Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 13280, Jesse Gordon, Ga. N.C.
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Service Number
GA Gordon, Jesse Nancy
N.C.
W. 13280
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Illinois 31158

Jesse Gordon of Jackson in the State of Illinois who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Shephard of the regt commanded by Col ---- in the N. Carolina line for 10 months. Inc'd from  6 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois at the rate of 33 dollars 33 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Inc from $20 per annum.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Jan. 1840, and sent to Hon J. Reynolds H R

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1839 
Semi-annual allowance ending 4th March 40


$283.33
+ 16.66
$300.00

(Revolutionary Claim)
(Act June 7, 1832)

Recorded by D. McCurdy, Clerk,
Book E2. Vol. 8. Page 122.
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6468
Illinois
Nancy Gordon, widow of Jesse Gordon
who served in the Revolutionary N.C. war, as a private.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 dollars 33 cents per annum, to commence on the 3rd February, 1853. 

Certificate of Pension issued 3rd day of Jan. 1860 and sent to A.M. Jenkins, Murphysboro. Ills.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 247 Vol. H

G T Getty
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State of Illinois Jackson County

Be it known that on Thursday of October 1854 before me. The undersigned Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid Personally appsord Nancy Gordon a resident of said. county and made oath according to law that she is the widow of Jesse Gordon Deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and that the said Jesse Gordon Died the 27th day of August 1850, and that she drew the amount due from the 4th March up to the time of his death, and returned his pension certificate to the Paymaster at  Springfield Illinois as she was instructed and she further stated on her oath that she was married to the said Jesse Gordon in Union County Illinois on the 2nd day of April 1829 by John Whiteaker J.P. and that she lived with the said Jesse Gordon up to the time of his death as above stated where he had resided for the last twenty years past and that she is still a widow, and she makes this Application for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of congress passed granting pensions to widows of Deceased Revolutionary Pensioners Sworn and subscribed before me the day and date above mentioned. Signed Robt L. Y
Signed Nancy (her x mark) Gordon (Seal)
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State of Illinois Jackson County sct. I Thomas L. Hall Clerk of the County Court of the said County of Jackson, ex-officio Recorder of Civil Commissions of said County, and State of Illinois, do hereby certify that Robert S. York Esquire, is now, and was on the Twenty-Eighth day of October 1854, an acting Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected, commissioned and qualified; ane that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. That the foregoing Certificate is in due form, and by proper officer, and that his signature thereto is genuine. 

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and and affixed the seal of the County Court, at my office, in Murphysboro, this third day of January A.D. 1855. Signed Thomas L. Hall Clerk, by A M Jenkins Deputy

State of Illinois
County of Union

Personally appears before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid the within named Jesse Gordon and Mary Simpson, and were joined together to be husband and wife by me this 2nd day of April 1829.
John Whiteaker, J.P.
Recorded and filed 1st day of May 1829.
Winstead Davie Clerk

State of Illinois
County of Union

I Thomas J. Finley, Clerk of the County Court within and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the above and forgoing in a true and correct copy of the Marriage Certificate of Jesse Gordon and Mary Simpson, as full and complete as the same appears of records in my office.
In testimony where of have hereto set and hand and affixed the seal of said County Court at office in Jonesboro, the 29th day of August 1834
Thomas J. Finley, Clerk
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7.952

Jesse Gordon Illinois

John Dougherty 
(Line through J.S. Manning) Jonesboro
(Line through Brownsville)
(Line through Jackson County)
Illinois
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War Department,
        Pension Office

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. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objectives exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your 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 Jesse Gordon

Period when the service was rendered.
1776
“
[blank]
[blank]

Duration of the claimant’s service
3 [months]
3 [months]
1 [year] 11 [months] 20 [days]
5 [years]

Rank of the claimant
O. Serg.
“
Lieut
Serg. &c

Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Cap. Shepherd Col Williams
[Cap] Moseley [Col Williams]
[Cap] Hawkins [Col] Stewart
[Cap] Gunnels [Col] Dooley

Age at present, and place of abode
when he entered the service.
77 years
Surry Co.N.C.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary
-
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
[Note]
The claimant must produce, or at least make and effort to produce some evidence of his service as a Non Com’d. Officer. -  And as to his services as a Lieut the regulation of the Dept is imperative. Must produce his commission and satisfactory evidence he was duly commissioned & served in that capacity for the time alleged
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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, musicians 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 1882, 
State, Territory, of District of  } ss
County of                               }
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     (c) 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. 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 antiquity, 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.
[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          
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 the 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 a 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 name 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 the 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
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 at-
-
tempted; 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?
Q. 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.
---
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it givwhat
receive commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
To an Officer 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.
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.
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.
┃ The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
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 affidavit 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,
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 bar of this
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, and
days, I served Fort and days, I served as 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 three or 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 mills, &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 carn 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.
1
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
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.
is a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the record 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.
The notes from to are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note applies to continental troops only.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
┃ The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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State of Illinois J. On this second day of September A.D. 1853 Jackson County personally appeared in open Court before the County Commissioners Court of Jackson County Now sitting Jesse Gordon a resident of Ridge Settlement in the said County of Jackson and State of Illinois aged Seventy Seven who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 

That in the spring early of the year 1776 he was a Resident of the county of Surry North Carolina and he turned out as a Volunteer under a Captain by the name of William Shepherd and was known upon Cape Fear River against a Party of Scotch Tories and that fought and defeated them at a place called Moor's Bridge the Colonel of the Regiment was by the name of Joseph Williams and Major Joseph Winston and went to reinforce Colo. Richard Caswell and under him fought at Morris bridge said last mentioned. Col. was after was governor of North Carolina. Was in the service at that time of least three months.

In the fall of the same year went on an expedition against the over hill Cherokee Indians a three month with tour under the same Colonel and Major and a Captain by the name of Moresby. Went over the mountains and joined with Christie of the Long Island at the River Holstein and [illegible]. Thence marched to the Cherokee Nation with whom Colo. Christie made peace and Returned. In both the aforesaid tours he served as an Orderly Sergeant.

On the 10th of August 1777 he enlisted in the State troops under a Captain by the name of James Hawkins and joined the third Battalion commanded by Colo. John Stewart. and spent the
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fall and winter following on the frontiers of Georgia between the Creek Indians and the White Settlement in the State of Georgia and in the spring received orders to march to St. Augustine and marched with some delay as far as St. Mary's River. Here the officers and soldiers were mostly taken sick and the further march to St. Augustine was given up and the troops marched to a place called Midway Meeting house and there were discharged. This was done about the last of July or the first of August 1778 which makes the tour one year lacking ten days. during this last tour he served as first Lieutenant under a Commission from the State of Georgia.

