Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 5890, for David Kerr, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
Kerr, David
Sarah
NUMBER
R5890
CONTENTS
Page 2

South Carolina  30.430
-----------------------------
David Kerr
of Abbeville Dis. in the State of S. Carolina
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Barkins of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Pickins in the S.C. mil.
line for 2 years
----------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of S. Carolina
at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of Feb.
1836 and sent to James A. Black
Temple of Health, S.C.
-------------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '35                   360.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar. '36      40.00
                                                                $400.00

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.      }

Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E.  Vol. 6  Page 72


[note on upper right side]
Let to Pen Agt. Apl 1 1836
Page 3

State of South Carolina
Abbeville District

On this Eighth day of 
June 1833 Personally appeared
before Josiah Patterson Justice of Quorum for Abbeville
District David Kerr a resident of Abbeville District
South Carolina aged Seventy Six years being first duly
sworn according to law doth on 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 volunteered as a private and entered the Service
in the year 1774 or 1775 in Abbeville District So. Carolina 
under the command of Captain McCall
in the malitia [militia] of the United States from 
this period Untill 1780 he was in actual Service to and from 
different places in S. Carolina at least one year and Six 
months and was at the Siege of Ninety Six under Genl.
Williamson & Col. Pickins that he signed an article 
of association that bound those who Subscribed
to repel force by force and pledging their lives and 
fortunes to secure their countries freedom.
In July 1780 He again volunteered as a private in the US
malitia [militia] under Captain McCall in Abbeville District
S Carolina went out and met with Col McDowel at 
Broad River was with him some time then Joined the
Troops of Col Shelby & Cleveland was with them at the
Battle of Kings Mountain where the declarant received
two wounds from balls.  that he was in a Skirmish
at Waffords [Woffords] Iron Works on Packolet [Pacolet] with a part of 
Fergusons men.  from thence to thicketty Creek west
side Broad River where they took a Fort occupied 
by Tories  He was now under Capt Samuel Kerr and the
Page 5

We Moses Waddel DD a clergyman residing in Abbeville
District S Carolina and Major T T Hamilton residing in the 
same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
David Kerr who has subscribed and sworn to the above
Declaration and that we believe him to be Seventy six
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

M Waddel, D.D.
Thos. T Hamilton

Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before Josiah Patterson JQ

Answers to the Interrogatories proposed
Ansr. 1.  In Augusta County Virginia In the year 1765
2  I have been a record in the Family Bible but have it not
3  In Abbeville District So Carolina where I now reside
4  I volunteered
5  Captains McCall, Kerr, Baskin & Caruthers Col Pickens Anderson
Williamson McDowall Shelby Cleveland Clark
and Green
6  I never received any discharge 
7th  Alexander Hunter Esquire  Edward Tilman
Andrew Giles Esquire & Josiah Patterson

David Kerr

And the said Josiah Patterson Justice of Quorum for 
Abbeville District does hereby declare his 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.  Ad I do further certify that it
Page 6

appears to me that Moses Waddel who has signed the 
preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the District 
of Abbeville So Carolina and that Thomas T Hamilton
who has also signed the same is a resident of the Dist & State aforesaid
and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled
to credit  Certified the 8t day of June 1833 
Josiah Patterson JQ


The State of South Carolina
Abbeville District

I Robert H. Wardlaw, Deputy Clerk of the Court
do hereby certify that Josiah Patterson before whom the preceding Declaration was 
made & who has attested the same & who has also signed the foregoing certificate
is an acting Justice of the Quorum in and for the District aforesaid
that all due faith & credit are to given to his attestations as such and that the
signatures written purporting to be his are the genuine signature of the said Josiah
Patterson.
Given under my hand and seal of office at Abbeville
Court House this eighteenth day of June in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three

Robt. H. Wardlaw.
D. Clk


So Carolina
Abbeville District

We whose names are hereunto subscribed
do certify that we have been many
years personally acquainted with David Kerr the 
applicant for a pension in the foregoing declaration
that we believe him to be Seventy six years of age
of good moral character his Statements entitled to credit
the general belief is that he was a staunch and active
friend to his country during the Revolutionary War
in this belief we concur and have no doubt that 
his memory is much impaired otherwise he could
have furnished this department a much more
Specific and Satisfactory account of his Service
and perhaps to the advancement of his own interest

Certifyed & Signed this 11th day of June 1833
Josiah Patterson J.Q.
Edwd [Edward] Tilman
A. Hunter

[seal]
Page 7

A Statement Showing the Service of David Kerr
----------------------------------------------------
Period when the service was rendered.
1775
Duration of the claimants service
2 mo
Rank of the claimant
Private
Name and Rank of the company officer under whom he served.
Capt Joseph Hamilton & Capt. McCall
Names and Rank of the general & field officers.
Genl. Andrew Williamson & Genl Andrew Pickins Maj. Samuel Taylor 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
Ninety Six
Country through which he marched.
From Rocky River to & from 96 SC
Place of abode when he entered the service  & age at the present period.
76 years
Ninety Six now Abbeville District

Period when the service was rendered.
1776
Duration of the claimants service
2 mo 15 days
Rank of the claimant
Private
Name and Rank of the company officer under whom he served.
Capt William & Capt. Baskin
Names and Rank of the general & field officers.
Genl. Andrew Williamson & Genl Andrew Pickins Maj. Samuel Taylor 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
In Garrison at Bull Town Fort
Country through which he marched.
Abbeville Dist SC
Place of abode when he entered the service  & age at the present period.
76 years
Ninety Six now Abbeville District

Period when the service was rendered.
1776
Duration of the claimants service
3 mo 15 days
Rank of the claimant
Private
Name and Rank of the company officer under whom he served.
Capt William & Capt. Baskin
Names and Rank of the general & field officers.
Genl. Andrew Williamson & Genl Andrew Pickins Maj. Samuel Taylor 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
actual service guarding the Cherokee line
Country through which he marched.
SC
Place of abode when he entered the service  & age at the present period.
76 years
Ninety Six now Abbeville District

