Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7423, for John Mc Dowel, Maryland
Page 1

(8--1776)
Service Number
Md. McDowel, John W7423
or
N.C. McDowell B.G.Wt. 38502-160-55
Sarah
Contents
This Envelope Includes
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
Page 2

Left Side Page

New certificate issued & sent to the Hon. C.C. Clay Jan 31, 1835
Letter to pensioner & 3rd auditor 27th April 1839
Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6 April 1838 from 4th Sept 1837 to 4 Sept 1838 Agt notified 2nd July 1838

Right Side Page - partially cut off

Alabama

John McDowel
of Morgan Co in the state of Alabama who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Fair of the Brigade commanded by Gen Smallwood in the Maryland line for eleven months from 

$36.66

Inscribed on the roll of Alabama at the rate of 35 dollars and 66 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 183x

Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day blank 1833 and sent to M.M. Mackenzie Clerk Somerville, Morgan Co

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept 1833

{Revolutionary Claim Act June7, 1832}

Recorded by Wm R Palmer - Clerk
Book B Vol 3 page [can't see]
Page 3

5305    Huntsville
Alabama
Sarah McDowell
widow of John McDowell  Md
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
36 dollars 66 cents
per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
15th day of Jany. 1850.
and sent to
Hon. T.R. Young
House of Reps.

Reported
U. Manly Feby 15 1854
Page 4

[two panel page; left panel below]

Act of Mar 3
Nov. 20. 1855.
223.653.
Sarah McDowell
widow of John McDowel
decd. Private
Sarah wix: John McDowell
Revolutionary War
Recd Pension
Ala[illegible]5305
[illegible] Augt. 13/56
BRptn

Ro. H. Gallhher
Washington
D.C.

[written diagonally across the above wording, follows]
1W388655 Aug 13/56

[right panel below]
Val M=1=108
Page 5

Huntsville, Alabama, September 11, 1841.
Received of Bartley m Lowe, Agent for paying Pensions, [illegible]
Eleven dollars, 86 cents. being for three months
& 27 days pension due to John McDowell, decd. from the 4
day of September 1840 to the fifth day of January
1841, the day of his death for which I have signed duplicate 
receipts.
(mark of Sarah McDowell)

(signature of J. B [illegible] & Chas. McClellon)
Page 6

Family Record

John McDowell was born on
the 10th day of August 1758.

Sarah Thomas was born on
the 15th day of June 1772.

John McDowell and Sarah Thomas
were married on the 27th day
of May 1790.

Elizabeth McDowell daughter of
John and Sarah McDowell was
born on the 7th day of January 1791.

William Thomas McDowell was born on
the 26th day of April 1782.
Deceased April 11th 1814.
Page 7

(TEXT IS VERY FADED)

Nancy McDowell was born on
the 13th day of January 1794.

[illegible] McDowell was born on
the 1st day of February 1796.

Mary McDowell was born on
the 12th day of March 1798.

Alexander Thomas McDowell was
born on the 12th day of Feb. 1800.

Clarissa McDowell was born on
the 23rd day of June 1802.

Miles [illegible]McDowell was
 born on the 26th June 180? 
(maybe 1804)

Harriet McDowell was born on
the 25th day of [illegible] 1806

John Washington McDowell was
born on the 12th day of Feb. 1808.

Charlotte McDowell was born on
the 1st day of May 1810.
Deceased March [illegible] 1831.

James [illegible] McDowell was born
born on the 12th day of May 1812.
Page 8

The deposition of Betsy Ann Blewett taken before me at
the house of Robert Turner in Simpson County
Kentucky on the fifth day of December one thousand 
eight hundred and forty nine for the purpose of 
enabling Sarah McDowell widow of John McDowell
to recover from the government of the United
States a pension to which she is entitled by
the provisions of an act of congress in such
cases made and provided the [illegible] being duly
sworn deposeth and sayeth.............................

Question by the Justice
Were you acquainted with said John & Sarah 
McDowell, if so say how long you have
known them or either of them?
Ans.  I have been acquainted with John McDowell
ever since I was a child and with Sarah McDowell
ever since I was about thirteen years old.

Quest. by same.
Do you know any thing about their
marriage if so state what you know about it?
Ans.  I was present and saw them married.  I heard
the parson pronounce them husband & wife.
They were married in South Carolina at the 
house of her father, Phileman Homus.

Quest. by same.
In what year were they married?
Ans.  I think they were married in the year 1789
seventeen hundred and eighty nine.
Page 9

Quest. by same.  By what circumstances do you recollect their
marriage to have been in that year?
Ans.  I know that I was married in the year one
thousand seven hundred and ninety one--that
Sarah McDowell had one child when I was
married.  That her first child was one year
and from January to April old when
her second child was born.  And her second
was born in one thousand eight hundred and
ninety two.  And this I know from the past
that her second child and my first were
born the same year [illegible] seventeen 
hundred and ninety two.

