Page 18

No 7011
Eleanor Sword's ded
widow of John
SC
Act 4 July 1836

Rejected was not in
Service after Marriage
h.d. ["3 May 184" crossed out] ^ 28 Feb 1834
w.d. 3 May 1841

Not entitled under 1838
husband died 1834
widow died 1841
Page 19

Declarations
Made by
John S Swords
Page 20

	Anderson District { On this 26th day of October 
South Carolina { Eighteen hundred and forty Seven 
Personally appeared before the Court of General Sessions & Common 
pleas now in Session at Anderson Court house in and for Anderson 
district State aforesaid John Swords a resident of Said district and 
Son of John & Eleanor Swords deceased aged fifty two years who being 
duly Sworn on his oath makes the following declarations in order to 
obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 ganting [granting] 
half pay and pensions to certain Widows. That the Said declarent [declarant] in 
behalf of himself and the other heirs at Law of John Swords deceased 
Sets forth that the said John Swords deceased was a private Soldier 
of the revolutionary war and in the Continental troops of South 
Carolina and as Such Served his County against the enemy and en
=listed [enlisted] about the beginning of Said war or as declarent [declarant] believes in 
Seventeen hundred and Seventy five and a term of five years & 
after this term expired enlisted again During the war and 
was in the following Campains [campaigns] as they were then Called and 
engaged in the following battles, viz. the Snow campain [campaign] in 
1775 and Idian [Indian] Expedition in the winter & Spring Season of 
1776 and in the Florida Campains [Campaigns] in the Summer of that 
year and afterwards at the attack on the enemies past at Savanna [Savannah] 
and again at a Similar attack at Ninety Six and taken pris
=oner [prisoner] by the enemy at the reduction of Charleston and having made 
his escape was in battle afterwards at the rocky mount and at 
the hanging rock and Eutaw Springs. and in the Florida 
Campain [Campaign] was in The Brigade of General Williamson and in 
the attack on Savanna [Savanna] in the Brigade of General Lincoln 
Concerning the other officers under which the Said John Swords 
Served declarent [declarant] cannot say only that he has often heard his 
father Say that he the aforesaid John Swords deceased did 
much Service under Colonel Bratton The above statements 
are what delcarent [declarant] has always understood
Page 21

Declarent [Declarant] further states that John Swords his father & Eleanor 
Swancy his mother as appears by the family record was mar
=ried [married] April 24th Seventeen hundred and eighty two 
1782 and lived together as man and wife untill the death 
of the Said John Swords which event took place on the 28th day 
of September eighteen hundred and thirty four and that the 
aforesaid Eleanor Swords remained a widow untill her death 
which ^ happened on the 3d day of May eighteen hundred and forty one 
as will fully appear from the family record and oath of the 
Coffin Maker ~ declarent [declarant] also States that the heirs at Law 
of his father are William Swords, Isabella Pilgrim, Dorcas 
Elrod, Elizabeth Elrod, Ruth Newton, Esther Moore, Mary 
Morris having decd March 30th 1841. and Jonathan & 
Andrew Swords having removed to the far west he knows but 
little about them and has Small hopes of ever Seeing them 
again. The above are all the heirs including himself of 
[cross out] the family of John Swords deceased. and further that the 
family record [cross out] hereto appended has been long known 
and acknowledge as true it having remained in his mothers 
possession untill her death and Since that went in possession of 
William Swords and is in the hand writing as to the materel ["material"] 
part of Lodowick Orr 
Sworn to & Subscribed the day and year first above written in Open Court
		[signature] John Swords
Anderson District § The Court does hereby Certify that 
South Carolina § it is made apparent to its entire 
Satisfaction that the declarent [declarant] 
John Swords is a man of good Character and his 
affirmations entitled to entire confidence 
and also that Anderson district is a part of that which 
was once Pendleton district. The Last named district being 
divided into Anderson and Pickens districts by Legislative 
Authority     October 26 - 1847 -
		[signature] J S Richardson
		Presidg Judge
Page 22

Anderson District § Personally appeared before me the Sub
South Carolina § =scribing magistrate W T. Knauff who 
being duly sworn on his oath sayth [saith] that 
he the said deponent on the 4th day of May eighteen hun
=dred [hundred] & forty one made a coffin for Eleanor Swords the widow 
of John Swords who was a Soldier of the revolutionary war 
as deponent understands and that William Swords eldest 
Son of the Said John & Eleanor Swords paid him 
for so doing
	Sworn to and Subscribed this 11th day of October 
1847 before me ~
		[signature] Wm J Knauff
[signature] David A Taylor
Magistrate of Anderson Dist.