Period when the service was rendered.
1777
Duration of the claimants service
1 mo
Rank of the claimant
Private
Name and Rank of the company officer under whom he served.
Capt Baskin
Names and Rank of the general & field officers.
Genl. Andrew Williamson & Genl Andrew Pickins Maj. Samuel Taylor 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
actual service building a fort or Block House &c on the Cherokee line
Country through which he marched.
SC
Place of abode when he entered the service  & age at the present period.
76 years
Ninety Six now Abbeville District

Period when the service was rendered.
1778
Duration of the claimants service
8 mo
Rank of the claimant
Private
Name and Rank of the company officer under whom he served.
Capt Baskin
Names and Rank of the general & field officers.
Genl. Andrew Williamson & Genl Andrew Pickins Maj. Samuel Taylor 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
actual service to & fro in SC
Country through which he marched.
SC
Place of abode when he entered the service  & age at the present period.
76 years
Ninety Six now Abbeville District

Period when the service was rendered.
1779
Duration of the claimants service
10 mo
Rank of the claimant
Private
Name and Rank of the company officer under whom he served.
Capt Baskin
Names and Rank of the general & field officers.
Genl. Andrew Williamson & Genl Andrew Pickins Maj. Samuel Taylor 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
actual service as above SC
Country through which he marched.
SC
Place of abode when he entered the service  & age at the present period.
76 years
Ninety Six now Abbeville District

Period when the service was rendered.
1780
Duration of the claimants service
6 mo
Rank of the claimant
Private
Name and Rank of the company officer under whom he served.
Capt McCall
Names and Rank of the general & field officers.
Col McDowell Col Shelby Col Clark Genl Pickins
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
actual service Kings Mountain Waffords Iron Works
Country through which he marched.
From 96 now Abbeville District to Broad River SC
Place of abode when he entered the service  & age at the present period.
76 years
Ninety Six now Abbeville District

Period when the service was rendered.
1781
Duration of the claimants service
1 mo
Rank of the claimant
Private
Name and Rank of the company officer under whom he served.
Capt Samuel Kerr  Capt Carruthers
Names and Rank of the general & field officers.
Genl Pickins  Genl Green  Col Clark 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
Siege of 96  Chota & Shawto Indian Towns
Country through which he marched.
Thicketty Creek SC State of Georgia Cherokee Nation
Place of abode when he entered the service  & age at the present period.
76 years
Ninety Six now Abbeville District

Total 4 years 8 months


State of South Carolina
Abbeville District

These are to certify that David Kerr applicant for a pension
in the annexed declaration did this day appear personally before
me and upon oath did declare that the above statement of services rendered by him as 
a private volunteer in the Service of the United States is correct to the best of his knowledge and 
belief.  

David Kerr

Sworn to this 14th day of August AD 1833 -
Before Josiah Patterson JQ  [seal]


The State of South Carolina
Abbeville District

I Robert H. Wardlaw, Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas and General Sessions for Abbeville District do hereby certify
that Josiah Patterson before whom the foregoing affidavit or amended [?] Declaration was made is an acting Justice 
of the Quorum in and for said District; that all due faith and credit are to be given to his attestations as such
and that the above is the genuine signature of the said Josiah Patterson
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Abbeville [ink smear]
this fifteenth day of August Anno Domini one thousand eight
hundred and thirty three.

Robt. H. Wardlaw
Depy. Clerk

[seal]
Page 8

The commissioner with please address to 


David Kerr 
Church Hill 
Abbeville Dist 

[Right side of page and Written sideways

S C 


April 1835 
Pension office
Page 9


No 15474 
Declaration of 
John Y. [illegible]
Randolph County 
Sarah Kerr died 
Act July 7. 1838




H. C. Spalding
Present
Page 10

State of Alabama
County of Randolph  ss.

Personally appeared before me Hiram S. Witman an 
acting Justice of the peas [peace] in and for said County and State
aforesaid John S. Sims and after being duly 
sworn according to law deposeth and saith on
his oath that he is well acquainted with John Y.
Kerr of Randolph County State of Alabama and 
Also was well acquainted with his father and 
mother, David & Sarah Kerr in their life time
and from my own knowledge of the facts of 
the case and from information I believe the 
declaration of John Y. Kerr to be corect [correct] and
and true to the best of my knowledge and 
belife [belief]

John S. Sims.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 
20th day August 1857 -

Hiram S. Whitman
A Justice of the peace


The State of Alabama
Randolph County

I John Reaves Clerk of the 
circuit of said County and 
State aforesaid do hereby certify that Joseph Currie whose
name appears to the foregoing Declaration is and was at 
the time of taking the same Judge of the Court of Probate
in and for said county duly commissioned and 
qualified and that his signature to the same is 
genuine.  And I also certify that Hiram S Whitman
whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit
is and was at the time of taking the same an 
acting Justice of the peace within and for said
county and state, duly commissioned and qualified 
and that his signature to the same is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office
this 24th day of August AD 1857

John Reaves Clerk

[seal]
Page 11

State of Alabama
County of Randolph  Sct.

