Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7408, for Abijah Mc Clain, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE
Penn,
Va.

McClain, Abijah
Lydia

NUMBER
W. 7408
B.L. Wt. 17584-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

134.419 - Act March 3/55
May 14, 55
Lydia McClain wife
Adijah McClain
Sylvia McClain wid. of Abijah
Col. Daniel Morgan
Pa. Contl line
Revolutionary War
AD 160 Acres Feb 22/56
Penn &  Fely 53  R Orston
R 
George S. Wyly
Waynesburg
Greene Co.  Pa

Written across document No 17584 is  Feb 26/36
Page 3

Pennsylvania 25,847
Abijah McClain
of Fayette in the State of Penn
who was P. in the Company commanded by Captain Pegot of the Rgt. commanded by Col. Brodhead in the New Jersey (crossed out)
for 2 yrs    4   $80.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 80 Dollars + Cents per annum, to comment on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of July
and Sent 
1836 [illegible' Ct.  Stewart, [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833
Semi-anl. allowance ending September '33  
200.00
  40.00
$240.00
Revolutionary Claim
Act June7, 1832
Recorded by J T Hrague  Clerk,
Book C  Vol 5 Page 40

This name on the Roll but once although two sets of papers were filed and two certificates were issued.
Page 4

4,038
Pennsylvania Pensioner [?]
Lydia McClain Widow of [cross out] Abijah McClain who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 3d February, 1853
Certificate of Pension issued 
15th day of April 1854 and sent to 
Chas C. Tucker
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 107 Vol. A
1832

Sent: to Geo. S. Coy
Page 5

State of Pennsylvania } 
County of Fayette } SS.

On this 23d day of October 1832 personally appeared before the Hon. Thomas d H. Baird, & his Associate Judges of the Court for said County, now sitting Abijah McClain a resident of Cumberland Township in the County of Greene and State of Penna. aforesaid aged 78 ___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 7th 1832. That he the said Abijah McClain enlisted in the service of the United States in the year A.D. 1776 in the neighbourhood of the Flats of Grave Creek Va. under the following named officers, Viz. first under Captain Pegot [James Piggot] for the term of three years, and attached to the 8th Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment commanded by Colonel McCoy [Aeneas Mackay] and Lieutenant Col. George Wilson, Major Butler [Richard Butler] &c, and that the said Regt. was all recruited west of the mountains, for the express purpose of guarding the western frontiers, but after marching up to the Kittaning [Kittanning], in Armstrong County, in the State of Penna. aforesaid and after remaining there for some time, there was an express came for the said Regt. to march immediately to the east, and to rendezvous at the City of Philadelphia, and to which place they was obliged to march, & from thence to the State of New Jersey, and had a battle at a place called Bound Brook where many of the said 8th Pa. Regt. was kild, wounded, and many taken prisoners to the City of New York, and that soon after which the said Col. McCoy [Mackay] died at the City of Trenton N. Jersey, and his said Col. Wilson died at Quible Town, New Jersey [Quibbletown, present New Market, NJ], and that the whole of the surviveing troops was then commanded under Col. Daniel Broadhead [Brodhead], and that some time after which, he the deponent with about 100 others of the said Regt. volunteered under Col. Daniel Morgan, for one year and marched in the northern campaign, in pursuit of the British army, commanded by Major General Burgoyne, against whom they fought at Saratoga, and from there returned and rejoined his Regt. in the Spring or Summer of 1778 at the Valley Forge, from which the survivers of the 8th Pa. Regt. afforesaid was permited to return back to west Penna. to Pittsburg, and from thence to the building of Fort McIntosh in the said year of 1778, and from thence out into the Indian Country to the building of Fort Lawrence [Fort Laurens], & there remained for a considerable time, & from thence in the Spring they returned to Fort Pitt aforesaid, where said deponents time of service expired, and that he was there honourably discharged by Col. or Lut. Col. Stephen Byavd [Stephen Bayard], in the month of September 1779, as setforth in his preceeding declaration for a pension long since transmitted to the care of the Honorable Christian Tarr then a member of Congress for the Counties of Fayette & Greene aforesaid, also agreeable to his second declaration executed before the Hon. Court on the 15th day of September 1830, at Waynesburg Penna aforesaid, in the said County of Greene._Declarent further recollects that after they had returned from Fort Lawrence [Fort Laurens] to Pitt aforesaid, they was taken out in a two months campaign up the Alegheny [Allegheny], & headwaters of Susquehanna after the Indians, and that after they returned from that to Pitt aforesaid, where said deponent was then discharged as aforesaid, deponent states that this two months campaign aforesaid, had never been enserted in his preceeding declarations._
That he was entirely too frail to attend at either of the preceeding courts at Waynesburg in the County of Greene, and that he resides equally as near to the Town of Union in the County of Fayette aforesaid, and where he was also well acquainted, and also obliged to attend there on other business, and likewise where could have the present business done gratis, and that his health was somewhat recruited which enabled him to attend.
Page 6

