Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 216, Robert Wilson, N.C. S.C. & Indian Wars
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE
N. C.
S. C.
& Indian Wars

Wilson, Robert
             Jane

NUMBER
W. 216
Page 2

Letter to Milton A. Haynes 22 Oct. 1849
"         "   Hon. G. M Jones Nov 20 /49


Died Apr 20, 1853


49 34 Nash.
Tennessee

Jane Wilson
widow of Robert Wilson
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private Col. Alexander N Ca
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3rd day of July, 1849
Hon. Allen A Urall
Register of the Treasury

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under [cut off]
February 2, 1848, Page 315 Vol. 3
Page 3

No. 4.

Jane Wilson, Widow
of Robert Wilson
Revolutionary Soldier
1179 - 1780 - 1781 -



Deposition of Phebe Reid, of Marshall Co Tenn. as to Marriage of Robert & Jane Wilson
Page 4

State of Tennessee
Marshall County

At the House of Samuel Reid, Son of Phebe Reid

On this Eight day of June A D 1848 personally appeared before me George R. May one the Justices of the County Court of Marshall County Tennessee Phebe Reid an old resident of said County, aged Seventy Six years who is infirm of body but of sound mind and good recollection, who having been duly Sworn made oath as follows, that she was born Sept. 3d, 1772, in the County of Mecklenburgh, N. Carolina; that she was well acquainted with Robert Wilson, deceased, and was present at the house of William McDowell, in Said county of Mecklenburgh, when Said Robert Wilson was married to Jane McDowell, by Rev. Mr McKee; that Said Witness was then in her twelfth or thirteenth year; that said marriage was about the month of February in the year 1783 or 1784.  It was two or three years after the Revolutionary War.  The marriage was by publication of banns.  Witness knows that Robert Wilson [illegible], to Tennessee about the year 1795, and lived at the time of his death near Hospath Lick in the County of Williamson State of Tennessee, which took place about the year 1819.  Jane Wilson has remained a Widow ever since & has still continued to live in Said County of Williamson.  Witness was distantly related to the Wilsons & was well acquainted with the family
Page 5

Witness has in her own possession an old family record, a Bible, in which her age is entered, and from that she knows that she is now about seventy-six years old, that she was born Sept. 3rd 1772.
The lines numbered from 1 to 4 and from 6 to 11 were erased before signing

Phebe  her  X  mark   Reig

Sworn to & Subscribed before me, on the day & year above written
G. R. May [seal drawn]
J. D. of Said County

I hereby Certify that Phebe Reid, whose name is signed to the above affidavit, is an aged and infirm woman, and confined to her bed by infirmity, but that she is of sound mind, & has been many years a resident of Marshall & Williamson Counties in the State of Tennessee; and has ever borne the climate of a truthful and honest woman, and has been known & esteemed in her neighborhood; as one of the witnesses, in the War of Independence, of memory of the events of that war in the Province of North Carolina & especially in the County of Mecklenburgh.
Her Statements are entitled to full faith.  Her family records being an old Bible is as above stated by hers.

George R May J. P. [seal drawn]
June 8th 1848.

Justice of the Peace, one of the Justices of the County Court of Marshall County, Tennessee
Page 6

State of Tennessee Marshall County
I John Elliott Clerk of the County Court of the County and State above mentioned hereby Certify that George R May before whoose the Within affidavits Was Sworn to and Subscribed was at the time of attesting the Same a justice of the peace in and for Said County and State duly Elected Commissioned and qualified as appears remaining of record in my office ad that the Within Signatures purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of office it appears in [illegible] of Lewisburg Miss 28th day of August 1848

John Elliott [Seal of Clerk drawn on page]
Page 7

Jane Wilson
Widow of Robt. 
Wilson, decd. a
Soldier of the 
Revolution

No 2

Application for Pension
of acts 7th July '38
            3 March '43
            2 Feby. '48.


Evidence of Moses Wilson
Near Chapel Hill
Marshall Co
Tennessee
Page 8

Edmund Dellahanty
Judge of the 8" Dist. current in Tennessee

J Shaffield [Seal drawn on page]
Justice of the Peace, Marshall County
Tennessee.

In the matter of the application of Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, deceased, for the benefit of the acts of 7th July 1838, 3rd March 1843, & February 1848, granting pensions to the widows of certain persons who served in the Revolutionary War.

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
On this 31st day of July 1848 personally appeared before me John Shaffield a justice of the Peace of Said County, Moses Wilson, who having been duly Sworn makes the following statements in relation to the marriage of Robert Wilson & Jane McDowell, and or to the Revolutionary Service of said Robert, viz. Witness believes he was born about the year 1769 (seventeen hundred sixty nine) in the Steele Creek Congregation Mecklenburgh County North Carolina, and was about seven or eight years old at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, and thirteen or fourteen at the end of it.  He has no record of his age, but the age of [illegible] of an brothers have been preserved by tradition, the family record of his father was lost during the war.  Witness remembers many of the events of the war, especially of what took place in the eyars 1779, 1780, 1781 & 1782.

His father Robert Wilson had lived in Steele Creek before during & after the Revolutionary War, and had six sons who were old enough to bear arms during the war all of whom were repeatedly engaged in various campaigns & battles, both in North & South Carolina, against the British & Tories.  The father of Witness was taken prisoner by Col. Tarleton & dragoons, the day after the defeat and dispersion of Col. Thomas Sumpter, & troops at Fishing Creek about the 18th August 1780.
Page 9

                                ( 2. )

Witness had six brothers who were engaged from time to time, in the service of the Republican Army, in North Carolina.  Their names and ages were nearly as follows.

1. Joseph Wilson, born 1749.  died
2. Aaron Wilson     "      1751    "   about 1833
3. John Wilson       "      1753     "
4. James Wilson     "      1755     "     "       1821
5. Robert Wilson    "      1760     "     "        1819
6. Samuel Wilson   "      1762     "      "  

None of these brothers ever applied for or received any pension, in land or money either from the General Government or the States of North or South Carolina, except James Wilson who received a pension from the N. C. Government before he died.

Joseph & Robert Wilson were both privates in a Company of Militia, raised in Mecklenburgh County North Carolina, but witness does not know whether they went out under the officers of North Carolina or of South Carolina, The Citizens of Mecklenburgh sometimes served under Col. Sumpter, led near in & other South Carolina partizans, but he knows that while at this under Major General Lincoln, of the Continental Army; that they were both in his army & under the command of said Lincoln, at the defense of Clear Center which continued from the 11th day of February 1780 to the 13th day of May 1780, on which day Joseph and Robert Wilson together the rest of the North & South Carolina Militia were surrendered prisoners of war, & marched out upon parole.  Joseph & Robert Wilson shortly afterwards say about June 1st 1780, returned to the homestead their father in Mecklenburgh County North Carolina.  Witness cannot state how long Joseph & Robert served before the Siege of Charleston but thinks it probably some months befreo, and from 1st February to 12th May 1780, during which the Siege lasted.

Witness believe that Joseph, James & Robert Wilson, soon afterwards, joined Col. Thomas Sumpter & corps of partizans, Joseph & Robert doing it in violation of their paroles, for they were with him in the battle
Page 10

Edmund Dellahanty
Judge JD

                            ( 3 )

of the Hanging Rock about the 7th day of August 1780, and must have been gone with him two or three months during that tour of duty.  Witness has of a rifle which was taken from a Tory killed in that battle by Joseph Wilson, and believes it is now in possession of David Wilson, [illegible] County, one of his descendants.

Witness refers in corroboration of what he has above said in relation to the services of Robert Wilson, to an old affidavit, herewith filed marked , at, and which he makes part of his evidence, it being the evidence upon oath of Aaron Wilson & Joseph Wilson before Robert Irvin, a Justice of the Peace, made August 6th 1783, as to the value of a blanket and a pott lost by Robert Wilson, in the defence of Charleston under Lincoln, & the other lost in the Hawking Rock Battle.
Witness knows that some of his brothers were out in the Cherokee Campaigns in 1775-6, and in 1778-9 His brother John was out and others of the family, but he cannot remember whether Robert Wilson was out or not.  He knows that his brother Robert [illegible] but all his older brothers were out for some weeks at the time of the [illegible] Battle, but witness cannot State how long they were out.  He thinks that they out at that particular time only a few weeks.
Witness also knows that several of his brothers were with Genl. Green before & at the battle of Guildford Court House but he cannot name what ones, except Samuel.

Witness having been applied to for any old papers showing the service of Robert Wilson accidentally found the above named paper amongst the papers of his deceased brother Aaron Wilson,  and upon examination, witness distinctly remembers the handwriting of Robt. Irvin, which is very peculiar & who was known to this witness in early life, as well as the hand writing of Joseph & Aaron Wilson.  Witness knows the signatures to be theirs & that it is genuine.  He also knows that Robert Irvin was a Justice of the Peace at the time, believes that he also was an officer in the Hawking Rock Battle, under Col. Thomas Sumpter.
Page 11

                              ( - 4 - )

The last time Robert Wilson was out in the Republican Army, was in what was then called the Wilmington Campaign, which witness believes was the last service performed in North Carolina, & was about the summer or fall of 1781.  Robert Wilson was out there three or four months.
These are all the tours of duty performed by Robert Wilson, during the war, which are fixed in the memory of the witness, so that he can specify the place or battle or campaign in which he served, but he is well satisfied, that Robert Wilson, as well as his other brothers before named, performed more services, than has been stated above.  In fact, from the time when the Indians broke out in the West in 1775, some of his brothers were generally in some of campaigns which occured against them during the Revolution, and after the British & Tories combined to over run South & North Carolina in 1778.   Until the end of the war, the witness believes that his brothers were but seldom at home, being generally out against the Tories or the British.
Witness knows that shortly after Gates defeat all of his brothers were out, & that when the British advanced in Mecklenburgh in 1780, after Gates & Sumpter defeats, a younger Brother of the witness, named Jacobus was sent to give notice of their approach and was taken prisoner, and although but a boy, was retained several days.
Witness remembers that his father, & Brother John had taken a wagon & supplies to Col. Sumpter & one just before his party was dispersed & that they were both taken prisoner of war & marched towards Charleston, with many other prisoners, & that the prisoners over powered their guard, & made their escape, & that shortly afterwards, & before they got back, the British General Cornwallis & others, took possession of the Home of the father of witness, as he marched towards the West & that witness was hid in the loft being then about eleven years old, for fear of being carried away by the British Army.
Witness had not attempted to specify the period of time for which his brother Robert entered the service, nor the officer, Captain or Colonel under whom he served.  & has declined doing so
Page 12

                               ( 5 )

because, being young, he cannot state distinctly what particular officer commanded in each period of service, & because the particular time, when he started on each tour of duty, cannot now be stated by him.  Robert Wilson died in 1819, and had been an early Settler in Georgia, say i 1790 to 1795, during which time he was on the frontier, & engaged in the Indian struggles, & in 1795 crossed the Cumberland Mountains, to the Cumberld Valley, and afterwards, about 1800 settled in Williamson County, Tennessee.
During this period, the papers, certificates, & other memorandums of service of Robert Wilson, if he ever returned or was carried away, must have been lost, so that now it would be impossible perhaps to procure any of his papers, from which these exact periods of is service could be gathered.
Witness was acquainted with his brother & family until his death - and was, part of the time a member of his family, & has heard him speak of the incidents of the siege of Charleston in 1780, from the Militia until the day of his death.
Robert Wilson, the brother of witness was born about the year 1760 and was married to Jane McDowell daughter of William McDowell, at Steele Creeke in Mecklenburgh, N. C., in 1783 or 1784, by the Revd. James McRee, a Presbyterian Minister, than & and long afterwards, the pastor of the Steele Creek Congregation.  The marriage was by publication of banns The witness was at the wedding, & has known Jane Wilson, ever since 1819, the year of her husbands death, & knows that she has continued to live in Williamson County near [illegible] Lick ever since that she is still a widow.
Witness believes that his brother Josiah Wilson & Phebe Reid, both of Marshall County, Tennessee are the only persons living besides himself, who saw Robert Wilson married.  He know of no other persons, now living, to whom the services of Robert Wilson are known.

