Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9553, for James Mc Elwee, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE | NUMBER
S.C. | McElwee, James | W. 9553.
Va. | Rhoda

CONTENTS
Page 2

[Two panels] 
[Left panel]

13231
Missouri 

James McElwee 
of Pike Co in the State of Missouri 
who was a Private in the Company commanded 
Captain Byers of the Regt commanded 
by Col Neel in the S. Carolina 
[struck out: line for] Militia one year 11 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Missouri 
at the rate of 76 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of May 
1833 and Sent L Rogers
Bowling Green Pike Co Mo

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $153.32
Semi anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 33 38.33
$191.65
======

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

Recorded by Geo. B. Whiting Clerk 
Book E Vol. 8 Page 85

[Right panel]

let 14 July 1840 
Hon J. Jameson

let to L. F. Murray 
July 7th '48
Page 3

6254

Missouri

Rhoda McElwee, dec

Widow of SC James McElwee
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
76 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1948 & Endg
22d. August, 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the  
11th day of May 1854
and sent to 
Evans & Faut
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 362 Vol. 3

32
Page 4

McElwee
Page 5

State of Missouri }
County of Pike } Ss. Sept Term Pike Circuit Court 1832

On this 26th day of September 
in the year 1832 personally appeared in open Court 
being the Circuit Court for the County of Pike aforesaid 
now sitting James McElwee a resident of said 
County of Pike in the State of Missouri aforesaid 
aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn 
according to law, doth on his oath make the follow
ing Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of 
the act of Congress passed on the 7th day of June in 
the year 1832.  That he entered the service of the 
United States as a volunteer militiaman in the winter of the 
year 1774-5 under the command of Colo. Thomas 
Neel and under the immediate command of Capt 
John Moffett who resided in the County of York 
in the State of South Carolina [word struck out] he the said
McElwee then and had resided from his youth 
in [illegible] County or district of York in said State of South Carolina 
the campaign immediately commenced under the direct
ion of the said Coln. Neel against the disaffected 
citizens commonly called Toreys [Tories].  That during that camp
aign the troops commanded by the said Neel succeeded in 
taking a number of the Toreys [Tories] prisoners having found 
Coln. Fletcher who commanded the disaffected citizens 
called Toreys [Tories] in a cave with a number of his associates 
these prisoners were put under guard and sent off he 
does not recollect to what point he was then dismissed 
from the service but not discharged.  Afterwards, in 
the year 1776 he again volunteered into the service of 
his country in the district of York in said State of South 
Carolina under the command of Capt [illegible] Byers whose 
company was attached to the command of the said Colonel 
Neels regiment of militia a Mr Watson had command as a Major this 
campaign was directed against the Cherokee Indians
Page 6

during that campaign he was engaged in a bloody 
battle with the Cherokee Indians which was then 
called the battle of the black hole.  He does not rem
ember to have heard any other name for the battle. This 
battle was fought in the month of August or September 
in the year 1776 as he well recollects that corn and 
beans and pumpkins were to be found in abundance 
during this bloody battle he had the misfortune to 
injure one of his ancles [ankles] by a strain and on 
the following morning he was sent home with the 
wounded, but not discharged.  After which he was verry [very] 
often engaged in scouting parties against the Torys [Tories] under 
the orders of the said Col Neel, who still continued 
to command the regiment in the said district of York 
aforesaid.  During a long time sometimes under the direct
ion of one sometimes under the direction of another officer 
but most generally under the direction and command 
of the said Capt Byers. he does not recollect to have 
been engaged in the any battles with the torys [tories] but was 
frequently at the routing and taking more or less pris
ones of the disaffected band of torys [tories] during the time 
of that service.  he remembers that at the battle 
of the black hole aforesaid Genl Sumpter was 
there and had the command of one regiment 
this service in scouting parties continued for about 
two years.  after which time having never received 
any discharge from any officer of said State of Car
olina he again in the month of February in the 
year 1779, he again attached himself as a [illegible] 
to a company commanded by Ensign Wm Love upon 
whom the command devolved because the Captain Wm 
Byers was unable to take the command because of 
[repeated: of] a sore leg.  this company was attached to the regi
Page 7

iment of militia commanded by the before mentioned Thos. Neel 
he recollects well that the major commanding in 
said regiment was by the name of Francis Ross, this 
campaign was directed to the State of Georgia where 
the regiment was attached to the command of Genl. 
--- Ash on or about the first day of March in 
the said year of 1779 at a place called Bryor Creek 
bridge.  the same evening the regiment commanded 
by Neel as aforesaid was marched up said creek 
about twelve miles to another bridge on said creek 
being then verry [very] near the British army under the 
command of Cornwallis.  the next day the regim
ent remarched to the camp of Genl Ash, not 
being able to make an effectual attack on the 
British army with a single regiment. the next 
day 3rd march the regiment was again ordered out 
by Genl Ash and was marched a distance of about 
sixteen miles to a fort called Hudson. near that 
place our troops took sundry prisoners. on the same 
evening the troops were marched back to the camp 
of Genl Ash. on reaching the camp sometime in 
the night it was discovered that Genl Ash during 
the day had been defeated by the British troops, and 
at that time out of the command of Majr Ross 
the number of about twenty nine were taken pris
oners and among them this declarant. the ballpnce [balance] 
of Majr Ross command escaped and dispersed in all 
directions.  after remaining a prisoner in the British 
camp a day or two was marched as a prisoner to 
Savannah and put on board the ever memorable 
and celebrated prisoner ship called the Munificence 
then lying in the harbour [harbor] at Savannah. all this 
last mentioned services were in the county or district
Page 8

of York in said State of South Carolina and occupied 
the space of one month. he states that he remain
ed a prisoner on board said ship in said harbour [harbor] 
deprived of common necessaries of life for the 
space of more than eight months, when he 
was exchanged at Savannah and delivered to 
the Genl commanding at Charleston whose name 
was Lincoln in a few days he reached home 
having been absent more than nine months 
afterwards in the year 1780, the state of South Caro
lina was infested with the British Amy and the Torys [Tories] 
Sumpter was elected general of the South Carolina 
militia immediately after the Battle at Ramsour. he 
then in the month of July in said year enrolled him 
self in a company commanded by Capt. John Moffett 
whose company was attached to the command of 
Coln. Tom Brattan. the troops were immediately 
marched down to Catabaw River and was engaged 
in the battle fought with Capt Hook and defeated 
them this engagement took place in the month of 
August 1780 where a number of prisoners were 
taken by the Whig party. a few days afterwards 
he was again engaged against the Torys [Tories] and every 
man of the company was taken but himself. In 
making his escape at that theme he crippled one 
of his feet and returned home he did not recover 
from this injury untill [until] after Forgesons defeat and untill [until]
near about six months having been engaged about in 
the two last mentioned campaigns several months the exact 
time he cannot recollect. he states further that 
in the year 1781 he was in Washington County in 
the State of Virginia in the month of February he 
enrolled himself in a company of militia commanded by Capt.
Page 9

Daisy who was under the command of Colonel 
William Campbell who was attached to the comm
and of Genl Green he there served one tower [tour] of duty 
the time he does not recollect. the troops were 
dismissed and he returned to South Carolina York 
district having received no written discharge