And that he the deponent was born in the State of New Jersey Middlesex County on the 2nd day of September AD 1754 and lived in the County of Monmouth until the age of 20 years, and from thence he and his parents moved to the Flats of Grave creek Ohio County, in the State of Virginia, and there remained until he enlisted as aforesaid under the said Captain Pegot of the 8th Pennsylvania Rifle Regt.. as aforesaid, and that after being discharged as aforesaid , he resided for some time in the County of Fayette aforesaid, and got married after which he resided for about 4 years, in Alegheny County, Pa and from thence he migrated to the Said County of Greene about 60 years. Since, where he has ever Since resided. And that relative to his documentary evidence, xe he had transmitted his discharge by the Hon. C. Tarr aforesaid to the War Department, who states that he left the papers in the clerks office before the close of the session of Congress of which he was a member, and that he has no other original document except his receipt for his gun, which will be here with enclosed. And that he will not delay in endeavouring to procure the affidavit of one of his only surviving officers to support his claim who it is said resides in the State of Kentucky. And that he served more than years in the said service.  
HE hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he decl ares that his name is not on the pension roll an any agency in any State whatsoever.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
W W Beeson, Prothy
Page 7

Declaration of Mrs. Lydia McClain, widow of Abijah McClain, late of the county of Green in the state of Pennsylvania.
P\Joz a revolutionary pension under the act of Congress of 3rd Feby 1853
State of Pennsylvania}
Green County} SS
On this Eighteenth day of Feby A.D. 1852 personally appeared before me one of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for the county  of Greene in the state of Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Lydia McClain, a resident of the county and state aforesaid aged about eighty years , who being first and duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress during the revolutionary war.  That she is the widow of Abijah McClain who was a solder in the war of the revolution and a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of the amount of said pension and the agency at which it was paid being unknown to your declarant.
She further declares that she was married to Abijah McClain on the              day of February AD 1835 at the house of William Mitehener in Jefferson Township in said County that there is no county town or church record of said marriage. And that your declarant ever not know of the existence of any family record thereof. That her name before her said marriage was Lydia May.   And that her husband the aforesaid Abijah McClain died at his house in the said County of Greene on the Eleventh day of July A.D. 1821. And that she has remarried his widow since the death of her said husband.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before 
Sal Creed
       her
Lydia  X McClain
        mark
Page 8

State of Pennsylvania }SS
Greene County

I James Cree one of the judges of the court of Common Please in and for the County of Green, State of Pennsylvania, hereby certify, that the above named declarant Lydia McClain, by reason of age, total blindness and other bodily infirmity was unable to appear in open court at the time the above declaration was made before me. 

February 18th AD 1854

Jas Cree



State of Pennsylvania }SS
Greene County

I, John Lindsey, Prothnotary of the Court of Common Please in and for said county, do hereby certify that James Cree, before who the above declaration was made and who made the foregoing certificate and who had signed his name to said declaration and certificate, was at the time of so doing one of the judges of the said Court of Common Please duly commissioned and sworn, and all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this [blank] day of April A.D. 1854
John Lindsey Prothonotary
Page 9

State of Pennsylvania
County of Green } SS

On this               day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.  Personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Green aforesaid Lydia McClain aged eighty years a resident of Greene County in the state aforesaid  who being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the widow of Abijah McClain deceased who was a Soldier in the Regiment of Rifleman commanded by Col Daniel Morgan in the war of the Revolution that she does not know when he enlisted nor [illegible] he served or at what time he was discharged. No at said husband not a pensioner of the United State at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum foresaid services in the war of the revolution and that since the death of her said husband.  She received a certificate of Pension dated April a ed of 3rd July AD 1853.
she further declared that she was married to the said Abijah McClain in the county of Greene on or about the        day of        AD 1836 by one                 a Presbyterian Cleryman and that he name before her said marriage was Lydia May.  We at her said husband died at his residence in said County on this             ay of July AD 18   and that she is now his widow.  For proof of the above facts the department is appeared to the papers and eviance on fate
Page 10

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the County land to which she may be entitled  under the Act approved March 3th AD 1855.
 We                and             residents of the County of Greene in the State of Pennsylvania upon and oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged in our presence by Lydia McClain; and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she expresses herself to be.

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn and subscribed before me on the year above written; and I certify that I know the applicant to be credible persons.  That the claimant  is the person she presents to be and that I have no interest in this claim
Page 11

[All Handwritten]
Greene County SS

I, John Lindsey, [illegible] of the County Common Pleas in and for said County, do hereby certify that John Lewis before the foregoing declaration and affidavit purport to have been made and whose genuine signature appears thereto subscribed, was at the time thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and
for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and [illegible]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court. 

