Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R, 281, John Ashly, S.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
S.C. 
Ashly, John
or Ashley
Eleanor
NUMBER
R. 281
CONTENTS
Page 2

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County
S.S.
On this seventh day of October One Thousand Eight Hundred
and forty five personally appeared before me Jonathan Merrell one of the Judges of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County of Buncombe. Eleanor Ashley. A Resident of said County aged Seventy two (72) years. And after being 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, Entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows.
That she is the widow of John Ashley, who was a Private Soldier in the Army of the Revolution, that she has after heard her Husband the aforesaid John Ashley, speak of his services as a soldier in the Army of the Revolution. But from old age and Infirmity Bodily Affliction and the consequent loss of memory, she cannot particularise his services. She knows he entered the service in Lancaster Curshaw District
South Carolina, whether he was drafted or volunteered she does not Recollect to have heard him say, she Recollects to have heard him speak of Captain John Stewart & William Nettles also of Genls. Sumpter, Beauford, Gates, & Green, a part of whom was his commanders whether he was commanded by all of them she cannot State. She further declares that her Husband the aforesaid John
Ashley in his lifetime often spoke of his Rite to a Pension, and tried to get some one to prosecute his claim for him but was told he could not obtain a pension unless he could prove his services by living Witnesses which he said he could do if he knew where to find a man by the name of Heirs who served with him a part of the time he also said that Robert Ashley his Brother could prove part of
Page 3

his services as he also served with him a part of the time.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Ashley in Carshaw District South Carolina on the 23rd day of September Seventeen Hundred and ninety (1790). And that her Husband the aforesaid John Ashley, Died in Buncombe County No. Carolina on the 2nd day of May Eighteen Hundred and forty four (1844). That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen Hundred and ninety four (1794). That is at the time above stated, that she is now a Widow and has not married since the death of her said Husband, but still remains the Widow of the said John Ashley & she further states that there is no marriages by Law Recorded in the State of South Carolina as she knows of, nor does she believe that there is any Record of her marriage except the one which she has herself and which is herewith sent. Togeather with a Record of her said Husbands age, and of the ages of her Children all of which is in the handwriting of her said Husband, The exacements and Insertions made in the two lines included in the Chatchet as on this page made before signed
Sworn to and subscribed this 7th day of October 1845
Attest J Merrell, JP

Elenor Ashly her mark X
Page 4

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County
I Jonathan Merrill Esq one of the Judges of the Court of pleas & quarter session in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify That I am well acquainted with Elenor Ashley who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Declaration That I have been acquainted with her For the Last [illegible] years- That her Carracter for truth and honesty is good. That she is and still remains to be the widdow of John Ashly who (died) at the time she sets forth. That I was well acquainted with the said John Ashley the same lenth of time above stated That he was a man of good Carracter - as for truth and Honesty that I have often herd him speak of His servises as a solder in the Revolution I looked on him on of that Carractor he was for several years - Before he (died) Trying to get some one to present His claim he was at me several times but I did not understand how to do it and he (died) as I understand without having his case represented and I further- Certify that the Applycant Alener Ashly is unable from old age & bodily infirmity to attend before The corte at its place of Holding its regular Sessions as I believe from all human appearance in witness where of I have hereunto set my Hand & affix my seal this 8th day of Octr 1845
J Merrell JP
Page 5

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County Alexander Henry Clerk of the County Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County and state aforesaid and certify that the foregoing petition of Elenor Ashly [unclear] pension 
has been heard before our [unclear]
to examined approved and ordered that said
fact to be certified to the War Department of
the United States.
Thereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court at office in Ashville the 9th
of October 1845
A. Henry clk
of Buncombe County Court
12297
Rd
Nov. 8, 1845
Page 6

THE
HOLY BIBLE,
CONTAINING
The Old Testament
AND THE NEW:
Translated out of the
ORIGINAL TONGUES,
AND WITH THE
FORMER TRANSLATIONS
Diligently Compared and Revised,
By His MAJESTY'S Special Command.
APPOINTED TO BE READ IN CHURCHES.
OXFORD.
PRINTED AT THE CLARENDON PRESS,
By W. Jackson and A. Hamilton, Printers to the University;
And sold by W. Dawson, at the Oxford Bible Warehouse,
Paternoster-Row,  London.
MDCCXC.
CUM PRIVILEGIO.
Page 7