Quest. by same.
When were you married?
Ans. I was married in seventeen hundred & ninety
one.
Quest. by same.  What do you know about John
McDowell having been a soldier in the
revolutionary war?
Ans. I have heard said McDowell often tells of 
his sufferings in the war, and he was always
reported to have been a soldier, and I have
never heard the truth of it called in question
by any person.
And further this deponent saith not
(mark of Betsy Ann Bleweth)
(signature of ____J. Carpenter
Page 10

Kentucky Simpson county set  the foregoing
deposition of Betsy Ann Blewett was taken 
before me at the time and place and for the 
purpose stated in the captain thereof the deponent
being sworn her statements are entitled to
all credit as she is a woman of undoubted
truth & veracity & possessed of more than
ordinary mind, given under my hand as an
acting Justice of the peace for the county
and state aforesaid this the 5th day of Dec-
ember 1849
(signature of John Carpenter JP)

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Executive Department
December 29th 1849.
I, John J. Crittenden, Governor of said commonwealth, 
certify and make known to all whom it may concern,
that John Carpenter whose name is Signed
to the foregoing certificate, [illegible] at the date
thereof, and is now, a Justice of the Peace in and for Simpson County, duly commissioned and sworn.
And that his official acts are entitled to full faith and 
credit in all courts of justice and elsewhere.
In testimony whereof, I have set my hand on 
could the seal of said commonwealth to be affixed.
Done at Frankfort this 29th day of December, A.D.
1849, and in this 58th year of said commonwealth.
(signature of J J  Crittenden)

By the Governor:
(signature of Joshua F Bell)
Secretary of State.
Page 11

7909
19637
John McDowell
Admitted Jan 11 11 months
from 1775

M.M. Mackenzie
Clerk
Somerville, Morgan County
Ala
Page 12

Brief in the case of John Mc Dowell
County of Morgan in the state of Alabama
(Act 7th June 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a court or a judge? - In Open Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? - blank

3. How old is he? Seventy-four years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period 
 - In 1775
- Volunteer

Duration of Service
- 3 months
- 8 months

Rank
-blank

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served
- Gen Smallwood, Col Guest, Capt. Williams
- Capt. James Fair and Capt. Thomas Jenings

5. In what battles was he engaged? - Germantown, Downing Creek, Beaties Ridge

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? - Maryland

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence by incidental evidence or by the rolls? - Traditionary evidence

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? - Correct

X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

John L Watson - Examining Clerk
24 Feb
Page 13

Declaration
of
Mrs. Sarah McDowell
for
land---
160 acres act 1835

Filed Nov 17 [illegible]
By H Gallade
Atty
Page 14

(TEXT IS VERY FADED)
State of Alabama }
Lawrence County } On this 5th day of
November A.D. 1855 personally ap
peared before me, A. Rainwater
a justice of the peace within and for
the County aforesaid, Sarah McDowell
aged 83 years a resident of the
County of Lawrence in the state
of Alabama, who being duly sworn
according to the law declares that
she is the widow of John McDowell
who was a private in the Rev
olutionary War (for the names of  
the Captain the Colonel, and regi
ment under whom and in which
her said husband served declarant
[illegible] refers to her pension papers
[illegible] which she now draws a pen-
sion, that she was married to said
John McDowell on the 27th day of
May in the year 1790 & that
her maiden name was Sarah
[illegible], that her said husband
died in the year 1841 and that
she is now a widow (for evidence 
of her husbands services and of [illegible]
marriage .........illegible.........  She refers
again to her [illegible] for a pension 
under which she now draws a pens
ion.

She makes this declaration 
[illegible] of obtaining the bounty 
[illegible] to which she may be entitled 
to under the act [illegible]
Page 15

TEXT IS VERY FADED AND DIFFICULT TO READ.

never having received or applied for 
bounty land under this or any other act 
of Congresss.

She hereby appoints John [illegible] 
H. Gallagher her attorneys to prosecute 
and receive her warrant.
Sarah her X mark McDowell [word Seal encircled]

We Charles Gibson and John T Adair 
resident in Lawrence County in the 
State of Alabama [illegible] our [illegible] de
clare that the foregoing declaration 
was signed and acknowledged by 
Sarah McDowel in our presence, and 
that we know she is now a widow 
and we believe from the appearance 
and statements of the applicant to
gether with our acquaintance with her 
that she is the identical person she 
represents herself to be.
Charles Glbson
John T Adair

The foregoing declaration and affi
davit were sworn to and subscribed 
before me on the day of and year 
above written; and I certify that I know 
the affiants to be credible persons 
that the claimant is the person she represents 
herself to be and that I have no interest in 
this claim.  A. P. Rainwater JP [word Seal encircled]
Page 16

The State of Alabama
Lawrence County   S.S.
I, Henry A  McGhee
Judge of the Probate Court
of said county, and also clerk of said court,
hereby certify that Allen P. Rainwater Esquire 
before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit
were made, is and was at this time of taking the
same an acting Justice of the peace within and
for the county and state aforesaid duly comm-
issioned and qualified and that is signature
above are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand an affixed the seal of
my office, this 7th day of November
1855.  
(signature of H. A. McGhee) P. J.
Page 17