Moses Wilson [seal drawn]
Page 13

State of North Carolina
Mecklinburg County

This Day Joseph & Aaron Wilson being called upon and duly qualified to appraise a Blanked and Pott the property of Robt. Wilson the former lost at the hanging Rock Battle, the later at the Reduction of Charles Town, so value the same to three Pounds Specie ----   Joseph Wilson
                                           Aaron Wilson
August 6th 1783
Sworn Before
Robt. Jessing W.

H. N. C. M. C.
This Day Robt. Wilson proved the above Account to be just and that he never Recvd. any Satisfaction for the Same.
Sworn before me this 6th of August 1783.
Robt. Jessing W.
Page 14

Aaron Wilson Claims

list of numbers and figures

Exhibit = A
To Moses Wilson Deposition
Page 15

This entire page is a duplicate, in it's entirety, to page 12 of this file (3 pages earlier)
Page 16

                                   - 6 -

State of Tennessee
Marshall County

On this 31st day of July A D 1848, the foregoing declarations of Moses Wilson were signed & sworn to before me, by said Moses Wilson, at the house of James M Wilson in said County.
I further Certify that I have been for many years acquainted with Moses Wilson:  - that his age is as stated, that he has been for forty years a citizen of Marshall, Williamson, & Bedford Counties, & that he is esteemed & believed by all who know him, & has always been esteemed to be a man of truth, & honor; that he is a Member & has been for many years a leading Member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in this County, & that his conduct & life have entitled him to the confidence of the community in which he lives, as a good citizen a Christian, & a man of truth.  He is entitled to full faith & credit to all his statements.
He is sound of mind, but too feeble in body, to travel to Lewisburgh, the County Seat of this County, without danger, & great fatigue.  The words Maury, "on third page & "West (over Charlotte erased) on 4th page [illegible] before signed.
J Sheffield [seal drawn]
Justice of the Peace and member of the County Court of Marshall County, State of Tennessee


Circuit Court of Marshall County, State of Tennessee, 8th Judicial Circuit Court, July Term Eighteen hundred & forty eight.

On this day came into open court before the Honorable Edmund Dillahanty, Judge presiding John Laws, who having been duly Sworn according to law made oath that he has been for eighteen or twenty years and that he is & has been well acquainted during that time with Moses Wilson, who signed the foregoing Deposition & that the said Moses Wilson has always [illegible] the
Page 17

                                  - 7 -

the character of an honest & truthful man; that he is a man of good recollection as most men of his age:  that he has often conversed with him, & believes him to be a man whom recollection might be safely relied upon & that his statements of facts are entitled to full faith & credit.  And then came also Rev Andrew Smith, who having been duly Sworn also made oath in open court, and declares that he has been for twenty or twenty five years acquainted with Moses Wilson whose name is Signed to the foregoing affidavit or deposition, and that he has during all that time been known & esteemed as a man of piety and truth:  that he is a man of good mind & that his recollection may be safely relied upon - especially of the early counts of his life - & that he could be safely trusted in any statement, which he would make---And then came also John Sheffield, Esq, who having also been duly Sworn, according to law, declares that he has been for about forty years acquainted with Moses Wilson whose name is signed to the foregoing deposition, and that he has during all that time been known and esteemed by his neighbors, as a man of truth & piety that his recollection is yet good - especially in relation to the events of his early life, & that any & every statement which he might make, is entitled to full faith & credit that he has often conversed with said Wilson in relation to almost every subject, & has always found his recollection as good as any man of his age --
Whereupon the Court certifies that Satisfactory evidence has been made before this Court, by the declarations of said John Laws, Andrew Smith, & John Sheffield, all citizens of the County of Marshall, of good standing for truth & veracity that declarations & statements of Moses Wilson, as set forth & signed by him in the foregoing pages of this Record, made on 31st July 1848, before John Sheffield Esquire, are entitled to full faith & credit, and that said Moses Wilson is of sufficient age, memory and mind, to have remembered & to detail all the facts set forth in his declaration here before written & that his declarations of late result are entitled to full faith & credit, and the court is satisfied that they are true & correct.
In testimony whereof I, Edmund Dillahunty Judge of the Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit of the State of Tennessee, which is a Court of Record, have
Page 18

hereunto set my hand & seal, at Lewisburgh, in said County on the 1st day of August A D 1848
Edmund Dillahunty [seal drawn]
Judge of the 8". Judicial Circuit in the State of Tennessee

I George W. Jones, a representative in the Congress of the United States Certify that Edmund Dillahunty is Judge of the eighth Judicial Circuit in the State of Tennessee, and that the above Signature purporting to be his is genuine.  Given under my hand this 30th day of September - 1848

G. W. Jones
Representative to the Congress
[rest is illegible]
Page 19

State of Tennessee Marshall County

I John Elliott Clerk of the County Court of Said Marshall County hereby Certify that John Sheffield Whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate Was at the time of attesting the Same a Justice of the Peace in inst. for Said County and State duly Elected to [illegible] and qualified as appears [illegible] of record in my office and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is Genuine
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of office this 2st day of August 1848
James Elliott [Clk]
Page 20

Jane Wilson,s Declaration of Exhibits Act 7 June 1838, &c.

State of Tennessee
Williamson County

On this 12th day of May A. D. 1849, before me John A. McCaul Esq, a Justice of the Peace of said County, and also a Justice of the County Court thereof, Jane Wilson, of said County aged about eighty five years, who having been duly sworn according to law, declares upon oath, as follows, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of 7 June 1838, & other Acts of Congress providing for the widows of Revolutionary Soldiers, To wit
[illegible name] daughter of William McDowell who was with Col. Thos. Sumpter at the Hanging Rock Battle, and who was also at the Battle of King's Mountain in October 1780.  She believes from the tradition of her family that she was born on the 2d day of Sept 1766 in York District Province of South Carolina.  She was married on the day of February (the second or third Thursday of said month) in the year 1783 or 1784, by the Revd. James McKee to Robert Wilson Junior the son of Robert Wilson Senior, or Steele Creek Mecklenburgh, North Carolina.  She was married at her own father,s house in Mecklenburgh he having removed to Mecklenburgh in 1783.  She has no family or Church or Court Record, by which to record her marriage.  Her marriage was by publication of banns, & she has been able to procure the evidence of Mrs Phebe Reed, Josiah Wilson & Moses Wilson who witnessed her marriage.
The year after her marriage, she removed with her husband to Lincoln County State of Georgia where Robert Wilson Junior, lived five or six years, during which time her husband was engaged in several campaigns against the Indians as a Captain of Militia Volunteers.
Page 21

He then removed to the Cumberland Valley about the year 1791 or 2 and lived in Sumner County, near Bledare's Lick, until about the year 1799.  Sometime in the year 1799 her late husband removed to Harpeth Lick, in Williamson County State of Tennessee, where he continued until the year 1819, when he departed this life, aged about sixty years, leaving this declarant his widow, surviving him, where she has continued to live a widow to the present time, never having remarried.
In relation to her husband's Revolutionary services she refers to the Deposition of Moses & Josiah Wilson, surviving brothers of her late husband, already on file in the Pension Office and to the additional facts which may be Stated by them in relation to said services.  Her husband Robert Wilson Junior was the son of Robert Wilson Senior, who lived before during and after the Revolutionary War at Steele Creek in the County of Mecklenburgh State of North Carolina.  The elder Robert Wilson had six or seven sons (whose names have all been mentioned in the Deposition of Moses Wilson) who were soldiers in North & South Carolina, & Georgia in almost every Campaign which occurred in said States or provinces from 1776, to 1783.  Robert Wilson, Senior, was not less than fifty or fifty five years of age at the beginning of the Revolutionary, and although he was a bold and ardent supporter & advocate of the Revolution, he was too much advanced in years & too feeble in body to endure the fatigue of a campaign, if he had been subject to military duty - which he was not.
Although he was a prisoner in the hands of the British in 1780, taken at or near Sumpter's Camp in August of that year, and confined in [illegible] Jail together with one of his sons named John Wilson and several of his nearest neighbors and others
Page 22

he was not taken as a soldier, but as aged and influential citizen, who had several sons fighting under Sumpter & other Republican Leaders against the British King and who was when taken engaged in furnishing and conveying provisions to Genl Thomas Sumpter's Camp.
This declarant states that Robert Wilson Senior, the father of her husband Robert Wilson Junior, was not, at any period of the war, subject to military duty and never did receive pay as a private soldier, nor as officer for any Services performed by him during the Revolutionary War.  Amongst several periods of service extending throughout the Revolutionary War, with but few intervals, this declarant is only able to specify the following campaigns of her husband.  A Tour of duty of three or four months as a private of North Carolina Militia in August and September & October & November A D 1776 in a company commanded by Capt Robert Irvin in a Regiment commanded by Col. Alexander under the principal command of Brigadier General Rutherford, against the Cherokee Indians, & others there not now remembered.
In a tour of duty, as a private of Company of North Carolina Militia commanded by Capt --- in a Regiment or Corps commanded by --- under the command of General Lincoln before and at the defence of Charleston in the year 1780.  Said tour beginning as early as December 1779 or earlier.  She believes that her husband Robert Wilson Junior & his brother Joseph were under Brig General Lillington, when period of service expired during
Page 23

the Siege about the 20th March 1780 and after the 20 March 1780, belonged to Col. Lytte's Corps, which was composed of volunteers from Colonel Lillington's North Carolina Brigade, who volunteered to remain three months longer & who did stay under Col Lytte, Major Habershaw, until the day of the surrender of Charleston by Genl Lincoln about 12 or 13th May 1780, making a tour of not less than five or six months without including time to return to Mecklenburgh after surrender.
A Tour of duty beginning with the Hanging Rock Campaign about 1st of June 1780, under Gen. Thomas Sumpter of South Carolina & Col Anderson of South Carolina, but under what Captain this Declarant cannot now state.  A brother of Robert Wilson Jr was under Capt Reid, but she does not know that Robert was.  The Head Quarters of Genl Sumpter were on Sugar Creek near old Robert Wilson's in June 1780, and after the affair at Fishing Creek about 20th August 1780; & Robert Wilson, Junior, & several of his brothers were his constant followers from 1st June 1780 & were with him at Hanging Rock & other subsequent Battles.  During this period he acted under the authority of South Carolina, & received an [illegible] a copy of which herewith filed marked Exhibit AD from South Carolina during this period is made a part of this Deposition.
The Certificate of W. F. Collins Capt &c of N. C. herewith filed marked Exhibit AB is made a part of this Deposition which shows various payments made by the State of North Carolina to Robert Wilson pension besides payments for the periods stated by her above.  She believes the largest payment to refer to the tour at defense of Charlestown, being for the sum of twenty pounds fourteen shillings
                        Exhibit AD
Page 24

Interest Book
X. M: 697

No. 1

Issued 22. September 1785 to Robert Wilson for eighty pounds two Shillings the price for duty per accounts from the Commissioner of No 67
Principal (Pounds) 80.. 2.. 10p
Annual pmt             5..12..2.

State of South Carolina
To Robt. Wilson Dr
Duty pr Col Andersons return
                                Curry (Pounds) 561..0..0
                                (Pounds)           140..0..0
property lost pr Do  (Pounds)           701..0..0

No. 2

Recd. 22 Sept. 1785. full satisfaction for the above in an Interest No: 697. JC.
Chg (Pounds) 100..2..10
per order               Levi Casey

Mr Robt. Wilson account for Militia duty as Private since the reduction of Charleston Sig
(Pounds) 100..2..10
Paper for duty (Pounds) 80..2..10
E. L.                Encd.
                           T. W.

J. M, &  A. G.

Gentlemen
Please to deliver to Col Levi Casey my Interest both principal & Interest of this shall be your respt.                                             Robt. Wilson
Test. Jona. Donns
J. P.
Page 25

Comptroller Genl's Office
Columbia 24th April 1849
 
I hereby certify the foregoing No. 1. to be a true copy taken from the margin of Interest Book JC. No. 697 deposited in this office.  And that No. 2, is a copy of the account credited and for which the said Interest was issued.