In a short time after his said last mentioned discharge not later than the first of September 1778 he enrolled himself in a Company of Militia in the County of Wilkes State of Georgia under the Command of Captain John Gunnel and joined the Regiment commanded by Colo.  John Dewley and Lieut. Color. Elijah Clark and by their accountment subjected himself to be called into actual service at any moment. Previous at this time this Deponent had become a citizen of Wilkes County Georgia. This County soon after became the seat of almost cooperant with then the British, Indians, or Tories and this Deponent was for the most part of the time in actual served until peace was made with England and for some time after. This County was on the frontier the Indians on two sides and the British and Tories on the other two so that the counter militia were almost constantly engaged in most expeditions and although occasionally at house a few days at a time yet being subjects to sudden calls had no time to attend to any business. After the British had taken Savannah and Augusta a party of them were sent to Wilkes County commanded by Colo. Hamilton. The Militia to which the Deponent was attacked turned out under Colo. Clark drove Hamilton into Com. Junct and they fought him some time
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until an express arrived.  That seven hundred Tories were at the Cherokee ford of Savannah River intending to cross over into Said County of Wilkes. The Militia took all the horses belonging to Hamilton’s party that were alive with their equipment, raised a few more so as to make rank and file 297 and marched to meet the Tories. They had however crossed over before we arrived and we pursued and overtook them at Kettle Creek fought and defeated them there. The Tories were commanded by Colo. Boid. This Deponent was at and performed duty during all the memorable siege of Savannah by the Americans and French. After the taking of Charleston in Spring of 1780 The Tories rose in every direction so as to surround the Wilkes County Militia. They were embodied and well advised by Gen. Williamson Commanding a party of Americans in South Carolina that it was best to remain embodied so that if no battle could be done, he and [illegible] Colo. Dewley could unite parties and force their way through the many. The next information we received from Gen. Williamson over that he had taken protection from the British with all his men. We were left entirely surrounded without any chance of escape except by abandoning everything to the mercy of the enemy. We sent to Colo. Brown Commandant of Augusta inquiring upon what terms he wanted to receive our Surrender. He answered on the same terms a as had been given the Citizens of Charleston, to wit to take parol as prisoners of war until called on. We accepted the terms all except Colo. Gluck and about thirty men who went off. This was in the winter of 1780 and 81. In the following fall, I think in September, Colo. Gluck returned with his party and advised us to take up arms and make an attack on Augusta on a certain day. Told us that on that day every garrison on the Continent would be attacked and the war would be at an end. We Broke our Parole, joined Colo. Gluck and attacked Augusta.
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Drove Colo Browne out of the town and he took refuge in a store house about two miles from town where we
besieged him about three days and nights until an
informant arrived from Ninety six under the command
and of do Colo Granger who drove us off and followed us
to Wilks Co. And took twenty one as hostages of which number this deponent was one, and took into Augusta,
where we remained about five months which brought
the time to the last of February 1782 when Eighteen of us
(this deponent one) made our escape and returned to the
County of Wilks. Five of whom (this deponent one) were
immediately taken by the tories and in irons returned
to Augusta. Here we remained until Brown’s fort in
the town of Augusta was taken by Colo. Henry Lee of
Virginia in the mouth of June. The siege commenced probably
in the month of May but it did not surrender until
June 5th when we were released and went home. After
this time we had a number of battles and skirmishes
with the Tories and Indians. And we for the greatest share
of the time under arms until peace was made with the British, 
and for a year and a half afterwards on account of
the Indians and Tories. Which last had a particular animosity
against the Wilks County Militia.  During all the time
deponent served in the Wilks Co. Militia he acted in
the Capacity of [Orderly] Sergent or in some hier grade such
as quarter Master Sergent, Sergeant Major &c but he
Claims only as Sergent as he cannot sat with any certainty 
how long he served in such higher capacities.
As to the length and grade of this deponents services he
says that in the two first tours he served in all one
year and six months lacking ten days. Six months of
the time as orderly Sergent. Eleven months and twenty
days as first Lieutenant. After his first enlistment
in the Wills Co Militia to the time they were finally discharged
was not less than five years and six months. 
For which he claims on account of being the most of
the time in actual service and the residue in short periods
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and subject to call at a moment's warning so that he
could not attend to any business of his own and doing
 the same service as of constantly in the field.
This last mentioned time extends one year and six months
after the Peace with England, which was as troublesome a
time with the Tories and Indians as any during the
war. But if it is not considered such services as can be
compensated under the act then he claims
while [illegible] among the Wilks Co Militia four years.
If it is thought that the services above mentioned in the Wilks Co Militia is not such as to justify pay for the whole time, then and in that case, this deponent says that according to the best of this deponent’s recollection and as he very believes he was
in actual service as such militia man in all the expeditions not less than three years and six months. Before the Peace and no less a proportion of the time for the Eighteen months after the peace. This time of three years and six months includes the time of his being a prisoner as a hostage and of war
as hostage Eight months and of war on parol Eight
months longer.
This Deponent says he has no Documentary evidence
in his power by which to prove his said services-
Neither does he know of any person now within his
reach by whom he could prove the same. And
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.

Questions put by the Court
Ques 1 Where and in what year were you born.
Ans In King & Queen Co in the State of Virginia in
the year 1755 on the 3d of Oct
Ques 2 Have you any record of your age and if so
where is it.
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Ans. I have none but one in a Bible belonging to my father in the State of Virginia
Ques 3. Where were you living when called into Service where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live.
Ans. In the County of Surry N Carolina when first called and whilst enrolled and serving in the militia as above stated in the Co. of Wilks State of Georgia. Since the war lived in said last mentioned for nineteen years, thence moved to Greenville Co S.C. thence to Kentucky first to Garrard Co. then to Adair then to Madison, then to Adair again then to Edmiston. Thence to Illinois, Jackson County where I now reside.
Ques 4. How were you called into Service were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom.
Ans. For answer to this question I refer to my previous Statement.
Ques 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served, such continental and militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
Answer. Gen. Sinkhorn and Gen. McIntosh were regular officers of the Siege of Savannah and Colonel Henderson and Major Moore at the same place. As to the remainder of this question I refer to my statements in the former part of my declaration.
Ques 6. Did you ever receive a discharge if so what has become of it.
Answer. I always served out my tour of Duty was Regularly Discharged but never applied for any written discharge, not supposing they would ever be of any use to me.
Question 8. Did you ever receive a commission
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if so by whom was it signed and what has become of it.
Answer. I did receive a commission as first lieutenant when I went on my third tour. It was signed by some person acting under the authority of the State of Georgia but by whom I do not recollect and it has since been lost by accident.
Question 9. State the names of persons by whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief in your service as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer. I give the names of William G. Lindsey, clergyman, and Benjamin J. Conner, both of them of this county and refer to them to state as above required. 
Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid
J. Manning Clk.
Jesse Gordon
We Wm. G. Lindsey a clergyman residing in the County of Jackson State of Illinois and Benj. F. Conner of the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jesse Gordon, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy seven 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. 
William G Lindsey
Bmj F Conner
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court. Attest.
Joel Manning Clerk
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
Page 17