On this 24th day of August Eighteen
hundred and fifty Seven personally appeared
before me Joseph Currie Judge of the 
Probate Court of said County and State
afforesaid John Y Kerr resident of said
County aged 54 years the 4th day of last 
February who is a son and the administrator
of David Kerr deceased who being first
duly sworn according to law doth on his 
oath make the following declaration in 
order to obtain the amount of revolutionary
pension which was due to his mother Sarah
Kerr also deceased the widow of his said
father David Kerr, who was a revolutionary 
pensioner on the South Carolina roll, that 
his said father David Kerr the pensioner as
aforesaid died on the 16th day of December
1838 [?] leaving a widow Sarah Kerr.  My 
father and mother was married on or about
the 4th day of February 1792 as appears from
my own age and the age of my oldest sister
Martha Vanlandham.  that the Said Sarah
Kerr widow as aforesaid died on or about the 
15th day of October 1840 never having again
married  that the Said widow never drew any
part of her widows pension to which she was 
entitled during her lifetime  that Martha
Vanlandingham of Hickman County
Tennissee aged 64 years, Rochel E. Sims of 
Talladega County State of Alabama aged
57 years and this declarant aged 54 years the
Page 12

4th day of February  last past are the only
children now alive, that this declarant is the 
duly appointed administrator of the Said
deceased David Kerr and as such makes
this declaration for the purpose of obtaining
the amount of pension due to his Said mother
Sarah Kerry widow as aforesaid of David
Kerr deceased in behalf of himself and the 
living children of said deceased

John Y Kerr

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the 
day and year above written

Joseph Currie, Judge of Probate


[written sideways on the page further down]
No. 15474
Declaration of 
John Y. Kerr
Randolph County
-------------
Sarah Kerr decd.
Act July 7, 1838


H. C. Spalding 
Present
Page 13

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGION
November 23,1935

BA-J/EEL
William Carr- R.1719
David Kerr - R.5890

Honorable J. Hardin Peterson
Member of Congrese
Tampa, Florida

My dear Mr. Paterson:

The data, which follow are obtained from the papers on file in
Revolutionary War pension claim, R.1719.based upon the milftary
service in that war of William Carr
William Carr was born May 7, 1744, In Angusta County, Virginia.
The names of his parents are not shown.

While residing In York District South Carolina, William Carr
entered the service Angust 1, 1776, and served at various times 
until the close of the war, amounting to three years and three months 
in all, as 1st  lieutenant and captain in the South Carolina troops
under Captain William Byers, Thompson and Daniel Smith, Colonels
Neal, Watson, Bratton, Hill and John Moffet.  He participated in
the battles of Black Hole, Sullivan's Island, Stono, Fish Dam Ford,
Blackstock, Wright'a Bluff, Orangeburg, Granby and Quarter House.

After the Revolution, soldier moved fron York District, South
Carolina, to Jackson(later Hall) County, Georgia, where he was living
when he was allowed pension on his application executed August
25, 1832.  At that time he alened by mark "Carr" and was pensioned
Carr, but it was stated that the name was originally Kerr.

He married in York District, South Carolina, In October, 1792.
Elizabeth Denton.  They were married at the home of her mother.
The date and place of birth of Elizabeth and the names of her parents 
are not shown.

The soldier dled in September, 1835, and his widow. Elizabath,
died September 16, 1839. Both died in Benton County, Alabama, to
which place soldier had moved shortly before his desth.

It was stated that only two children were born of the marriage



[Note on rightside of page:]

He made 3 statements 
& as I could 
not make
them agree,
I arranged
service this 
way.
Page 16

(3-224.)
No. 5890
Revy, Ex'r.

REJECTED

OLD WAR WIDOW.

Sarah Kerr widow of David
of Ala
Died at [blank]

Clerk.

Application filed:  [blank]
Attorney:  [blank]
P. O.  [blank]


[notes on upper right side]
1935 - Nov. 23 -  Hist. to 
Hon. J. H. Peterson
Letter & former correspondence 
in case of 
R M Carr.  R.1719 - EL
Page 17

David Kerr -
So Ca
Suspended

Letter 16 Sept 1833 to 
Pensioner - could not find
Church Hill
So Ca

papers enclosed to Hon. G. McDuffie
HR  May 9, 1834

Act of June 1832
Page 18

No 15474
Sarah Kerr, deceased
widow of David
Ala.
5890

Let H. C. Spalding  Sept 8, 1857
----------------------------
Papers in this case &
Decl. of Jno. Y. Kerr for pension
as the son & heir of David
& Sarah Kerr - sent to Ch. [illegible]
[illegible] (H. of Reps) May 14/60.

Act July 7, 1838
Page 20

Pension Papers of David Kerr  South Car act  
1832. 


Feby 4th 1857,
No 30430


H. C.

Spalding
Page 21

November 23, 1935 

xxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/MMHF/eel


Honorable J. Hardin Peterson 
Member of Congress 
Tampa, Florida 

My dear Mr. Peterson:

 
Reference is made to your letter of November 15, in which you designate William Kerr and Joseph Turnbull from Ninety Six or Abbeville District, South Carolina, as the two soldiers in whom your constituent is most interested of those named on the list of October 18, 1935. 

The record has been found of a William Carr or Kerr of York District, South Carolina, who may have lived at some time in Ninety Six or Abbeville District, though not shown in the claim for pension. No record has been found of the Joseph Turnbull, of South Carolina. The record of one David Kerr, of Abbeville District, another named on first list, is given instead. It is hoped that these two records will be those of the soldiers in whom your constituent is interested. 

Very truly yours 

A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 22

Temple of Health SC
11th June 1835

Free

J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Dist. Col.


[written sideways]
June 9
S.C.
Page 23

Temple of Health Abbeville District South Carolina 8th June 1835

J. L. Edwards Esqr.  Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir

Your letter of the 9th April last suggesting the propriety
of applying to the Comptroller Genl. Office at Columbia for 
Proof of service was received indue time.  I accordingly addressed
a letter to the Comptroller Genl. on the subject and now
have the pleasure of inclosing you his answer to me as well 
as his certificate duly authenticated - by which you will see
that David Kerr was what he says he was  a faithfull soldier
of the Revolution - for my own part I have no doubt that he 
was one of the most active and daring soldiers of the Revolution

I am Respectfully
your obt. svt.  [obedient servant]
James A. Black


J. L. Edwards Esqr
Washington City
Dist of Columbia

PS.  When you have acted on the application 
of David Kerr direct your answer to me at the 
Temple of Health Abbeville District So. Ca.
Page 24

Abbeville District  19th October 1835.

