Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4180, John Donnell, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.C.

Donnell, John
              Elizabeth

NUMBER
W. 4180

Born in Pa.

CONTENTS
Page 2

Declaration,
(For an Increase of Pension.)
Under the Act of Congress of the 7 July 1838, entitled, "An Act
Granting half pay and pensions to Certain widows."
State of North Carolina }
Guilford County }   S.S.

On this the 19th day of April A.D. 1865,
personally appeared before the undersigned, one of the Justices of the Courts
of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Guilford County,  at her own residence in the Said
County. (she being from old age and bodily infirmity unable to attend Court to make
this her second Declaration.) Elizabeth Donnell of Said County, aged 83
years and an United States pensioner, who being first duly Qualified according to
Law, doth on her oath make the following the new declaration, in order to
obtain on Increase of her pension, under the Benefit of the provision made
by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled "An act granting half
pay and pensions to certain widows."

That she is the widow of John
Donnell, Decd of the aforesaid County,
who during the war of the Revolution, as Captain and Major of Militia did
Serve the United States Several tours of duty: -But in consequence of her not being
married to the aforesaid Major Donnell, till after the close of the Revolution, and
his having died Several years ago, with apologies. This Declarant Trusts, for not being able to give a more detailed and Satisfactory account of her Deceased husbands
Revolutonary Services;
1. From the best information she can procure and from what she remembers to have heard her Decd husband State of his Revolutionary Services, in the early part of said war he did Serve a tour of Six months in the Said war as Captain of Militia, and was in the Service (her impression is,) during Ashe's defeat.
2. In the year of 1780 the Declarant's husband was again in the United States, Service &
had command of a Company of Militia, and was (her impression is) in Gates
defeat in August of that year, 1780.
3. In 1781, and to the close of the war, This Declarants husband She believes was in the Service of his country as Captain & Major of
Guilford Militia, & in almost continuous Service, John Paisley of Said
County, was Colonel, as she has heard her second husband say, and
Page 3

that John Butler was Brigadier General; these were usually his Superior officers.
     This declarant has therefore reason to believe and does believe that her deceased husband the aforesaid John Donnell did in the war of the Revolution, as Captain and Major of Guilford Militia, serve the United States, more than two years. But what portion of his service,
he served as Major, the Declarant at this late day, is unable to state, since but so small a number of the officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary army are now living; The declarant has [illegible] to be collected the
best evidence of her decd husbands Revolutionary Service, that she was unable to 
obtain, and respectfully submits her claim for an Increase of Pension, to the Commissioner of Pensions.
     The "Record evidence" of said John Donnells Revolutionary Services,
and other proof, is herewith sent, and marked "A. B."

     The said Elizabeth Donnell, Declarant as aforesaid further states that she was married to the aforesaid Major John Donnell before the 1st day of January One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety four (1794.) viz: at the time set forth in her declaration, now on file in the pension office.


     That her husband the aforesaid Major Donnell did die in the year set forth in her former declaration: That she was not married
to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the 1st day of January One thousand Seven hundred & ninety four. (1794.) viz: at the time set forth in her declaration made some two years
ago. That she has not married since the death of the said John Donnell.
     The declarant further states that she learns from her agent James A. Craig, Esq. that as required by the Commissioner of Pensions, he forward to that office, a copy of Caruthers life of Doctor Caldwell, in which history, men
tion is made of this declarants decd Husband's Revolutionary Services at page 232. to which, as "Record evidence" in part, she reports the Commissioner of Pensions.
     The declarant further states that from old age and bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court to make this declaration.
Elizabeth her x mark Donnell x

Sworn to and Subscribed before me,
on this the 19 day of April, 1845.
David Wharton J. Peace
Page 4

3982.
North Carolina
Elizabeth Donnell
widow of John Donnell -.
who was a Captain
in the N.C. Line

Husb.d [Husband] died May 7. 1822.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
160 Dollars ----
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Increased from $120. --

Certificate of Pension issued the
14th day of Jany. 1847.
and sent to
Hon. A. Dockery
House of Reps.

[Acts of March 3, 1843.]
and of 17. June 1844.
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2.  Page 153
Page 5

2 Certfe.
1838 }
1843 }
&      }
1844 }

[? Rec.d]
Page 6

State of North Carolina }
Guilford County }
by
Be it remembered that at a court of
pleas and quarter session, began and
held for the County of Guilford at the
Court House in Greensboro on this the
third Monday of May AD 1841, personally
appeared in Open Court Elizabeth Donnell
widow of the of the late Major John Donnell
who after being duly sworn, on her oath
deposeth and said that she and the said
Major John Donnell were by the Rev.
David Caldwell D.D. on the first day of November AD 1781 - married. that
they were married without licence
but as was the fashionable and common
by a previous publication of [illegible] in the
church by Dr. Caldwell. that there
is no documentary evidence of their
marriage - now known & or to be found
except a record thereof made on the
family record, kept on a leaf of a
family Bible, which she still has, &
which is made a part of this her
declaration. that she lived with the
said John Donnell from her marriage
up to the time of his death, which
Page 7

occured on the 7th day of May 1822, that
they had ten children Nancy. James, Mary
John, William, Georgia, Elizabeth, Sarah
Ruth & Levi- that her said husband
according to what he always said and
according to the family record was
aged about 74 years at the time of
his death-. that all her children are raised and
still alive except James & Levi who are
dead. that her husband Major John
Donnell as she always understood
and believes was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war - that she was
raised near to him, went to the same
Church, was well acquainted with
him before the marriage, understood
among the neighbors that he was doing
service in the war had his repeated
assurances after marriage that he
had served in that war and
that he always went by the title
of Major John Donnell among
his acquaintances up to the time of
his death. that she has no
documentary evidence of his services
if he ever had any the same
is not now to be found among
his papers. that she is now a single
Woman & has remained a widow
Page 8

ever since the death of her said
husband. that she was born in the State of
Pennsylvania, Lancaster County on
the 23d day of February 1762, and removed
with her parents in early life to [illegible] Guilford County N.C. where she has ever since lived
that her husband as she also learned was
born in Pennsylvania, removed to the
same neighborhood in the same way
Several years before her. that she is
informed that she would have been
entitled to a pension under the
act of Congress passed in 1838 had
she applied in time, but knew nothing thereof
in time, but prays that Congress
will still be disposed to grant the same
unto her notwithstanding her delay
that her husband John Donnell
has after entertained her in giving
the details and incidents of what he
called his five months campaign,
& talked & dwelt with much interest
pleasure & concern thereon, & talked
of that often, & more repeatedly than any
other incident of his life
E. Donnell
Subscribed Sworn to in
open court on the 19th day 
of May A D 1841
John. M. Logan [? C.C.C.]
Page 9

     This day, [? Dr] Thomas Donnell, appeared before me, one of the Justices of the Peace, of Sumner County and State of Tennessee & made oath of things he knows, and of things his Brother Mjor [Major] John Donnell told him
after his return from the army. - My Brother being Captain of a company in Guilford County; was called upon to raise a Company of men, to serve five or six months in the southern army under General Lincoln, which
he did, to my knowledge. - upon joining the army he was appointed Brigade Major; this he told me on his return.
He told me also, that General Lincoln ordered him to a certain place, & gave him a sealed order which, he was not to open untill he got there; then open & act according to its
directions this he told me on his return home; and I have no doubt but my Brother Major John Donnell served the whole Term of five or six months faithfully. - After his return
from the army, he was married to Elizabeth Denny, the lived together many years - had several  ons & Daughters - he died and
left her a widow & she remains in that situation & is likely to do so fo the remainder of her days. - Dates of things I cannot remember, sworn to before me this the 1st day of May, 1841
Thos Donnell.
Testi
The above was Sworn and Subscribe to before
me the date above named
Benj Edwards Justice of peace for Sumner
County
Page 10

State of Tennessee }
Sumner County } 
I Andrew McGlochlin Clk
of the County Court of said Sumner County 
do certify that Benjamin Edwards
is an acting Justice of the peace in said
County as written, and that the foregoing
Signature purporting to be his is genuine
Witness my hand and seal
of Office at office in
the Town of Gallatin this first
day of May A.D. 1841 and
the 65 Year of American
Independence
Andw McGlochlin Clk

[faded seal] COUNTY
Page 11

January 7,  1939.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/ady
John Donnell
W.4180

Mrs. Lester McKee
Greenville
Illinois

Dear Madam:
     The date which follow were found in the papers on file in pension claim, W.4180, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of John Donnell.
     John Donnell was born about 1748 in Pennsylvania, place, day, month, and the names of his parents are not shown.  When young he moved to Guilford County, North Carolina.
     He entered the service in Guilford County, North Carolina, served six months in 1779 as Captain in Colonel John Paisley's North Carolina Regiment; six months from July 1780 and was in the battle at Gates' Defeat; and from in 1781 to the close of the war as Captain and Major in the same regiment.
     John Donnell died May 7, 1822, in Guilford County, North Carolina.
     He married November 1, 1781, Elizabeth Denny, place not stated.  She was born February 23, 1762, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and when young moved to Guilford County, North Carolina.
     She was allowed pension on her application executed May 19, 1841, at which time she was a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina.
     John and Elizabeth Donnell had ten children: Nancy, James, Mary, John, William, George, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ruth and Levi.  James and Levi were dead in 1841.
Page 12

     John Donnell's son-in-law, David Whorton,
was a resident of Greensboro, North Carolina,
in 1846. The name of his wife is not designated.
     In 1841 John Donnell's brother, Thomas
Donnell, made affidavit in Sumner County, Tennessee, his age not given.
     In order to obtain the date of last payment
of pension, name and address of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of widow, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following: "Elizabeth Donnell, widow of John Donnell, Certificate No. 3982, issued January 1847 rate $160.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1843, North Carolina
Agency, increased under the Acts of March 3, 1843 and June 17, 1844.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 13

3982.
North Carolina
Elizabeth Donnell
widow of John Donnell
who was a Captain
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
120 Dollars --
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
19th day of Dec. 1843
and sent to James A. Craig
Ruffins Mills
N.C.