Afterwards in the month of March 1782 he was 
drafted into Capt Meeks company of militia which was 
attached to the regt. commanded by Major James Wall
ice the troops were marched to Orangeberg [Orangeburg]
and there stationed to guard that village and to 
keep the Torys [Tories] from falling on Genl Greens rear and 
baggage &c where he remained the space of 
two months when he was discharged and 
returned home. he states that he cannot say 
how long he was in the service of his country 
at the different times nor has he here set forth 
all the services he rendered, the time of actual 
service including the time on board the prison ship 
was more than two years. he states that he 
never received at any time from any officer 
any evidence of services or regular discharge 
in writing that the remained in said District 
of York in South Carolina ever since the war 
of the Revolution untill [until] the month of March 
1832 when he removed to this County (Pike County 
Missouri) where he now lives. that there is no 
person living in the State of Missouri except 
Saml Watson Senr by whom he can prove 
actual service that is known. he states that 
there is no preacher or minister of the gospel 
in this country by whom to prove his credibility 
having but recently settled here, and is therefore
Page 10

compelled to rely on others who have known him 
by character many years, and in answer to 
Questions propounded by the said court, he doth 
solemnly swear that he was born in the State 
of Virginia in the year 1758. Question Have 
you any record of your age. Ans. my age is 
recorded in the family Bible and in sundry other 
books. Ques Where were you living when called 
into the service? where have you lived since the 
Revolutionary War? and where do you now live
Ans. When called into the service I was living in 
the district of York in South Carolina.  I have 
lived in said District ever since the war untill [until] 
the month of March last. I now reside in the 
County of Pike in the State of Missouri. How were 
you called into the service? were you drafted 
did you volunteer? or were you a substitute? 
I sometime volunteered at one time I was drafted 
I never was a substitute. my declaration shows 
the manner of my going into service as well as if 
again repeated.  Ques state the names of some 
of the regular officers who were with the troops 
when you served such Continental regiments as 
you can recollect. Ans I remember Genl. Moul
trie Col afterwards Genl Sumpter Capt E Polk 
Capt James Duff, Lt. Saml Watson were he believes 
regular officers in that region. these officers were 
stationed at Charlestown being the officers of a 
regiment of a Continental regiment stationed at that 
place Ques did you ever receive a discharge from 
the service and if so by whom was it given.
Answer I never received a written discharge 
from the service from any person.  Question state
Page 11

the names of persons to whom you are known 
in your present neighbourhood [neighborhood] who can testify 
to your character for veracity and their belief 
of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
Answer. Saml. Watson Senr & John Watson

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever 
to a pension or annuity except the present and 
declares that his name is not on the pension 
of the agency of any State or (of any) only on 
that of the agency of the State of South Carolina.
James McElwee
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year 
aforesaid in open Court before me. Levi Pettibone Clerk

We Saml Watson Senr and John Watson residing 
in the County of Pike and State of Missouri do 
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with 
James McElwee who has subscribed and sworn to 
the above and foregoing Declaration. that we have 
known him the said James McElwee for more than
fifty years having each of us lived in the district 
of York in the State of South Carolina in the 
same neighbourhood [neighborhood] with him. that we believe 
he is seventy four years of age. that he was 
then [struck out: and State in] reputed and believed in the 
neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he resided in Carolina and 
in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he now resides 
to have been a soldier of the Revolution and 
that we concur in that opinion;- and I the said 
Samuel Watson Senr. do further certify that the 
said James McElwee was a soldier in the same
Page 12

company to which I was attached, in the year 
1776 to wit the company commanded by Capt Wm.
Byers who was under the command of Majr Wat
son, who was commanded by Col Neel as is set 
forth in his the said McElwee's Declaration. that 
I was with him at the battle of the black Hole 
as described by him in his declaration that I well 
know of his having rendered important services 
on that occasion I further certify that I distinctly 
remember the injury he received in his ancle [ankle] 
by a strain and that it was on that account 
that he was sent home with the wounded

And I the said Saml Watson Senr do further 
certify that I was attached to and belonged to the 
same company with him the said McElwee at 
Hooks defeat to wit the company commanded by 
Captain Moffet this company was attached to [word struck out] 
the command of Col William Brattan and was 
in the engagement with Hook some time in the month 
of August 1780 and I the said Samuel Watson 
Senr do further certify from my knowledge and 
acquaintance with the said James McElwee in 
the days of the Revolutionary War from the difficulties 
that actually existed in that region and from 
what was then and still is the character of the said 
James that he rendered the services set forth in his 
said Declaration tho [though] I have no personal knowledge 
of his having rendered any other services than those 
I have stated above. I am aged seventy [overwritten: eight] nine years 
and that my body is fast decaying I have a perfect 
recollection of the facts above stated. this much 
I know and always understood that he the said 
James was always willing to do his duty and
Page 13

I believe did do and perform his equal share 
of the services in that day.
Saml Watson Senr
John his m mark Watson
Subscribed & sworn to in open Court this September 
26th A.D. 1832 before me Levi Pettibone Clerk Circuit Court

And the said Court do hereby declare their 
opinion after the investigation of the matter and after 
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war 
department that the above named applicant was 
a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states, 
and the Court further certifies that it appears to 
them that Samuel Watson Senr. and John Watson 
who have each signed the foregoing certificate are
residents of said County of Pike and that they are 
credible persons and that their said statement 
is entitled to credit
J. H. McBride Sole Judge
2nd. Jud. Cir. Mo.

State of Missouri 
County of Pike Ss I Levi Pettibone Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County of Pike 
in the Second Judicial Circuit in the State of Missouri, by order of the Judge of said 
Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said 
Court, in the matter of the application of James McElwee for a pension, at the Sep
ber term of said Court A.D. 1832.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the 
[Blurred seal of Court] seal of said Court, this twelfth day of October in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Levi Pettibone Clerk Circt Court
Page 14

Declaration 

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of 
Congress of July 7th 1838, 3d. March 1843, 17th July 
1844 and 2d. February 1848.

State of Missouri 
Pike County Ss.

On this the tenth 
day of November one thousand eight hundred 
and fifty three personally appeared before the 
County Court of Pike County aforesaid, which 
is a Court of Record, Dan McElwee, a resident 
of Pike County, aged 47 years, who being first 
duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make 
the following declaration, in order to obtain the 
benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress 
passed July 7th 1838, and the subsequent Acts relating 
to the same class of Pensioners, granting half pay 
and pensions to certain widows.  That he is the 
son of James McElwee and Rhoda McElwee, and 
that the said James McElwee was a Pensioner 
on the roll of South Carolina, under the Act of 
June 7th 1832 at $76.66/100 per annum, and who 
died in Pike County Missouri January 13th. 1834.

That the said James and Rhoda, were married 
in [struck out: Lincoln County] Abbeville District, South Carolina, in the year 1791,  
as will more fully appear from the accompany
ing proofs.  That the said Rhoda McElwee, 
died in Pike County Missouri, on the 22d
day of August 1848, leaving the following named 
children surviving surviving her, and who are 
now living, Dan McElwee, James McElwee, Ann 
McElwee, Ross McElwee, Mary McElwee, 
Elizabeth McElwee, and Abner McElwee.  
and Rhoda McElwee
Page 15

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year 
hereto before written. Dan McElwee
Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court 

I Samuel F Munay Clerk of the County 
Court of Pike County Missouri, do hereby certify 
that the foregoing declaration was duly exe
cuted in said Court, and I further certify 
that satisfactory evidence was produced to 
said Court, which evidence is hereto annexed 
that James McElwee was a Revolutionary 
Pensioner, under the Act of June 7th 1832, at 
$76.66/100 per annum, and that he died in Pike 
County Missouri, January 13th. 1834, that he 
was married to Rhoda McElwee, whose 
maiden name was Rhoda Black 
in [struck out: York] Abbeville County South Carolina, in the autumn 
[struck out: day] of the year 1791. That the said Rhoda 
survived the said James, having never intermarried 
but remained his widow until the 22d 
day of August 1848, that at the death of 
the said Rhoda, she left the following 
named children surviving her, who were the 
only children who survived her, and that 
they are living at the date hereof, viz-
Dan, James, Ann, Ross, May, Elizabeth, and 
Abner McElwee and Rhoda McElwee
Given under my hand, and the 
seal of the County Court of Pike County Missouri 
this 10th day of November one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty three
S. F. Munay 
Clerk
Page 16

(A)
Rhoda McElwee 
widow of 
James McElwee 
Missouri
Act 7 July 1838, &c

Evans & Faut
Washington D. C.
Page 17

James McElwee was born August the 17th 1758

Ann McElwee was born the 1st day of April 1795
James McElwee was born the 17th day of Sept. 1802
Daniel McElwee was born May the 2 day 1806
Rhoda McElwee was born June the 8 [struck out: th] day 1808 
Ross McElwee was born the 20 day of May 1809
Mary McElwee was born July the 9 1812
Abner McElwee was born January the 6th day 1814 
Elizabeth McElwee was born October the 1 day 1817
Page 18

October 24, 1938.