Anderson District § I do hereby Certify that David A
South Carolina § Taylor is and was at the time of 
taking the above affitdavit [affidavit] an 
acting magistrate in Said district and his Signature 
genuine
	Given under my hand and the Seal of Court 
this 25 day of October 1847
		[signature] Elijah Webb
Page 23

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section

AWF/FMM

					October 17, 1929.

Mrs. J. M. York
York Heights
Catlettsburg
Kentucky.

Dear Madam:
	I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension 
claim W. 8773, it appears that John Swords, while residing in York 
District, South Carolina, was in the Snow Campaign; no further details 
of this service given.
	He enlisted at Cross Roads, Chester County, South Carolina, 
in the spring of 1777 and served as a private in Captain George Warley's 
Company Colonel Sumter's South Carolina Regiment. He was in the Flori-
da [Florida] Expedition, battles of Beaufort and Stono and in the siege of Savannah 
under Captain Boyce. He was taken prisoner at the siege of Savannah 
and held two weeks when he made his escape and returned home, having 
been in the service two years and eight months.
	After this he served in the Militia under Colonel Bratton and 
was in the battles of Rocky Mount, Hanging Rock and Eutaw Springs, 
length of service not stated.
	He was allowed pension on his application executed April 7, 
1819, at which time he was living in Pendleton District, South Carolina.
Page 24

	He died September 28, 1834.
	He stated that his father was in the service and was taken 
prisoner at Charleston. His father's name is not given.
	The soldier married April 24, 1782, Eleanor Swancy. She died 
May 3, 1841, in Anderson District, South Carolina, leaving the follow-
ing [following] children, who were allowed the pension due her.

	William Swords
	Isabella Green  In 1847 she is referred to as 
	Isabella Pilgrim - no explanation given as to 
			this change of name.
	Dorcas Elrod
	Elisabeth Elrod
	Ruth Newton
	Esther Moore
	John S. Swords
	Jonathan Swords
	Andrew Swords

	The following appears on the family record:

		BIRTHS
	John Swords Sr.	March 19, 1755
	Eleanor Swords	June 9, 1754
	John Swancy		January 21, 1766
	Robert Swancy	March 26, 1775
	Nathaniel Swancy	September 1, 1777
	William Swords	March 19, 1783
	Isabella Swords	April 10, 1784
	Dorcas Swords	October 34, 1785
	James Swancy Swords	June 20, 1787
	Elizabeth Swords	January 30, 1789
	Ruthy Swords		November 21, 1790
	Esther Swords		March 15, 1795
	Mary Swords		October 21, 1793
	John Swords		May 13, 1795
	Johnathan Swords	December 31, 1796
	Andrew Swords	July 28, 1799

2
Page 25

		DEATHS
	Robert Swancy		January 7, 1791
	William Swords		January 30, 1794
	James Swancy Swords	June 16, 1796
	Elizabeth Swords		May 19, 1824
	James Moor			December 9, 1823
	Mary Morris			March 30, 1841.

		Very truly yours,

		EARL D. CHURCH
		Commissioner

[handwritten note]
While names on family record 
I did not use -- as I think 
they were the children of 
the slaves and not 
important   [initialed] AWF
Page 26

State of South Carolina § I Herbert Hammond 
Anderson District § Judge of the Court of 
Ordinary for Anderson District, Do hereby Certify 
that it has been Shewn in Evidence to the Satisfaction 
of the Court that Elener [Eleanor] Swords (widow) of John 
Swords a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United 
States at the rate of $96 dollars pr Annum died 
in Anderson District South Carolina on the Fourth 
day of May one Thousand eight Hundred & forty 
One leaving the following Children Surviving 
to wit William Swords Isabella Green Dorcus Elrod 
Elizabeth Elrod Ruth Newton Ester Moore John S Swords 
Johnathan Swords and Andrew Swords who 
were the only Surviving Children and all of 
lawful age.     done in Open Court
	Given under my hand and 
	Seal of Office at Anderson 
	Court House this 28th day of June 
	1850
		[signature] Herbert Hammond
		O. A. D.
[illegible circular seal at left]