W. F. Arthur
for Comps. Genl


Exhibit, AD
To Jane Wilsons Declaration
Page 26

Exhibit. AB
To Jane Wilson's Declaration
Page 27

Raleigh N. C.
Compt Office

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby Certify that the Name of Robert Wilson appears of a Record in the office as having had the following Specie Certificates issued in his name, for Military Service, (Viz.) One for Four pounds Two Shillings and Three pence See P2 and 10 No 7 page 30 (Pounds 4.2.3) Also another for Four pounds (Pounds 4) see Book S. M. No 15 page 41.  Also Another for Six pounds one Shilling and Six pence (Pounds 6.1.6) See Book No 5 page 10 Also another for Six pounds Six Shillings (Pounds 6.6) See Book No 10 page 14.  Also another for Ten pounds fourteen Shillings and Six pence (Pounds 10.14.6) See Same Book page 14.  Also another for Twenty pounds Fourteen Shillings (Pounds 20.14) See Book No 8 page 39.  Also another for Nine pounds Four Shillings (Pounds 9.4) See Same Book page 5-- Also another for Nine pounds (Pounds 9) See Book A. No 11 page 9.  Also another for Ten pounds Eight Shillings (Pounds 10.8) See
Page 28

see Book C No 13 page 106.  I also Certify this the following Certificates have paid in favor of R. Wilson (as follows) One for Four pounds four Shillings (Pounds 4.4) See Book S. No 26 page 24 Also another for Seventeen pounds Twelve Shillings (Pounds 17.12) See Book G. No 18 page 67.  Making in all to Robert Wilson certificates amounting to Ninety five Pounds Eighteen Shillings and Three pence (Pounds 95.18.3) And to R. Wilson Twenty One Pounds Sixteen Shillings (Pounds 21.16) given under my hand and Seal this 30 day of April 1849.

Wm. F. Collins Compt
Page 29

This declarant, owing to age & infirmity is unable to travel seventeen miles, to the Court House, without danger to her life. 
She further declares that she knows of no person now living by whom she can prove more definitely the several periods & tours of duty, and the names of the Company & Regimental Officers than she had already done by the Deposition of Moses & Josiah Wilson, and by the Pay Certificates & other Records, which she has been able to procure, showing the amount & character of the services of Robert Wilson Junior; or apt by reference to the Declaration of James Wilson, late a Pensioner of the United States, made in 1838 before the County Court of Bedford County State of Tennessee, & who was a brother & fellow soldier, in the Hanging Rock Campaign, with her late husband under Col. Sumpter but not under Capt Reid, & Col. Irwin.  In that Declaration he states that he was a private in Capt David Reid's Company, of Col. Robert Irwin's Regiment of North Carolina Militia from 1st June 1780 to about the 1st of Sept 1780, three months. James Wilson has been sometime deceased, but his Declaration is now on file in Pension Office at Washington City.  he departed this life before Declarant thought of making this application for a pension, & she knows of no other evidence which she can now procure, to describe more in detail her late husband's services, while under Sumpter & Anderson, Robt Wilson was a private Militia volunteer.
Jane Wilson [mark]

Interlineation 12th line above
Sworn to & Subscribed before me
this day & date above written
John A McCaul J.P. Justice of the Peace

Exhibit AD is the certificate of the Comptroller Genl of South Carolina dated 24th April 1849
Exhibit AB is the Certificate of the Comptroller of N. Caro. dated April 30th 1849.
Page 30

State of Tennessee
Williamson County

Be it known that this Declaration contains the five pages foregoing with Exhibits AD & AB, included between pages four & five, and also be it known, that Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson Jr, decd, a soldier of the Revolution is personally known to me, that she is about 85 years of age, & has been a citizen & resident of this County ever since its first settlement, and is esteemed in her neighborhood as a woman of truth & veracity, & that her statements made in the foregoing Declaration are entitled to full faith and credit.
She is still a widow, not having remarried since her husbands, Robert Wilson Jr's. death
This 12th day of May 1849.
John A McCaul JP Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace for
Williamson County, Tennessee


State of Tennessee
Williamson County
I Lemuel B. McConnier Clerk of the County Court of the County of Williamson of the Sate of Tennessee aforesaid do hereby certify that John A McCaul Esquire before whom the foregoing Declaration of Jane Wilson was made was on the day of the date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace of our said County of Williamson, duly elected, qualified, Sworn & Commissioned and that full faith & credit are due to all his official acts as Such, & that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine.  His Commission is dated the 7th day of March 1845 & will expire on the 1st Monday of April AD 1854.
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand, & affixed the Seal of Said Court at Office
This 22 day of May 1849. 
Lemuel B. McConnier
By L B McConnier Clk
Page 31

In the matter of the application of Jane Wilson, of Williamson Co. Tennessee, widow of Robert Wilson, decd. for the benefit of the Act of 7th June 1838, & other acts for the benefit of widows of Revolutionary Soldiers.

The Deposition of Josiah Wilson

State of Tennessee
Marshall County

On this 14th day of May 1849, at his own house, before me L L Fox, a Justice of the Peace of said County personally appeared Josiah Wilson aged about 81 years, who having been duly Sworn, declares that he is the same Josiah Wilson who was examined in this case before Esqr May on the 21st day of October 1848 and he now makes this additional Statement in relation to the Revolutionary Services of Robert Wilson, Jr.
Robert Wilson Senior, of Steele Creek, Mecklenburgh, North Carolina, in 1775, was the father of Robert Wilson Jr., as well as witness.  The elder Robert Wilson had six sons who were subject to military duty and did perform military duty during the War of the Revolution, between the years 1775, and 1783, under Genl. Rutherford Col. Sumpter, Col Irwin, Genl Lincoln, Genl Greene and other American Generals.
Page 32

He further states that his brothers were engaged in nearly every campaign, of any importance against the British & Tories from 1776 to 1783, as well as against the Cherokee & Chicamauga Indians, during the same period.  They were at Briar Creek, 1779; at the Siege & defense of Charleston, at the Hanging Rock Battle in Augst, 1780, at the Cowpens, & Guildford Court House.
He has examined the Pay Certificates attached to the Declaration of Jane Wilson, taken before John A McCaul Esqr on the 12th day of May 1849, showing the amount of pay received by Robert Wilson, as a private in the Revolutionary War, & he states that his father Robert Wilson the Elder, was too far advanced in life to be subject to military duty during the Revolution and too feeble in body to endure the fatigue of a Campaign.  His father Robert Wilson the Elder, it is true, was taken prisoner at or near Fishing Creek about the 18th day of Augt, 1780 near or at Sumpter's Camp, but he was not taken as a soldier, but as an aged and influential Citizen, who had several sons who were active soldiers in what the British called the "Rebel Army" and who was at the time conducting supplies to Sumpter's Corps, & was known to be a zealous advocate of the American cause; but Robert Wilson Senior never did receive pay or pay certificates for military services as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, but his son, the brother of witness, Robert Wilson Junior, the late husband of Jane Wilson, did receive pay or pay certificates he thinks, both as a drafted soldier & as a volunteer for services in North Carolina before the Siege and at the Siege of Charleston, and also for services in North & South Carolina, after the Reduction of Charleston, as
Page 33

a private under officers whose names are not known to witness.  He further states that he is satisfied that the Pay Certificates heretofore referred to, issued in the name of Robert Wilson & R. Wilson for services as a private in the Revolutionary War were not issued to Robert Wilson Senior, the father of this witness, but to Robert Wilson Junior, the Brother.

Page. 
( .3. )

Interrogation by the Justices,
Int.y 1.
How old were you when your father Robert Wilson Senior was taken prisoner by Tarleton's Dragoons?  And also your brother John?
Ans. 1
According to the best of my recollection, I was then about thirteen years of age, being born in October AD 1766 or 1767.
Int.y. 2.
Was this before or after your brothers Robert & Joseph were prisoners at Charlestown?
Ans. 2.
My father was taken prisoner with my brother John the day before Cornwallis reached Charlotte.  My brothers Robert & Joseph were surrendered prisoners of war at Charleston about the 12th of May preceding and were discharged upon parole.  I think my father & brother John were taken prisoner about the 19 or 20th day of August A. D. 1780---
Page 34

Int.y.. 3.
Please state, according to the best of your recollection, the length of time your brothers Joseph and Robert Wilson, Junior, were in the military service prior to and during the Siege of Charlestown?  Did they or not remain in the Lines of Charlestown during the whole period of the Defence?  And were they, or not there, when Genl. Lincoln's Army laid down their arms?

Page.
( . 4. )

Ans. 3.
My brothers Robert & Joseph were both at the Siege & Defence of Charlestown - They both went out before the Siege of Charlestown began as privates of Militia Troops raised in the County of Mecklenburgh, at the call of Genl Lincoln.  I am certain they were both within the Lines of Charlestown during the defence and at the time of the surrender.  The distance from Steele Creek, or Charlotte, to Charlestown is about two hundred miles. It was then about ten or twelve days drive, with a wagon, to Charlestown, and I think it would not have taken a body of infantry soldiers less than twelve days to have marched from the Town of Charlotte in Mecklenburgh to the City of Charlestown, making the [illegible] allowance for detection in crossing streams with troops & supply wagons, and this estimate would require a prompt and rapid march - more rapid than usual
Page 35

Page.
( 5. )

Interogatroy. 4.
Please state the names of such American Generals & Colonels, as commanded the American Troops, in the various Campaigns and battles & sieges, in which your brothers were soldiers?

Ans. . 4.
I remember of the Militia Generals who commanded the Mecklenburgh Troops, both against the British & Tories, but sometimes against the Indians, Joseph Rutherford, Joseph McDowell, Ashe, Davidson, Adam Alexander, Robert Irwin, Lytte Major James White, and others less important.  Of the South Carolina Troops were Col. afterwards General Thos. Sumpter, & Wade Hampton & Col. Anderson.  And of the Continental Army were Generals Lee Lincoln, Gates, Greene, Daniel Morgan, & Colonels Lee & Washington Genl. Hogan.  Of the officers of the lower grade, I remember Captain Barnett Hall, David Reed, Robert Irwin, & Brevard, &c, and my older brother Aaron Wilson was a Lieutenant in Capt Hall's company in 1781, and was at the Battle of Stone in June 1779.
I knew Major James White long after war, when we were both citizens of Sumner County.  I knew him not only in North Carolina but also as a citizen of Tennessee.
Genl. Lillington, according to my information commanded the only Brigade of North Carolina Militia at defence of Charleston, but there were other Corps then under Colonels, I cannot remember whether Robert Wilson Jr. was under Lillington or some other officer.
Page 36

Page.
( 6. )

If he was under Lillington, he was one of those who volunteered to stay until the Siege ended under Col Lytte & Major Habersham.  In addition to what I have already stated, I wish to add, that I am well satisfied that I have not been able to state all the periods of service in which my brother was a soldier during the Revolutionary War, - especially in the four years preceding the year 1780, and where I have stated it I have stated a less period of service than was probably performed.
Intery. 3  3rd.  Please name some clergyman who knew your brother Robert Wilson, Junior, prior to his death, & who could testify as to his reputation in his neighborhood, in regard to his services in the Revolutionary War?
Ans. 3rd.
I think James B. Porter of Spring Hill, an aged Cumberland Presbyterian Clergyman, who has known the whole family forty years--
I am not interested in this application of Jane Wilson for a pension either directly or indirectly, & further this Deponent sayeth not.
Josiah Wilson [seal]
Sworn to & subscribed
before me the day & year above written containing six pages
L L Fox [seal]                 Justice of the Peace
JP for Marshall County
Page 37

NEIL S. BROWN,

Governor of the State of Tennessee,
To all who shall see these Presents, Greeting:
It is hereby Certified, That L. L. Fox
whose name appears to the above Certificates is, and was, at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace for Marshall County in said state
and that full faith and credit should be given to his official attestations as such.
[Seal affixed to page]
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed, at Nashville, on the 21st day of May A. D. 1849, and of American Independence the 

By the Governor:  N. S. Brown

W. B. A. Ramsey Secretary of State.
Page 38

State of Tennessee
Marshall County

I, L. L. Fox, Justice of the Peace and also a Justice of the County Court of said County, hereby Certify that Josiah Wilson, who has signed & sworn to the foregoing deposition, is a man of about 81, years of age, and old citizen of Marshall County in Tennessee, in good standing as a man and as a citizen and that his statements above made are entitled to full faith and credit.
Owing to age and infirmity of body, I think he could not travel to the County Seat of this County without danger to his life---
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & private seal, at the House of the said Josiah Wilson in said County, This the 14th day of May A D 1849.