Mrs. M. T. Wells | BA-J/ILL
410 West Adams Street | James McElwee
Pittsfield, Illinois. | W. 9553

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the 
Revolutionary War record of James McElwee, a pensioner, who died 
January 13, 1834, in Pike County, Missouri.

The data which follow are found in the papers on file in 
pension claim, W. 9553, based upon service in the Revolutionary 
War of James McElwee, the pensioner cited by you.

James McElwee was born August 19, 1758,  in Virginia; the 
exact place of his birth, and the names of his parents are not shown. 
He resided from his youth in York District, South Carolina.

James McElwee volunteered first in the winter 1774-75, in 
Captain John Moffit's company, Colonel Thomas Neal's South Carolina 
[handwritten note in right margin: See McCrady S. Car. Book, Vol. I-Chap. 77] 
regiment and was engaged in the campaign against Colonel Fletchall 
and the Tories, length of this service not given. He enlisted in 
1776, served six months as private in Captain William Byers' company, 
Colonel Thomas Neal's South Carolina regiment, during which he was 
engaged in the campaign against the Cherokee Indians and was in the 
battle of Black Hole during which he injured one of his ankles. After 
this, he was engaged on numerous expeditions against the Tories, 
a part of the time under Captain William Byers.  He enlisted in 
February 1779, served in the same company, commanded by Ensign William 
Love, was taken prisoner near Brier Creek Bridge with the troops under 
General Ash, was confined on the British prison ship "Munificence" 
eight months after which he was exchanged at Savannah and went home. 
He enlisted in July 1780, and served four months as private in Captain 
John Moffit's company, Colonel William Brattton's South Carolina regi
ment during which he was in an engagement at Catawba Ford.  In February 
1781, while in Washington County, Virginia, he enlisted and served two 
months in Captain Daisy's company, Colonel William Campbell's Virginia 
regiment.  The soldier returned to South Carolina, and enlisted in 
March 1782 and served two months as private in Captain Meek's company, 
under Major James Wallice in the South Carolina troops.
Page 19

James McElwee continued to reside in York District, South 
Carolina, until March 1832, when he moved to Pike County, Missouri.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 26, 
1832, while a resident of Pike County, Missouri.  He died there 
January 13, 1834.

The soldier married in Abbeville, South Carolina, in the fall 
of 1793, Miss Rhoda Black; she was born in March 1777, names of her 
parents not shown.  James McElwee was then an "Old Bachelor".

Rhoda McElwee, the soldier's widow, applied for pension April 
27, 1848; she was then a resident of Cuivre Township, Pike County, 
Missouri.  She died there August 23, 1848, before a certificate for 
her pension had been issued.  The pension which was due her was 
allowed the surviving children of James and Rhoda McElwee, listed 
as follows: Dan, James, Ross, Abner, Mary, Elizabeth, Ann Henry 
and Rhoda Givens.

The following family data are recorded:

Ann McElwee, born April 1, 1795; she married in 
1822, in York District, S.C., Josiah Henry.
James " | born | September 17, 1802.
Dan " | " | May 2, 1806.
Rhoda " | " | June 8, 1808; she married May 14, 
1840, in Pike Co. Mo. John Givens.
Ross " | " | May 20, 1809.
Mary " | born | July 9, 1812
Abner " | " | January 6, 1814.
Elizabeth " | " | October 1, 1817.

In 1877, the soldier's grandson, J. J. McElwee, was postmaster 
at Sulphur Lick, Lincoln County, Missouri; his father and all of his 
uncles were deceased then.  His aunts, Rhoda Givens, Elizabeth McElwee, 
and Mary McElwee, were in Louisiana, Missouri.

Very truly yours,

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

2.
Page 20

[Three panels]
[Left panel]

Mil Hist. to 
Dr. L. C. McElwee 
212 So. Jefferson Ave.
St. Louis Mo.
____
1907 July. 8. History to Wm. C. Shelley
___
1916 Mch. 27. Hist. to Dr. L. C. McElwee. ¢
1918 Feby. 8. " " R. S. MacElwee, PhL. ¢
___
1926 Nov. 11. Q. M. Gen. given death 
date.
___
1938-Oct. 24-Hist. to Mrs. M. W. Wells-
ILL

[Middle panel]

[Handwritten] Revy. WIDOW, &c.

File No. 9553
Rhoda McElwee
Wid. of 
James McElwee

Pri Rev War

Act: Feby. 2. /48

Index:--Vol. AC, Page 21

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]

[Right panel]

May 25/94
Page 21

✓No. 15,055 
Rhoda McElwee decd.
widow of James
Mo

Evans & Faut Nov 25/53
Same Feby 2 1854
Evans & Faut 7th Apl. 1854

Act July 7 1838
Page 22

11,661
Missouri

widow of Rhoda McElwee decd.
who died on the James 
of -- in the State of Missouri 
who was a private in the -- commanded 
by Captain -- of the -- commanded 
by -- in the Revolution 
[struck out: line] for 23 months

Inscribed on the Roll of St. Louis 
at the rate of 76 Dollars 66 Cents 
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of 
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pensions issued the 11" day of 
May 1854 and sent to 
Evans & Faut
Present

Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi annual allowance ending
=====

{ Revolutionary Claim, } 
( Act July 7, 1838. }

Recored by H.R. Neighletman Clerk 
Book D, Vol. 1 Page 415
Page 23

9527
Missouri

Rhoda McElwee, decd.
widow of James
who was a Private 
in the Revolution 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 76 Dollars 66 
Cents per annum, to commence 
on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued 
the 11th day of May /54
and sent to 
Evans & Faut 
Present

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

Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2 Page 234
Page 24

Pension Office
May 7, 1854

Sir

Please say to what date 
the pension of the within named 
James McElwee was paid 
Very Respectfully, 

76.66 13 Jany 34 
S Cole
for Commr.

F Burt Esq }
3d Audr. } [illegible]

James McElwee, Act 1832 
$76.66 per annum, died 
13 Jany 1834, paid
F Burt
Auditor
Page 25

3-595.

O. W. AND N. DIVISION.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,

Jan. 29, 1907

Searched by Gill

Original No. ___
Certificate No. ___
Claimant, ___
Soldier, James McElwee 
Service, ___
Rev. War

Remarks: ___
No claim except 
wid 9553

___
Chief of Division.
23266b5m6-06
Page 26

Rhoda McElwee decd
widow of James 
Mo
Act July 7, 1838
Admitted 
Private 23 months 
at $76 66/100 per annum
from March 4, 1836 to 
August 22, 1848, when she 
died, excepting 2 years 

Certificate payable to 
Hiram G. Edwards
Public administrator in & for 
Pike County Mo. for benefit of
Dan McElwee
James McElwee 
Ann Henry 
Ross McElwee 
Mary McElwee 
Elizabeth McElwee 
Abner McElwee  8
Rhoda Givens her 
only surviving children
Agents
Evans & Faut 
Present
Page 27

Brief in the case of Rhoda McElwee, deceased, widow of James 
Pike County and State of Missouri
act July 7, 1838

Claim, ('original," [struck out: or "for increase."])