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol 1  Page 200.
Page 14

Reported
Let to E.F. Brown
March 10th '46
Hon A. Dockery 22nd Apl. 1846
Page 15

Ko. O. 7856
Elizabeth Donnell. wid:
of John Donnell died
N. Carolina,
Suspended,
Let to Hon A. H. Shepperd June 2., 1844
  "         "   Dr. J. A. Craig Sept: 24. 1842
  "        "         "       "       Oct. 20: 1842
   "        "    Hon A. H. Shepperd. Dec. 2[?]. '42
Act 7 July 1838.
Page 16

Let [too dark to read] July 11 1881
D E R Brown    11
Page 17

Hon. A. Dockery
Nov. 13. 1846.

[illegible letters are circled]
Page 18

2
Declaration
of
Elizabeth Donnell,
for an
Increase of Pension.
Page 19


I the said Justice do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter
of the aforesaid Elizabeth Donnell for an increase of pension, that her deceased
husband, John Donnell, did serve the United States in the army of the Revolution, in command of Guilford Militia as Captain and Major in Colonel John Paisleys regiment more than two years, but from the loss of
time since the Revolution, on the few survivors of that period, the declarant is unable to procure a more detailed account of said John
Donnell's Service in the army.
     The Certificates and "Record evidence" hereto annexed and but recently procured, which with the testimony forwarded with the original declaration; and which testimony the said Justice also perused, and remembers
induces him to believe, that said John Donnell, in the Army of the Revolution, did serve the United States, as an officer in the Militia, more than two years.
     I further certify that said Elizabeth Donnell has not married since the death of her husband, the said Mayor John Donnell, but
still remains his widow; also that she is a Pensioner of the United States at $120. per annum.
     I further certify that I am well acquainted with said declarant, that she is a woman of truth and respectability, and her statements entitled to full credit and belief.
     I further certify that, from old age and infirmity of body, she is unable to attend Court to make the declaration.

     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 19th day of April, 1845.
David Whorton J. Peace
Seal [enclosed in square shape]

State of North Carolina
     I, John M Logan, Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Guilford County, do hereby certify
that David Wharton whose name appears to the foregoing is an acting Magistrate for said County, that his Signature is genuine, and
that full faith and credit are due his official acts as such
     In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Page 20

set my hand, and affixed the seal of our
Court at office in Greensboro, this 19th day
of April A.D. 1845.
John. M. Logan C.C.C.
Page 21

6954.
North Carolina.
Elizabeth Donnell
Widow of John Donnell
who was a pensioner under the Act of ---
and who died on the 7th May 1822
of Guilford in the State of N.C.
who was a Capt in the ----
commanded by Captain ---- of the
Reg. commanded by ---- in
the N.C. line for 8 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville
at the rate of 160 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Increased from $120.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of
Jany. 1847 and sent to Hon.
A. Dockery, H. of Rep.

Total amount, $800. -
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. H. Wood Clerk,
Book D.  Vol. 1  Page 287.
Page 22

March 3, 1939.

Virginia Barr Currie
212 Duke Street
Alexandria, Virginia.

BA-J/ILL [illegible]
W. 4180
John Donnell

Dear Madam:
     Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Major John Donnell of Guilford County, North Carolina, also the record in that same war of John Patterson, who was at Valley Forge and Monmouth, was transferred to the Virginia Navy, resided after the war in Matthews County, Virginia, and whose second wife, Elizabeth Tabb, was born in 1760; you state, also, that he received 6000 acres of bounty land in Illinois.
     A search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of the John Patterson cited by you.  The land to which you refer was granted, possibly, by the State of Virginia. The record of John Donnell is furnished you herewith, from pension claim-W. 4180.

Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 23

March 3, 1939.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Virginia Barr Currie
212 Duke Street
Alexandria, Virginia

BA-J/ady
John Donnell
W.4180

Dear Madam:
     The data which follow were found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 4180, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of John Donnell.

     John Donnell was born about 1748 in Pennsylvania, place, day, month, and the names of his parents are not shown. When young he moved to Guilford County, North Carolina.

     He entered the service in Guilford County, North Carolina, served six months in 1779 as Captain in Colonel John Paisley's North Carolina Regiment; six months from July 1780 and was in the battle at Gates' Defeat;
and from in 1781 to the close of the war as Captain and Major in the same regiment.

     John Donnell died May 7, 1822, in Guilford County, North Carolina.

     He married November 1, 1781, Elizabeth Denny, place not stated. She was born February 23, 1762, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and when young moved to Guilford County, North Carolina.

     She was allowed pension on her application executed May 19, 1841, at which time she was a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina.

     John and Elizabeth Donnell had ten children: Nancy, James, Mary, John, William, George, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ruth, and Levi. James and Levi were dead in 1841.
Page 24

     John Donnell's son-in-law, David Whorton, was a resident of Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1846. The name of his wife is not designated.

     In 1841 John Donnell's brother, Thomas Donnell, made affidavit in Sumner County, Tennessee, his age not given.

     In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of widow, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following: Elizabeth Donnell, widow of John Donnell, Certificate No. 3962,
issued January 14, 1847, rate 160.00 per annum,
commenced March 4, 1843, North Carolina Agency, increased under the Acts of March 3, 1843 and June 17, 1844.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 25

January 3, 1939.

Mrs. Lester McKee
Greenville
Illinois.

BA-J/ILL
John Diamond
S. 30991
John Donnell
W. 4190


Dear Madam:
     Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John Diamond who went from South Carolina
to Bond County, Illinois, Major John Donnell of Pennsylvania, who moved to Guilford County, North Carolina, Abram Hoyt of
Hebron, New Hampshire, Joseph Morey of Rutland County, Vermont, and
Licking County, Ohio, Joseph Maye who enlisted near Boston, Massachusetts, Thomas, Samuel and Edward White, sons of John White, also, the records of soldiers named Follett and Strong from Delaware County, New York.
     Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data, and the limited clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request for Revolutionary war data. The records of John Diamond and John Donnell, listed above, are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 26

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
ADY
July 25, 1929.
Mrs. George S. Donnell,
1426 - 21st Street, N. W.,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Madam:
     I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4180, it appears that John Donnell was born about 1748 in Pennsylvania, place not stated, and when young moved to Guilford County, North Carolina.
     He entered the service in Guilford County, North Carolina, served six months in 1779 as Captain in Colonel John Paisley's North Carolina Regiment; six months from
July 1780 and was in the battle at Gates' Defeat; and from in 1781 to the close of the war as Captain and Major in the same Regiment.
     He died May 7, 1822 in Guilford County, North Carolina.
     Soldier married November 1, 1781, Elizabeth Denny, who was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February
23, 1762 and when young moved to Guilford County, North Carolina. She was allowed pension on her application exe-
Page 27

cuted May 19, 1841 while a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina.
     They had ten children: Nancy, James, Mary, John, William, George, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ruth and Levi. James and Levi were dead in 1841.
     Soldier's son-in-law, David Whorton, was a resident of Greensboro, North Carolina in 1846. The name of his wife is not designated.
     Soldier's brother, Thomas Donnell, appeared on May 1, 1841 in Sumner County, Tennessee and made affidavit in support of above named widow Elizabeth Donnell's claim for pension.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH,
Commissioner.
Page 28

[page folded back on copy]
atement of the military history of John Donnell,
Re[illegible] of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
tion as contained in (his widow's) application for pen-
file in this Bureau. Wid. F. 4180.

DATES OF STMENT APPOINTMENT.  |  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  |  RANK.  | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  |  STAFF.
[sub headings]  CAPTAIN.   COLONEL. 
1779  6 months. | Captain.  ----Colonel John Paisley.| North Carolina
1780 |  6 months |    Captain  ----- Colonel John Paisley.  North Carolina
1781 to close of war  |  Captain and Major.  ----
Colonel John Paisley |  North Carolina
Battles engaged in, Gates Defeat.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated
Date of widow's application for pension, May 19, 1841. Her cl. was al. [claim was allowed]
Residence at date of application, Guilford Co., N.C.
Age at date of application, She was born in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, February 23, 1762.
Remarks: Soldier was born in Pennsylvania; he married Nov. 1, 1781 Elizbeth Denny and died in Guilford County North Carolina May 7, 1822, aged 74 years.
Their children were: Nancy, James, Mary, John, William, George, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ruth and Levi.
Very respectfully
Page 29

Greenville, Ill. Nov. 18, 1938.
[circle stamp] RECEIVED NOV 21 1938 MAIL SUB.DIV.
VETS.ADM. READE 19

Veterans Administration
, Wash. D.C.
Can you give any information on the following Rev. Soldiers?
Joseph Morey, Rutland Co. Vermont, later Licking Co. Ohio.
Maj. John Donnell near Philadelphia, Penn. moved to Guilford C. Co. N. Carolina.
Abram Hoyt of Hebron, New Hampshire. Grafton Co.
John Diamond who came from S. Carolina to Bond Co Ill. In 1820.
The sons of John White who came from England in 1740 and settled near Phila. Penn. I have the record of Thos. who is buried in this Co. He was in Col. Bull's Regfor first Enlistment, second with Col. Wm. Montgomery. can you tell me what Co. that was in? He had a brother Samuel and I am especially interested in the other who I think was named Edward. all thre
were supposed to be in Rev. They went to either Lincoln Co. or Rutherford Co. N. Carolina after War. Thos. and Sam, came to Bond Co but Edw. Stayed in Lin. Co. Thos. enlisted in Penn.
     Do you have record of any Follett or Strong Rev. Soldiers from Deleware Co, New York?
     Thanking you for any assistance you may give me, I am,
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lester McKee
P.S. Joseph Mayo enlisted in or near
Boston Mass. any information on him?
Page 30


212 Duke Street
Alexandria, Virginia
February 27, 1939

Veterans Administration,
Revolutionary War Section,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

     Please send me any information you have on file regarding a Revolutionary soldier by the name of John Patterson. He lived in Matthews County Virginia after thw [the] Revolutionary war. His wife's name was Elizabeth Tabb (2d wife) and she was born in 1760. It seems he and his brother William were under age but were accepted and fought at the Battle of Monmouth and that John Patterson received
there the title of Sergeant-major and was later transferred to the Navy of Virginia as a midshipman. His mother was a Miss Aiken. He also was at Valley Forge.
     I am anxious to have any records you have to use for my niece who wishes to join the Children of the Revolution and her application
will be held up until such time as I can get the necessary dates -- especially date of birth and place of birth if possible and residence. I will greatly appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Virginia Barr Currie.