State of South Carolina § I Elijah Webb Clerk 
Anderson District § of the Court of Common 
pleas and General Sessions for the District and State aforesaid 
Do hereby Certify that Herbert Hammond whose signature in 
his own hand writing is subscribed to the proceeding Certificate 
was at the date thereof Judge of the Court of Ordinary for 
a State aforesaid duly Commissioned and 
Qualified according to Law
Given under my hand & seal of Clerks office 
this twenty eight day of June Anno Domini 
1850
		[signature] Elijah Webb
		Clk. C.P.G.S.A.D.
[illegible circular seal at left]
Page 27

No 7011
Eleanor Swords dec
SC
Let to J. A. Williams
Decr. 24 '47
Rejected
J.R. Williams Esqr
July 29, 48,
Letter to same 14th Decr 1849
Let. to Hon. D. Wallace, Febr 20 / 50
act 4 July 1836
Page 28

South Carolina } In the year in 1777 ["Genl" crossed out] 
Pendleton District } Colo now Genl Sumpter 
was appointed to raise & Command 
the Sixth Regiment of this state -- the place for 
the Officers and Soldiers to assemble ^ & Rendezvous at was the 
old + Roads now a part of Chester District 
my Father William Browne lived in two 
miles & major of the Regiment) this frequently 
& Occasionally led me to resort to the place 
when & where I first became acquainted with 
John Swords musterd as a soldier of the 
Regiment aforesaid enlisted by Lieut John 
Montgomry [Montgomery] and finally enroled [enrolled] in Captn 
George Warleys Company) after the corps 
had continued at this encampment two or three 
months -- order came from Colo Sumpter for 
the Regiment to march near his Residence 
at Taucaw Santee) some months after this 
Visiting my Father at this place I met and 
saw John Swords Ranking Among the Soldiers 
aforesaid -- After continuing at Taucaw for some 
considerable length of time -- this Regiment was 
marched to the new Barracks in Charleston 
where in the Fawl [Fall] or Winter of 1778 I again met with
Page 29

John Swords leading the life of a common Solder [soldier] 
in the Regiment above stated in the capacity & discharge 
of which he was regarded as an orderly and 
faithfull man) after this from Common report he & ^ marched 
in the noted Florida expedition and when the 
United Attack was made by the French & Americans 
^ one Savana [Savannah] Swords was among the besiegers & made 
Prisoners this Deposition was dictated by 
and Sworn too by Elijah Browne as the law directs 
before me this 3d of September 1819
		[signature] E Browne
[signature] Jas. Thomson J.Q [hand drawn seal]

The above named John Swords is a 
Poor man and of course old and unable 
to work sufficient to support his Family and 
being first Inhumanly defrauded out of his 
Indent and secondly out of his Bounty land 
It is therefore confidently hoped that all good 
men will assert in geting [getting] made safe to him 
the sum the Public has granted for his relief 
and which he so will deserves as an Honest 
man and an old & meritorious Soldier of the 
Revolution
		[signature] E Browne
Page 30

South Carolina § John Sword [ink blot] at the time 
Pendleton District § he enlisted lived with Lieut 
Montgomry [Montgomery] lived in two miles of 
me in a part of this State now calld York 
District and after he Joined the Regiment 
at the Cross Roads I saw him there doing 
his duty as a Common Soldier in which 
Situation he continued untill he was 
taken Prisoner a [sic] the Seige [Siege] of Savanah [Savannah] 
and always understood him whilst a soldier 
in the continental service to have Performd his 
duty with fidelity the above dictated and 
Sworn too by Hamilton Brown before me 
as the Law directs this 3d September 1819 ---
		[signature] Hamlton Brown
[signature] Jas Thomson J.Q [hand drawn seal]
Page 31

The State of South Carolina § Before me personally 
Pendleton District § came John T. 
Lewis Esquire Clerk of the Court for Pendleton 
District and Samuel Cherry and David 
Cherry both respectable Members of the Village 
of Pendleton and made oath that they 
have for many years now last past been 
acquainted with John Swords who resides in the 
neighbourhood, And that the said John Swords 
is in reduced circumstances, and needs the assistance 
of his Country for support -- that the old man 
is poor but supports the character of an 
honest man and a man of truth.
		[signature] John T. Lewis
		[signature] Samuel Cherry
		[signature] David Cherry
Sworn to and §
subscribed this §
6th day of §
January 1820 §
Before me §
[signature] Joseph Grisham §
	Not. Pub. §
	Pendleton §
	S. C. §
Page 32