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

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

James McElwee pensioned, Act 1832 - at $76.66 - service proved

Marriage - date proved by parol and family record.
Deaths - Parol 
Children - Widowhood &c - Parol - Certified 
Administration - Record

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admissions of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and Residence of Agent
Evans & Faut | S. G. Dodge
Present | Examining Clerk.
Page 28

Cole
Page 29

Washington, March 9th 1854

Hon S. P. Waldon
Commr of Pensions

We herewith enclosed addi
tional evidence in the case of Rhoda 
McElwee, widow of James McElwee, 
Missouri, Suspd., Act 7th July 1838.

As the only question at issue in 
this case is, whether the marriage took 
place, prior to the 1st January 1794, we 
think, that the testimony now adduced 
sufficiently establishes that point.

We hope that as this claim has 
long been on hand, that it will receive 
an early examination.

Very respectfully 
Evans & Faut.
Page 30

Rhoda McElwee, deceased, widow of James - Mo. act 1838

James McElwee, of Pike Co. Mo. pensioned under act of 
1832 - mos. service at $76.66 - Certificate issued 
May 28, 1833.  Proved his service by a comrad [comrade].

Dan McElwee declare in Pike Co Mo. Nov. 10 1853 
Aged 49 - 
James (pensioner) died Jany 13 - 1834
Married to Rhoda in Abbeville Dist S.C. in 1791
Rhoda died in Pike Co Aug 22, 1848
Surviving children - Dan, James, 
Ann, Ross, Mary, Elizabeth, 
Abner, and Rhoda McElwee

John Jordan - Pike Co - Aged 87 - testified (in Court) Nov 10. 1853
Knew James & Rhoda in York Co
S.C. Married - autumn of 1791.
Knew them from before marriage 'till death
Deaths as above - Widowhood
Children { Dan McElwee, James McElwee, Ann
{ Henry - Ross McElwee - Mary McElwee 
{ Elizabeth McElwee - Abner McElwee and 
{ Rhoda Givens.
Page 31

Nathan Massie - of Pike Co - ae 55. testified in Court - same date 
Knew James & Rhoda as early as 1821 or 2 - 
first in York Dist S.C. - Cohabited -
Deaths & names of children as above -
Swears to copy of Family record & to the 
genuineness of the original.

(Omitted)
Rhoda McElwee - declared - April 27, 1848 - before 
John G. Campbell J.P. - Pike Co. 
Is widow of James (Pensioner) and 
is still a widow.
John Jordan - At same date - testified to marriage 
before 1794 & to widowhood

Nathan Massey } Swear to the original family 
& James Mills } record - and handwriting of 
Decr 24, 1853 James & to belief that the 
entries were made near their
dates.

Family bible - published in Edinburgh in 1793 -
Entry on fly leaf - bought [struck out: in] Jany 1 
or Feby 1, 1803 - Record birth of 
Ann, Apl 1, 1795
Page 32

John Jordan - Feby 20, 1854 -
Rhoda was 16 yrs old when married 
& it was "at least" 16 mos before she had her 
first child - (Family record has her birth 
March 1777) Marriage was in the 
Fall of 1793 - Does not [struck out: give] fix date except 
by the 16 mos to birth of 1st child -
Relates numerous apt circumstances to 
sustain his recollection
(The record is in same hand writing as the 
signature to James' declaration)

James M. Martin and other testify to Jordan's 
character for veracity.

Certificate of Pike Co Court. of appointment 
of Hiram G. Edwards as Public 
Administrator for Pike Co - June 10, 
1848 - giving bond, as ordered, and 
that on the 8th of Novr. 1848 - he settled 
the Estate of Rhoda McElwee decd 
and his vouchers were approved. 

It is close work, but I think the case is made out of 
See John Nordan's affidavit.  S. G. Dc
Page 33

Additional evidence 
case Rhoda McElwee
filed:
May 5th 1854.
___
[illegible note]

Evans & Faut 
Washington City.
Page 34

State of Missouri }
County of Pike }

James M Martin Clerk 
of Circuit Court in & for the County and 
State aforesaid, upon his oath says he 
is well acquainted with John Jordan 
who resides in Pike County aforesaid -
that he has been personally acquainted 
with him for a period of eighteen 
years - That said Jordan is a 
man of good moral character and 
[illegible], and sustains among his 
neighbor's a reputation for truth 
and veracity - That during the period 
he has known him, he has never 
heard a word said impeaching or reflect
ing upon his character as aforesaid.
Subscribed & sworn to }
before me on this the }
27th day of April A.D. } James M. Martin
1854. } 
J. B. Hardmor
Judge [illegible] Ct Co Pleas

State of Missouri, County of Pike }

Joseph Richardson, [illegible], Wm 
Luce, A.J. Pickens Robert W. Peay, Geo
Thurmond & R. K. Rominey [illegible] upon their 
oaths, say that they are well acquain
ted with John Jordan, who resides in 
Pike County in the State of Missouri, that 
said Jordan is quite old, perhaps upwards 
of eighty years of age, has possession of 
active mind and good [illegible] for his 
age and That he has [remainder of this 
paragraph illegible]
He the said Jordan is a [illegible]
[illegible] and good character, for honesty and
integrity, truth and veracity.
Page 35

[The language at the top of the image and the next paragraph are too 
difficult to transcribe]

In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and 
affixed the seal of said 
Court at office in [illegible] 
on this the 26th day of April 
A.D. 1854
Jno. B. [Illlegible]
C.C.
Page 36

The Amended Declaration of James McElwee 
(who claims a Pension under the act of Congress 
passed June 7th 1832) to his Declaration made 
26th day of September 1832.

State of Missouri }
County of Pike } Ss

Personally appeared before me 
the undersigned a Justice of the peace within 
and for the County and State aforesaid James 
McElwee who being duly sworn deposeth 
and saith, that by reason of old age, and 
the consequent loss of memory, he cannot 
swear positively as to the precise length 
of his services but according to the best of 
his recollection he served not less than the 
periods mentioned below and in the following 
grades

"For six months I served as a private in the 
company of militia commanded by Capt 
Wm Byers whose company was attached to the 
command of Col Neel of the South Carolina 
militia in the year 1776

"For nine months I served as a private in the 
company of militia commanded by Ensign 
Wm Love (most of which time say eight mon
ths I was a prisoner on board the British ship 
Munificence) whose company was command
ed by and belonged to the regiment commanded 
by the said Col Neel, and was attached to 
the troops commanded by Genl Ash who had command of the 
South Carolina militia in the year 1779.

"For four months I served as a private in the 
company of militia commanded by Capt
Page 37

John Moffitt and attached to the regiment 
of South Carolina militia commanded 
by Majr or Col William Bratton and 
the regiment belonged to the command of 
Genl Sumpter of the South Carolina 
militia in the year 1780.

For two months I served as a private in 
a company of militia commanded by 
Captain __ Daisy whose company was 
under the command of Col William 
Campbell whose regiment was attached 
to the command of Genl Green of the 
Virginia militia in the year 1781.

For two months I served as a private in a 
company of militia commanded by Captain 
Meek whose company was attached to the 
regiment commanded by Majr James Wallis 
the regt belonged to the command of Genl 
Green and was stated at Orangeberg 
in South Carolina in the year 1782

and for such services I claim a 
Pension
James McElwee 

Subscribed and sworn 
to before me on this 
9th day of March 1833 
L. Rogers Jus Peace

State of Missouri }
County of Pike } Ss

I Lewis Rogers a Justice of 
the peace within and for the County aforesaid 
in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that 
on this 9th day of March in the year eighteen 
hundred and thirty two James McElwee
Page 38

of the said County of Pike appeared before 
me and signed with his own hand the foregoing 
amended Declaration and made solemn 
oath that the said amended Declaration cont
ained the truth to the best of his recollection 
and belief
Given under my hand the 
day and year first aforesaid
L Rogers J.P.