Apparently the Land Office has some record as he was awarded 6000 acres of land in Illinois for bounty.
(Over)
Page 31

I would also greatly appreciate it if you would let me know if you have on record A Major John Donnell of Guilford County North Carolina who was in the Battle of Gates Defeat and served under Colonel John Paisley also of Guilford County North Carolina. His wife (2d )
was a Miss Elizabeth Denny born 1762 died 1847. He married her at Alamance Church, Greensboro, North Carolina.
His date of birth is 1748 -- death 1822 -- marriage 1781.

I only want to know if you have this soldier on record so that I may give
the Records of the War Department as official proof.
Thank you so much.
Y
2
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15
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the
that
to the
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RECEWED
28 1939
16
191
that
(evo)
Page 32

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681,
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 17739
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
September 19, 1927  192
Bureau ordering PENSION
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 49 pages from Rev. War pension claims
of Elis .Donnell, Widow of John (W. 4180) 35 p. & Joseph McLain (S. 8805) 14 p., North Carolina Troops.
No. of copies  4 of each page
Shall form be kept standing?  ____  ____ days
For further information see  M. M. H. Finch
5033 Room No.   541 Phone No.
Approved:
O. L. Gaubriel
Chief Clerk of Bureau
Margaret M. H. Finch
Acting Chief of Branch
NOTE: No order made ""SPECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering

CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph  single or double space?  Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph   one side or both sides?   Facsimile signature?
Folding  once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling   Once?  Twice?  Side?  End?
Electric typewriter  Fill in addresses?  Dated?

Addressograph from Plats
Envelopes, size           Cards, size
Proof list                     Pay rolls
Labels (submit sample)        Corrections
Fill in letters                 Tabulation sheets

Photostat x  Size actual  Official use?  Repay? yes  $29.40
Blue Print  Size   Official use?  Repay?   $

Remarks
(OVER)
Page 33

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without forma
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
192  .
(Date)

INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate }

Change present addressograph plate }

Destroy present addressograph plate  }
On list
as follows:

Now reads
1
2
3
4
5

Should read
1
2
3
4
5

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made        192  .
Operator

MULTIGRAPH
Operator              Date         Type set by
Remarks:

MIMEOGRAPH
Operator               Date           Cut by
Remarks:
Page 34

15822
3 - 2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division

SEP 15 1927            192
Chief Rev. War Section Division.
I have this day received from
Nellie Ingram Baker
M.O. in the amount
of $31.40, requesting
photostat copy as per letter herewith.
O. J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division.
N. C. L.

[handwritten notes]
Photos mailed & Finance Div. ntfd.
Sept. 28-1927
MMNF
to C.C.
Sept. 19-1927
Page 35

September 8th 1927
Department of the Interior
Washington D.C.
     Please find enclosed money
order drawn to the order of the
Secretary of the Interior for $31.40
for which send Revolutionary War pension
claims -  North Carolina Troops
4 Photostat copies
Elizabeth Donnell, widow of John (W. 4180)
35 pages @ 15. cts a page & certify, .25 cents a claim = $22.00
14 pages @ .15 cts a page,+ certify .25 cts a claim. = $9.40
$31.40
To
(Mrs. C.H.) Nellie Ingram Baker
1080 Arden Road
Pasadena, California.
Page 36

15822
-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Aug 29, 1927.
Chief Rev. War Section Division.
I have this day received from
Nellie Ingram Baker (Mrs. C. H.)
check in the amount
of $2.00, requesting
photostat copy as per letter herewith.
Check herewith to be returned.
Certified check for exact amount
requested.
O. J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division.
H. C. L.

[handrwritten] Check returned
Aug. 30-1927
MMTF
Page 37

August 30, 1927

Mrs. C. H. Baker
1080 Arden Road
Pasadena, Calif.

Madam:
I have to advise you that if you desire photostat copies of original papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claims of Elizabeth Donnell, widow of John (W.4180) and Joseph McLain (S.8805) of the North Carolina Troops, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification if that is desired, under the Act of August 24, 1912.

The number of pages to be copied in claim of said Elizabeth Donnell is thirty-five, and the number to copied in said Joseph McLain's claim is fourteen (twenty-five cents extra for certification of each claim if so ordered). 

The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior (not to the Commissioner of Pensions).

Herewith is returned your check for $2.00 dated August 10, 1927 drawn to the order of the Department of Interior,
Page 38

Bureau of Pensions, on the Oak Knoll Branch to Pacific-Southwest Trust and Savings Bank, Pasadena, California, and numbered No.69.

Respectfully,
E.W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 39

August 10th 1927.
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Enclosed find $2.00 for which
Please send to
Mrs. C. H. Baker
1080 Arden Road
Pasadena, California
@ .25 cts' each 
4 copies (photographic) of
Joseph McLean's pension
record for service during
Page 40

the Revolutionary War as Private
Joseph McLean (McLane - McLain
Born in Philadelphia Co Pa.
Sept. 13, 1752
Died Dec. 23rd 1832 in
Guilford Co. North Carolina
Heirs-
Marshall 
Jr.
John
Mary
Ann
Margaret
Page 41

and
@ .25 cts each
4 Photographic copies of

John Donnell's
Rank of Captain & Major
(Rev. Pension Record)
Born Pennsylvania Jany 4th 1748.
Married Elizabeth Denny
Nov. 1st 1781
(Died Guilford Co. N.C. May 7th 1822)
Their children
Nancy
James
Mary
John
William
George
Elizabeth
Sarah
Ruth
Levi

[stamp] FINANCE D
BOOK-KEEPER'S
AUG 29
BUREAU OF
Page 42

Respectfully
(Mrs C.H.) Nellie Ingram Baker
1080 Arden Road
Pasadena
California

[circular stamp] U. S. PENSION
AUG 23 1927
Page 43

Pages photostated for
rs. Nellie Ingram Baker (Mrs. C.H.) Aug. 30 '27.

Her declaration May 19. 1841-                3p-
John Mc Bride's affid. May 7-1841           3"
Soldier's Bro. Thos Donnell's affid. May 1. 1841
2"
Wm Mayheu's affid. May 20, 1841             2"
affid. signed by 5 citizens May 19-1841     2"
Wm. Ryan's affid. May 20, 1841                  1"
Statement of court dist that evidence is satisfactory June 7 - 1841                           2 "
Quotation by J. A. Craig from Life of David Caldwell, D.D. page 232 beginning             1"
James Dollar's affid. Aug. 23. 1842               2 "
Widows later decl. Apr. 19 - 1845                4"
Certificate with citizens' names Apr. 19 - 1845
1"
E.W. Caruthers' letter May 8. 1845               3 "
E.W. Caruthers' letter June 15-1846             4"
Again, residents of Guilford Co. Nov. 22. 1843
1"
David Whorton's letter (son-in-law) Dec. 28. 1846                                                               1"
James A. Craig's letter Jan 11 1847                1 "
1 ctf. jacket 6954 Act July 7. 1838 (Clerk D.H. Wood)                                                            1 "
1   "         "   6954  "     "     "     "    (" Theo L. Moody)                                                           1"
35 pages

Hold this as they are
papers most important
for photos.
Page 44

April 2, 1929
D. A. R. Records:
     Would you kindly mail
to me the Revolutionary record of
Major John Donnell of North
Carolina - at your earliest
convenience. it will be greatly
appreciated.
Most truly
Mrs. Geo. S. Donnell
1426. 21.st. N. W.
Wash. D.C.

[stamp[] REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS
SECTION
APR 4-1929
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 45

[illegible]
Rev Sec
CH
Washington D.C
Department of the
June 27th '16
Department of the
Interior - Bureau of Pensions
Revolutionary War Record Sec-

Please mail to D [illegible] S. D. Barr
H. St. Singer building - 927-
The statement of the Military
record & history of John Donnell
time in Pennsylvania, married
Elizabeth Denny, Engaged in
"Gates Defeat", Widow
applied for pension May 19, 1841
from Guilford Co. N.C.
Send [illegible] also of persons
to whom the information has
been sent - -
We do not and
names of correspdts.
Page 46

Please send history to
Personal inquiry June 19, 1916.
M. Benjamin H. Craig
2543 -13th St. N.C.
After ten days to
15 S. Union St. Selma, Ala.
Page 47

HENRY ALBERTS McLEAN
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW
SEATTLE, U. S. A.
ALASKA BUILDING

January 20, 1915.

DEAR SIR:

Re; Sons American Revolution.

I desire the record of Major John Donnell, who
was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary War. He lived in Guilford County, North Carolina. I am unable to give his company or regiment.