L. L. Fox [seal]
Justice of the Peace
of said County.
Page 39

State of Tennessee
Marshall County

I Clerk of the County of Marshall of said State of Tennessee having probate jurisdiction, do hereby certify that L. L. Fox, Esquire, before whom the foregoing Deposition of Josiah Wilson was taken on the 14th day of May 1849, in the Case of Jane Wilson, & application for a Pension, and whose name appears to the certificate of attestation, was on that day an acting Justice of the Peace of our said County, duly elected, qualified Sworn & commissioned & that his commission is dated day of 184 Seal affixed

The signatures foregoing purporting to be his are genuine & entitled to full faith & credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed my Seal of office at office, This day of A D 1849.
Page 40

Revd. James B. Porter's Affidavit.

Be it remembered that on this 22 day of May AD 1849, personally appeared in open Court at the May Term of the Circuit Court of Maury County, State of Tennessee, before the Honorable Edmund Dillahunty Judge in residence, Revd. James B. Porter, aged about Seventy years, who is a gentleman entitled to credit, who having been duly Sworn, declares in open Court, that about the year 1805, he rode the Nashville Circuit as Presbyterian Minister, when he became personally acquainted with the late Robert Wilson, who resided near Harpeth Lick, in Williamson County.  He knew Jane Wilson, then the wife & now the widow of said Robert, and also Josiah Wilson & Moses Wilson brothers of said Robert, and has continued to know them from about the year AD 1805, down to the present.  He has ever considered them as orderly & correct members of the Presbyterian Church & since 1810 of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Witness was a Minister of the Presbyterian Church until the year 1810; since which period he has been a Minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  During all this period he has never heard any charge against said Jane Wilson, Moses Wilson or Josiah Wilson, either as members of the Church or as citizens.
He considers all their statements entitled to full faith & credit, as members of the Church and as good citizens.  This witness declares that he is not interested in the application of Jane Wilson for a Pension, as widow of said Robert.

James B Porter [seal]

Sworn & Subscribed to in 
open Court May 22d 1849
James O. Potter clk
Page 41

Both remembered that on this 22 day of May 1849 at the May Term of the Circuit Court for the County of Maury State of Tennessee sitting for the County of Maury at Columbia, Hon Edmund Dillahunty Judge Presiding the Declaration of Jane Wilson, made before John A McCaul Esq, on the 12th day of May 1849, together with the exhibits & attestations thereto annexed and also the Deposition of Josiah Wilson Signed & Sworn to before L. L. Fox, a Justice of Marshall County, together with the other [illegible] thereto attached and the Rev. James B. Porter, an aged Cumberland Presbyterian Clergyman, whose statements are entitled to full faith & credit, having appeared in open Court this day and having stated, that from a personal acquaintance of more than forty years standing, he considers said Jane Wilson widow &c & the said Josiah Wilson, persons entitled to full faith & credit, and that they are too feeble to travel to Court House.  It is therefore Certified, that in Consideration of the premises, Satisfactory proof has been made before this Court, that the foregoing statements of Jane Wilson, under date of 12th May 1849, & of Josiah Wilson, under date of 14th of May AD 1849 in relating the services of Robert Wilson Jr, in the Revolutionary War are entitled to full faith and credit, & that their statements aforesaid are correct and true.
In witness whereof, I Edmund Dillahunty Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit of Tennessee
Page 42

which is a Court of Record & of Superior Jurisdiction, have in open Court, affixed my private Seal & signed my name, this 22nd day of May 1849
Edmund Dillahunty [seal]
Judge JP


State of Tennessee
Maury County

I, James O. Potter, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Maury County of Said State, hereby Certify that the Hon. Edmund Dillahunty, whose name is Signed above is the Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit, which is a Court of Record & of Superior Jurisdiction, & that the above proceedings contain the original proceedings or Record of the proceedings of said Court, in the Case of the application of Jane Wilson for a Pension, to wit the
1.  Declaration of Jane Wilson before John A McCaul
2.  The exhibits thereto, viz. AD & AB
3.  The Deposition of Josiah Wilson and L. L. Fox Esqr on 14th day of May 1849, together with the attestation & seals of the County Court Clerk of Williamson County of said State, and of the Governor & Secretary of State of the State of Tennessee; and also, the original affidavit this day signed & sworn to, in open Court, by the Rev James B Porter, in relation to Jane, Josiah & Moses Wilson's reputation.
Page 43

All of which papers are embraced under the Seal hereto attached, & by the Court made a part of the Record.
In testimony whereof I, James O. Potter, Clerk of said Circuit Court, have hereunto set my hand & Affixed my Seal of office, in open court, this 22nd day of May AD 1849
James O. Potter Clerk

[seal affixed to page]
Page 44

April 3, 1936

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/MMHP/eel
Robert Wilson W. 216

Mrs. Ralph J. Henry
212 Dunsmore Avenue
Pueblo, Colorado

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Robert Wilson, Junior, who married Jane McDowell, and that of his father, Robert Wilson, who married Eleanor, all of North Carolina; also, Revolutionary War record of John (B.) Wilson, son of Robert.

There is no claim for pension on file based upon the service of Robert Wilson, Senior, father of the above named Robert, Junior, nor for service of John Wilson, named as the brother of Robert, Junior, in the record which follows.

The data furnished below are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 216, based upon the military service in that war of Robert Wilson, Junior.

Robert Wilson, Junior, was born in 1760 or 1761, and while living with his father, Robert, on Steele Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, served during the Revolution as follows:  from August, 1776, for four months as a private in Captain Robert Irwin's Company, Colonel Alexander's North Carolina Regiment; from December, 1779, he was a private in a company of Mecklenburg Militia which was stationed at Charleston, South Carolina, during the siege and he was captured when that city surrendered; he was paroled and returned home about June 1, 1780.  He soon after joined General Thomas Sumter's South Carolina Corps, was at the battle of Hanging Rock and served three months.  In the summer or fall of 1781, he was out in the Mecklenburg Militia during the Wilmington Campaign for three or four months.

In 1790, while living in Lincoln County, Georgia, he served as captain during the Indian struggles on the frontier.  In 1796, he moved into Cumberland Valley and engaged in Indian warfare there.  It was stated that he was the first man to drive a wagon across the Cumberland Mountains.  He settled in Williamson County, Tennessee,
Page 45

about 1800 and died in said county, near Harpeth Lick in 1819.

Robert Wilson, Junior, married in the Steele Creek Congregation, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1783 or 1784, at the residence of her father, William McDowell, Jane, born September 2, 1766, in York County, South Carolina.  Jane Wilson stated that her father was with General Sumter at the battle of Hanging Rock and that he was also at the battle of King's Mountain, and that he moved to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1783.

Jane Wilson was allowed pension on account of the service of her husband, Robert Wilson, Junior, on her application executed May 12, 1849, while living in Williamson County, Tennessee.

It is not stated whether Robert Wilson, Junior, and his wife, Jane, had any children.

In affidavits on file in this claim, made by soldier's brothers, Moses, born 1769, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and Josiah Wilson, born October 1766 or 1767, in the same county, both of whom resided in Marshall County, Tennessee, in 1848, it is stated that their father, Robert Wilson, who lived on Steele Creek, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, before, during and after the Revolution, was too old to be subject to military duty, as he was between fifty and fifty-five years old at the commencement of the war, but that he had six sons who were old enough to serve during most of the Revolution, namely:
Joseph. . . . . . . . .born about 1749.
Aaron.. . . . . . . . . .. "          "    1751, died about 1833.
John. . . . . . . . . . . . ."          "    1753.
James. . . . . . . . . . . . "         "    1755, died about 1845.
Robert. . . . . . . . . . . . ."       "     1760, or 1761, died 1819.
Samuel. . . . . . . . . . . . ."       "     1762.

None of the above named soldiers ever received pension except James, a resident of Bedford County, Tennessee.

Also, that their brother, Zaccheus (though only a small boy, born after Josiah and before Moses) while sent to give notice that the British were advancing on Mecklenburg County, in the summer of 1780, was captured and held prisoner for several days.  Their father, Robert, and brother, John, were captured by Colonel Tarleton's Dragoons, in 1780, just after the battle of Fishing Creek, while taking supplies to General Sumter's Army:  they overpowered their


                                     -2-
Page 46

guard and escaped.  Joseph Wilson was captured at the siege of Charleston while serving in the Mecklenburg Company with Robert.  Aaron, Joseph and James Wilson were with Robert in General Sumter's Corps at the battle of Hanging Rock.  Aaron was a lieutenant in Captain Hall's Company in 1778 and 1779 and was at the battle of Stone, South Carolina.  Some of the brothers, names not stated, were out in the Cherokee Campaign in 1776 and also at the battles of Brier Creek, Hanging Rock, Cowpens and Guilford, and all of them were in service during most of the Revolution.  Their uncle, Zaccheus Wilson, Senior, was one of the signers of the Mecklenburgh Declaration of Independence.

The name of Robert Wilson, Junior's, mother is not given, nor is it stated whether he had any sisters.

Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, Junior, died April 20, 1853.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, and the name and address of person paid in the case of Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, Junior (W.216), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:

Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, Certificate No. 4934, issued July 3, 1849, rate $40 per annum, commenced March 4, 1848, Tennessee Agency.

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.



                             -3-
Page 47

1912 May 12 Hist. Nettie S. Lindsay
1917 May 4 Nettie S. Lindsay She was furnished record as
1919 Oct. 2. History to F. P. McComb, Miss. AW.
1927 - Feb - 4 Hist. to E. D. Ha
1928 - Feb - 23 - Hist: to S. Roy
1936 - Apr. 4, Hist to Mrs Ralph J. Henry


216
Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 216
Jane Wilson
Widow
Robert Wilson
Priv Rev. War
Act:  Feb. 2" 1848.
Index:--Vol. A, Page 7
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 48

8583 Mail.

Tennessee
Jane Wilson
widow of Robert Wilson
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Husband Died in 1819
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 40 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence 
on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued
the 3rd day of July, 1849
and sent to 
Hon. Allen A. Weale
Register

[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June
17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2   Page 199




The
Page 49

10679

Tennessee
Jane Wilson
Widow of Robert Wilson
who was a pensioner under the Act of 
and who died on the in 1819
of Williamson in the State of Tennessee
who was a Private in the Company 
commanded by Captain -- of the 
Regt commanded by --- in 
the Revolution line for One year
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashvilee
at the rate of 40 Dollars --
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3rd day of 
July, 1849, and sent to
Hno. Allen A Weale
Register

Total amount,      $
[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by The Comptroller Clerk,
Book D   Vol. 1.   Page 359
Page 50

No. 3

Jane Wilson
Widow of Robt.
Wilson, decd a 
Soldier of Revolution


Application for
Benefit of Acts granting
half pay & pension to
Widows &c.