May 10th, AD 1855
John Lindsey Prothonotary
Page 12

Rev. War Section
Record Division.
Nov. 9, 1931.

Hon. H. W. Temple
House of Representatives.

In re: Abijah McClain and George and John
Windall, War of the Revolution.
You are advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to John and George Windall.
From the papers on file in the claim, Widow 7408, it appears that Abijah McClain was born in Monmouth or Middlesex Co. N. J. September 2, 1754, and while living in
Ohio County, Virginia, enlisted in August 1776, served  in Captain James Piggott's Company, Colonels Aenas Mackey
and Daniel Brodhead's Penn. Regiment, and in Colonel Daniel Morgan's Va. Regiment, was at the battles of Boundbrook and Saratoga and was discharged in September 1779.
He was allowed pension, on his application executed Oct. 23, 1833, while living in Cumberland Township, Greene
County, Penn., where he died July 11, 1848.
Page 13

He married in Jefferson Township, Greene County, Penn., in Feb. 1836, Lydia Way. She was allowed pension on her application executed Feb. 18, 1854, at which time she was 80 years of age and a resident of Greene County, Penn. It is not stated whether he had any children.
Very respectfully,


Mr. Temple requested this record for 
Miss Hillierington
Page 14

Widow, & c.
File No. 7408
Lydia McClain
Wid.
Abijah McClain
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Feby. 3 of 53
Index: Vol. M, Page 19
(Written) 1596 soed peused
LH Upton
Lincoln, Neb
LWB
1921 Nov 9 Hrst. to Abu H.W. Temple M.C. big letter returned AW
Page 15

[All Handwritten]

Transferred to Pittsburg. June 20, 1833
June 20, 1833
Sec No. 11.466
See letter to Pres. U.S. Br. Bank
Pittsburgh. 1st Oct. 1834.-
Lettrs to Pittsburgh Philada.
[illegible] June 3. 1835- Do. to S.C. Atkinson 29 Sept. 1835

Name on the roll but once, although two sets of papers were filed and two certificates issued.  
Pittsbg Agency, Apl. 29 1836.

11.693.
Pennsylvania 
[illegible] McClain of [illegible] in the State of Penna [illegible] in the Company, commanded [illegible] Ricker of the Regt commanded by Col. Enos McCoy, in the No. Pennsylvania Troops -.  Pa.
2 Yrs Private $80.00

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania - at the rate of 80 Dollars.      Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of June and Sent to 1833 Hon A. Stewart, Uniontown. Pa.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - 160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept "  40.00
$200.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk
Book E  Vol. [illegible] Page 39-
Page 16

S
17,584
Ned Assy
Page 17

[illegible]
Page 18

Pittsburgh Sept. 20th 1779
Received of Abijah MCloan of the 8th Pa Rt Cmo Rifle Gun
The Property of the United States
 Rd. Richardson
Order of B Neilly Jr.
8th Pa Rgt.
Page 19

Blank paper
Page 20

3 April Pension Office
13' Apl 1854
Sir
Please certify the term to which the written named pensioner was paid on the date of his death.
Yours Respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 21

Abijah McClain Act 1832 $80 per annum
paid to 4 March 1848. No Death
F Bush 
Auditor
Page 22

D [paper torn]
You will find into enclo[paper torn] herewith the affidavit of Gabriel Abram proving the revolutionary services of Abijah McClain who served the same Regt this complete his proof by the witness as required by your letter of the 8th will have the goodness to direct Mr. McClain's certificate to be forward as soon as convenient.
yours truly
A Stewart
3 June 1873
Page 23


Payments to be made at Philadelphia, Pa by [illegible] Agen[illegible] for paying Pensioners, in [illegible]he Agency of Penna

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 5
Page [illegible] 9 by John T. Sprague   Clerk.
Page 24

WAR DEPARTMENT
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the 
United States of the 7th June, 1832, 
Abijah McClain of the State of Pennsylvania who was a Private in the Revolutionary War.
is entitled to receive Eighty dollard 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 sixth day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
John Robb
Acting Secretary of War
Page 25

Payments to be made at Philadelphia, Pa
by Prst Guard, 3B 

Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Pa

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 5 Page 40 by John T. Sprague Clerk.
Page 26

WAR DEPARTMENT
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832 Abijah McClain of the state of Pennsylvania who was a Private during the Revolutionary War 
is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and  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 15th day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Examined and countersigned
J L Edward
Commissioner of Pension
Page 27