J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Inclosed you will find the oath of 
David Kerr respecting his claim to a pension
under the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832.
You will also find the letters of John T.
Seibles [Seibels] (acting Compt Genl) by which it appears
that there never was but one David Kerr in the 
Service of the State of South Carolina, and I have
no more doubt that the present applicant is the
identical David Kerr with whom the state made a 
settlement for service then I doubt my own existance
I myself was acquainted with General Norwood (formerly Captain Norwood) in his lifetime & do know that 
the applicant David Kerr does reside [?] in what 
was & is still called the bounds of Capt. Norwoods
company (he being the first Captain elected under
the new Military organisation of the state after the 
end of the war.)  and David Kerr being a resident
in Norwood company at that time was settled with
as an inhabitant of the company in 1785.  if you 
could see him and converse with him and with all the 
old inhabitants of this part of the country he would get
a pension which he rightly deserves I am clearly 
of opinion that no private man in the revolution
rendered more service than the applicant David
Kerr
in your letter of the 12th September 1835 in relation to 
the claim of Daniel Beem you say if no evidence
of Mr. Beems Service can be found in the office of the Comptroller 
General that of Captain Hoggs may appear
which will in a measure corroborate Mr. Beems


[written on left margin]
turn over this leaf
Page 25

Sir

you will perceive by turning to your letter
to me of 2nd July 1835 that the only objection
to the claim of David Kerr was that as he had
performed his service mostly under Captain 
Caruthers & others and was settled with by the 
states as in Capt Norwoods company he could 
not be the person who received the indent in 
consideration of Military service in 1785
the inclosed letter shows conclusively that there
was no other David Kerr  It does seem to 
me to put the matter beyond all doubt

J. A. Black
Page 27

State of S. Carolina

Ltr to David Kerr
For duty in SC militia for Capt John Norwoods
pay Bill ensuing in April 1781 an ending in Decr
82 pay 184 Days on Horse @ 20/[?]      £184.--
Duty [illegible] p. Col. Andersons Return 512.--
A Rifle [illegible] lost in service                  45.--
                                                       Curr £741.--
                                                   Stg. 145.17. 1 1/2

Recd. the 27th April 1785 full satisfaction for 
the above account in Indent No. 551 Book O for £98.8.7 sterling in virtue of an order from the 
above named Dvd. Kerr

William Davis

Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia S.C.  26 May 1853

I certify that above account is a true copy of the 
original account of David Kerr for his Revolutionary
services as settled and filed in this office
for which an Indent No. 551 Book O for £98.8.7
sterling was issued to William Davis & it further
appears from the endorsement on the [illegible] that the 
charge for the Rifle (£6.8.6 sterling) was not 
allowed

William Laval Compt. Genl.
per 
John T. Seibels
Page 28

[logo of the state of South Carolina]

THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
--------------------
BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
George McDuffie Esquire
Governor and Commander-in-Chief, in and over the State aforesaid.

To all to Whom these Presents Shall Come.
Know Ye that William Laval is Comptroller
of the State of South Carolina, That John P Seibels
whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the 
annexed sheet of paper is and was at the time of signing
the same the lawful Deputy of the said William
Laval, that his certificate is in due form and by
the proper Officer.

THEREFORE, All due Faith, Credit and authority is and ought to be had and given 
to his Proceedings and Certificates as such.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and caused to be affixed
the Seal of the State, in the Town of Columbia
the twenty sixth of May in the 
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty five and 
in the fifty ninth year of the Independence of the United
States of America.

BY THE GOVERNOR.


B. H. Saxon
Secretary of State.
Page 29

David Kerrs account
for Revolutionary Services.
---------------------------------



Fees     3.00
J. A. Black
Page 30

South Carolina
Abbeville District  S.S.

be it known that on the 22nd day of
December 1835 before me James A. Black a 
Justice of the Quorum, in & for the State & District
aforesaid, personally appeared Joseph Black
Esquire, aged 72 years and being duly sworn as 
the law directs on his oath saith, that he did 
in the year 1784 removed from Mclinberg [Mecklenburg] County to 
in the State of North Carolina, to Abbeville District in 
the State of South Carolina and settled in the bounds 
of what was then called Captain Norwoods company
that shortly after his said settlement then day and 
the year 1785 he became acquainted with David
Kerr who now applies for a pension, that he 
found the said David Kerr living there then and was 
told by everybody with whom he conversed on the 
subject that David Kerr was an active & usefull
soldier of the Revolutionary War.  that he has seen 
& conversed with men who was present when the said
David Kerr was wounded at the battle of Kings Mountain
and states he never knew or heard of any other
David Kerr but the applicant, and that he does
veryly believe that he is the identical David Kerr
that was returned on Capt Norwoods pay Roll and 
with whom the State of South Carolina made a
settlement as seen in the Comptrollers Office.  that
he is brought to the beleaf by the fact that 
Captain Caruthers and Captain Baskin were both
living in the same part of the country when
Page 31

this deponent settled there and continued to live there untill 
their deaths,  that he has often heard them speak
of David Kerr as a good & faithfull soldier
and further that he knows the said David Kerr to 
be a man of truth & honor

Jos. Black

Sworn to and subscribed this day & year within written
before me 
James A. Black, J.Q.

I James A Black a Justice of Quorum
in the State of South Carolina and District of 
Abbeville do hereby certify that Joseph Black
Esquire, who has this day sworn and subscribed
the within & above statement is a man of truth
(being the senator in the State Legislature from this
District) and that due faith & credit should 
be given to his oath.
Given under my hand and seal this 22nd
day of December 1835

James A. Black JQ
[seal]


I James Wardlaw Clerk of the Court of Abbeville
District do hereby certify that James A. Black is
a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing
certificate purporting to he his is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office
this fourth day of January 1836

Jas. Wardlaw
Clk.

[seal]
Page 32

[state logo]

THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
---------------------
BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
George McDuffie, Esqr.
Governor and Commander-in-Chief, in and over the State aforesaid.

To all to Whom these Presents Shall Come.
Know Ye that William Laval is Comptroller
General of the State aforesaid, that John T. Seibels whose
name is subscribed to the certificate hereunto annexed
is and was at the time of subscribing the same the lawful
Deputy of the said William that the said certificate
is in due form, made by the proper officer and his 
signature genuine.