	Pendleton S. C. 6th January 1820 
I Joseph Grisham Notary Public for Pendleton District do 
hereby Certify That I am well acquainted with the within 
names John T Lewis Esquire, Samuel Cherry and David 
Cherry, That they are respectable Citizens and men in whom 
Confidence is placed and that their attestation is worthy 
of full and entire credit and belief --- And further 
That I am also acquainted with John Swords within named 
and he is poor infirm and ill and needs the assistance 
of his Country for support.
	Given under my hand and seal the 
	date above written
		[signature] Joseph Grisham
		Not. Pub
		Pendleton
		SoCa

	I am personally acquainted with 
all the above named gentlemen 
but one and have the utmost 
confidence in their integrity and 
veracity and therefore entertain no 
doubt that the applicant John 
Swords in indigent circumstances and 
needs the assistance of his Country
		[signature] C. J. Colcock
		[flourish]
1 Feby 1820 --
	Chester --
Page 33

Wm Sword [Swords]
affidavit
Page 34

South Carolina { 
Anderson District { Personally appeared 
Wm Swords before me and being duly 
Sworn Saith that he has heard his 
father John Swords frequently say 
that ^ he did perform a tour of duty -- 
as a Regular Soldier after his marriage 
with Ellinor [Eleanor] Swancy said Services 
performed in South Carolina
	Sworn to and subscribed before me 
	this 6th day of March 1849
		[signature] Wm Swords
[signature] Wm Hubbard
M. A. D.
Page 35

York District
So. Car
		J. L Edwards Esqr

Sir   Your answer in the case of Eleanor Swords 
has come to hand and ^ I am Surprised to find 
that John Swords as appears from the records of the 
department done no Service after his marriage 
when I always understood the contrary --
I therefore respectfully request the department to 
examine whether the discharge of John Swords 
is on file in the office, and if so what is its 
date   I would also remark that John Swords 
after recieving [receiving] a pension from the United States for 
the years 1819. and 1820 was discontinued by this 
Government and in 1826 was place on the pen
-sion [pension] roll of South Carolina
Feb 16th 1848
	With respect your obt. humble Servt
	[signature] James R Williams ~
Page 36

Washington Apr 25th 1857
Sir
	I herewith ^ inclose declaration 
of John S. Swords under act 
of 7th July 1838. He is the 
son of John & Eleanor Swords of 
South Carolina; the former of 
whom was inscribed on the 
So. Car. pension roll at the 
rate of $96.- per annum comm
=encing [commencing] the 7th 1819. & dropped 
in 1820. and afterwards admitted 
to a pension under act of 7th 
June 1832, at $80- per annum 
from 4th March 1831. to 28th 
Sept. 1834. when he died. 
	The evidence of the marriage 
of John & Eleanor Swords and 
of their death, is on file in the
Page 37

case. Which together with 
the declaration herewith ^ inclosed make 
out a clear case under act 
of July 7th 1838.
	The parties in interest 
being very poor and needy. 
Your earliest action upon 
the case will greatly oblige 
them & Yours very
	respectfully
	[signature] M. Thompson

To
	Hon. J. E. Heath
	Commiss'r. of Pensions
	Washington
		D. C.
Page 38

[circular seal upper left, "YORKVILLE S.C., NOV 10"]		FREE
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City ~

[perpendicular at right]
Nov 16./49

Eleanor Swords
S.C--
Page 39

York District § J. L Edwards Esq
S  C. § Commissioner of Pensions
Nov. 6th 1849

Sir: Enclosed you will ^ find some affidavits in the regected [rejected] claim 
of Eleanor Swords. I would respectfully request the 
department to call up and review the merit of the case 
in its present form and communicate the result to me 
as soon as may be convenient. I refrain from argument 
in the case at present
	Respectfully your
	obedt Servant
	[signature] James R Williams ~
Page 40