No. 13.
John McDowell
Act 7 June 1832

Huntsville, Ala.
3gr. 41
Box 16
C--16
Page 18

State of Alabama
Lawrence County  S.S.
Be it remembered that before me Crockett
McDonald, a Justice of the Peace in and for
the County aforesaid personally appeared Sarah McDowell and
made within due form of law that she is the widow of John
McDowell the identical person who was a pensioner and is
now dead, and to whom a Certificate of Pension was issued
of which the following is a true copy
"War Department, Revolutionary Claim.
"I certify that in conformity with the law of the United
"States of the 7th June 1832, John McDowell of the State of
"Alabama, who was a private during the Revolutionary
"War is entitled to receive thirty six dollars and sixty
"six cents per annum during his natural life commencing
"on the 4th of Mach 1831 and payable semi annually
"on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.
"This certificate is issued in lieu of one dated 18 Apl.
"1833 which has been lost or destroyed, and which if
"found will be delivered to the Pen Agent to be returned
"to this office.  Given at the War Office of the United
States this thirty first day of January
one thousand eight hundred and thirty five. 
(signature of Lew Cass)
Secretary of War
No 7909 on the back of the Seal

Examined and countersigned
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
that the deceased resided in Lawrence County in
the State of Alabama for the space of six years before
her death and that previous thereto he resided in the
County of Morgan State of Alabama and that previous
thereto he resided in the Counties of Madison and Law-
rence in said State of Alabama, and that previous
Page 19

thereto he resided in the Counties of Warren and
Logan in the State of Kentucky.
Sworn to and subscribed this 1st day of September 1841.
(mark of Sarah McDowell)
before me C McDonald  JoP
Witness    (signatures of J B Grotman, & Ch McClellen)

The State of Alabama
Lawerance County  SS.
I, Willy Gallaway, Clerk of the County
Court of said County certify
that Crockett McDonald is a magistrate as above
and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be
his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my seal of office and sub-
scribed my name this 1st day of September 1841.
(signature of Wiley Gallaway) Clerk

The State of Alabama
Lawrence County  SS.
Orphans Court Court
August Term 1841
Present the honorable John B Sale Judge of said Court
J Wiley Gallaway Clerk of the County Court holden
at the Court house in the town of  Moretters for said
county on the day above mentioned do hereby certify
that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said
court that John McDowell was a pensioner of the
United States at the rate of thirty six dollars and
sixty six cents per annum; was a resident
of the County of Lawrence in the State of Alabama
and died in said county in the year one thousand
eight hundred and forty one on the first day of
January and that he left a widow whose name
Page 20

is Sarah McDowell.

In testimony whereof I have here-
unto set my hand and affixed
the seal of said County Court at
Office at Moretten the 1st day of
September 1841.
(signature of Wiley Gallaway) Clerk
Page 21

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the act of Congress, prepared June 7th 1822.

On this 22nd day of October 1832 personally 
appeared in open court before Charles W. Peters
Judge of the orphans court for Morgan
County, Alabama, bring a court of Record
now sitting.  John McDowell, a resident of
said county & states aged seventy four years
on 10th of August last, who being first
duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath,
makes the following declaration, in order to obtain
the benefits of the act of Congress passed June
7th 1832. That he entered the service of the
United States, under the following named
officers and served as herein stated to wit,
Genl. Smallwood, Col Guest, Capt. William
Woodell. This month he entered into service
he does not recollect, but the year he
believes was 1775, and remained at that
time for three months this enlistment was in 
the state of Maryland and he was during
that service in the battle of Germantown
in state of Pennsylvania.  After this
service he removed to state of N. Carolina, &
entered United States Service under the following
named officers (he does not recollect the names
of any officers except his Capt. James
Fair, but was in no battle during this ser-
vice.  Soon after this he volunteered in,
said service under Capt Thomas Jennings
of Richmond County, N. Carolina
in which county he (deponent) also lived,
about eight months during said service
he was in the following
Page 22

Battle, on Drowning Creek, Beaties Bridge
a Branch of Perdie River in N. Carolina,
which battle he was taken prisoner &
carried to Wilmington N. Carolina, and de-
tained about two months, then shipped as 
Prisoner to Charleston S. Carolina, and then
kept, about six months as prisoner, then
discharged by paral. He has no documen-
tary widowed of said service, and 
that he knows of no person whose testimony
he can present who can testify to his
service. [illegible] relinquishes every claim what
ever to a pension or annuity except the pen-
sent and declare that his name is not on
the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to & subscribed
the day & year aforesaid. 
(signature of John McDowell)

