Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9493, for Alexander Kelso, North Carolina
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(2-1776)
SERVICE
N.C.
S.C.
[illegible] Va.
Kelso, Alaxander
or Kelsoe,
or Kelsoo, Margaret
NUMBER 
W. 9493.
CONTENTS
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[left page]
Indiana
3946
Margaret Kelsoe
widow of Alexander Kelsoe
who died on the 1st September 1835
of Morgan co in the State of Indiana
who was a private in the Company commanded
by Captain Bartley of the Regiment commanded
by Col. Richardson in the South Carolina
line for 6 months
* & N.C. Line  W. D. G.  Apr. 2, 1908.

Inscribed on the Roll of Madisen
at the rate of 20 Dollars -- Cents per annum,
is commence on the 2d September 1835.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of November 1843.
and sent to F. Q. Lowe
Bennington Indiana

Arrears to the 4th of September 1843   $161.50
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Mar. '43    10.10
[total == ]  171.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by  Geo C Anns [??]  Clerk,
Book  6  Vol. 1   Page 200

[right page]
[illegible too light]
Date of death
not on ao[??]
Page 3

[left page]
19315
Indiana
Alexander Kelsoo
of Margan Co in the State of Ina
who was a pr in the co commanded
by Captain Bartley of the regt commanded 
by Col Richardson  in the S. C. 
line for 6 mos.

Inscribed on the Roll of Ina
at the rate of 20 Dollars -- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Aug
1833 and --
Wm. C. Ross Martinsville

Arrears to the 4th of March   40[.]0
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep  10[.]0
[total == ]   $50

{Revolutionary [missing] Act June 7, 183[missing] 
Recorded by Danl Boyd  Clen
Book E  Vol. 7   Page 118

[right page] 
Date of death
not on AB
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State of Indiana
Monroe County  ss

On this the 24th day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the undersigned One of the Associate Judges of the Circuit Court in and for said County of Monroe in said State of Indiana Margrett Kelsoe a resident of Perry Township in said County and State aged eighty eight years (past) who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath to the follow my declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.

That she is the widow of Alexander Kelsoe who was a private of Militia in the service of the United States in the Army and War of the Revolution.

That said Alexander Kelsod about the year eighteen hundred and thirty two or three, as she believes from information of her family (her memory of late events not being as good as of things that took place when she was Young and was never good of dates) then residing in Morgan County in said State of Indiana make his application for and obtained a Pension of twenty dol lars per annum under the act of Congress. For more particular proof as to of his service, she refers to his declaration in the War Office.

She states that she was always informed and believes that she was born on the fall season of the year, but of what year he has forgotten.
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She very well recollects that she was married to the said Alexander the next spring after the Battle of Kings Mountain & in the month of May (in which Battle he was engaged as she believed) she distinctly recollects that she was twenty six years of age at the time of her marriage.

She resided in Mecklenburgh County in the State of North Carolina near the Town of Charlotte in the early part of the War She recollects well when Captain Scotts Company of Volunteers started out on the Snow-Campaign (so called on account of the snow being on the Earth at the time). She had her brothers James and William Balch on said company. She remembers that she furnished her brother William who was the Ensign in said Company with a Silk Handkerchief for a flag for his company

She recollects being at meeting at Captain Scotts when the company arrived upon as return, whilst the preacher was preaching, and recollects the exclamation of the Captains wife & the feeling it produced. She recollects very well going from the South side of the Catawba River where she lived across the river a journey of thirty miles to her brothers to ascertain if he had turned from Gates's defeat. As she was going on her way when she crossed the River at Beatties Ford, there was a guard, - they stoped her & questioned her a- about her name, and business. She answered them. One of them said he knew her connexions and that they were all good whigs.  She then
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understood from them that they were stationed there to keep the tories from crossing the river. Her youngest brother John Balch went out for the Battle of Ramsons Mill, and was in it as she was informed and believes.

She had three brothers in Gates's defeat James William and Amos as informed and believes. After this (Gates's Defeat) she with others fled with the intention of going to her brothers Stephen B. Balch a Presbyterian preacher of George Town in the District of Columbia, but being informed that grain was scarce in the District, they stoped at Staunton on Virginia and stayed there one winter and part of the next summer. Thence she with others returned to a place called Little Limestone in then North Carolina now Tennessee. She remained there untill the Spring after the Battle of Kings Mountain when as she before above stated she was married to the said Alexander according to an agreement made before the Battle of Kings Mountain.

They (this declarant and the said Alexander Kelsoe) were married in Washington County then N. Carolina now Tennessee. She recollects that their Marriage License was issued by Colo. Sevier the Clerk of the Court of said County at Jonesboro. The Minister who solemnized their marriage was John Causson a Presbyterian preacher, who resided near to them. their regular preacher Samuel Done being absent at Presbytery
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After their marriage they remained in the same place about two years. She recollects the said Alexander's going out for the expedition to Kings Mountain, and his bringing back with him a led horse said to be got there. She does not recollect whether said Alexander was in the fort or horsed at Kings Mountain, She things he served part of the time on foot and part in horse.  In some of his tours he was on the foot service.  & most of which service was before their marriage as she is informed and believes.

After their marriage and after the Battle of Kings Mountain her said husband served two tours of duty against the Cherokee Indians and Tories. One of these tours she thinks, (it is her best impression) he performed on horse. She does not recollect whether in the other he was a footman or horseman. She does not recollect the length of the tours; nor whether they were in the same year or not. She recollects that the Indian Depredations which rendered the call necessary first broke out in Blount County.  There were many forts in that county at the time. She had a sister in one of them as she was informed she forgets the name it. It was attacked with only two men in it. They assissted by the women kept up a fire & the enemy gave up the siezs and retired. Another fort about the same was burned.

She recollects the first family attacked by the Indians that season. They were by the name of Kirk. The old gentlemen & one son escaped. Just [af]ter this
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it was that her husband started out on the first of the two tours, which took place as before stated after the Battle of Kings Mountain. She recollects that about this time young Mr. Cunningham went out with his sister to milk (in her neighbourhood) and both were killed by the Indians In the first of said two tours she has the impression that her husband was under Captain Carson, or that that Captain was along. his first name she has a feint impression was Robert.

Her husband she has the impression (not confidently) in one of his said two tours was destined to a place called Hightower, as she supposed in the Cherokee Nation. The expedition and in warm weather.  John Wallace an killed in that expedition as she was informed and believed. She recollects that after this a short time they brought a few Indian prisoners in the part of the County near where she lived.  The young man above mentioned by the name of Kirk whose family had been attacked rushed among the prisoners and killed some of them was about to kill an old Indian woman, but spared her upon her protesting that her Indian son John had never killed white men. She cannot state where her husband started to go in his Second tour. Both tour she thinks were [no]t far aprit.