			Anderson Court House
			28th June 1850

Col K F Simpson,
	Dear Sir,
		I herewith in close 
the cirfificate [certificate] of the Ordinary of your 
District shewing the date of the death 
of Eleanor Swords widow of John 
Swords decd Revolutionary pensioner 
at the rate of $96 perannum
	John Swords died in sept 
1834 Pleas [Please] certy [certify] to the credibility of 
John S Swords and to the death of 
these parties if you know the fact
	Then send the claim to Col Orr 
or the Com of Pensions & ask him 
to report the claim to yourself and 
send the report to me at Yorkville 
	There is from 4th March 1831 
due John Swords at the rate of $80 
to sept 1834 which fact is admitted 
and for which a cirtificate [certificate] will 
now isue [issue] if the proof on file is 
satisfactory. I also sen [send] the delcaration 
of John. S. Sword [sic] under Act of 
7th June 1832 which you will also 
send with the cirtificate [certificate] of the ordi
nary [ordinary] Very Respectfully yours
		[signature] A.S. Wallace
PS Pleas [Please] call the attention of com of Pensions
to the fact that these facts have all been 
certified in cour [court] of common Pleas
Page 41

and also a matter of record which record 
was filed with the claim in 1841 and sworn 
to be correct -- Excuse this liberty as the par 
ticular [particular] friend of D Wallace our mem
ber [member] of congress I have taken the liberty 
to call upon your for the above 
favor
		Respectfully
		[initialed] A.S.W
Page 42

March 24/51
Jno Swords --
S C -- ad 32

Ex [illegible] -- March 31 -- 51
M. Thompson
Page 43

			Anderson District SC
			10th March 1852
Jas E Heath Com of Pensions
	Sir
		You will confer 
a favor on the undersigned 
to suffer Col M. Thompson 
attorney at law in your city 
to Examine the Claim of my 
Mother Eleanor swords widow of 
John Swords Pensioner at the 
rate of $96 & $80 per annum of Pen
delton [Pendleton] District S.C -- now rejected
		[signature] John. S. Swords
Page 44

State of South Carolina }
	Pickens District } Ss.
		I Joseph Grisham Certify 
that for several years previous to, and after 1818 
I lived in the Village of Pendleton, and acted as 
agent in obtaining Pensions, for Revolutionary soldiers 
for their services, among many others I recollect an 
old friend John Swords who lived a few miles 
from Pendleton Village, I well remember 
he had his Original Discharge (but few had) 
he preserved his with great care and reluctantly 
give it up when necessary to get a Pension 
I am sure I forwarded it with his application 
for a Pension; He was a very Honest man 
and I never doubted he was as much entitled 
to a Pension, as any soldier of the Revolutionary 
War. At this late day I do not recollect by 
whom the Discharge was given, nor would 
it have been so strongly impressed on my mind 
if he had parted with it cheerfully.
		[signature] Joseph Grisham
Sworn to 27th August 
1849 before me 
[signature] Miles M. Norton
	Not. Pub. & 
	Ex. Off. M.P.D.

	I, William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of Pickens 
District S.C. Certify that Miles M. Norton is a magistrate 
as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be 
his is genuine, and also that the affiant Revd. Joseph Grish-
am [Grisham] is a highly respectable citizen of the same District.
	In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
	affixed my seal of Office & subscribed 
	my name this 28th August 1849.
		[signature] W. L. Keith
		C. C. P.
Page 45

South Carolina §
Anderson District § on this 10th day of March 
1851 Personally appeared John Swords 
a resident of said district aged 53 years 
who being first duly sworn according 
to law doth on his oath make 
the following declaration in or
der [order] to obtain the benefit of the provis
ion [provision] made by the act of Congress pas
sed [passed] July 7th 1838 entitled and act Gran
ting [Granting] half pay and pensions to certain 
widows, -- That this declarant the said 
John S Sword [sic] in behalf of himself 
and the Surviving heirs of the said John 
and Eleanor Swords of said District and 
States that his father the said John 
Swords was a private soldier in the army 
of the revolution as he has always under 
stood [understood] and believes and as such he 
seved [served] the United States against the 
common Enemy from the commence
ment [commencement] of hostility untill the close of the 
war in the south carolina Line 
State Troops and South Carolina 
Militia and was almost constant 
by in sevice [service] untill the close of 
the war in 1783
	diclarant [declarant] has often heard his 
mother speak of her privations and 
sufferings whilst his Father the said 
John Swords was in the army of his 
country and always understood his father 
was out several time [sic] in sevice [service] after
Page 46