Major Donnell's widow, according to my information, was a pensioner unthe federal laws at the close of the war. Her name was Elizabeth Denny Donnell, but she probably was known as Elizabeth Donnell.

I desire this information for the purpose of
joining the Sons of the American Revolution.
I am a lineal descendant of Major Donnell.

I am informed by a pamphlet issued by that organization that you furnish abstracts of the
record of a Revolutionary soldier when the same is asked for.

Respectfully,
HENRY ALBERTS McLEAN,
By Hesell,
U. S. COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.
HAM-S
Page 48

Feb 9th 1909
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
     Will you please send
me two copies each of the services
of John Donnell and Joseph
McLean, who served in the
Revolutionary war in the State of
North Carolina.
Very Respectfully
(Mrs. Charles Harris) Nellie Ingram Baker
239 So Spring St.
Los Angeles, California
Page 49

3 - 871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by A.O.T.
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier John Donnell
Major Rev. War
Additional Service N.C.
No claim, State records       ,190_
No claim, combination        ,190_
REMARKS:
No claim
Try Wid. File 4180
Chief Division
D-8

[stamp] RECORD DIVISION
SEP 11 1908
Page 50

Sept. 1st 1908
Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.

     Have you in your lists
a Major John Donnell and
Joseph McLean - both of
Guilford County North Carolina
who fought in the Revolutionary
Mar 1776 - 1781.
Major Donnell's services
were continuous during the war
Page 51

as far as I know & he
served a six month engagement in the Savannah River in Georgia.
I am desirous
of proving my eligibility
to the Daughters of the American
Revolution so hope to find
these my ancestors were pensioners.
Very Respectfully
Nellie Ingram Baker
Address
Mrs. Charles Harris Baker
239 So Spring Street
Los Angeles, California.
Page 52

1908, Sept. 15. History
Mrs. Chas. Harris Baker, Lo
1909, Feb. 26. Two copies of
history to Mrs. Chas Harris Baker
Los Angeles, Cali.
1915. Jan. 28. History
Henry Alberts McLean
1916 June 21. History
[illegible] Benj. H. Cra
1916, July 14. History
Dr. S.D. Barr.
1927- Aug 30-Mrs. C.H
cost of photos and
returned- MMTF
1927. Sept. 28 - Phot
Baker-MMTF
129 July 25. Hist.
[illegible] Donnell.  A
Jan. 7 Hist
Kee. A[illegible]
1939 Mar. 3. Hist
Barr Currie A
----
Revy WIDOW, & c.
File No. 4180
Elizth Donnell
Wid.
John Donnell
Capt. N.C. lis
Act:  Mch, L.[illegible] H.S,  & June, 1744
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 187
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 53

Elizabeth Donnell Widow
John Dec
No 7858
Act 7 July 1838
N.C
admd
6 mo Capt
120 $
Let. Hon. Sec. of War.
Aug. 4th. 1846.
Hon. A. H. Shepperd
H R.
Page 54

State of North Carolina }
Guilford County }
     Be it remembered that at a
Court of pleas and quarter Sessions
begun and held for the County of
Guilford at the Court House in
Greensboro on the third Monday in May
A.D. 1841 personally appeared in Open Court William Malone [illegible] aged 76
years, who after being duly sworn
on his oath deponeth & saith as follows
that he was born and raised in the
County of Guilford, that he became
acquainted with Major John Donnell
in early life. that he knew him during 
the revolutionary war. that he saw him
sundry times mustering and drilling
his men at Martinsville. that affiant
was never in actual service with the
said John Donnell but that he has
Satisfactory reason to satisfy his own
mind that the said John Donnell
did a great deal of service during the
revolutionary war. that he recollects
sundry times during the war that it
was said in the neighborhood that
the said Donnell was out on
Page 55

Service. What it was generally reported and believed he had served during that time. 
that he always from the end of the revolutionary war to the time of his death went under the name and [illegible] of Major John Donnell - that he was a highly respectable man thro life. that
he recollects of hearing it said at the
time that he and his present widow Elizabeth
Donnell were married just as such
things are usually spoken of in neighborhood
that they lived together as man & wife and
were so treated and esteemed by the
neighbors from the time of their said
marriage up to said Donnells death,
that they raised a large and respectable
family, were both members of the same
church and under charge
of the same Pastor the Rev David C
Caldwell D. D. with this affiant. that
his widow Elizabeth is still alive
and a lady of highly respectable character
Wm Mayben
Subscribed and
Sworn to in open court
May 20th 1841
John. M. Logan [C.C.C.]
Page 56

State of North Carolina }
Guilford County }
Court of Pleas &
quarter sessions
May Term 1841
We the undersigned swear that
we have long known Elizabeth
Donnell who we understand
is about making application for a
pension for the services of her
husband Major John Donnell
decd. that she is one of our most
respectable citizens & that she and
her said husband were always
held in high esteem & respect by
all their friends and acquaintances
that the said Major John Donnell
was generally reputed and believed
to have done service in the
Revolutionary war. that the
said Elizabeth lived with the said
John Donnell from our [illegible]
recollection up to the death of
said John as the lawful wife
of the said John, that she has
remained a widow ever since.
that she and her said husband
Page 57

John Donnell raised a large and respectable family of children.
Subscribed & Sworn to in
open court. May 19th
1841-
Wm D. Paisley
David Caldwell-
Washington Donnell
John W Caldwell
[illegible[ his term
Sworn to and Subscribed before me in open
Court
John. M. Logan C.C.C.
Page 58

State of North carolina }
Guilford County }
Be it remembered that on this the
20th day of May 1841 personally appeared
before me the undersigned an acting Justice
of the peace in and for the County of
Guilford Wm. Ryan Esq who after being
duly sworn on his oath deposeth and saith
that he was well acquainted with Major
John Donell dec, that he believed he the
said John Donnell served in the revolutionary
war that affiant did not serve with him
but saw him rendevoused at Martinsville
with his men making ready to start. that
he was absent a length of time and returned
that it was a common report in the neighborhood. that he served a tour of five months in South Carolina - and affiant further says that it was a current report that the said Maj John Donnell was frequently out after the Tories in the adjoining Counties and about home,
that affiant is a pensioner for revolutionary
services and begs leave to refer to his declaration to obtain the same
William Ryan
test
P. Hopkins J.P.
Subscribed and Sworn to
before me the day and
year aforesaid
Page 59

State of North Carolina }
Guilford County }
Be it remembered that at a Court of
pleas & quarter Sessions began and held for
the County of Guilford at the Court House
in Greensboro on the 3rd Monday in May 1841
It was ordered to be certified that
satisfactory was adduced in Open Court
that Elizabeth Donnell, John McBride, 
Thomas Donnell, Will Mayben, Revd Wm Paisley Dr David Caldwell, Dr Washington Donnel, John W Caldwell, Levi Hauston & Will. Ryan, are highly credible
persons and intitled to full faith and credit
as to any thing they may state either on
oath or otherwise
It is furthered to be certified the P. Hopkins
is an acting magistrate in & for the County of
Gilford, & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine; & that Joseph Albright before whom the affidavit of John McBride is taken is proved to be an acting
Magistrate for Orange County.
     It is further ordered to be certified
that the court be satisfied that the
applicant Elizabeth Donnell is the
lawful widow of Major John Donnell
dec'd who was a revolutionary Soldier
and served in the revolutionary war as
set forth in the affidavit of John McBride
and William Ryan aforesaid.
It is further ordered to be certified by
the Court that the said Major John
Donnell, died at the time set forth
in the affidavit of Elizabeth Donnell
Page 60

and that the Court as such
satisfied that the said Elizabeth was
lawfully married to the said John
Donnell, and is now his lawful widow.

In Testimony Whereof I John M.
Logan Clerk of aforesaid Court of
pleas and quarter sessions for the County of Guilford have hereunto affixed my
official seal at office on this the 7th day of [?June] AD 1841
[illegible]
John. M. Logan [illegible]
Page 61

State of North carolina }
Orange County. }
Be it remembered that on this the 7
day of May 1841 personally appeared before
me the undersigned an acting Justice of
the peace in and for the County of
Orange John McBride aged 83 years
years who after being duly sworn on his
Oath deposeth and saith that during the
Revolutionary war and long afterwards
he was well acquainted with Major John
Donell, who served with him in that war.
that in or about the month of  
in the year 1779 he served in the malitia under the Command of the said John Donnell who was a major on tour of five months,
that he was marched with said Donnell
into the state of South Carolina - that they
were encamped near the Savanah River -
that his superior officers were General Lincoln
and Col John Paisley his commanding Col,
that he passed through Salisbury, Charlotte,
& into South Carolina, that during
this tour they were in no regular
engagement but while the army was
encamped on the East side of the Savanah
a detachment was sent and fought
the Brittish at Briar Creek that affiant
and Major Donnell by command of the
Superior Officers remained in Camp and
was not in the skirmish of Battle at said
Brier Creek. that they were regularly
discharged and returned home, that he
is confident the said John Donnell
Page 62

served as major in this tour for
the term of five months- that he received
his commission as affiiant believes from
the superior officers - that on his
return he continued in command as
major under Col. John Peasley and in
service as a minute man until the
close of the war. that this latter
service as minute men was as follows
Col. Paisley and his companies were
belied minute men, for the reason
that by resolution and agreement
they stood ready to march against
the enemy of the Country at all times
at a minutes warning, that this
Section of Country was greatly herrassed by the inroads and depredations of the tories that called out into service the
said regiment of militia called minute
men repeatedly, down into Randolph
Moren and other places down the country,
and sometimes up on the Yadkin River
and frequently about home to extend aid and protection to the whig inhabitants.
that he has personal knowledge of a great,
deal of service done by the said John
Donnell as major in this way that he
affiant served with and under his command,
that he affiant could not with certainty
compute the precise length of time the said
major John Donnell did service in this
way but he feels safe in saying that the
whole time in which he was in actual
service in this way last described could
Page 63

not be less than three months, that the
affiant is a pentioner for revolutionary
services and beg leave to refer to his declaration to obtain the same, that the said major John Donnell died in the County of Guilford in the year 1822, that his affiant is acquainted with said Donnells widow Elizabeth Donnell and, affiant further says that he is so old and decreped and his health so greatly impaired, that he could not with any
convenience or without danger to his health
be carried to Court-
J McBride
Subscribed and Sworn to
before me the day and
year aforesaid
Joseph Albright J.P.
And I the said Justice do hereby certify that
the above affiant is a man of truth
and veracity, and it is my opinion
after inspection that the aforesaid affiant
John McBride could not go or be safely
taken to Court
Joseph Albright J.P.
Page 64

From
Rev. E. W. Caruthers
15 June 1846.