Fayette County 
Pennsylvania

Gideon Long [illegible] Co per(sonally) appeared in open Court and made oath that he is well acquainted with Abijah McClain now present & applying for a Pension. that he well knows him to have been a soldier of the Revolution.  That he served with him in the same Regiment (Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment) for three years that he belonged to Capt Wilson's
Capt Wilson's company and the said McClain to Capt. Pickets Company. That they first met at the rendezvous at Kittaning in August or Sept. 1776 and parted at Pittsburgh in Sept 1779 when said McClain was discharged having
served three years. this deponent continued as a volunteer two months 
longer under Col Broadhead

Gideon Long (his mark)

Affirmed and subscribed
H W Beeson, Proty,  in open court 16 April 1833

I certify that I am well acquainted with Gideon Long who has signed the foregoing affidavit. that he is a man of good character and that his statement is entitled to full credit

Andrew Stewart
Apl 16. 1833.
Page 28

Pennsylvania
Fayette County

I Henry W Beeson, Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas in aforesaid County do certify that the within affidavit was made in open Court of Common pleas on the 16th day of April 1833 and that the said Gideon Long is a credible witness.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Uniontown the 16th April 1833

H W Beeson, Prothy
Page 29

Fayette County
Pennsylvania

Personally appeared before me, A justice of the peace in & for said County, Gabriel Abrams, who being duly sworn according to law deponth and saith that he is well acquainted with Abijah McClain, a Revolutionary Soldier who has applied for a pension.  that he knew the said Abijah McClain in the army. that they served together in the same regiment, the 8th Penn Regiment. He first met the said McClain at the Rendezvous at Kittaning in Penn in September 1776.  the Regiment was commanded by Col. Enos McCoy and Lt Col Geo. Wilson,  they marched together over the mountains and served together till this deponent was left sick at Bedford PA.  that the
said McClain was an enlisted soldier for three years, which period he served out as this deponent verily believes and further saith not.

Gabriel Abrams

Sworn and Subscribed before me this 3rd day of June 1833

Peter Stanley, Justice Peace

I hereby certify that Gabriel Abram the above named deponent is a credible witness
and that his statement is entitled to credit

June 3, 1833

Peter Stanley, J Peace

I hereby certify that Peter Stanley before whom the above affidavit was taken is a Justice of the Peace in and for Fayette County PA and duly commissioned
Page 30

and that I am acquainted with Gabriel Abram, the deponent, who is a credible witness and that his affidavit was taken in my presence.

Andrew Stewart

June 3, 1833
Page 31

Treasury Department
Third Auditors Office
Feby. 4 1854
Sir,
In answer to your letter dated today, in relations to the pension of Abijah McClain of Pa. I have to inform you that is appears from the books of this office that his pension has been paid up to 4 March 1848.
I am, Sir, your obedient Servant 
F. Brick
Third Auditor

C.C. Tucker, Esq.
Washington D.C.
Page 32

Merch & Manuf Bank
Pittsburgh   3rd May 1836

Sir,

In reply to your letter of 29 [ ] respecting Abijah McClain, I have to state that he is struck of our list.  And that am referring to the Pension Books of the Branch B U.  I find he was last paid to the 4 Sept 1833

I am very respectfully
Your most obedient servant and 
for M Tiernan Pr

J [ illegible]


J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 33

Pension Office, Merchants & Manuf Bank
Pittsburgh  26th May 1835

Sir

Some time since the enclosed pension paper was presented for payment at this office, but was not paid, on the ground that the power of attorney is drawn for six months only, and it appears by the books of this agency that the pension is due for 18 months.  The claim has again been presented today and the pensioner still asserting that there is but six months pension due him, and that he was transfered from the Philadelphia agency here, as appears by the enclosed letter from Mr Atkinson.  Now it appears by the Books in the agency here that he has been paid here from the 4th March 1831 to the 4 Sept 1833.

There is something inexplicable in this.  Please instruct me whether I shall pay the pension and from what time.


Very respectfully,
I am your most obedient servant

M [Tiernan], Pen
by Henry [illegible]