Evidence of
Josiah Wilson. [illegible]
Aged- 81 -


No 13761
Jane Wilson
Wid of Robert
Ten
Act 7 July 1838
Married before 1794
Page 51

In the matter of the application of Jane Wilson, widow of Robt. Wilson, decd, for benefit of pension laws in relation to widows of Revolutionary Soldiers

Be it remembered that, on the 21st day of October, eighteen hundred and forty eight personally appeared before me, George R. May Esqr. one of the Justices of the Peace & of the County Court of the County of Marshall of the State of Tennessee, Josiah Wilson, an aged and infirm man, a citizen of Marshall County, State of Tennessee, who having been duly Sworn upon the Holy Bible, in the due form of law, makes the following declaration in relation to the services & marriage of his brother the late Robert Wilson, to wit:  that he was born in the County of Mecklenburgh, N. Carolina, in the month of October AD, Seventeen hundred and sixty seven, and is now in his eighty first year.  Robert Wilson was born in 1760 or 1761, and was married to Jane McDowell, daughter of William McDowell, in the Steele Creek Congregation in Mecklenburgh Co. North Carolina, by the Rev. James McRee, the pastor of said Congregation in the year seventeen hundred & eighty three or four, being the Second year after war of Revolution.
Page 52

Witness was present at the marriage.
The marriage was by publication of banns, and took place at the house of William McDowell, Moses Wilson, a brother of witness, & Phebe Reid both of Marshall County, State of Tennessee are the only persons now living known to witness, who were present at this marriage, besides himself.
About the year 1785 or 1786 Robert Wilson moved with his family to Lincoln County in the State of Georgia, where he lived until 1795.  He then moved to Cumberland Valley, in 1795, and was the first man, who brought a wagon across the Cumberland Mountains.  He first lived in Sumner County, near Cumberland River, but in the year 1800, he settled near Harpeth Lick in Williamson County, State of Tennessee, where he continued to live until the year 1819, when he died, leaving his wife Jane Wilson, surviving him, who has continued to live a widow, & to reside in said County of Williamson until the present time.  Witness came to Tennessee in 1795 or 1796, and has always since lived within from three to fourteen miles of the residence of his brother Robert Wilson, and since his death, of his widow, Jane Wilson.  First while witness lived in Williamson Co. Tennessee
Page 53

but for near a dozen years last, in Marshall County Tennessee, distanced ten or twelve miles.  Witness remembers some of the events of the Revolutionary War, especially those connected with his own family and neighborhood.  He knows seven of his elder brothers were Soldiers at different and various times during the Revolutionary War, to wit, Joseph, Aaron, John, James, Robert, Samuel, & Zaccheus.  He also knows that his own father Robert Wilson, was a prisoner in the hands of the British in fall of 1780, and that his Uncle Zaccheus Wilson, Sr., was a signer of the Mecklenburgh Declaration of Independence, yet he does not think that he can at this late period of his life recollect all and each campaign in which his brothers may have served in the War.
He knows that Joseph & Robert Wilson were out in the North Carolina Militia, under Genl Lincoln, before and during the Siege of Charleston, but he cannot now name even the general officer, who commanded the North Carolina Troops, nor the Colonels or Captains, who commanded the particular Regiment or Company in which Robert Wilson, & Joseph Wilson, served.  Witness remembers the names of Genls. Ashe, Rutherford, Sumpter, Davidson, & Caswell, who at different times commanded the North Carolina Troops, & he
Page 54

also knows that his brothers served under these men, at various times but he cannot now state whether either or which one of these men, commanded at Charleston.  He remembers distinctly that both Robert & Joseph Wilson were at the Siege of Charleston under Genl. Lincoln:  that they were both surrendered prisoners of war, at the surrender of Charleston, laid down their arms, and were paroled and returned to their father's house at Steele Creek about the 1st of June 1780, being about two or three weeks after the surrender.
Witness cannot say how long his brothers were out before the Siege of Charleston, but he knows they were out before the British army besieged Charleston, for he remembers distinctly that Joseph Wilson often spoke after his return from the army, of having applied to Col. Washington, before the British Army sat down before the City of Charleston, to be admitted into his Corps of mounted men or dragoons, and that Col. Washington objected on account of his being too large.  This took place before the Siege, the dispersion of Col. Washington's Corps, with others by the British, during the Siege, near Monk's
Page 55

Corner, fixed the circumstances on their minds.
Witness believes that several of his brothers were under the command of Thos Sumpter, a Colonel then, but afterwards a Brigadier General, after the fall of Charleston.  He remembers that his father Robert Wilson, and his brother John Wilson were both taken prisoner near Genl. Sumpter's Camp, about five miles from Steele Creek, while engaged in hauling provisions, or supplies to the Republican troops under Sumpter:  that they were dragged to Camden, and confined, with others of the Whig inhabitants of Mecklenburgh, in the Camden Jail, for about Nine weeks, and that his father, & brother John, with ten others, were started to Charleston, under an escort of twelve soldiers, and that on their way the prisoners were on their guard -- overpowered them, took their arms, locked them all up in a house, in which they were quartered, and all then made their way, some to Marion's Camp, and some back to Mecklenburgh, & that his father & brother came back after near three months captivity.  James Hart and John Bacste were of the number of the prisoners, who were most active in the rescue.  The British guard was sent on parole, when overpowered.  He believes that Aaron, James, Robert & Joseph Wilson were all with Genl. Sumpter in the Summer of 1780, but
Page 56

but he cannot state whether they were at the battles of Rocky Mount & Hanging Rock, although he believes they were with Sumpter at that time.
In what was called the Wilmington Campaign, which took place in 1781, and in which the North Carolina Troops, were (I am informed) under the command of Genl. Rutherford.  Witness can state that Robert Wilson was a private of Militia, raised in Mecklenburgh.  Witness believes that this tour of duty was for three or four months.
He cannot now state of specify any other campaigns, marches, or tours of duty, in which his brother Robert Wilson served, but he knows, that in nearly every campaign, from 1776 (- the "[illegible] Campaign,") until 1782 or the end of the war, which occured in North or South Carolina, either against the British, Tories, or Indians, two or more of the Brothers of witness were engaged.
None of these Seven brothers ever applied for or received, as witness believes, any pension whatsoever, except James Wilson, who died in 1845.  The others all departed this life either before the passage of a pension law, or soon after, and none of them, so far as witness remembers, has now living any widow except Robert Wilson's widow.  She was about 17 years old when married & is now over eighty five.
Page 57

Witness would further state that so far as he remembers, his brother was a private at the time he was under Lincoln, at Charleston, belonging to the North Carolina Militia, & likewise a private of North Carolina Militia on all other occasions.  He does not think he ever belonged to the Regular or Continental Lines, or to the State Lines.  He was always an infantry soldier.  He was quite a young man during the war, of Independence, but in the Indian War in Georgia in 1790 or 1791, or about the time, Robert Wilson was a Captain, & served as such in the Indian War, under the Authority of the State of Georgia.  He was also engaged in the Indian struggles, with Cumberland Valley in 1795, '96, after he came to the State of Tennessee.
This witness is not either directly or indirectly interested in the application of Jane Wilson for a pension, for her husband's services in the war of Independence.

Josiah Wilson [seal]

State of Tennessee
Marshall County

I hereby certify that Josiah Wilson, aged 80 years, did this 21st day of
Page 58

- October, 1848, at his own house, in said County of Marshall, subscribe and swear to the foregoing declaration, and I do further certify that Josiah Wilson is an old Citizen of this County, and is a man of good character and of respectable standing in this community; that his statements are entitled to full faith and credit.  He is infirm in health & too feeble to travel with safety to the Court House.
George B. May [JP]
Justice of the Peace
also Justice of the County Court of Marshall County.


State of Tennessee
County of Marshall
I, John Elliott, Clerk of the County Court of Marshall County, State of Tennessee, do hereby Certify that George B May Esqr. before whom the foregoing deposition was taken & whose name appears to the foregoing certificate as to the character standing &c, of Josiah Wilson, was on the day and date thereof, a Justice of the Peace of said County, and also of the County Court thereof duly commissioned, elected, qualified and Sworn according to law, & that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine.
Page 59

[Seal affixed to page]

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Affixed the Seal of my office as Clerk of the County Court of Said County and State, this 29th day of November AD 1848
John Elliott Clerk
Page 60

Steel Creek Mecklenburg N C
Oct 13th 1848

This is to certify, at the request of Mrs Jane Wilson of Tennessee in or near Cornerville, that there are no Records of the Church of Steel Creek in existance or to be found until the year of 1828 except that Rev James McRee and Rev H Hunter were their former pastors
by order of session
John H. McDowell Clerk
Page 61

No. 7.

Certificate of 
B. Oates, Clerk of
County Court,
Mecklenburgh, N. C.


Evidence that there
is no record evidence 
of the Marriage of
Jane Wilson and
Robt. Wilson in 
Clerk's Office-
Page 62

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County

I Braly Oates Clerk of the County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County hereby certify that I have made diligent Search among the vends of my office for a record of the marriage of Robert Wilson to Jane McDowell and that there is no such record to be found in my office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Office this 27th day of August A. D. 1848.
B. Oates Clerk
for Saml. J. Lowrie

[Seal affixed to page]
Page 63

No. 6

B. Oates, Clerk
of Mecklenburgh, NC

Certificate that 
Robt. Irwin, was a 
Magistrate on the
6th day of Augt 1783

See the Exhibit A 
to Moses Wilson's
deposition
Page 64

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County

I Braly Oates Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid hereby Certify that Robert Irwin of 1777 was an acting Magistrate of Mecklenburg County North Carolina, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to act as Such on the 6th day of August A. D. 1783 as appears of accord in my office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Office in Charlotte the 27th day of September A. D. 1848
B. Oates Clerk
for Saml. J. Lowrie

[Seal affixed to page]
Page 65

Jany / 49
Ames


M P Gentry
MC


Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington City
D C
Page 66

House of Reps Jun 6th 1848

Sir

Please examine and decide upon the enclosed application for a pension at as early a day as practicable & oblige
Respectfully
M P Gentry



Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 67

                          Jun 28/49

No. 13.701

Widows Pension
Jane Wilson
Widow of Robert.


N alli


Milton A Haynes
transmitting Declaration
o o the evidence,
25 May 1849
Cornersville, Giles Co
Tennessee.

Original papers first Sent
thro' Hon. M. P. Gentry, M. C
Allen A. Hall
Page 68

Cornersville Giles Co Tenn
May 25 1849

To, James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions


Sir, 
I have the honor, in reply to your s of the 12 Feb.y sent, transmitted to me, thro' the kindness of Hon. M. P. Gentry, M. C. in the case of Jane Wilson, widow &c, to return herewith the following papers, viz.

1.  The Declaration of Jane Wilson, made before Esquire McCaul May 12th 1849, accompanied by the Certificate of the County Clerk, as to his official character.
2.  The Deposition (additional) of Josiah Wilson, taken before Esq. L. L. Fox, May 14 1849, whose official character is certified by the Governor & Secretary of State.
3.  The Proceedings of the Circuit Court, May Term for Maury Co on 22 May 1849, before Hon. Edwin Dillahunty, Judge &c, before which Court the foregoing papers were produced, read, & often proof heard, approved, & made a part of the Record of said Court, as it appears in said proceedings, &c.
4.  an letter of Introduction & mine of transmission
Page 69

In accordance with the instructions from your office, dated 12 Feb.y '49, Mrs W. applied to the Comptroller of North & South Carolina, from whom she has procured certificates, marked AD & AB, & incorporated with her Declaration, Showing a larger amount of service than was specified by either Moses or Josiah Wilson.  Yet both of them Stated, & now State, that they are unable to specify each several campaigns in which their brother served, but they do not hesitate to say, that he served in other campaigns, & for a greater length of time, than they have attempted to specify.
Owing to the introduction of the Certificates of payments made to Robt Wilson, She has thought it right to submit the matter again to Josiah & Moses Wilson; - the latter of whom, has made a Statement which will be forwarded when the proper probate has been obtained.  The Statement of the former is with her own, in the Record of the Proceedings of the Circuit Court of Maury Co. Tenn. 22 May 1849.  Both of these witnesses States that the payment then referred to, was made not to Robt. Wilson, the Elder & father, but to Rob't Wilson, Jr, the son & brother, and formerly the husband of applicant.
She therefore submits her claim on the evidence heretofore & now sent to your office.  She knows of no other Records, & Proof of any kind further than she has now [illegible] obtainable by her.  If she should hereafter discover any she begs leave to be allowed to introduce it, but in the
Page 70

meantime, she asks that she may be now allowed the benefit of whatever services may have been satisfactorily proved, if any.
Her name may be entered at Nashville or Puloski, either Agency being convenient to her

I am, Very Respectfully
Your Mo. Obt. Servt.
Milton A. Haynes

In behalf of Moses Wilson.
Page 71

Cornersville, Giles Co. Tenn
Decr 20th 1848

To Hon. M. P. Gentry
M. C

Dear Sir:  Herewith I enclose to you the papers of Mrs. Jane Wilson, widow of Capt Robt Wilson, one of the first settlers, perhaps the first, near Harpeth Lick, in two or three miles of your father's old residence.
She desires to obtain a pension, and requests me to ask you, as her immediate Representative to take charge of this application.  A letter from you to the Commissioner of Pensions will procure prompt attention to this claim; and any further attention which you may be able to give it will be gratefully acknowledged.
Other evidence is expected from North Carolina if necessary which will be forwarded in due time.
I am, very respectfully
Your obt Servt
And friend
Milton A Haynes.