Susa Anner Ashley
was born the 11 day
of September in the
yer of our lord 1796

 Nelley Ashley was
born the 8 day of August
in the yer of our lord-
1799

Diliah Ashley was
Born the 2 day of March
in the yer of our
Lord - 1802
Page 8

September the 23
in the yer 1790
John Ashley and
Alley Duren was mare
Jun the 6 1806 [unclear] Ashley
was born
[blacked out] yer 1806 and

Cr upe
4/8
Harretter Ashley was
born 21 day of August
at night in the yer of our
Lord 1791

[unclear] Ashley was born the first day of feberey in the morning in the
yer of our lord
1794
[unclear and crossed out]
Page 9

John Ashley was
born July the first in
the yer of our Lord and
In the yer 1765
his birth day 
Rebaker Ashley was born
jun the 6 and in the yer of our
Lord 1806
July 6 1828 tabithe
gurdin was born in the
yer of our Lord
Page 10

August 1, 1939.
Mrs. R. L. Dobyns
Route 2, Box 154
Clarksdale, Mississippi.

BA-J/ILL
John Ashley
R. 281

Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 281, based upon service of John Ashley in the Revolutionary War.
John Ashley was born July 1, 1765; the place of his birth and the names of his parents were not given.
He married September 23, 1790, in Kershaw District, South Carolina, Eleanor Duren, her name shown also as Alley Duren. The date and place of her birth and the names of her parents were not given.
John Ashley died May 2, 1844 in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
October 7, 1845, Eleanor Ashley, the soldier's widow, was a resident of Buncombe County, North Carolina, aged then seventy-two years. She applied then for the pension which might have been due on account of the service of her husband, John Ashley, in the Revolutionary War. She stated then that he enlisted in Kershaw District, South Carolina, in February 1779, served as a private in Captain William Nettle's company, and in Captain John Stewart's company, that he was in the battle of Gates Defeat, was at the surrender of Charleston, and that his service amounted in all to about two years, lasting until after the surrender of Cornwallis. Her claim for pension was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension laws.
The names and dates of births of the children of John Ashley and his wife, Eleanor or Alley, are shown as follow:
Harretter (?) Ashley born August 21, 1791
Saley or Seky or Sabry " " February 1, 1794.
Susa Anner " " September 11, 1796.
Nelley " " August 8, 1799.
Diliah " " March 2, 1802.
Rebaker " " June 6, 1806.
Page 11

The following is recorded also Tabitha Gurdin born July 6, 1828.
In October 1845, Robert Ashley, brother of John Ashely, resided
in Henderson County, North Carolina; he served with said brother
a part of the time during the Revolutionary War, and was present at
his marriage Eleanor.
Very truly yours,
G. H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 12

Ex'r 281 INVALID
REJECTED
Eleanor Ashley
P. O.
Service:
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:
Alleges:
Attorney:
P. O.

[second page]
1906 March 16 History to Emory S. Townly M.B.H.
1908 Dec 18 Hist. to Mrs. G. R. Golden V.L.M.
1934 - Aug. 2 - Hist. to Mrs. Frederick F Chapman ILL.
1939 - Aug. 10 Hist. to Mrs. R. L. Dobyns ILL
Page 13

[page too dark to transcribe completely from image]

[illegible]
Eleanor Ashley
N.C.
[illegible]
---
Act 7th July 1838
Page 14

Comptrolers
Surtifficate
Page 15

Comptroller Genl's Office
Columbia So. Ca. Octobr 18"/45
Book X
Indent 1076
Issued the 16' Novbr 1785 to Mr John Ashley for three Pounds, five Shillings and Eight pence Sterlg. for Forty six days duty as Pack Horseman pr. acct. passed by Commissr.
Principal L 3:5:8
Annl. Interest L 0:4:7
I certify the above to be a true copy from the Records in this office
For Comptroller Genl.
HAVAL
Page 16

State of North Carolina
Henderson County
October 25th 1845 Personally appeared before me Salomon G. Smith an acting magistrate in and for said county Thomas -Murray and after Being duly quallifide as the law directs doath upon his oath declare that he was acquainted with John Ashley (decd.) abought twenty five years past that he lived in the same county and neighbourhood and that he was a man that stood & for as to truth and honesty I never heard any changes.   I have heard him speak of being in the army of the Revolution and from his own history and from his age and appearance I always looked on him as a Revolutionary soldier he died some time in eighteen hundred and forty four (1844) leaving an aged wife Elenor who still remains the widow of the said John Ashly and as I am informed an applycant for a pention. Sworn to & subscribed before me day and date above written.
Thomas Murray
Sworn to and subscribed This 25 Oct 1845
before me S. G. Smith JP
Page 17