J L Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 34

Honorable Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington City

Revolutionary claim enclosed

Postmark Uniontown May 24
Page 35

Union Town Fayette County Pennsylvania
20th May 1833
Sir
Enclosed is the application of Abijah McClain, for a pension under act of 7th June 1832, also the affidavits of Gabriel Abrams, [illegible] Roberts Esqr. likewise his the said A. McClain's receite for his delivery of his Rifle Gun, by Quartermaster Richardson, of the said 8th Pa Regt. and that his discharge given him at the same time ^ as he states by Col. Byard, which was left at the Clerks Office ^ at [illegible].c. by the Honorable Christian Tarr[?] in 1817, together with the other documents. Mr. Tarr's letter to Abia McClains is also enclosed, which may lend to some knowledge of his discharge. It may be that said McClain's name may ^also be [illegible] on the rolls of Col. Daniel Morgans Vol. Regt. under whom he engaged in the year of 1777 for one year; together with many others taken from the said 8th Pa Rifle Regt. It appears from a late account that the offier ^(Major Ve[illegible]) is not living, whom he refers to in his declaration & on whos account the enclosed has met with some delay. His declaration executed at  Waynesburg 15th September 1830 as also mentioned & was[crossed out] remains on file in that office, otherwise it ^or copy thereof would have been herewith enclosed, he perhaps had too much property to imbrace the act of 1818, but states that he never rec'd either pay, or pension. It would seem, by the credibility of Mr. McClain, & by the account of the several survivers who served in said Regt. & some of whom [illegible; crossed out] the[crossed out] served with him the whole period of 3 years, that is, ^that they was under Morgan also, & who states that he truly rendered all the said services, & who they believe is justly entitled under the present act as haveing been a reputable soldier ^during said term
Honorable Lewis Cass | | I have the honor to be 
Secretary of War             Your very humble servant
                                        Samuel Sutton

PS. Please direct your favour[?] to Mr. Abijah McClain, and he will no doubt be here within 2 weeks & will remain at court in this place for a considerable time & will wait for your reply.

[written along the left margin] I omited to state that said McClain bore the rank of sergeant, but he could not ascertain with[crossed out] how long. he appears very cautious of stateing anything f[illegible] a [illegible]ite recalls
Page 36

Union Town, Fayette County Pennsylvania
23d May 1838

Dear Sir:

I beg leave to ask relative to the claim of my uncle Thomas Norman deceased, late a Captain (as my father alleges) of the Virginia line, but who has long since deceased. my father also States that he never knew of my said uncle ever drawing his land for
his said services.  Your reply will confer a very desirable favour if it is not contrary to the rules of your office

I have the honor to be Respectfully Sir
Your obedient Servant

Ferguson Jenkins (his mark)

Honorable Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 37

Brief in the case of Lydia McClain, widow of Abijah 

Green County and State of PA

Act 3rd July 1853

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

The husband was pensioned under the Act of 7 June 1832

One witness testifies he was present at the marriage and on witness testifies to general reputation of marriage and co-habitation.

Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Chas C Tucker, Esq
Present
(Name and residence of Agent)

S C [illegible] - Examining Clerk
Page 38

Waynesburgh, June 23, (18)57

[illegible]

Sir:

Herewith I send you the certificate of the proof of the death of Abijah McClain and the application of his widow for the arrears of pension that might be due him at the time of his death.

Please attend to this at your earliest convenience.

Yours

Geo L Wyly
Page 39

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions


Philadelphia Sept 23, 1835

Sir: 
I am induced to take the liberty of writing to you in consequence of a difficulty in obtaining the Pension due toAbijah McClain in Greene County Penn by a law of the 7th of June 1832.  I am the Attorney of Abijah McClain and applied last Spring at the Grand Bank of Philadelphia where his previous pension had been paid. I have again applied for it, but payment is declined on account of previous payments being disallowed at Washington. My hand at Jefferson PA informs me "that the pension paying department at Pittsburg is not willing to pay him and he is again obliged to apply to me."

I hope you will permit the pension to be paid in this city, as it is much more convenient to this old 76 year old to receive it from this source.

Very Respectfully
Sam C. Atkinson
office at Evening Post Philadelphia
Page 40

State of Pennsylvania
County of Fayette

Personally appeared Amos Roberts Esq, a resident of Preston County in the State of Virginia and late a resident of Fayette County aforesaid, aged 83 years and late a Revolutionary soldier of Capt David Kilgore's Company of Col Broadheads, 8th Pa Regiment, who is a credible & disinterested witness, and after being duly sworn as the law directs, doth declare, that after examining the declaration of Abijah McClain, of September the 15th 1830, relative to his, the said A. McClain's enlistment under Captain Pegot for the term of three years in the year AD 1776 all of which deponent has a personal knowledge of and verily believes the said declaration to be just and true, as deponent was a member of the same said 8th PA Rifle Regiment and was also discharged at the same time & place with him the said McClain, by Liet Col Stephen Byard at Pittsburg in September AD 1779 and that he the said A. McClain is the same identical person who he represents himself to be, and who did honourably serve out the whole period of his three years enlistment, and with whom I deponent have been personally acquainted with about sixty years. 

Deponent further states that he the said A McClain, and wife are both old and frail, unable to perform or pursue their usual labour, and that they continue to support a religious, and a reputable character, and deponent further knows or verily believes that he the said Abijah McClain Justly merits the aid and assistance of his country.

Amos Robbartz (seal)

Sworn and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County given under my hand the 24 day of May 1832

James Lindsay J.P.