She recollects that Saml. Handy or Hanly whether about this time or not she is unable to remember went to Cumberland Mountain with a Company. Being attacked by Indians his men all fled, leaving him to stand alone.  His company reported him dead. He was much respected. His funer
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funeral sermon was preached by Mr Henderson who was he preacher. She was present and heard it. It was highly affecting. She still recollects the word of one of his sentences describing the manner in which he died "So died our brave and noble Captain" In a few days afterwards and which revited the words upon her memory.   Captain Handy Hanly returned sound and well.  It was said his men appeared to be sorry that he lived. Her husband the said Alexander may have been in the foot service at Kings Mountain she remembers his stating upon his return that the British overshot the Americans as they went up the side of the Mountain

She states that she well recollects that her oldest son (Charles) was a child when the said Alexander went out in one of said expedition against the Indians.

In one of the said Indian Campaign he thinks Dougherty was an Officers what office he held she can not state nor whether said Alexander was under his command. or whether under the command of [illegible]   Said Dougherty was at one time she recollect a Major or Colonel and was afterwards is her impression a General She states that about five years ago then residing in Morgan County in this State she made a declaration for the present purpose before Judge Huffman of said County. She is informed that the statement she then made was insufficient because of stating her marriage to have taken place in the year 1781 which is after the time
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as she is informed of the date of her husbands last services as stated in his declaration. She does not recollect his statements nor has she any means of knowing what they were. She can account for the apparent disagreement in their statements only in one of these ways. The draftsman of her husbands declaration must have omitted to state these Indian tours of her husband or he from his great failure of memory must have forgotten to mention them to his said draftsman, or must have stated his since in the tours too far back.

This affiant can not be mistaken when she expressly and positively declares as she now does that her said husband was out in the service in the Revolution after their marriage together, and after the Battle of Kings - Mountain and performed said Indian tours. She and the said Alexander were promised to each other in marriage some time before and were married after said Battle and one of said tours against the Indians she is certain was after the birth of her son Charles Their first child born after their marriage She has been advised to claim under the Act of 7th July 1838. She can not make any other statement or declaration than she has made and now makes. The facts as she has set them forth are substantially true and none other.

She states that their heirs for her and the said Alexander and the celebration of the married was had according to the laws then existing [illegible]
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said state. She said Colo Sever was the same who was afterwards Governor of Tennessee. The Clerks Office from which their license was obtained as aforesaid was destroy by fire. She is informed and believes from the information of a friend whom she employed expressly to ascertain that the records of marriages in said Office was consumed by fire. at the said burning of said Office For corroborative testimony she refers to the Deposition of John Balch of Jefferson County Tennessee on file in the War Office. She states that her and the said Alexander after their marriage also lived in the Counties of Jefferson & Knox the said State of Tennessee

She states that (probably from the circumstances of her not living with any of her own family whilst single after being partly grown) she knows nothing of any record of her age. Her father and mother died when she was not grown. Several of her brothers have obtained pensions as she is informed and believes: Among them the Revd Stephen B Balch who formerly resided in Georgetown District of Columbia whose descandants she is informed now live in the District, or in Maryland. One Thomas B. Balch she is informed lives on the Eastern Shore A daughter of the said [illegible] she is informed is main to Genl Macomb. She states that from bodily infirmity she is not able to appear in open Court without great suffering
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Her husband the said Alexander Kelsoe died either on the first or second day of September eighteen hundred and thirty five. That she has remained a widow ever since the said period of the said husbands death as will now fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.

That she has for many years been well known to Thomas Hudiburgh James Blair and others of Morgan County Ind. That she is well known to the Rev James Faris of [illegible] County Ind. as well as others.
Margaret Kelso
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I James Farris a clergyman residing in the Same said County & neighborhood with the said Margaret Kelso hereby certify that I am now and have been for about fourteen years well acquainted with the said Margarett who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that I am about fifty two years of age, that I beleive said Margaret to be about eight or ninety years of age, that she was a respectable member of the Presbyterian Church as I have always understood. That I believe her to be an excellent woman and incapable of falsehood in her applications for a pension or otherwise, that I have understood and believe that her husband Alexander Kelsoe was a soldier in the Revolution, that the said Margarett has ever since his death continued to be and is now his widow
Janes Faris

State of Indiana 
Monroe County ss
The undersigned one of the Associate Judges of the Circuit Court of said County (the same being a Court of record) do hereby certify that the foregoing declarations and statements of Margarett Kelsoe, and the Revd James Faris were made && subscribed by, and sworn to by them, before me on the day and year aforesaid,- that they are persons of the highest credibility - that the said Faris is a respectable Clergyman That I am of opinion having carefully investigated said Margarett that the facts as stated in her Declaration of the said Margarett are true & that she is entitled to a pension. Given under my hand this 24th day of April 1843.
John M. Berry
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State of Indiana }
Monroe County   }
On this the fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three before the undersigned one of the Associate Judges of the Circuit Court of said County in the State aforesaid personally appeared James B Kelsoe a resident of Perry Township in said County aged forty seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following Statement as evidence in behalf of Margarett Kilsoe an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of July 4th 1836

The said James B Kelsoe states that he is the son of the said Margarett -- that he is forty seven years of age -- that he has lived with the said Margarett all his life up to the present times & still lives with her except nine months which he was in the late war in the army and two years he lived one mile from her. During said two years he saw her regularly every few days.

She is the same who applied for a pension in Morgan County in said State before Judge Huffman as stated by her in her in her Declaration to which this is annexed -- that she is the widow of the said Alexander Kelsoe who applied for a pension in said County of Morgan about the year 1832 or 1833.
That the said Margarett Kelsoe to whose Declaration this is appealed is the same Margarett Kelsoe in support of whose claim the statements of Thomas Hudiburgh, James Blair, William Boles Esqr and Charles Wilson were taken
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dated April 26 1843.
He the said James B Kelsod states that he recollects as well as if of yesterday hearing the said Margarett and Alexander repeatedly conversing of the Revolution and its events from the year 1810 or thereabout up to the death of the said Alexander & since by the said Margarett up to the present time. He recollects hearing the said Alexander say that the two Indian tours mentioned in the foregoing Declaration of the said Margarett were after the Battle of Kings Mountain and after the marriage of him and the said Margarett

He always since his first recollection uniformly heard the said Margarett and Alexander both state as well before the Act of Congress allowing them pensions as after, that such were the facts as to the time of their marriage and by to the said Indian tours being subsequent to the Battle of Kings Mountain and to their marriage.

The said Charles B Kelsoe whose statement is herewith is a son of the said Margarett The uniformity and circumstantial manner of the relation of events by the said Alexander and Margarett (aside from the confidence naturally reposed) were such by to leave no doubt of the truth of their statements substantially.