State of Missouri}
County of Pike } Ss I Michael J Noyes the 
Clerk of the County Court within & for the said 
County of Pike, certify that Lewis Rogers whose 
name is subscribed to the above certificate is 
& was at the date of his said certificate an acting 
Justice of the peace within and for the said 
County of Pike duly commissioned and 
qualified according to law, and that good 
faith & full credit are, and ought to be given 
to all his official acts as such.
In testimony whereof I 
have hereunto affixed the 
[Blurred seal of Court] seal of said Court at the 
office of the said Court in 
Bowling green this 9th day of 
March in the year of our Lord 
eighteen hundred and thirty 
three & in the 57th year of the 
Independence of the United States,
M.J. Noyes Clerk
Page 39

John Jordan of lawful age a resident of Pike County in the State of Missouri being produced, sworn and examined before the [illegible] assigned Judge of the [illegible] Court of Common Pleas a Court
of Record in said County upon his oath [illegible] as follows, to wit:

Some time last fall I think in November last. I gave a deposition before the County Court of said County in reference to the time of the marriage and James McElwee and Rhode Black in Abbeville District South Carolina. At the time of making said Deposition I spoke entirely from memory, without examining any of the papers or comparing said [illegible] with any other which could be definitely fixed in my mind. - Since that time for some reasons which I will name I am thorough convinced that I committed an error in giving time of said marriage in 17791 or 1792 -

A brother of mine James Jordan served in the revolutionary war for several years with Mr. McElwee. I was raised near him and know him well, and on families were quite intimate

I was married in the year 1770. At that time and for some time afterwards Mr McElwee Kept an interest
Page 40

Bachelor's Hall -ten years after my marriage I bought a farm in the fall of 1792 I build a house on said farm and now distinctly remember the building of the chimneys, by a man named Charles Thom from Charleston S.C. - he painted my name upon it and also the space in which it was built "1792"

After the building was completed in the fall of 1792 I moved into it and the young persons of my acquaintance insisted according to the prevailing custom of that day, that we (myself & wife), should give them a [illegible] to Christen the new building. Accordingly the 14th day of February A.D. 1793
was fixed for the party and our acquaintances invited. among them James McElwee being an intimate acquaintance was invited and attended. I distinctly recollect that it was then reported that he engaged to be married to a very young lady, to wit Miss Rhoda Black whom I then knew and knew had not to hand 15 or 16 years of age - the disparity their ages, Mr. McElwee having been long called an old bachelor incited many jesting remarks from the crowd assembled. I distinctly recollect that enough Mr. McElwee was much [illegible] of the jests of the crowd, he
Page 41

did not say that he was engaged

Volunteers were drawn on the occasion in which M. McElwee participated

Miss Black was not at the party. She having gone over to the house of her uncle in Abbeville District
near the district in which I resided to wit: York district

The fall after this Mr. McElwee and Miss Beck were married to wit: the fall of 1793 Miss Black was said to be 16 years of age at the time of her marriage, I think she was between 16 and 17 years old. Had I examined the record of Miss Black before giving my former deposition it would have refreshed my memory, but I distinctly remember, that at the time of her marriage, it was known and reported in the neighborhood that she was about 16 years old. - Perhaps a little beyond, but not as much as 17.

Another fact I distinctly remember which confirms my recollection - It is that said parties were married
at least 16 months prior to the birth of their first child-

I now remember that the length of time upon the birth of the first child was sufficient to call forth teasing [illegible], that he had lived single too long

The above facts have been
Page 42

the best of my recollection since examining into this matter with more care.

And I feel confident that they may be relied on as strictly correct.
[signed] John Jordan

Subscribed & sworn to before me the undersigned on this 20th day of February AD 1854
J.B. Henderson
Judge S.C.C.P.

State of Missouri
County of Pike
I, J.B. Henderson ex officio clerk of and for [illegible] Court of Common Pleas hereby certify that I am
& was at the time of subscribing the foregoing certificate the acting Judge of Pike Co and duly commissioned and qualified

[illegible section]

to writing in his presence, by him
Subscribed before me as above stated before on the 20th of February AD 1851

In witness of which I set my hand and Seal of said court at office in [illegible] on 10th day Feby 1848
J. B. Henderson Clerk
Page 43

Nov 25 1853
Page 44

State of Missouri
County of Pike
I Samuel F Murray Clerk of the County Court in and for said County of Pike certify that James Milroy whose genuine signature is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time he subscribed said certificate an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Pitt lawfully
commissioned and sworn, and that as such Justice all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit

Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court at office in said County this seventh day
of January 1854

S. F. Murray
Clerk
Page 45

State of Missouri }
County of Pike }

Be it remembered 
that on this the 24th day of [illegible]
A.D. 1853, before the undersigned a 
Justice of the Peace in and for the 
County and State aforesaid came 
Nathan Massey and James Wise 
[illegible] residents of the County 
of Pike & the State of Missouri afore
said who being duly sworn by me 
according to law upon their oaths  
say, that the bible or book to which 
this applicant has attached contains the 
official family record of the family 
of Jamaes McElwee and Rhoda McElwee 
his wife, both now deceased, formerly 
of Pike County and State of Missouri 
That the three [illegible] pages of said 
Bible To wit the second page succeeding page 396 
the second page 478 and second 
page succeeding page 494 
are the original family record of said 
family-that they have known of 
said record for a great number of 
years and that the said has been
kept in said family and has always 
been and this is recognized by said 
family and others, as the family record 
of James McElwees family

That they are acquainted with 
the hand writing of James McElwee, decd
to wit they believe that said entries are
Page 46

made in the hand writing of the said James.

That they have [illegible] to believe but 
cannot state positively that the entires 
made therein, of the births of children of 
the said James & Rhoda, his wife, [illegible] 
on or near the respective date of the 
births of said children made by said 
James decd. They cannot state [illegible] 
time when the entires of the date of the 
birth of the said James McElwee deceased 
& Rhoda, his wife, were made to [illegible]
[illegible] the same to have been made 
by the said James [illegible] to their 
intermarriage [illegible] recollection 
for some prior record

They say they were intimate with 
the family of said James [illegible] the 
above [illegible] to have been kept and [illegilbe] 
by him as the family record- and it 
is the same as the only record of said 
family kept [illegible]. And they 
further say they are disinterested [illegible]
Subscribed and sworn }
to before me the [illegible] } Nathan Massey
Justice of the Peace } James Wise
in & for the County }
and State aforesaid this }
the day & year first afore }
said to wit [illegible] 24 1853. }
James Milroy J.P. }
Page 47

State of Missouri }
County of Pike }

On this the 10th day of 
November in the year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty three, personally 
appeared before the County Court of Pike County 
aforesaid, which is a Court of Record, 
Nathan Massie, aged fifty five years, a 
resident of the aforesaid County and 
State, who being duly sworn according 
to law, doth on his oath say [saith] that he 
was acquainted with James McElwee 
and Rhoda his wife as early as the 
year AD 1821 or 1822-that he knew them 
in the State of South Carolina, York 
district-And from that period, knew 
them to live together as husband and 
wife, until the date of the death of the 
said James McElwee, which occurred 
in Pike County aforesaid on the 13th 
day of January A.D 1834-that the 
said Rhoda McElwee survived the said 
James McElwee her husband, and lived 
his widow until the 22d day of August 
A D 1848, when she died in Pike County 
in the State of Missouri, leaving the 
following named children surviving 
her and who are now living, to wit 
Dan McElwee, James McElwee, Ann 
McElwee, Ross McElwee, Mary McElwee 
Elizabeth McElwee and Abner McElwee 
and [struck out: Mary] Rhoda McElwee-And that these 
are the only children that survived her.