This is to certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Abijah Clean who is a man of understood respectability & truth and has always been reputed a revolutionary soldier in his neighbourhood

And Stewart
1st Augt 1832
Page 41

State of Pennsylvania
County of Fayette

Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Gabriel Abram, long a resident of said County aged 82 years, a credible and disinterested witness, and after being duly sworn as the law directs doth declare that after hearing the statement of Abijah McClain relative to his Revolutionary services as a regular enlisted soldier for three years in of Captain Pegot's Company, & of the 8th Penn Rifle Regiment, first commanded by Col McCoy. & Lt Col George Wilson, & after whose deaths then commanded by Coling in the year of 1776 and discharged in 1779, at Pittsburg PA, and to which Regiment deponent was a member, and knows, or verily  Daniel Broadhead, for the balance of the said term of three years, commencbelieves that this same identical Abijah McClain, did well and truly serve in the said Regiment as set forth in his declaration, also agreeable to his repeat, & present statements, deponent further declares that he had a personal  knowledge of this same said A. McClain's being honorably discharged at Pittsburgh in September 1779, by Col Stephen Byard, and that he has known said McClain since his youth as a reputable and religious character for more than fifty eight years.

Gabriel Abrams (seal)


Sworn and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, given under my hand at Uniontown the 30th day of June 1832

Clement Wood J.P.


State of Pennsylvania, Fayette County 

In testimony that the above, and within  written James Lindsay and Clement Hood, Esquires, was magistrates duly authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgements, & in the State of Pennsylvania at the above date, and that their names there to Subscriber appears to be there usual signatures. I have hereunto affixed the county seal, and subscribed my name and quality at Union Town this 2nd day of August A.D. 1832

Henry W. Beeson
Proth of the Court of common pleas of aforesaid County
Page 42

Abijah McClain by the Hon Christian Yard 1817, an have in stated to Hon T Irwin that A McClain's application had been presented to the Comm [illegible] and that the documents were left in the Clerk's office where the discharge perhaps may also be found.

Abijah McClain
Jefferson Post Office
Greene County
Pennsylvania
Page 43

[same as prior page transcribed]
Page 44

Washington City 25th December 1817

Dear Sir

According to request of presented your Petition But the prospect of success is but dull, a Bill has been passed in the lower house of Congress for placing all those who served as solders in the revolutionary ware and who are in indigent circumstances and are unable to suport themselves and family upon the pension list of the United States.  If an officer he is to receive twenty dollars per month during life without any discrimination as to rank and if a private eight dollars per month during life-- should this bill pass in Senate, I entertain little hopes of any other description of the revolutionary soldier receiving the bounty of their Country unless they have heretofore been provided for by law, the subject in which you are interested has been referred to the Committee on pension and revolutionary Claims and when that Committee makes a report, my exertions shall not be wanted to procure the prayer of your Petition-- I am respectfully yours

Christian Farr

Mr Abijah McClain

M. T. Irvin

As you will see by the journal of the House of Representatives 1817 that I presented the petition of Abijah McClain and that on the 22d December, page 71 the Comittee to which it was referred made their report, page 223. the documents are in the Clerk office

Christian Farr
Page 45

J L Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 46

To be filed with
papers. 11.6 93
Page 47

Dear Sir,

I presume there is some mistake as to the enclosed certificate.  I received a pension certificate for Abijah McClain last summer which I delivered to him.  Has there been a later application on the subject?

Yours respectfully,

Andrew Stewart
Jan 21 1834
Page 48

I know the within signed person to be the near neighbor of Mr. Abjah McClain and persons of respectability & I entirely concur in their statements in his behalf

[signature]
And... Stewart
Page 49

Greene County

We the undersigned citizens of Greene County PA do hereby certify that we are personally acquainted with Abijah McClain, the applicant mentioned in the accomanying papers.  that we do not hesitate in declaring our belief that he was a soldier engaged in the revolutionary war. that he is a man of the most respectable character for integrity & truth & has sustained a very notable standing in the Presbyterian  Church for a quite number of years

Wm Hiller Jr
Thomas Fletcher
Thomas Hughes
[illegible]
George Dees
Thomas Swan
Aaron Gregg
Sam Seaton
John Hiller
John Dorrah
[illegible]
Wm Litzenberg
Page 50

State of Pennsylvania
Greene County

Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Samuel Sedgwick, who being by me duly sworn doth say, that he was well acquainted with Abijah McClain for twenty five years and lived a near neighbor to him for that length of time. That the said McClain resided in Jefferson Township in Greene County. That the said Abijah McClain was a soldier in war of the revolution and received a pension from the United States for his services in said war and means of knowing are that he has often heard him speak of his services in the revolution and about the pension he received for said services and that it was generally understood among the neighbors that A McClain was a pensioner of the United States. Deponent further says that the said Abijah McClain was married to Lydia Way he thinks about the year one thousand eight hundred thirty six in the said Township of Jefferson. That the said McClain died at his residence in said Township he thinks July A.D. 1848. that he was not at the funeral but saw the funeral procession and further says that the said Lydia has remained his widow since the death of the said Abijah McClain and that he is not interested either directly or indirectly in the pension for which she is making application

Samuel Sedgwick

Sworn and subscribed before me March 29th 1854

Daniel Hook
Page 51

State of Pennsylvania
Greene County

Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, John Hughs who being by me duly sworn doth depose and say as follows. 