He has no recollection of the said Margaretts attempting in her conversations to fix upon dates. Her mind is yet in most respects very strong perhaps as much so as ever. Her memory of recent events is not good, nor was ever as to dates. Her mind always appeared to delight in the descriptive and sentimental & in this respect seems
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very little if at all impaired.
J. B. Kelsoe

State of Indiana  } 
Monroe County  } 
On this the 4th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of said County in said State Jacob B Lowe a resident of said County and State who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statement in support of the claim of the said Margarett Kelsoe for a pension.

The said Jacob B Lowe states that for some years he has been acquainted with the family of the said Margarett That before making her Declaration for a pension he conversed with her carefully. Her conversation was interesting and displayed a mind remarkable for veracity and strength. That her manner of relating events of the Revolutionary War was so circumspect and descriptive that he was fully convinced of the truth of her statement, and that the said statement was substantially as set forth by her in her declaration

she appears to possess great decision of mind. When advised by an attorney and by a letter from the War
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Office to bring herself within the provisions of an act for the benefit of widows of soldiers who married after the war. She declarated and persists that "she would love her pension first" The said James B Kelso whose statement is appended and the said Margarett and very innocent and pious persons and are noted for purity of disposition
Jacob B Lowe


State of Indiana  }
Monroe County  } 
The undersigned one of the Associate Judges of the Circuit Court of said County in said State, the same being a Court of record do hereby certify that the foregoing statement of James B. Kelsod, and Jacob B Lowe Some were made subscribed and sworn to by them respectively on the day aforesaid, before me, that they are persons of credibility and their statements aforesaid entitled to full credit. Given under my hand this 4th day of May 1843.
John M. Berry

State of Indiana  }
Monroe County  }
I Davd Brouning Clerk of the Monroe Circuit Court do hereby certify that John M Berry before whom the foregoing Declaration of Margarett Kelsoe for a Pension, and the statements of James Faris and others were made, was at the time thereof sole and acting Judge of the Probate Court of said County duly commissioned and certified as such, and is authorized to take such perceedings. Said Probate Court being a Court of record. That the foregoing signatures of the said John M Berry are genuine
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Given under my hand
and the seal of the said
Circuit Court, as the Clerk thereof
at Bloomington this 10th day
of August AD 1843
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State of Indiana
Morgan County   ss
On this the 26th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three before the undersigned Probate Judge of the Probate Court (being the sole Judge) of the County of Morgan and State of Indiana aforesaid, personally appeared Thomas Hudiburg a resident of the Township of Jackson in said County and State aged fifty five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following statement as evidence in behalf of Margarett Kelsoe an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress approved July 4th 1836.
Algernon S. Grigg
Sole Judge of the Morgan County Probate Court

The said Thomas Hudiburg states that he has been well acquainted with the said Margaret Kelso for and during upwords of thirty-years having lived in the same neighorhood with her in Knox County in the State of Tennessee and also about fifteen years in one mile of her in Morgan County in the State of Indiana that she lived with and was during all that time reputed as the wife of Alexander Kelso who applied for a pension as a resident of said County of Morgan
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and State of Indiana, in or about the year 1832 and who obtained the same as he is informed and believes. And that they the said Margarett and Alexander were reputed to have lived in Jefferson County in the State of Tennessee just before their removal to Knox County in the State of Tennessee that they had the reputation of being persons of the highest worth and respectability and also for truth and piety and that they have uniformly and without any exception been known to have maintained such a character and also that the said Alexander has the undisputed and undoubted reputation during said thirty years of having been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He also states that he frequently heard the said Alexander his service in said war and the circumstances and events before there was any expectation the Congress would pass the law under which he got his pension. He says that said Alexander Kelso always described scenes of the Revolution in such a manner as always convinced this deponent and he confidently states that said Margaret Kelso would not under any circumstances or for any consideration or inducement [illegible] a statement
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under the solemnities of an oath or otherwise wich would be in the least untrue. That she is now about eighty eight years of age. That she is a remarkable woman of her age for a good judgment and strength of mind, and that she now lives in Monroe County in the State of Indiana with her son James B. Kelso
Th[os] Madisen[??]

State of Indiana  }
Morgan County  ss }
On this the 26th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty- three before the undersigned sole Judge of the Probate Court of Morgan County and State aforesaid of Indiana personally appeared James Blair a resident of Jackson Township in said County and State aforesaid aged fifty-three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statement as evidence on behalf of Margaret Kelso an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress appeared July  4th 1836.
Algernon L Griggs 
Sole Judge of the Probate
Count of Morgan County Indiana

The said James Blair states that he has been well acquainted with the said Margaret Kelso for upwards of thirty years
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whilst she lived in the Counties of Knox and Jefferson in the State of Tennessee and also for about thirteen years last past in the County of Morgon in the State of Indiana that she lived with, and was all that time the reputed wife of Alexander Kelso who applied for a pension is a resident of said County of Morgan and State of Indiana in or about the year 1832, and who obtained the same as he is informed and duly believes

And that they the said Margaret and Alexander were reputed to have lived as husband and wife in the State of Tennessee in Jefferson County just before their removal to Knox County in the same state that they had the reputation of being persons of the highest respectability for truth, and that they have uniformly and without any exception been known to have maintained such a character during thirty years or more and that said Alexander was all that time reputed

to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He also states that he frequently laid the said Alexander relate his service in the Revolutionary war as well as the events and circumstance before Congress passed the law under which he got his pension This de-
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ponent also stats that he has every reason to believe he was a solder of the revolution and that said Margaret Kelo would not under any circumstances hazard the solemnities of an oath by stating any thing untrue and that she is at this time a woman of an uncommon sound mind for her age being eighty-eight years of age and that she now resides in Monroe County in the State of Indiana and with her son James B. Kelso And this deponent further states that he heard the said Alexander state some in the year 1832 or thereabouts that he had served in one or two campaigns against the Cherokee Indians after the battle of Kings Mountain.
James Blair

State of Indiana
Morgan County ss
On this the 26th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight-hundred and forty three before the undersigned Judge of the Morgan County Probate Court in the State of Indiana aforesaid personally appeared Charles B Kelso a resident of the Township of Jackson in said County and state afore said aged fifty-eight who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his
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oath make the following statement as ivdence on behalf of Margaret Kelso an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress approved July 4th 1836
Algernon S Gregg
Sole Judge of the Morgan
County Probate Court.