That Dan McElwee was born on
Page 48

the 2nd day of May 1806, James McElwee was born on the 17th day of September A.D. 1802. Ann McElwee, on the 1st day of April A.D. 1795. Ross McElwee, on the 20th day of May A.D. 1809. Mary McElwee on the 9th day of July A.D. 1802. Elizabeth McElwee on the 1st day of October A.D. 1817. Abner McElwee on the 6th day of January A.D. 1814. Rhoda McElwee on the 8th day of June A.D. 1808 as will appear by family [illeg]
That Ann McElwee in the year A.D.1822 intermarried with Josiah Henry in York District, in the State of South Carolina, and she and husband are that living [illeg] district aforesaid - that Rhoda McElwee intermarried with John [illeg] in Pike County in the State of Missouri on the 14th day of May A.D. 1840 and she and her said husband still reside in Pike County aforesaid - that the said children surviving as aforesaid are 8 in number.
He further says that the annexed paper marked (A.) is a true copy of the family record kept in the family of the said James McElwee dec'd - that he [illeg] the same to have been his family record and that it is kept in the handwriting of the said James McElwee now dec'd and that he is a [illeg]nterested [illeg]
Nathan Mass[illeg]
Suscribed and sworn to in open court the day and date first herein written.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at office of said Court in the County of Pike this day and date above written
Samuel F Murray Clerk of the County Court Office County Mo
Page 49

Proof

State of Missouri }
County of Pike } ss On this the 10th 
day of November, one thousand eight 
hundred and fifty three, personally 
appeared before the County Court of 
Pike County aforesaid, which is a Court 
of Record, John Jordan aged 87 years, a resident of 
Pike Co. who being first duly sworn according to 
law, upon his oath says that he was 
well acquainted with James McElwee and 
Rhoda McElwee his wife, formerly Rhoda
Black-both now deceased-that he 
knew them both in York County in 
the State of South Carolina-that 
the said James McElwee and Rhoda 
Black intermarried in Abbieville District 
in the State of South Carolina, accord
ing to his recollection, in the autumn of 
the year one thousand seven hundred 
and ninety one-that he knew the 
said James McElwee and Rhoda his 
wife, for sometime previous to their 
said marriage, and from that period 
until the time of their respective deaths. 
That they lived together as man & wife 
until the period of the death of the 
said James which occurred on the 13th 
day of January A. D. 1834 in Pike 
County in the State of Missouri.

That the said Rhoda McElwee, sur
vived the said James and lived his 
widow, until the 22d day of August 
A. D. 1848, when she died in the County
Page 50

aforesaid, leaving the following named 
children surviving her and who are now 
living, To wit Dan McElwee, James 
McElwee, Ann McElwee, who intermarried 
with Josiah Henry, Ross McElwee, Mary 
McElwee, Elizabeth McElwee, Abner McElwee 
and Rhoda McElwee, who intermarried 
with John Givens, and that these are 
the only children that survived her- 
and that he is a disinterested witness.
John Jordan
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court 
the day and date first herein written 
In testimony whereof I Sam
uel F Murray Clerk of the 
County Court aforesaid hereun
to set my hand and the seal 
of said Court this tenth day 
of November 1853
S. F. Murray 
Clerk
Page 51

Rhoda McElwee
widow of
James McElwee 
Missouri 
Act 7th July 1838. &c.

Evans & Faut
Washington City.
Page 52

State of Missouri } In Pike County Court 
County of Pike } ss:  June 10th 1848

Among the Records and pro
ceedings of said Court had on the day above 
written is the following to wit:

"It is ordered 
by the Court that Hiram G Edward be and he is hereby 
appointed Public Administrator in and for said 
County of Pike, that he hold his office for 
two years and until his successor be qual
ified; and that the said Edwards is ordered to 
execute his bond to the State of Missouri 
in the sum of ten thousand dollars con
ditioned for the faithful discharge of 
his duties as Public Administrator afore
said"

And afterwards to wit on the 
17th day of August 1848 the following 
proceedings were had in said Court to wit

Hiram G. Edwards heretofore 
appointed Public Administrator for said 
County executes his bond to the State 
conditioned for the faithful discharge 
of his duties as such administrator 
in the sum of ten thousand dollars 
with Leroy P Johnson, George Hardin
Page 53

Joseph O'Bannon, William Bolten
John N Shepherd, Leonard M Rodgers 
and James D Tisdale securities thereto 
which is approved by the Court and 
thereupon the said Edwards takes 
the oath of office

And afterwards to wit 
on the 8th day of November 1848 
the following proceedings are had 
in said Court, to wit,

"Hiram G Edwards 
Public Administrator for said County 
comes and files his inventory and 
appraisals and list of the property of 
the estate of Rhoda McElwee de
ceased, and the same is approved 
by the Court"

I Samuel F Murray Clerk 
of the County Court in and for said County 
certify that the foregoing orders 
are correctly copied from the Record 
of said Court now in my office
Given under my hand and 
the seal of said Court at 
the office of said Court 
in said County this 14th 
day of March 1854
S. F. Murray
Clerk
Page 54

Bowling Green
May 7th. 1848

Dear Sir

I enclose the application of Mrs. 
Rhoda McElwee of this County for pension 
as the widow of James McElwee a soldier 
in the Revolutionary War.  She deems it un
necessary to state the ground on which Mr. McElwee 
claimed more at length, inasmuch as he was 
allowed a pension as a private in the Revolu
tionary service, and the proof that entitled him 
to such pension is now on file in your office.
When Mr. McElwee drew his pension he lived 
in Cuivre township in this County where his 
widow now resides.  He was taken prisoner 
by the British at Brier Creek on the 3d. of March 
1779 and confined nine months.  He died in 
Pike Co Mo on the 13th January 1834 and his 
widow who is quite old and infirm has lived 
at the same place ever since.  He was married 
in Pennington, South Carolina prior to the year 
1774 to Rhoda McElwee who now makes 
application, and lived with her some time 
in York District South Carolina before he 
moved this State and settled in Pike Co. & 
part of his pension was I believe received by 
Mrs. McElwee after his death.

Will you be good enough to inform 
us whether a pension will be allowed Mrs. McElwee 
so that she send on a power of Attorney to draw it.

If you want other evidence please state 
as to what particular. I myself know that Mr 
McElwee drew a pension and would be glad 
that Mrs. McElwee should success as she needs it.

Very Respectfully

Commissioner of Pensions | S. F. Murray
Page 55

State of Missouri }
County of Pike } SS

On this 27 day of April 1848 per
sonally appeared before the undersigned a Justice 
of the peace in and for the County of Pike Rhoda 
McElwee a resident of Cuivre township in the 
said County of Pike aged seventy nine 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 2nd of February 
1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who 
served during the Revolutionary War; that she is 
the widow of James McElwee deceased late a 
resident of Cuivre Township in said County 
and State who has heretofore drawn from the 
General Government for some years the an
nual pension allowed to privates in the 
army of the Revolution.