Certify that it appears to them that Wm. G. Lindsey who has Signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Jackson aforesaid and that Benj F. Conner. who has also signed the same is a resident in the same county and is a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit. - Alexander Cochran George Creath Benj F. Conner

State of Illinois Jackson County ss
I Joel Manning Clerk of the County
Commissioners Court of Jackson County Illinois Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Jesse Gordon for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal of office this second Day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Joel Manning Clerk

State of Illinois Jackson County ss
I Joel Manning Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of said county and state do certify that Alexander Cochran George Creath and Benjamin F. Conner who have signed the foregoing certificate are the three judges of the said court duly elected and qualified -
Given under my hand and the official seal of the said court at Brownsville in said county this 2d of September A.D. 1883-
J. Manning Clerk
Page 18

Rev. War Section. October 28, 1916. Hon. James Hamilton Lewis, United States Senate. My dear Senator:  In response to your letter dated the twenty fifth instant, you are furnished the following data relative to Daniel Chandler and Jesse Gordon as requested by you. Jesse Gordon W. File No. 13,280 Rev. War, was allowed pension on his application executed September 3, 1834, at which time he was a resident of Ridge Settlement, Jackson County, Illinois. He stated that he was born October 3, 1755 in King and Queen County, Virginia, and was a resident of Surry County, North Carolina when he enlisted in February, 1776, as Orderly Sergeant, under Captain William Shepherd, Colonel Joseph Williams , was in the battle of Moores Creek Bridge, and served three months. Enlisted in the fall of 1776, Orderly Sergeant, Captain Mosby's company, under Colonel Williams; served three months. He afterwards removed to Wilkes County, Georgia, and Volunteered in the Georgia troops, August 10, 1777, as First Lieutenant, under Captain James Hawkins, Colonel John Stewart and served eleven months and twenty days. In September, 1778, he enlisted in Captain John Gunnells'
Page 19


company, Colonel John Dooley's regiment of Georgia troops, and was in the siege of Savannah; he next volunteered under Colonel Elijah Clarke, and was in the battle at Kettle Creek. After the taking of Charleston, they were surrounded by the enemy, and in the winter of 1780-1781, he with many others became prisoners of parole (under Colonel Brown who was in possession of Augusta), while Colonel Clarke escaped; when Clarke returned, in the following September, Jesse Gordon broke his parole, joined Colonel Clarke and drove Colonel Brown out of Augusta, but he (Gordon) was captured and confined at Augusta until the last of February 1782 when he made his escape and returned to Wilkes County, and there he was again captured by Colonels Brown and Cruger and carried at Augusta for eight months or until Colonel Henry Lee took Brown's Fort in June 1782, when he returned home and continued in the service until peace in 1783. After the war he served against the Indians for one year and six months. Jesse Gordon married in Union County, Illinois, April 2, 1829 Mary, called Nancy, Simpson. He died in Jackson County, Illinois, August 27, 1850, and she was allowed pension on her application executed in 1859, while a resident of Jackson County, Illinois, and sixty-six years of age. There is no reference to any other marriage or to any children. E. C. Tieman --- Actg. Comms
Page 20

increase
from $20. to
thirty three dollars
& thirty three cents.

Hon J. Reynolds
H R
Page 21

5402
Nancy Gordon
Widow of Jesse of Illinois
Act of 1853
J.M. Jenkins Oct. 6/59
Let. to U E. Robinson Jan. 1855 23
Page 22

Jesse Gordon
$20 per ann.
Illinois- Send cert.
to John Dougherty 
Jonesborough
Illinois

['Suspended' & 'see letter to'- crossed out]

[picture of hand pointing] Mark "admitted" on 
the index

[illegible-page torn at bottom]
Page 23

Ref. 7407
Nancy Gordon
widow of 
Jesse Gordon
Jackson Co- Illilnois
Admitted on Friday 1853. at $33.33
per annum
Commencing at date of said act
Certificate to A. M. Jenkins Esq
Murphysboro 
Jackson Co.
Illinois
Page 24

3rd Auditor's Office
Oct. 3 1839
Sir, Jesse Gordon June 7 1832, died Aug 27 1850, and his pension has been paid in full to that date to Nancy Gordon his widow.
Very respectfully yours, 
Sam'l S Rind
Act'g Auditors

Geo C. Whiting Esq
Comm'r of Pensions
Page 25

Pension Office, Oct. 1, 1859
The Third Auditor will please certify the date of death of within named pensioner and name of his widow if she drew the arrears due at his death.
Very respectfully,
John Cobb
Chief Clerk
Page 26

Rep’d 13 July 37

let 8 Nov 1838 Hon
J. Reynolds

let 13 May 1839 to
D. H. Brush

let 2d Dec 39 Hon. J
Reynolds

Illinois
31. 158.
Jesse Gordon
of Jackson in the State of Illinois
who was a private in the compy commanded
by Captain Shepherd of the regt commanded
by Col —- in the N Carolina 
line for six months private

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

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of July 1837
and sent to John Dougherty Jonesborough

Arrears to the 4th of March 1837  $120.00
Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept  10.00
$130.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Dan’l Boyd Clerk,
Book E2 Vol. 8 Page 122
Page 27

County Clerk’s office
Jonesboro Dec’r 14th 1859

Hon A M Jenkins

Dear Sir - I herewith send 
a copy of the marriage license
on the marriage Certificate of
Jesse Gorden and Nancy Simpson.
Upon examining the License and
original certificate made out
on the License I find that it is
Nancy in the License and also
in the certificate. But on the
Back of the license, it was written
Mary and recorded Mary
I hope you will find all right.
I also send enclosed the dollar
bill you enclosed to me. It
is not good, the bank is broke.
You can return a good one.
Yours respectfully
Thomas Finley
Page 28

Murphysboro Ills.
Sept 16th 1859

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C

Sir
Herewith I transmit
to you the application of Nancy Gordon for a
pension.