the said Charles B. Kelso states that he has been well acquainted with the said Margaret Kelso for and upwards of forty years or more having lived in the family of the said Alexander for about 23 years and that said Margar et was the reputed wife of the said Alexander, and that he heard the said Alexander frequently state both in the State of Tennessee and in the State of Indiana that he was a revolutionary soldier and that he heard him state that he was in one or two tours of duty against the Cherokee Indians after the battle of Kings Mountain and be fore the close of the revolutionary war and that the said Margaret is woman of extraordinary mind being aged 88 years
Charles B. Kelso
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State of Indiana
Morgan County  ss
On this the 26th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-three before the undersigned Sole Judge of the Probate Court of Morgan County in said State of Indiana personally appeared the William [illegible] Bowls a resident of Jackson Township County and State aforesaid aged forty-two who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statement as evidence on behalf of Margaret Kelso an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress approved July 4th 1836.
Algernon S. Greggs
Sole Judge of the Probate
Court of Morgan Court Indiana

The said William Bowls states that he has been well acquainted with the said Margaret Kelso for upwards of fourteen years whilst living in in the Coun ties of Morgan and Monroe in the State of Indiana and that she was the reputed wife of the said Alexander Kelso and that he heard the said Alexander frequently state that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war and relate circumstances and incidents which left no doubt but that he was a soldier in said war
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and that he has frequently heard Margaret Kelso the wife of the said Alexander state that she on one occasion gave her silk handkerchief to a company who were destitute of colors for a flage who were then going out in what was denominated the snow compaign. previous to the close of the revolutionary war and that near about the same time she stated to this deponent that at one time she was being about 30 miles from her brother's and whilst he was in the army fearing he was kiled she rode about thirty miles and on her way she was obliged [illegible] the [???Catouly]  river and a guard being stationed there she was hailed, and being satisfied she was a whig she was permitted to pass; and that the foregoing conversation was had previous to any application by Alexander or the said Margaret being made.  That they were both individuals of veracity, and that she is a woman of extraordinary mind considering her age, being eighty-eight.
Wm Boley

State of Indiana
Morgan County  ss
I the undersigned Sole Judge of the Probate Court of
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State of Indiana
Morgan County   ss
I James Jackson Clerk of the Morgan Circuit Court do hereby certify that Algernon L Greggs before whom the foregoing statements were made is and was at the time of taking the same Sole & [??noting] Judge of the Probate Court in Morgan County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified as such and authorized to take the same, and that the foregoing signature to the certificate and the other signatures purporting to be his is genuine.
witness my hand and the seal of the said Court at Martinsville this 27th day of April A.D. 1843
James Jackson Clk
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Morgan County do hereby certify that the foregoing statements were made and subscribed and sworn to before me on this 26th day of April 1843 by Thomas Hudeburg, James Blair, Charles B. Kelso and William Bouls and that they are persons of credibility and that any statement or statements made by them or either of them especially under oath is entitled to the fullest credit.

Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of April in the year of 1843.
Algernon L. Greggs
Sole Judge of the Probate
Court of Morgan County
in the State of Indiana
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(1)
State of Indiana }
Morgan County  } ss
Morgan Probate Court November Term 1832 On this 15th day of November 1832 personally appeared before the Honorable John Matthews Probate Judge within and for said County Alexander Kels. aged 75 years who being being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June the fourth 1832.

That he was drafted about the first of November in the year 1775. For no particular time for the purpose of going out against a body of the tories headed by one Fletcher and after he was drafted he was marched on in the direction of 96 under the command of Colonel Richardson the Captain under whom he served was by the name of John Bartley the Lieut was by the name of John Kennedy and the Ensign not recollected he lived in the [illegible] Settlement in the State of South Carolina. he says they crossed the Catawba River from thence they crossed the Broad River then crossed the Congaree River thence the River called the Saludia and from thence on in the direction of 96 and about that time the Americans army were dismissed and we returned home which was about Christmas  which time was about 7 or 8 weeks that I was out that time
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(2)
This declarer says he was drafted again in the course of 2 or 3 weeks to go to Charleston for the purpose of preventing the Brittish from coming into the town at which time and he says he did not go himself but got his Brother to go in his place what was a term of about two months it being about the 1st of January when he went and returned about the 15th of March following he went on to Charleston during said term of true and by there sometime and was then dismissed and returned home.

This declarer says he volunteered on or about the 1st of September in the year not recollected that the Battle was at the Kings Mountain that he marched under the Command of Colonel Isaac Shelly the Majors name was Evan Shelly the Captains name was George Maxwell the Lieut and Ensign not recollected we marched from Sulivan County in the boundry of North Carolina towards the mountains on to a River called at [???wataugasupre??] we lay one or two days and then we marched into the mountain and crossed the [illegible] it was called the yellow mountain from there we went on to what was called furgasons[??] trail and there persued on after the Brittish and continued to the Cowpens[??] and continued to persue on untill we overtook the Brittish it being the 7th day of October at a place called
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3rd
(3)
the Kings mountain at which place we had an engagement with the said Brittish army at which time and place they were defeated by the Americans in which battle the americans wounded killed and took prisuners all of the said Brittish army that night we lay on the battle ground it being nearly night when the battle was ended the next morning it being Sabbath morning we marched with the prisioners up toward the mountain untill we came to a farm called Walkers there we lay one or two days and the officers held a court martial for the purpose of trying[??] the tories at which place and time the court condemned about 70 and hung about 9 or 10 of the tories untill they were dead from thence we marched on with the prisiners untill we came into a county called Wilks in the State of North Carolina and there we lay one or two days with the prisiners and was then dismissed by the officers of the army I received no written discharge and each man went to his own home in the
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4th
(4)
that he was drafted to march out against the Cherakee Indians near the close of the Revolution and he being not able to go himself he hired a substitute to go in his place by the name of Charles Logan for which services he gave him fifteen dollars that afterwards he was Drafted to go out again against the same Indians he thinks sometime in the year 1780 or there about be marched out under the command of Colonel John Surveyor and the Captains name was Hubboard we marched untill he came to a creek called Clauds Creek and there the officers held a counsel and concluded to return home which [illegible] he says he was out at that time about three weeks

4  At another time he says he volunteered again and went out against the same tribe of Indians he went under the command of Colonel Douherty the Captains name was either Hugh [illegible] brother of Robt Carson he does not for certain recollect whil they marched to place [illegible] called hightower where they had a battle with the Indians and defeated the same and then we returned home after some time we were out at that time about 5 or 6 weeks this declared says the different time he was out when added together makes six months or more as he verity believes
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5th
(5)

and the said Declarer in answer to the questions propounded by the Court as required by the instructions from the war department says that to the best of his knowledge and belief he was born in that winter of March 1758 in the 30th day of that month [in] Augusta County in the state of Virginia that he has no record of his age at this the that at the time he was drafted he lived in the State of South Carolina about the march following he moved from that place in to Virginia called the [illegible] in Botetourt[??] County and lived there until about the last of August following and from there he moved into a county called [illegible ??Rockbridge??]  in the same State and remained there that winter and then moved across the Blue Ridge to a county called Bedford in the same state and there staid about three years and then moved into North Caralina into a county called Sulivan and staid about one year and from there crossed Halston River and went into Washington County near to Jacksonborough and lived there about three years and from there to a river called French Broad Jefferson County and lived fifteen or twenty years and from there in 1809 into Knox County in the State of Tennessee and are there untill 1828 at which time he moved into the State of Indiana where he now lives in Morgan County
Page 34