She further declares that she is still 
a widow. 
Rhoda her X mark McElwee 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year 
above written before
John G. Campbell Justice of the Peace

State of Missouri }
County of Pike } SS

On this 27 day of April 1848 per
sonally appeared before the undersigned a Jus
tice of the peace in and for the County of Pike and of the 
State aforesaid John Jordan who being first 
duly sworn on his oath states that he is person
ally acquainted with Rhoda McElwee, widow
Page 56

of the late James McElwee of said County and 
State and that she was married to the 
said McElwee before the first day of January 
seventeen hundred and ninety four, and 
that she is still a widow  John Jordan
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day 
and year above written.
John G. Campbell Justice of the Peace

State of Missouri }
County of Pike } SS Be it remembered that I, 
Samuel F. Murray Clerk of the County Court within 
and for the County aforesaid certify that John 
G. Campbell whose name is subscribed to 
the foregoing certificates, is and was when 
he subscribed the same, an acting Justice for 
said County, duly qualified and commissioned 
according to law, and that his signature 
as subscribed to the said certificates is genuine
In testimony whereof I hereto sign 
my name and affix the seal of 
said Court at office in Bowling Green 
in said Court this 3d. day of May 
A. D. 1848
S. F. Murray Clerk
Page 57

✓ L
[Written vertically
MAY 2]
388156
[Written vertically
1894]

St. Louis, Mo.
April 30. 1894

James McElwee
S. C. 
Revol. War

Dr. S. C. McElwee asks 
for military record of this 
man.
Supposed to have been taken 
prisoner at battle of Brier 
Creek Ga. with 1616 others 
and asks for names of same 
or a roster of Charleston's 
muster.
[Circular mail receipt stamp-appears upside down on image]
PENSION 
A 
MAY
U 8 S
1894
OFFICE
Page 58

Record and Pension Office,
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, May2d, 1894

Respectfully returned to 

Dr. L. C. McElwee
No. 215 South Jefferson Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri, 

with the information that the 
records of the Revolutionary War 
are filed in the Pension Office 
and in the Department of State.

Application for information rel
ative to the soldiers of that war 
should be addressed to the Commis
sioner of Pensions and to the Sec
retary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Square mail receipt stamp]
[illegible] & NAVY
MAY 10 1894
[illegible]

BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

F.C. Ainsworth
Colonel, U. S. Army, Chief of Office 
Per
(300s)
Page 59

DR. L. C. MCELWEE.  Telephone 1840.
215 S. Jefferson Avenue,
Hours; Until 10 a.m.
3 to 4 p.m.
6 to 8 p.m.
---
St. Louis, Apr 20 1834
How Dan'l Lamont
Sec'y War U.S.A.

Honorable Sir

I am very desirous of obtaining from the records at Washington proof of service in the Revolutionary War on the part of my great grand father James McElwee who was mustered into and out of service at Charleston S.C. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Brier Creek Ga Mar 3rd 1779. On hunting through a great mass of literature I find that Gen Ashe had command of the S. C. Troops at that engagement and that Gen Elliott, Col McIntosh Maj. Douglas Capt Hicks, Nash, Cuthbert, Scott, Pendleton, Corbet, Sprowl, and Dulay and 162 non coms, and privates were taken prisoners. -
Document II, Gordon III p.324 Gen [illegible] letter -  Now my ancestor was among the 162 and was taken to Savannah and thrown in prison aboard a British Prison ship when the name of which has been forgotten. Now what I devise is if possible to get the list of names of the above mentioned 162 - non coms and private, or if not that would like that the roster of Charleston's muster be looked over to ascertain if the tradition I have is correct.

The reason of my application is that I am desirous of joining the Sons of the Revolution and am required
Page 60

to show documentary evidence of my claim to eligibility

By referring this to the proper person to handle it you will confer a great favor on me

Yours Respectfully
L. C. McElwee M.D.
ex Lieut Co. E. N.G. M.
-
Page 61

Washington, Nov. 21. 1850

Dear Sir

We herewith enclose the claim of Rhoda McElwee, Widow of James, Act 7th July 1838, & c from Missouri

Very respectfully
Evans & Fant.

Hon J. P. Waldo
Comm of Pension
Page 62

C[illegible] Mo
June 22d 1877

Sirs in Answer to your request I have talked with the older Citizens here and they say they remember no names mentioned in your letter. the PM, at Sulphur lick Post office is by the name of McElwee is also in the Practice of Medicine there

His given name I can not Sulphur lick Lincoln County Mo is his address

Very Respectfully
John L. Jones
Page 63

MRS. M. T. WELLS
40 WEST ADAMS STREET
PITTSFIELD, ILLINOIS

U.S. Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.

I am looking for a record of James McElwee, an old Revolutionary Soldier, in regard to a pension. He was born in Greenville Co. Virginia Aug. 19, 1758. Died in Pike Co Missouri Jan. 13, 1834

If you have a record of this old soldier having received a pension, I would like to know of it
(address above)

yours truly 
Mrs. M. T. Wells
Page 64

Sulphur Lick Lincoln Co
July 4th 1877

Pension Agent
Washington City D C

Yours rec'd and contents noted the Pensioner James McElwee was my Grand, Father, and all of my Uncles are dead including my Father, I have three Aunts living, but expect you had better send
the Book to me & I will deliver it to them

Yours truly
J J McElwee
Post Master
Sulphur Lick Mo.

P.S. my Aunts names are Roda Givens, Elizabeth & Mary McElwee Post address is Louisiana Mo. But I can deliver the Book as soon as received
McElwee

[stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE
JUL 10 1877
Page 65

[business card]

Personal request, Feby. 7, 1918.
R. S. MAC ELWEE

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Page 66

Wm C. SHELLEY
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW,
KELLOGG BUILDING,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
January 26, 1907.

The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir:

I am a great grandson of James McElwee, who was a Revolutionary soldier, participating in the battle of Kings Mountain, and a great-great grandson of James McElwee who was at the siege of Charleston. At least such is my information. I write to ask if the records of your office disclose anything on the
subject, and to be informed of it.

I am under the impression that a widow of one of these gentlemen drew a pension after the war, as the widow of a Revolutionary soldier. If this is a fact, may I be informed concerning it?

Very respectfully,
W C Shelley

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
JAN 28 1907
Page 67

B. L. Dir Evans

Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. June 29. 1877

Dear Sir
I herewith enclose you a letter addressed to Post Master at [illegible] Lincoln Co. Mo. with his reply
Please furnish this office with the information asked for in said letter and return it and this letter, with your reply, in the enclosed Envelope, to this Office

Very respectfully
J. A. Bentley
Commissioner 

To the Post Master Sulphur Lick
Lincoln Co. Mo

[stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE
JUL 10 1877
Page 68

Widows
File No 9553
Rhoda McElwee
Widow of James

Receipt for Bible &c  within

[stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE
JUN 08 18??
Page 69

NOW&GL
Division 
Department of the Interior. 
PENSION OFFICE.

Washington, D.C. Jun 11th 1877

Sir:

Please furnish this office with the name and 
post office address of some of the descendants of 
Rhoda McElwee, widow of James McElwee, 
late pri Rev War, who formerly 
resided in your town, and died August 22/48. 
Application for pension was made by 
Admr. for benefit of surviving children 
Daniel, James, Ann, Ross & Mary McElwee & 
Elizabeth, Abner & Rhoda Givens.  The ad
ministrator being Hiram G Edwards.

A religious book containing a family record 
was filed in evidence.  It is now desired 
to return said book to the family.

Please return this letter with your reply

Very Respectfully

JA Bentley
Commissioner
per HWS

[Oval mail receipt stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
JUL 10 1877
PENSION OFFICE.

To the
Postmaster 
Cuivre
Lincoln Co Mo.
Page 70

Family record copd & placed on file 
by Mr Nute
E

[Same text on image 68 - Written vertically right margin]

Widows 
File No 9553 
Rhoda McElwee 
Widow of James  
Receipt for Bible 
&c within  
[Oval mail receipt stamp] 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
JUN 28 1877
PENSION OFFICE
Page 71

N.O.W. and B.L.D | File No. 9553
E
Department of the Interior. 
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. July 11th 1877

Dear Sir

I herewith transmit to your
address the family Bible belonging 
to your grandfather, James McElwee. 
Please acknowledge the receipt of the 
same on the back of this letter and 
return it to this office in the enclosed 
envelope.