THEREFORE, All due Faith, Credit and authority is and ought to be had and 
given to his Proceedings and Certificates as such.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and caused to be affixed
the Seal of the State, in the Town of Columbia
the Eleventh of December in the 
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty four and 
in the Sixtieth year of the Independence of the United
States of America.

BY THE GOVERNOR.

B. H. Saxon
Secretary of State.
Page 33

State of South Carolina

Ltr. to David Kerr
For Duty in ye Militia for Capt Jno. Norwood's
Pay Bill ensuing in April 1781 and ending in 
Dec. '82 pay 184 Days on Horse @ 20 per £184.--
Duty beside p. Col. Anderson's Return     512.--
A Rifle Gun lost in Service                          45.--
                                                               £741.--
                                             Stg. £105.17.1 1/2


And on the envelope is endorsed the following
viz;  "Rifle Gun not allowed              £6.8.6
                                                        £98.8.7

Recd. the 27th April 1785 full satisfaction for the above
account in an Indent No. 551 Book O. for £98.8.7
Sterling in virtue of an order from the above named
Dd. Kerr

William Davis


Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia  10 December 1835

I do hereby certify the above to be a true copy of the original account of
David Kerr for Services performed in the Revolutionary War
settled & filed in this office.  That is does not appear
that any other person of the name of David Kerr produced 
an account against the State for services rendered 
in said War.  That he is the identical David
Kerr who was placed on the pension Roll of this State
a private of Forty years ago in consideration of wounds and services performed in said War & has been 
continued a pension of this State up to the present
time.
Given under my hand the day & year above written

John T. Seibels Dept. Compt. Genl.
Page 35

Pension Office
Sept. 8, 1887

Sir,
The application of the children of Sarah Kerr, deceased, widow oof David, of Ala., has been filed under the pension act of July 7, 1838.

The claimants should prove the date of their father's and Mother's death and the fact and date of their marriage by the best attainable evidence. And also, should prove that their mother was the widow of the pensioner.

H. C. Spalding, Esq.
Present
Page 36

[post mark]
COLUMBIA 
MAY 30
SC

23

Hon. James A Black
Temple of Health P. O.
Abbeville District
S.C.

Mail


J. A Black
Temple of Health
S Ca.
Page 37

Comptrollers Office
Columbia  26th May 1835

Hon. James A. Black

Dr Sir

Agreeable to your favour
of the 23d Inst. I herein enclose to you
the papers, in relation to the Revolutionary
service of David Kerr,
officially authenticated

Respectfully
Yr. Obt. Svt. [your obedient servant]
John T. Seibels
for
Wm. Laval
Comt. Genl.
Page 39

(NOTE: The word "cancelled" is handwritten over body of note.)

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
Feb. 24, 1836

Sir:
Be pleased to inscribe on your roll the name of David Kerr, Private, a Revolutionary Pensioner, at the rate of 80 dollars and ------ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, under the act of June 7th, 1832; and pay his pension up by the time of the last semi-annual payment, if he should be still living; and, if not, you will pay the money due up to the day of his death.

Pensions under the above act are to be paid immediately on the production of the proper vouchers.

I am, respectfully.
Your obedient Servant,
J. L. Edwards

To the Agent for paying Pensioners
at Charleston S. C.

You will also inscribe on your rolls the following named persons, and pay them agreeably to the rates set opposite to their names respectively.

Names           Rank   Amount per annum
Thomas Melford  Pr     $32.00
Peter Roberts        "        56.66
Page 40

Department of War
Pension Office
November 23, 1833

Sir,

The claim of David Kerr has been examined and is again
returned, that he may afford some explanation respecting the 
alleged service under Capt. Baskins and Capt. Caruthers -
All claims for Militia Services of continuous tours of twelve
months are inadmissible as no such tours were ever performed by the 
Militia. -
The company of mounted rangers in which he also claims
to have served 14 months is of a very questionable character, as to 
the authority made which it was formed and in any event
the same objection rest in this case as does in the other. -
The applicant must state clearly the number of tours in 
actual Service in the Army - by what authority called out - the 
length of each tour, the nature of the Service, the place where performed
and the officers under whom he served &c. -

I am respectfully
Your Obt. Servant. -
J L Edwards


James Wardlow Esqr.
Abbeville C.H.
So. Car.
Page 41

Jas. A. Black
July 20/35
Al



R. Vol. 40.  P 265
Page 42

War Department
Pension Office
July 20 1835.

Sir

I have recd. and examined the papers obtained
from the Comptroller Generals Office for the purpose of 
establishing the claim of David Kerr.
From the copy of the account for services
rendered by David Kerr then named against the State, it appears
that he served between Apl 1781 and Oct 1782, 184 days
in the Cavalry under Capt. Norwood, and that he had
previously served 512 days as for Col. Andersons return.
David Kerr the present claimant claims for 
services in the infantry and at different periods & 
under different officers from that named in the account alluded
to, and of course cannot be the person who recd. the 
Indent in consideration of military services in 1785
The papers are placed as his awaiting
proof.

I am D


Jas A Black Esq.
Temple of Health P. O.
Abbeville Dist.
SC
Page 43

Jas. A Black
9 April 1835
Al
Page 44

Depart. of War
Pen. Off.
Apl 9. 1835

Sir

The papers in the case of David
Kerr have been recd. and placed on file.
In the mean time I would refer you 
to the archives in the office of the Comptr.
Gen. at Columbia for proof of service.

I am




Jas A Black Esq
Temple of Health
Abbeville Dist
SC

OC
Page 45

Papers of 
Philip Rushing.  Pensioner.  Tenn Roll
formerly of North Car.

H. C. Spalding.


David Kerr, Pensioner.  South Car
Act '32
Act C L   room [?] = Nov. 25th 1856
Page 46

Depart of War
Pension Office
Oct 27th 1835.