We, Robert Bantley & Jacob Lassiter, residing in
the county & state aforesaid hereby certify that
we are well acquainted with John McDowell
who has subscribed and sworn to the above de-
claration, that we believe him to be seventy four
years of age, that he is reputed and believed
in the neighborhood where he lived, to know him
a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur
in that opinion.
Sworn to & subscribed
the day & year aforesaid.
(signature of Jacob Lassiter)
(mark of Robert Bantley)
Page 23

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion,
after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogations prescribed 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 Jacob Lassiter and Robert
Bartley who have signed the preceding
certificate on residents in said county of Morgan,
Alabama, and are credible persons, and
that their statements are entitled to credit.
(signature of Ch Peters) judge

State of Alabama
Morgan County 
I, M. M. MacKenzie clerk of the 
circuit court of Morgan County and
State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing 
contains the original proceedings of the said court
in the matter of the application of John McDowell for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of office this twenty sixth day of
October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty two and of American Independence
the fifty seventh year.
(signature of M. M. Mackenzie) Clerk
Page 24

9569
Huntsville Agency
Sarah McDowell
application for
pension.
Alabama
Act July 7th '38
h.d. 1 Jan 1841

admitted
Pn: $36.66 per
an com 4 March 1836
to 4 March 1841, to
4 March 1843 to '48 &
for 4 moth 1848

Hon T. R. Young
H. R
Page 25

State of Alabama
Lawrence County   S.S.
On this eighteenth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred
and forty three personally appeared before the Judge of the
County Court of Lawrence County State of Alabama,
Sarah McDowell a resident of the county and
state aforesaid aged seventy three years, who being
first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath
make the following statement in order to obtain the 
benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress
passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay
and pensions to certain widows.  That she is the widow
of John McDowell who was a Private in the Army
of the Revolution and that said John McDowell was a
Pensioner as will more fully appear
reference being had to the names of those who are 
enrolled on the pension list.

She further declares that she was married to the said
John McDowell on the seventeenth day of 
May in the year 1788.  That her husband the 
aforesaid John McDowell died on the first day of
January in the year 1841.  That she was not
married to him prior to his leaving the service but that
the marriage took place previous to the first day of January
seventeen hundred and ninety four that is to say at
the time above stated. 
Sworn to and subscribed on         (mark of Sarah McDowell)
the day and year above
written before me.

David R. Lewis, Judge County Court
of Lawrence County. State of Alabama
State of Alabama }
Lawrence County } We, Wiley Gallaway, 
residing in the County of
Page 26

Lawrence State of Alabama and Thomas Simpson
a citizen of the County of Lawrence.  State of 
Alabama, hereby certify that they are well acquainted
with Sarah McDowell.  Who has subscribed and
sworn to the above declaration; that we believe
her to be seventy three years of age; that she is
reputed and believe to be a woman of truth in the
neighborhood where she resides and to be the widow
of John McDowell and that we
fully concur in that opinion.         (signature of Wiley Gallaway)
Sworn to and subscribed             (signature of Thomas Simpson)
this day and your aforesaid
before me.....David P. Lewis, Judge County Court
of Lawrence County, State of Alabama.

And the court does hereby
declare the opinion after the investigation of the matter
that the said Sarah McDowell is the widow of the said
John McDowell and it believes her to be seventy three
years of age, and the court has implicit confidence 
in her statement in regard to her marriage with
the said John McDowell.  And the court further certifies
that it appears to it that Wiley Galloway and Thomas Simpson
who have signed the above and foregoing certificate
are resident citizens of Lawrence County, State of
Alabama and that they are both credible persons and
their testimony is entitled to credit.  
(signature of David P Lewis) Judge
County Court Lawrence County
State of Alabama.
I, Wiley Galloway do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the Original
proceedings of the said court in the matter
of the application of Sarah McDowell.
In testimony whereof
Page 27

I hereunto set my name at office at Moulton and affix the seal of said county court the 18th day of July 1843 and of American Independence the 68th year.

Wiley Galloway - Clerk
Page 28

Revy
Widow, etc.
File No 7423
Sarah McDowell
Widow
John McDowell
Priv Rev War

Act: Feb 3 1848
Index: Vol M Page 20

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 29

38.502

160 Acres
Page 30

No 9569
Sarah McDowell
Alabama
Suspended
Let to J.D. Ruther Nov 6th 1843 
" to Hon J. Semple March 10th "46
" to same   May 12th "46
" to Hon S Breese Dec 29 "48
" to W. Manley  Augt. 1 "49
" to Hon. S. Breese Aug 11th "49

Act July 7th 1838
Page 31

No 9569
Sarah McDowell
Alabama
Suspended

Sent J.D. Ruther Nov 6, 1843
Sent 6 Nov J Semple Nov 10, '46

Hon S Breese Esq
let to W. Manly 18 Aug '40

Act July 7 '38
Page 32

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Wash

James Semple

Hon J. Semple H.R.