[left margin]
Alexr. Kelso   205.15

[page]
6th
(6)
in Jackson township that he is known to Thomas Kutenburgh[??]  William Bolls and James Kelso who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services and that he has no documentary evidence itself

he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or teritory
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Alexr. Kelso

we Andrew Shell Clergyman resident in the County of Morgan Jackson township [??Greenvill and James Blair of said county & State do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alexander Kelso who has sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 75 years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolutionary war & that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
Andrew Shell
James Blair

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigations of the matter & after putting the interrogatories propounded by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states & the court further certifies that it appears to them that who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Morgan County Jackson Township Indiana that who has also signed the same is a resident [??man] that same place is a creditable person & that their statements are entitled to full credit
John Matthews
Probate Judge

I George A Phelps Clerk of the Probate Court of Morgan County State of Indiana do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter [illegible covered over] application of Alexander Kelso who applys for a pension
Witness George A Phelps Clerk of the Probate Court of said County and the seal of said [illegible torn out] Martinsville the 13th day of [illegible torn out] 1832
George A Phelps  Clk
Page 35

Indiana to wit
Morgan County ss
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, Alexander Kelso, 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, to wit. In the tour in his declaration mentioned in 1775, he served for, not less than One month and 20 as a private Soldier-- that he volunteered for his second tour on the first of Sept. in 1780, which he knows from the fact that it was on the first of Sept. next preceeding the battle at Kings Mountain, and that he continued in the service until towards the last of Novr. next ensuing said battle making a period of at least Two months and 20 days during which time he served as a private soldier-- that [hi]s third tour was performed in the Fall of [ink blotted out...] he now thinks, instead of in the [ink blotted out...] as stated in his declaration; that the Col [ink blotted out...] whom he served was one of the same who had commanded at the Kings Mountain & that the deponent is informed his name should be written Sevier instead of Surveyor, that on this expedition he served at least twenty one days as a private - that on his last tour he entered the service as he now thinks in Feby or March in 1782 at which time he served for at least one
Page 36


month and five days as a private -- For answer to the Interogatories prescribed by the War department he saith, 1st He was born in Augusta County Pa. in 1758 - 2nd He has in his possession no record of his age -- 3rd When first called into the service he was [ink blotted...] in the Waxhaw settlement near the [ink blotted... ??Catawba] river South Carolina, the second time he entered the service he lived in Sulivan County North Carolina. The third time, when he entered the service he was living in Washington Co. N. Carolina, And he thinks when he entered the service the 4th time in what was called Green Co. N Carolina -- He resided in the State of Tennessee from the close of the war untill about four or five years since When he moved to the County of Morgan Ia - where he now resides -- 4th He entered the service under draft in 1775 - in Sept 1780 he voluntered - Third time he entered the service he was drafted and the fourth time he volunteered 5th For the names of his officers, the continental & Militia Regts. with which he served and the general circumstances of his service he refers to the preceeding declaration--- 6th He never received a written discharge from the army ---
Alexr. Kelso
Sworn to and subscribed before me this first day of June 1832
C. [?]. Butler
Justice of the peace
Page 37

The State of Indiana
Morgan County  ss
I Hannibal R. Stevens Clerk of the Probate Court of the County aforesaid hereby certify that C. B. Butter Esqr who has subscribed the above certificate is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the said County of Morgan, that the above signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature, that the above named declarant subscribed and was sworn to the his declaration in open Court, and that his witness subscribed and were sworn to their certificates in like manner, and that the six preceeding pages contain the original proceedings of the above named Court in the matter of the application of Alexander Kelso for a pension---

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Morgan Probate Court at Martinsville this First day of June A D 1833
Hannibal R. Stevens
Clerk M.P.C.
Page 38

20.515
Alexander Kelso
Morgan Co
Indiana

From 1775 Private
6 months
$20.

Wm. O. Ross Esqr.
Martinsville
Indian[a]
Page 39

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 10, 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  One comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done.  These points to which you attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
---
A Statement, shewing the Service of   Alexander Kelso. Morgan Co  Indiana.

=======================
[8 column table]
[Headings] 
[c-1]  Period when the service was rendered
[c-2 to c-4]  Declaration of the claimant's service
[c-2]  Years.
[c-3]  Months.
[c-4]  Days.
[c-5]  Rank of the claimant
[c-6]  Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
[c-7]  Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
[c-8]  Proof by which the declaration is supported.

[enter column data]
[c-1]  Nov. 1775.
[c-2]  "
[c-3]  1
[c-4]  19 or 25
[c-5]  Priv
[c-6]  Col. Richardson   Cap. Bartley 
[c-7]  75. years
[c-8]  Traditionary.
---
[c-1]  Not recold.
[c-2]  .
[c-3]  .
[c-4]  .
[c-5]  " [Priv.]
[c-6]  Col. Shelby   Maj. E. Shelby   Cap Maxwell
[c-7]  S. Caro.
[c-8]  

[c-1]  1780 
[c-2]  
[c-3]  
[c-4]  About 21
[c-5]  "  [Priv]
[c-6]  Col Surveyor    Cap. Hubbard
[c-7]  
[c-8]  

[c-1]  . . Ab
[c-2]  "  [About] 
[c-3]  1
[c-4]  5 or 12
[c-5]  "  [Priv]
[c-6]  Col. Doherty    Cap.
[c-7]  
[c-8]  

[c-1]  [notation]  Believes he served in all 6 M.

I am, respectfully ,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 40

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers, all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of }
County of } ss.

On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the
(e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [image of finger pointing] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. : A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of
& c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman. residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same )
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories 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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this day of &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 41

3

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected . All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.

1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.
{To a Soldier
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
 has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
----------------------------------------
[a]The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b]The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c]The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d]The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e]Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 undavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For ---- year ---- months, and ---- days, I served as a -----.   For ---- months and ---- days, I served as a -----; and for such service I claim a pension."

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 [illegible] four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. 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.

[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g]The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h]The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i]The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.

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 papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j]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 claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner 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.
[image with finger pointing]The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k]This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l]If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m]The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Joseph Rowen
Page 42

April 26, 1938
BA-J/EEL  our
Alexander Kelso- W.9493

Mrs. D. F. Scott
#28-172nd Street
Hammond, Indiana

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John Williams, who died in 1830 and is buried near [illegible], Indiana, and Alexander Kelso, buried near Morgantown, Indiana.

Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request pertaining to soldiers of that war. The record of Alexander Kelso is furnished herein, the data for which were obtained from the papers filed in pension claim, W. 9493, based upon his military service in the Revolutionary War.

Alexander Kelso was born March 30, 1758, in Augusta County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not shown.

At the beginning of the Revolution, Alexander Kelso was residing in the Waxhaw Settlement in South Carolina, and about November 1, 1775, enlisted and served one month and twenty days as a private in Captain John Bartley's Company, Colonel Richardson's South Carolina Regiment and went on an expedition against the Tories. 

[handwritten notation by above paragraph]
Could not identify Capt. Bartley
Col Richard Richardson a S. C. Col of Mili
[end notation]

About March 1, 1776, the soldier moved to Botetourt County, Virginia, lived there until the last of August following when he moved to Rockbridge County, same state, remained there during the following winter; then moved to Bedford County, Virginia, where he lived several years, then moved to Sullivan County, North Carolina.

While residing in said Sullivan County, he volunteered about September 1, 1780, served as a private in Captain George Maxwell's Company, [illegible words...] was at the battle

[handwritten notation by above paragraph]
Could not find captain 
Isaac Shelby was a Va officer by was in command at King's hence, I  said "under ?
[end notation]
Page 43

of King's Mountain, October 7, 1780, and was discharged the following November: while residing in Washington County, North Carolina, Alexander Kelso enlisted in the fall of 1781, for a tour against the Cherokee Indians and served about three weeks in Captain Hubbard's Company, under Colonel John Sevier, North Carolina troops: about February or March, 1782, he enlisted again to go against the Cherokees and served five or six weeks in Captain Robert Carson's Company, under Colonel Dougherty, and was in an engagement with the savages at a place called High- tower.

[hand notation pointing to above paragraph]
Could not find either Captain nor could I identify any Col. Dougherty
[end notation]

After the war, he lived in Jefferson and Knox Counties, Tennessee, and in 182[?], moved to Morgan County, Indiana, where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed November 13, 1832.

He died in said Morgan County, September 1, 2, or 3 (all these dates are shown) 1835.

The soldier married in May, 1781, in Washington County, North Carolina, Margaret Balch, born in the fall of 17[??], place of birth and names of parents not shown. They were married by the Reverend John Causson, a Presbyterian minister and the marriage license was issued by Colonel John Sevier, then clerk of said County. Margaret resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, during the early part of the Revolution and after the battle of Gates' Defeat, fled with others to Augusta County, Virginia, near Staunton, where she remained for some months, then went to a place called "Little Limestone" in North Carolina, where she lived until she was married.

Soldier's widow, Margaret, was allowed pension on her application executed March 7, 183[?], while residing in Jackson Township, Morgan County, Indiana. In 1843, she was living in Perry Township, Monroe County, Indiana. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

The only names of children of Alexander and Margaret Kelso shown are we sons, Charles D. Kelso, the eldest son, in 184[??2], aged fifty-eight years and a resident of Jackson Township, Indiana, and James D. Kelso, in 1843, aged forty-seven years and a resident of Monroe County, Indiana. James B. Kelso served in the War of 1812, details of his service not given.

Margaret Kelso had a sister, name not given,
Page 44

and brothers, James, William Amos, John and Stephen B. Balch. William was an ensign in the North Carolina troops, John was in the battle of Ramsour's Mill, and James, William and Amos Balch participated in the battle of Gate's Defeat.  Her brother, John Balch, was living in Jefferson County, Tennessee, in 1837. Stephen B. Balch was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in [?? Georgetown], District of Columbia, after the Revolution. Stephen B. Balch had a son, Thomas B. [illegible ? Balch] who lived on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and a daughter who married General [illegible ? Masc???], her Christian name not given.

Alexander Kelso's brother served as a substitute for him on one tour during the Revolutionary War, the brother's name is not shown.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Margaret Kelso (W.9493), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:

Margaret Kelsoe, as her name was borne on the pension roll, widow of Alexander Kelso.
Certificate No. 3946
Issued November 28[??], 1843
Rate $20.00 per annum
Commenced September 2, 183[??]
Act of July 4, 1836
Indiana Agency.

Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 45

Alexander Kelso  Inda. 20$ act 7 June -- last pd ?
G. W-[??]
Nov. 8- '43 -
No. 20 pact 7 June last for

Died 1st Sep 1835  pd. to  [illegible]
J H

193[illegible]
Page 46

Margaret Kelsoe
Wid of Alexr
Inda.
[illegible] letter
M. Herod  
March  27 183[??]
to C. T. Hester  aug 30, 41
Page 47

State of Tennessee
Jefferson County ss
Personally appeared John Balch a reputable witness in Open Court, before the Justices of the peace of said Court, and made Oath in due form of law, that he is personally acquainted with Margart Balch who intermarried with Alexander Kilsoe, that the said Margaret & Alexander was married, as well as this deponant recollects about the year 1781. he was personally present at the marriage, and that the said Margaret Kilsoe is now the widow of the said Alexander, and that the marriage between the said Alexander and Margaret took place during the Revolutionary war or near the close of it, they were married in Washington County Tennessee- then the State of North of Carolina

He knows nothing of the actual service of the said Alexander Kelsoe, but he has always been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary War and further this deponant sayeth not
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court this 2 day of January AD 1837.
John Balch

State of Tennessee
I Joseph Hamilton Clerk of the County Court of Jefferson County do certify that the foregoing affidavit was sworn to in Open Court & ordered [illegible ? to be] certified
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office at Office in Dandridge the 2d day of January 1837
Joseph Hamilton  Clek
Page 48

Pension Office    
free  FREE
Secretary of War
Washington City
D. C.

28 Aug 1841
[illegible words]  Kelsoe
Wm Sylvestor

[postmark stamp]
BLOOMINGTON Ind.  AUG 20
Page 49


Bloomington Aug. 13th 1841
J. L. Edwards:
Dsir, 
From a letter of yours directed to the Hon. W Herod[??] Representative in Congress from Indiana of March 27th 1838 the papers of Mrs. Margaret Kelsoe widow of Alexander Kelsoe decd had been filed in your office. Her papers contained her application under the Act of Congress of 1836 for a pension. As she seems to have intermarried with her said husband in 1781, & in the declaration of her husband who was a pensioner his last service was rendered in 1780. The act of 1836 provides for that class of cases where the intermarriage occurred before the last service was rendered by the husband; and her application of course was dismissed as you wrote. But since then the act of 1838 was passed, and embraces her case. She wishes to know whether she must make a new application, or whether her papers, now on file, will not authorise the allowance of her pension under the act of 1838. Write and give the necessary information; and if any thing beside what papers she has on file is necessary to be done let her know.
Yours occurred
C. P. Hester
Page 50

Bloomington Ind. May 5th 1843.
Sir
Here are the papers of W. Margarett Kilsoe for a Pension under the act of July 4th 1836.