12097 Nov 8. 1845
Eleanor Ashley
of North Carolina
Widow of John Ashley
Act 7 July 1838
281

E. F. Brown Agent
Wash. D. C.
7 Nov 1845

Thomas Murray
Page 18

State of North Carolina
Henderson County
October the 25 1845
I Solo. G Smith an acting Magistrate in and for said County do certify that The said Thomas Murray the affiant in the forgoing Affiyavit before me is personally known to me and State he is a man of intelligence and all his statements are entitled to full faith and credit.
Sworn to and subscribed before me day and date above written
S G Smith JP

State of North Carolina
Henderson County
Oct 27th 1845
I James Blythe Clerk of the Corte of pleas and quarter sessions in and for said county do hereby certify that Solomon G Smith Esqr whoes names appears to the forgoing affydavit and surtificate is an acting magistrate as appears to the forgoing and That the signature there unto anext perporting to be his is genuine and is entitled to full faith and credit as such in testamony where of I have here unto set my hand and affixt the seal of my offices this day and date above written
James Blythe C.C.C.
County Court Clerk for the County of Henderson
Page 19

State of North Carolina
Henderson County
I James Blythe Clerk of the courts of pleas and quarter sessions in and for said county do hereby testify that James Hamblin, Esq. whose name appears to the forgoing affydavit and surtifycate is an acting magistrate as appears to the forgoing and that this signature there unto anext perporting to be his is genuine and is intitled to full faith and credit as such In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixt the seal of my offices this 27 day of Oct 1845.
James Blythe C.C.C.
of Henderson County
Page 20

State of North Carolina
Henderson County
October 24th 1845
This day personly appeared before me James Hamlin an acting magistrate in and for said county Robert Ashley & after being duly sworn acording to law upon his oath saith that he was well acquainted with John Ashly a soldier of the Revolution and was well acquainted with him before the war.  He entered the service as volunteer in the year (1779) in the month of February under Captain Nettells from Lancaster District South Carolina.  We both entered the service together and served out that tour and he then volunteered or intested again and continued in the service until some time in (1781) after the surrender of Cornwallis. why I know it. I saw him several times in the time in the service.  I saw him at the surrender of Charleston at Gates Defeat at the Battle neer Camden from what I knew of my own knowledge and from his own history & from his discharges that I saw of his I am bound to believe that he served over two years in the army on the side of liberty.
He further swore that he has been well acquainted with (said) John Ashly ever since the war ended up to his death which was in May 1844 and that he saw the said
Page 21

John Ashley and his wife Eleanor married and pronounced man & wife in Carshaw district South Carolina in September (1790) seventeen hundred & ninety and that he has known them both ever since that they all moved from South Carolina to Buncombe North Carolina together or neer the same time and have lived in or neer the same neighbourhood ever since And that the said Elenor Ashley is still living and yet remains the widdow of the said John Ashley (deceased) and as he is informed an applycant for a pention Sworn to and Subscribed before me day and date above written
Robert Ashly
Ja. Hamblen

State of North Carolina
Henderson County
October the 1845
I James Hamblen an acting magistrate in & for said county do certify that that that the Robert Ashly the affiant in the forgoing affydavit before me is personly known to me and that he is a man of sound mind & intelligent and that his statement upon oath and intitled to full faith and credit
day & date above written
Jas. Hamblen
Page 22

Dec. 23 1845
Recd
Robert Ashley & Eleanir Ashley

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Page 23

Letters addressed to this Offic must be post-paid.

[box]
E. F. BROWN''s United States Agency and Notarial Office, Established in 1843. Seventeen doors east of the Treasury Department.
EDMUND F. BROWN
ATTORNEY AND AGENT FOR CLAIMANTS
Notary Public, Illinois Commissioner, &c.
Continues to settle all kinds of business with the several branches of Government, with his usual promptness, efficiency and fidelity; especially
CLAIMS FOR PENSIONS, PATENTS, LANDS,
Post Office and other Contracts, &c.,
F STREET, NEAR 14th STREET,
WASHINGTON CITY.

UNITED STATES AGENCY AND NOTARIAL OFFICE,
WASHINGTON CITY,
22d December 1845.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commr. of Pensions.