Sir

The objections to the admission of the claim
for David Kerr are not removed by his explanation.
The certificate of the Comptroller does not proved that there
"never was but one David Kerr" he only states that the name
appears but once upon his Books.  The conclusion what you have
drawn from the fact of Kerrs being in the unit of Capt.
Norwoods Company are not sustained by the facts in the case
Kerr claims for nearly 5 years service from 1775 to 1782; and 
it is presumed from his silence on the subject, was in the infantry
the last year under Capt. Kerr & Carruthers.  In this, he cannot
be mistaken.  He states further that Genl. Pickins took his [illegible]
in 1785 & he supposes he (Pickins) returned him in Capt Norwoods
Company.  From the certificate of the Compt. Genl. it appears
that a David Kerr was paid for 184 days as horseman
commencing Apl 1781 & ending Dec. 1782 as per Capt Norwoods
pay bill, not from anything that could have been said
by Genl. Pickins in any one [illegible].  This same David Kerr
Page 47

recd. 512 currency for services rendered pr ending to 1781 as 
[illegible] Col. Andersons return -
From these facts, there remains not a doubt
upon the subject, that the David Kerr above named
was not the present applicant - as he was returned by Capt Norwood
and his name found upon his pay roll.  The claimant 
denies having served at all in Norwoods company which
is also in very similar circumstances as long as he the 
and roll continues to send within its limits
The papers w------ in file



Jas. A Black Esq
Temple of Health
SC


[written sideways in middle of page]
James A. Black
29 Oct. 1833
OC
SC


Recd Vol. 40 pa 350
Page 48

The State of South Carolina
Abbeville District

I James Wardlaw, Clerk of the Courts
of Sessions and Common Pleas for said District,
do hereby certify that James A Black
before whom the annexed amended declaration 
was made and who has signed the same and 
has given a certificate endorsed thereon, is an
acting Justice of the Quorum in and for said
District and that all due faith and credit
are and ought to be had and given to his 
attestations as such, and further that the 
signatures thereto purporting to be his are the 
genuine signatures of the said James A Black
Given under my hand and 
seal of office at Abbeville Court
House this fourth day of 
November 1833.

Jas. Wardlaw
Clk.
[seal]
Page 49

Petition of the Children
of David and 
Sarah Kerr of
Alabama for arrears
of Pension --
-------------------------
Committee on Revolutionary 
pensions
January 28 1858.  Referred to 
the committee on Revolutionary
Pensions
April 17, 1860  Referred
to the Committee on 
Rev Pensions

Revolutionary Pensions


Mr James M Leach
[illegible and marked out]
Page 50

Memorial

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled.

The petition of the children of David and Sarah Kerr, decd late of Alabama, for arrears of revolutionary pension due to the said Sarah Kerr, respectfully represent that they have made application at the Pension Office, and that their claim has been rejected under a recent decision of that office, refusing to allow to children the amounts of pension due to their fathers or mothers, but which they failed to draw for want of completing the proof during their lives. That David Kerr was a pensioner on the South Carolina roll and that Sarah Kerr, his widow, was also entitled to have received during her life from the date of her husband's death the same rate of pension, but died never having received it. They therefore humbly pray Congress to cause the papers to be transferred to Congress from the Pension Office that such action may be had thereon as is just and right.

Washington Jany 24th, 1858

W. C. Spalding
Attorney for the children
Page 51

Wimberly, Ga
Nov. 18th 1856

H. C. Spalding Esqr.

Dear Sir

you will find A power of attorney from
heirs of David Kerr he David Kerr lived
in Abbeville dist South Carolina and 
died about 15th December 1835  his widow
lived same Dist and State and died
about October 1840 in the above case
I have agreed to take one third of what
may be obtained and if we recover
nothing we make no charge the one third
to be divided between you and my self

Vary Respctly your
Obt Servt.

Levi R Lawler
Atty

PS.  Pleas write to me what time you 
think the Thomas Smith case will be 
acted on as I mispoke of it in my last
communication to you.   L.R.L.
Page 52

State of Alabama
Randolph County

know all men by these presents that 
we John Y. Kerr and Rachel E. Sims and 
Martha Vanlandingham of the County and 
State afforesaid do hereby constitute and 
appoint H. C. Spalding of Washington 
City D.C. our true and lawfull attorney
for us and in our name to prosecute our
Claim against the government for our
fathers p David Kerr portion as to assign
our names to any instruments of writing
that may nessary in the prosecution of said
Claim as to do and praform any other
act that may be nessary and proper in the 
prosecution of said Claim   given under
our hands and Seals this November 17th
1856.

John Y Kerr
Rachel E Sims
Martha Vanlandingham

Attest
Levi R. Lawler
Attorney for
heirs
Page 53

David Kerr
Petitions of
David Kerr
of SC
applying [?] for a pension
------------------
Feb. 10. 1834
Ref to Comr Rev. pensions
-------
Feb. 25 1834
Com dischd to be
Pri Colo Pickins SC

47.814
[illegible] 5890


McDuffie  102  Pens
Roll Dist of So Car. [???]