Honorable A. Dockery, N.C.
Washington
Dist of Columbia
Page 65

Honorable A. Dockery, N.C.
Washington
Dist of Columbia

From
Rev. E. W. Caruthers
15 June 1846.
Page 66

Greensboro N.C.
June 15th 1846.
Honorable A. Dockery, 
Dear Sir
I thus [illegible] myself on
your notice at the request of Doct. Jas A. Craig who acts as the agent of Mrs Donnell of this county, in procuring a pension for her on account of the revolutionary services of her deceased husband, Capt or major
John Donnell.  Doct. Craig makes the following enquiries whether, from what I have said of the revolutionary services of John Donnell, in my Life of Caldwell pg 232 I wish the reader to infer that he served only six months during the revolutionary war. I answer, Certainly not;
and taking the connexion into view, I think the contrary might be inferred. At that time I thought of nothing more than to pay a passing but just tribute to the memory of Mr. Donnell; 
and had no intention of stating the length
time that he served or the precise amount of his services; for I did not then know that Mrs Donnell, or any of her friends had thought of applying for a pension. He took an active part in the revolutionary struggle from the beginning, and was always ready, as I was credibly & fully informed, to go against either the tories or the British where ever his services were needed. He was with Gen Greene, in
some capacity or other, most of the time, if not the whole of the time that he was in this county and the adjoining county
of Rockingham. According to the best of my recollection, he was sent out with a few men by the direction of Genl Greene, on the
morning of the Guilford battle, or the day before, against a small body of Tories, in the lower side of the county, who, it was understood, were coming either to join the
British or plunder the houses & farms of a large whig neighborhood on the Alamance, the men being all in the battle under the command of Capn Forbis, having
gone to Greene's camp a few days before. As an
Page 67

enterprizing young officer in the militia, he was frequently & at different periods, out on short expeditions against the tories - as were others of the county, such as Col. Gillespie Capn Forbis &C. & probable they [illegible] in turns or to [illegible words] decreased to require;
but how long Donnell was in the actual service
of his country, & for how much of the time, or
whether for any of it he was entitled to pay, accord ing to the laws of the country, are matters about which I did not then think of enquiring, and now it is perhaps too late, at least for me, to get the possitive [positive]
testimony of living witnesses.
2d - Whether I have had information since writing the Life of Caldwell, that said Donnell served as Major of militia towards the close of the war; and
3d - Whether the information which I have had, if I have had any on this point, since writing the Life of Caldwell, is not such as would justify me in now stating in history that John Donnell served, from reputation, part of the time he was in the army, as major.
     With a little qualification I can answer both
there in the affirmative, that is, I am satisfied that he held the rank of major of militia, before the close of the war, and as early as the fall of 1781 I find it is also the tradition that he was raised to the rank of major before the close of his six months campaign on the Savannah river; from the character of the persons whom I have heard speak of it I am inclined to believe it was so. That he rendered service, more or less, to his country, in a military capacity, after he was raised to the rank of major. I feel no doubt in my own mind; [illegible] how long, &
whether he was recognized by the public functionaries, as in the service of his country & entitled to pay
Page 68

as Major, unless it was during a part of the six month's campaign already mentioned, I am unable to form any decided opinion. Thus for I could now state in history, viz, that these things are matters of tradition, or rest on second hand testimony, which, from
the character of the persons from whom it comes, both primary & secondary, I consider credible.
     I knew John Donnell, personally, for a short time  - a year or two. When I came into this region, mere yoth, 25 years ago, he was a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian church, a consistent christian, a man highly esteemed as a neighbor & a citizen. In fact, a more frank, generous hearted old man I have seldom met with. He was just such a man as I would expect, at almost any period of life, but certainly while in the vigor of youth, to enter with his whole soul into the service of his country, especially at a crisis when every thing most dear &
valuable was at stake & when others were
pledging their lives, their fortunes & their sacred honor in defense of their rights. When I came into the County probably half the grown men in it, had either taken an active
part in the revolutionary war, or were old enough to recollect those troublous times. Then any fact of this kind could have been established by the best of testimony but, then I did not think of writing anything for publication, not even the Life of Caldwell. Every
body, however, had something to say about the services of John Donnell. Sometimes he was spoken of a captain & sometimes as Major. It was always said that when he
first went into the service of his country, as a military man, he had the rank of Captain; [Thru?] in speaking of the events towards the close of the war, they would call
him major. As to dates & other particulars I did not at that time enquire, & now I have nothing but tradition or second hand testimony. Permit me now
Page 69

in conclusion to say that his widow is truely one of the excellent of the earth, and really deserves a pension as much as any other who has either received or applied for one.
    I am Sir, very respectfully yours etc.
E. M. Caruthers
Page 70

     Extract from the Life of David Caldwell D. D.
page 232, - by the Rev. E. W. Caruthers, now Principal of the High School, Greensboro, N.C.

     "Majr". John Donnell, who was then a Captain, and a member of the Buffalo Church, was a man of great respectability and moral worth, a staunch whig, and an enterprizing Officer. Having embarked in the cause with zeal from the first, he had been much employed in the service of his
country. He served a six months campaign mostly in Georgia on the Savannah River - ; and had been ever prompt to render his country any Services in his power. He was not in the Battle at Martinville [Guilford C. H.] because he and his company, or Such of them as were fit for duty, had been appointed by Genl. Greene on
another Service".
-
     The Book, from which the above is an extract,
is believed to be filed in the Pension Office, in the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Donnell.
Page 71

Certificate
     We the undersigned citizens of Guilford County, North Carolina, do hereby certify that we are acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Donnell, widow of the late John Donnell
of Guilford aforesaid, That Said Elizabeth about two years ago, was admitted to a
Pension of One Hundred and Twenty Dollars per annum, for the Revolutionary Services of
her deceased husband in the army of the Revolution.
     We certify that the John Donnell of whose Revolutionary Services, mention is made in Caruthers life of Caldwell, page 232. is the deceased husband of the aforesaid Elizabeth Donnell who is applying for an Increase of her pension.
     We further certify that we have understood and do believe that the said John Donnell embarked early in the cause of the Revolution, and as Captain and Major of Guilford Militia, was much in the Service of his Country.
     And from what we learn from History and tradition, we believe That Said
John Donnell as Captain and Major of Militia, in the Army of the Revolution, was in the Service of the United States, upwards of Two years
Wm D. Paisley, Minister of the Presb. church.
J. A. Mebane, M.D. Justice of the Peace
Jas Gibson Justice of the Pease
Jos. A. McLean Elder of the Buffalo Church
Robt. Donnell. Elder of N. Buffalo Church
David Scott Merchant
State of North Carolina }
Guilford County }

I John C Logan, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County, do hereby certify that the above named persons, are respectable citizens of this County, and their statements are entitled to credit
     In Testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand, and affixed the
Seal of our Court at office in Greensboro
this 19th April AD 1845.
John C. Logan c.c.c.
Page 72

5
James Dollar's
affidavit
Page 73

State of North Carolina }
Orange County }

     On this the 23rd day of August, 1842, personally appeared before the undersigned
one of the Justices of the peace in and
for said County, James Dollor, a resident of
Chatham County, an United States pensioner, who being first duly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that in the war of the Revolution he Served a three months tour of duty in the United States' Service as a private of Infantry the tour commenced on or about the 1 of July, 1780.
John Ray was captain of the Company to which this affiant was attached, (in the early part of the tour,) and Saunders Captain latter part of said tour. Farmer of Hillsboro' was Colonel:
In this tour we were in Gates' defeat. - In
all of said tour this deponent remembers that
John Donnell of Guilford County, had command of a Company of Militia in said tour and Served all of said tour, to this deponents recollection--remembers of him in the rendezvouse in the Town of Hillsboro and was at the end of said tour discharged with us, & returned home.
     John Donnell was of Colonel Paisleys Regiment. This deponent lived in Orange County during the war of the Revolution and frequently saw said John Donnell afterwards, Major Donell, in the town of
Hillsboro.
Sworn and Subscribed the }
day & date first above written }
before me. }
H. Parker J.P.
James his x mark Dollor
I certify that the above deponent is a man of truth and veracity.
H. Parker J.P.
Page 74

I certify that James Dollor is a man
of credibility and should be believed
on oath

J. L Smith
State of North Carolina,

I, John Taylor Clerk of the Court
of pleas and quarter sessions for Orange County, certify that Harrison Parker is a magistrate as above, and that the forgoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have
hereunto affixed my seal of
office, and subscribed my name,
on this the 17th day of September,
1842.
J Taylor Clerk
Page 75

[circle stamp] [illegible "BORO"] 
PAID
6
Dr James A Craig
Haw River
N. C.
Page 76

Greensboro, 5th August 1842
Dear Sir
     your letter of the 26th July was duly received
I will just state in refference to your enquiries respecting evidence that all I could possibly procure was done. I am willing for you to undertake the case, but I think if you succeed in getting a pention you ought to give John A Gillner Esq a small fee for his services; he had a good deal of writing to do -
you wished to know of Messrs. Ryan or Mebane served with Maj Donnell. they did not but saw him rendezvoused at Martinsville with his men. which was in their affidavit
     Old Guilford did not thuder as land on yesterday as she did Two years ago. Morehead's vote was about 17.00 Henrys about 400
Yours with much respect
David Whorton

Dr. James Craig
Page 77

4170
September 14 1843
Claim Elizabeth Donnell
Act 1843
North Carolina
$120 per annum

James A Craig
Ruffin's Mills
North Carolina

James L. Edwards esquire
Washington City
D.C.
Page 78

Ruffins Mills North Carolina
September 8th 1843.
Sir,
     I herewith enclose you the Declaration for Pension of Mrs. Elizabeth Donnell of Guilford County.
     Any communication on this claim, you will please address to me at this Post Office.
I remain Sir, Very Respectably
your Humble Servant
James A. Craig.