That he lived a near neighbor to Abijah McClain a great number of years and was intimately acquainted with him for a long time previous to his death. That the said Abijah McClain resided and since he knew him in Jefferson Township, in the said County of Greene. That he had very often heard Mr McClain relate anecdotes about the war of the revolution and had often heard him say he was a soldier in that war and that he was at the battle of Saratoga.  That he has also heard him frequently talk about the pension which he received from the United States for his services in the Revolution and he knows of McClain receving said pension. Deponent further says that the said Abijah McClain was married to Lydia May about eighteen years ago at the house of William Mitchener in Jefferson Township in said County and that they lived together as man and wife up to the time of the death of Mr McClain.  That the said Abijah McClain died at his residence in said Township in July one thousand eight hundred and forty eight. That the said Lydia has remained his widow since the death of the said Abijah McClain and that he is not interested either directly or indirectly in the pension for which she is making application

John Hughes

Sworn and subscribed before me March 29" 1854
Daniel Hook
Greene County

I, Daniel Hook a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, before whom the above affidavits of Samuel Sedgwick and John Hughes  were made, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Samuel Sedgwick and John Hughes and that they are creditable witnesses and I further certify that I am not interested in the claim of the saidLydia McClain for a pension and am not concerned in its prosecution

Daniel Hook
Page 52

State of Pennsylvania
Greene County

I, John Lindsey, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Please in and for said county do hereby certify that Daniel Hook Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits and certificates were made and who has thereto signed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and state aforesaid, duly commissioned and swotn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony wherof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 3rd day of April AD 1854

John Lindsay, Prothonotary
Page 53

Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Washington DC, July 7, 1897

Respectfully returned to the writer, who is requested to furnish, for purposes of identification, as much as possible of the information called for below.

D L Murphy, Commissioner

Full name of soldier:  Abijah McClain
Christian name of widow:  Lydia (Clark) Way

Remarks:  Belonged to Capt Nehemiah Stokeley's Co, 8th Penn  1778

Your name and address:  Fern L H Upton, 1133 L St, Lincoln NE
Page 54

[Letterhead]
Borough Council
S. B. Crouch
PRESIDENT
E. H. Carson
Henry Johnson
C. B. Myers
J. W. Piersol
Herbert Hertzog
John Burkhart
[illegible handwriting between list of Borough Council and centered letterhead]
Bentleyville Borough
[crossed-out] Bentleyville, Pa.
518 Main St.
Burgettstown, Pa.
Nov. 7, 1921
Borough Officials
H. L. Hetherington
BURGESS
J. H. Scott
CLERK
W. F. Richardson
TREASURER
H. T. Gaut
SOLICITOR
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,
Preparatory to joining the Daughters of the American Revolution, I need to know the service record of Abijah McClaim, who lived in
Greene County, Pennsylvania. He drew a pension and therefore I think will be on your list. I would be glad to have the name of
his wife and any other information you can give me, about him.

Very truly yours,
(Miss) Louise Hetherington
[Handwritten on left] Answered [illegible] Nov 9
[round stamp] U.S. Pension OFFICE NOV 8 1921
[oval stamp] RECORD NOV 8 1921
Page 55

Fayette County
Pennsylvania

on the 16th day of April personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of Common pleas of Fayette County aforesaid now sitting Abijah McClain a resident in Jefferson township in said County and State, aged seventy Eight years the second day,September last, who being duly sworn according to law doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the Seventh day of June 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as follows.

He entered the service of the United States in the month of August 1776 under an enlistment for three years, which term he served out fully & obtained an honorable discharge from the service.  he enlisted under Nemiah Stokely (a Lieutenant he thinks) at a place called the lFlats of Grave Creek on the Ohio river in Virginia (Ohio County), and marched from there to Hannah's town (now in Penn), where he met with most of his regiment.  They went on to Kittaning on the Alleghany river where they rendevouzed and remained there until the fall when they were marched over the mountains, to Philadelphia under the command of Col. Enos McCoy of the Eighth Penn Regiment, Lieut Col George Wilson. His Captain's name was James Picket.  from Philadelphia they marched to BoundBrook in New Jersey where they joined the army under command of Genl George Washington.  Col McCoy died on the March before they joined the main army under the commander in chief
Page 56