Mar 5, '46

Sarah Mcdowell
July 7 1838
Page 33

10815      Huntsville
Alabama.
Sarah McDowell
Widow of John McDowell
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June '32
and who died on the 1st January 1841
of Morgan C. in the State of Alabama
who was a private in the company
commanded by Captain Fair of the
brigade commanded by Gen. Smallwood in
the Maryland line for 11 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Huntsville
at the rate of 36 dollars 66
cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day 
of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of
January 1850 and sent to
Hon J. R. Young, House of Reps.

[Act July 7, 1838]
Recorded  by J P Chase, Clerk
book D. Vol. 1  Page 333.
Page 34

8735  Huntsville
Alabama.
Sarah McDowell
widow of John
who was a Private
in the Maryland line
for 11 months.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 36 dollars 66
cents per annum. to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued
the 15th day of Jany. '30
and sent to
Hon T. T. Young
House of Reps.
[Acts of March 3, 1813, & June
17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2  Page 231
Page 35

State of Alabama
Lawrence County
I hereby certify that
Wiley Gallaway & Charles
Gibson whose depositions
are taken in the case to which this Certificate
as appended are credible witnesses which is
certified from my own personal knowledge.

(signature of Richard O. Pickett)
Judge County Court
Lawence Co. Ala.
Page 36

State of Alabama
Lawrence County S.S.
On this 27th day of September one
thousand eight hundred and forty five before the under-
signed Judge of the County Court in and for said County 
personally appeared Sarah McDowell a resident of said
County aged about seventy three years, who being first
duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the
following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July
7th 1838, March 3rd 1843, and June 17th 1844, granting 
pensions and Half-Pay to certain widows.  That she is the
widow of John McDowell who was a Revolutionary War
Pensioner at the rate of thirty six dollars
and 36 cents per annum on the roll of the
State of Alabama.  She further declares that she was
 married to the said John McDowell on the 27th day of
May, in the year seventeen hundred and ninety. in
the District of Marlborough in the State of South
Carolina by Publication, and that her husband the
aforementioned John McDowell died in the Conty
of Lawence aforesaid on the 1st day of January one
thousand eight hundred and forty one, and that she
still remains his widow.  She further declares
that she was married to the said John McDowell
prior to his leaving the service but that the marriage
took place previous to the first day of January
seventeen hundred and ninety four; at the time above
Page 37

(mark of Sarah McDowell)
stated.
Subscribed and sworn to
before me on the day and
year first within written.
(signature of Richard O. Pickett)

State of Alabama
Lawrence County  S.S.
On this 27th day of September one
thousand eight hundred and forty five before the subscriber
Judge of the County Court in and for said County person-
ally appeared Wiley Gallaway and Charles Gibson
residents of said county who being first duly sworn
according to law, the said Wiley Gallaway as first depo-
seth and saith that John McDowell the husband of the
identical Sarah McDowell mentioned in the foregoing
declaration died at the house of Charles Gibson
in the county of Lawrence aforementioned
on the first day of January one thousand eight
hundred and forty one.  That he deponent saw
hi expire, that he deponent made a record of
hisl death on the next day, and since transferred it
to his deponent's own family record and has it
still in his possession.  Deponent further deposeth
and saith that the said Sarah McDowell is still
the widow of said John McDowell.  This [illegible] 
deponent knows from the circumstance of Mrs. McDowell
Page 38

McDowell having continued to live on the [illegible]
with deponent ever since the death of her said
husband John McDowell, and she having frequently
visited deponents' family and remained several days
at a visit at his house, and that said Sarah McDowell
has continued to advise with deponent related to
her support and comfort ever since she has been
a widow.  Deponent further deposeth and saith that
he transcribed the annexed family record [smudge] 
of John McDowell deceased and the said Sarah Mc-
Dowell in the early part of the year one thousand eight
hundred and seventeen from a family record in an
old family Bible which was as much worn and
tattered by use that it was then in great danger
of becoming unintelligible. But whether the old
Bible has been entirely destroyed, or whether it
at that time belonged to some other member of
a different branch of the family deponent has
never known. He not having ever seen or heard
of it since that time that he remembers.  That
the family record hereto annexed is the identical
one made by deponent in 1817 he is certain from
his having often seen it in the possession of the
said John McDowell and Sarah McDowell since the
time at which he transcribed it.
(signature of Wiley Gallaway)
Sworn to & subscribed before
me on this day & year first above
written.
(signature of Richard O. Pickett)
Page 39

State of Alabama
Lawrence County
Personally appeared before
me Richard O. Pickett 
Judge of the County Court
of Lawrence County & State aforesaid Charles
Gibson. who after being sworn according to
law deposeth & saith that the matters & things
contained in the deposition of Wiley Gallaway
on the annexed pages are true in every respect.
Sworn to & subscribed
before me this 2nd day      (signature of Charles Gibson)
of Oct 1845.
(signature of Richard O. Pickett)
Judge Cty Court Lawrence
Cty, Ala