P.S. Please send documents to me, at this place
Also to Dr Mr. Edwards,
Col. J. D. Goodrum
Col Thos. Ross
C. J. Kelly Esq
M. A. H.
Page 72

Act 43.  9663
Jane Wilson,
Tenn,
Widows Pensions
No 13.781

Milton A Haynes
Cornersville
Giles Co. Tenn.
Dec. 20. 1848
[illegible] for one year
$ 40 per
on 4 March 1836

Transmitting papers of
Jane Wilson, widow of
Robert, applying for
a Pension under
Act July 7th 1838
& other acts --


Allen A. Hall
Register.
Page 73

Original Letter

Cornersville Giles Co. Tenn
Dec. 20. 1849

To James L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions.

Dear Sir,

Herewith please find the following papers, evidences of Revol.y Services of Robert Wilson, decd. and of the marriage of the said Robert to Jane Wilson, who now applies for a Pension, as his widow, viz

1.  Jane Wilson, Declaration, 11 Dec. 1848
2.  Moses Wilson, Depo 31 July '48
3.  Josiah Wilson, do, 21 Oct '48
4. Phebe Reid, "   "  8 June '48
5. & 6.  B. Oates Certificates, " 27 Augt. & 27 Sept. '48
7.  John N. McDowell, Certificate of Church Session.
1-4.  A new one now sent by construction of 12 Feb.y '49

The foregoing papers are sent to the care of the Hon M. P. Gentry, M. C. to whom or to me, you will please address your reply.

I am,
Your obt. Servt.
Milton A Haynes
Page 74

Cornersville Giles Co. Tenn.
November 8, 1849

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir:  

In the case of Jane Wilson, widow of Robert additional evidence, which may fix more definitely the period of Robert Wilson's Service, is now transmitted.
The certificate of Mr Hill, shows that Robert Wilson entered Brevard's Company of 10th Regt State Line of North Carola. in 1781, (the day & month blank) for one year, and left the service on 20 May 1782.  I applied to Mr Hill, for some means of fixing the date of Wilson's entrance into the service.  He replies, that he has none.  Being left to ascertain the facts in this respect, I refer to Moses & Josiah's Deposition on file, who say that Robert entered the service in the Summer or Fall, after the Guildford Battle.  That Battle was on 15' March 1781, and hence, we are enabled to see that he entered Brevard's Company in 1781, (Summer or Fall) to serve 12 months.
It may be possible for the Pension Department to fix the period, when Brevard's Company was raised,
Page 75

or to show at what periods in 1781, drafts were made for the purpose of filling up the 10th Volher Regiments.
In the case of Hezekiah Bryan, who served in Capt Dixon's Company of the 10th Regt, he is stated to have been drafted in June 1781, & to have been discharged in June 1782.  As drafts had to be made, and soldiers were needed in the Carolinas in 1781 or 1782, it is fair to presume, that Wilson served the full period of 12 months, and if we connect this 12 month tour with the Charleston tour, and the Hanging Rock Campaign, we will still fall far short of Wilson's full period of service.
Josiah Wilson in his 2nd Deposition states distinctly that distance from Steele Creek to Charleston, the time required to march it, and states further that Robert Wilson left Charleston on paroles, a prisoner 13th day of May 1780.
It was on the 20 & 24 March 1780, during the Siege that the term of duty for which the North Carolina Militia had entered the service, expired.
See S. Quarterly Review January or April No. 1849, in which the Journals of Genl Moultrie & others are quoted.  This fixes over three months, (the minimum term of service) and fifteen days over to march down & to which add, from 24th March to 15 May, fifty days.  Add to this time to return to Charlotte 15 or 20 days, & we will have a period of only five months & a half
Page 76

As to the Hanging Rock Campaign, (so called) I cannot see how we could count it less than 2 1/2 or 3 months.  If we exclude the Wilmington Campaign, as being a part of the 12 months service in Brevard's Company, (as no doubt it was) we have only 18 months & a half for which he would have received less than $25 from the Government; yet the Comptroller of North Carolina, certifies that he recd. about 100 Pounds = $250; showing nearly three years service.
In relation to the documentary evidence from South Carolina, Mrs Wilson has no personal knowledge and does not pretend to have any.  She knows that her husband lived near the mouth of Long Cane Creek in Georgia (across the River Savannah) and owned land in that Region, but she does not know that those papers in whole or in part, refer to her husband.  She is aware that the Pension Department has means of examining into this matter, which she cannot reach, and believing it possible, - that her husband was the one referred to, she has again sent to South Carolina, & obtained, a copy of the grant of 200 acres of land to Robert, but she cannot now state whether that land was her husbands.
As to Wilsons' residence in North Carolina, both Ramsay, (Vol 1.  His.y South Caroa) and Battles, say that Sumpter retreated into Mecklenburgh, N. C. where, amongst the Republicans, (mostly refugees from S. C) they raised the troops with which they fought at Huck's Defeat, Hanging Rock, Rocky Mount, Williamson's field, Black Horse &c.
Page 77

Ramsay says that in March 1781, Sumpter raised three Small Regiments in Mecklenburgh, to serve under him.  He being a South Caro.a officer, I suppose a citizen of Mecklenburgh joining and acting under, his standard, would be paid by South Carolina.
I enclose a copy of the Grant of 200 acres of Land, from South Carolina, together with Col Black's letter, which may throw some light on the subject.
Mrs Wilson submits her claim to the Commissioner of Pensions, in the full conviction that he will give it as full as examination as as time will permit.
I am,
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt.
Milton A. Haynes.
Page 78

Pension Office,
February 12th 1849.

Sir,

I have the honor to inform you, that the papers in the case of Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, have been examined and filed under the Act of 7th July 1838, with the exception of her Declaration, which is herewith returned, in order that the proceedings before the Justice of the Peace may be submitted to and approved by a Court of Record during its Sessions.
It appears from the evidence presented in this case, that the greater part of the alleged service of Applicants husband, was rendered in the Indian wars subsequent to 1783.  The only tours specified within the period of the Revolution, amount to about 7 months.  Once of which about 3 months was rendered at the Siege of Charleston in 1780.  2 months at Hanging Rock in the same year, and 3 months in what is called the Wilmington Campaign; but the witness Moses Wilson, is unable to give the names of the officers, or to state whether the service was rendered under the Authority of North or South Carolina.  Something more specific on the permit should be addressed, and the Certificate of the Comptroller
Page 79

of the state in which the service was rendered, showing the amount of pay Certificate for that service, and as it appears that the father of Applicants husband, name was Robert, and that he was also engaged in the war of Revolution, designating whether the payments were made to Robert Wilson, Senior or Junior, should also be furnished.  No one of the witnesses who have testified in this case were in the service with Wilson, and cannot therefore state the period of the commencement and the duration of the several tours, in which he was engaged, with the certainty required to enable us to adjust this claim rendered [illegible].  The proof of marriage is satisfactory to show that it took place prior to 1794.
Mrs Hays letter is herewith returned.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
your obet Servt
J G Berret
fa Comr of Pensions.
Page 80

Comptroller Genl's Office
Colubmia, S. C. Aug 8th 1849.

M. A. Haynes Esqr.

Your last letter has been recd. in relation to Robert Wilson's services in the Revolutionary War.  It is impossible from the Records to tell whether the amount paid Robert Wilson was for duty as private or as an Officer.  The Records unfortunately do not show which, but simply the fact that it was for duty pr. Col Andersons's Return - As to the other point - Col Anderson was appointed or rather required, "to procure a second set of vouchers from Water's, Brandon's and Rosbank Regiments (see 4th col Statutes at large page 718) The Act states that he had destroyed the vouchers - see also 4th vol. St. at Large page 749- An Ordinance by which the accounts of Waters' Brandon's & Rosback's Regts. were to be "adjusted and audited in the same way and after the same manner in which he" (the auditor) "audited the accounts of Purver's, Casey's and Anderson's Regiments"
It is clear that Robert Wilson a copy of whose Interest & account you already have from this Office did said duty in one of the above mentioned Regiments- The Department at Washington will not deny this - they have our statutes let them look & be satisfied -
Page 81

The 80 Pounds might have been for private horseman or an officer's pay.  The Department knows not how to calculate the length of service from the Pounds Sterling the rate at which private or officer was paid in old Currency--
In relation to the Land granted Robert Wilson of which the Sec. of State herewith sends you a copy, see Act of Assembly 4th Vol. Stat. at Large of So. Car. page 411 & Ordinance 4th " " " '""""""""""" 447 which will clearly explain for what service 200 acres of Land was granted by South Carolina to Robt Wilson -
The foregoing is as much information as I can give which I think would be useful to you except that I shall here remark that our Revolutionary Records are in a very imperfect condition & badly indexed.  In fact I have had the clearest satisfaction that in many instances where militia duty was performed, no Record can now be had of the fact.  Probably by recurring to his old friends in the pas of S. C. in which he lived, a comrade might be found whose testimony will clear up the difficulty in your way
I am
Your obd Sert
James A Black
Deputy
Page 82

Columbia 9th August 49

Dear Sir

I send herewith a letter written by Mr Black in relation to the services of Robt Wilson in the Revolution - Mr Black's experience in matters of this kind has given him an opportunity of becoming as well acquainted with this subject as any man in the State, and whose opinion I think entitle to as much credit.  I concur in opinion with Mr B. and therefore refer you to his letter - I have enclosed you a Copy of the Grant of 200 acres issued to R. Wilson by the State of So Ca as a Bounty
Very Respectful
W. F. Arthur

Fees on copy Grant enclosed $1.25
By cash in your letter                1.00
Balance due                        -------25
Page 83

Cornersville Giles Co Tenn
July 29th 1849

To. J. L. Edwards, Esqr
Commr of Pensions

Sir,
In the case of Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, a Revolu.y Soldier, a certificate issued 3d July '49, granting to her a pension of $40, per annum has been received, under Act of 7th July 1838, upon papers filed in her case.
She is satisfied that her late husband did more than the Service, implied by the grant of $40.00 pension, and in order to sustain her claim, she procured & sent to your office, the certificates of Comptrollers of North & South Coa. from which it appears that Robert Wilson received pay from Bo. Ca, as a Rev.y Soldier,
Pounds Sterling 117, 14.S, 3.d
From So. Ca,         80,  2,   10
from which she was led to believe that her husband, if alive, would have been entitled to a full pension, for more than two years Service.--then payments clearly showing a much greater service than two years.
She thanks you kindly for so promptly attending to her case, and [illegible] to trouble you further, but she desires to establish her claim fully, believing it to be just.  In order to do so, she respectfully requests
Page 84

you, if right & proper, to inform her what grant of her evidence is deemed satisfactory, so that she can procure additional proof, to sustain that which is not satisfactory--

I am,
Very Rsly
Your obt Sert.
Milton A Haynes
In behalf of
Jane Wilson wid, of
Robert
Case No 10.579 (Passed)
Act of 7th July 1838
Page 85

Jane Wilson, Widow of
Robert Wilson Jr



Application for Benefit
of Act 7th July 1838.
Page 86

In the matter of the application of Jane Wilson, widow &c for the benefit of Act 7th July 1838, & other acts.