[written sideways on left side]
26th Jany 1834
David Kerr
Page 55

State of South Carolina
Abbeville District  S.S.

on this Second day of October 1833 before me 
James A. Black a Justice of Quorum in and for the 
District of Abbeville and State of South Carolina
personally appeared David Kerr a resident of 
the State of South Carolina & District of Abbeville
aged seventy six 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 act
of Congress passed June the 7th 1832
that he entered the service of the United States under
the following named officers & served as herein stated
that he entered the service as a volunteer Militia
man in Captain James McCalls company of infantry
in Colonel Andrew Pickin's Regiment of South Carolina 
Militia on the tenth day of September 1775 that they
rendezvoused near the place where Abbeville Court house
now stands when they were Joined by Col. Pickins and 
marched to Ninety Six and continued in actual service
untill the 20th day of November following when they were 
discharged & suffered to return home  that he was out
in actual service of this nation two months & one
day and was under the command of General Andrew
Williamson  that during the time of this service they
had several attacks by the tories under the command 
of a Robert Cuningham as he thinks
that he again entered the service as a volunteer
under Captain William Baskins and entered the fort
at a place called Bulltown fort where he acted
as a gaurd for the protection of the frontier
settlement who were mostly driven in by the indians
and tories  that he entered this service on the first
day of July 1776 and after acting as a gaurd for the 
fort for eleven weeks they then sallied out to the
Cherokee line where we continued in actual
active service for the term of one year

[written sideways on left margin]
David Kerr  20843 [or 20848?]
Page 56

that he beleaves that Capt Baskins was subject
to the command of General Williamson and Colonel
Pickins  that the company to which he was attached
was known by the name of the Rangers for the defense 
of the frontiers  that he was out all the time
in actual service on the occation untill the 20th of 
October 1777 making altogether while in the fort and on 
the frontier fourteen months and twenty days.
that after the city of Charleston was taken and South Carolina
considered as a conqured provence and all hopes of 
the State lost... that he again volunteered with
26 others under Captain James McCalls on the 
10th day of July 1780 and set out to Join a Colonel
Charles McDowel then in arms [?] on broad River
near the Cherokee ford where the Joined him and 
during the time they staid there they took a fort
on Thickey [Thicketty]  that from there they marched into Roan [Rowan]
County North Carolina where he was put under
the command of Captain Samuel Kerr who marched
and Joined Colonel Shelby's Regiment and went with
him and was in the battle of Kings Mountain on 
the 7th day of October 1780 when he was severely
wounded in the arm & breast - that he was carried
into North Carolina Roan county where he lay with his
wounds untill the first of May 1781  that he was out in
actual service on this occation three months and lay
with his wounds about seven months more (for which 
he thinks he should be allowed)
that he again entered the service on the 20th day of 
May as a volunteer under the command of Captain
Samuel Kerr  I was transfered to Captain Robert
Carithers company of infantry and Joined General
Green at Ninety Six and was with him through 
the sedges that after the sedge was raised he
Page 57

went with Colonel Pickins Regiment in persuit of the 
retreating British army and persued them down to a 
place called the boggy gully where they give up the persuit
& returned home when after resting a day or 
two he Joined Captain Caruthers company of mounted
Rangers and continued in actual service untill 
July the 4th 1782.  that during this service he was 
at the taking of two indian towns Sato and Choto
that in the tours of service he was out including 
the Sedge of Ninety six fourteen months
that he was acquainted with General Nathaniel Green
and a Major Samuel Taylor  also with Col Shelby
Col Campbell and Col. Cleavland  he does 
not Recollect the name of any Regular Regement
he hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a
or annuity except the present and declares that his name 
is not on the pention Roll of the agency of any state
(except the pention list of the state of South Carolina)
that he has no documentary evidence of his service nor
does he know of any person now living who cold testify
as to his service.

David Kerr

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
before me
James A. Black  JQ         [seal]

We Thomas Bigbie a clergyman residing in Abbeville
District State of South Carolina and Joseph Black Esqr
residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted
with David Kerr who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration that we beleave him to be Seventy six years
of age.  that he is reputed and beleaved in the neighborhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution
and that we concur in that opinion

Thomas Bigbie
Jos. Black

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
before me 
James A. Black JQ
Page 58

I James A. Black a Justice of Quorum in and for the District
of Abbeville State of South Carolina, do hereby declare
that it is my opinion after the investigation of the matter and 
after putting the interogatories prescribed by the war department that the above or within named David Kerr
the applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served
as he states, and I further certify that Thomas Bigbie
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident
in the District of Abbeville and that Joseph Black
Esqr. who has also signed the same is a resident of 
Abbeville District and is a credible person and that 
their statement is entitled to credit
I further certify that I have been personally acquainted
with the applicant David Kerr for the space of thirty
years  I believe him to be Seventy six years old.  I have 
always heard him called an old soldier of the Revolution
of which I have no kind of Doubt
I further certify that he resides eleven miles from 
Abbeville Courthouse and from age & bodily infirmity 
he is unable to appear in open court
Page 59

with any kind of comfort or convenience
certified this second day of October 1833.

James A. Black JQ


Interogatories

Int 1.  where and in what year were you born?
Ans.  I was born in Augusta County State of Virginia
on the 4th Feby. 1756.

Int 2nd  have you any record of your age & if so where 
is it?
I see my age recorded in my Fathers family Bible 
which is now in Pendleton District in the possession of
my sister Mrs. Robertson.

Int 3rd  where were you living when called into service.  where 
have you lived since the Revolution and where to you 
now live?
Ans.  I have lived in Abbeville District on the same
farm where I now live ever since the year 1762
it has been my constant home.

Int 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.  I was always a volunteer

Int 5th  state the names of the Regular officers who was
with the troops when you served.  such Continental 
and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and 
the general circumstances of the service.
Ans.  [bottom of page is cut off]
Page 60

Int 5th  state the names of the Regular officers who was
with the troops when you served.  such Continental 
and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and 
the general circumstances of the service.
Ans.  I was acquainted with General Green & 
Major Taylor of the Regulars  I cannot recollect
the name or numbers of any Regiments  as to 
the general circumstances of the service they
are detailed in the the declaration above made

Int 6th.  did you ever receive a discharge from the service
if so by whom was it signed and what has become of it
Ans.  I never did receive a writen discharge it was 
not thought nessesary 

Int 7th  State the names of persons to whom you are 
acquainted in your present neighborhood and who 
can testify as to your character for varcity and 
their belief as to your services as a soldier
of the Revolution
Ans  I am acquainted with Josiah Petterson Esq
Andrew Giles Esqr Doctor A. B. Arnold Doct
Tennents  Edward Tilman  Richard Covington
Alexander Hunter Esq. Joseph Black Esqr & James 
Wardlaw Esqr and Colonel Patrick Noble
Page 61