I am informed that there is an apparent discrepancy between the declarations of Mr. & Mrs. Kelsoe heretofore made in Morgan Co. in this Court. He having dated his last service in the year 1780 and the doing their intermarriage in 1781

Whatever hesitancy then may have been in allowing her claim (the principle in construing all testimony being the same) this declaration, and these proofs will it is hoped satisfy the Departmt.

Alexander Kilsoe certainly did render service subsequent to his intermarriage with this applicant.

I recollect more than one case where there were greater apparent discrepancy, & not fatal to the claims.

One case especially I recollect where the applicant dated his services before the era when it was well known the Revolutionary War actually began. & called his services by the appellation of "Minute service" when it any Militia service. Yet the standing of the applicant being excellent and the traditionary evidence running back forty years or near it & the names of Officers known to have been in the Militia service being correctly given & the whole as to events & circumstances bearing the impress of truth, the pension may allowed. This was some eight or ten years ago. There is now more than then a necessity for a relaxation of former rigid rules in proportion as traditionary (and other) evidence is fading away.  So that
Page 51

that the outlines of the evidence[??] be true, though faded, it is all in many instances at this distance of home which could be reasonably expected.
Respectfully
J. B. Lowe

N.B   I presume there is no difficulty from not calling this an Amended declaration If necessary tear he to regarded & noted in the War Office
J. B. L.

N. B.   the Judge has not in his Certificate states that the applicant is unable to appear in Open Court, but the applicant has so stated & the Judge states that his opinion is that the facts stated by her are true.
J. B. L.
Page 52

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 9493
Margaret Kelsoe
Wid. of Alex[inkblotout ?ander] Kelsoe
Prv. S. C. line
Act: July 1836,
Index:-Vol. A, Page 391
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 53



Mch. 23.08.   Hist. to Clarence E. Kelso
1908 Dec. 5. Hist. to Wilber M. Kelso _ C
1909 Mch 16, To J.M. Genl, U. S Army  FW.
for monument
1925[??3] Nov. 26 Hist to Harmon O. Acuff  [illegible]
1938 - Apr. 26.  Hist to Mrs D. F. Scott [illegible]
Page 54

Chicago Lumbering Co.
[illegible] Michigan
Manistique,Mich. 

GENERAL OFFICE
MANISTIQUE TELEPHONE CO
WESTON MANUFACTURING CO
WESTON LUMBER Co

March 10" 1908
Comr. of Pensions
Washington. D.C.
Dear Sir- My Great Grandfather, Alexander Kelso was in the Rev. war for some time and after his death, which occured in 1835, at Morgantown, Indiana, his Widow Margaret Kelso, was granted a pension.

All papers have been lost and I desire to secure a copy of the Pension Papers and any other records of your office which will assist in completing record for membership of relatives in the D.A.R.
Yours very respy
Clarence E. Kelso
Manistique
Michigan


[stamp contains]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
E
MAR 13 1908
Page 55

W. 9493   Rev    Enc
[stamp contains]
RECORDS DIVISION   DEC[??] 1 1908
[end stamp]

CHICAGO   TELEPHONE MAIN 277   NEW YORK
MONAHAN ANTISEPTIC COMPANY
SOLE MANUFACTURERS
GREEN OIL SOAP & GREEN OIL LUBRICANT
NINETY_TWO MARKET STREET, CHICAGO

November 27 - 08.
Hon. V. Warner, Commissioner of Pension,
Department of The Interior,
Record Division,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-
Would you be kind enough to send me 2 original transcripts of the pension record of Alexander Kelso, who was in the Revolutionary War in regiments in South and North Carolina. I think the initials and number designating this record is   F W  .  Wid. F. 9493

We wish these transcripts for the purpose of filing for membership in the sons of American Revolution & Daughters of American Revolution.
'Will thank you for your kind attention.
Very truly yours,
Wilber M. Kelso

[stamp containing]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE  A  NOV 28 1908
[end stamp]

REGISTERED TRADE MARK   MONOHAN'S  TRADE MARK
ANTISEPTIC ODORLESS GREEN OIL SOAP  GREEN OIL LUBRICANT
Page 56

A. P. C. 197
ALIEN PROPERTY CUSTODIAN
ARLINGTON BUILDING
VERMONT AVENUE AND H STREET
WASHINGTON

October 15, 1923.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Attention: Chief of Division of
Pensions

Gentlemen:
I have been requested to ascertain if possible full information concerning the military record, pensions etc. of Alexander Kelso who was a native of that part of the United States which later became knows as East Tennessee.

Mr. Kelso served with the territorial forces of North Carolina and Virginia before and after the United States gained its independence.

Will you please be so good as to furnish this information, or tell me where it likely to be obtained.

Yours very truly,
Harmond Acuff
HOA: B

[stamp containing]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE  H  OCT 17 1923
Page 57

-2-
According to this history, the son Jonathan, served as County Commissioner in the first year the County was orginized, 1822, and was elected to the Legislature in 1838.

Another soldier is Alexander Kelso, who is buried in an old Cemetry west of Morgantown near the John Williams Farm.  On his tombstone is Alex Kelso, Revolutionary Soldier, Shely's  N. C. Militia. I tried to chect this with the Roster of N. C. Soldiers but did not find him listed. Do you have any information about this man?

In the same History mentioned above, under Jackson Township "The Entry of land." I find the name of Alexander B. Kelso and his grave being in this so-Township, I suppose this is the same man.

If either of these men drew pensions or you have any information concerning them, would be very gra gratful for same. Thanking you, I am,
Yours very truly,
Mrs D. F. Scott
REGISTRAR,
TIMOTHY BALL CHAPTER.

[received stamp containing]
RECEIVED FEB 28 1938  Main [illegible words] 24
[end stamp]
Page 58


[logo containing]
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
[end logo]

TIMOTHY BALL CHAPTER
Daughters of the American Revolution
HAMMOND, INDIANA
28 - 172nd Street,

Feb. 25, 1938.
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:
Being a native of Morgan County, Indiana, and since there is no D. A. R. Chapter in that County, I am trying to help Mrs. Boscoe O'Byrne, in finding the graves and information concerning Revolutionary Soldiers buried there, for the roster of Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Indiana, being compiled.