Sir:
On the 7th of Novr. ult. I enclosed to you the Pension Claims of Robert
Ashley and Eleanor Ashley, and have not since heard from them.
Please inform me whether they have been examined.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
Edmd. F. Brown
Page 24

Zion Ch Rectory
Palmyra New York
March 1 - 1906

Round Stamp:  O. W. & N. DIV
                         MAR
                          10
                         1906
                          FILES

The Pension Office
Washington DC

Dear Sirs
Will you kindly give me what information you have of one John Ashley of N.C. but evidently having served with Capt Thos. Massier Co 6th Va regiment of continental forces (?) (?) can you give me any further information especially did he draw a pension.

Very Truly Yours
Emory S. Townly

(indecipherable writing)

Round Stamp:  PENSION
                         MAR
                     U.     9       S.   
                          1906
                          OFFICE
Page 25

Round Stamp:  RECORD
                          DEC
                          15
                           1908
                           DIVISION

Columbus Ga
Dec. 12 '08

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,
I write asking information of my ancestor Avery Dye.  He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  Lived in Burke Co. Georgia near Waynesboro.  Please let me know if there is any record of his service on the rosters in your office.
Page 26

Will also ask if there is any record of service by John Ashley of North Carolina.  Any information regarding these two characters will be very much appreciated.   If there is any cost please let me know.

Very Respectfully
Mrs. G. R. Golden
1515 2nd Ave.
Columbus Georgia

Round Stamp:  PENSION
                               A
                           DEC
                       U.   14   S.
                            1908   
                            OFFICE
Page 27

Mrs. Frederic Fuller Chapman
Four Holes
South Carolina

Jul 14, 1934

Department of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I would be very glad to know if there are any records in your offices relating to John Nathaniel Ashley I-R281 of S. Carolina and N. Carolina, of James Roberts of N. & S. Carolina,
Page 28

and of James Cherry, and John Cherry of N. & S. Carolina, and of Nathaniel Ashley of N. & S. Carolina?  These men were all in the Revolutionary Army, Nathaniel Ashley in the N. C. Militia prior to the Revolution.
Page 29

I shall be very appreciative of any information you may give me concerning these men.

Yours truly,
Ida Milling Chapman
(Mrs. F. F.)
Page 30

Mrs. Frederic Fuller Chapman
Four Holes
South Carolina

August 13, 1934

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

In reference to file -
B A - J/Ill - John Ashley - R. 281 -

The Captain James Roberts whom I made inquiry was (?) - died after 1802 (will dated 1802 but not probated) in Barnwell Co (or Edgefield (?) Orangeburgh District - all are the (?)
Page 31

Mrs. Frederick Fuller Chapman
Four Holes
South Carolina

August 13, 1934

(Round Stamp)
Received Aug 15 1934
Mail Sub-Div
(?)

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

In reference to file -
BA-J/Ill - John Ashley - R.281

The Captain James Roberts of whom I made inquiry was born - died after 1802  (will dated 1802 but not probated) in Barnwell Co. (or Edgefield or Orangeburgh District - all are the same
Page 32

section, Orangeburgh Dist, was divided later into Edgefield Dist & Orangeburgh Dist. and later into Orangeburgh Edgefield and Barnwell Dist. he served Dec. 1778 - Dec. 1779 in North Carolina Armies - (see N.C. Rev. Army Accts. Vol VII, pg. 38: folio 1: pg. 39 folio 1.)

In S.C. Orangeburg Dist. serviced 105 days as Lieut. of Horse Militia 7 May 1781 to 28 Aug.
In S.C. Orangeburgh Dist. a claim of Capt. James Roberts
Page 33

declares he furnished 2 field of (?) to his company - the claim is settled Oct. 4 - 1784 - first sworn to 28 Dec. 1782.

This information is sworn to by A. S. Salley, Sec. S.C. Historical commission.

Capt. James Roberts was probably born in Craven Co. N.C. son of James Roberts.  I am sorry I have no more complete information of the N.C. record.

The John Ashley record which you kindly furnished is not the John Ashley I refer to.  This John
Page 34

Ashley died in Georgia and his children were Elizabeth, John, Charles, and I think his wife was Elizabeth.

Should there be any other John Ashley's on your files I would appreciate their records.