State of Tennessee
Williamson County

Be it remembered that on the [illegible] day of August A. D. 1849 one J A McCaul a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, dec,d aged about eighty five years, who having been duly Sworn according to law, declares as follows, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress of 7 July 1838 and other subsequent acts
That in pursuance of instruction from the Pension Office, She caused application to be made to the Comptrollers General of North Carolina & South Carolina, for evidence in support of her claim for the Services of her late husband Robert Wilson Jr. and having received from them certificates, Showing the amount paid by said States to Robert Wilson for military Services.  She has already caused said evidence to be filed in the Pension Office, as exhibits to her own Declaration
That she has also applied to the Secretary of State of North Carolina, from whom she has received a certificate, herewith filed marked Exhibit Z, showing that Robert Wilson was a private Soldier in Capt Brevard's Company of the 10th Regiment of 12 months Draft in 1781 & 1782; that he entered the Service in 1781, (but on what day or month does not appear of Record) and was discharged on the 20th day of May 1782.
Page 87

By reference to the Depositions of Josiah and Moses Wilson already on file in this case in the Pension Office, it will appear that they both state that in the Summer or Autumn, after the Battle of Guildford Court House, which was on 15th day of March 1781, Robert Wilson, Jr. the late husband of Declarant entered the Service as a private and was engaged as such in what was called then, the Wilmington Campaign; that he was gone several months, but the exact period when he entered or when he left the Service, or the term of time, during which he was engaged, neither of them can remember nor do either of them undertake to say.
This Declarant believes and she so states that what is called by Moses & Josiah Wilson, the Wilmington Campaign is included in the term specified in Mr Hill's certificate during which her late husband was a private soldier in Capt. Brevard's Company of the 10th Regiment.
This Declarant further states that application has been made to Mr Hill, Secretary &c, for further information in relation to the time when Capt Brevard's Company was organized, but he states that the Records in his office, only show the facts stated in Exhibit Z.
This Declarant is still a widow, not having remarried, since the death of her husband, the late Robert Wilson, [rest of line illegible]
Jane Wilson (signature)

Subscribed & Sworn to before me the day & year above written  J A McCaul    [J.P.]

I also further certify that I am personally acquainted with Jane Wilson, who has signed and sworn to the foregoing Declaration, that she is aged about 85 years & known and reputed to be a woman of faith & veracity & that she is the identical Jane Wilson who made out her original Declaration in this case before me on the day of A. D. 1849.
J A McCaul   [J.P.]
Page 88

State of Tennessee             SS.
Williamson County
I Lemuel B McConnier Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John A McCaul is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 7th day of March 1848 and will expire on the first Monday in April 1854 and that his signatures above written are genuine---
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County this 7th day of August 1849
Lemuel B McConnier
By M Lafyette McConnier

Seal affixed to page

WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from the muster-rolls of the Continental line of this State, in the Revolutionary War, that Robert Wilson a private Soldier in Capt. Brevards Company of the tenth Regiment, entered the service on the day of 1781, for the term of twelve months, and left the service on the 20th day of May 1782.

Exhibit Z  

Given under my hand this 3rd day of February 1849
W Hill Secretary of State
Page 89

(No. 5.)

The State of South Carolina.
To all to whom these presents shall come -- Greeting.

KNOW YE, That in pursuance of an Act of the General Assembly of the said State, passed the Twenty-eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-eight; and an Ordinance of the State aforesaid, passed the Twenty-sixth day of March, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-four, for the purpose of securing and granting and within this State to the Officers and Soldiers therein set forth, WE have Granted, and by these presents do Grant unto
Robert Wilson his 
heirs and assigns, a plantation or tract of land containing Two hundred acres Surveyed for him 27th Decr 1787 Situate in the District of 96 and Brach of Long Cane Creek waters of Savannah River Bounded on all sides by vacant Land
having such shape, form and marks as are represented by a plat hereunto annexed, together with all woods, trees, waters, water courses, profits, commodities, appurtenances, and hereditaments whatsoever thereunto belonging, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, the said tract of 
Two hundred 
acres of Land, and all and singular other the premises
hereby Granted unto the said Robert Wilson his
heirs and assigns forever, in free and common soccage.

GIVEN UNDER THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE.

Witness His Excellency Charles Pinckney, Esquire, Governor and Commander-in-Chief, in and over the said State, at Columbia, this Seventh--- day of February Anno Domini, one thousand seven hundred and ninety one and in the 15th --- year of the Independence of the United States of America.

L.  M. S.

And hath thereunto a Plat thereof annexed, representing the same, certified by
F. Bremar Surveyor-General.

5th January 1791

over
Page 90

Secretary's Office
Columbia 9th August 1849

I certify the foregoing to be true copy of Land Bounty Grants B. B. B. B. No. 2. Vol. 2. C. 2. Page 13.

Exmd. & Certf. By. W. F. Arthur
Deputy Secy. of State
Page 91

Nos. 5 & 6


B. Oates, Clerk &c 
Certifies that Robt
Irwin was a Justice
of Mecklenburgh
from 1775 to 1789

See deposition of
Moses Wilson,
[illegible] No 2,
Exhibit A.
Page 92

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
JS

Proclamation being made the commission of the peace of the State of North Carolina being read, when David Ruse Esq pursuant to a [illegible] to him directed from his excellency Richard Caswell Esquire Governor &c administered the oaths of State to Abraham Alexander, Hezekiah Alexander, Robert Irwin John McKnitt Alexander, Ephriam Brevard, Robert Hanis Junr Abraham Burnett and William Wilson Esqrs who also administered the Said oaths to the Said David Ruse Esq [illegible] they took their Seats & proclamation being made Court was opened according to Law 
At a Court and Session of the peace for the County of Mecklenburg in the State of North Carolina began and [illegible] on the third Tuesday of July A. D. 1777

Present the worshipfull

Abraham Alexander
Hezekiah Alexander
David Ruse
Robert Irwin
John McKnitt Alexander
Ephriam Brevard
Robert Hanis Jr
Abraham Burnett
William Wilson
[all above are Esquires]
Page 93

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County

I, Braly Oates, Clerk of the County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the records of Said Court of the opening of the County Court of Said County on the third Tuesday of July A. D> 1777 ---.
I also certify that there is evidence on the records of this Court that Robert Irwin acted as Justice of the Peace and chairman of the Court after the Sixth day of August AD 1789

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my name and affixed the Seal of Said Court at Office this 27th day of August A D 1848
B. Oates Clerk
JP Saml J Lowrie Clk

[Seal affixed to page]
Page 94

2 cent stamps
returned
MMHF

Knoxville, Tenn
1205 W. Clinch ace
December 7th, 1926

U. S. Pension Office,

Please give me Military service of No. W.216 Robert Wilson in Revolutionary War, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Very truly,

E. B. Haynes.


[Stamp:  U. S. PENSION OFFICE DEC 8 1926]
Page 95

[Stamp:  RECEIVED MAR 18 1936 MAIL SUB. DIV. rest is ellegible]

Pueblo Colo.
March 15, 1936

Veterans Administration,
Washington D. C.

Dear Sirs: -
Will you please send me a copy of the Military Record of Robert Wilson Jr. and all data pertaining to him that you have.  he served in the Revolutionary War at King's Mt. I believe and his wife's name was Jane McDowell Wilson he also received a
Page 96

pension, he was from N. Carolina.
Also the record [or 4] or his father Robert Wilson Sr. his wife was Eleanor, also of N. Carolina, Kings Mt. Men.
Also do you have the Military record of John (B) Wilson son of Robert Wilson from Mecklenburg Co. N. C. in the Revolution.
Thanking you kindly 
I am,

Yours very truly
Mrs Ralph J Henry
212 Dunsmore Ave
Pueblo.

P.S.
I wish this
Page 97

information to establish my eligibility to the D. A. R.
Page 98

INCORPORATED 1894
The Ridgely Protective Association
HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

S. Roy Henry, Agent
422 Grove St.
Apollo, Pa.                     Apollo, Feb 17th 1928

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D C

Gentlemen, We are attaching hereto correspondence with The Adjutant General's Office which is self-explanatory.
In addition, would state that Robert Wilson, received a patent for the farm, Aug 24th 1786, in the Loop of the Conemaugh River, one mile below the present site of Livermore Pa, where he resided until his death in 1817  He is buried in the Ebenezer Church Cemetery Conemaugh Twp. Indiana Co Pa.
Trusting that this additional information will enable you to locate the record

we are Yours very truly
S. Roy Henry
Mrs Wilson's name was Esther or Jane

Stamp on page:  U. S. PENSIONS OFFICE FEB 18 1928
Page 99

McComb, Miss. September 16, 1919
Rev Sec
S. EB

Department of Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir,

Will you kindly examine your Revolutionary war records and advise me if they show record of service of the following members of the Wilson family.

Robert Wilson, born about 1730, in Cumberland County, Pennas. married one Eleanor, who died in 1810.  Emigrated to Mechlenberg County, North Carolina, and afterwards to the State of Tennessee.

Robert Wilson, Sr [W 216] was a soldier in the Revolutionary War as were also his seven sons.  Of these seven sons, I only have names, oldest, Robert Wilson, born about 1753, married Jane McDowell of York County, South Carolina, second son, Joseph Wilson, third son, John Wilson and seventh son, Zaccheus Wilson born about 1765. ?

[written down left margin of page:  only brother pension is farmer.  N. C. S 3565 everything searched for others]

Robert Wilson, Jr and Joseph Wilson, sons of Robert and Eleanor Wilson, were both taken prisoners at the surrender of Charleston and afterwards were with General Sumter in many battles.  Robert Wilson, Jr. rendered notable service at the battle of King's Mountain.

I would appreciate any information which you can give me relative to the Revolutionary record of this family of Wilsons.  I a m extremely anxious to verify some records and would be very glad if you will furnish me any data which you have in your files.

Thanking you for your attention to the matter, I am

Yours truly,

F. P. Otken
No. 524 Third Street,
McComb, Miss.

[Stamp of:  U. S. PENSION OFFICE SEP 19 1919]

see negative slips for other brothers.
Also see correspondence with F. P. Otken
Stephen Alexander, N. C. W. 20583--.
Page 100

October 2, 1919.

Mr, F. P. Otken,
524 Third Street,
McComb, Miss.

Sir:

In reply to your letter of the sixteenth ulrimo, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, Widow File No. 216, of Jane widow of Robert Wilson Jr. it appears that the soldier was born in 1760 or 1761, and while living with his father Robert on Steele Creek in Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina, served during the Revolution as follows:  from August 1776, for four months as a Private in Captain Robert Irwin's Company, Colonel Alexander's North Carolina Regiment.  From December 1779, he was a Private in a company of Mecklenburgh Militia, which was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, during the siege and he was captured when that city surrendered; he was paroled and returned home about June 1, 1780.  He soon after joined General Thomas Sumter's South Carolina Corps, was at the battle of Hanging Rock and served three months.  In the summer or fall of 1781 he was out in the Mecklenburgh Militia during the Wilmington Campaign, for three or four months.
Page 101

In 1790 while living in Lincoln County, Georgia, he served as Captain during the Indian struggles on the frontiers.  In 1795 he moved into the Cumberland Valley and engaged in Indian warfare there.  He settled in Williamson County, Tennessee about 1800 and died in said county near Harpeth Lick, in 1819.
Robert Wilson Jr. married in the Steele Creek Congregation, Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina, in 1783 or 1784, at the residence of her father William McDowell, Jane, born September 3, 1766, in York County, South Carolina.  She was allowed pension as his widow, on her application executed May 13, 1849, while living in Williamson County, Tennessee.  It is not stated whether they had any children.
Jane Wilson stated that her father was with General Sumter at the battle of Hanging Rock and that he was also at the battle of Kings Mountain.
In affidavits on file in this claim, made by soldier's brothers, Moses, born 1769, in Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina and Josiah Wilson born October 1766 or 1767, in the same county; both of whom resided in Marshall County, Tennessee in 1848, it is stated that their father Robert Wilson who lived on Steele Creek, Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina, before, during and after the Revolution, was too old to be subject to
Page 102

military duty, as he was between fifty and fifty-five years old at the commencement of the war, but that he had six sons who were old enough to serve during most of the Revolution; namely:
Joseph born about 1749.
Aaron    "        "       1751, died about 1833.
John      "        "       1753.
James    "        "       1755, died about 184-.
Robert   "        "       1760 or 1761, died in 1819.
Samuel  "        "        1762.
and none of the above noted soldiers ever received pension except James a resident of Bedford County, Tennessee.
Also that their brother Zaccheus (though only a small boy, born after Josiah and before Moses) while sent to give notice that the British were advancing on Mecklenburgh County, in the summer of 1780, was captured and held prisoner for several days.  Their father Robert and brother John were captured by Colonel Tarleton's Dragoons, in 1780, just after the battle of Fishing Creek, while taking supplies to General Sumter's army.  they overpowered their guard and escaped.    Joseph was captured at the siege of Charleston while serving in the Mecklenburgh Company with Robert.  Aaron, Joseph and James were with Robert, in General Sumter's Corps, at the battle of Hanging Rock.  Aaron was a Lieutenant in Captain Hall's Company in 1778 and 1779 and was at the battle of Stono, South Carolina.  Some of the brothers, names not stated, were out in the Cherokee Campaign in 1776 and also at the battles of Brier Creek,
Page 103

Hanging Rock, Cowpens and Guilford, and all of them were in service during most of the Revolution.  Their uncle Zaccheus Wilson Sr., was one of the signers of the Mecklenburgh Declaration of Independence.
The name of the soldier's mother is not given, nor is it stated whether they had any sisters.