there said mariage [marriage] and would refer 
the department to the proof of marriage 
of the said parties now on file in 
this claim as well as the Evidence 
of his said mothers death both of 
which have been admitted
	declarant further say [sic] that his 
father the said John Swords could 
not write which he presumes is the 
reason his sevices [services] in the miltiia do 
not appear on the records of this State 
and is justly satisfied his Father 
the said John Swords performed a 
considerable amount of sevice [service] 
after mariage [marriage]
	Sworn to and subscribed 
this 10th day of March 1851.
Before me
		[signature] John S. Swords

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 10th day of March 
A.D. 1851  And I do hereby Certify that I have been 
acquainted with the said John S. Swords for at least 
forty years and Consider him as much intitled [entitled] to belief 
as any other person
	[signature] James Mulliken
		M.A.D.
Page 47

Soth [South] Carolina §
Anderson District § I hereby certify that I have 
been acquainted with John S Swords 
this Declarant, for many years, all which time 
he has been my neighbor, that I believe 
him an honest man, and his assertions 
entitled to fully faith and credit.
	Given under my hand this 4th April 1851.
		[signature] R. F. Simpson
(R. F. Simpson is an member of congress)
		[initialed] M.T.

State of South Carolina  I Elijah Webb Clerk 
Anderson District  of the Court of Common 
Pleas and General Sessions for Anderson District 
Do certify that James Mulliken Esquire 
whose attestation is to the foregoing affidavit 
is and was at the date thereof a Magistrate 
for Anderson District who was appointed 
and qualified and Signed the Roll 
kept according to Law in my office
	In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto 
	Set my hand and Seal this 4th 
	day of april A,D, 1851
		[signature] Elijah Webb
		C,C,&G,S,A,D,
Page 48

Mr J L Edwars [Edwards] Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 49

York District { 
South Carolina { To W. T. L. Edwards Esqr

Sir	Enclosed you have the declaration of a son 
	of John Swords Late of Anderson District 
deceased accompanied by the family record of Said [cross out] 
deceased & who was a Soldier in the Continental lines 
of South Carolina. Suffer me respectfully to refer 
the department to the records of the war office for the 
years 1819 and 1820 where I presume it will be found 
that the Said war Soldier received a pension for those 
years. his discharge (as I Suppose) will also be found 
on file. Presuming that the Said war Soldier is 
entitled to Land, I would with due defference [deference] request 
the department to Search into this particular: and if 
he is So entitled, please to Send me proper forms with 
Suitable directions how I am to obtain Such Land
	Please answer this as Soon as may be 
convenient
	With due defference [deference] & respect I remain 
your obedient humble Servant
		[signature] James R Williams ~
Nov 15th 
1847
Page 50

			House Reps U S
			Washington Feby 6 1850
Sir
	Enclosed you will receive a 
Letter addressed to me by Mr James R 
Williams. Will you have the 
kindness to report to me the case 
to which it refers --
	Will you permit 
one of the clerks to inform me 
what post office, Mr Williams 
mails his letters at. I presume 
his communications to you will 
shew this. I make this inquiry 
because the inclosed letter, is headed 
"York District," and is mailed at 
Chester C.H. I do not therefore 
know where his particular locality is.
		Very Respectfully 
		your Obt Servt
		[signature] D. Wallace

Hon J. L Edwards
Page 51

South Carolina § Personally appeared William 
Anderson District § Elrod before me W.A. 
Williams one of the magistrates appointed 
for said District and made oath in due form 
of law deposeth and sayeth that he heard 
John Swords say that he served a tower [tour] 
in the revolutionary war after he was married 
and that John Swords was the lawfull husband 
of Elender [Eleanor] Swords at the time he done the sevice [service]
		his mark [hand drawn X] William Elrod
Sworn to and Subscribed This 28th February 1849 
before me
	[signature] W.A. Williams MAD