Your Respectfully
A. M. Jenkins
atty for applicant
Page 29

Dec 13
Resp’y Gordon
Ills.

Brownsville, Ills.
Nov 16th

Free
Joel Manning
Aud Dec 31, 1835

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 30

Brownsville [illegible-Hawker] County Ills.
Nov. 14 1824

Sir
You will perceive by examining 
the declaration of old Mr Gordon and the papers
accompanying it, which I send by
the same mail which takes this, that they
have been made out some time. They were 
delayed on account of a prospect of obtaining 
further evidence upon the subject and a wish to place the subject in as strong light as possible as to retain them until now. But the prospect having failed, I now send them on and thought that this [illegible] of an explanation was proper.

Yours with Respect
Joel Manning

J. L. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 31

Brownsville May 9th,1837
Dear Sir,
I herewith transmit an
additional affidavit in support
of the Claim
of
Jesse
Gordan
for a pension his age & infirmity
render it almost impossible to
prosecute his claim in a manner which
will warrant success. Although no
doubt is entertained, as to
his right to draw a pension.
The affidavit
of Wm Lines, who is a revolutionary Pensioner, is in many respects
uncertain & defective it is just
such as he could swear to and
it seems to me that the deposition
having for its object the fitting
of facts & eliciting truth, alone,
will make
first allowance for the infirmity of
mind, which they must see in all
the details of Revolutionary events as
given the illiterate soldiers of the Revolution.
Page 32

You will please after examining this
affidavit in
conjunction with
that of Adam James which I
transmitted to you last fall
inform me
of the result of your
examination at Jamesboro.
And greatly favor your
Most Obedient Servt
John Dougherty

J.L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
Page 33

Brownsville, Texas
February 5 
Hon. John Reynolds
Bellville
Illinois
Page 34

Brownsville 1st Feb. 1837 Hon. John Reynolds Dear Sir, I handed old man Gordon the letter and instructions from the Commissioner of Pensions which you enclosed to me some time since, in relation to a pension the old gentleman wishes you to obtain for him. He requests me to state to you that he can produce no additional proof in support of his claim to a pension, to what he has heretofore proved and which is now on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions at Washington. If the declarations already made out by him and authenticated in the best manner he was able to authenticate them are not sufficient to authorize the allowance of a small pittance by the Government that will go something towards supporting him in his old age, he supposes he will have to get along without it and make out how best he can- If, however, you think it best for him to make out another declaration, according to the instruction last received, (which I presume are the same as those he before acted under) I will let him know, he will try it-- Old age has already impaired the old man's facilities this to a considerable extent, he
Page 35

tells me that he is conscious his memory particularly
of events long gone by grows weaker, every day-
I would therefore be hardly possible, for him to make
out a statement now of his services & sufferings during the
Revolution, as accurately and with as much correctness as
those already sent on - would not congress pass a
special act for his relief?
I am Sir
with sincere respect
Yr. Most ob't
Dan'l M Brush
Page 36

Payments to be made
at Carmi
by Daniel Hay Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Illinois

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E2 Vol. 8
Page 122 by Dan Boyd
Clerk.
Page 37

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United State of the 7th June, 1832, Jesse Gordon of the State of Illinois who was a private in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and[marked out] # cents[marked out] per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this Thirteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven
J.R Poinsett
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

[written across the text of the claim]
Cancelled
Page 38

31158
Ms. 
Nancy Gordon
wid
Jesse
Illinois
Boynton
Recd Jany 20 1883

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C. [written vertically behind above text]
Page 39

Urbana Ills January the 8th 1855
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir Enclosed please find the Application of Nancy Gordon for a pension of her deceased Husband. She is very poor & it would relieve her condition very much to get it. If the Application is wrong please inform me at your earliest convenience & oblige your 

Umble Servant
U. E. Robinson

Please Direct to 
U. E. Robinson UrbanaJackson county Illinois
U E R
Page 40

Brief in the case of Nancy Gordon, widow of Jesse Jordon
Jackson County and State of
Illinois
February 3, 1833
Claim, (original)
Proof exhibited, (if original)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance
Husband of claimant was a pensioner
under act of June 7, 1832, is $33 37/100 per Annum and died August
27, 1830. - his widow Nancy Gordon receiving
arrears to that date as appears by Auditors
Certificate

Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage, in 1829 proved by record evidence certified by Clerk of County Court and
identity and present widowhood by
two credible witnesses.
A. M. Jenkins 
Esq
Name and residence of Agent
Murphysborough,
Illinois
R. Geddes
Examining Clerk.
January 3 1860
Page 41

 May 13
[illegible]
W. Case,
Gordon

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 42

Georgetown 11 May 1839
To James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I am so busy that I 
can not call and see you as my warm
Wishes for your welfare would dictate.
Enclosed is a line on the pension subject.
Please write to Mr Brush at Brownsville, Ill., 
 or to Mr Gordon what you can do for him in and
after reading the enclosed
Your friend
John Reynolds
Page 43

Murphysboro Ills
Dec 23d 1859
Sir
In relation to the claim of Nancy Gordon for
pension under act of February 3d 1853. I herewith send you
a new certificate from the Clerk of Union County Court, of the
record evidence of the Marriage of Jesse Gordon to Nancy
Simpson, which will doubtless clear the case of all difficulty
I also send enclosed the letter of the Clerk of said County, which will give you a satisfactory explanation, (I hope) as to the cause of the mistake.
Yours Respectfully &c
A M Jenkins