State of South Carolina
Abbeville District  SS.

be it known that on this 25th day of 
September 1835 before me James A Black
a Justice of the Quorum in and for the District
aforesaid personally appeared David Kerr the 
applicant for a pension under the act of Congress
of the 7th June 1832 and made oath & 
saith that he did reside & does now reside
in what was & still is the limits of Captain
Norwoods Company and that he made out his account
against the State in 1785 and gave it to General
Andrew Pickins (who was then the imidiate
representative of the District in the State 
lejislature) and he suposes that he returned 
him in Capt Norwood Company it being the 
beat company in which he lived & what
was well known to General Pickins with whom
he was personally well acquainted

David Kerr  X  his mark

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
above writen before me 
James A. Black JQ
Page 62

State of South Carolina
Abbeville District  S.S.

on this 4th day of March 1835 Personally appeared
before me James A. Black one of the Justices of the Quorum
in and for the District of Abbeville and State of South Carolina
David Kerr, a resident of the District and State aforesaid aged
Seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according
to law doth on his oath make the following amended
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act
of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
that he entered the service of the United States and served
as herein after stated
that he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer
militiaman on the second day of July 1776 under the command of 
Captain William Baskins for the term of three months that march
to the Cherokee line where the continued gaurding the frontier settlements 
and building forts or blockhouses.  that they built three temporary
fort or blockhouses as they were then called, that he supposes
Captain Baskins acted under the command of Governor Rutledge
that a company under the command of Captain Andrew Capt
ward General Anderson was associated with them in this service
and that he was discharged on tenth day of October 1776 from 
this service.
that he again volunteered as a militiaman in Captain Baskins
Company on the 25th day of October 1776 for the term of three
months that they were ingaged in actual service on the fronteer
and built several forts and strong places and were discharged on 
the 10th day of February 1777.
that he again entered the service as a volunteer under the command 
of Captain James McCall for the term of three months that
he entered this service on the 1st of March 1777 and served out
his time partly on the line between the indians and the white settlements
and partly in the Cherokee country where the went under the 
command of Col. Pickins and was discharged on the 12 of June
1777 being out at this time 3 months and twelve days.
that he again volunteered for a tour of three months under 
Captain Baskins Company of Militia on the 5th day of March
1778 and served out his tour and was discharged on the 1st
day of June 1778.
that he again volunteered for a six months tower with Capt
James Baskins and took the field on the 2nd day of July 1778
and was discharged on the 6th of November 1778.
Page 63

that he again entered the service as a volenteer in Captain
Baskins company on the 10th day of February 1779 and was ingaged in 
gaurding the fronteers and keeping the forts that he was part of this
town in fort independence & part of the time at fort charlott on 
Savanah River above Augusta where he was discharged from the 
service on the 15th day of May 1779 having been out 3 months
& five days in this service.
that he again entered the service as a volenteer with Capt
Baskins on the 11th June 1779 as a mounted militiaman to 
gaurd the the fronteers & keep the indians in awe  that they
scourd the fronteers from Savanah to Saluda River in actual
service untill the 1st of September 1779.  that on the 15th September
he again volenteered with Capt Baskins for three months on the 15th of September to 
gaurd the fronteers settlements served out his time and was 
discharged on the 16th day of December 1779.
that he again volenteered as a private in Captain McCalls
company of infantry on the 9th day of April 1780 and marched
to fort Charlott on savanah River and were attached to Capt
Bowers company of Rangers when the served out this tour
and were discharged on the 8th of July 1780.  Charleston having
fallen into the hands of the enemy and the prospects of 
the state quite gloomy I then went to North Carolina
on the 15th of September entered the service under
Captain Samuel Kerr and was with him at the Battle
of Kings Mountain where he was severely wounded and 
carried home to Rowan County North Carolina where he 
lay with his wounds untill his time of service for which he 
had volenteered expired and [illegible] time after he considers
himself intitled to at least a full tour say 3 months
tho he lost at least 5 months with his wounds having
part of one of his ribs shot away & one arm broken
with a musket ball from which he is to this day a 
criple  that Col Shelby commanded his company on that day
that he again entered the service as a volenteer militia
man in Captain Robert Carithers on the 10th April 1781
and served in Col Pickins Regiment and was in the sedge of ninety
six in June 1781 and was discharged on the 12th July 1781.
That he again volenteered with Captain Robert Carithers
and persued the British to Orangburge [Orangeburg] with Colonel Pickins
when Captain Carithers company was ordered back to protect
the fronteers against the indians and tories and in
Page 64

which service he continued untill the 7th day of November
1781  that he intered on this last tour on the 20th July
and was out in this tour three months and 17 days
making in all the term of three years and eight days
that he served much more as a mounted ranger and on 
scout service but from age & lost of memory cannot
define the precise time but that he is confident he served
as much as above stated at least

David Kerr

Sworn to and subscribed this 4th day of March 1835
before me
James A Black J.Q.


South Carolina
Abbeville District  SS

I James A Black a Justice of Quorum in and for the 
District aforesaid do hereby certify to all who it may concern
that it is my decided opinion that he is as old as he states
himself to be  that it is universally believed in the
neighborhood
where he lives that he was an active good soldier
in the war of the Revolution  that has always been said by
the old people in the settlement that David Kerr was a 
faithfull good soldier  I further certify that from age
and consequent infirmity he is unable to appear in 
open court, the Courthouse being at least 12 miles 
from his residence   from a full and carefull
investigation of the character & service of the said
David Kerr I am fully of opinion he aught to be 
placed on the pension Roll
Given under my hand and seal this 4th day of 
March 1835

James A. Black J. Qm

I James Wardlaw Clerk of the Court of Abbeville District
do hereby certify that James A Black s a magistrate
as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be 
his is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of office
this 30 day of March 1835

Jas. Wardlaw
Clk
[seal]
Page 65

Send the answer of this matter to James A. Black
Esqr.  Temple of Health  Abbeville District


[written down the left margin]
20.873