South Carolina § Personally appeared Dorcus 
Anderson District § Elrod before me W.A. 
Williams one of the magistrates appointed for 
said District and made oath in due form of 
law deposeth and sayeth that she heard 
John Swords say that he served a tower [tour] in 
the revolutionary war after he was married 
and that John Swords was the lawfull husband 
of Elender [Eleanor] Swords at the tine he done the 
service  this 28th February 1849
		her mark [hand drawn X] Dorcus Elrod
Sworn to and subscribed 
before me
	[signature] W.A. Williams M.A.D
Page 52

		House of Reps. Sept. 11th 1850
Sir,
	I have the honor to request that you 
will take up and re=examine the Case of the 
heirs of Eleanor Swords widow of John Swords 
for a pension -- The certificate to the heirs 
of John Swords was granted a few day s
ago, his widow Eleanor survived him sev
eral [several] years, he died in 1834 she in 1841 
. The application for Eleanor was made 
under the act of 1836 and the department 
as I understand refused to admit the claim 
because the testimony was not conclusive 
that he rendered any service after the 
marriage. I suppose that the evidence 
of the marriage however is uncontestible [uncontestable] 
and Eleanors representatives are enti
tiled [entitled] to the pension she would have drawn 
under the act of 1838.
	I have the honor to be 
	very respectfully you obt. 
	Servt.
	[signature] James. L Orr
Page 53

		Washington 16th July 1850
Sir
	I have the honor to enclose you herewith 
the certificates of the Judge of the Court 
of Ordinary for Anderson District S.C. 
of proof having been made of the death 
of Eleanor Swords widow of John Swords 
once a Pensioner for Revolutionary ser
vices [services]. and also the number & names of 
the surviving children which the said 
John & Eleanor left at their death, 
also the declaration or affidavit of 
John S. Swords applying under the act 
of 7 June 1832 for the Pension to which 
his father & mother was entitled, this is 
sworn to before James Mulliken a magistrate 
of character known to me. Certified to 
by Elijah Webb, Clk of the Court and 
vouched by my immediate predecesser [predecessor] 
in Congress the Hon R F. Simpson as 
also a letter from A. S. Wallace to 
him, which will in part explain 
the application, I am not familiar 
with the claim, but suppose the papers 
on file in your office in the previous 
application of Eleanor or John S. Swords 
will shew that the present is submitted 
as supplemental evidence in the 
claim,   I have the honor to be very respet
fully [respetfully] [respectfully], Your obt Servt
		[signature] James L Orr

[perpendicular in left margin]
NB From Mr. Wallace letter I suppose the application 
of John S. Swords was first made in 1847.
Page 54

John Swords
Application for
a Pension
Affidavit of
Witness
Page 55

The State of South Carolina
Be it remembered that on this third day of April in 
the Year of Our Lord One Thousand eight hundred 
and nineteen, Before me Joseph Grisham Esquire Nortary 
Public & Virtute Officii one of the Justices of the Quorum 
in and for Pendleton District at my office at Pendleton 
personally came and appeared David Rowland 
of Pendleton District, (farmer) and made oath 
that at a camp near Santee in the time of the 
Revolutionary War this deponent was in the third 
Regiment of the S.C. Line commanded by Col 
Thompson -- when this deponent first saw & got 
acquainted with John Swords who was then in 
Varley Company of the Sixth Regiment of the same 
Line, This deponent further saith, he was with 
the said John Swords at the Battle at Stono -- 
at Beaufort S.C. and at the Seige [Siege] of 
Savannah -- This deponent saw the said 
John Swords in service and does know 
	that
Page 56

that the said John Swords was in the Regular 
service in the United States Army in the 
Revolutionary War Eight or nine Months and 
he does verily believe that the said John Swords 
did do his duty faithfully until the Battle of 
Savannah where he understood the said John 
Swords was unfortunately taken prisoner. And 
this deponent ^ has been well acquainted with him for the last Ten years and does 
know that he is a good Citizen, an honest 
man but poor, and that his word or oath 
is worthy of credit & belief. And he does verily 
believe his oath worthy of full credit and that 
he needs the assistance of his Country for support.
		his mark [hand drawn X] David Rowland

Sworn to & subscribed by making mark 
the day first mentioned
Before me [signature] Joseph Grisham
	Notary Public & 
	Virtute Officii
	J.W.Q.
Page 57

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8773
Eleanor Swords
Wid"
John Swords
Privt Rev. War.