Commissioner of Pensions
Page 44

34878
Jesse Gordon
increase to 
10 mo. per
$33.33/100
waiting for orig. certif.
Hon. John Reynolds
H. R.
Page 45

State of Illinois
Jackson County ⎬
Octerier S. Levent
Jackson County Court
AD 1839
October 15th
We William G. Lindsey a clergyman residing
in the Ridge Settlement in Jackson County, and Simon Hiller a clergyman residing
Crab Orchard Settlement Jackson County in
the State of Illinois hereby certify that we
are well acquainted with Jesse Gordon who has subscribed & sworn the above Declaration, that we believe him to be
eighty-four years of age, that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood and he resides there been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 
15th Octr 1839
Danl. H. Brush Clerk
of the circuit court
of Jackson Co. Ills.-
Wm G. Lindsey
Simon Hiller
amended by Leave of the Court,
D. H. Brush clerk
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 William G. Lindsey who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the Ridge Settlement, Jackson County, Illinois, and that Simon Hiller who has also signed the same, is a resident
Page 46

in the Crab Orchard Settlement and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Daniel H. Brush clerk of the circuit court of Jackson County in the State of Illinois do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Jesse Gordon for a pension.
In the testimony whereof, I have here unto set my hand and seal of office at Brownsville this 13th day of November AD 1839
Daniel H. Brush, Clerk
Page 47

State of Illinois
Jackson County
Joshua Tyner being duly sworn deposes and says that during the Revolutionary war he was a citizen of Wilkes County State of Georgia 
He knows that during that time the said County was the seat of almost constant warfare
surrounded by the Indians British and tories. The
troubles lasted some time after the Peace with
England. The Danger was so great that all
or nearly all fit for duty and who were true
to their county had to take part in the war
and had a
vanity of skirmishes with the
enemy. One of the
principal contests was
with the Tories at Kettle Creek under the command of Col. Boin. He saw citizens of Wilks County were worthy or wary of them another in the Militia subject to call at a moments warning. In this Militia this deponent recollects well the following officers to wit Capt. John Gunnels Col. Denby Col Glack he
This Deponent further says that in the
said County of Wilks he was acquainted with
Jesse Gordon then a citizen of the said County
now a citizen of Jackson County State of Illinois. This Deponent never saw the said
Jesse Gorden in the service of his Country but once but the common report in that community was that the said the said Jesse Gorden was a true and active Whig a friend to the American cause that he was one of the said enrolled Militia of Wilks County and
Page 48

did duty as such during the said Revolutionary
war in the manner the said Militia did as above stated. From such information Report and common fame and from his this deponents personal knowledge of the character of the said Jesse Gorden he has no doubt of his having performed such service. This deponent saw the said Gorden once in the service at this time John Gunnels was a Capt in the same detachment in which Gorden was but whether said Gunnels was Gorden's Capt. he could not say.
As to the said Gorden's serving in the capacity
of Seargent and other grades he can not
at this time say any thing with certainty -- and
further this deponent says not. Joshua Tyner
I Joel Manning a Justice of the Peace in and for
the said County of Jackson in the State of Illinois Do hereby certify that the above Deposition was taken subscribed and sworn to before me this 30th day of August A. D. 1884, and I further certify that the said Joshua Tyner is a credible person.
J. Manning J. P.
Page 49

State of Illinois
Jackson County
I Joel Manning clerk of the County Commissioners Court of Jackson County State of Illinois Do Certify that Joel Manning whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate
(with whose hand writing I am acquainted &
certify the same to be genuine) was at the date thereof and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County duly commissioned and sworn and to whose official acts as such full faith and credit is and ought to be given in all
Courts of Justice and elsewhere
Given under my hand and seal official of the said Court at Brownsville this 2nd day of August A.D. 1834-
J. Manning clk-
Page 50

State of Illinois
Jackson County
This the 8th day of May 1837 personally appeared before the undersigned Justice of the
Peace in and for said County, Joshua Tiner,
who is personally known to me, to be a
Revolutionary Pensioner in the United States
and a resident of said County, and entitled
to credit on oath, and after being duly sworn
according to law deposes and says that he
was a soldier in the Revolution, and served
as such - that he has been acquainted with
Jesse Gordon, for about the space of
fifty-eight years past That he became
acquainted with said Gordon, in the State of
Georgia, Wilkes County, said Gordon, as this
affiant was then informed had for sometime
previous to the time of this affiant becoming
acquainted with him been in the service
of the United States, in the year 1780, and had been taken by the British in wiks County in so states as a hostage, and had made his escape
with some others, from Augusta, and was
returning to Augusta when this deponent
first saw him This deponent recollects
afterwards to have seen him in the Continental service. That from the time he became
acquainted with said Gordon in the year
1780 until the year 1781 when he last
saw him about the __ day of August, 1781.
he had seen him at different times in the
service, to wit at Kettle Creek, at Clarks Fort, 
making about the space of 18 months
Page 51

That he was well acquainted with the
character of Gordon during said
sum of service, that he was every
where esteemed as a true republican
& friend to his country, & that he served
under Capt Gunnel, & Col. John Dealy
when he this affiant, knew him but,
whither in the capacity of an officer,
as private, this deponent does not
now recollect nor can he be particular, as to, the precise dates & therefore
he has not attempted to set him out
this deponent, has once before been
sworn, in this matter of the Application of said Gordon for a pension
but it was at a time when by
repeated conversations with Mr.
Gordon he had not then brought
to his recollections the additional facts
which he now states, but that since
the time he was so sworn Mr. Gordon
has frequently been in his company
and he has conversed with him
about, the campaigns in which
they were engaged, and upon the
relation of little circumstances
by Mr. Gordon this affiant recognized
him as being his acquaintance in the war
of the Revolution & rejudged
his person as such & he is now
confident of the facts above stated and
that said Gordon was in the service
Page 52

of the United States for the space of at least 18 months that when Mr. Gordon came 
to the State of Georgia, in the year 1777, he came as a discharged officer, of the Continental line. He also believes that s'd Gordon
held the rank of a Lieutenant,
but his services which entitle him
to that office, is not within the
knowledge of this affiant it being
before he became acquainted with
him. And that from his personal
knowledge of Mr. Gordon he
believes him entitled to credit on oath
Joshua Tiner
State of Illinois, Jackson County 
The above & foregoing affidavit
was sworn and subscribed before me this, an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County
the day & year above written
U. E. Robinson J. P.
Page 53

State of Illinois
Jackson County
D. H. Brush Clerk of the
County Commissioners Court in and for
said County do hereby certify that R. E.
Robinson whose signature appears
to the
foregoing affidavit of
Joshua Tiner
is and was at the time of signing &
certifying the same an acting justice of the
peace in & for said County, and that
his signature purporting to be his is
genuine & full faith & credit an due to all
his official acts as such justice
Given under my hand and
the seal of the said At. Office in Brownsville this 9th day of May 1837
Danl. H. Brush clk
Page 54