James L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington City 

P.S
please send me a few Blanks for pensioners under Act. 3' March 1843.
JAC
Page 79

Hon:
Augustine H. Shepperd,
Ho: Reps:
Washington City,
D.C.

Return made to
James A Craig,
Haw River,
N.C.

Hon. A. H. Shepperd
HR
Page 80

Hon. A. H. Shepperd
HR

Return made to
James A Craig,
Haw River,
N.C.

Hon:
Augustine H. Shepperd,
Ho: Reps:
Washington City,
D.C.
Page 81

Haw River, North Carolina
5th December, 1842.
Dear Sir,

Mrs.  Elizabeth Donnell, of Guilford County, (widow of Major John
Donnell.) made a Declaration for pension some 12 months ago, but the proof of
Service, then furnished, was not deemed satisfactory. Since that time
it has been discovered that the Revolutionary Services of said Donnell, were mentioned in "Caruther's life of Caldwell" - the Commissioner of Pension was informed of this fact, but prefers that the History be sent to the Pension office. Whilst in Raleigh, a few days ago, I purchased a copy and herewith enclose it to your care.
Mrs. Donnell has forwarded me a certificate by Gentleman of Guilford County, of the best standing. Reverend William D Paisley, son of the late
Colonel John Paisley of the revolutionary Army, Dr John A. Mibane and others.
I expect you are personally acquainted with all the Signers - if so, 
please certify to Major Edwards their good standing. If you do not know them all, certify to them, or far as you know, but I presume you know most of them.
I enclose Mr. Edwards letter on the subject of this claim.
I remain, Dear Sir,
Very Respectfully,
James A Craig.

Honorable
Augustine H. Shepperd }
House of Representatives: }
Washington City. }
Page 82

the widow
Will abide such decision as Major Edwards may think her proof unto justify. 
J A Craig
agent for Mrs. Donnell
Page 83

John McBride deceased 1882
3 months Indian Spy Captain Whitson
79.5. Captain Nelson. March from Martinsburg North Carolina to Punsburg
Ensign John Hamilton  South Carolina Colonel John Paisley, General Ashe
1.15 Arthur Forbes
12
6=McAdams
Page 84

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Page 85

House of Rep D. 19. 184[?]
James L. Edwards Esq
Sir
     I send you a copy of the affidavit of Dr. Caldwell colonel of my state
which affords evidence of the services
of Mr. Donnell whose widow is claiming a pension. I am whereby
acquainted with most of the scoblemen
who have accompanied the book
with their certificate-- they are amongst 
the most respectable gentlemen of
Guilford County
Your obedient servant
A.H. Shepperd
Page 86

April 17. 1846.
[illegible]
Elizabeth Donnell

Alfred Dockery

D

Honorable A Dockery
House of Representatives
April 6 '[18]46
Page 87

Raleigh North Carolina
Comptroller's office
Dear Sir
     Your letter has been received in the Captain Donnell Case and I have reexamined all the records for your satisfaction and Doctor Craig
together General Dockery, and cannot find any further payments made to Captain Donnell than that setforth in the certificate accompanying
I have no means of ascertaining the number of Soldiers and men attached to Captain Donnells Company, the Red ink figures on the record no doubt is Specie Dollars and cents.
Very Respectfully
Your obedient Servant
William F Collins
Page 88

Raleigh North Carolina
Comptroller's office
April 14th 1846
I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts
hereby certify that the name of Captain John 
Donnell appears in Book E. marked Army Accounts as having been paid (or received) for himself and Company the Sum of
Two thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty
four pounds Four Shillings (£2824.4) placed in a collum[sic] headed Currency and extended in another collum in red ink, 70.10.45 headed Specie. This entry will be found in Book E.  page 71 Number 27. The number of Officers and men in his
Company does not appear, nor
am I in possession of means to ascertain, this fact given under my hand and seal this 14 April 1846
I further certify that this record from
which the foregoing certificate is copied
a Book shewing the Cash paid by Jacob
Blount paymaster to the officers and
Soldiers of the North Carolina Brigade-
William F Collins
Comptroller
Page 89

Pension Office.
Aug. 4. 1846.
Report of the Com
missioner of Pensions
in the case of Elizabeth
Donnell.

[the following lines of text/signature have been x'd out]
Page 90

Pension Office,
August 4, 1846.
Sir,
    In the appeal taken by Mr Dockery
in the case of Elizabeth Donnell, I have
the hand to make the following report:
     The pension claimed is a pro rata
one, and is to be computed by the half-
pay of the actual service in field or garrison. 
By reference to the papers it will be
seen that no specific narrative of his
tours of service has been furnished; but
the historical noteriety of his zeal, and
the receipt of certain sums, as appeared
in the militia accounts, one relied upon
as data for adjusting the amount of the
allowance. The unsatisfactory character
of such data is shewn by the fact, that he
received one sum of money which would
have covered the pay of his militia company
for more than a year, while it is
known that the tours of the militia, except in expeditions to the Indian settle-
Page 91

ments, were very short, and limited to the occasion which called them out. Her claim has
been allowed only by naming the rules, for six
months service, while it is, to the present moment impracticable to say from the papers, what were the essential features of any term of service whatever. She may be entitled to more; but it is respectfully submitted, that it should be shewn by a connected narrative and clear proof
of more than 6 months service. The belief of the auther [author] of Caldwells Life, is founded upon conversations and traditions, and establishes no fact, as definitely as the rules, and the adjustment of a ratable pension, require. The papers, from 1 to 7, are enclosed.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
your obt Servant.
J.L. Edwards

Hon. W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War.
Page 92

The the evidence in
this case as to the
periods of service is
not very explicit
yet I think it is
sufficient to warrant
an allowance for
Eight months-
W L. Marcy
War Dept
Novem 12. 1846.
Page 93

Ruffins Mills, N. Carolina
May 15th. 1845.
Sir,
     I herewith enclose you the Declaration of Elizabeth Donnell of Guilford County for an "Increase of pension".
     Accompanying the declaration is the certificate of the Revd William D
Paisley & others, that they believe that John Donnell, the husband of the declarant as Captain & Major of Militia, served the United States, in the army of the Revolution, as much as Two years.
     W/ Caruthers in his life of Dr. Caldwell at p. 232, had made mention of John Donnell serving as Captain a Six months tour; and as required by you, forward a copy of Caruthers' Life of Caldwell to you. Mrs. Donnell was
under the impression at the time, that, her Decd. husband had served full time, two years, but at that time was unable to furnish any "Record evidence" of Major Donnells Service. upon ascertaining that the Comptrollers
office at Raleigh, furnished evidence of payments to the militia. I wrote to Mr
Collins the Comptroller, who has furnished Mrs. Donnell with a Certificate
     That one payment had been made to John Donnell of £384. and
that a second payment had been made of £336. as per Certificate-
     Mrs. Donnell writes me to day, that she was married to John Donnell on the 1st day of November, 1781. If she has record evidence of this will she [illegible] be entitled to a pension under Act 4th July, 1836?
I remain, Sir,
Very Respectfully,
yo: ob Servt,
James A. Craig

J L Edwards Esq. }
Washington City,}
D.D }
Page 94

Hon:
Alfred Dockery,
M. C.
Washington City,
D.C
Page 95

Photo [handwritten]
Ruffins Mills, N. Carolina,
January 1st. 1847.

My Dear Sir:
     I had the pleasure of receiving your letter, informing me that the Hon: Secretary of War, had allowed Mrs. Elizabeth Donnell of Guilford
County, an Increase of her Pension. and That a new certificate would be issued to her, upon her Surrendering to the War Department, her present certificate.
     Upon the reception of your letter I enclosed it to Mrs. Donnell, and herewith enclose her answer, Thru her son-in-law, Mr. Wharton.
     Mrs. Donnell was married in November, (I think) 1781. She was pensioned under Act 7 July, 1838 and at the expiration of the
"Five year Law", 4th March, 1841. had to surrender her certificate unto Mr. Husk, Agent for Paying Pensions, in the agency of N.C.
     Those who were pensioned under Act 1838, have since drawn under Acts 3 March 1843. & 17 June 1844. upon affidavit alone. Not
having had issued to them and new Pension Certificate whatever.
     As Mrs. Donnell was married in 1781, she exputed originally, to have been pensioned, under Act 4th July, 1836.
     Be so kind as to procure a new Certificate for Mrs. Donnell early, and enclose it to me, at this Post office.
I am, [illegible]
Very Respectfully
yo: ovt. Serv.
James A. Craig

Hon:
Alfred Dockery }
Ho: Reps: }
Washington City. }
Page 96

From Brown's Agency.
December 30. 1845
3982. '43' North Carolina
[illegible] to case

Elizabeth Donnell.