Very respectfully,


E. C. Tieman [signature]
Acting Commissioner.
Page 104

V. L. M.

Rev. War Section.

November 12, 1912.

Mrs. Hettie S. Lindsay,
664 East Cantrell Street, 
Decatur, Ills.

Madam:

In reply to your letter dated the 5" and received the 8" instant, you are advised that in the papers in the claim, W. File No. 216, Rev. War, it appears that Robert Wilson, Jr. son of Robert Wilson, was born in 1760, and while living with his father on Steele Creek in Mecklenburgh, North Carolina, served at various times in the North Carolina Militia, names of officers not stated.  He was in the defense of Charleston from February 11, 1780, to May 12, 1780, when he was taken prisoner and marched on parole, and then joined Colonel Thomas Sumter's corps of Partisans, in violation of his parole, and was in the battle of Hanging Rock; served at this time three months.
In the Summer or Fall of 1781, he was in the Wilmington Campaign three or four months.
He married in Mecklenburgh, North Carolina, February 1783 or 1784, Jane, daughter of William McDowell of said County.  She was born September 2, 1766, in York District, South Carolina.  In 1790, he was living in Lincoln County, Georgia, and being on the frontier was in the Indian struggles, serving at one time as a Captain in Georgia.  He was also in Indian warfare in Cumberland
Page 105

W. File No. 216

Valley in 1795 and 1796.
He moved to Tennessee about 1795, and died in 1819, near Harpeth Lick in Williamson County, Tennessee.  His widow was allowed pension on an application executed May 12, 1849, while a resident of Williamson County, Tennessee.  It is not stated whether they had any children.
It is stated that soldier's father was fifty or fifty-five years old at the beginning of the Revolution.  In 1780, he was taken prisoner as a citizen and not a soldier, while carrying supplies to Colonel Sumter just before his party was dispersed.  He was confined in the Camden jail about nine weeks, making his escape while being escorted from there to Charleston.  His house was taken possession of by the enemy before he returned home.

Very respectfully,

J C Davenport [signature]
Commissioner.


I have not included Service given in N. C. reports as they were not accepted in granting income
[illegible signature]
Page 106

Decatur, Ill.
Nov. 5, 1912.

Dept. of the Interior.
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

Sometime ago I received from you the military history of Robert Wilson, a soldier in the Revolutionary War - Certificate No. 19721.  Have you the history of another Robert Wilson from
Page 107

Mecklenburg, N. C.  There were the father and son, both Robert, and points indicate that this is my great-grandfather's brother instead of his father's record.  There were two battles of Camden, one in 1780 and one in 1781 and the father was in the Camden of 1780, I infer.
Page 108

Thanking you for your courtesy and consideration in the past.  I am
Sincerely Yours,
Nettie S. Lindsay,
664 E. Cantrell St.,
Decatur, Ill.
Page 109

V. L. M.

Rev. War Section.

May 4, 1917.

Nettie S. Lindsay,
664 E. Cantrell Street,
Decatur, Illinois.

Madam:

In response to your letter dated the 39" ultimo, you are advised that the record of Robert Wilson, W. File No. 216 Revolutionary War was forwarded you November 12, 1912.

It is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish the same statement more than once to the same person.

Very respectfully,

G M Saltzgaber [signature]
Commissioner.
Page 110

Robt Wilson                             Rev SoC
                                                         N C

Decatur, Ill.
April 29, 1917.

Department of Interior,
Commissioner of Pension,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

Will you please send me a copy of W. File No. 216, Rev. War.
Please do me the favor of placing your seal in the document.
Page 111

Thanking you for the favor,

I am

Yours Truly,
Nettie S. Lind
664 E. Cantrell St
Decatur, Ill.
Page 112

Rev. & 1812 wars Section                  MMHF


February 4, 1927

E. B. Haynes
1205 West Clinch Ave.,
Knoxville, Tenn.

Sir:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim.  Widow File No. 216, of Jane widow of Robert Wilson, Junior, it appears that the soldier was born in 1760 or 1761, and while living with his father Robert on Steele Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, served during the Revolution as follows:    from August 1776, for four months as a private in Captain Robert Irwin's Company, Colonel Alexander's North Carolina Regiment.  From December 1779, he was a private in a company of Mecklenburg Militia which was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina during the siege and he was captured when that city surrendered; he was paroled and returned home about June 1, 1780.
He soon after joined General Thomas Sumter's South Carolina Corps, was at the battle of Hanging Rock and served three months.
In the summer or fall of 1781 he was out in the Mecklenburg Militia during the Wilmington Campaign for three or four
Page 113

months.
In 1790 while living in Lincoln County, Georgia, he served as Captain during the Indian struggles on the frontiers.  In 1795 he moved into Cumberland Valley and engaged in Indian warfare there.  He settled in Williamson County, Tennessee about 1800 and died in said county near Harpeth Lick, in 1819.
Robert Wilson, Junior, married in the Steele Creek Congregation, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1783 or 1784, at the residence of her father William McDowell, Jane born September 2, 1766, in York County, South Carolina.  She was allowed pension as his widow, on her application executed May 12, 1849 while living in Williamson County, Tennessee.  It is not stated whether they had any children.
Jane Wilson stated that her father was with General Sumter at the battle of Hanging Rock and that he was also at the battle of Kings Mountain.
In affidavits on file in this claim, made by soldier's brothers, Moses born 1769 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and Josiah Wilson born October 1766 or 1767 in the same county, both of whom resided in Marshall County, Tennessee in 1848, it is stated that their father Robert Wilson who lived on Steele Creek, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, before, during and after the Revolution, was too old to be subject to military
Page 114

duty, as he was between fifty and fifty-five years old at the commencement of the war, but that he had six sons who were old enough to serve during most of the Revolution, namely:
Joseph born about 1749.
Aaron     "         "     1751, died about 1833.
John       "         "     1753.
James     "         "     1755, died about 184-.
Robert    "         "     1760 or 1761, died 1819.
Samuel   "         "      1762.
and none of the above noted soldiers ever received pension except James a resident of Bedford County, Tennessee.
Also that their brother Zaccheus (though only a small boy, born after Josiah and before Moses) while sent to gibe notice that the British were advancing on Mecklenburg County, in the summer of 1780, was captured and held prisoners for several days.  Their father Robert and brother John were captured by Colonel Tarleton's Dragoons, in 1780, just after the battle of Fishing Creek, while taking supplies to General Sumter's Army; they overpowered their guard and escaped.  Joseph was captured at the Siege of Charleston while serving in the Mecklenburg Company with Robert.  Aaron, Joseph and James were with Robert in General Sumter's Corps at the battle of Hanging Rock.  Aaron was a Lieutenant in Captain Hall's Company in 1778 and 1779 and was at the battle of Stono, South Carolina.  Some of the brothers, names not stated, were out in the Cherokee Campaign in 1776 and also at the battles of Brier Creek, Hanging Rock, Cowpens and Guilford, and all of them were in
Page 115

service during most of the Revolution.  Their Uncle Zaccheus Wilson, Senior, was one of the signers of the Mecklenburgh Declaration of Independence.
The name of the soldier's mother is not given, nor is it stated whether they had any sisters.

Respectfully,


WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 116

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.                 MMHF


February 23, 1928.


S. Roy Henry,
422 Grove St.,
Apollo, Pennsylvania.

Sir:

I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, Widow File Number 216, of Jane widow of Robert Wilson, Junior, it appears that the soldier was born in 1760 or 1761, and while living with his father Robert on Steele Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, served during the Revolution as follows:  from August 1776, for four months as a private in Captain Robert Irwin's Company, Colonel Alexander's North Carolina Regiment.  From December 1779, he was a private in a company of Mecklenburg Militia which was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina during the siege and he was captured when that city surrendered; he was paroled and returned home about June 1, 1780.
He soon after joined General Thomas Sumter's South Carolina Corps, was at the battle of Hanging Rock and served three months.
In the summer or fall of 1781 he was out in the Mecklenburg Militia during the Wilmington Campaign for three or
Page 117

four months.
In 1790 while living in Lincoln County, Georgia, he served as Captain during the Indian Struggles on the frontiers.  In 1795 he moved into Cumberland Valley and engaged in Indian warfare there.  He settled in Williamson County, Tennessee about 1800 and died in said county near Harpeth Lick, in 1819.
Robert Wilson, Junior, married in the Steele Creek Congregation, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1783 or 1784, at the residence of her father William McDowell, Jane born September 2,  1766, in York County, South Carolina.  She was allowed pension as his widow, on her application executed May 12, 1849 while living in Williamson County, Tennessee.  It is not stated whether they had any children.
Jane Wilson stated that her father was with General Sumter at the battle of Hanging Rock and that he was also at the battle of Kings Mountain.
In affidavits on file in this claim, made by soldier's brothers, Moses born 1769 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and Josiah Wilson born October 1766 or 1767 in the same county, both of whom resided in Marshall County, Tennessee in 1848, it is stated that their father Robert Wilson who lived on Steele Creek, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, before, during and after the Revolution, was too old to be subject to military duty, as he was between fifty and
Page 118

fifty-five years old at the commencement of the war, but that he had six sons who were old enough to serve during most of the Revolution, namely:
Joseph born about 1749.
Aaron     "         "     1751, died about 1833.
John       "         "      1753.
James     "         "      1755, died about 1845.
Robert    "         "      1760 or 1761, died 1819.
Samuel   "         "      1762.
and none of the above noted soldiers ever received pension except James a resident of Bedford County, Tennessee.
Also that their brother Zaccheus (though only a small boy, born after Josiah and before Moses) while sent to give notice that the British were advancing on Mecklenburg County, in the summer of 1780, was captured and held prisoners for several days.  Their father Robert and brother John were captured by Colonel Tarleton's Dragoons, in 1780, just after the battle of Fishing Creek, while taking supplies to General Sumter's Army; they overpowered their guard and escaped.  Joseph was captured at the Siege of Charleston while serving in the Mecklenburg Company with Robert.  Aaron, Joseph and James were with Robert in General Sumter's Corps at the battle of Hanging Rock.  Aaron was a Lieutenant in Captain Hall's Company in 1778 and 1779 and was at the battle of Stono, South Carolina.  Some of the brothers, names not stated, were out in the Cherokee Campaign in 1776 and also at the battles of Brier Creek, Hanging Rock, Cowpens and Guilford, and all of them were in
Page 119

service during most of the Revolution.  Their Uncle Zaccheus Wilson, Senior, was one of the signers of the Mecklenburgh Declaration of Independence.
The name of Robert Wilson's (Junior's) mother is not given, nor is it stated whether he had any sisters.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau also show that one Robert Wilson who was born about 1754 served from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, married in Maryland, Jane, the daughter of John Elliott, and died in 1835 in Kentucky.  This claim is Widow File Number 9010.
Should this last named be the one in whom you are interested the full history will be furnished you, and with your request please give the file number.

Respectfully,



WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.


Wid died
Apr 20, 1853