From Joel Manning On Dec 30, 1834
December 11 1134
Pension Office
Page 55

Brownsville Jackson County Ill. Sept 10 - 1824
Sir, I again return to the department the application for a pension of old Mr. Gordon with strong hopes that it may now be successful. The objections to the former application are contained in a note at the foot of an accompanying document.  His claims as a commissioned officer he is obliged to abandon at least for the present believing that hereafter if he can produce satisfactory proof to the Department that he served as such that his pension (should he obtain one) will be increased. As to his claims as a noncommissioned officer he has been unable to comply with the Requisitions in the said note any further that to make an effort to produce further evidence of his services as such. As to effort he has not been wanting. He has made diligent inquiry in this vicinity for some person who knew him in those days & has written to a variety of Persons Georgia and one in Missouri. But has received no answer from anyone except one in Missouri. But he only knew
Page 56

them long after the war and less about
him than Joshua Tyner. This Mr. Tyner
is the only one he has found here that
that ever knew him in Georgia or Carolina
and he only as he states. It will
not appear strange that Mr Tyner knew
no more particularly about him as his
services when it is recollected that Wilks
County was in the Back settlements and
very extensive - the old gentleman is
extremely poor unable to travel for
procuring evidence and the uncertainty
of writing to whom and where and
the indifference which many feed upon
the subject make it probable that
that he will never be able to obtain
further evidence the more Especially
since his late efforts have been so
unavailing.
At least it is hoped he may
immediately Receive a pension as a
private and leave for the future action of the department any additional testimony he may be able to procure--delay being to him but little better than defeat
Yours with
much Regard
Joel Manning
Page 57

Jonesboro June 22nd 1837.
Forwarded from Brownsville
Your kind favor of the 6th Instant
has just come to hand and in it
you say that "unless the Regulations enclosed
therewith he complied with not more than
six months pension can be allowed to Jesse Gordan if it will not preclude him from
prosecuting his claim for the balance
due him for his service, for the present, I will
stop the prosecution of his claim and
receive a certificate for that amount.
I am fully persuaded that unless he had
more strength of mind and body that
I will not be able to present any thing
more satisfactory to the Department, unless
some casualty should through in
his [unintelligible] of his Revolutionary acquaintance, unlooked for. But if the granting
of a certificate will have the effect to finally close the investigation I will try, to establish his whole
claim. I see from your communication
to Mr. Manning & myself that in the
declaration there is a want of certainty as to his tours of service as it regards the time, this from his statements to me must be owing to the
want of skill in the drafter of his
Declaration. And in his verbal statements
to me seems relatively precise at least as much so as men of his extreme advanced age generally do.
Page 58

I must confess that I do not comprehend the reason why; you require of him, (he being an officer of the State troops of Georgia) proof of his services by two witnesses, however
this is a matter, that. I am confident
you have examined, so as to find it
indispensable, voicing any confidence
in your decisions, where made, please
write me, and inform me whether the
granting of a pension to Mr. Gordain
for the times intended in your letter
will bear him from still prosecuting
an inquiry into his further services & if not, please transmit his certificate to me at Jonesboro Ills. or to Jesse Gordon at Brownsville.
Your most obedient Servant
John Daugherty
J. L. Edwards
Court of Pensions
Washington City
Page 59

State of Illinois
Union County to
Adam James a citizen of
Union County & state of Illinois
being first duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is aged 59 fifty-nine years That he was personally acquainted with the Character of Jesse Gordan, who as he is informed is an applicant for the benefit of an act of Congress passed 7th June 1831. That said Gordon resided in Wilkes County, state of Georgia about the year, 1798. That this deponent was frequently  in Company with persons known to be of the army of the Revolution, said by those persons said Gordan was frequently spoken of and among all of his acquaintance he was spoken of as a brave & ready soldier of the revolution and as having been a Lieutenant on same expeditions and
on others a sergeant. The persons who
this deponent heard speaking of the Revolutionary services of said Gordon are
William Watkins, a citizen of Albert County,
state of Georgia, Judge Benjamin Tolliver of the County & state aforesaid, Judge Thompson of the same place, John Sharp & Philip Thendley of the same place.
That this deponent further says that he knows that his, Gordon's, services in the Revolution
were universally acknowledged by all who personally knew him that this deponent has not
heard from any of the above named persons for the period of 38 thirty-eight years past--and does not know whither either of them is yet living.
Page 60

That this deponent does not recollect
any particular expetition in which said
Gordan was engaged, but according to
the best of his recollection he was said
and acknowledged to have been in all
the several skirmishes and battles in
which the troops from Wilks County in
Georgia are engaged. That this deponent is certain as to the person of said
Gordon and that he is the identical
person known to him by character,
in Wilks County state of Georgia and
as far as Character can establish a
fact, he is confident of the Revolution--
any services of said Gordon & further
this deponent saith not.
Mrs. Adam & James Mark
Sworn & subscribed before me this 20th day of Oct, 1836.
Winstead Davi Jr. Probate
Union County Ill
And the said Court does hereby declare
his opinion that Adam James
who has sworn to and signed
the foregoing affidavit is entitled
to credit on oath.
In testimony whereof
I have caused the
seal of said Court to be
hereto affixed & set my
hand this 20th day of October A.D. 1836
Winstead Davie Judge
Probate Union County
Illinois
Page 61

State of Illinois
Jackson County
On this 1st day September A.D. 1834 Personally appeared in open Court before the County Commissioners Court of Jackson County now sitting Jesse Gorden a Resident of Ridge Settlement in the said County of Jackson and State of Illinois, and who has heretofore been and now is an applicant for a Pension from the United States and being duly sworn deposes and says that the statements set forth in his former declaration for a Pension (which said Declaration is hereunto annexed and thus made a part thereof) are
true. That the said Declaration was Returned from the War department with this objection only contained in a Note at the foot of an accompaning Dockument to this effect to wit "The claimant must produce or at least make an effort to produce some evidence of his Services as a Non Com officer and as to his services as a Lieutenant the regulation of the
dept. is imperative must produce his commission or satisfactory evidence he was duly commissioned and served in that capacity for the time alledged "
That he this deponent has made all the effort in his power to obtain further evidence of his said services that he has been entirely unable
to be able to obtain the affidavit of Joshua Tyner accompaning this. and that is all he has been able to do and in fact it is all that he expects to be able to do in the time his necessitious situation will admiting of delay. Although this deponent verily believes that the evidence contained in his original Declaration and this instrument and the affidavit of John Tyner is amply sufficient to substantiate his Claim for a Pension as a Non Commissioned officer. Still others who have a legal Right to deter[mine]
Page 62