The State of Alabama
Lawrence County S.S
I, Barnabas W. Isbill Clerk of the
County Court in and for said County, (the
same being a court of record, and so declare by the law 
creding it) do hereby certify that Richard O. Pickett is a Judge duly
commissioned and qualifies and that the several foregoing
signatures purporting to be his are genuine.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my
name and affixed the official seal of said court
this 11th day of October one thousand eight and
forty five.
(signature of B. W. Isbill) Clerk
Page 40

Marshall
Feb. 8th 1854

Sir
Some years ago I
prosecute the claim of
Mrs. Sarah McDowell for a
pension under acct 7 July '38.
I enclose you a letter from a 
relative of Mrs. McDowel
& will feel obliged if you
find any explanation in
your power in regard to
her claims if any [illegible] to
state the means to obtain....
She was a pensioner in the Ala. Roll.
Very Respectfully
W M
Page 41

[illegible] July 30, 1849

Dear Sir
May I ask your early attention to
the [illegible] application in behalf of
Sarah McDowell the widow of a
revolutionary soldier.
With great respect
[illegible line]
(signature S [illegible])

J. L. Edwards [illegible]
Com. of Pensions
Page 42

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Dec 26

John McDowell
Alabama
7909
Page 43

TEXT TOO FADED TO READ.
Page 44

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 45

Aug 23, '48
Sarah McDowell

J.L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.

STAMP
Page 46

Pension Office,
March 10th 1846.

Sir;
I have the honor to inform you that the testimony of
Wiley Gallaway in the case of Sarah McDowell,
asserting that he made the copy of the Family Register
filed in this case, in the year 1817 is disproved
by the register itself, which shewing that it was made
since April 1831.
Neither the service nor date of marriage is
satisfactorily sustained.

I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully
{illegible line]
(signature J. L. Edwards)
Page 47

State of Alabama
Morgan County
Personally appeared
before me Jonathan L. Owens an
acting justice of the peace for said
county John McDowell a revolution-
ary pensioner and after being
duly sworn [illegible............]  that the
certificate of a pension is [illegible]
he received from the war depart-
ment at Washington City and 
by which he is entitled to a pen-
sion of thirty six dollars and sixty
six cents as he believes is
lost or missed and by all the 
exertions he has been able to 
make he cannot regain [illegible]
[illegible] thereof.
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 16th December 1834.
John McDowel
(signature of Jonathan L. Owens) J. P.
Page 48

State of Alabama
Morgan County
I, M. M. MacKenzie Clerk of said county
court do hereby certify that Jonathan L. Owens
before whom the within affidavit was signed
and subscribed was on the day and date thereof
an acting Justice of the peace in and for the 
county of Morgan aforesaid duly [illegible] sworn
and commissioned agreeably to law-- and that his
official acts are such are justly entitled to due
faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set
my hand and affix the seal of office
at office this 11th day of Jany.1835 and
in the fifty ninth year of American
independence.
[illegible]  M. M. MacKenzie Clk.

State of Alabama
Morgan County
I, E. R. Wallen Judge of
the county court of Morgan County
do hereby certify that M. M M Kenzie is and was, at
the time of signing the foregoing certificate, Clerk of
County Court of said county & that his attestation
is [illegible] form.  [illegible] under my hand
this 14th Jany. 1835.
(signature of R. R. Wallen)
Page 49

Treasury Department
Second Comptroller's Office
June 27, 1839

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States", John McDowell a pensioner on the roll of the Huntsville, Ala Agency at the rate of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 has been paid at this department from the 4th of Sept 1837 to the 4th Sept 1838.

Respectfully yours,

Albion K Parris
Comptroller

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Page 50

Free

Hon. C. C. Clay
Washington City
D. C.
Page 51

Somerville Ala
Dec 11th 1834

Dear sir
Enclosed is an affidavit
of John McDowell from which you
will see the old man has lost his
pension certificate.  I have no law
upon the subject & indeed never
saw a pension certificate and has
avoided all benefits of the sort,
but I have really some solitude 
for Mr. McDowell for whose [illegible]
=ism & honesty.  I have high respect
I do not know that [illegible] has
suggested [illegible] to me is correct and
must throw myself upon your
kindness to, [illegible] me right where I
have erred.  I need not make any
apology for troubling you, for
the great desire you have always
Page 52

manifested to do acts of kindness for
your constituents connected with
an honest and faithful discharge
of your [illegible] duties is all together
sufficient to warrant me in the
course I have then taken.
I have no news worth communicating
my friend Chapman has certainly
[illegible.........] of Judge Smith.  Chapmans
note on the [illegible......] question
is operating slightly against him
but I hope will do no harm.
From the papers you will see the
resolutions to invite Moore to
[illegible.. possibly 'resign'] have passed.
Please give my [illegible] to Judge
White and Mr Lea and accept
assurances of my highest regard.
Respectfully your friend
W. W. Lindsay
Page 53

P.S.
His thought the resolutions nominating
Judge White for President
will pass. In our county the
people are clam[illegible] [illegible[
of them 
W. W. L.
Page 54

Brief objections to the admission of pension claim of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John McDowell which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? - YES

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

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? - BLANK

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

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? - BLANK

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

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

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? - YES

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? - YES

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? - YES
Page 55

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? - No Clergyman and several witnesses

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reasons assigned for not obtaining it? - BLANK

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? - BLANK

XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?