The Same Col Wilson also died he thinks at Quibble town in the Spring before they joined Washington's army.  He lay in winter quarters at Philadelphia with most of the regiment who were afflicted with the small pox which he himself had badly. many died of it, this was the winter of 1776-7.  After they joined the main army having lost then Colonels McCoy & Wilson, they were placed under command of Col. Danl Broadhead (afterwards Surveyor Genl of PA) of the 8th PA Regiment. They remained under Genl Washington until he with others of his regiment were detached to the North under Col Danl Morgan of a wing of the Riflemen and joined Genl Gates army at a place called Stillwater or North river (or Hudson). that they remained under Genl Gates till after the Battles and Capture of Burgoynes army which took place the ___ of 1777.  The first and most severe action was several days before the capture when Burgoyne retreated back to Saratoga about ten miles from where the first action took place & was then captured after which they returned under Col Morgan and joined General Washington at the Valley Forge. In the spring 1778 he again joined his old regiment under Col Broadhead (8th PA).  they then marched to Lancaster thence to Carlisle and were then sent to the North and divided into companies to protect the people on the Susquehenna River near Northumberland, Sumberry & against the Indians while taking in the harvest.  Then they marched to Pittsburgh, from there they marched to Beavers and Built Forest.  McIntosh under the General McIntosh.  Then they marched into Ohio to the [illegible] where they built  Fort Lawrence. Thence they
Page 57

returned to Fort McIntosh & to Pittsburgh where they were during the winter 1778-9.  In the spring, an [illegible] arrived with information that the Indians had attacked the troops at Fort Lawrence.  They then went back to Fort lawrence where there remained there with command of Major Frederick Warren for three months when they evacuated the fort. They then returned to Pittsburgh where he remained till September 1779 when he was discharged. Hs discharges was signed by Lieut Col Stephen Bayard of the 8th PA Regiment which he delivered to the Hon Christian Farr when in Congress about 14 years ago and has never been able to recover it.  Mr Farr said he filed it in the war office. that he was out frequently afterwards in the militia against the Indians under different officers & different times but cannot now recollect with precision the length or number of times. that he lived when he entered the service at the Flats of Grave Creek, Virginia, about 50 miles from where he now resides.  That he has lived ever since in the western part of Pennsylvania and for forty years in the town where he now resides in Greene County.   He was born on the second of September 1754 which he has recorded on a paper kept by his father.  that he has no documentary evidence of his service except the discharge above mentioned, delivered to Hon C. Farr.  He can prove his service by Gideon Long who served in the same Regiment and perhaps by Gabriel Abrams or Amos Roberts Esq if living, of Virginia. 

In answer to the questions propounded he answers that he was born in the State of New Jersey Monmouth County the 2d of September 1754 and removed to Grave Creek (where he enlisted) in 1774.  

2 - that he has a record of his age on a paper
Page 58

Kept by his father now in his (the deponents) possession

3.  he refers to his answer to the first question as answer to this

4. By enlistment for three years

5.   his officers as named within Gen. Washington, Gen [illegible], Cols McCoy, Wilson, Broadhead.  Major Butter, Capt Picket

6. He received an honorable discharge signed by Col. Byard & lastly Hon C Farr as within mentioned

7.  The Hon Andrew Stewart and the Hon. Charles Porter, one of the Judges of this court,  will certify as to his reputation.  That he belongs to the Revd George Vermon's Church who lives about 18 miles distant & could not be conveniently brought to court.  he makes his declaration in Fayette County because it is now in session & the court in Greene does not sit for several months and because it is quite as convenient for him to attend this court where he is as well if not better known than he is Waynesburgh,  the seat of Greene County

He relinquishes any pension or annuity whatsoever except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension rods of the agency of any agency of any State

Abijah McClain

Sworn & subscribed in open Court 16th Apl 1833
H W Beeson, Proth

We Andrew Stewart and Charles Porter of Fayette County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the above named Abijah McClain who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy Eight years of age.  that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion & the said Porter further states that he recollects well when the said McClain returned home, it was about the year 1779 or 1780 & from his known good charater no doubt can be made of the truth of his statements as to his statement 

Andrew Steward
Charles Porter

Sworn subscribed in open Court 16th Ap. 1833

H W Beeson, Proth
Page 59

Declaration
Abijah McClain
Page 60

And the Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories presented by the war department that Abijah McClain who has signed the forgoing declaration was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states. And the Court do further certify that it appears to them that the Hon Andrew Stewart & Hon Charles Porter are both residents of Fayette County PA and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Fayette County
Pennsylvania

I Henry W Beeson, Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas in & for said County do certify that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abijah McClain for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of the said court this 18 day of April A D 1833

H W Beeson, Prothy