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 97

Dec 30. 1845
3982. '43' NC

From Brown's Agency

[illegible]

Elizabeth Donnell.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 98

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

UNITED STATES AGENCY
AND NOTARIAL OFFICE,
WASHINGTON CITY,
30th December 1845.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir:
Your letter of 10th July
last to Dr Craig, relative to the application of
Elizabeth Donnell for Increase of Pension, is before me, and in reply I send you herewith a letter from the Comptroller of North Carolina, which, as his hand writing is so well known in your Office, will, I presume, be received as a Certificate.
     This letter states that the Comptroller has found in a book not alphabeted, a payment to Captain Donnell and Company, of $7060.45, or [pound symbol] 2,824.45., which added to the $1800 before credited will make $8,860. paid to him and his Company.
     I believe Caruthers' life of Dr Caldwell is filed with this claim - see page 232, what he says of Capt. (Majr.) Donnell. "He served 6 months campaign mostly in Georgia", "was ever prompt to render his country service",
"was not in the Battle at Martinsville (Guilford C.H.) "because he had been appointed by Genl. Greene on another Service".
     From the statement in this history it appears that he was a man of great moral worth, from the first of the War had been much employed in the Service of his
Country, in the spring of 1781, was "appointed by Genl. Greene on another Service; and from the recent Searches of the Comptroller it appears he and his Company were paid a heavy amount in addition to that before received-- In addition to all this, I am informed
that Mr. Caruthers has obtained information Since he wrote his History which renders it probable that John
Page 99

Donnell was a Major of Militia near the close
of the Revolutionary War.

I trust you will consider all these
facts, in connection with the Letter of the
Comptroller herewith enclosed, and grant
a full Pension.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Svt.
Edm. F. Brown
Page 100

July 11 [18]45
3

The Commissioner
of Pensions,
Washington.

Eliz Donnell
North Carolina [illegible] increase
2 months ago

[illegible] July 11. 1845.
Page 101

CLAIMS
FOR
PENSIONS,
PATENTS,
LANDS,
CONTRACTS, Etc.
Prosecuted.

EDMUND F. BROWN,
NOTARY PUBLIC,
COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS, Etc. FOR STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND
Public, Private, and Confidential Agent
For settling Business of every description, with Congress, the Officers of the different Departments, Companies, and Individuals.
Attention prompt. Charges reasonable. Letters
must be Postage paid.
Penn. Avenue, near 13th st,
WASHINGTON CITY
T. BARNARD,
Printer.

NOTARIAL
AND OTHER
OFFICIAL
CERTIFICATES
Prepared.
Acknowledgements
Taken, &c.

United States Agency and Notarial Office,
Washington City, 9th July 1845.

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir,
     Dr J. A. Craig of North Carolina
desires me to attend to the claim of Elizabeth Donnell of Guilford County North Carolina for Increase of Pension, which he sent you some two months ago.
     The evidence which has been sent, shows, I believe that her husband, John Donnell, served two years as Captain.
     Please inform me what further evidence is necessary, if any, to obtain the increase.
     Very Respectfully,
Your obedient servant
Edmund F. Brown
Agent.

letter to J A Craig July 1[18]45
Disallowing application for 
increase.
Page 102

Elizabeth Donnell
N.C.
Act 7 July 38
8 mo Capn
$160
deduct what has
been paid -

Also Acts 43044
$160
deduct what
has been paid

Hon. A. Dockery
H. R
Page 103

House of Rep Jany 7 1847.

J L Edwards Esqr
Esqr

Sir
     I have the honor to
ask your attention to the Enclosed
correspondence
please answer as Soon
as convenient
     Respectfully
     Alfred
     Dockery
Page 104

Haw River, N. C }
[illegible] October. }

October 20.1842

Geo. Wm. Crump esq.
actg. Commr. pensions,
Washington City
D.C.

[illegible] at
N.C

Eliz Donnell
Page 105

Haw River, N.C }
16 October. }

Oct20. 1842

Geo: Wm Crump esq.
actg. Commr. pensions,
Washington City
D.C.

[illegible] at
N.C

Eliz Donnell
Page 106

Haw River, N.C. October 15th 1842.
Sir,
     Your communication on the Subject of Elizabeth Donnell's  application for a pension, under Act 7th July, 1838, was duly recd in which you state that no favorable decision can be had on her claim, unless some
Record or Documentary proof be furnished.
     In North Carolina There are no rolls of the Militia or "State troops", in the office of the Secretary of State, who has so certified and has
certificate is on file with the Declaration of Elizabeth Nunn, of this County, (Orange) - Pensioner.
     I forwarded your communication early, to Mrs Donnell of Greensboro, Guilford County, who informs me that mention is made
of her Decd husband's Revolutionary Service, in "Caruther's life of Caldwell", and has forwarded me a copy of Said history, with ref. to p. 232.
     A true extract I inscribe on the [illegible] page. Supposing it may be had as Documentary or record proof.
     If this should be deemed Sufficient evidence, with the affidavits
already forwarded, you will, be so good as to inform me. and if the p. referring to Maj. Donnell's Service, be enclosed to you, will it suffice, as
proof or would you prefer that the Hist be sent? This an [illegible] of 300p?
I remain, Very Respectfully,
yo: humb. Servant,
James A. Craig.
Page 107


Life of David Caldwell, D. D.
page 232
"_________ Major John Donnell, who was then a Captain, and a member of the Buffalo church, was a man of great respectability and moral worth, a staunch Whig and an enterprising officer.
     Having embarked in the cause with real from the first he had been much employed in the Service of his Country. He Served a Six months
campaign mostly in Georgia, on the Savannah River; and had been ever prompt to render his country any Services in his power. He was not
in the battle of Mortin ville, because he and his company, or such of them as were fit for duty, had been appointed by General Greene on another Service". __

     I certify that the above is truly
copied.
James A. Craig
Page 108

House of Representatives June 14 1841
James L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
     I enclose you the application
of Mrs. Donnell for a pension. Let me learn
the result as soon as the business of the office
will permit.
very truly your friend
A H Shepperd
Page 109

Jan 9 '43.
N.C.
Eliz. Donnel

Hon. A. H. Shepperd
HR

To the Commr. of Pensions
Washington
Page 110

To the Commr. of Pensions
Sir
     I have communicated to Mrs Donnel as her agent the ansr given you to her application for a pension. I am requested to state that as she is so unfortunate as not to make  as not to make satisfactory proof for more than six months service of her husband as a
Captain, she submits to take the benefit
of a pension to that amt. - with her
Certificate, if granted, have the [illegible]
to return to me the copy of Caruthers life
of Dr Caldwell which I sent you
Yr obt. sevt
A H Shepperd
Page 111

Elizabeth Donnell
Widow
Capt. John Donnell

Capt John Donnell

Dr James A Craig
Ruffins Mills
Orange County
N.C.
[stamp] RALEIGH N.C. SEPT 2 N.C.

E. F. Brown
Agent

George
5

30. Dec. '45.
Page 112

Raleigh N C
19th Septem 1845
Dr. Craig
Dear Sir
     Your letter has been duly
received in which you require I will
separate the payment made Capn Jno
Donnell and Company, shewing the
amount paid him as Captain, and
the amount paid his Company. I should
have answered your letter at an earlyer
day but for the press of Official duties
now upon hand (Settling with the sheriffs)
I have however taken time and have
examined the Books, all over again
in the case of Capt Jno Donnell, and
can only find one payment made
him and Company; put down on
The Book marked E Army, at page 11
Capt Jno Donnells Company paid Two
Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty
four pounds Your shillings 4 £2824. Currency extended
in another Collumn in red ink Seven
Thousand and Sixty dollars and forty
five cents. These are all the facts the
Page 113

Books shew or I am able to make certificate
upon. I believe I have made a certificate
in his case before, but have not a memorandum
of the facts-- possibly the certificate
before made does not refer to this payment
as the one now given is from a Book which
is not alphabetted. If this proof will avail you any thing I will make it for you.
Very truly
Your obt Sert
Wm F Collins
Page 114

Comptrollers Office, Raleigh, N.C
I, William F. Collins Comptroller of Public
accounts do hereby certify that it appears
of record in my office, that J. Donnel,
had the following certificates issued
in his favour purporting to be for military
service-viz; one for Three hundred and
eighty four pounds (£384.) found in Book No 178 page 6; another for Three hundred and thirty six pounds (£336.) found
in the same Book and on the same page.
given under my hand and seal
this 17 day March 1845
Wm F Collins  Comptroller

384
336
_____
720
    2
____
1440
  360
$180 0
Page 115

[pound currency symbol] 384.
                                         336.
                                         720
See Life of Caldwell
Page 116

Jn. Donnell. d May 7th 1822
Elizth  m 1781
[illegible] 79 5 mos. as Major. and Captain to [illegible]
He was in command of minute
men. [illegible next 4 words]
served as Captain in 79 & made [illegible words]
[symbol like +] Jn. McBride [illegible initials] he
[symbol] Thos. Donnell [illegible initials]
Page 117

[GREE]NSBORO
DEC 30
N.C.
5 [encircled]

Dr. James A Craig
Ruffins Mills
N. C.
Page 118


Greensbor December 28th 1846
My Dear Sir
     I have made search for the papers which has to be sent back but cannot find them and I cannot recollect of ever receiving
them-- I think it probable that they were sent to you from the Pension Office--
at all events I cannot find them and if you
have not got them you can send up what is
necessary for Matherunlaw to certify to.
I remain Obediant -
David Whorton

Dr James A Craig }
Page 119

Mrs. Elizabeth Donnell
of Guilford Co. N.C.
Claims
Increase of Pension.