BLANK

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? - BLANK

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? - YES

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And if not, which of them s not so answered? - YES

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, etc. 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 blank year, blank months and blank days, I served as a blank for blank months and blank days I served as a blank; and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 56

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 objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, etc. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served, the duration of each term of engagement, the particular place or places where the service was performed, that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority, that he was either in the field or in garrison, and for the time during which the service was performed he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

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 matter of his leaving the same as well as the regiment, company, and line to 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 form being improperly attached to the certificate.

In every case where the clerk of the court or other certifying officer has no public seal of office the certificate of a member of congress proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer should accompany the papers.
Page 57

Payments to be made 
at Mobile
by Pt U.S. Br Bank
Agent for paying pensioners in the agency of Alabama

Recorded in the pension office in Book E Vol 8 Page 48 by Wm R. Palmer
Clerk
Page 58

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United
States of the 7th June, 1832, John McDowell
of the state of Alabama
who was a Private in the Army
of the Revolution.
is entitled to receive thirty six dollars and
sixty six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi annually on the
4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United
States, this 18th day of
April one thousand
eight hundred and thirty. 
Lew Cap
Secretary of War. 

Examined and Countersigned.
(signature of J. L. Edwards)
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 59

Washington, Dec 14, '48

Dear Sir

A friend and neighbor of mine desires me to be given of you which you have some with the following cases sent you early last spring for pensions & said warrants viz: 
Aletha R Clem widow of Jesse R Clem, 
Polly Crawford widow of Joel S. Crawford 
Elizabeth Rice widow of James M Rice
all of Co. K 2nd Regt, Md Vol. Also, Mrs. Charity Pearson in right of her son Thomas B Pearson for bounty land of Co. H 1st Regt Md Vol.
These widows are very poor & want the little pittance govt has allowed them. Will you please decide upon them all immediately per their [illegible] come by this time.

Very respectfully
S. Breese

J.L. Edwards

I desire to present the pension declaration of Sarah McDowell for a pension & ask for early attention.
S.B.
Page 60

Payment to be made
at Mobile, by the
Bres Br Bank State of Ala
Agent for paying pensioners in the agency of Alabama

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E Vol 8 Page 48
R. Burdine, Clerk
Page 61

War Department
Revolutionary Claim

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832, John McDowel of the State of Alabama who was a Private during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive thirty-six dollars and sixty-six cents per annum during his natural life: commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and the 4th of September in every year

This certificate is issued in lieu of the dates 18 Apr 1833 which has been lost or destroyed and which if found will be delivered to the Pen. Agent to be destroyed by this office.

Given at the war Office of the United States this thirty first day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five.

Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 62

7909

Final Payment [illegible]
Received from GAO

Office in Book E Vol 8
Page 48
R. Burdine - Clerk
Page 63

Washington
Jan 10 - 1850

Sir

Enclosed please find additional testimony in the case of Mrs. Sarah Jackson, which I believe supplies the deficiency in the case as suggested in your letter rec'd by me a day or two since.

Also please find additional testimony in the case of Sarah McDowell, which I am informed has been filed a long time in your office.

Both of these cases are applications on behalf of widows of revolutionary soldiers married prior to 1794.

Your early attention to their cases will oblige.

Your Obt Servant
T R Young

Hon J.L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Page 64

Moulton Ala
January 19th 1854

Hon W. Manly

Dear Sir

I have just been informed by Col Gebson the son-in-law of Mrs. Sarah McDowell for whom you obtained a pension certificate some 4 or 5 years past - that the Pension Agent at Huntsville, Ala has notification that on proper application the amount granted to her can be handsomely increased with back pay.

Col. Gebson wishes you to examine into the matter and prosecute the claim for which he says your fee shall on recovery be paid if you should find there is a chance for success write us that is necessary to be done here, with full instructions.

Respectfully Yours

W.H. Salmon
Page 65

The deposition of Betsy Ann Blewett taken at the house of Melinda Evans in Simpson County Kentucky on the 15th day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine before me and acting Justice of the Peace for said county, to be used as evidence in behalf of Sarah McDowell widow of John McDowell deceased of Alabama for the purpose of enabling said Sarah McDowell to recover and receiving the lawful pension due her as widow of said John McDowell dec'd from the government of the United States, according to an act of congress for the benefit of the soldiers of the revolutionary war done by request of Sarah McDowell by Willey Galloway.

Question by John Copeland
1st - were you acquainted with the above-named Sarah McDowell if so, state how long you have known her
And - I was acquainted with her from about the time of and for a short time precious to her marriage with said John McDowell until her removal to Alabama

Question by same - were you present at the time of the marriage of said Sarah & John McDowell?
Ans - I was present at their marriage saw and heard them pronounced as husband and wife lawfully married.