At this time, I have two soldiers graves located, but need the service and and other information you might have if these soldiers drew a pension. One of these is John or John R. Williams who is buried in Schiloh Cemetry about a mile south of Banta Indiana. He died in 1830, and on the tombstone it states he was a Revolutionary Soldier. The following was taken form the "History of Morgan Monroe and Brown Counties, by Blanchard," and published in 1884.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS was born near Paoli, Indiana, May 1, 1816[??1815], son of Jonathan and Celia (Silcox) Williams, respectively, of Tennessee and North Carolina. Johnathan Williams was a son of John R. Williams, of East Tennessee, who married Margaret Reed, and in the early time removed to Morgan County, Indiana where he died about 1830[??1850], the parents of ten children, seven boys--William, Levis, John R., Isaac, Keyton, Robert, and Johnathan." There is more of the succeeding generations but, thought this might serve to identify this man, since I am not sure where he served. and the name is a rather common one.
Page 59

In reply to your request of______, received_______.
for a statement of the military history of   Alexander Kelso     a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (and his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.  Md F[??]  9493  Pension as Kelsoe

[table 6 columns]
[c1]  Dates of enlistment of appointment.
[c2]  Length of service.
[c3]  Rank
[over c4 and c5] OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
[c4] Captain.
[c5] Colonel.
[c6] State.

[c1-1] Nov 1, 1775
[c2-1] 1 mo, 20d.
[c3-1] Prv
[c4-1] John Bartley
[c5-1] Richardson
[c6-1] S. C.

[c1-2] Sept 1, 1780
[c2-2] 2 mo 20 date
[c3-2]  " [Prv]
[c4-2] Geo. Maxwell
[c5-2] Isaac Shelby
[c6-2] N. C.

[c1-3] Fall 1781
[c2-3] 21 days
[c3-3] " [Prv]
[c4-3] Hubbard
[c5-3] John Sevier
[c6-3] N. C.

[c1-4] Feb. or Mch 1782
[c2-4] 1 mo 5 d.
[c3-4] " [Prv]
[c4-4] Robert [illegible ??Barron]
[c5-4] Dougherty
[c6-4] " [N.C.]

Battles engaged in,  Kings Mountain, South Indians at Hightower             
Residence of soldier at 1st enlistment,   Waxhaw, [illegible words] Catawba River   S. C.
[Residence of soldier at] 2nd [enlistment,]  [illegible] N.C.
Date of application for pension,       Nov. 13, 1832  [illegible]         
Residence at date of application,     Morgan Co. Ind.
Age at date of application,    [illegible words] Co. Va.   Died Sept 1, 1835
Remarks:   He mar. in Washington Co DC May 1781 Margaret Balch[??]. She was allowed pension on an app. ex. Mch . 7. 1838 while 82 or 83 years old and a res of Jackson Twp. Morgan Co. Ind.  In 1843 [illegible] Charles B ag 58yrs..(oldest child0 & James B. ag 47  testified in case.  ([illegible])

Very respectfully.
Page 60

awf
Rev. and 1812
Wars Section.

November 26, 1933.

Harron O. Acuff,
Arlington Bldg.,
Vermont Ave. & H. St.,
Washington, D. C.

Sir;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 9493, it appears that Alexander Kelso or Kelso of Kelsoo, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, March 30, 1758, and while residing in Waxhaw Settlement, South Carolina, he enlisted November 1, 1775 and served as a private one month and twenty days in Captain John Bartley's Company, Colonnel Richardson's South Carolina Regiment.

While residing in Sullivan County, North Carolina, he enlisted September 1, 1780 and served as a private in Captain George Maxwell's Company, Colonel Isaac Shelby's North Carolina Regiment, was in the battle of Kings Mountain, and served until the last of November 1780.

While residing in Washington County, North Carolina, he enlisted the fall of 1781 and served three weeks against the Indians in Captain Hubbard's Company, Colonel John Se-
Page 61

vier's Regiment.

He enlisted in February or March 1782 and served in Captain Robert Carson's Company, Colonel Dougherty's Regiment, was in an engagement against the Indians at Hightower, and served five or six weeks.

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 13, 1832, while a resident of Morgan County, Indiana. He died September 1, 1835.

Soldier married in Washington County, North Carolina in May 1781, Margaret Balch, she was allowed pension on her application executed March 7, 1838, while a resident of Jackson Township, Morgan County, Indiana, aged eighty two or eighty three years.

In 1843, sons Charles (oldest child) aged fifty eight years and James B. aged forty seven years, are referred to. There is
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 62

House of Reps 24th March 1838
J L Edwards Esqr.

Sir
I here enclose the letter of B Bull Esqr. together with the papers to which it refers claiming a pension. When examined if not sufficent please return me the enclosed papers suggesting the defects with forms to be observed in supplying the same
I am very respectfully Your ob svt
William Herod
Page 63

V  3362
Margaret Kelsoe
Ind. wid of
Alexander dcd.
July 4, 1836
[illegible]
6 mo pri
20$

Husband died 11 Sept '35
pen: Com: 2 Sept. 35.
Madison [illegible]

F. Q. Lowe Esqr.
Bloomington
Indiana
H. R.
Page 64

State of Indiana
Morgan County   ss

On this Seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before Jonathan Huffman one of the associate judges of the Morgan Circuit Court Margaret Kelsoe a resident in Jackson township in the County of Morgan and State of Indiana aged eighty two or 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 provision made by act of Congress passed July 4, 1836: That she is the widow of Alexander Kelsoe who was a private in the army of the Revolution. that the said Alexander Kelsoe was a pensioner under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 and drew a pension of twenty dollars per annum as will more fully appear by reference to Revolutionary Pension [illegible]

She further declares that she was married to the said Alexander Kelsoe some time in the month of May of the year seventeen hundred and eighty one. that husband the aforesaid Alexander
Page 65

Kelsoe died on the third day of September in the year eighteen hundred and thirty five and that she has remained a widow ever since, as will more fully appear by refference to the proof hereto annexed
Margret her x mark Kelso
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and
year above written, before 
Jonathan Huffman
Associate Judge M.C.C

State of Indiana }
Morgan County  } set
Be it known that before me Jonathan Holman one of the associate Judges of the Morgan County Circuit Court, personally appeared Thomas Hudiburg of the State and County aforesaid and made oath in due form of law, that Margaret Kelsoe, the above named applicant is the widow of Alexander Kelsoe as she has above stated and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of the said Alexander Kelsoe
Thomas Hudiburgh
Sworn to and subscribed this Seventh day of March 1838 before me
Jonathan Huffman
Associate Judge, M,C,C
Page 66

I Jonathan Huffman one of the associate Judges of the Morgan Circuit Court, before whom the foregoing declaration was made do certify that the above named Margaret Kelsoe is unable, from bodily infirmity to appear before a court of Record Given under my hand this seventh day of March 1838
Jonathan Huffman
Associate Judge, M.C.

State of Indiana
Morgan County  set
I Hannibal R Stevens clerk of the Circuit Court of said County of Morgan, do hereby certify that, the above named Jonathan Huffman is an Associate judge of said Court, and was such Judge at the date of the above Certificate. and the foregoing signature purporting to his, I believe in genuine In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Martinsville the 13th day of March A.D. 1838.
H R Stevens clk