Very respectfully

Post Master } J.A Bentley
Sulphur Lick } 
Lincoln Co. } Commissioner 
Mo. } per HWS
Page 72

Sulphur Lick Lincoln Co. Mo
July 18th 1877

Received the within named bible this day
J J McElwee Post Master

[Oval mail receipt stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
JUL 24 1877
PENSION OFFICE.
Page 73

F.W.
Rev. War Section | 3-1865

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR | Rev Sec
BUREAU OF PENSIONS [illegible initials]

WASHINGTON March 21, 1916

Dr. L. C. McElwee, 
1221 North Grand Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri.

Sir:

In response to your letter dated the sixteenth instant, 
you are advised that in order to ascertain whether your great 
grandfather received pension for services in the War of the 
Revolution, you are requested to furnish his full name, and 
return the enclosed letter to this Bureau.

Very respectfully, 

GMSaltzgaber
Commissioner 
James McElwee

[Circular mail receipt stamp]
PENSION 
O
MAR
U. 25 S.
1916
OFFICE
Page 74

W. [struck out: 9953]
9553

FILE

[Square mail receipt stamp]
[illegible] WAR & NAVY
JUN 13 1894
FILES.
Page 75

DR. L. C. MCELWEE | Telephone 1840.
215 S. Jefferson Avenue.

Hours:
Until 10 a.m.
1 to 4 p.m.
6 to 8 p.m.

St. Louis, June 8th 94 __189

Hon. [illegible] Locaren
Washington D. C. 

Dear Sir.

Some time ago I had the honor to 
write you inquiring about my ancestor James McElwee, - soldier 
of the Revolutionary War, which depended on the section of your de
partment, but I am happy to say that all the information that I 
desired was furnished.  Allow me to thank you most heartily 
for the favor conferred, and believe me 

Yours truly

L. C. McElwee
Page 76

WAR DEPARTMENT 
OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL 
WASHINGTON

IN REPLY REFER TO QM 293 A-C | November 5, 1926.
McElwee, James

The Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

In order that a headstone may be provided for the grave of the dece
dent named below, The Quartermaster General requests that the correct military 
service and the spelling of the name be supplied this office from the records 
of the Pension Office:

Private James McElwee, 
Col. Williams, S.C. and Campbell, Va. 
Died Jun 10, 1818.
Ref: Enlisted in the Revolutionary Army, 
in what was thought to be Washington County, 
Virginia, Feb. 1781, in Capt. Daisy's Company 
of Col. Campbell's regiment.  Later when the 
state line was correctly run it was ascertained 
that his enlistment was really in North Carolina. 
James McElwee, soldier under Col. Campbell of the 
Revolutionary forces was one of the first settlers 
of the city of Knoxville, Tenn., and used a govern
ment land grant issued for military services rendered.

Very truly yours, 

F. H. POPE,
Colonel, Q. M. C., 
Assistant.

[Circular mail receipt stamp]
PENSION 
O
NOV
U. 8 S.
1926 
OFFICE
Page 77

DR. L. C. Mc.ELWEE | Revo. Sec.
SURGEON
OFFICE HOURS: | EX-MEMBER VISITING CITY HOSPITAL | TELEPHONES:
12 M. to 2 P. M. | 1221 N. GRAND AVENUE | Bell, Lindell 234
6 to 7:30 P. M. | KINLOCH, DELMAR 717
SUNDAYS 1 to 2 P. M. OR BY APPONTMENT

Pension Commissioner
Washington D. C. | St. Louis Mar, 16th, 1916

Dear Sir-: My great grandfather James McElwee received a pension for service 
in the war for Independence and was enlisted in

Col Neal's South Carolina Regiment, Capt Byers
Col Neal's regiment " " Capt. William Love
Col Bratton's Regiment, -- -- Capt. John Moffit
Col Campbel's regiment, ---- - Capt. Daisey
Col James Walter's Regiment, -- Cap't Meeks

I am writing to ask if you can locate the date of his application 
for the pension, and whether or not he obtained it from South Carolina 
or from Missouri.

If from Missouri, is it possible to locate the dates of the first 
pension vouchers, whether from Missouri or Carolina.

What I'm trying to get at is: When did he come to Missouri from 
South Carolina?

If perhaps he obtained the pension while yet in Carolina, it might be 
easy to determine the date of the first voucher after he arrived in 
Missouri.

We are engaged here in erecting a "SCROLL OF FAME" commemorative of the 
pioneer settlers of Missouri and I have about succeeded in convincing 
the Committee that he is entitled to a place thereon.
And the only hitch that now prevents this is the date of his coming to 
Missouri.

Of course, we have a tradition in the family but the Committee must 
have documentary evidence.

An early reply will be appreciated by

Yours truly,

L. C. McElwee

Please give me, if possible, the dates of the 
various above named enlistments
McE

[Circular mail receipt stamp
PENSION 
O 
MAR
U. 25 S.
1916
OFFICE
Page 78

[Top of form not included for transcribing]

In reply to your request of __✓_, received Mch. 25, 
for a statement of the military history of James McElwee, 
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired 
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen
sion on file in this Bureau.
W.9553
=====================================================
DATES OF | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. |
ENLISTMENT OR | LENGTH OF | ____________________________ | STATE.
APPOINTMENT. | SERVICE. | RANK. | CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. |
______________ | ___________ | ______ | ______________________| _______
* 1776 | 6 mos. | Private | William Byers | Thomas Neil | S.C.

Feby. 1779 | 9 mos. | | {same company, under | | "
{Ensign William Love |
{soldier was captured and confined in the |
{British prison ship "Munificence" 8 mos. |

July 1780 | 4 mos. | | John Moffit | William Bratton | " 

Enlisted in Washington Co. Va.|
Feby. 1781 | 2 mos. | | Daisy | William Campbell | Va.

Mch. 1782 | 2 mos. | | Meek | Maj. James Wallice | S.C.

Battles engaged in, *Black Hole and Catawba Ford. 

Residence of soldier at enlistment, York District, S.C. until Mch. 1832.

Date of application for pension, Sept. 16, 1832.  His claim was allowed.

Residence at date of application, Pike Co., Missouri.

Age at date of application, born Aug. 19, 1758 in Virginia

Remarks:  soldier married in Abbeville Dist., S.C. Autumn 1793 Rhoda Black 
born Mch. 1777. He died Jany. 13, 1834 in Pike Co. Mo., where she died Aug. 23, 1848, and 
her pension was allowed for their surviving children: Dan born May 2, 1806; 
James b. Sept. 17, 1802; Ann b. Apl. 1, 1795 married 1822 Josiah Henry; Ross b. May 20, 1809; 
Mary b. July 9, 1812; Elizabeth b. Oct. 1, 1817; Abner b. Jany. 6, 1814; Rhoda b. June 8, 1808 
married May 14, 1840 John Givens.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 79

Rev. & 1812 Wars
Section.

November 11, 1926

Colonel F. H. Pope, Q. M. C.
Office of Quartermaster General, U. S. A.
Washington, D. C.

Sir:

I have to advise you, that the Revolutionary War
records of this Bureau fail to afford any information
in regard to a James McElwee who died June 10, 1818.

The Revolutionary War pensioner, James McElwee,
who served in Colonel William Bratton's S. C. Regiment
and Captain Daley's Company, Colonel Campbell's Virginia
Regiment as described by you, died January 13, 1834, in
Pike County, Missouri.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.