Thanking you,
Yours truly
Ida M. Chapman
Mrs. F. F. Chapman
Page 35

Route 2 Box 154
Clarksdale, Miss.
July 12, 1939

(Round stamp)
Received July 15, 1939
Mail Sub-Div.
Vets. Adm.
Reader #47

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Dear sirs:

Can you give me any information concerning the Thomas Dobyns listed in the Hist. Reg. of Virginians in Rev. War by John H. Guathmey as a Rev. soldier from Richmond Co., Va.

There were two Thomas Dobyns in this county father and son, and I cannot determine which has the Rev. record.

Thomas Dobyns (surname), Sr., was born Feb. 19, 1734 and died (will probated) Dec. 1, 1788.  He married 1st:  Rachel Miskell, and had a son, Thomas, born Mar. 20, 1761.  He married 2nd:  Rebecca sisson (Lawson) Hammond, widow.  By this marriage he had a son Lawson. born Dec. 26, 1782.

It is thru this 2nd marriage that my children descend; so that, as you (over)
Page 36

2.

can see, unless the Rev. record is the father's, it does not belong to my children's line.

Any information you may have concerning this will be greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,
Mary Ashley Dobyns
(Mrs. R. L. Dobyns)
Page 37

R. 2 Box 154
Clarksdale, Miss.
July 12, 1939

(Round Stamp)
Received
July 15 1939
Mail Sub-div.
Vets. Adm
Reader #47

Pension bureau
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Gwathmey, in his Hist. Reg. of Virginians in Rev. War lists Thomas Dobyns as a Rev. soldier from Richmond Co. Va.

Can you furnish any further information?  Whether he, or his widow, drew a pension?
There were two Thomas Dobyns, father and son in Richmond co. Va., and I cannot determine which had the Rev. record.

Thomas Dobyns, the father, was born Feb. 19, 1734 and died (will probated) in Richmond Co., Va. Dec. 1, 1788.  He married 1st: Rachel Miskell and had a son Thomas, born Mar. 20, 1761.  He married 2nd, Rebecca Sisson (Lawson) Hammond, who survived him.  By this marriage he had a son Lawson, born Dec. 26, 1782.

The widow, Rebecca Sisson (Lawson)
Page 38

2.

Hammond Dobyns died in Maron Co. Ky. while living with either her son Lawson Dobyns or with a son-in-law Daniel Dobyns.

Any information you can give me, or any suggestions as to other sources of information will be much appreciated.

Yours truly,
Mary Ashley Dobyns
(Mrs. R. L. Dobyns)
Page 39

R 2 Box 154
Clarksdale, Miss.
July 25, 1939

(Round stamp)
Received Jul 28 1939
Mail Sub-Div
Reader No. 18
Vets. Adm

Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.

Dear sirs:

Can you give me the penson record of William Ashley, Abbeville Co., S.C. Pulaskis Legion pnd 1818 (R 172) Rev. Pension Rolls?  I do not understand what the numbers mean but give them thinking that they may mean more to you than they do to me.

I find also a William Ashley of S.C. in Capt. Robertson's Co - Taylor's Regiment under Sumter at Congaree & Biggers Church S. 1247.  Is this the same man?  Do you have any record of him?

I find a John Ashley a pack-horse man in Capt. Mapps Co. Roebucks Regiment S 1247.  Do you have any record of him?

Yours truly,
Mrs. R. L. Dobyns
Page 40

O. W. and N. Division       3-525

M B H      
Md Ry 281
Rev War

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., March 16, 1906

Sir:

In reply to your request for a statement of the miliary history of John Ashley, a solder of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (struck through (or (struck through his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau

(table)
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
Feb. 1779

LENGTH OF SERVICE
2 years

RANK
Pri

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
CAPTAIN
Nettells
COLONEL
-

STATE.
S.C.

Battles engaged in, Surrender of Charleston, Gates Defeat

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Kershaw Dist. Lancaster Co. S.C. (crossed out)
Date of application for pension, October 7, 1845

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

Age at date of application, 72 years

Remarks:  Soldier was born July 1, 1755, he died May 2, 1844 in Buncombe Co. N.C.  He married Eleanor Duren September 23, 1790 in Kershaw Dist. S.C.  Her claim was rejected on the grounds of no proof of alleged service.  Children Harrietter; Sekey; Susa Anner; Nelley; Deliah; Rebaker; Brother Robert Ashley testified in claim.