Question by same - At what time did said marriage
Page 66

take place and where were they married?
Ans - They were married previous to the year of seventeen hundred and ninety one in the state of South Carolina.

Question by same - what was the name of said Sarah McDowell previous to her marriage with said John McDowell?
Ans - Her name was Sarah Thomas.

Question by same - was said John McDowell reputed to be a revolutionary soldier?
Ans - I have often heard him speak of having been a soldier in the revolutionary war and was also commonly reputed as such and I have never heard the fact of his having served in the revolution doubted by anyone and further this deponent saith not.

Betsy Ann Blewett
Her X Mark

The above deposition of Betsy Ann Blewett was this day taken before me and sworn to by said B.A. Blewett at the place and for the purpose stated in the caption of said foregoing deposition and assignee before me - given under my hand this the fifteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

John Carpenter - JP
Page 67

State of Kentucky
Simpson County

I P H Boisseau as clerk of the county court of said county do certify that John Carpenter whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly appointed, commissioned and qualified according to the laws & constitution of said state and that full faith and credit are due and should be given to all his official acts as such.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal in Franklin Ky this 21st day of may AD 1849.

P H Boisseau - Clerk
By EP Boisseau - Dep Clerk
Page 68

State of Missouri Moniteau County,} ss: On this 10th day of March 1846, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, personally appeared William H. Salmon, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath depose and say, that he was well acquainted with John McDowell, of Lawrence County, Alabama, in his life time, and also with his wife, (now widow) Sarrah McDowell, that he first knew them in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, or five, in the County of Lawrence in the State of Alabama, that, at the time I first knew them as aforesaid, they lived together as husband and wife and had children, who at that time appeared to be about forty or forty five years old, which children they recognized as their own, that he has no doubt of the fact, Ha. He said John and Sarrah were married as early as 1790, from the fact that he said deponent resided in a branch of the family of said John and Sarrah about two years, and frequently heard their marriage spoken of, and that after the death of the said John, Official was employed as an under Clerk, in the Office of the Clerk of the County and {illegible} Court of Law venue County aforesaid, during the pendency of the Settlement of the Estate of said decedent, and whose papers had on several occasions to pass through his hands and be examined by him.  Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10th day of March 1846, Philip D. Stephens I.D.
 William H. Salmon
I certify, that William H. Salmon, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing deposition is a credible witness Philip D. Stephens I.D.
Page 69

State of Missouri
Monitrau County} ss
I, James Anderson, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Philip D. Stephens is a Magistrate, as above, and that the several foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and offices my private seal there being no seal of Office yet provided, at Boonsborough in said County, this 12th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and forty six.
James Anderson
Page 70

The State of Alabama
Jefferson County

Personally appeared before me Joab Bagley 
an acting Justice of the Peace in said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths, John Thomas a man of undoubted veracity who after being sworn by me in due form of law deposeth and saith that [illegible] to the year seventeen hundred and ninety-four he said deponent was intimately acquainted with John McDowell who was a revolutionary soldier on the Alabama pension rolls of the county of Lawrence in the said state at the time of his death and with Sarah McDowell later his wife newly widowed who [illegible] application for a pension under the acts of the congress of the United States and that the identical John McDowell and Sarah McDowell, Thomas before her marriage, were living together as husband and wife and that they were recognized as such by the community generally in which they lived previous to the said year 1794 and that he said deponent is fully satisfied that they the said John McDowell and Sarah McDowell (formerly Thomas) were lawfully married previous to the said year seventeen hundred and ninety-four.

John Thomas

Sworn & subscribed before me the 27th day of February 1849

Joab Bagley
[illegible]

The State of Alabama
Jefferson County

I Joab Bagley clerk of the county court of Jefferson County aforesaid certify that Joab Bagley before whom the above affidavit was made is and was at the time at which the same purports to have been made an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county court at office at [illegible] the 27th day of February AD 1849 and of American Independence the 73rd year.

J Bagley - Clerk
Page 71

Marshall NC.
March 27th 49

Sir
A relation of a Mrs
McDowell widow of John McDowell
of Alabama, has placed the
enclosed in my hands and wishes
me to submit it to your
He informs me that this will
make all the [illegible] that
has here to for been required
[illegible] you in this case
Very Respectfully
W Manly
Page 72

Sarah McDowell
To Pension Declaration
War Department
Page 73

The state of Alabama
Lawrence County

On the 31st day of October 1848 before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Sarah McDowell [illegible] seventy six years old  according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration [illegible] but is still the lawful widow of John McDowell who was a pensioner of the United States on the Alabama roll that she has personally applied for the benefit of the Acts of Congress of 7 July 1838 [illegible] to her said application.

Sarah McDowell
Her X Mark

Sworn and subscribed before me this 31st day of October 1848.

C McDonald - JP

I am personally acquainted with the said affiant 
and can certify that she [illegible]

C. McDonald

State of Alabama
Lawrence County