Hon. A. Dockery
House of Reps.
Page 120

Washington 25th. July 1846.
Hon. A. Dockery,
House of Reps.

Sir:
     The letters which you left with me this morning from Revd E.W. Caruthers and
Mrs. Elizabeth Donnell, I have examined, and return them to you herewith.
     From the statements of Rev. Mr.
Caruthers and Mrs. Donnell, from the Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina of payments made Capt.
Donnell and his Company, and from other papers on file in the case, there can be no reasonable doubt but Mrs. Donnell's Pension ought to be increased; and
as she says she was married in 1781, it is probable she ought to be placed under the Act of 4. July 1836, and her pension take date from 4. March 1831
     As Mrs. Donnell resides in your District
and you know her character as an honorable woman of high standing in Society, whose principles and feelings would scorn an application for more than her due, I would respectfully suggest that you file these papers
with the Secretary of War as an appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions.
     If you will certify to her standing and
your opinion of the case, perhaps the Secretary may be induced to give the whole subject his personal supervision.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
Edm. F. Brown
Agent for Dr. Craig.
Page 121

For
Doct Craig-
Page 122

Photo [handwritten]
State of North Carolina }
Guilford County }
     We the undersigned residents of
the aforesaid County of Guilford do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mrs Elisabeth Daniel widow of the
late Major John Donnell of Said County. And we further Certify that the Major John Donnel of whose Revolutionary Services mention is made in Caruthers life of Caldwell s
p 232 was the late husband of Sd Elisabeth who is now applying we understand for a pension for the revolutionary
Services of her Said Decd husband
     We further Certify that it is understood and believed in the neighbourhood where the
Said Major Donnell resided that he was an
efficient Militia Officer in the United States Service in the war of the Revolution
     In testimony Whereof we have hereunto Subscribed our names on the 22d day of November 1842
John W. Caldwell
David Caldwell
Robert C Caldwell
Walter M. Connell
J A Mebane
Robt Donnell
David Scott
James Denny
Wm D. Paisley
Page 123

4

Hon. A H Shepperd
HR
Page 124

Quit [handwritten]
Pension Office
October 20. 1842
Sir,
     In reply to your letter of the 15th instant
in the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Donnell, widow of John Donnell, decd I have to inform you that no decision can be made upon any testimony until it shall have been exhibited at this office. It is preferred that the books to which you }
allude should be sent to this office. }
I am respectfully
Your Obt. Sevt.
J L Edwards

Dr. James A. Craig
Haw River
N. Carolina
Page 125

From
Mrs. Elizabeth Donnell
29. May 1846.
Page 126

Guilford County. N. Carolina
May 29th 1846
Hon: A Dockery. N. C.
Sir,
As I have not the honor of being personally acquainted with you, I hope you will pardon me for soliciting the favor of you to attend
to some additional evidence, which I take the liberty of enclosing you, in behalf
of my application to the Commissioner of Pensions for an decease of my annuity.
My Dec'd husband, John Donnell, served in the army of the Revolution both as a Captain and Major in the militia. We were married in the year 1781: As their advised I made a Declaration for a Pension some 4 years ago,
under act 1838. I was not apprised when I made my affidavit that there were
in Raliegh any "Records" of Revolutionary services, such as were to be found in the office of the Secretary of state. I proved therefore no "Record evidence".
My husband's papers were all lost. I however succeeded in getting evidence from
two soldiers who served in the army with my husband, that to their knowledge he
served as Captain & Major in the militia; but the Commissioner of Pensions still
required "Record evidence" of my husband's Revolutionary services, fortunately
the life of Dr Caldwell had just been published by the Revd W Caruthers, (now President of Greensboro high school,) in which at p 282 favorable mention is made of my Decd husband's Revolutionary services in the army. upon this evidence being furnished the commisr, he allowed me a Pension for only
six months service!
About a year after my claim was allowed, I understood that in the office of the Comptroller at Raliegh there were "Pay Rolls" of the militia of the Revolutionary army, and upon application to the Comptroller
Page 127

was furnished with a certificate, showing large amount paid to John Donnell and
to John Donnell's Company.-- Have the kindness, sir, to give my claim your personal attention. I think I should at least, receive the full pay
due a Captain.
I am, sir,
Very Respectfully
Elizabeth her x mark Donnell

David Wharton J.P.
Page 128

Washn. July 27. '46
Hon. A. Dockery
Appeals on claim of Mrs Eliz.
Donnell for increase of her
pension
D 191. Rec July 21/46
Pension Office
Report
Page 129

Washington July 27 1846
Hon
William S Marcy
Sir
     I have the honor
herewith to present to your consideration
as an appeal from the decision of
the commissioner on pensions the claims of Mrs Elizabeth Donnell of North Carolina
for an increase of Pension
     Mrs Donnell is known in N.C. to
be a lady above reproach who would
not in the opinion of her acquaintances
ask for a penny more than her due
your personal attention to this
claim will place me & many others
in N.C. under strong obligations to you
Very respectfully
your obt Servant
Alfred Dockery
Page 130

'-
North Carolina [?1]954
Elizabeth Donnell
widow of
John Donnell decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of
and who died on the 7 May 1822
of Guilford in the State of N.C.
who was a Capt in the Company
commanded by Captain ____ of the
Regt commanded by _____ in
the N.C. line for 6 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
at the rate of 120. Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of
Jany '43 and sent to Hon
A. H. Shepherd. H.R.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841
Semiannual allowance ending
600
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo: S Moody Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 Page 186
Page 131

Reported
Page 132


Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, 
granting Pensions for one year to certain widows who have received
Pensions under the Act of July 7. 1838.

State of North Carolina, }
Guilford County }                 S.S.

     On this the 10th day of August, 1843, personally appeared before the undersigned, one of the Justices of the Courts of
pleas & quarter Sessions for Said County, Elizabeth Connell, a resident
of said County aged 81 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in
order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act
of Congress passed on the 3d, March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who Served during the Revolutionary war.
     That She is the widow of John Connell who was a Captain of Militia in the United States Service in the war of the
Revolution, and whose services are set forth more in detail in her Declaration for Pension now on file in the Pension office.
     And that the annual amount of pension which she received under Act of July 7. 1838, was One hundred & Twenty dollars.
     She further declares that She is Still a widow.
Elizabeth her x mark Donnell
Sworn and Subscribed the day and
date, first above written before me.
David Wharton x J. Peace

I the Said Magistrate do hereby certify that, I am personally acquainted with the above declarant, Elizabeth Connell, and that
She is a woman of good character & entitled to full & ample Credit.
David Wharton x J Peace.
Page 133

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
I, J. M. Logan, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford, do hereby certify that David Whorton
whose name appears to the foregoing is an acting Magistrate for said county, that his signature is genuine, and that full faith and credit are due his official act as such.

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed she Seal of our said Court, at office in Greensborough, the 25th day of August
1843

J. M. Logan C.C.C.
Page 134

Guilford County N.C. May 8th 1845
My dear sir
     Yours of the 1st inst. has been
recd wishing me to state, if I know, whether
John Donnell was promoted to the rank
of Majr in the Revolutionary army;
but owing to indisposition & my distance from
the Post office I have not been able to give
to it as early or as much attention as
might be desirable.
     My object in mentioning his name 
in the Life of Caldwell was, not to give
a full history of his life nor of his services
in our revolutionary struggle for Independance, but merely to pay what I considered a just tho' passing tribute to his memory for then I was not aware that any efforts were making, or that there was any design on the part of his friends to procure a pension for his widow. Since the publication
of that work & since my attention has
been called more particularly to the matter 
I have become satisfied that he was pro-
moted to the rank of major during the
war; but precisely when or in what way
I have not been able to ascertain. From some
facts which have come to my knowlege it appears that he was a major before the fall of 1781; but how long before I cannot say. He might have had that rank at the time of the
1
Page 135

Guilford battle & even before it, tho' the
statement in my Life of Caldwell, page 232,
might seem to imply the contrary;
then under the impression that
he was, at the time referred to, only a Captain
but might have been mistaken; for
I had not enquired particularly into the
time of his promotion to the rank of Major
my object being, as before stated, [illegible]
to pay a passing tribute to his memory
I knew from undoubted authority that,
as captain he had been vigilant and
active in suppressing the Tories long
before North Carolina became the
theatre of war; for when I came into this
county there were many men, of unimpeachable character still living, who had been out with him on expeditions of
this kind; and, as it appears that he went
on his southern campaign as captain,
there is a probability that he was promoted
either during that campaign or soon after
his return; but as to that matter, I am in
possession of no facts or information
which will enable me to speak with any
degree of confidence; and my engagements
at present do not permit me to
pursue such enquiries.- From a personal
acquaintance with him of some two years
more or less, I would say that if he was
not promoted early it was not because
Page 136

he did not deserve it; for he was just such
a man as I would expect to embark, from
principle & with much decision & energy
in the cause of freedom. When I settled here
which was in the early part of 1821, he was a
ruling Elder in one of my churches,
and a more noble minded, generous heart
[illegible] old man I did not meet with in this
region. His good natural sense, his strict
integrity in all his intercourse with his
fellow man, his sincere piety this consistency of deportment in all the relations of life
which he sustained, secured for him, in
high degree, the respect & confidence of this whole community. I knew no man in the county who was more respected or more deserving of respect.
Being, of course, a good deal with him while
he lay on his death bed, I was gratified
with the evidence of piety which he then
gave, to see him die as he had lived, like
a christian. His widow has been
from her youth a member of the same
church, sis truely one of the excellent of
the earth. Altho' very aged & infirm, she
is held by all her acquaintance in the highest estimation as a christian, & as a woman
in every respect worthy of the highest regard.
I remain, dear sir, with much respect
your friend & servant
E. W. Caruthers