[deter]mine the question may think differently
In consequence of the absence of further evidence of my services as Lieutent and as it is impossible for me to know what will be the opinion of the Department as to my Claim as a Non Commissioned officer. In the Event
it would to be determined that I can not be allowed a Pension as an officer my circumstances are such that I would be willing to Receive a Pension as a Private. Therefore in case it be decided that I can not be allowed a pension for services as an officer I am willing to Relinquish and hereby Do Relinquish my claim to such pension as an officer as such and agree to Receive the same as a private-
Jesse Gordon
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year aforesaid
Joel Manning Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter that this above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as stated
Alexander Cochran
Philip Davis
Benningsen Boon
State of Illinois
Jackson County ⎬
I Joel Manning Clerk of this County Commissioners Court of Jackson County State of Illinois do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procedings of the said Court at their September
Page 63

term one thousand eight hundred and thirty four in the matter of the application of Jesse Gordon for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 2nd day of September A.D. 1834. J. Manning Clerk


State of Illinois  Jackson County SS
I Joel Manning Clerk of the County Commissioners in said  Court of Jackson County Illinois certify that Alexander Cochran, Philip Davis and Bennningson Boon who have signed the foregoing certificate are all three judges of the said Court, duly elected and qualified. Given under my hand and the official seal of the said court of Brownsville in the said county this 2nd day of September A.D. 1834- J. Manning Clerk
Page 64

State of Illinois
Jackson County
On this 14th day of May A.D. 1836
personally appeared in open Court, before the Circuit
Court of Jackson County now sitting Jesse Gordon
a resident of the Ridge in the County of Jackson or
said, in the State aforesaid, aged Eighty three years
being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath
the following declaration, in order to obtain the full
benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the served of the United States under the
following named officers and served as herein stated
-
Col Joseph Williams, and Major Joseph Shenston
---
Capt. William Shepherd - Lieutenants name not
recollected, the regiment or battle was caused in
Surry County North Carolina, entered said service
about the last of February or the beginning of March
1776 - and served a three months tour was sent
Surry that time on an express by Col. Williams
to Col Richard Caswell-- a Col in the north Carolina
Militia then lying near Thomas Bridge
North Carolina, arrived there about two hours
before sun down, while there, on the sixtheen of May
a battle took place, and with a scotch party com
Mounted by Sgt. Leoud at Moses Bridge in which
he was engaged. He resided in Surry
County North Carolina when he first cuted the service
entered as a volunteer marched to Cross
Creek against the search tories was out on this
tour three months - recollects a continental
regiment or company, or the names of regular
officers on that tour of service as they were all
Militia who were sent against the scoted. He
returned home after the first tour and remained
there a short time. The same year he volunteer
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under the same officers with the exception of the captain whose name was-- Mowsby. Against the over Hill Cherokees who resided on
the Tennessee river and Joined Colonel Christie, 
a militia officer from Virginia, with his
party at the Long Island of Holstein. The
tour was to last three months but lasted longer.
The object of the parties being sent was to intimidate the Indians into peace - which was promised-- so he returned again to his home.  These tours were made in the same year.
The next year 1777 about the month of
August he enlisted in the State troops of Georgia
under one Capt James Hawkins who
came to North Carolina as a recruiting
officer from Georgia - John Stewart was Colonel, and Elijah Clarke Lieutenant Col. The troop was the third battalion of muster men of the State of Georgia. He enlisted for
two years and a half unless sooner discharged.
Were ordered to Saint Augustine - went as
far as the river St Mary's, some of the officers
and others were taken sick, remained there a
short time. The Legislature was then sitting
in Savannah, and they passed an act discharging us. The tour lasted a little more perhaps than three months. We then came back to Wilks County in the State of Georgia
where he had been previously married. In
1878 enrolled himself as volunteer
in the Militia under Col. John Dooly Lieutenant
 Col Elijah Clark. His Capt was named Gunnells.
Remained in that company until the end of the
 war - during which time he was on several expeditions against the tories, Indians and British. At the time the
Page 66

British took possession of Savannah--they sent up the light horse commanded by Col. John Hamilton to compel us to take the oath of allegiance in Wilks County. This Militia in which he was came up with them at Carris fort and their engaged them. and routed them, taking a number of the horses on. At night an express came and informed them that there was a party of Tories at the Savanah River. The militia of whom the deponent was one went to attack them overtook them at Kettle Creek attacked and defeated them. The fight lasted about three hours. The officers who commanded, at Kettle Creek were Col. Duly Elijah Clark lieutenant Col. and Major Burrell Smith and Capt. Gunnels. A Major Pickens from South Carolina was also there who afterwards was promoted to be a general. The next expedition was to Savannah another turnout tour under the command of the same officers Joined Gen. Lincoln Gen. McIntosh and the French under D'Estaing. Pulaski was there saw him. This was to be a three months tour was engaged in the attack on Savanah, were defeated with a great loss amongst the French and regulars. Pulaski had the command of the American horse on that day and was then killed soon after the defeat the militia returned now
this deponent to the County of Wilks - this time
served three months - When Charleston was
taken by the British the militia were embodied.
Gen. Williamson of the South Carolina militia
ordered them to keep their selves embedded and he afterwards took protection. Col. Clarke
went this over the mountain with a party of 30
men refusing to take protection. sometime in
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September Clark returned with a detachment
from over the mountains this deponent with often jouned [joined] him, and marched against Augusta drove out Col. Brown who commanded them - on the part of the British - and pursued him about three miles from Augusta  where they lodged there 3 nights and three days. Brown sent for a detachment to Ninety six - which compelled them to raise the [illegible] and push home to Wilks County.  Brown and Col. Brough joined their forces and came to Wilks - and took 21 hostages of which deponent was over and kept them eight months - until Col. Henry Lee from Virginia and Major Eaton took Browns fort and released them. This deponent has now no documentary evidence to prove his service - nor does he know any now alive who can testify to his service - He however
states that the above statement is correct that
he also was out on various other scouts to prevent the British from taking cattle &c. 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 any state-
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid in open court.
Dan'l H Brush Clerk of the Jackson circuit court.
[illegible] Jesse Gordon his Mark
Page 68

State of Illinois
County of Union
-
The People of the State of Illinois, to any
Regular minister of the Gospel authorized to Solemnize the rights of Matrimony by the Church or Society to which he belongs, any Justice of the Peace, Justice of the Supreme Court or Judge of any inferior Court, Greeting:
Know Ye that License and permissioned is hereby Granted you to join together in the Holy State of Matrimony according to the rights and ceremonies of the profession to which you belong and the laws and
usages of this State. Jesse Gorden and Nancy
Simpson and in so doing this shall be your
sufficient warrant, and make you return of this
solemnization as the law directs.