Very respectfully (covered by a note)
Commissioner
Mr. Emory S, Lownly,
Zion Church Rectory
Palmyra Co.
NY

Note:
Harrietter b. Aug. 21, 1791
*Saley or Sekey b. Feb. 1, 1794
Susa Anner b. Sept. 11, 1796
Nelley b. Aug. 8, 1799
Diliah b. Mch (?) 2, 1802
Rebaker b. June 6, 1806

Tabithe Gurdin born July 6, 1828
As she was born 22 yrs after Rebaker it is presumed she is not a child of soldiers and her name therefore is not incorporated with the statement especially as her last name is different.
Page 41

BA-J-AWF
John Ashly-R.281
William Ashley-W9708
see letters

Mrs. R. L. Dobyns
Clarksdale, R. 2, Box 154
Mississippi

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War records of the following Soldiers -
William Ashley, served in Pulaski's Legion, later lived in Abbeville County, South Carolina;
William Ashley, served in Captain Robertson's company, under Sumter, in the South Carolina troops;
John Ashley, a "pack-horse man" in Captain Mapps' company, Colonel Roebucks' South Carolina regiment;
Thomas Dobyns, father and son, of Richmond County, Virginia,

The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of any soldier with the surname "Dobyns".  The name Dobbins has been searched, also, and (?) of a Thomas Dobbins, under any spelling of that surname.
You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War records of William Ashley and John Ashly, both of South Carolina.  These are the records of the only William and John Ashley (Ashly) found on file in the Revolutoinary War pension records of this office, of South Carolina.

Very truly yours

G. H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 42

August 16, 1934

RA-J/ILL

Mrs. Frederick Fuller Chapman
Four Holes
South Carolina.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of August 13, in which you furnished additional information in regard to James Roberts, War of the Revolution, in whom you are interested.

Another careful search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of a Captain James Roberts, or of the James Roberts described by you.  Pension and bounty land claims which has been made to the United States are the source of Revolutionary War data furnished by this office.  The military record of Captain James Roberts might be secured from the Adjutant General, War Department, this city.

The record of John Ashly, R. 281, is that of the only soldier with that name of any southern state found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very truly yours,
A. D. MILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 43

August 3, 1934

BA-J/ILL
John Ashley
R. 381 (?)

Mrs. Frederick F. Chapman
Four Holes
South Carolina

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John and Nathaniel Ashley of North and South Carolina, (?) Roberts, James Cherry and John Cherry of the same states.

A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no claims for pension or bounty land found based upon service of James Cherry, John Cherry or Nathaniel Ashley.  It has not been possible to identify the record of the particular soldier named James Roberts in whom you may be interested.  If o will furnish as much as possible of the following information relative to him, another search of the records will be made and a report furnished:  approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence in North and South Carolina at time of enlistment and after service, and given name of widow.  The record of John Ashley is given herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim R. 381(?), based upon his Revolutionary War service.

John Ashley was born July 1, 1765; the place of his birth and names of his parents are not shown.

He married September 25, 1790, in Kershaw District, South Carolina, Eleanor Duron, her name shown also as Ally Daron. (?)  The date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown.

John Ashley died May 3, 1944, in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

On October 7, 1965, soldier's widow, Eleanor Ashley was a resident of Buncombe County, North Carolina, aged seventy-two years.  She
Page 44

applied then for pension on account of the service of her husband, John Ashley, in the Revolutionary War.  She stated that he enlisted in Kershaw District, South Carolina, in February 1779, served as private in Captain William Nettles' company, and in Captain John Stewart's company, was in the battle of Gates Defeat, was at the surrender of Charleston, and that his services amounted in all to about two years, lasting until after the surrender of Cornwallis.

Her claim for pension was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension law under which she applied.

The names and dates of birth of the children of John Ashley and his wife, Eleanor, or Alley, are shown as follows:

Harretter (?) Ashley born August 21, 1791
Saley or Seky   "         "     February 1, 1794
Susa Anner      "         "      September 11, 1796
Nelley              "         "      August 8, 1799
Diliah               "         "      March 2, 1802
Rebaker           "         "      June 6, 1806

The record shows also, Tabitha Gurdin, born July 6, 1828.

In October 1845, soldier's brother, Robert Ashley, of Henderson County, North Carolina, stated that he served with him a (?) of the time, and was present at his marriage to Eleanor, she was then the applicant for pension (1845).

Very truly yours,

A. D. Miller,
Assistant to Administrator

(handwitten note) Rej. claim of Robert Ashley is on file

2.