Act: July 7" 1838.
Index:—Vol. M, Page 257

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[perpendicular at left]
1929. Oct. 18 -- Hist to Mrs. J. M. York [initialed] EWF
Page 58

["ASHLAND" crossed out] ^ Catlettsburg, KENTUCKY

	Earl D. Church
	Commissioner
I am returning your letter 
and the one previously written 
by me -- I only know my 
Great-grandfather John F Browning 
Sword came to Pike Co. Ky. 
^ from Va and reared his family 
Frank Sword was a grandson 
of John["y" crossed out] Sword who 
was a soldier in the 
Rev. war--
	Some time ago I had 
a letter from the Penion ["Pension"] 
Dept. stating John Sword 
was on the pension list 
from South Carolina 
and would the record 
not show to whom it was 
paid after his death?

[oval stamp upper right]
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
OCT 1 - 1929
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 59

The year of death r etc - 
I am helpless to trace 
these facts as my mother 
has been dead several 
years and only remember 
these things I have given 
you --
	In case you can 
not give me any information 
can you direct me to 
any historical Society where 
I could get any information 
perhaps?
	I am sorry I can not 
give more deffinate [definite] data.
	Thanking you
	[signature] Mrs. J. M. York.

[right margin from underlying page]
at
w which
Page 60

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
mee/EEL		BUREAU OF PENSIONS
			WASHINGTON
					August 9, 1929

Mrs. J.M. York
York Heights				only
Catlettsburg, Kentucky

Dear Madam:
	I advise you that the data furnished by you are not sufficient to 
enable this bureau to make intelligent reply to the queries contained 
in your letter.
	Please fill out such of the blank spaces below, as the information 
in your possession will permit, and return to this bureau.
	First name of widow ?
	Full name of soldier John Sword
	Residence of soldier at enlistment Carolina (do not
					now which
	Residence of soldier after service Do not know
	Name of state from which he enlisted Carlina
	Approximate date of birth  ?
	Approximate date of death  ?
	Kindly return attached letter with reply.
		Respectfully,
		[signature] Earl D. Church
		EARL D. CHURCH
		Commissioner.
Page 61

[page folded] nclosed		Catlettsburg Ky. May 12
[page folded] missioner of Pensions.
Was. D.C.
		[circular stamp, "U.S. PENSON OFFICE, MAY 14 1929"]
Dear Sir:--
	Will you kindly give me 
any information you have on 
record regarding John Sword 
(Swords or Soards) name was written 
different ways -- He was in the 
Rev. war and I am not sure 
whether he enlisted in Va. or 
one of the Carolinas--
	This has been handed 
down from his son, John Franklin 
Browning Sword to Frank 
Sword who was my mothers 
father -- I am seeking any 
information regarding him 
self or wife or to whom 
the pension was paid 
that I may become a 
DA. R. which I know I am 
elligible [eligible] if I can clear the
Page 62

records--
	Please give me any 
information you have on 
record --
	May father J. M. Rice was 
in the Civil war four years 
wounded and drew a 
pension until 1913 -- but I 
am not able to trace to 
the Rev. war --
	Very Respct.
	[signature] Mrs. J. M. York.
	York Heights.
	Catlettsburg.
	Ky.

[oval stamp upside down at lower left]
OFFICE OF
THE COMMISSIONER
OCT 1 - 1929
U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 63

38016
John Swords ded
S. Carolina

Anderson Dist

Admitted
$80 per an @-- 4
March 1831 to 28 Sept
1834, when he died
payable to children
William Swords, Isabella 
Green, Dorcus Elrod
Elizabeth Elrod, Ruth
Newton, Esther Moore,
John S. Swords, Jonathan
Swords, & Andrew Swords.

act 7 June 1832

see letter to ^ Hon D. Wallace Feb
20, 1850.

Hon J. L. Orr
HR
See Eleanor Swords within
Page 64

No. 14. 367
Eleanor Swords decd.
wid of John,
S. C.

Act 7 July 1838.
Admd. 2 yrs pri -- $80.00
per an: commencing
4 March 36 and ending
["3 May '44 when she died" crossed out]
Payable to
Wm. Swords, Isabella Green,
Dorcas Elrod, Elizabeth
Elrod, Ruth Newton,
Esther Moore, John S.
Swords, Jonathan Swords
& Andrew Swords.

Cert to
M. Thompson
Present.