Witness Winstead Davie, Clerk of the County
Commissioners Court of Union County who
has hereunto set his hand and affixed
the Judicial seal of said Court hereto at
office in Jonesboro this 2nd April 1829
Winstead Davie Clerk

State of Illinois
County of Union
Personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace, for the County and State aforesaid, the within named Jesse Gorden and Nancy Simpson, and were joined together to be husband and
wife by me this 2nd day of April 1829
John Whitaker J.P.

State of Illinois
County of Union
I Thomas J. Finley Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby Certify that the above and foregoing is a true and perfect copy of the marriage license and certificate of marriage of Jesse Gorden and Nancy Simpson, as the same appears on file in my office
Page 69

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and the seal of said County
Court hereto affixed at office in the
City of Jonesboro this 14th day of Decer. 1859
Thomas J. Finley Clk
Page 70

PENSION OFFICE SEP 23 1859
Nancy Gorden
Application for Pension
Jesse Gordon her husband
formerly Revolutionary Pension
Jackson County, Ill.
Page 71

State of Illinois
Jackson County
In the Jackson County Court September Term AD 1859. John B. Clinton County Judge and Edward Derby Associate Justice.
On this Sixth day of September A.D. 1859 appeared in Open Court Alfred A. Gregory and Amanda A. Gregory - [illegible] and who are credible witnesses and who being in Open Court duly sworn, depose and say that they are each well acquainted with Mrs. Nancy Gordon the above applicant for a Pension, that they have known her for Fifteen - years last past. That they were acquainted with Jesse Gordon her late husband, having known him for Five - years previous to his death that they the said Jesse Gordan and Nancy Gordon, lived together as husband and wife, and were represented so to be, that respondents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned that the said Jesse Gordan died in Jackson County State of Illinois on the 27th day of August A.D. 1850, and the said Nancy Gordan has since that day and still is reputed to be his widow, which respondents knew to be the fact. That she has never married since her said husband's death; and still is his widow and that her said husband was the identical man,  mentioned as a pensioner in her declaration above; and further that they were present and saw said Nancy Gordon execute the foregoing affidavit by subscribing her name, to the foregoing Declaration and making Oath thereto, in due form of law and that they respondents, do reside in the county and state aforesaid and that they have no interest in this application or claim.

Alfred A. Gregory his mark
Amanda Gregory her mark

Witnesses
E. Diveley
James P. Watson

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6th day of September AD
Thomas L Hall, County Clerk
James P Watson, Deputy
Page 72

And I the said Thomas L. Hall clerk as aforesaid
do further certify that the said Alfred A. Gregory and Amanda Gregory the subscribing witnesses, and who swore to the truth of the foregoing affidavit before me are credible persons, whose statements are entitled to full credit.
Given under my hand and the official seal of said County Court affixed at Murphysboro in said
County this 6th day of September A.D. 1859
Thomas S. Hall Clerk
James P. Watson, Deputy
Page 73

Rev. WIDOW, &c.

No. 13280
Nancy Gordon widow of Jesse Gordon 
Pri. Rev. War
Act. Feb. 3rd 53
Vol. A, Page 280

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 74

1916 Oct. 28. History to Senator J Hamilton Lewis. Distribution S. 32175 Daniel Chandler.
Page 75

State of Illinois Jackson County 
County Court Sept. Term 1859
Present John B. Chester County Judge and Edward Dively Associate Justice


In open Court on this Sixth day of September 1859 before the County Court of Jackson County state of Illinois held within and for said county and state personally appeared Nancy Gordon, aged Sixty-six years, a resident in the County Jackson state of Illinois, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of a provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Jesse Gordon deceased who was a private soldier in the company of [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] in the regiment [blank] commanded by [blank] in the war of the Revolution. 
To the best of her information and belief her husband entered the service at, [blank] about the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 17 [blank]; for the term of [blank] and was honorably discharged at _ on the [blank] day of [blank] AD17 [blank]
She says she cannot give the name of the Captain of the company in which her said husband served or of the commanding officer of the regiment, nor can she state the time, month or year, when her once husband entered the service, or at what place, how long he served, when or where he was discharged but says that her said husband was a pensioner of the United Sates, under the act of Congress (date not recollected) at the rate of $96.00 per [illegible] which was paid to to him at the Agency at Vandalia & Springfield in the State of Illinois.  She refers to the evidence filed in his application for a pension in which he obtained it for proof of his service & which she can not otherwise make.
She further states that she was married to the said
[note on left side of page margin]
no other Jesse Gordon on file
Page 76

Jesse Gordon in Union County State of Illinois on the 3rd day of April A.D. 1829 or thereabouts, by one Whitaker a Justice of the peace, and that her name before her said marriage was Nancy Simpson.  That her husband died in Jackson County state of Illinois on the 27th day of August A.D. 1850. That she was not married to him prior to the 2nd of January 1800 but at the time above stated, and she further states, that there is as she is informed and believes a public record of her said marriage in Union County State of Illinois. Should there fail to be a public record of her said marriage there, then she knows of no record of her said marriage either public or private, as she has no family record of it that can be found, if she ever had any it is lost. That she can not file here with his certificate of discharge, for the reason that it was transmitted to the pension Office at Washington City as she believes and further she declares that she is now a widow.
She hereby appoints Alexander M. Jenkins, her true and lawful attorney with power of substitution to prosecute this her claim for a pension to receive the certificate when issued and to do all other acts necessary, and proper in the [illegible]
Nancy X her mark Gordon
Witnesses
E. Diveley
James P. Watson

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above mentioned, and thereby certify that I know the said deponent  Nancy Gordon and believe her to be as is above stated, and that she is of the age above stated and further that I am not interested in this her claim as atty or otherwise.
Witness my hand and seal of said court official; by order of said Court now in session this 6th day of September AD 1859
Thomas S. Hall, Clerk
James P. Watson, Deputy